Tag Archives: Ariana Madix

October 10, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Anna Focuses On a New Suspect, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Watches For Later, Costumes For the Famous Or Not, Halloween Pet Safety, Not 8 Or 10 Quotes & Somebody

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…                                                                        

Monday:

Portia asked Elizabeth about processing time and if it was Britt’s first day. Elizabeth said, more like first half day.

Coming back from the shower, Britt found Jason in her room.

At Bobbie’s, Carly told Jack that she was sorry to cancel plans with him. She would have rather spent time with him than Anna. Anna asked her questions about the night Drew got shot and she couldn’t shake the feeling she said something wrong. Jack said she had an unimpeachable alibi with him, and she said, except she wasn’t, but he said it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t let it happen.

Curtis went to see Alexis and said he’d gotten her message. She said she thought the police were close to making an arrest and thought he should know. He asked if she thought they were going to arrest him.

Isaiah told Drew that he had no adverse effects from his ill-advised trip to the church, and Drew said it was his mother’s memorial. Isaiah said, sorry for his loss, and Drew said Isaiah was being short and curt. What did he do to him?

Tracy met Martin outside Bobbie’s and told him to make it snappy. She was going to the reading of Monica’s will. He showed her some paperwork and said, read it and weep.

Olivia told Michael that since he’d be the official owner of the property, they needed to get a pizza oven. Brook asked, why? and Olivia said Thanksgiving was always a full throttle disaster and they ended up ordering pizza. Why didn’t they skip the drama and make their own? Michael said it was fine by him, when the doorbell rang. Ned answered it and it was Ronnie. She said she was there for the reading of Monica’s will, and he said, she must be from Miller and Davis, but she said she was a member of the family.

Britt asked what Jason was doing in his room, and he said, technically, it was his room. She said that didn’t give him the right to come in and he needed to go. She shoved him out the door and closed it.

Carly wondered why Jack hadn’t asked her if she shot Drew, and he said it didn’t matter. He’d cover for her anyway. She said she didn’t do it. There was a time in her life when she would have gone after Drew, but now she had too much to lose – her kids, her grandkids, Jason, him. She cared about him. He said he cared about her too, very much, and she said she thought he was the last thing she needed, but it turned out that he was exactly when she needed. She could trust and rely on him, no matter what. He said he hoped she always felt that way, when Josslyn walked in. She and Carly hugged.

Alexis said she didn’t know if Curtis was a suspect, but knew there was a long line of them. Anna called her for a meeting, but it was canceled and not rescheduled. That led her to believe there was new evidence that made her less suspicious. Curtis said she didn’t ask if he did it, and she said, whoever did it was driven to and if he felt like they were closing in, he needed to get his ducks in a row and protect himself.

Isaiah said Drew had done nothing to him, but Stella was a friend, and he’d jeopardized her career, health, and freedom. Drew said he didn’t get Stella arrested, but got the charges dropped, and Isaiah asked, why? Drew said, maybe he wasn’t the heartless bastard people thought, despite Curtis’s spin in the media. The good guy they knew Curtis to be was gone and had been replaced by a volatile, vindictive, controlling jerk. Isaiah worked with Curtis’s wife and saw how he treated her.

Tracy laughed, and Martin said there was nothing funny about her throwing someone out who was recovering from injuries. She said she escorted Drew out from a service he wasn’t invited to, and Martin said they were going for assault. She’d jeopardized the life of a sitting US congressman. She said it would be thrown out as quickly as she’d thrown Drew out, and he said so she admitted attacking Drew. She could make it go away for a price, maybe a simple apology. She said, nope. If they wanted to sue, she’d see them court. He said she couldn’t admit when she was w and couldn’t spare any kindness to anyone, but she said, just him and Drew.

Ned introduced Ronnie to the family, and Ned said Monica had never mentioned her. Ronnie said they’d been estranged for many years, and Olivia said, yet here she was, late for the memorial, but on time for the reading of the will. Ronnie said she was there. She’d read the memorial was private, so she went to the crypt to pay her respects. She guessed Tracy didn’t tell them. Brook said, Ronnie met her grandmother? and Ronnie said she certainly did. It didn’t go well. Tracy kicked her off the property. Olivia said she bought that part, and Ronnie said she came back because she’d been contacted by Miller and Davis about the will. She’d wait outside until they got here. Michael told her to stay and tell them more about herself, and Ronnie said her life was an open book. Questions?

Josslyn told Carly that she’d caught an early flight and had come in for a caffeine fix. Jack told her, welcome home. Her mother missed her. Josslyn said she missed her mom too, and Carly said she wanted to hear every detail after she put Josslyn’s order in, then went in the back.

Isaiah said he didn’t think Drew should speak for Dr. Robinson, and Drew said he and Curtis used to be best friends. He’d brought Curtis into Aurora, and they’d had a business disagreement. Curtis had been trying to tear him down ever since. Isaiah said Drew didn’t strike him as a fragile flower, and Drew said he gave as good as he got, but Curtis’s accusations were baseless. Don’t get sucked in. Isaiah said he’d make sure Drew’s PT knew he was clear for therapy, and left.

Ned said, so after their parents died, she and Monica went to an orphanage? and Ronnie said they were separated in foster care. Her sister was placed with Dr. Gail Adamson and after a falling out later, they lost touch. Olivia said, it must have been major, and Ronnie said, it was and it wasn’t. She thought the main thing that kept them apart was that they were both stubborn and convinced they were right. Ned said that tracks, and Ronnie said Monica went on to live her life in Port Charles and she lived in Durham. When Monica wrote to her last year, it had been decades since she’d heard from her. She’d written that she’d been ill, but Ronnie didn’t know to what extent. They wrote back and forth until Monica passed. Brook said Monica never mentioned Ronnie to any of them, and Ronnie said Monica told her about them. Olivia was Ned’s wife and Monica said she was a marvelous cook and a wonderful mother to her grandnephew Leo. She surmised Brook was Ned’s daughter and was more beautiful than Monica described. And of course (🍷), there was Michael. She could see his grandmother in him. There was steel in him, but also fire. She saw Monica’s kindness in his eyes. Monica was so proud of all of them and wrote about them in such glowing terms, she thought they weren’t real. Now here she was, meeting them in person. She just wished Monica was there as well.  

Jason knocked at his room door and Britt said, give her the key. He couldn’t come in whenever he wanted. She could have been naked. He said, for the record, he’d knocked. He came to pack the rest of his things, which she’d asked him to do. She said she needed to get ready for work, which was his cue to leave, and he said he would, but he wanted to see how she was doing now that her brother was back in town. He’d spoken to Spinelli and wondered why she tried to stop James from seeing his dad.

Curtis met Marshall outside of Bobbie’s for coffee, and he said he’d just come from Alexis’s. The PCPD had new evidence and was closing in on a suspect. He had no idea who it was, but he was betting the police did a thorough sweep of Drew’s house, which meant they possibly found the blackmail material Drew was using on Portia. Marshall said it would give them a motive, and Curtis said, which meant they could be in big trouble.

Isaiah went to Portia’s office and said he wanted to follow up on their last conversation about them.

Britt said Spinelli probably thought she was spiteful and jealous, but Jason said Spinelli was grateful for her input. Britt said her mother wasn’t speaking to her and fawning over Nathan. She was worried Nathan wasn’t ready and thought it would be overwhelming. She didn’t think it was fair to suddenly throw James into a relationship with a man he’d never met and thought was dead. It was like when she ran into Ben… Rocco. She wanted to reconnect, but knew it would be too overwhelming. Nathan and James hit it off right away. Everyone was right. She was wrong. Jason said he didn’t think she was wrong to put James’s needs first. She was a good person, and he didn’t know why she sold herself short.  

Josslyn said it took longer than she thought it would, but she found a caregiver for Mrs. Walker, and Carly said Lady Jane would be proud of her. She was proud of her. Josslyn said she managed to squeeze in some fun and spent a week at the family beach house. It was magical. Jack said he was glad she had a good time, when Carly’s phone rang. She said it was the MetroCourt, and stepped away. Josslyn said Jack was alive and Carly wasn’t screaming at her, so she assumed Carly knew nothing about Croatia. Jack said, no, and she never would.

Tracy walked in as Ronnie was telling stories and making everyone laugh. She asked what Ronnie was doing there. She’d made it perfectly clear Ronnie wasn’t welcome. She shouted for Yuri to come with the taser, but Michael said, cancel the taser. This was Monica’s sister, which made her his great aunt. Tracy said, first Cody brought in a stray dog. Now they’ve brought in this… Ronnie got up and suggested she not finish, and Olivia said Ronnie had been contacted by Miller and Davis, but Tracy said they’d see about that. Alexis came in, and Tracy asked if Alexis had asked Ronnie to be there. Alexis said it depended. Was she Veronica Bard? Ronnie said she was and to call her Ronnie, and Alexis said she did ask her. Should they get started? Tracy said, by all means.

Jack said Croatia would be kept secret, and Josslyn said she had it. She’d maintain her cover at PCU. She could use a degree if the spy thing didn’t work out. He said their only lead was the research in Port Charles, and she asked if he’d questioned Britt. He said he would when the time was right, and she said she was relieved Britt hadn’t outed her. Then there was Jason. Jack said he thought she assured him that he wouldn’t tell, and she said, Jason was usually good with that, but given how close he and Carly were, she didn’t know if he could keep the secret forever. Jack said he’d handle Jason, and she asked what he meant, when Carly came back. Jack said he had to run to a meeting, and left.

Britt said she forgot to ask how the memorial service was, and Jason said, it was nice, until Drew showed up. She asked what he did, and Jason said, nothing. Tracy grabbed his wheelchair and wheeled him out of the chapel. She said, how Quartermainesque, and he said today was the reading of the will. He’d considered not going. She said he should go, and he said, okay. He’d come back to get his stuff. She asked him to call first if he could, and he said he’d be happy to. He’d see her later.

Portia said she was glad Isaiah was willing to give them a chance. Was he sure? Isaiah said he had reservations and they weren’t all gone, but he had no illusions. She asked, why? and he said when they first got together, there were issues in her marriage, but he wasn’t wrong in thinking there were feelings, was he? She said, no, but he was concerned she was using him as a crash pad while she worked things out with Curtis. It was never that and her marriage was over, but… He said, here it comes, and she said, they had no official plans to divorce. She wasn’t looking for a serious relationship, and he had to decide if he could be okay with that.

Marshall said when he asked if Curtis thought Portia was guilty, he didn’t answer, and Curtis said all he knew was that he didn’t shoot Drew. Portia had no alibi, but it hadn’t been a problem because they had no reason to suspect her. Marshal said, but if they found something that Drew was holding over her, they might call her in for questioning, and Curtis said, no. Unless they questioned Drew first. Marshall said, or maybe they didn’t find any proof, and Curtis wondered why. Maybe Drew was keeping it somewhere other than his house or didn’t have it anymore.  

Martin told Drew that he met with Tracy. As expected, she refused to make a settlement or apologize. Drew said he wanted to make her pay, and Martin asked if they should move forward with the suit. Drew asked if she showed no remorse, and Martin said, none. The reading of the will was today. Drew said he had to get down there. He wasn’t notified. He’d told Martin that they’d try to cut him out of the will. Martin said, stop. He was sorry to be the one to tell Drew, but he wasn’t in Monica’s will.

Alexis started to read the will, but Tracy suggested she skip the legalese. Alexis said she’d skip over the provisions for Yuri and the staff and read: To my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you’ve all brought me such joy and comfort. She wished she could be around to watch them blossom into wonderful adults, but she left trust funds to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren there at the time of her death. Olivia said Daisy would get a trust fund, and Alexis said, to Brook, Monica left her pearl necklace; to Ned, she left her classic vinyl collection; and to Ned’s spicy wife Olivia, she left her entire collection of gourmet cookware. To her sister, she bequeathed her oldest and most cherished possession. Alexis handed Ronnie a small envelope, and Ronnie slid out a locket. She said, oh my God, and started to cry. She said it was a photo of them when they were kids, before they were separated. She couldn’t believe Monica kept it. Tracy mumbled, so much for the gold-digger’s wish for a windfall, and Alexis said, to my dearest sister-in-law and long-term sparring partner, Tracy Quartermaine, I leave a special gift. She handed Tracy a box, and Tracy looked inside and said, what the hell is this?  

Josslyn said Carly and Jack were still going strong, and Carly said she was glad to have Jack to lean on. Michael told her that Carly threatened to kill Drew. Carly said she did, but she didn’t do it. She was with Jack. Josslyn said she was guessing Michael was the main suspect, and Carly said, don’t worry. If the police didn’t believe him, Jason promised that he wouldn’t let Michael go to prison. Josslyn said Jason would do anything for Carly, when Britt came downstairs. She said, how lovely to see Josslyn again.

Portia said her life was a mess, and Isaiah said he needed to see where this went. He still wanted to keep it a secret – for now.  Portia agreed, and he said, for her, he’d take the risk. Portia said she’d never want him to be hurt by her, but he said he’d take the chance. How about dinner at his cabin? It was a work in progress… She said it sounded perfect.

Marshall wondered if Drew had a come to Jesus meeting, since it sounded like he’d gotten close to meeting Jesus, and Curtis said, if they could only be so lucky, but he needed to know for sure. He was going to see Drew. Marshall asked if he thought Drew was going to admit that he’d lost his power over Curtis and his wife, and Curtis said, not directly. But if he gave Drew a reason to blackmail him, and he didn’t take the bait, it could be telling.

Tracy asked if this was a joke, but Alexis said there was no further explanation. Ned asked what Monica left her, and Tracy said, a jar of her mother’s relish. When her father died, he cut her out of the will. The only thing he gave ger was a jar of PickleLila relish. Monica knew how much it hurt her. Jason walked in and apologized for being late, but Alexis said he was right on time. To her beloved son Jason, Monica left his father Alan’s watch, left to him by Edward Quartermaine. They’d always said they missed out on so much together, it would be a reminder that she cherished every second they spent together. (I thought this looked like my first Timex and wondered why they couldn’t spring for a halfway decent designer knock-off.)

At the hospital, Curtis asked Elizabeth what room number Drew was in, and she asked if he thought it was a good idea. He promised not to cause a scene, and she gave him the number. Isaiah came by and said he and Curtis needed to get a few things straight.

Josslyn said, oh my God. You’re dead. You died saving my life. Carly said she forgot to tell Josslyn, and Josslyn said she just got back from Australia. Britt said, no kidding. Good for her. It must be a shock. She thought the word Josslyn was looking for was thank you. Josslyn thanked Britt for saving her life, and Britt said maybe Josslyn’s mom could thank her by fixing the non-existent water pressure. Carly said it was the first of the month and the rent was due, and Britt said, tell Jason. Carly said she was telling Britt. Her building, her rules. Britt had until midnight. Britt said, perhaps they could talk about what Carly owed her.

Portia said Britt did a decent job before she took off, and Elizabeth said she’d talk to Britt today, but Portia said it was her bright idea to rehire Britt. She’d take care of it. She’d give Terry a heads up. She went to the door, but then leaned against the wall. Elizabeth asked if she was okay, and Portia said she was feeling dizzy. Elizabeth wondered if she’d eaten and led her to a chair. (Rut-roh. I wonder if she’s pregnant.)

Martin said he was sure it hurt, and Drew said part of him hoped that he and Monica could get some of their old relationship back, but that was never going to happen. He just didn’t know. But now he knows he has nothing to gain from the family – and nothing to lose.

Alexis said, to Michael Corinthos III, Monica left all of her horses, cars, and the family yacht. Tracy said, and? and Alexis said, and for the remainder of her estate, including the house that Alan gave her at 66 Harborview Drive, she leaves them to the cherished sister of her heart – Tracy got all excited – Ms. Veronica Bard. Ronnie said, whaaat?

Tuesday:

We revisited the end of the will reading, and not believing what she heard, Tracy said, do it again. She grabbed the will, said it was ridiculous, and asked Ronnie what she did. Ronnie said she was just as surprised, and Tracy said, Monica made it clear that she was leaving the estate to Michael. When was it changed? Alexis said, relatively recently. Monica went to Edward’s lawyer, Howard Wentworth, and amended it in January. Tracy told Ned to get Howard on the phone.

Anna told Chase that they had to find the gun. It could lead to the shooter. He thought it was still in the display, which Tracy turned into a shrine to her father. Anna said if the gun wasn’t there, that was significant, and asked Chase to find out what was holding up the warrant. He opened the door, letting Emma in, and left. Emma told Anna that she ruined everything. She kissed Gio.

In the ring with Gio, Sonny wore punch mitts because he didn’t want Gio’s hands to get hurt. He began to teach Gio an easy combination, then said, hold on. Gio wasn’t mentally there, which meant he could get hurt. What was on his mind? Gio said he couldn’t stop thinking about Emma.

At Bobbie’s, Josslyn said Carly needed to back off Britt. She was out of line.

Isaiah said before Curtis barged into Drew’s room, Curtis needed to hear him out. Show some consideration for his wife.

Portia said she didn’t know why she was dizzy, and Elizabeth asked when she last ate. Portia said she’d had no time for lunch and skipped breakfast. She felt queasy. Elizabeth said she had no fever and her pulse was normal. Was there any chance she was pregnant?

Josslyn said Heather would have killed her if not for Britt. They owed her. Carly said, of course (🍷) she was grateful, and Josslyn said they’d always be aware of their debt to Britt. Britt asked if Carly’s daughter’s life was worth more than the rent on that crappy little room, and left. Josslyn said she was sorry, but she didn’t want the situation to escalate. She wasn’t choosing sides… Carly said she knew Josslyn was right and she was out of line, but Britt drove her crazy because of Jason.

Alexis said Howard Wentworth retired in May and Monica asked her to handle it, and Tracy asked, where was the original? Alexis said the will was legal and binding and replaced the original, and Tracy said Ronnie would get the property over her dead body. Ronnie said the terms sounded fine to her, and as Tracy retorted, Michael said, stop. The will was clear. Monica had reconnected with her sister and wanted to provide for her. It’s what his grandmother wanted, so he was happy for Ronnie. Ronnie said that was so generous and thanked him. She was having a terrible time wrapping her brain around it. Tracy said the will was fake and would never hold up in court.

Emma said she didn’t get a chance to explain or apologize and it was a mess, and Anna asked if Gio pulled back. Emma said, no, because he was too nice. He’d kissed back. Anna said, so the kiss wasn’t good? but Emma said, it was amazing. She’d wanted to kiss him for months and now it was awkward. Anna said, so they were both acting like it never happened? and Emma said they hadn’t talked about it. She never had a friend like Gio. He got her and understood her passion for animal rights. He was talented, funny, and a really good person. Anna said he was lovely, and Emma said he didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her that he wasn’t interested. What should she do?

Gio said he thought Emma was just happy they’d found Outback, and Sonny asked if he regretted the kiss. Gio said, no. It was great. He was so happy, but things were weird between them now. She was avoiding him and he hated that. Turner came in, and Gio said he was taking a minute to get his head right. He left, and Sonny approached Turner. He asked if she boxed, and she said she kickboxed. She’d heard the class at the gym was great. He said he thought she’d be spending every second on the Drew Cain case. He wasn’t asking for information, but thought she might be pressured to make an arrest. She said it was always a pleasure to see him, but he always had an agenda. He told her that he was just saying hello and to have a fun class.

Curtis said he didn’t see how his wife was Isaiah’s business, and Isaiah said the hospital was busy saving lives and Portia was the Co-Chief of Staff. Why was Curtis taking advantage of her position to continue his personal drama with Drew? Curtis said he was visiting a patient. It had nothing to do with Isaiah. Isaiah said Curtis’s enmity for Drew was no secret, but Drew was a patient, and no one would accost him while he was recovering. Curtis asked if Drew asked for no visitors, but Isaiah said the nurses wouldn’t tell Curtis no. If Curtis wanted to pick a fight with Drew, he was good with it, but don’t do it here and put Dr. Robinson in an impossible situation. It wouldn’t be the first time.

Portia laughed and said, can Elizabeth imagine? Elizabeth asked if it was a bad thing, and Portia said with her hectic work schedule, stress made more sense. Elizabeth asked if she could get Portia something to eat, and Portia asked her to get some coconut water. She promised, no more skipped meals, and Elizabeht said, for a second, she thought Portia might actually be pregnant.

Tracy said Ronnie orchestrated the whole thing. What were the odds that Monica never mentioned her once, then she showed up suddenly out of thin air and inherited the estate? She knew a con woman when she saw one. Ronnie said she was a law-abiding citizen who had never been arrested, and Tracy said, good criminals never were. Ned said, it takes one to know one, and Tracy said Michael was the apple of Monica’s eye and the only biological descendant of Alan and Monica. There was no way Monica would disinherit him in favor of a waitress she hadn’t seen in half a century. Brook said, Monica amended the will after she threw Drew out. She probably decided to take Drew out and put Ronnie in. Olivia said, maybe Monica thought Michael was rich enough, and Tracy laughed.

Curtis said, clearly, Isaiah didn’t know him and had a problem with him, when Britt came over and said, nice flexing, gentlemen. Save it for the gym. She gave Isaiah some scans, and Isaiah left. She asked if Curtis was visiting his wife, but he said he was there to see Drew. She said Drew was a high-profile patient who was extra litigious. If Curtis caused a setback, he could put the hospital in a bad position.

Portia thanked Elizabeth for taking care of her, and Elizabeth told Portia to promise she’d let her know if she needed anything. She left, and Portia flashed back to getting busy with Curtis and then getting busy with Isaiah.  

Turner’s phone rang and she said, finally… Confirm the warrant covered the house and all the outbuildings on the property. All structures at 65 Harborview Drive. Then get it to Anna immediately.

Gio said he hated to ask, but thought he needed a favor, and Sonny said, whatever he needed. Gio said he didn’t think he could live with Emma. He’d realized how much he liked her and thought she felt the same way. He was wrong and they could be friends, but he couldn’t be around her all the time. Sonny said it was good thing Gio was getting out, and Gio asked if it would be okay if he stayed with Sonny.

Anna said Emma didn’t know how Gio felt, and Emma said she was sure he was mortified. She should have stayed in the friendzone. Why did she always push things? Anna said Emma knew what she wanted and didn’t settle for less. She got it from her mom. Emma said, and her mom got it from Anna, and Anna said Emma should stop assuming she knew what Gio was feeling. Talk to him. At least she would know the real truth instead of what was going on in her head. She knew it wasn’t easy. There were so many times she would have liked to return to things she did and be completely honest and direct. Learn from her mistakes. Tell Gio how she felt. They hugged, and Anna said, whether Emma and Gio were friends or something more, he was lucky to have her. Chase came back and said he got the warrant.

Carly said she wasn’t a fan of Jason and Britt back in the day, and Josslyn said she thought there had been a truce when they thought Britt died. Carly said, that was then, this was now. Britt let Jason believe she was dead this whole time and if he hadn’t gone to Cassadine Island for her, the FBI wouldn’t have gotten its hooks in him. Meanwhile, Britt was sitting in some spa in Europe and now she was jumping on the Jason bandwagon again. She let Jason buy her an airplane ticket and set her up here. He was a good guy and didn’t deserve to be used. He was one of the few to give Britt a second chance and she was spitting in his face. Josslyn said Jason wasn’t a pushover and didn’t need Carly’s protection, and Carly said Jason knew Britt was using him, but didn’t care. So she was going to care for both of them. Josslyn asked if she was jealous of Britt.

Elizabeth said Britt shouldn’t be in the ER. Why wasn’t she on 10? Britt said she was delivering scans and breaking up fights. Elizabeth could take it from here. Britt left, and Curtis told Elizabeth, maybe Britt was exaggerating, but he and Dr. Gannon kind of got into it and he got a little closer to taking the doctor out than he liked.

Sonny said he’d love for Gio to stay, but his first concern was Gio’s safety. Some guy was making trouble for him… He didn’t want Gio to be uncomfortable at Anna’s. He wanted Gio to stay with him. Donna would be over the moon. Gio said he couldn’t tell Sonny how much he appreciated it – Emma walked in – and Sonny said Gio had someone to talk to first.

Sonny went over to Turner, and she said she wasn’t telling him anything. He said Emma and Gio were going through something, so he was pretending he wanted to talk to her. Anything for love. She asked if that’s what they were looking at. It looked awkward. Sonny said, they were young and hadn’t figured it out. Gio deserved happiness. Turner said, what happened at the Nurses Ball was awful, and he said, Emma was with Gio. They were good together. She said, are you playing Cupid, Mr. Corinthos? At that age, love feels like the answer to everything. He said, isn’t it?

Michael said, Olivia was right. He had more than enough. Tracy said that was beside the point, and Brook said, maybe Monica didn’t talk about it because it was too painful. Maybe she felt guilty about them being estranged. Tracy said the only proof they had was Ronnie showing up the minute Monica wasn’t around to dispute her claim. Frankly, she found it all convenient. Ronnie said there was nothing convenient about her missing the chance to see her sister one more time. As for proof, she brought Monica’s letters. Tracy said letters could be forged, and Ronnie said Monica wrote that she’d saved her letters. Hadn’t they found them? Olivia said they hadn’t gone through Monica’s belongings yet, and Tracy asked Brook to find them. Brook left, and Jason asked if Ronnie would mind telling them why she and Monica had a falling out. Ronnie said, not at all. When she was 16, she was able to leave her awful foster family. She turned up on Monica’s doorstep hoping she could live there, but she quickly saw that Monica didn’t want her there and was embarrassed by the reminder of her past. She was an intern and Mrs. Jeff Webber. She wanted Ronnie to disappear, so she did. Ned said, Monica never talked about her past, and it wasn’t just Ronnie who she failed to mention. Tracy said she wasn’t falling for Ronnie’s sob story and told Alexis that she was officially contesting the will. Alexis said she thought Tracy might, but she wasn’t Tracy’s attorney, when the doorbell rang. Michael opened the door to Chase and Anna, who said they were there on official business. Michael said they were reading Monica’s will and asked if it could wait, but Anna said it couldn’t. Tracy asked what was going on, and Anna said they had a warrant to search the premises.

Carly told Josslyn that she wasn’t jealous, but Britt was no dummy. Jason was rich, loyal to a fault, and could protect Britt from her enemies. She couldn’t be jealous because what she and Jason had was a bond beyond friendship. Their trust went very deep. Josslyn said, if it wasn’t that, what was bothering her? but Carly said she didn’t know. She’d thought Jason accepted her relationship with Jack. Now she wasn’t so sure. He left country to find Britt and didn’t tell her. Something happened while he was away – she could feel it – and he wouldn’t tell her about that either.

Isaiah went to Portia’s office and said he was sorry to add to her already busy day, but he got into it with Curtis, and she said, about what? He said he’d never let Curtis know about them, and she said she didn’t mind Curtis knowing, but didn’t want Trina to know. It could ruin their relationship, but that was a conversation for another day. What happened? He said Curtis was heading to Drew’s room and he told Curtis to keep his issues with Drew outside the workplace. Curtis didn’t think his actions reflected on her. She said she wished he hadn’t done that. She didn’t need his protection. He said Curtis was taking advantage of her position at the hospital for his own purposes all the time, but that was a conversation for her and Curtis to have. He was sorry. She suggested, in the future, avoid interacting with Curtis as much as possible. She thanked him for letting her know and said she had to get back to work. He said he’d see her later and left. She took a pregnancy test out of her pocket.

Ned asked what they were looking for, and Anna said they were authorized to search for a revolver registered to Edward Quartermaine from the collection. Alexis said this seemed like a good time to leave and wished them good luck. Brook asked what was going on, and Chase said they had a search warrant, but Tracy said nobody was going to search until her lawyer got there. Anna said that wasn’t how it worked and asked Michael to take a look at the warrant before they started. Ronnie said she believed she was the one who should be looking at the warrant.

Outside, Alexis called Sonny. She said she needed to see him and Carly as soon as possible, and asked if they could meet at Bobbie’s. Sonny said, give him 15 minutes, and told Turner that he had to go.

Carly told Josslyn that Jason would tell her what he was keeping from her. He always did. Josslyn said she was sure he would. She had to go, she and Carly hugged, and Josslyn left.  

Emma asked Gio how Monica’s memorial was. They hadn’t talked. Gio said the memorial was weird, but good. He liked hearing the stories and everyone seemed to have one, stuff he knew nothing about. She said she didn’t think they’d ever know how much Monica did behind the scenes, and he said he went to the Quartermaines. She asked if he talked to Brook and Dante, and he said, a little bit. She asked, how was it? and he said, not as hard as on a normal day. She said she would have gone if she’d been asked. He knew that, right? He said he’d never ask her to do something like that. It was something he needed to handle alone.

Anna asked who Ronnie was, and Ronnie said, Veronica Bard, Monica’s sister. Anna said, since when? and Ronnie said she’d been getting that question a lot since she got there. She seemed to have just inherited the whole property, so she thought Anna should serve her. Tracy mumbled that someone had been watching Law and Order, and Anna said, welcome to Port Charles. She gave Ronnie the warrant, and Ronnie said this was new to her, but she thought she’d better read the warrant before they began.

Elizabeth said she heard something about Isaiah confronting Curtis on Portia’s behalf, and Isaiah said it wasn’t his finest moment, but he was sick of watching Curtis throw his weight around to get what he wanted. She said, if it was her, she wouldn’t get too involved in Portia’s personal life. It was one line he shouldn’t cross.

Portia came out of the bathroom, and said, it’s gonna be all right. There’s no way… Her phone alarm went off, and she looked at the test, seeing the double line meaning she was pregnant. Curtis knocked at the door.  

Emma said she got that Gio had his own life to live, and he said he’d been clinging on her too much, but she said he hadn’t. Because friends leaned on each other. He said she’d been so great to him. She gave him a home when he really needed it most. He was grateful, but she’d be going to school again and he needed to find full time work and figure out what he was going to do with his life. It was time for him to move out.

At the hospital, Josslyn told Britt, don’t worry. She got the message. Britt said she thought she was too subtle, but it went over Carly’s head. She couldn’t imagine Josslyn lying to her. Josslyn said her mom couldn’t know she was in the WSB, and Britt said, okay, but it was going to cost her. Josslyn said she was shocked. What did Britt want? Britt said she was tired of living in a room above Bobbie’s. She wanted an all-expense paid suite at the MetroCourt.

Alexis met Carly and Sonny at Bobbie’s and said she was at the Quartermaines for the reading of Monica’s will, when Anna came with a warrant. She was looking for a gun registered to Edward Quartermaine. Sonny asked if it was the gun that shot Drew, and Alexis said she thought so. She was supposed to meet Anna for more questioning, and it was canceled. This led her to believe there might be new evidence, and they were moving in another direction. She wasn’t here as a lawyer, but as a parent. She thought they might be closing in on Michael. They know he had motive and if they found the gun, he’d have the means. If they had anything that could exonerate him, now was the time to produce it.

Tracy said, if they couldn’t stop this, there was no way Ronnie could, but Ned said she was doing more than they were. She was buying them time. Tracy suggested she was a slow reader. Find out what was taking the lawyer so long. Ned left, and Anna said Ronnie could see it was in order. Start the search. But Ronnie said, this is wrong. She used her GPS to get there twice, and if she remembered right, the address was 66 Harborview Drive. This warrant was for 65 Harborview Drive, so they wouldn’t be searching there today. They want the house across the street.

Wednesday:

Gio told Emma that he found another place already, and she asked if he was leaving Port Charles, but he said, no. He’d be staying with his grandfather. Emma wondered if it wasn’t dangerous.

Britt said she wasn’t asking for the penthouse, and Josslyn said Britt might as well take out an ad that she’s blackmailing her. Britt said everyone would assume it was Josslyn’s way of thanking her, but Josslyn said her mom would be suspicious, and Britt didn’t want that. Britt said, no, Josslyn didn’t want it, and Josslyn said Britt had a lot more to hide than she did.

Carly went to see Elizabeth and said she needed to know what Elizabeth told the police about her threatening to kill Drew.

Curtis told Portia that he had a hunch Drew lost the blackmail material against her. If he was right, Drew no longer had any power over them.

Drew told Willow that the doctor thought he could be released as early as next week, but he was pushing for tomorrow. She said she was amazed at how well he got and how quickly, and he said he had good reason to want to get home. When he did, he wanted her and Scout to move in.

Anna was about to start the search, when Ronnie pointed out the address was for the house across the street. Anna looked at it and said the DA must have submitted the wrong address. Jason said the warrant was invalid, but Chase said it was a minor detail. Olivia said, not to her. The devil was in the details. Chase told Ronnie that they were trying to solve the attempted murder of a sitting US congressman. All they wanted was to uncover the truth. Let them search the premises.

Britt said she had nothing to hide, and Josslyn said Britt knew the WSB was sending a team to the Five Poppies. She’d been involved in whatever shady organization they were running out of the resort and should help bring them down since they tried to kill her too. Britt said she wanted to forget the Five Poppies existed and just wanted to rebuild her life. She was busy enough without taking on something from Josslyn’s to-do list. The MetroCourt had the best security, so help a girl out. Josslyn said it would be suspicious, and Britt said then she had no choice but to out Josslyn. Josslyn said, that would be a very big mistake, and Britt asked if that was a threat. Jack joined them and said it sounded like one to him. Britt asked if she knew him, and he said he didn’t think so. He was Jack Brennan of the WSB.

Gio said he didn’t plan on staying at Sonny’s forever, but needed to get out of Emma’s grandmother’s apartment. Emma asked, why? when Trina came in. She asked Emma to keep her company while she stretched, and they could catch up.

Portia asked why Curtis thought Drew lost the evidence, and he said Alexis told him the PCPD had uncovered new evidence. He thought they found the blackmail material. They would have been questioned immediately, but they weren’t. That led him to believe they didn’t find it, so where was it? She said, it could be anywhere, and he said he thought the same thing, then realized Drew had made no demands lately. Portia said Drew had backed off, but she’d assumed he was focused on his recovery, and Curtis said he believed Drew had lost his leverage over them, but needed to know for sure.

Drew said Willow seemed hesitant, and she said it was hard being without her children in the last place they’d lived, and Drew was shot in there. She wasn’t sure it was safe. He said he’d amped up the security and changed the locks. He’d never let his daughter live where it wasn’t safe. She said Scout was comfortable with her and Elizabeth. Maybe he should settle in. Then they’d talk about her moving in. He said he missed his daughter and her. He’d thought they were in a better place and working toward the future. She said she hadn’t been completely honest.

Anna said they’d return with the warrant in proper order. She strongly urged them not to take any actions that would constitute obstruction of justice or result in them being an accessory after the fact. They left and Jason thanked Ronnie. Ronnie asked if anyone would care to tell her what was going on. Which one of them was suspected of trying to assassinate the congressman?

Elizabeth asked what was going on, and Carly said she went to Anna and told her about threatening Drew. She figured if she didn’t, Drew would. Elizabeth said that was probably true, but why was Carly concerned about what she’d say? Carly said she was curious to know how serious they took it and if they followed up, and Elizabeth said she wasn’t sure they should be having this conversation. Carly said she had it from a reliable source that there was going to be an arrest and she needed to know if was her. She needed Elizabeth’s help.

Jason told Ronnie that he didn’t know his brother existed, but Drew knew about him, and she said she remembered Drew had a daughter named Scout. Her mama died. Monica wrote about her. She loved that little girl. Her daddy, not so much. Olivia said Drew was estranged from the family, and Tracy said he was a malignant weasel. Brook said Drew was pretty bad, and Ronnie said that explained why Drew was shot, but didn’t explain why the police came to the house to look for the weapon. Unless they thought the shooter lived there. Tracy said they didn’t discuss family matters with outsiders, but Olivia said Ronnie deserved to know. Michael said he was considered a suspect because he and his uncle were at odds. Drew had seduced his ex-wife and had been trying to help win custody of his kids. Brook said, most of the time, Michael had been out of the country recovering from serious burns, when Michael’s phone rang and he stepped away. Brook said Michael wasn’t the only suspect. There was a long list of them. Jason said Drew caused problems for the family, but he also made life miserable for a lot of people in Port Charles.

Curtis said he planned to test his theory, but needed to press enough of Drew’s buttons for him to react, and Portia said Drew’s response would tell them everything. Curtis said he’d been on his way to try it, when he ran into Dr. Gannon. He thought Curtis was taking advantage of Portia’s position as Co-Chief by throwing his weight around the hospital. Portia said she never felt that way, and he said he’d never do anything to make her look bad. She said she thought Dr. Gannon was just looking out for his boss in a misguided way. Did he still plan on confronting Drew? He said, the sooner, the better, and she said, since it was her medical career on the line, she’d like to take part.

Drew said he knew he’d promised Willow that he’d help er win custody, but he’d also thought she’d rediscovered her feelings for him. She said he wasn’t wrong. She still cared about him and wanted to be with him, but she’d been making excuses for not moving back in. The truth was, she was worried it would hurt er custody case. He asked, how, when they’d be seen as a family? and she said, Michael twisted things. Ric was out of town, and she couldn’t get him on the phone. He said they’d reach out to Martin, when Willow got a text. She said it was from the court. She scrolled and said, no. They couldn’t do this. They assigned a new judge, but wouldn’t review it until mid-January. The next time she saw her kids would be next year.

Trina said Emma insisted she and Gio were just friends, but it looked tense. Had something changed? Emma said, yeah, and not in a good way.

As they passed a medicine ball back and forth, Gio told Kai about Tracy wheeling Drew out of the memorial service, and Kai said, good for her. She’s small, but mighty. Gio said he thought Kai and Drew were tight, but Kai said, just because he worked for the guy, didn’t mean he thought Drew was in the right. He was definitely in the wrong.

Willow said she couldn’t wait that long, but Drew said it would be okay. They’d talk to Martin, and he’d make sure she had custody way before January. Curtis and Portia walked in, and Curtis asked if they were interrupting. Portia said Willow was assigned to the ER. Why was she there? Because Willow can’t speak for herself, Drew said she was visiting the man she loved, and Portia said, she could do that after hours. She was on duty in the ER. Willow apologized and left, and Drew said Portia had to lose the attitude and apologize to Willow. Portia said she was Co-Chief of Staff and called the shots, and Curtis said, unless Drew had something to say about that.

Jack said he was glad to finally meet Britt, who said she needed to get back to work. She left, and Jack said he thought things seemed tense. Josslyn said Britt threatened to tell that she’s WSB unless she upgraded Britt’s living situation, and Jack said he’d take care of Britt. Right now, he had an important assignment for her.

Carly said if the police were going to charge her, she needed to make arrangements for her daughter, but Elizabeth said no one had contacted her. No one from the PCPD asked her anything. If they did, she’d just tell them what happened. Drew clearly antagonized Carly and she responded in anger. Carly said she told Anna that Elizabeth was a witness. Why didn’t they talk to her? Elizabeth said, maybe they had a stronger suspect, and Carly was off the hook. She should be glad… unless that wasn’t what she wanted. Maybe she’d rather have the PCPD come after her than come after her son.

On the phone, Anna said, this time double-check everything. She needed the warrant processed immediately. She told Chase that Turner was always so on top of things. She didn’t know why Turner made a mistake like this when she knew how important it was. Chase said now they’d lost the element of surprise, and she said, the worst part was that Jason was there. If anyone knew how to clean up evidence or make it disappear, it was him. And he’d do anything to protect Michael.

Brook asked if the PCPD thought the gun had been used to shoot Drew, but Tracy said, they made a mistake and were trying to grasp at straws. They didn’t even have the address right. Brook said, that was the DA’s office, and Ronnie said it wouldn’t take the Commissioner long to be back with a new warrant. Tracy said, then they’d handle it like family. Ronnie didn’t need to stay. Ronnie said she’d appreciate it if someone let her know how it turned out. She’d be at her motel. Jason said, hold on. According to Monica’s will, this was her house.

Jack said he’d like a word with Britt, but she said she was in the middle of work. He said it wouldn’t take long. He had questions about her time at the Five Poppies. They could schedule time for her to come to his office. Britt asked, why? She was just a guest at the resort. He said, if that was the case, he supposed they could hold off on bringing her in, for now. As long as she stopped making trouble for him or any of his agents. She promised she wouldn’t be a problem, and he said he hoped she was telling the truth. If she was lying and was involved in the research there in any capacity, it was a violation of a number of international laws and subject to life imprisonment in Steinmaur. It’s not a place she wanted to be. Just ask her mother.

Carly told Elizabeth that Willow was rooting for Michael’s arrest. If he was in prison, she’d get her kids back. But Michael didn’t do it. Elizabeth said she hoped Carly was right, and Carly said she assumed Elizabeth would take Willow’s side. Elizabeth said she’d known Scout her entire life and had compassion for Willow, but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel for Michael. Carly needed to have faith that Anna and the police would find the culprit. Carly said Drew was determined that Michael take the fall. He’d taken so much from Michael, she’d be damned if he was going to take Michael’s freedom too. Elizabeth’s plumber called, and she stepped away to talk.

Drew said, if they had a problem with him, take it up with him. Don’t pick on Willow. Portia said, for asking her to do her job? She could look for work elsewhere. Drew said he thought she was forgetting that he had information that could destroy her career, and she said, then do it. She was tired of living in fear. Curtis said, give it his best shot, and Drew said he was currently recovering from two gunshot wounds. He didn’t have the energy for this. Get out and leave him the hell alone. They left, and in the hallway, Curtis said they were right. He’s got nothing.

Chase told Anna that he should have stayed to make sure no one tampered with the evidence. He had every right be there. She said, as a detective or as a husband and in-law? It’s better he didn’t since it was a grey area. They had to play by the book or the Quartermaines would bury them. He said, or the woman who inherited the estate, and she said she didn’t know about her. She thought he was in a tough spot and didn’t want to make it worse. He said, as much as he loved the Quartermaines, if someone shot Drew, they needed to be brought to justice.

Tracy said it wasn’t Ronnie’s house, but Jason told her, the will said it was. She said it was a bogus will. The estate wasn’t going to a backwater waitress. Olivia asked why she said waitress like it was a shameful insult, and Jason said Ronnie was Monica’s sister and part of the family. Tracy said, you don’t vet someone with a handshake. She could be anybody. Jason told Ronnie, nice to meet her. Despite what Tracy said, try to make herself at home. Ronnie thanked him, and he thanked her for her help with the police. Tracy said Jason didn’t speak for all of them, but Michael said he agreed. Before the reading of the will, they assumed he’d inherit the house. If anyone had the right to contest it, it was him, and he would like to abide by his grandmother’s wishes. As far as he was concerned, the matter was settled.

Britt said she heard Deanna was covering for Willow because of a family emergency. Was everything okay? Willow said she felt like nothing ever was, and Britt said they were technically family, but Willow said there was nothing anyone could do. Britt said, if Willow needed an ally… She heard Willow had been visiting Drew. Now she was bolting for a family emergency. If it was about Drew, maybe she should talk to Britt’s mom. Willow said, the person she needed to talk to, was her lawyer. If Britt found him, that would be great. Don’t take it the wrong way, but she didn’t think Britt could afford to take on her problems. She saws Britt with Agent Brennan, and she seemed to have her own mess to deal with. Willow left.

Carly told Elizabeth that she had to meet Jason, and it was probably best for her not to run into Willow. Elizabeth said Carly’s issues with Willow were valid, but so were Willow’s. It was tragic all around. Carly said, Willow made the decisions that ruined her life, and Elizabeth said, sometimes when you only had yourself to blame, it was worse. They’d both been there. Carly said Willow was lucky to have a friend like Elizabeth, but she doubted Willow deserved it, and she left.

Trina asked if Emma thought Gio was moving out because of the kiss, and Emma said she obviously ruined the friendship. Kai joined them and said Trina’s form was all wrong, but Trina said she knew what she was doing. Emma said that was her cue, and left. Kai said Trina’s form was perfect. He just needed and excuse to get away from Gio. Trina asked, why? and Kai said he let his real feelings for Drew slip out. Trina said it was safer to play the loyal employee, especially since his fingerprints were on the bat. He said that put him in the living room the night Drew was shot, and she said, continue playing the part. He said he was trying, but didn’t know how much longer he could stand working for Drew, and she said he had to. At least until the shooter was caught.

Martin went to Drew’s room and said he assumed it was about the custody case. Drew said they’d get to that, but what did Martin know about the PCPD inventory of his safe? Martin said he did warn Drew that their request for an injunction might be overturned. The police basically searched and logged the contents. Drew asked if they sent a list of the contents to Martin, and Martin said they did. Drew said, send him a digital copy to his phone. He needed to see it. He looked at the list and said he knew it. It wasn’t there. The evidence that Portia tampered with Heather Webber’s test results. Martin asked if it was there the night Drew was shot, and Drew said he saw it. Martin asked if he closed the safe, but Drew said he didn’t know. Martin said, whoever put the bullets in his back probably took it, and Drew said the only people who knew were Curtis and Portia. Martin said, then one of them shot him.

Alone in the living room, Tracy looked up and said she wished Monica was there. She’d wring her scrawny little neck. Ronnie came in with Brook and Olivia and said, the house and grounds were magnificent. Everything was so big. Olivia said there was always room for improvement. How did Ronnie feel about a brick pizza oven? Ronnie said it sounded like a wonderful idea, and Tracy said, yippie. Ronnie said she wasn’t surprised Monica had a stable of horses. As a little girl, she dreamed of having one and ended up with a dozen. Tracy said Hades was hers and Comet belonged to Leo, and Ronnie said she kept losing track of how many people were there. (Me too.) Brook said she’d make a chart. When Chase came back, she’d introduce them. Ronnie said, that handsome detective was her husband? when the doorbell rang. Tracy said, door, and Olivia said she’d get it. Tracy looked at Ronnie and said, her house, her door, wen Anna and Chase came in. Anna showed Ronnie the amended warrant, and Ronnie said it looked fine. Anna’s team began the search.

Emma said she had to go, and Trina said, first talk to Gio. Do it now. Emma went over to Gio and said she didn’t want him to move out, but he said he had to. She said, was it because of the kiss? and he said, yeah. She said she knew it. She ruined everything. He asked what she was talking about, and she said she shouldn’t have kissed him. It was awkward and it was her fault. She was into him, and he wasn’t into her. He said she had the wrong idea. He was moving out because he was into her. He thought she wasn’t into him. Because it would be torture to live with her and not do this. He kissed her.  

Jason stood at Pier 54, when Jack arrived. Jack said Carly couldn’t make it, so Jason had him instead.

In Sonny’s old kitchen, Carly said she’d got Josslyn’s text and asked why Josslyn was crying. Josslyn said she’d never believe this. Vaughn had been lying to her the entire time. She just found out he’s a WSB agent.

Portia was staring at the pregnancy test, when Curtis knocked at the door. She stashed it, and he came in. He said he was on his way out and it just hit him. It’s over. Part of the reason they stayed together was for him to protect her. Portia said it wasn’t really the issue anymore, and he said he guessed not. They’d stayed together to avoid suspicion. As soon as someone was arrested for Drew’s shooting, he guessed they could file for divorce. He guessed there was no reason to stay married anymore.

Drew told Martin, no wonder they were just in there with their power play. They knew he had nothing to hold over their head. Martin said he was calling the police. They had to know who shot him. Drew said he couldn’t. They couldn’t know about the blackmail and neither of them could go down for shooting him. For Willow’s sake, it had to be Michael.

Brook said they’d send someone to the motel for Ronnie’s things, and Ronnie wondered where she’d stay. Brook said they had plenty of rooms, when Anna and Chase came back. Anna asked, where were Jason and Michael? and Olivia said there was no reason they needed to stay. Anna said she was just curious, and Chase said, they checked the study and the gun was missing. There were soap looks all around.

Michael knocked at Elizabeth’s door and asked if Willow was there. Elizabeth said she was at work, and he asked if he could come in. She said, sure, and after looking around, he went inside and closed the door.

Thursday:  

Anna told Dante about confirming the gun was registered to Edward Quartermaine and what happened with the warrant and how the firearm was missing by the time they came back with the amended one. Dante said, find the gun, find the shooter, and she said they needed to find out who took it. Since he lived at the Quartermaine’s, he might be the perfect person to help figure it out.

Willow asked Michael what he was doing at Elizabeth’s house.

Britt went into Nathan’s room to find him getting dressed, and she asked if he had a hot date. He said he was about to be discharged, and she asked if he was sure that it was the best idea. He said there was nothing wrong with him physically and he had to face up to his new reality at some point.

Josslyn told Carly that Vaughn was a WSB agent. How could she be so stupid? Everything had been a complete lie and he was conning her the entire time. How could she be so blind? Carly hugged her.

Jack told Jason that Carly had been held up, but Jason said they had nothing to discuss. Jack asked, who was more important, Carly or Britt Westbourne? and Jason said he was going to tell Carly that Josslyn was WSB. Jack said it would make it difficult if her mother found out and he was there to ensure Jason didn’t tell her. Jason said he was there to protect Josslyn and her mother. Hurt her and see what happens. Jack said Jason needed to ask himself if Carly knowing the truth about her daughter was more important than Britt’s freedom.

Britt said it was Nathan’s decision, but she would love one minute with just them before he went out in the world and discovered what it was like to be Nathan West, circa 2025. He said he’d love that and asked if it could wait until he was out, and she asked if he was sticking around. He said that was the plan. It was time to reclaim his life like she was doing. Spinelli came in and said, gracious greetings to them both. Nathan asked if Spinelli brought his son.

Michael said he’d been waiting for Willow to get home. Elizabeth had let him in. She said she was hoping they could talk. She was so sorry about Monica. She knew it was hard on the kids and him. When she heard Monica passed, she wanted to reach, but wasn’t sure if she should. She’d been really worried about all of them. Michael thanked her.

Anna said, Monica’s sister, Ronnie… and Dante said, a sister that crawled out of the woodwork. He had no idea Monica had a sister. She said, join the club. When they went in the second time… He said, the gun wasn’t there, and she said, interesting timing. He said, either the shooter didn’t put it back… and she said, or they disposed of it. He said they should look at anyone who had access to the Quartermaine property, and she said, starting with Carly Spencer.

Carly said tell her everything, and Josslyn said Vaughn ghosted her. She tried to forget him and move on, but then she saw him at the WSB offices. She went to see Jack to invite him to dinner with them and Donna, an olive branch sort of thing. She wanted to surprise Carly. She saw Vaughn all decked out in a power suit and was completely shocked. Carly asked if they talked, and Josslyn said she confronted Vaughn about the way he ended things. He stood there, cool, calm, and collected like she’d never meant anything to him. Carly called him an ass and said she was so sorry, and Josslyn said she finally got him to admit he was a WSB agent. She just found out, but apparently, he’d been with the WSB for a while. Carly said that meant Jack knew all along.

Spinelli said James wasn’t with him. The reason he was there was because he wanted to discuss Nathan’s current standing. Britt said it wasn’t the time. Nathan was about to be released. He was waiting for his discharge paperwork. Spinelli said, understood. Perhaps later. Nathan said they’d definitely talk soon, and Spinelli said he looked forward to it. He left and Britt said she didn’t want to get in trouble and had to check in, but she’d like to talk. Nathan said, go. He didn’t want to cause trouble with the people who were calling the shots.

Carly said Jack knew Vaughn was WSB and Josslyn could have been in danger, but he said nothing. Josslyn said she was sorry, but she was never in any danger, and Carly said she didn’t know that. It was one thing to keep a secret from her about work, but it was another to keep a secret about her daughter.  

At the hospital, Spinelli found Britt and said, apologies, but he was consumed with several unresolved curiosities. Britt told him, try again and give English a whirl, and he said he was concerned. How come Britt wanted to delay James meeting Nathan? Britt said she’d thought a lot about if her nephew could handle it, and he said, the only reason he didn’t bring James was the resurrection of both of Faison’s children in a matter of weeks. It was a statistical marvel. Britt wondered if he was implying something about her brother, and he said Nathan recalled nothing, the circumstances gave them no answer, and he was virtually untraceable, and Britt said, Spinelli didn’t believe her? He said she offered no information as to where she’d disappeared. If he was suspicious of anyone, it fell on her.  

Jason asked if Jack was going to go after Britt if he told Carly, but Jack said Britt brought her troubles on herself. She’d committed several violations of international law, enough to put her away in Steinmaur for the rest of her life. Jason could be what put her there or kept her out. It seemed like a no-brainer. If he didn’t tell Carly what she didn’t know, it would be status quo. Tell Carly, and Britt would be put away for what little time she had left. Did he want Britt to spend her final days wasting away in a jail cell? Jason said he didn’t want any of this, and Jack said, if you committed a crime, you paid for it. Jason said, so the best move for everyone was to say nothing, and Jack said Jason had the option to protect Carly and Britt. Jason said, and Jack. The next time, don’t trick him. Be a man and reach out directly. He left and Jack’s phone rang. Carly told Jack to get over to her house.

Willow asked what brought Michael by, and he said he got the notification about the judge postponing the visitation case. Willow started to cry and said she couldn’t believe the next time she saw Wiley and Amelia would be next year. He said that was too long for them to be apart, and she said she never thought he’d agree with her. He said he did and that was why he was there. He wanted her to see their kids.

Anna said Carly needed a second look, and Dante said Carly was at the Quartermaines’ all the time. Anna said Carly had a bit of a history with violence, especially when protecting her children. She shot Tony Jones in open court because he’d hurt Michael. Dante said, Drew was hurting Michael. Who was Carly’s alibi? Anna said, Jack Brennan, who lied for a living. He’d definitely cover for Carly. She thought Carly’s alibi was worthless. Which brought them to their second suspect. Dante said, his brother.

Willow told Michael that she was so happy to hear this. She’d been begging to see them, and he hadn’t budged. So why now, especially when she was sure he’d heard she and Drew were back together. He said he did hear and didn’t want Drew anywhere near their children. She said she hadn’t heard him call them their children for a while, and he said, they were, and the ultimate goal was to spend time with them. She got to see the kids, and Wiley and Amelia got to have their mother back in their lives. Willow said it was all she’d wanted. How did they make it happen? He said the offer only extended to her, not Drew, and she said that was fine. He said he’d make arrangements for visitation in a safe and controlled environment, and she asked what he meant. He said the visitation would be supervised by a family therapist.

Britt said there was no big story, but Spinelli said that was hard to believe. Britt said she had a job working a spa and was trying to live a quiet life. She’d still be there if not for Jason’s meddling. He said Jason was a lot of things, but a meddler wasn’t one of them, and Britt said he destroyed her peace, her anonymity, and her job. It was all gone. It was her life and her business. Jason was her problem, and she needed to deal with him. She walked off.

Jack found Carly in Sonny’s old kitchen, and seeing Josslyn and the moss bowl🎍, he said he didn’t realize they had an audience. Carly said she didn’t realize a lot of things, but he was right. This was a private conversation. She asked Josslyn for a minute, and Josslyn left. (The moss bowl🎍stayed, kowtowing to no one.) Jack said he assumed she wasn’t pleased with him, and she asked how he could not tell her that Vaughn was a WSB agent.

Willow said a therapist was going to supervise her with her own children? and Michael said it was a chance to spend time together for an hour a week. She said it wasn’t a lot of time. She’d missed them so much. Would she ever get more time? He said he didn’t know, but right now, he thought it was best for the kids, and she said she didn’t want the kids more confused. He said he thought she would be more grateful, and she said she was. It was better than not seeing them at all, but it was hard to be overly grateful when it meant that he didn’t trust her to be around her children. Was the therapist on his payroll? He said, no, and she said, and not his father’s? He said, no, and she said she was afraid come January, the therapist would get on the stand and say she was unfit and her kids would be taken away from her permanently.

Vaughn met Josslyn at Pier 54, and she said she wasn’t sure he’d come. He said he almost didn’t. They’d agreed, no contact once they were back in Port Charles. Josslyn said she didn’t forget, and he asked why he was there. She said she thought she should tell him in person. Her mom knew he was a WSB agent. He said, how? and she said she told her.

At the hospital, Britt told Jason that Spinelli came by and was making accusations. He implied she had a hidden agenda. He said, didn’t she? and she said he was tying it to Nathan being back. Spinelli thought she had something to do with his mysterious return. He said he’d speak to Spinelli, and Britt said to tell Spinelli that she’d never hurt James. He said, that part, he believed, but she hadn’t been upfront about the Five Poppies. How could he help her if she kept holding things back?

Anna told Dante that Jack lied as easily as he breathed and was Carly’s alibi. Michael’s alibi was a sex worker who happened to be with Drew the night Drew was on drugs. The whole thing was unreliable and convenient. Dante agreed, but for the record, he didn’t think Michael did this. Yet when he looked at the evidence against him… Anna said he could see how bad it looked.

Michael said he was just trying to get them all in the same room in the most secure way, and Willow said, timed supervised visits? He wouldn’t like it. He said he didn’t make the same choices, and she asked if it was punishment. He said it was an opportunity that he didn’t have to give her, and she said she wasn’t trying to fight. She had no kids, no power, and very few choices. It must be nice having all the power. She wished she had even a little. He said she had the power to see the kids again. If she loved them as much as she claimed, prove it. Be their mom again. They missed her as much as she missed them.

Spinelli went back to see Nathan and said he reconsidered. Nathan said he was sorry. Britt was overprotective of him and James. Spinelli said, James was fine, but a little lost, which was to be expected. They were all unmoored without Maxie to ground them. He found routine was essential with James. Nathan asked what James was like, and Spinelli said spirited was at the top of a wonderfully long list. He wasn’t questioning Nathan’s role as James’s father, but hoped they agreed on some level that consistency was what James needed – people he knew, faces he was used to. Nathan said he understood. He’d never want a child to be without their mother. Spinelli said, there was no equal, and Nathan said, the void Maxie left must be incredibly hard for James. Spinelli said it was life-altering for all of them, and Nathan said, not remembering the last seven years, knowing he hadn’t been there for his son, was hard, but he thought what they were going through was harder. It killed him knowing there was nothing he could do to help Maxie. Spinelli said they had that in common. Nathan still loved her. Nathan said he never stopped. To him, Maxie was still his wife. He was grateful to Spinelli, showing up for Maxie and his son. He was happy they had Spinelli. He wanted he best for James too, but knew James better, so he’d follow Spinelli’s lead.  

Britt said she didn’t know why she asked Jason to come, and he said he’d do anything to protect her. But to do it, he needed to know from what. What was she doing at the Five Poppies? She said if it was Carly, he wouldn’t ask, and he said he wouldn’t have to.

Josslyn said Brennan ordered her to keep her mom distracted, so she used a trick Vaughn taught her in training. He said, blowing his cover in the process… Smart move. He’d have done the same thing. She did make one error. She warned him. She said she didn’t want to blindside him, and he said, personal feelings clouded her judgment, but they all made that mistake. His was falling for her. She said she knew she was irresistible. Jack told her to be convincing, and it turned out they convinced themselves. Vaughn said, maybe it was all in the past, but maybe not, and she said she knew that, but knowing and accepting were two very different things.

Jack told Carly that it was all classified information. When it came to her daughter, it didn’t change. She said, the hell it doesn’t. Josslyn could have been in danger. He said, she wasn’t, and Carly said he lied to her face. He listened when she told him that she was worried about Josslyn dating Vaughn. He pretended to be someone he wasn’t and violated her trust. He said he understood that she was upset, but she knew there were going to be times he had to keep things from her. This was one of those times. She said she could handle separating who he was with them and who he was on the job. She said maybe she couldn’t.

Spinelli said he was relieved they were in agreement about James, and Nathan said, James came first and he gave Spinelli his word that he’d be the father James needed and deserved, especially without Maxie there.

Britt said she wanted Jason out of her life, and he said he didn’t realize he was in. She said he did the same thing every time and she couldn’t do it. Either commit and put her first or stay the hell out of her way. He said he’d do whatever he could for her, and she said, classic non-answer. But it was an answer. Just not the one she wanted.

Carly said Jack was right. She entered the relationship informed and thought with her eyes wide open. But she was fooling herself. She got why he didn’t warn her about Vaughn and was trying to believe he wouldn’t let anything happen to Josslyn. He said he could be who he needed to be on the job and still be someone she could believe in, and she said she wanted to be right about him and trust him. He said he wanted that more than anything, and hugged her.

Vaughn said, what they had in Australia was very real, and Josslyn said, was, past tense. He said, maybe it wasn’t the end. Anything was possible. She said she hoped he was right, and he said he was always right. They kissed and said goodbye and Vaughn left.  

Willow said Michael held all the cards. He knew her answer before she came in. He said he knew what he’d hoped she’d say, but he still needed to hear it from her. She said, of course (🍷) she agreed to his terms. She’d go anywhere or do anything to see her kids, even if it meant supervised visits with a therapist. He said she was making the right choice, and she said, not much of one though, is it? He said he’d be in touch and left.

Anna said she was open to suggestions, and Dante said the Quartermaines’ security system could be breached. Drew got in when he was with Willow last year, and he heard Drew and Martin got in after the almost wedding. Michael was also convinced Willow was sneaking around targeting Daisy. Anna asked why she was just hearing about this now, and he said, he had no proof. Going to the cops was pointless. She asked if he thought Willow could be the shooter, and he said, the guy was sleeping with her mom. Anna said, Willow left Drew at the altar, then took him back, but she didn’t have the same history of violence as Michael or Carly. Dante said they didn’t know a person’s tipping point. Losing your kids was up there. She said she wasn’t ruling anyone out. She felt like the suspect had the ability to get in and out undetected. She said he needed to see something and showed him the computer screen. She said it was security footage from Nina’s apartment building. Dante said, the night Drew was shot, and she said, it was the exact same time Nina said she was with Willow, but they could see her here and she was alone. He said, Willow’s alibi just evaporated, and she said, yeah.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Tracy finds Ronnie in the nook drinking tea and says, you’re still here? Ronnie says, yes, of course (🍷). It’s my house. Monica gave it to me. (We say that last part together.)

Turner goes to Anna’s office and Anna says she didn’t expect to see her. Turner decided to stop dodging her. Turner said she wasn’t dodging Anna. She was busy. Anna says, too busy to explain how the search warrant that she ordered for the Quartermaine residence had the wrong address? Which then delayed their search and gave whoever shot Congressman Cain an opportunity to ditch their weapon.

Isaiah flashed back to getting busy with Portia in her office, when Lucas says his name. Isaiah says he spaced out, and Lucas says, it’s clear he was somewhere else. What has him so distracted?

Portia asks if Dr. Navarro got her bloodwork back, but the doctor says, sorry, no, but it should be in soon. She had it bumped up. Portia asks if she’d mind reaching out to the lab. She did a test at home, and it was positive. She needs to confirm it. Given her age, it’s important to determine how far along she is.

Jordan walks into Drew’s room where he’s using a walker and says, he’s made a lot of progress. Good for him. Drew thanks her and thanks her for seeing him, and she says, his message was mysterious. She had to see what he meant. Tell her why she’s here. He says, so she can save Curtis.

On the phone, Curtis says he’s like to get everything in place so they can move forward as quickly and painlessly as possible. And if they can keep any court proceedings sealed from the public, that’s even better. Keep him posted. Michael asks if it’s a bad time, and Curtis says, no, not at all. He assumes Michael is here because of the article Lulu wrote. It couldn’t have been east to read. Michael said the story was legit and Curtis had to run it, and Curtis said, the article points to Michael as a prime suspect in Drew’s shooting. Michael is taking it better than he would. Is he sure he’s not worried about being charged? Michael says he’s got an alibi, and he’s convinced whoever needs to pay for shooting Drew, will.

Elizaeth says she didn’t realize Willow was working this morning, and Willow said she switched shifts with Deanna. Something important came up this afternoon that she can’t miss. Elizabeth asks if everything is okay, but Willow says she doesn’t know yet.

Sonny finds Lulu at Bobbie’s and asks if she’s got a second. She says, for him? Always. What’s up? He asks why she’s going after Michael in the press.

Lulu says she takes it Sonny read her piece in the Port Charles Press, and he says, yeah, he read it. She might as well have put up a billboard that says, Michael Corinthos shot Drew Cain. She says, that’s not true. She reported the facts. Nothing more. She even included the PCPD screwing up by showing up at the Quartermaines with a faulty search warrant that may have led to loss of a crucial piece of evidence. He says, she made it sound like Michael was the one who got rid of it, but she tells him, the article didn’t say that. All it said was that Michael lived there and was a person of interest. Is that not true? They’re not the only ones who know Michael had a motive. Sonny says, so do a lot of people. And Drew screwed over a lot of people who wanted him shot. She asks if that’s on the record, and he says, she’s always been fair and unbiased. What changed?

Turner says, Anna is blaming her? She guesses that explains this. She reads: unnamed sources in the PCPD suggest the snafu originated with the office of Acting District Attorney Justine Turner. Is Anna trying to sandbag her? Anna says she thinks Turner sandbagged herself. She assumed Turner paid close attention to detail when ordering a search warrant for a sitting congressman. Turner says, it was a typo, okay? A simple human error anyone could make. Anna isn’t infallible either. Anna says she’s not, but she’s careful, especially when things are this important. The error really set them back. It gave all the Quartermaines, including Michael himself, a heads up that they were looking for Edward’s gun and gave them time to dispose of the evidence and cover their tracks. Turner says, that may be the case, but clearly Michael isn’t the only suspect they’re interested in.  

Jordan says she didn’t realize Curtis needed saving, and Drew said he has every reason to believe Curtis is the one who shot him. He had the motive and opportunity, and after yesterday, Curtis all but confirmed it was him. Jordan says she doesn’t buy it for a second, and he says, she doesn’t need to buy it. If he tells the police everything he knows, they’ll stop the investigation from focusing on Michael and they’ll turn the investigation on Curtis. And he doesn’t want them to do that. She says, so Curtis allegedly shot him, but he doesn’t want Curtis arrested? and Drew says, exactly. He’s willing to look past what Curtis did to him, as difficult as it is, provided Jordan use her connections and influence as the former Police Commissioner and Anna’s best friend, and push for Michael’s arrest. She asks if that’s why she’s here. Is he trying to blackmail her into framing someone? He says he’s trying to help a friend help another friend, and she says she hopes he doesn’t believe what he’s saying. He says, it’s true, and she says, Michael is already a person of interest in his shooting, but he says, that’s not good enough. He needs Michael arrested for his attempted murder, and if she can make that happen, he’ll make sure Curtis stays out of prison. She says she’s curious. What did he promise Willow in exchange for her coming back to him?

Elizabeth says she owes Willow an apology. She’s sure Willow got thrown for a loop when the last thing she expected when she got home was to find Michael waiting for her. Willow says, it was definitely a surprise, and Elizabeth says, yeah. Sorry about that. She hopes it wasn’t too contentious. Willow says, not at all. Talking to Michael was really helpful. It gave her the opportunity to see where they stood and what he was thinking. She thinks he finally understood when it comes to being with her kids, there’s nothing she won’t do.  

Curtis tells Michael that the police showing up at the Quartermaines with the wrong address on the warrant, that’s wild. It’s got to be the most well-known house in Port Charles. Michael says, it doesn’t sound like Anna, does it? and Curtis says, not even little bit. Michael says, it surprised him too. Part of him would like to think it was divine intervention. Curtis says, Michael never struck him as spiritual, and Michael says he’s not. He wouldn’t have picked up on the error, but his grandmother’s sister Ronnie, she was the one who picked up on it. He feels like his grandmother brought Ronnie into their lives at just the right moment.

Tracy says, Ronnie may currently have possession of this house, but this tea set belonged to Tracy’s mother. Her father gave to her for her 50th birthday and it wasn’t Ronnie’s to use. Ronnie says, it’s a very thoughtful gift. It’s very beautiful. Her father had excellent taste. His name was Edward… Tracy says, Ronnie doesn’t get to talk about her father. He was rolling over in his grave because of the scam Ronnie is pulling. Ronnie asks if there’s any chance that they could start over. Clearly, Tracy was trying to pick a fight, and the tea set was as good a reason as any. If that’s what Tracy wants to find, she’s perfectly capable of giving it to her, but she’d prefer something else. Tracy says, hmm… How about access to the family safe? Ronnie says she would like Tracy to tell her about her sister. Not the little girl she knew, but the woman Tracy loved. Please, tell her about her sister.

Lulu says, it’s her job to be objective and she believes she was, and Sonny says, no matter who she hurt in the process. She says, Michael is her family. So is he. She would never intentionally target them in the press, but the facts were the facts, and no one was asking her how she felt about them. She genuinely hopes Michael isn’t guilty and wants to believe he didn’t shoot Drew, but she can’t report that he didn’t until it’s proven to be true. He says, when it is, he looks forward to her reporting that he’s innocent.

Elizabeth tells Willow, if it helps at all, when she spoke with Michael, she definitely got the impression he was being sincere. It sounded like he wanted to turn the temperature down between them and actually find the best solution for the kids, which the most important thing, right? Willow says her kids are the only thing that’s important to her and Michael was certainly doing what he believed was best for them. She had to do the same. She had to get to work and told Elizabeth that she’d see her later.

Isaiah says he’s finally about to cross the finish line, and Lucas says, it must feel great. He knows how hard Isaiah is working on the place. Isaiah says his credit cards are doing most of the work, and Lucas says, still, the timing couldn’t be better. A cozy cabin in the fall with the leaves changing and a chill in the air. He’s got to take someone up there for a romantic weekend away. Isaiah says, we’ll see, and Lucas says, wait. He was just trying to encourage Isaiah to start dating. It looks like he has someone on his mind. Is he seeing someone?

Dr. Navarro says she just got the test results, and Portia says, tell her. Is she pregnant? The doctor says, yes, she is, seven weeks. Portia flashes back to getting busy with Curtis and then Isaiah.

Drew asks, what does Willow have to do with this? and Jordan says, don’t patronize me. Everything he does is about Willow. What was it this time? Did he promise he’d frame Michael so she’d get her kids back because Michael would go to prison? He doesn’t say anything and just smirks, and she says, wow. That’s low, even for him. He says, so that’s a no? She’s not helping him? She says, it’s a hell no. She’s not helping him with his vendettas against Michael or Curtis. And the PCPD is building a case based on the evidence, not his desperate machinations. He says, okay. Then she needs to remember this moment. Because this is the moment she chose to turn her back on the chance to save Curtis. She says she just doesn’t get it. He almost died. He was lucky to get a second chance at life. It’s sad and pathetic to see him waste it.

Portia asks if the doctor is absolutely sure about the date, and Dr. Navarro says, absolutely. The test is conclusive. Coming around the corner, Jordan runs into Portia and says, sorry.

Anna says, it’s a long shot, but they have to do their due diligence and eliminate all potential suspects, and Turner says, it was Nina Reeves who originally told them that she and Willow Tate were together walking in the rain when the congressman was shot. Anna says, yeah, which is suspicious in itself. Nina is nothing if not perfectly put together. Why would she willingly go for walk in the rain and ruin that lovely blowout? Turner says, and the security camera footage shows Nina entering her building at 9 pm and leaving at 10:30. That covers the entire window of the congressman’s shooting. Anna says, which means Willows alibi is a lie, and Turner says, which doesn’t make her guilty, but it does make her unaccounted for. But how would Willow have gotten her hands on Edward Quartermaine’s gun? Anna says, she used to live at the Quartermaine estate when she was married to Michael. She knows the grounds very well and would be able to get in the main house undetected. She imagines Willow would know where Edward’s gun collection was. Turner says, it’s certainly worth a search, when Anna’s phone rings. Turner says, sorry. She has a meeting she has to get to. She’ll have the warrant in front of a judge, and it should be ready within the hour. Anna says, great. They’ll make sure to double-check the address this time. Turner gives her a look and leaves.

Ronnie says, Tracy had something with Monica she never had – a lifetime of memories – and the bond between them was so clear in all of her letters. Please tell her about Monica. Tell her everything. What made her laugh the hardest? Even as child, she had a spectacular… Tracy says, stop. She’s under no obligation to tell Ronnie anything about Monica. Monica chose not to spend her days with Ronnie and didn’t share things with her because she didn’t want Ronnie to know them. Monica had no relationship with Ronnie, which was why she knows in her bones that Monica did not give her this house. She wouldn’t give Ronnie a dime, much less something that meant so much to her. Ronnie says she was hoping for Monica’s sake and the sake of the family, they could reach some kind of understanding, but it appears it’s not in the cards. Tracy says she spent time with Monica every single day, and not once did she mention even thinking about Ronnie, much less disinheriting her beloved grandson. She knows what Ronnie is doing is a scam and she’s damn well going to prove it. She grabs her bag and walks out.

Jordan says she should know better than to walk and text, but Portia says, it’s fine. Jordan says she should also know better than to answer a summons from Drew Cain. That man is infuriating. Portia says, on that, they can agree, and Jordan says, Dr. Navarro, it’s good to see you. The doctor says, her too, and Jordan says she’ll let them get back to their conversation. Sorry for interrupting. She leaves.

Tracy meets Lulu at Bobbie’s and asks what Lulu’s got for her. Lulu says, hello to you too. I’m great. Loving the weather we’re having. The kids are wonderful. Tracy apologizes and says she’s very preoccupied. She just had the most annoying conversation. Lulu says, who with? and Tracy says, with Monica’s guttersnipe sister, who’s taken over their home. She can’t make a cup of tea in peace, so please tell her that she found something that can be used to run the sister out of town and end this nightmare. Lulu says she did some digging like Tracy asked, and gives her a manila envelope. Here’s everything she needs to know about Ronnie Bard.

Ronnie is drinking her tea, when Michael comes in and says, good morning. How was her first night in her new house? Ronnie says, the bed was very comfortable, but she spent most of the time tossing and turning all night. She’s having a terrible time wrapping her head around this and she’s not the only one; Would he like some tea? He says, no. Thank you though, and she shouldn’t let Tracy get to her. She says, it’s not just Tracy, and he says, to be clear, he’s the one everyone expected to inherit the house. She says, he lives in the house, and he says, that’s true, but his grandmother had a way of surprising people. She says, that’s a very generous way of looking at it, and he says he should be thanking her. If she hadn’t been named new owner of the house and given that search warrant such a close look, the police would have been all over this place immediately. She says, would that have been a problem?

Portia says, sorry to just stop by like this, but Elizabeth says, no. It’s fine. Is she okay? Portia says, not really. Can she come in? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷), and Portia says, are they alone? Elizabeth says, yeah. Willow is at work and Aiden is at school. Can she get Portia something? Portia says she just needs a friend, and Elizabeth says, she has one, and hugs her. Tell her what’s going on. Portia says, Elizabeth was with her when she got dizzy the other day and asked if could be pregnant. Elizabeth says, Portia didn’t seem thrilled by the possibility, and Portia says, it’s not just a possibility anymore. She’s pregnant.

Turner walks into Diane’s office and says, Miss Miller, this needs to be quick… She sees that Sonny is there and says, his attorney’s assistant told her to go right in. Sonny says, yeah. Suzanne is great, isn’t she? When she gets to know you better, you might be lucky enough to score her carrot cake. (Now I want carrot cake.) Turner says she’s got a meeting with Diane. Where is she? Sonny says, court, a deposition, buying shoes. Who can say? Turner says, clearly, he can, and he says, let him tell her something about Diane. She does a lot of things, including facilitating. So today he’s paying her to facilitate. Turner is meeting with him.

Lulu says she took time out of her busy schedule to compile information for Tracy free of charge. So what she thinks Tracy meant to say was, thank you. Tracy says, for what? All Lulu found was information that made Ronnie look like a Girl Scout. She needs something she can use. Lulu says she’s sorry. She can’t find something that isn’t there. Tracy says, Lulu found out absolutely everything to know about Gio, and they never even knew to look for him. She has a gift in finding out secrets about people, but all she found out about Ronnie was that she won a pie baking contest in Durham. Lulu says, three years running. Look, some people really do lead normal, quiet lives. They don’t know many people like that, but she hears they exist. It looks like Ronnie might be one of them. Tracy says, everybody has something, and Lulu says, Ronnie had a husband. He died young. She has a job as a waitress. She has no debt and lives modestly within her means. She’s never been arrested and never had any trouble with the law. She knows Tracy may not want to hear this, but she doesn’t think Ronnie has anything to hide.

Ronnie tells Michael, forget it. She’s sorry she asked. She certainly wouldn’t want the cops rummaging through all her stuff and definitely wouldn’t want to have to clean up after the mess. Michael says he appreciates her for being so understanding, but it’s her house now. Considering they’re all living here, she has a right to know what’s going on. They sit down, and he says, his Uncle Drew made a lot of enemies in Port Charles, several of whom live in this house. When she first met Tracy, it was at the family crypt. She says, the memory of it is seared in her brain. She was just paying her respects. He says, Drew tried to have the crypt bulldozed, and she says, why? What? His family is interred there. His grandparents and great-grandparents. He says, his father and his grandfather, and now his grandmother, but none of that matters. Drew feels like he hasn’t been given everything he’s entitled to from the family and would rather destroy it. Ronnie says, the crypt is still standing, so they managed to thwart him, and he says, actually, it was all Monica. She outmaneuvered Drew and he never saw it coming. The crypt, all of them, are still standing because of her.

Drew tells Willow, look at him. He feels good and he’s pretty strong. He just can’t wait to get out. Willow says, great, but don’t overdo it. The doctor was signing off on his release, but try to take it easy until then.  He says he’ll do his best. He’s really looking forward to getting home so they can get back to their life together. She says she has good news. She’s seeing her kids today. He says, that’s amazing. How did she manage that? She says, actually, it was Michael’s idea. He stopped by Elizabeth’s with an offer for her to see Wiley and Amelia this afternoon. Drew asks, what’s the catch?  

Portia tells Elizabeth that she was completely irresponsible. She’s a doctor. She knows her body and never should have let this happen. Elizabeth says, it’s not all on her. Curtis was there too. Portia says, he’s having some pretty major problems, and they decided to end the marriage. Now this. Elizabeth says she’s so sorry. She didn’t know. So Curtis doesn’t know about the baby yet? Portia says, no and she knows him. He’ll want to stay together for the baby. Elizabeth asks what she wants, but Portia says she doesn’t know. She doesn’t know how it would happen. Either they’ll work it out and stay together and one or both of them will be miserable, or they’ll follow through on the divorce. Elizabeth says, and fight over the baby? and Portia says, assuming Curtis is even the father.

Isaiah says he was hoping things were simple and easy with the next relationship he got into, and Lucas says, the heart wants what the heart wants. Is it worth the headache? Isaiah says he thinks so.

Turner says she doesn’t appreciate an ambush, and Sonny says, it’s not an ambush. She just took a hit in the paper, and he figured she didn’t want to be seen in public with him. So if he went to her office or she came to his house, it would be seen as public. What about her having an issue with the warrant at the Quartermaines? She flashes back to giving the wrong address on the phone while looking at Sonny at the gym and asks why he’s concerned. He says, it’s clear she’s building a case against his son, and she says she told him before, she’s not discussing an ongoing case with him. And for the record, the PCPD builds the case. She prosecutes it. He says, that may be true, but if his son is charged with Drew Cain’s shooting, she may never prosecute again.

Lulu suggests Tracy consider why Monica left a parting gift to her sister, and Tracy asks if she means the house they all call home. Lulu says, Ronnie hasn’t kicked anyone out, and Tracy says she’d like to see her try. Lulu says, at the end of the day, Tracy, Michael, Ned, and Jason all have more money than their children’s children could ever spend. Tracy says, that’s not the point, and Lulu asks, what is? Does Tracy want to know what she thinks? Tracy says, no, but Lulu says, too bad. She doesn’t think Tracy’s problem is with Ronnie at all. Her problem is with Monica.

Ronnie says she remembers Michael mentioning that Drew seduced his ex-wife, so she assumes that’s why she’s his ex. Michael says, if he’s being honest, there’s plenty of blame to go around, but Drew did more than his fair share. He pursued Willow with everything he had and didn’t stop until he got her. Ronnie says, that’s awful. The betrayal is so devastating, especially coming from an uncle who he probably trusted and a wife who he obviously loved. He says, it was hard. He’s not sure he’s made sense of it all yet, and if it confuses him, how does he expect his kids to understand why their mom and dad aren’t together and their mom is with Uncle Drew now. She says, Wiley and Amelia are lovely. A marriage ending is never easy, especially when children are involved. You’ve invested so much of yourself and your time, and when the relationship goes away, you’re left wondering how you can ever rebuild. He says, it sounds like she’s been through losses of her own, and she says, you don’t reach this stage in life without your share of disappointment or regret. He says he doesn’t want to regret any choices he’s made about the kids and doesn’t want to question whether or not he did everything he could to keep them safe.  

Turner says, threatening her wouldn’t be wise, but Sonny says he’s just giving her the facts. She’s got a conflict of interest. Doesn’t she remember the night she was at his house and overheard Drew threaten Michael and flat out trying to extort him? He guesses she didn’t mention that or the fact she came to his house to make pizza with him and his daughter. She asks if he’s threatening to reveal that to the higher ups, but he says he’s making her see the truth. If Michael is charged in Drew’s shooting, she won’t be able to prosecute it. She and the cops know that.

Jordan goes to Curtis’s office and asks, what’s going on? He says, in her last text, she said she was with Drew, and she says, Drew wanted to make her an offer. Either she exerted pressure on the police to arrest Michael or Drew would point the finger at Curtis and say Curtis shot him. Curtis says, Drew never ceases to amaze him. It’s just a scare tactic. Drew is salivating at the thought of pinning his shooting on Michael. He thinks it will clear a path back to Willow. She says, that’s what she thought. Here’s the problem. Michael may be the focus, but if new evidence turns up, the case against Michael will fall apart. Then what? If Drew’s next best option is to steer the investigation to Curtis. Curtis says, let him. Drew has nothing on him. Drew can’t blackmail him anymore. He’s out from under Drew’s thumb. So is Portia.

Elizabeth asks if Portia is saying it’s possible Curtis may not be the father of the baby, and Portia says, yeah, when there’s a knock at the door. Elizabeth says, they’ll go away, but Anna says, it’s Commissioner Devane. She needs to speak with Elizabeth. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know what about and goes to the door. Anna is there with an officer, and Elizabeth asks if she can help with something. Anna says they have a warrant to search the premises.

Jordan asks if Curtis is saying Drew lost the leverage that he had on him and Portia. The evidence is just gone? He says, seems like it. When he saw Drew yesterday, he knew there was something different. Drew’s got nothing on them. Jordan says, it’s kind of miraculous. Portia must be relieved. Although it didn’t seem that way when she ran into her. Curtis says, she saw Portia? and Jordan says, yeah, at the hospital. She literally ran into her. She was with Dr. Navarro, and it seemed pretty tense. He says, Portia’s got a lot on her mind. God knows he does. She asks what he means. If Drew is no longer a concern, then what is the problem? He says he and Portia made the decision that as soon as Drew was no longer a threat and neither one of them might be charged in the shooting, they were going to file for divorce.

Lulu tells Tracy, the last few years with Monica were difficult, but hey still sparred, and Tracy says, of course (🍷). Lulu says, it was their thing, and Tracy says, it was, but actually… They put down their weapons and their guard and became close. She protected Monica. For her to turn around and give the family home to a long, lost relative? She doesn’t believe it. Whatever Monica thought of her, she’d never do that to Michael. Ronnie Bard was hiding something and was as phony as a ten-dollar toupee. And if Lulu can’t prove it, she will. Tracy gathers up her things and walks out.

Turner wonders if Sonny is blackmailing her, but he says he’s not. If he was, he’d let her prosecute the case, then force her to tank it. They both know she has information she shouldn’t have and has a conflict of interest. She should not be part of the case. Give it to one of her staff. She says, one of her less experienced, less skilled staff, but he says, one of her less compromised staff. She’s got to find a way out of this dicey situation. She asks if he’s protecting her, but he says he’s protecting them.  

Drew tells Willow that it’s a trap. Michael is not letting her see the kids out of the goodness of his heart. She’s seeing the kids on his terms with a therapist of his choice. She says she knows, and he says, what if the therapist submits a bad report? She says, it’s a chance she’s going to take. It’s a chance to see her kids, so she’s taking it. It’s not like she has a lot of options. Aside from actually needing to see her kids, if she says, no, she’ll look terrible in court. He says, it will establish a pattern. If she agrees to supervised visits now, what’s to stop the court from doing that in the future? She says she doesn’t know. Even if it’s one of Michael’s tactics, she can’t go any longer without seeing her kids. He says, at least bring her own witness. Call Martin. She says, no. She’s agreeing to Michael’s terms, and it has to be now. She has to see her kids and reconnect. Let them know they can depend on her, especially if Michael is about to be arrested.

Michael tells Ronnie, one thing he’s accepted, as painful as it may be, is that Willow ultimately cares more about being with Drew than she cares about their kids. Ronnie says, how? That’s a very strong statement to make, especially about a mother. He tells her that he says it because of what Willow’s done and continues to do. Every time there’s a choice, she decides to put what Drew wants over the kids’ welfare. Every time. Ronnie says she’s known some women who have done the same thing. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Paul is good with it, but nobody else is. He says, exactly. Wiley and Amelia love their mother and expect her to love them. She asks if they get to see her a lot, and he says, not recently, but that may change today. She says she hopes it’s a step to healing old wounds, but he says he can’t count on that. He’d do anything for his kids and their needs have to come before anyone else’s, even their mother.

Leaving a message for Ric, Elizabeth says, the police are searching her house. So if he’d done with his stupid digital detox, she could really use his help. Call her back ASAP.  Anna comes downstairs holding a package and says they’d like Elizabeth to accompany them to the station. Elizabeth asks, what’s going on? and Anna asks, where is her houseguest?

On Monday, Curtis tells Portia that he thinks they should hold off on the divorce; Drew tells Willow, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when; and Sonny asks if Michael knows something he doesn’t.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I voted for him actually being Faison. I know it’s a long shot, but that’s what I want it to be.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/is-nathan-on-general-hospital-an-impostor-vote-now/

The tallies on who should get Monica’s house. I voted for Jason. I guess the someone else turned out to be Ronnie.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-poll-results-this-is-who-fans-think-should-have-gotten-monicas-house/

Not that it will affect the judge’s decision, but why not vote for the Daytime Emmys too?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/who-should-win-at-the-2025-daytime-emmy-awards-cast-your-votes/

It says he was one of several Luckys, but I don’t remember him. I am loving Beyond the Gates though.

https://ew.com/soap-star-greg-vaughan-joins-beyond-the-gates-cast-11824870

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

My main takeaway points were: Do not touch a jellyfish then rub your eye. A shout out to deckhand Max for this lesson. (Really, Max? Really?) Deckhand Christian has a less than zero work ethic, but Nathan is so piss-poor at communication, there are a lot of balls being fumbled. When given a challenge by guests, Chef Josh knows how to pivot. The crew also got a 30,000-euro tip, which was $2800 each. Not bad for a messy team.

Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

Lisa was out to antagonize Angie and had her Wolf hair products picked up from Angie’s dusty salon. Angie texted Lisa that her products were dusty, but not the salon. Heather told Angie to let it go. Angie told Meredith that Lisa wanted her to dig up dirt when she and Meredith weren’t in a good place. Meredith said that wasn’t who Lisa was, but obviously, it was exactly who Lisa was. Brittani and Jared were talking engagement again, but Whitney suggested Britani give it 30 days for her daughter Olivia. How about giving it zero days and f***s? Bronwyn’s mom was staying with her, in Bronwyn’s interview, she said her mom had the idea of what a perfect Mormon family should look like, and she never measured up. Now her daughter Gwen was following her example. She’d been pregnant at Gwen’s age and Muzzy didn’t take it well. I didn’t like old Muzzy very much. She was very judgmental. Mary’s church was reopening, and she was pretty pleased about that. She was also on Watch What Happens Live this week and seems to have gained a surprising sense of humor. Definitely the MVP once again.

Real Housewives Of Orange County

Once again, pets were the great leveler when Shannon needed another poop bag for Archie and didn’t have one. Been there. She also hoped she hadn’t stepped in it. Been there too. This was while she was on her way to Jen’s for a group session with a pet psychic. Emily and Gina also attended, and we found out that Archie wanted a brother, but not a puppy, a dog closer to his age. Honestly, I used to think this stuff was nuts, but we have a dog whisperer in the neighborhood who changed my rescue Chihuahua with one walk. So who knows? I do think Archie could use some canine company being an only dog. Tamra met with Katie and there were opinions about that. In Katie’s interview, she said Slade was the root of the tornado or the eye of the storm. I’m not sure what to say except I don’t think eye of the storm means what she thinks it means. Tamra told her that everything Slade and Gretchen said she was doing to them was what they were doing to her. Emily had a Trevor Project even to raise money for a wrongly imprisoned man to go back to school now that he was free. They ended up raising $41K. I doff my cap to a good cause. Gretchen showed up with Slade, and when Jenn didn’t want to deal with them and walked away, Gretchers shrieked, run, bitch, run! Nice.

Eeny, meeny, chili beanie. Who will sit next to Andy?

This is a little creepy. And not Halloween creepy.

Real Housewives Of Miami

I hate these Reunions since it’s all rehashing and people getting pissed off all over again. It’s like watching a rerun, but without some fabulous city in the background. There was a big brouhaha about did Julia and Adriana or didn’t they? Julia ended up giving Adriana a box with a replica of a human heart in it because Adriana had stolen her heart or some such nonsense. Work it out on your own time, ladies. Lisa was still getting picked on for going away instead of staying with her dad. They still had time together and he told her to go. STFU already.

Random Reality Items

I think she’ll be an interesting addition. And she’ll give great fashion.

In case you were losing sleep at night over this.

The new season begins November 19th.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Bring Her Back. HBO/MAX. This film wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t classify it as the best horror film of 2025, as one reviewer did. That would be Sinners. A woman wants to bring her daughter back from the dead and attempts a more complicated than it needed to be ritual.

https://decider.com/2025/10/06/bring-her-back-digital-release-streaming-movie-review

Monster: The Ed Gein Story. Netflix. Like most dramatizations of true crime, this limited series took a lot of liberties with the truth. Which is not to say it wasn’t still a compelling drama containing a lot of truth, some fantasy, and maybes that we’ll never really know. The acting was just incredible, especially Laurie Metcalf as Ed’s mother, the inspiration for Psycho. There was some time jumping – not my favorite storytelling technique – and also parallel stories of the future where the films based on the killer were being filmed. There were also Ed’s fantasies, most notably that of a sort of relationship with real life Nazi Ilse Koch. These sequences reminded me a lot of Cabaret, and I found them mesmerizing. That being said, it’s not for the faint of heart. Even I found it creepy, and that’s saying a lot.

https://ew.com/charlie-hunnam-worried-monster-ed-gein-role-was-horrible-mistake-11825170

https://ew.com/monster-the-ed-gein-story-fact-vs-fiction-11825218

Baylen Out Loud was also back, and I was there for it. This season, she and fiancé Colin are planning a wedding. I love this couple and watching Baylen navigate the world on her own while navigating Tourette’s is both heartening and heart wrenching. Things we take for granted, like going to the grocery store or baking a cake, cause all kinds of anxiety for Baylen, but she has a wonderful support system and a whole lot of fans cheering her on.

https://extratv.com/2025/10/02/baylen-out-loud-baylen-wants-alpacas-at-her-wedding-exclusive-clip/

https://extratv.com/2025/10/02/baylen-dupree-talks-wedding-planning-and-fiance-colin-bonding-with-her-dad-exclusive/

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

I’m not so sure a sequel was necessary. The ending of the first one was so good, I nearly stood up and applauded. And I was sitting at my computer. From what I’ve read, I’m sticking with that opinion, but no doubt I’ll watch it anyway.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/black-phone-2-review-fantastic-fest

This, on the other hand, looks intriguing. The Bone Temple was one of my favorite parts of 28 Years Later.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-trailer

I’m so glad this is moving forward. I want to know what goes on beyond the Wall in Westeros.

https://ew.com/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-game-of-thrones-differences-ira-parker-exclusive-11822602

🐺 On the Howl-o-Ween Side…

🐈‍⬛ When it comes to pets, celebrities are just like us.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/10/30/celebrity-pets-all-dressed-up-for-halloween/

🦝 Some inspiration. I’ll admit it. I actually bought costumes for my dogs this year.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/editor-favorite-pet-halloween-costumes

🐻 And of course…

🕸 Quotes of the Week

There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot. – Plato

If you can’t make a mistake you can’t make anything. – Marva Collin

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian. – Shari R. Barr

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. – Alexander Graham Bell

A letter is a soul, so faithful an echo of the speaking voice that to the sensitive it is among the richest treasures of love. – Honoré de Balzac

Nothing will work unless you do. – Maya Angelou (Preach!)

A tiny change today brings a dramatically different tomorrow. – Richard Bach

I’m not the art police. Everybody is allowed to feel exactly how they want.Taylor Swift

You want poetry, you listen to Neil Diamond. You want advice, listen to your mother. – Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty), The Golden Girls

🧙‍♀️ Double, Double, Toil and Trouble…

Until next week, stay safe; stay not judging anyone for their beliefs about Halloween and respect them celebrating or not; and stay knowing what you want and not settling for less.

August 28, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Drew Threatens the Wrong Person, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Impending Watch, Look Behind You, Not Your Every Day, A Pinch Over 10 Quotes & Other Side

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Molly walked in on Ava and Cody getting busy, and said, sorry.

Ric said he had business to discuss with Kristina’s mother, but Kristina said, his business was with her.

Alexis met Drew at the MetroCourt and thanked him for reaching out. She said she heard about him and Molly meeting, and hoped cool heads could prevail in finding a path forward and supporting Scout.

Laura met Martin at the MetroCourt, and he said he managed to make himself a very dangerous enemy.

Lucas said they were reclassifying Maxie’s status. She was in a coma and given the changed status, GH was no longer the best place to treat her. Spinelli said it meant they were kicking Maxie out.

Britt asked why Jason was still there. He needed to leave – now. He said she needed to tell him what she was doing there.

Felicia suggested they hear Lucas out, and he said Massachusetts General was where he’d worked before this. They had the best coma care in the country, had made incredible breakthroughs, and Maxie had a room there. He promised her care would be better, but Spinelli didn’t think she should be moved away from family and friends. He begged Felicia and Mac not to let her go.

Britt told Jason that her Huntington’s was in remission, and she lived in paradise. She’d put the past in the rearview mirror, including him. He said he knew her, and she was holding something back, and she asked if it was worth the long flight to let that piece of Eurotrash climb all over him.

Martin told Laura about stella and said it was all his fault. He should have suspected something. Drew was upset and all Drew could see was his hatred for Curtis. He should never have gotten involved with Drew in the first place.

Drew said his main concern was to provide the safety and support Scout needed, and Alexis said they were on the same page. Scout was lucky to have such a devoted father. A woman came in and served Alexis with papers.

Kristina said she knew about the blackmail. She’d thought she was cutting Ava’s brake lines, but cut his.

Cody told Molly that he did it for her.

Lucas said Maxie was one of his best friends and he wouldn’t transfer her, if he didn’t think it was her best chance. Felicia asked if he trusted the staff and could guarantee her daughter would get care and support like she did there, and he said it would be better. He couldn’t think of anywhere Maxie would be better taken care of.

Jason said he assumed Britt was talking about Greta, and Britt said she bet he made Greta feel like he accepted her, flaws and all… until Carly called. He said he was sorry for what he did to her, but he’d never do that to Greta. She meant nothing to him. He was working her the whole time.

Brook told Lulu that they were moving Maxie today and they should bring the kids to say goodbye for now. Lulu asked if Brook was ready for this, and Brook said she was trying to be. Lulu said, same.

Martin said he and Drew had officially parted ways, and Laura said she was proud of him. He said he’d have to continue freeloading off her generosity.

Kristina said she’d made a mistake, and Ric said he was sure her mother would clean up her next mistake like she had all the others. This was attempted murder. She said it wasn’t her intention to hurt them, and he said, but she had, and her intention had been to kill Ava. Prison should be her next stop.

Cody told Molly that none of this was real. He wasn’t into Ava intimately. He was getting paid. Ava said she didn’t pay him and there had been no sex. Cody said Kristina wanted get Ava away from Molly’s dad and told him that Molly hated them together.

Alexis said Drew lured her there to serve her a restraining order? She couldn’t come within 500 feet of her granddaughter. Drew said the family was all getting them, even Rocco. Nothing would stop him from protecting his daughter and the law would make sure of it.

Ava said Kristina paid Ric to feign interest in her because Kristina didn’t want her with Ric? and Cody said, yes. She said she’d deal with him later and left. Cody said, it was all Kristina’s idea, and it worked. Ava was distracted enough to have Ric focus his attention on Elizabeth. Wasn’t that what Molly wanted? Molly said, don’t do her any more favors, and left. Cody’s phone rang and Lulu told him to get to GH. Maxie and his family needed him. (Cody’s very busy, very bad day.)

Spinelli told Maxie that she was getting a change of scenery. She was being transferred to Massachusetts General. Apparently, their specialized care was second to none. She was second to no one in his life and heart. He’d thought he’d missed his chance to be her partner again and was grateful that he was wrong. It had been the best time in his life, and it wasn’t ready for it to end. He asked her to wake up and come home. They’d found their way back to each other before.

Jason told Britt that Greta made a point of hitting on him. She wanted information. Clearly, she had a connection to what was going on. Britt said it sounded like a great way to get himself killed.

Alexis asked, why? and Drew said it was obvious where she was headed. She was trying to get custody by painting him as unfit. Maybe she’d been behind that nightmare with the escort. She had complete disregard for Scout’s well-being. He wasn’t the problem – she was.

Kristina said she knew what she’d done was wrong and told Ric to remember that her baby died, she lost Sam, and her brother Michael had been burned so badly, he’d almost died. It had been one trauma after another, and she snapped. He said he understood, but she had to remember that Molly loved Michael, had also lost a sister, and lost a baby. The baby was also Molly’s, but Kristina acted life the grief was hers alone. She didn’t consider what Molly and TJ (remember him?) were going through. She’d tried to steal the child, and he had the paperwork to prove it. Molly had believed Kristina would stand by her promise, but Kristina was going to keep the child for her own. Molly would have lost a child either way because of her.

Martin noticed Drew and Alexis, and said, Laura had to win her reelection bid. She asked why that had anything to do with Drew and Alexis, and he said Ezra Boyle was Drew’s puppet. Drew’s power would go unchecked on the federal and local level. She was the leadership Port Charles deserved. She said he sounded like Lulu.

Drew said that Sam wanted Scout and Danny with him and Alexis was ignoring Sam’s wishes, but Alexis said, that was before Sam knew Jason was alive. Drew knew she’d wanted her children to stay together and in each other’s lives. Jason and Dante understood, but he was ripping Scout away from her family and friends. Drew said Jason was a thug and contract killer, and Danny was a thug in the making. Alexis said, shut up. Was that the best he had? He was hanging his despicable actions on a 15-year-old boy? He was not fighting his battle against his brother through their children. She wouldn’t stand for it.

Kristina said Ric was wrong about all of it. He kept pitting her and Molly against each other, but they’d talked, grieved, and mourned together and healed. They’d chosen that this would be the thing bringing them together rather than tearing them apart. The only reason she didn’t turn herself in was because she didn’t want Molly to know she’d almost killed him. But she also didn’t want Molly to know that her pathetic excuse for a father was blackmailing her mother. Ava came by and said she needed to talk to Alexis, but Ric said she wasn’t there. It didn’t matter. Ava was too late.

Cody arrived at the hospital, along with Lulu and the kids. Lulu told Spinelli that Charlotte was staying with Bailey Lou. Georgie asked what was going on, and Felicia said they were moving her mom to a special hospital. It was important that they wish her well and let her know how much they loved her before she goes.

Britt said Jason was seeing things that weren’t there. She wasn’t witness to any espionage activity. He said she hadn’t told him why she was there, and she said it was a five-star resort with a spa. She had a day job that kept her busy and out of trouble. He told her to leave with him. He could take her anywhere she wanted.

Brook asked if she and Lulu could see Maxie, and Lucas said as long as they didn’t fight. They went to her room, and Brook said Maxie did it. Here they were, here together on their best behavior. Lulu said only Maxie could make it happen, and Brook said, the most important thing was for Maxie to get better. Lulu said, until that happened, don’t worry, and Brook said they’d help take care of the kids and Spinelli. No one was better at ordering food. Lulu said everything would be okay. Focus on coming home and soon.

Ava said she and Ric were both played, and Kristina admitted she’d hired Cody to seduce Ava and drive a wedge between her and Ric. She did what she needed to, to get them to stop blackmailing her mother. Ava said she knew she should have gone to the cops. The lack of gratitude… Kristina asked if she should be grateful that Ava held her freedom over her mother’s head, and Ric said the argument was pointless. The blackmail was officially over.

Alexis said Drew was an abusive parent who utter neglected the well-being of his own child. It was reprehensible and cruel. Scout just lost her mother and the way he answered was to dump her with the help and sleep with his niece-in-law. Molly came to the table, and Alexis said she’d fight with everything she had. Drew said she’d lose. He was Scout’s only remaining parent and a member of congress. She was a known drunk, and it had barely been a year since her disbarment. She’d had her last visit with Scout. Scout wouldn’t see her again until she was 18, if Scout remembered her and if she was still alive. Alexis said he would be the one who was forgotten. When she was through with him, it would be like he never existed. And if Scout asked about him, she’d do Scout a favor and say he was a good man, because he wouldn’t be around to prove her wrong.  

Jason said, whatever Britt got herself into, he could fix, and she said she wasn’t going back to Port Charles. He said he would set her up anywhere she wanted, and she asked if he’d come visit her. He said if she wanted him too, but she said she wanted him to leave. It hurt her to see him. All she saw was home and he had no idea how hard that was. Please just go and forget he saw her. Forget this happened. She started to open the door, but he put his hand against it and said, just wait.

Mac asked if James wanted to go in, and when James hesitated, Cody said he was scared and wondered if it would help if they went in together. They all went into Maxie’s room, and Mac said she always managed to beat the odds, and she would again. He loved her very much. He kissed her forehead, and James asked if she remembered when he broke his arm and got a cast. She gave him his dad’s police badge, and it really helped. Now it could help her. He placed the badge on the bed and hugged her gently. Cody said he nailed it, and Mac said, perfect.

Maxie was wheeled out, and Lucas said he’d make sure she was settled and well taken care of. He promised to keep the badge with her. Felicia told Maxie that she was the strongest, most resilient, determined person she’d known. She had the utmost confidence that she’d see Maxie awake and alert soon. She loved Maxie so very much. Maxie was wheeled into the elevator and Lucas followed. Spinelli cried and there was sadness all around.

Jason took Britt’s hand and gave her a phone. He said she needed to keep this. He’d leave on one condition. She said she had a phone… unless he put her on his family plan, and he said it was a burner phone. Call if she needed him. No matter what, he’d show up. Britt said, better not tell Carly, and left.  

Molly suggested Alexis get some air, and Alexis told Drew, this is not over. He said, but it is, and Alexis left.

Martin told Laura that he wished Alexis had been more discreet. It was unwise to threaten Drew, especially where others could overhear. Laura said she didn’t hear anything. Did he? He said, come to think of it, no, and they clinked glasses.

Drew told Molly, FYI, if a process server asked her name, accept the envelope. She asked what he’d tell Sam, and he said that he was doing what was best for his daughter. She said he was doing what was best for himself. Sam would hate him and one day Scout would hate him too. Drew left.

Ric told Ava that it couldn’t go on forever. The amount of cash they were taking wasn’t sustainable. She should talk to someone about her spending habits. All of the accounts were empty, including the Swiss account she was secretly funneling money into. He was the victim after all. Ava said it was her divorce settlement. Get it back. He said he couldn’t. He’d bought $10 million in treasury bonds and couldn’t touch them. They’d mature in 30 days, and he was going to collect all the money plus interest, clean and laundered, and deposit it into an account he owned. Ava said they were partners, a team, and he betrayed her. He said she betrayed him first, and walked to the door. Ava picked up a sculptural globe and whacked him in the back of the head. He fell and there was blood on the globe.

Tuesday:

Josslyn struggled to get out of her bonds, when Pascal came in. She said she was there on her honeymoon. Let her go and let her see her husband. He said she didn’t have a husband and called her Agent Jax.

Brennan was in his office, when his phone rang. Anna said she’d tell him that it was his conscience calling, but they both knew he didn’t have one.

Sidwell asked if Lucy was all right, but she said she couldn’t stop thinking about Maxie collapsing. It was horrific. Sidwell said he saw it, and it was terrible, and Lucy said Maxie was in a coma and no one knew when she’d come out of it. Things could turn on a dime, the unthinkable happened, and life was never the same again.

Dante went to the stables with a six-pack and said he’d avoided Cody long enough. Cody asked, what changed? and Dante said Lulu told him about Maxie. He figured Cody could use a beer and a friend.

At the MetroCourt bar, Molly told Michael about Drew’s restraining orders and said she was afraid Alexis may have made a big mistake.

Ava said she had to stop Ric and Kristina said so she killed him. Ava said he was probably still alive, when Alexis walked in.

Josslyn asked what Pascal wanted, and he said he wanted to know what intel they’d shared with Brennan shared and what he already had in his possession. She said Brennan didn’t share anything with them. They were on a need-to-know list. Pascal said if she had nothing to offer him, she was disposable.

Anna asked about an update on Josslyn, and Jack said she was drunk. Where was she? She said it had been a tough day, and he told her not to discuss Agent Jax in public. She said he didn’t care about anyone but himself, and hung up. Colette came in and told Jack that it was time to call this whole thing off.

Cody told Dante that his dad and Felicia were doing their best to be optimistic, but it was hard on them. He’d done his best to comfort James. Dante said he’d done the same with Rocco and it was a tightrope. You wanted to keep hope alive, but not give unreasonable expectations. Cody said James looked up to him, but sooner or later, James would learn the truth, that he let people down.

Molly said her mom had been going off on Drew and caused a scene, and Michael said he’d done the same thing with Drew recently. Molly said, Drew used to be a good guy. What happened to him? Michael said he didn’t know, but Drew was causing trouble for more and more people and had to be stopped.

Alexis asked if Ric was dead and Kristina checked for a pulse. She thought he had one, and Alexis said she was calling an ambulance. She asked which one of them was going to tell her what happened, and Ava asked Kristina to take this one.

Kristina said Ric came over and she called out on blackmailing Alexis. Alexis asked if she did this, and Kristina said, no. Alexis said, thank God, and Kristina said she got upset, but it got uglier when Ava showed up. Ava said she’d uncovered Kristina’s plot to have Cody seduce her and told Ric, but he didn’t care. He’d been busy clearing out their shared bank accounts and putting the money in a bond account. It all happened so fast. She just grabbed the nearest object. Alexis said she still need to call the police, but Ava said, no. If she went down, Kristina would go down.

Lucy said sorry for putting a damper on things, but Sidwell said he was glad she opened up. Her compassion and empathy were inspiring. She said she wished there was something she could do for Maxie, and he told her to keep the company going, so when Maxie returned, she’d have nothing to worry about. Lucy said the whole world saw Maxie collapse while demoing their new product. There were some on social media saying their product was deadly and Erica Kane was probably jumping on it. Sidwell said they’d have to put their heads together and come up with a solution.

Jack said Colette didn’t call the shots, but she said she didn’t understand. It was clearly a disaster. He said she didn’t know the parameters, and she suggested he fill her in. He said everything was under control and he had to be somewhere. She asked if it was another rendezvous with his agent’s mother, and he said his personal life was off limits. If he had to tell her again, it would be the last thing she heard.

Josslyn said Pascal was probably going to kill her anyway. Why tell him anything? He said it made her chance of survival slightly better, and she said she’d consider giving him the information if she saw Vaughn was okay. He said even though she was new to this, she should know she was in no position to negotiate, and she said her lips were sealed then. Pascal said he had so many ways of unsealing her lips, he couldn’t wait to find out which one made her crack.

Dante thought Cody was being harsh, but Cody said he knew how bad he’d screwed up. He’d found out Brook was pregnant… Dante said he’d been a teenager, but Cody said he wasn’t a teenager when he didn’t tell Mac that he was his son. If he’d learned anything, Molly wouldn’t have seen him kissing Ava for money.

Molly said she couldn’t find a solid legal recourse, but Michael said Drew hadn’t won yet. Give it time. If she and Alexis put their heads together, they’d be unstoppable. She said it was the second time he’d calmed her when she was at the brink of spinning out, and he asked if she took his advice about Cody. She said she had. She went to the stables to ask him out for coffee, but he was a little busy. Michael asked what he was doing, and she said, Ava Jerome.

Alexis said, so much for Ava agreeing not to blackmail her, but Ava said it was about self-preservation. She still had two smoking guns that could send Kristina to prison. Kristina said Ava would also go to prison for attempted murder and embezzlement, and Ava said a bump on the head wasn’t like cutting brake lines. Kristina said they all had blood on their hands, so they were stuck together.

Jack saw Anna at the Brown Dog Bar, and she asked how he found her. He said, let’s go, but she said she wasn’t going anywhere with him. He suggested they at least move to a table, and they sat down. She asked what he wanted. She’d put it on her tab. He said he thought one of them should stay sober, and she said, suit himself. He asked what was going on with her, and she said her goddaughter was in a coma. He said he was sorry, and she said she hated feeling helpless. She felt helpless about Josslyn too. He didn’t answer her question. Had he heard from Josslyn? He said, not yet, and she said if something happened to Josslyn, he’d most certainly lose Carly after he’d sacrificed his assets and Josslyn’s life as well.

Colette snuck back into Jack’s office and looked around. She found a safe with an electronic lock and called Pascal. In French, she said she needed help getting the block box. She needed the combination. He said he knew how to get exactly what they needed.

Lucy said she’d forgotten what it felt like to have somebody in her corner, and Sidwell said he was there for her, anything she needed. She said he was doing it now. She appreciated him being there with her more than he knew. He said, why not come spend the night at his place? (I love how he said it like it was an apartment and not a private island.)

Michael said, Cody and Ava? and Molly said if she’d walked in ten minutes later, she’d have caught a different show. Michael said he owed her an apology for the bad advice, but she said he couldn’t have known. Cody claimed he was only with Ava because of her. He said somebody paid him to lure Ava away from her dad and break them up for her sake. Michael asked if he said who, and Molly said, Kristina.

Cody told Dante that Kristina paid him to break up Ava and Ric. Flirting with Ava wasn’t a chore and the money was good, but he didn’t do it for the money. He did it for Molly. Dante wondered what Molly had to do with it, and Cody said he knew how much Molly loved her dad and thought it would help to get Ava away from him. But because of him, it turned into a complete and utter disaster.  

Vaughn was thrown into a chair next to Josslyn by two thugs, and Pascal said he showed her that he was okay. Give him the information. She said she told him that she’d consider it, and he asked Vaughn what the WSB knew about the resort. What were their instructions? Vaughn laughed and told him, go to hell, and a thug punched him om the gut.

Anna said she didn’t know how Jack could do this to Carly. He claimed he cared about her and lured her daughter down a dangerous path. He said, by the time he realized what Carly meant to him, it was too late, but Anna said it was too late the minute he set eyes on Josslyn and realized he could use her. Carly thought he was a loving, wonderful man, but he wasn’t. He was a soulless bastard. Jack said he never forced Josslyn to do anything, and Anna asked if he presented the op by saying she’d make a difference in the world. Did he sell her by saying she’d be seeing the world and fighting justice? He said, Josslyn went into it with open eyes, but Anna said she had no idea what she was getting into and neither did that girl. She had no understanding that she was leaving her innocence, her freedom, and maybe her family. The WSB would ruin Josslyn’s life the way it ruined hers. Jack said, not every agent regretted joining, and she said, just the ones that had a conscience. He told her to stop feeling sorry for herself. She had choices. It wasn’t the Bureau’s fault she’d made the wrong ones. And the ones that ruined her life were all hers.

The thug punched Vaughn some more, and Pascal asked, what does the WSB know? Vaughn spit on Pascal, and Pascal wiped his face. A thug took out what looked like a drill, and Pascal said Vaughn had one last chance. What does the WSB know?  

Anna asked if Jack was referring to her decision to work with Faison, and he said she was so ambitious, determined to be the best agent. So she took a short cut. Anna said, Faison played her like a puppet, and Jack said Faison used her ambition against her and she became a double-agent. That’s what ruined her life, not the WSB. Anna said, both were equally destructive, but point well taken. She owned her decision, and she didn’t want Josslyn to make the same ones. Jack said she wouldn’t. Their situations were different. Anna said they weren’t. Josslyn was in over her head, like she was. He said she was underestimating… and she told him, shut up. End this before Josslyn got hurt, or worse. Abort the objective and bring her home. Stop being an agent for one damn second and act like a human being. He needed to do whatever it took to save Carly’s daughter.

Vaughn said he wasn’t telling Pascal a damn thing, and Josslyn said, stop. She’d give him all of the information, but don’t hurt Vaughn. Vaughn told her, shut up, and Pascal said it was now or never. Josslyn said, everything the WSB knew was in a black box in Brennan’s office in Port Charles. He didn’t share any information with them. If Pascal wanted to know what Brennan knew, get to the box. Vaughn said, Agent Jax… and Pascal said they knew about the box. What they don’t know is the combination. Josslyn said, 1-0-1-8-7-7, and Pascal said, cooperation can be a wonderful thing. He left with the thugs, and Vaughn asked what the hell was she thinking. Did she know what she’d done?

Sidwell said he didn’t mean to be forward, but he knew Lucy was going through a difficult time. He thought she could use the company and Windymere was a large house. The guest rooms were comfortable, and she’d be more than welcome. She thanked him and said, normally, under any other circumstances, she’d come over for a sleepover, but she felt the need to back to the hospital to see if Mac and Felicia need anything. He said, of course (🍷). Just know the invitation is open ended. She said she’d keep it in mind for future reference, and they clinked glasses.

Cody told Dante that he hated Molly walking in. She seemed hurt. Dante asked if there was something Cody wasn’t telling him, and Cody said they were getting to know each other, and he thought it was going well. Then it was like a switch flipped and Molly started hating on him lately, treating him like she had a low opinion of him. He just proved her right. He tried to explain, but he couldn’t find his shirt and Ava was yelling, get out. Molly did not want to hear him out. Dante asked if he ended up giving up Kristina, and Cody said he did. Kristina was probably mad, and he could kiss his paycheck goodbye.

Molly told Michael that it made sense how Kristina didn’t want her distracted by Cody. Kristina warned her that Cody was paid to sleep with women, conveniently leaving out she was the one who paid him. She was finally trusting her sister again. Now she learned Kristina was manipulating her. Michael said he thought Kristina was trying to help and do something nice for her, and she said, that’s what Cody told her. But why not tell her? If it was a plan for her, why not let her in on it? Michael suggested it might be difficult for her to keep from Ric, and she asked if he thought she should forgive her sister. He said he thought she should hear Kristina out. As far as Cody went, in a backwards way, he thought he was trying to do her a favor. Maybe she should give him the benefit of the doubt.

Alexis said, just when she thought this nightmare was over, and Kristina said Ava was one who assaulted Ric. Ava said because of Kristina. Ric betrayed them all and left her on the hook. Alexis said her ex was on the floor unconscious, whacked in the head with her favorite paperweight. Could they not point fingers? Molly would be home soon, and not only was Ric her dad, Molly was an officer of the court. Kristina asked what they were going to do with Ric.

Josslyn asked if Vaughn was okay, and he said she shouldn’t have done that. She said they were going to kill him, and he said she should have let them. She gave them classified information. Has she forgotten who she is? She’s an agent not a college kid. Thanks to her, they’re both traitors. Pascal watched them on his phone, and she said it stopped them from working his face with a hot iron. Vaughn said because of her, they failed, and Pascal won. Game, set, and match.

Jack told Anna not to worry about Josslyn. He had faith she’d be fine. Anna said she thought she’d tell Carly that he recruited her daughter. She stood a shot at convincing Josslyn to quit. He said, in doing so, she’d jeopardize the mission and Josslyn’s life. She wouldn’t say a word. Anna finished her drink and said she hated that he put her in this position. He said she did it to herself by sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. Knowing about Josslyn was a burden they both had to carry.

Sidwell asked what Colette was doing at Windymere, and she apologized for coming unannounced. Pascal confirmed he’d taken care of the problem. Sidwell said he didn’t answer to Pascal any more than he answered to her, and she said Pascal was inquiring on behalf of their associate. He told her to tell them both that he’d soon have controlling interest in Deception, and they could use that company as they’d previously discussed. And they could thank him for the compound. It worked perfectly. Maxie Jones and her big mouth are no longer a threat.  

Cody told Dante that he couldn’t blame Kristina if she didn’t pay him. He didn’t keep money long anyway. He cared more about Molly than the money. Dante said it sounded like he liked her, and Cody said he did. She came off as serious and uptight, but she was sweet and fun to be around. Dante said it sounded like Cody was getting to know her pretty well, and Cody said, too bad it was all over. Now she knew he was a world class jerk.

Molly said maybe Michael was right, but good intentions didn’t change what he and Kristina did. It was more about her dad. She was no fan of Ava’s, but Kristina shouldn’t have interfered in their relationship. Her dad needed to know what was going on.

Ava said she was taking the paperweight. It was evidence and she wasn’t leaving it there with the two scheming snakes. Kristina said Ric’s car had been moved to the garden shed. As far as the outside world was concerned, Ric was never there.

Somewhere in a basement, Ric woke up tied to a bed with a gag in his mouth.

Wednesday:

Kristina came home to find Molly there and asked what was going on. Molly said she knew what Kristina did to her dad.

Ric woke up and saw Alexis. She took the gag out and he said, thank God, she found him. She had to get him out of there.

Molly told Kristina that she knew about her dad. Cody told her everything. She’d walked in on him and Ava pre-sex, and he told her that Kristina paid him. Kristina said, not to have sex per se, but she hired him to break up Ava and Molly’s dad. She thought she was helping. Molly said she got that, but Kristina couldn’t interfere with people’s relationships, even if she did believe Ava would hurt her dad. Kristina said she was definitely right about that, when Sonny came to the door.

Portia found Curtis in her office and said she’d seen Stella. It looked like things were good. He said looks could be deceiving. Aunt Stella was in serious trouble.

Isaiah told Stella that he hoped she wasn’t having any more trouble and asked why she thought she’d been singled out. She said she suspected somebody was trying to cause trouble. She’d done nothing wrong.

Willow met Drew at the MetroCourt and said she needed strong allies right now. The only ones she had left were Elizabeth, Ric, and hopefully, him.

Marco lit a candle in the church, when Gio came in. Marco told Gio that he was saying a prayer for his mother, and Gio said today was his mom’s birthday. Every year he lit a candle in her honor. They introduced themselves, and Gio said he’d read about Natalia in the news. He was sorry for Marco’s loss. Marco said he was managing. It had been a complicated relationship. Gio said, for a while, people accused his grandfather of being responsible for her death, but he had nothing to do with it. He hoped Marco believed that.

Sonny told Molly that he was wondering about the parameters of Turner’s jurisdiction, and Molly said, and how it affected him? He said, also Laura and the vote on Measure C. Kristina said maybe they shouldn’t have this conversation there, and Molly said it was like she was trying to get rid of them.

At Windymere, Lucy read some social media comments about Maxie and Deception, and Jordan said they were insensitive. Lucy said the public was believing their product caused Maxie’s condition and told Sidwell that she was afraid Deception was going out of business.

Elizabeth asked how Maxie was, and Lucas said she was settled in and had the best team. They were running every test imaginable. Now he just hoped they could help her. Ava asked if Lucas had a minute. She needed his help.

Ric babbled, and Alexis told him, calm down. How did he end up there? He said he’d gone to her house to finalize the last payment, when Kristina ripped into him about the blackmail and Ava ripped into him as well. He’d drained the shell corporation, even the money Alexis just sent Ava, and Ava found out. He put the money in a bond account, and she was livid. Alexis asked how he ended up there, and he said he didn’t know. He was leaving and everything went black, then he woke up there. He guessed Ava hit him over the head. Once Alexis let him go, he was going to take care of Ava, and Alexis would never have to deal with either of them again. Alexis said, as appealing as that was, unfortunately, it wasn’t going to work for her, and he asked if she was in on this.

Drew said Willow could always count on him and asked, what made her reach out? She said she asked Kristina to be a character witness. She’d presented herself as a mediator between her and Michael, but she showed her true colors. Kristina refused to testify on her behalf and said she was a terrible mother. She needed someone from Michael’s family to vouch for her. Drew said there was still time and promised he’d help get her kids back if she let him. Nina approached the table and asked, what in God’s name was Willow doing with him?

Ava told Lucas that she’d been having trouble sleeping for almost a week and was exhausted. She asked if he could prescribe some sleeping pills to tide her over, since her doctor couldn’t see her for a few weeks. He said, just 30 days, no refills, and she thanked him. He asked if she was sure he wasn’t cramping her style, not having sleepovers with Ric, but she said she and Ric had decided to call it quits.

Alexis said she came home, and Ric was splayed out on the floor. Ava and Kristina explained they’d decided this was the right course of action. He asked why she helped Ava, and she said, Ava came to her first with the same deal. One last payment, she’d cut him out, and no more blackmail. He asked why she didn’t go with the father of her child, and she said because of her other child. Ava was throwing in his car and the security footage which would ensure Kristina didn’t go to prison. He said he tried working with Ava and look where it got him. If she let him go, he promised not to press charges against her or Kristina. She said, hmm… She thought she’d take her chances with Ava. He asked what she was going to do when Ava gave her what she wanted. Kill him?  

Kristina said she didn’t think their mom should be disturbed, but Molly said she went out for a walk. Kristina said she didn’t think Sonny should be talking to Molly about the acting DA, and Molly told Sonny, with Robert gone, Turner had more power and was keeping a close eye on him. She was ambitious, but fair, and wouldn’t manufacture evidence. She could have used Michael to come after him and his family, but she didn’t. Sonny said, she didn’t, and she stood up to Drew, and Kristina said she was glad someone did. He had her, Molly, and her mom served with restraining orders to stay away from Scout.  

Marco told Gio that the autopsy showed no signs of foul play and he was finding ways to deal with it. He left and Gio lit a candle. Brook came in with flowers and said she was sorry. She didn’t know he’d be there. She came to light a candle and leave the flowers in honor of Camilla’s birthday, but she could come back. He said it wasn’t about him today. It was about his mom. She should stay.

The insurance goons said they needed a word with Stella, but she said she was in the middle of helping a patient. One of the goons said, as of now, her employment was suspended, and Isaiah listened in.

Portia said Drew sicced the investigators on Stella, and Curtis said, apparently Martin accidently hinted Stella did something to help him with a claim. Drew took the information and used it, along with his position, to get back at them. She said, what about the truce? and he said he knew this was a possibility. She said it was low, even for Drew. That meant he’d come after her next. He still had the proof that she tampered with Heather Webber’s test results. He said Drew was focused on Stella, who wouldn’t be in trouble if not… She said, if it wasn’t for her. Isaiah came in and said the fraud investigators were back and were with Stella. Curtis told Portia to stall them for as long as she could. He’d call for help. Portia left with Isaiah.

Brook told Gio, Camilla could make the violin laugh and cry. She also remembered how much Camilla loved him. He was her entire world. Gio said she was his too. She was a great mom. He can’t wrap his head around the fact that she wasn’t his biological mother. He’d assumed he inherited his music and talent from her, but it wasn’t true. Brook said, of course (🍷) it was. He was the person he was today because Camilla raised him. She’d passed on her love of music and she saw so much of Camilla in him. She was kind, thoughtful, and so generous, just like her son. He and Camilla were so chill. He didn’t get that from her. Gio said, definitely not.

Alexis told Ric, relax. She wasn’t going to kill him. He asked what her end game was, and she said to keep him on ice until the bonds matured, then collect the money, and put it back in the trust. Then, Ava would turn over the evidence to her and he’d be free to go. He said, and he wouldn’t go to the police because they all had dirt on each other, and Alexis said, tell her that he’s proud of her. He said there was one problem with her master plan. Ava would try to kill him. She said she wasn’t going to let that happen, and he said forgive him for not having the utmost faith in her. Her phone chimed and she said it was Kristina. She had to go. It’s been fun. Ric started to yell, and she said nobody would hear him, but better safe than sorry. He said this was inhumane, and she asked if he didn’t do this to Carly. He said Alexis was better than him, and she said because of him, she’d embezzled. It was a slippery slope. She put the gag back in his mouth and left.

Lucas told Elizabeth that he managed to get some tea. Ava and Ric’s love was no more. He thought she’d want a warning that Ric might come around more often. Elizabeth said he’d be met with boundaries complete with barbed wire fencing. Had Lucas had more trouble with Willow? He asked if there was a reason he would, and she said, the last time Drew was there, they’d had friction. She can’t guarantee he wouldn’t come around again. Lucas said, if Willow wanted to ruin her life because of that guy, more power to her.

Nina asked if Willow was trying to lose custody for good, and Willow said, of course (🍷) not. Nina said, then why was she in public with this man? and Drew said he was a respectable sitting member of congress. Nina said respectable was debatable and Drew was the reason why Michael filed for sole custody. He’d fight tooth and nail if she continued to associate with Drew. She thought Willow finally understood. Willow said, right now, Michael had all the power, and without Drew’s support, power, and influence, she didn’t see her getting her kids back. Nina said nothing Drew had done to help her ever panned out. Do not get sucked back in by this charlatan. He could cost her the chance of ever seeing her kids again.

Lucy said she needed to take a moment and left. Jordan’s phone rang and she stepped away. She said, Curtis… She’d be right there.

Stella said the goons had no right to prevent her from doing her job, when Portia joined them and said they needed to stop harassing her employees. She wanted them to leave. One of the goons said they were conducting an investigation, and she said, do it elsewhere. She was going to contact the hospital’s lawyer and see what they could do to settle this. Curtis came back and said he’d tried to reach Alexis with no luck, but reinforcements were on the way. One of the goons told him to redirect them to the Port Charles police station. Stella was under arrest.

Gio told Brook that he could confide in his mom about anything. She never judged and it stayed between them. It was hard to believe she’d been keeping such a huge thing from him. Brook said she knew how he felt. Camilla was trying to honor her mom and grandma’s wishes, and they’d requested secrecy. Maybe she’d wanted to tell him the truth. Either way, his mother loved him with her whole heart. Never doubt that. When Brook gave him up, she’d prayed for one thing, that he went to a good family and had parents who loved and protected him. Thanks to Camilla, her prayer was answered. She owed Camilla so much.

Lucas told Elizabeth that he’d kept Ava at arm’s length because of Carly and Sonny. But he was getting to know her and liked spending time with her. She was fun and had an affinity for trashy reality TV and wine. Elizabeth said he couldn’t live there forever, but he said right now worked for him. He liked not having to decide what was next. Elizabeth wondered if he was holding out hope that Marco would live with him, and he said it was too early for that, but maybe someday.

Marco told Sidwell that he couldn’t wait any longer to use the leverage against Sonny. He had to tell Sonny that he knew Judge Haran was bribed to rule in Michael’s favor and threaten to reveal everything. Sidwell said he’d deploy the bomb when the time was right, but Marco said Sonny was either directly or indirectly responsible for his mother’s death. He met Sonny’s grandson at the church and had to bite his tongue. He wanted to make Sonny pay. Sidwell said, he will… in time. Marco had to be patient a little bit longer.

Alexis came home and Molly said she needed to get back to work. She told Kristina that they’d continue their conversation later, and Kristina said, for sure. Molly left, and Kristina said she was going to look for a charger she’d left there. When she was gone, Sonny said he was in a bind regarding Drew, and Alexis said, Congressman Cutthroat strikes again.

Curtis said they weren’t taking his auntie anywhere. They were not arresting her. One of the goons said they were following orders, and Curtis said Congressman Cain was weaponizing their department to attack him through his aunt. It was corrupt and illegal, and they didn’t want to be a party to this travesty. Their names and faces would be plastered all over the media. The other goon told Curtis to let them do their job. Otherwise, they’d arrest him too. Curtis held out his wrists, but Stella said it was okay. Jordan came in and introduced herself, saying she was the former Police Commissioner and DEA agent. She’d explain the situation to her contact at the DEA and put a call in to their boss. Be patient and she was sure this would be sorted out in no time. They just needed a few more minutes. The second goon said, fine.

Drew said Nina was just trying to scare Willow, and Nina said, shut up. Willow didn’t need him. Willow could walk out with her right now. Willow asked why she should go anywhere with Nina. Nina was saying Drew was the reason she lost custody, but the person to blame was her. If Nina had just told the truth from the start, she’d still have her children. Nina said she regretted not speaking up sooner, and Willow asked why she didn’t. Drew told her that he’d wanted to, but Nina wouldn’t allow it. (So… If that was the case, wouldn’t that mean she was more powerful than Drew? Willow is an idiot.)

Lucy came back and Sidwell asked how she was. She said, better, and apologized for being so emotional, but he said he knew she cared about Maxie, so it made sense. It concerned her and her company. That’s why he felt bad about delivering more bad news. He’d checked Deception’s stock, and the situation was quite dire. He handed her his tablet, and she said she guessed it was true. They were going to lose the company. He said, maybe not. Maybe there was something he could do to help.

Kristina went down to the basement and said she assumed her mother explained Ric’s current circumstances. He’d earned himself a staycation and had time to relax and reflect on his life choices. Greed and the need for revenge led to this. She didn’t think anyone would miss him apart from Molly. They’d find a way to explain his absence. Other than that, no one cared or would suspect a thing.

Alexis told Sonny that Drew was using his position to keep her, the girls, and Scout’s brothers away from Scout. She was so furious, she lost it in a crowded restaurant. Sonny said, Drew was screwing over people left and right. Eventually someone would take him down. If you make that many enemies, you get a target on your back. It was just a matter of time and Drew would get what he deserved.

Nina told Willow, that was a lie. She never forced Drew to do anything. He was a manipulative, sleazy, SOB. Willow said the fact was, Nina kept her mouth shut and she was blindsided on her wedding day, causing her to create a scene at the chapel and Carly’s house. (Nice accountability.) Nina said Drew would only make things worse, but Willow said, only Drew was powerful enough to fight Michael. She told Drew, if he got her kids back, she’d come back to him, but only if he kept his promise.

Jordan said she was doing everything she possibly could to get Stella out of this mess, and Curtis said he appreciated her help. On the phone, one of the goons said, yes, sir… Understood. He told the other goon, they got the green light. They were taking her in.

Brook said she’d get out of Gio’s hair. Would he be all right? Gio said, yeah, Brook said, take care, and she left.

Curtis called Alexis, who said she was sorry. She hadn’t listened to his message yet. He said she needed to get to the PCPD right away. Stella had been arrested.

Ava said she’d repay Lucas with dinner and drinks, but Lucas said they’d have to skip the drinks. The pills didn’t mix with alcohol. She said he could drink for both of them, and he said he knew how she loved her martinis. She said, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Kristina said Ric set Ava off. She picked up that paperweight and whacked him with everything she had. She thought he was dead. He was lucky. She kept thinking about how he defended Ava in court. Now he was on the other end of her wrath. Did he still think it was possible Ava didn’t cause her fall? Until the bonds matured, he’d lose time and a lot of money, but she and Molly lost a child. He’d leave when they let him go.

Curtis told Stella that Alexis would meet them at the PCPD, and one of the goons said Curtis couldn’t come with them. Only Stella’s lawyer could. Stella said she’d be fine, and left with them. Curtis asked if Jordan could be put in direct contact with the fraud division. It might help if she personally explained what Drew was doing. Jordan said she’d fix things. She promised. She took his hand as Portia and Isaiah watched. Portia started to leave, and Curtis asked where she was going. She said she had to work. There was nothing more she could do for his aunt that he and his ex-wife weren’t already doing.

Sidwell told Lucy that he was thinking, if he was willing to invest enough money in the company to keep it afloat, he’d need a larger interest in the company in return. Lucy said she supposed she could talk to the others, but why invest money in a sinking ship? What was in it for him? He said the pleasure of helping someone he cared about. She had charm, charisma, strength, and beauty. She was the kind of woman who could turn a company around.

Nina said the court would never grant Willow visitation if Drew was in the picture, and Drew said he had more power than Nina realized. Marco came in and had one ear toward their conversation. Nina said Drew was more delusional than he realized. He was setting Willow up for more heartbreak. He’d pushed her to the brink. If he hurt her daughter, she’d see him dead. Drew said, that sounded like a threat. He should have her arrested. She said he could try, but be careful. The most dangerous person was the one with nothing left to lose. She walked out and Marco came over to the table. He said he couldn’t help but overhear. It sounded like Drew had a huge problem on his hands, but lucky for Drew, he believed he had the solution.

Thursday:

Brook went to the station to see Dante about their son.

Marco told Sidwell that he made a move against Sonny because it had to be done.

Tracy wondered what Martin said to Yuri that he was allowed into the mansion, and he said he had information she wanted to hear, and he needed her help. Stella Henry was in trouble.

One of the insurance goons said they’d found another of Stella’s cases where there was a discrepancy in regard to coverage dates. She told him that she wasn’t saying anything until her attorney was present.

Trina wanted to see Stella, but the other goon said only her lawyer could go in. Alexis said, that would be her, and Sonny asked if they were going to have a problem here.

Curtis followed Portia to her office and asked, what the hell was that comment? Portia said his focus was completely on Jordan, but he said it was completely on his auntie. Portia said it gave him the perfect opening to confide and rely on Jordan, but he said he didn’t have time for her petty jealousy. She said he had no time for their marriage.

Drew went to Michael’s office and Michael asked why he was there. Drew said, out of concern for Michael’s children.

Curtis asked if Portia didn’t care that Stella had been wrongly arrested, and she said, of course (🍷), but it didn’t make her blind. He had all the faith in the world when it came to Jordan, but none when it came to her. He said, from the beginning of them, she didn’t think enough of him to tell the truth that she was a married woman, and she said she never intended to lie, but he said that’s how she problem solved and coped. She did it again and again, Drew’s blackmail being the latest example. He missed half of Trina’s life because of her lies. He tried to trust her and she repaid him by lying again. This time, Aunt Stella was paying for it.

Alexis said the goon trying to prevent her client from access to counsel was illegal and wouldn’t bode well for their investigation and he took her into the interrogation room. Trina thanked Sonny, who said something wasn’t right. This unit did bigger cases and nothing Stella had done would rate them. Trina asked if he thought Stella was here because she was being targeted by Drew.

Martin said Stella was being investigated for insurance fraud, but Tracy said Stella was principled to a fault. He said now they had to prove it. He was hoping she would leverage the Quartermaine family name. She was a powerful member of the board, so she could convince the hospital to lobby support. Tracy said, consider it done, and asked how this lunacy commenced. Martin said, Drew Cain.

Michael said Drew had two minutes, but Drew said he only needed one. He was going to bring Wiley and Amelia to Willow today and be on his best behavior. He was going to smile and apologize for keeping her from her children and tell the kids he’d made a big mistake. Then he wouldn’t get between the move for shared custody, 50/50. Michael said, the judge thought otherwise, but Drew said her ruling was meaningless now that he knew it was bought and paid for.

In the church, Gio talked to Camilla. He said he missed her every day, especially today. He knew how much she loved her birthday and the traditions that went with it. He’d play Vivaldi for her and out of all the traditions, that one was probably his favorite. She’d said music had to come from the heart or it wasn’t worth playing. He hadn’t found it in his heart to play since he found out the truth. Right now, the only thing he felt was loss.

Brook told Dante that she went to light a candle and Gio was there doing the same thing. It was the first of Camilla’s birthdays since he found out. He had questions he’d never be able to ask her, and he was the same sad, grieving boy he was when she died. Dante said he remembered the funeral. Gio was lost and broken. Brook said when life was dark and hopeless, family got you through it. Gio needed his father.

Dante said he and Gio hadn’t been on good terms since Rocco went to the hospital, but Brook told him, try. He was a good father, and she’d taken away his chance with Gio. Dante left.

Martin said he’d sung Stella’s praises to Drew and Drew put the rest together, and Tracy said Stella was in jail because of him. Martin said don’t lay this at his feet. This was all because of her.

Alexis told the goons they’d been moving so fast, they forgot to get the judge’s signature. They left, and Alexis said she’d bought them a little time. Stella asked if she was really going to jail.

Jordan asked if Isaiah had seen Curtis, and Isaiah said Curtis was with his wife. She said she had news about Stella, but he suggested maybe giving them the space they needed. He said she needed him to stop with the snide remarks. What was going on? He said, she and Curtis obviously had feelings for each other.

Portia said Curtis was blaming her? and he said this whole mess started because of her. He understood she wanted to protect Trina, but she went about it all wrong. She told that was easy to say after the fact. At the time, all she could think about was keeping her daughter safe. He asked if she didn’t think they wanted the same thing. She left herself wide open to Drew’s blackmail. He went after Drew to defend her, and Drew had gone after Stella in retaliation – because of her. She said, normally she’d beg for his forgiveness and apologize, but not anymore. She may have told lies, but he was living one.

Marco said he told Drew about Judge Haran, and Sidwell asked, why? Marco said he knew Drew would act on it, and Sidwell asked how it served their mission. Marco said Drew would use it to go after custody of Willow’s kids and it would make Sonny unravel. Michael would blame Sonny and Sonny would lose his son like he lost his mother. Sidwell said Marco made a foolish error in judgement.

Michael said he had no idea what Drew was talking about, and Drew said the night before he stripped Willow of her parental rights, a million dollars ended up in Judge Haran’s bank account. Sonny paid off the judge, and he was going to use his congressional power to expose it. When he did, the decision would be questioned and thrown out. He’d be ordered back to family court and all of his sins, including getting Sasha pregnant while he was still married, would be held against him. Maybe he’d get a weekend a month and a week during the summer if he was lucky. 50/50 seemed generous and he should jump on it while he had the chance.

Martin said if it weren’t for Tracy, he wouldn’t have needed Stella’s help. She torpedoed him at the press conference and ratted him out to his exes when he was in lockup in Lodi. Tracy said the only thing they agreed on was that Stella was a good woman who needed their assistance, which they could give her separately, and he said the idea of working together was just a joke. He prayed every night he was there to see it when she got what was coming to her. She said, back at him. Get out of her house. He said it wasn’t hers. All this belonged to Monica.

Isaiah said he saw Curtis and Jordan in the park, and Jordan said Curtis was married. She never crossed the line and never would. He said he’d been watching Portia struggle to keep her marriage intact, and Jordan said she didn’t realize he and Portia were close. He said Portia convinced him to join the staff as a surgeon. She didn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of what was going on with Jordan and Curtis. Jordan said nothing was going on, and he said, maybe that was true for her, but could she say that was true for Curtis?

Portia said Curtis laid next to her in bed, kissed her, made love to her, and told her that he loved her, but his heart belonged to Jordan. He said she conveniently kept forgetting one thing. He never gave Jordan a second chance, but he’d given her more than one. She said now she wondered if the reason was because he was on the rebound from Jordan and now he wanted to get back with her.

Alexis told Stella that Trina and Sonny were outside. She wasn’t alone. Stella said she should have thought more about her family before working the system for her patients, but Alexis said she wasn’t there because of what she did. It was because of who she is.

Michael said his father wasn’t even at court, and Drew said that was convenient. He was sure an inquiry into the judge’s bank records would show a large deposit the day before the ruling. Michael said Drew planned to abuse his power, and Drew suggested he tell the court that Willow should have full custody. Michael said that would never happen, and Drew suggested he may be able to pull strings and get a judge to replace Haran. Maybe one he had a little sway with.

Gio prayed, and from the back of the church, Dante said, amen.

Dante asked if Gio minded if he joined him, and Gio said it was a church. Anyone could come in. Dante sat down and Gio said Brook told Dante he was there. Dante said she reminded him it was Gio’s mother’s birthday. He should have known. Sorry. He remembered the parties the Cerullos threw. Camilla’s birthday was timed around Labor Day, so it was a double celebration. They had great times together. Gio asked if he was mad at Camilla, and Dante said, no, why would he be? Gio said she knew the truth about Dante and Brook like Lois and Gloria did. He was mad at them, so Dante must be mad at his mom too.

Jordan said Isaiah was out of line and she wasn’t dignifying it with an answer. He said it was a shame. They could have had something great. He fell for her. Maybe it ended because of a business relationship, but the truth was, he never had a shot. Her heart was always with Curtis. Maybe she was used to denying her own feelings because she couldn’t see them, but he could.

Curtis said he and Jordan shared a history and family, but so did he and Portia. The difference was, they shared a daughter. Portia said, Trina was the reason they were still married. Not because he was in love with her, but because he wanted to create a family with Trina to make up for the time he missed out on. He said, because of her, and she asked how long he’d felt this way. He said he’d buried his feelings of resentment about her lies, hoping and praying they’d go away so they could be a family, but they hadn’t. They were just under the surface. She said it was the most honest he’d been. Now she knew for sure he was never going to forgive her lying about Trina. She believed he was always in love with Jordan. He said he was going to be with his aunt, and she said if he walked out, it would confirm that everything was true. He never wanted to fight for their marriage, and she’d know their marriage was over. He left and she cried.

Sidwell said they both wanted to bring Sonny down in completely different ways, and Marco said Sidwel’s strategy was to wait. His was to act. Sidwell said Marco was controlled by his emotions. He wanted to use the information to get control of Sonny’s piers. Marco said he didn’t care about the piers. He cared about justice for his mother. Sonny needed to pay for the role he played in her death. Sidwell said he agreed. That was all part of the plan until Marco imploded it. So now they had to figure out what the blowback was going to be for them.

Sonny said Stella wanted him to stay out, and Alexis said she was right. He was a radioactive presence that would complicate things. He said it wasn’t that simple when Drew’s fingerprints were on it. Sooner or later, that SOB was going to pay.

Michael said if Drew had proof, he’d be waving it in his face, but Drew said he’d get what he needed. Michael said he’d just falsify it. He’d made it clear what he’d do when someone stood in his way. The court order said he had full custody. After this stunt, he’d see that the hearing was pushed back indefinitely. Congratulations. He may have just cost Willow the chance to get her kids back for the second time. Drew said, don’t say he didn’t warn him, and left.  

On the phone, Drew told Kai that he needed a favor. He needed to find out where Carly was right now.

Tracy told someone to call her as soon as possible. It was about Stella. Brook came in and said she was at the station and saw Alexis, Trina, and Sonny there for Stella. Tracy promised Martin would answer for it. He shot his mouth off, and Drew ran with it. Brook said she was sorry. She knew how close Tracy and Stella were. Tracy said she was doing what she could to help. Why was Brook at the PCPD? Brook said she went to talk to Dante about Gio. He was lost and hurting and needed a parent, but she knew it couldn’t be her.

Dante said Gio’s mom was always booked and when he was too little to go with her, he’d stay with them. He remembered a Christmas Eve when one of the Seven Fishes caught on fire. Brook, Lois, and Gloria spent most of the night trying to put it out. It was funny now, but not then. They were all in the kitchen, leaving him to hold Gio. It was the first time he’d ever held a baby, and he was petrified. It felt like he was holding a ticking bomb. Camilla walked in and she and Gio looked at each other like they were the only people in the room. There was smoke, burning fish, chaos, yelling, and it stunk, but they didn’t notice. They just had big smiles looking at each other. He knew Gio wished he could talk to her again and find out why she went along with all this, but he thought Gio already knew the answer. Camilla was thinking about him every step of the way. He could see that and hoped one day Gio could too.

Jordan said she was sorry she hurt Isaiah, but it had nothing to do with Curtis. He wasn’t a part of her life in the way Isaiah thought. Curtis came out of the elevator, and Isaiah left. Curtis wondered what that was about, but Jordan said it didn’t matter. She talked to old co-workers, and couldn’t do much about calling in favors yet, but she did get solid information. It started with a tip and the investigators were pointed in Stella’s direction. It was someone with a lot of influence in the political sector. He said, like a congressman, and she said, exactly.

Portia cried over her framed wedding photos, screamed, and smashed them. She tried to pull her wedding ring off, when Isaiah came in. He asked if she was okay, and she said she couldn’t get this off. He said it was okay. Just breathe.

Michael told Sonny that Drew was coming after him and the kids, and he was using Sonny to do it.

Brook told Tracy that the reason Gio was hurting was the close bond he’d had with Camilla. They were each other’s entire world. Thank God for that. The one question that haunted her was wondering if his adoptive mother would love him as much as she would have loved him. Tracy said now she knew he was, and Brook said her prayer was answered, but it made her sad that they wouldn’t have the same relationship. Tracy said she didn’t know that. Life was long and Gio wasn’t done writing his story yet.

Gio said he had to get going and thanked Dante for the story. Dante said he had lots more if Gio wanted to hear them, and Gio said he appreciated today, but wasn’t interested in the two of them being close. Dante said he understood. He was sorry for the way he’d treated Gio when Rocco was taken to the hospital. He was scared out of his mind and took it out on Gio instead of dealing with his feelings. He’d just lost Sam and was worried about losing Rocco. It was inexcusable and he was sorry. He wasn’t saying that because he knew Gio was his son. He’d wanted to apologize at the Nurses Ball, but didn’t want to ruin the moment. Gio’s mom would have been proud of his playing. Gio said he’d like to think so too, and started to leave, but then said, what if Dante had known about him when he was younger? What would he have done? Dante said he’d like to think he would have stepped up and been the father Gio deserved. Unfortunately, they’d never know, but what he did know was that he was sorry he didn’t get the chance.

Sidwell told Marco, what’s done is done, and Marco asked, what now? Sidwell said they needed to stay one step ahead of Corinthos.

Sonny said he didn’t bribe the judge, and Michael said he didn’t think so, but Drew did. He mentioned proof that the judge’s bank account received a very large payment. Sonny said, maybe. Just know he didn’t do it, but somebody else might have.

Sidwell told Marco, the best case scenario was everything coming out and the judge admitting the payment came from him. Marco said, best case? and Sidwell said, in the worst case, Sonny would get to the judge first and figure out who was behind it. Then they’d find themselves staring down the barrel again.

Michael said Drew was trying to frame him and force Willow getting custody. If he was put behind bars, she’d get custody that way. Sonny said there was only one person who could give them the answer – Judge Haran.

Sidwell said, to avoid retaliation, they needed to get to Judge Haran before Corinthos did.

Stella said she was sorry Trina got caught up in this. Don’t get involved any deeper so Drew made her his target. She didn’t think she could take it if something happened to Trina. Trina said she loved that Stella was trying to protect her, but don’t worry, and Stella said she was trying to protect herself. They hugged, and Trina said everything would be okay. She loved Stella. Stella said she loved Trina too, and Trina left.

Trina came out and told Alexis to stay with her aunt. Alexis asked where she was headed, and Trina said, to get some answers.

Isaiah took Portia’s ring off her finger, and they kissed. He tossed the ring on the floor next to the broken picture frames, and Portia tossed away her lab coat. They got busy.

On the phone with Willow, Drew said he went to see Michael. He thought, after the dust settled, Michael would reconsider their custody agreement. Curtis came in and said the crusade against his family needed to stop. It needed to end or he would end Drew.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Britt wakes up with a hangover and groans. She says, damn you, Jason.

Carly tells her assistant, if Michael calls, put him through. Otherwise, she needs all of her calls held. She has a very important meeting. She tells Rocco and Danny, all right gentlemen, fun’s over. It’s the end of the line.

Chase sees Judge Haran in Bobbie’s, and she tells him that she wanted to thank him. She appreciated his testimony in the Morrison case. He says, glad he could help. Actually, he was hoping to run into her about a case. She says she already made her ruling, but he says, it concerns another case she’s handling. There’s something she needs to know about Willow Tate.

At the hospital, Elizabeth thanks Willow for coming in, and Willow says she was happy to do it. Before they get started, does Elizabeth have a minute? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). Is something wrong? Willow says, not wrong. After all the kindness Elizabeth has shown her, she deserves to know about it first. Elizabeth says, okay… and Willow says she’s getting back together with Drew.

Curtis says, coming after his family will be the last mistake Drew ever makes, and Drew says, Curtis can threaten him. Curtis can come after him. Whatever he wants. It doesn’t matter. His aunt still committed fraud. Curtis says, and Drew just had to kick off the investigation, didn’t he? Not because of anything he thought she did – Kai approaches the door and listens – but because he could use her to get to him. Drew says, it hurts, doesn’t it, watching his family suffer. Good.

Portia and Isaiah get busy in her office, and there’s a song part.

Carly says she’d like them both to work at the MetroCourt next summer. She could even move them up to lifeguard, if they get certified. Danny asks if lifeguards get tips, and she says, no, but they do make more money. Rocco says, it’s a dilemma, but she says, they have plenty of time to think. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the time they have off before they have to hit the books. They thank her, and she says, by the way, has Danny heard from his dad? Danny says, actually, his dad called to tell him that he was coming home, and Carly says, great, but Danny says, not really. The best thing he can do is stay away.

Britt slugs around and tries to brush her hair. She says, even her hair hurts. The room phone rings, and she says, what? Pascal says he was just in her lab and she’s not there, and she says she knows. She’s in her room. He called her here. He asks if he needs to remind her, and she says, please don’t, she’s begging him, but he says she’s here to work, not swill margaritas by the pool. She’s wasted a whole day. Britt says, the day’s not over yet. If he’s done reminding her, she’ll be right there. She hangs up and picks up the burner phone Jason gave her. She says, get over yourself. It’s just a phone, not a token of his love. She puts it in a decorative box and leaves.

Judge Haran tells Chase that she ruled on the Corinthos divorce case months ago. As she recalls, the only thing on her calendar now is a visitation hearing. He says, right, in October, and she says, as a fellow officer of the court, he knows she can only rule on testimony submitted under oath. He says he understands, and she says, then he should also know, speaking about that case, and in this setting, is highly inappropriate, and anything he says will have no bearing on her ruling. He says he didn’t expect it would. What he needs to say is purely background. She says, he’s an excellent detective, so say what he needs to say quickly, and he thanks her. They sit down, and he says, as she may remember, he and Willow were once married. She says, it was brought out at trial, and he says, whatever she’s heard, know that Willow is a wonderful mother and deserves to see her kids.

In the breakroom, Elizabeth says, after everything Drew put her through, why is Willow going back to him? and Willow says, because Drew can get her kids back. Elizabeth says he made her that promise before and look what happened. She completely lost custody of her kids. Willow says, even so, he’s still her best chance, but Elizabeth says, no, he’s not. He not only failed in helping her get her kids back, he was the reason she lost them. Willow says, not entirely, and Elizabeth says she knows there were other factors, but Willow has a strong enough case without Drew. She doesn’t need him. Willow says, Elizabeth has been wonderful and supportive. She’ll always be thankful for everything Elizabeth has done for her, but the truth is, if she goes into court with nothing but a few character references from co-workers and a spotless attendance record, there will be no visitation. After everything that’s happened, she’ll be shut out of her kids’ life for good, and she can’t let that happen.

Curtis tells Drew that he’s a coward. Drew doesn’t have what it takes to face him, so he came for Curtis’s family. His 70-year-old aunt is sitting in the PCPD right now because of Drew. Drew says he was just playing by Curtis’s playbook. Curtis broke Willow’s heart on her wedding day, so he had to pay back Curtis in kind. Kai continues to listen, and Curtis says he didn’t break Willow’s heart, Drew did that. Remember? By screwing her mom while breaking up her marriage, then lying about the whole thing. Drew says Curtis is always coming at him with a double standard. Curtis is all about honesty, except when it has to do with Stella or Portia. He’s just telling the truth. And he just got started. There’s still the matter of Curtis’s wife… Curtis says, it’s not about Portia. It’s about his auntie. All she wanted to do was help people. Drew says he heard about her good deeds from Martin Grey. She had a little tendency to bend things for the patients. As such, it was his duty as a representative to the people to alert the state. Curtis says, so he got his flunkies to start an investigation. Drew needed to end this while he still could.

Isaiah picks up Portia’s wedding photo and says he just wants her to know he didn’t plan this. She says, just so he knows, neither did she. He says, good thing too. Most of her plans seemed to blow up in her face. She picks up her wedding ring and looks at it. Isaiah says, so, any regrets? and she says, not a one, but this can’t have happened here. He says, no, and she says she’s his boss. This is her office. He nods, when Trina comes in.

Carly says, did she miss something? and Danny says, not at all. It’s about Scout and Drew. She asks what his so-called uncle did now, and Danny says, he got restraining orders against him and Rocco to keep away from Scout. She asks, why? and Danny says he picked up his sister from camp one day. Rocco says, they just wanted to see their sister, and she wanted to see them, but they didn’t get Drew’s permission. Danny says, Drew accused him of kidnapping, and Carly wonders why she’s not surprised. She doesn’t understand what it’s got to do with Danny not wanting his dad to come back. Danny says, here’s the thing, Rocco’s been served… Rocco says, or rather his mom was because he’s a minor. Danny says, they had to serve Rocco’s to his legal guardian. His legal guardian is his dad. Until his dad comes home, he can’t be served, which means, legally, he can still see Scout.

Jordan says, Stella would never have been arrested if Drew hadn’t singled her out. It’s an obvious abuse of power. Stella says that’s what she was afraid of. Not for herself, but for Curtis. Drew can’t keep pushing Curtis like this or Curtis is going to fight back and do something that he’ll regret. Which means Jordan has to stop him. Jordan says, me? She’ll try. Stella says she needs to do more than that. Right now, she’s the only one he’ll listen to. Please. She’s got to talk him down.

Drew says he offered Curtis his friendship over and over, even after Curtis tanked his company and forced him out. Curtis spit in his face and took away the woman he loved. Curtis says, maybe Drew shouldn’t have been screwing her mom, and Drew says, and maybe while Curtis is talking to his aunt through the plexiglass window, he can remind her that he’s the reason she’s there. Curtis says, before he lets that happen, he’ll see Drew dead. He leaves. Kai comes in and says he just passed Mr. Ashford on his way to the elevator. He seemed pretty upset. Drew says, he was just worried about his Aunt Stella. He can assure Kai that he’ll do everything in his power to help her. Kai says he’s glad to hear that. Stella was really good to him when he was recovering. He’s sure Drew remembers that. Drew says, of course (🍷). If she did commit fraud, his hands are tied, but he’ll just have to cross that bridge when he comes to it. So, did he happen to track down Carly? Kai says, she’s in her office at the MetroCourt. (While I’m glad he overheard the conversation, couldn’t he have just called?) Her assistant said she’d be there until the end of the day. Drew thanks Kai and says, it’s much appreciated. It’s getting a little late, so why doesn’t Kai head out too? Kai thanks Drew, but says he’s going to stick around. He has to finish the research for Drew’s speech on interstate expansion. Drew says he appreciates it, all the hard work Kai is doing, and Kai says, absolutely. Drew can always count on him, and Drew leaves.

Trina says, sorry for interrupting, and Portia says, they were just talking about hospital business. Isaiah says, they can do that another time. He has enough to get him started. Portia says, okay, great, and Isaiah leaves. Portia asks Trina, so what’s going on? Is everything okay? Trina says, no. The tension level in their house has been ratcheting up for a while now. Aunt Stella is in prison all because of Drew’s vendetta. She needs to know why it happened. Portia says, the arrests or tension? and Trina says, all of it. She and Trina’s dad have been feuding for a while now with Drew, and now it’s spilled over to Aunt Stella. She needs to know the reason behind this mess. Portia says, well, like everything she does and everything she’s done, it all comes back to Trina.

Britt walks down the hallway and sees Pascal with Tomas, who says, understood. Britt says, hey, Tomas, and Pascal says, Dr. Westbourne. How industrious of her to show up. She says she thought he was squatting outside her lab. What is he doing? Pascal says, his job. She should get busy doing hers. She asks, what’s going on? Tomas should be at the spa. Pascal says, so far, he’s treated her as a guest. He’s let her enjoy their amenities, the bar, the spa… She says, everything except the exits, and Pascal says, but all of that could change if she does not get to work. She says he needs to watch his tone. He’s getting a little too comfortable with the imperative. Pascal leaves.

Judge Haran tells Chase, what she can say is this. The role of any judge in this kind of case is to determine what’s best for the child. Chase says, exactly. Wiley and Amelia need their mother. She says, while obviously there are exceptions, most judges believe that children are best served when they’re able to see both parents. So they’re not opposed to visitation rights. In any case like this, the judge would consider an individual’s behavior and conduct since their last trial. They would also consider that the individual maintained a clean record and showed no evidence of mental instability. Chase says, got it, and she says, if an individual can demonstrate some growth, a judge may be inclined to be generous with the visitation schedule. Chase thanks her and says he knows Willow will have a just hearing. She has an impeccable record for fairness. She tells him, have a good day, and leaves.

Elizabeth says, before Willow does something life-altering, please reconsider going back to Drew, and Willow says, if she had a choice, she wouldn’t, but she doesn’t. Elizabeth asks if she still loves him, and she says, yes… no… I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that does matter is getting her children back. That will be more than enough

On the phone, Judge Haran says, they might have a problem. A detective is asking questions about the Corinthos case. She needs to know they have her covered.

Carly says, technically, Danny can still see Scout, but it’s a terrible idea, and Danny says, but she misses them. Rocco says, and they miss her, and Carly says she knows they do, but Drew is just waiting for Danny to overstep. It’s not going to help Scout at all if he gets in trouble. Danny asks what he can do, and she says, they need to let the lawyers handle it. Danny says, but Drew is the one hurting Scout, not him, and Carly says she knows, but… Drew walks in and says, this is her big meeting? She says, what the hell is he doing here? and he says, it’s the delinquents. Get rid of them and he’ll tell her. Danny says they were just leaving, but before they go, Drew served Rocco, but he was the one who picked up Scout. Rocco had nothing to do with it. Drew says, yeah, it’s true. Rocco’s not involved, but where one goes, the other usually follows. He couldn’t take that chance. Rocco says they’re her brothers, and Drew says, Danny’s only half and he’s nothing. Carly says, hey, and Danny says he’s sorry he didn’t call Drew when he picked up Scout from camp. He would have, but Scout begged him not to. Drew says, Danny kidnapped his daughter and could have gotten her killed. Danny is lucky he didn’t go over Chase’s head and press charges. But you know what? There’s still time. Carly says, back off – now.

Trina asks if Portia is saying the whole thing with Drew is her fault, but Portia says she’s not saying that at all. She’s right. There’s been a huge amount of tension between her and Trina’s father because Drew has been blackmailing them. Trina says she knew he had something. What does he have on her? Portia says, he has proof she tampered with Heather Webber’s blood tests. She altered them to keep Heather’s cobalt levels sky high, so she would stay in prison where she belongs, stay away from them, and most importantly, stay away from Trina. Trina says, and Drew found out, and Portia says, yeah. She had erased the data in the hospital database, but he managed to get his hands on the only remaining evidence of what she’s done – a hard copy of the altered test results with her system login. He’s been blackmailing her for months and if he does go through with this, she could lose her job. She could lose her medical license and even be brought up on criminal charges. Trina asks what Drew wanted her to do, and Portia says, at first, he just wanted good press at Aurora. Trina says, something her dad was not inclined to do, and Portia says, no. She thinks she got him to change an article, but thinks that was about it. But Trina’s father figured out something was going on with her. When he confronted her, she confessed. Trina says, he must have been furious, and Portia says, he was. He understood why she altered the tests. He wanted to keep Trina safe like she did. But she kept things from Trina’s father for so long and tried to manipulate him on Drew’s behalf. She apologized profusely, and he said he understood, but by the time they decided to fight Drew together, she thinks he’d gone through so much, then this happened. Trina says, because Portia was trying to protect her, but Portia says, all this happened because Drew is a detestable monster and masquerades as a human being. It’s not Trina’s fault. It’s no one’s fault. Drew is the one responsible. Trina says, ignorance isn’t bliss. Ignorance is ignorance. She’s glad to know everything. Portia says she and Trina’s father love her very much, and Trina says she knows. They hug and Trina says she loves them too.

On the phone, Kai says he’s calling from Congressman Cain’s office. He’s calling to check in on the status of the Stella Henry investigation… Okay. Great, and thank you. The congressman will be pleased that they’re following up on his request for conducting a thorough investigation.

Elizabeth says, Willow needs to think about this, but Willow says she has. Elizabeth says, not hard enough. Now that she knows what Drew is about, does she really want to get back together with a man who she’s not even sure she loves and definitely doesn’t trust? Willow says, yes. She knows Drew loves her and will do anything to get what he wants. She thinks she’s seen it for herself. When Michael was at the clinic in Germany, she went to visit him. She thought if they saw each other face to face, they could come to an agreement about the kids together. But they told her that Michael refused to see her. Elizabeth says, that doesn’t sound like him, and Willow says, because it wasn’t. It turns out Michael never knew she was there because Drew was the one pulling the strings. He had her turned away and that’s why she never spoke to Michael. Elizabeth says, that could have been the chance to work things out with him. Doesn’t she think Drew manipulated her? Willow says, maybe, and Elizabeth says, definitely, absolutely, 100%. What Drew did was just… Willow says, powerful. He was able to reach across an ocean and stop her from seeing Michael. Elizabeth asks why she’s saying this like it’s a good thing, and Willow says, it proves she’s making the right decision. If Drew wants to get her kids back, that’s what will happen, because Drew always gets what he wants.

Carly thanks Danny and Rocco for their help this summer and says their final checks are in the mail. Danny says he’s not leaving Carly alone with Drew, but she says she’ll be fine. Rocco says, Carly can take care of herself. Let’s go. They leave, and Carly says, Drew does realize the only person he’s punishing by keeping Scout away from her brothers is Scout. Drew says, Rocco is not Scout’s brother. People have got to stop calling him that. She says, why? Scout’s not going to. He says, we’ll see about that, and Carly says, what? He’s unbelievable. Scout’s grieving her mother. She’ll be grieving her for a very long time. He should be grateful for those boys, that they want to spend so much time with her. She’s going to need them. He says, she’s got to stop worrying so much about Danny and Rocco when she really should be worrying about Michael.

In the squad room, Curtis says his auntie is here, so he figures the arraignment went okay, and Stella says, thank the Lord, they’re letting her go. Jordan says, Alexis was amazing. She talked circles around the judge and ADA. Curtis says, great. How is she feeling about all this? Stella says, much better. She should have trusted Curtis about Alexis from the beginning. If she goes to trial, she’ll be more than happy to have Alexis in her corner. Jordan says, they’re hoping it doesn’t come to that, and Curtis says, yeah. It never should have come to this. Stella shouldn’t even be here. This whole thing started because of a conflict between him and Drew and that’s it. But because Drew is a coward without a shred of honor, he’s pulling Curtis’s whole family into this. He’s sorry he let it go this far. Stella asks how this is his fault. He’s the one who stayed principled throughout this whole fight. He says, and if not for her, he doesn’t know where he’s be, and they hug. He says, they sealed that part. Now he’ll post bail, and they can all go home. He starts to leave, when Jordan says, hold on a second, and he says he knows what she’s going to say. She says, what is that? and he says, she’s going to tell him to let it go and not encourage it to escalate any further. She says, and? and he says, she knows as well as he does, this is not the end. Alexis may have spared his auntie one night in a cell, but so much for a truce. Drew is never going to let this go.

Elizbeth says, what Drew did in keeping Willow away from Michael is disgusting, and Willow says, maybe on the surface, but Elizabeth says, no, through and through. Drew didn’t want her to work things out with Michael. He basically sabotaged her access to her kids. Willow says, because what Michael would have offered wouldn’t have been enough, and because of Drew, she can get full custody. Elizabeth says, and then what? She’s going to keep Michael away from his kids the way he’s doing to her? Willow says, exactly. She is their mother. Elizabeth says, and he’s their father, and Willow says, she doesn’t understand. Elizabeth says she does understand. What Drew did doesn’t take power. It takes a phone call and a little bit of money. Looking worshipful, Willow says, he reached across an ocean, and Elizabeth says, and bribed somebody. It probably didn’t even cost that much. And of all the things he’d done, including lying about Nina, this is by far the worst. She’s selling her soul. Willow says, it’s not like that. Before, she was blind. She couldn’t see Drew for who he was. Now her eyes are wide open. She knows who she’s dealing with. Elizabeth says, he’s a terrible person who caused Willow a lot of pain, and Willow says, maybe. (WOTD) She’d gladly trade her soul for her children. What mother wouldn’t? Elizabeth says, what good is she to the kids if she’s just going through the motions and not living a part of her actual life? and Willow says she’ll do what she needs to, sacrifice whatever she has to, and live with whatever she has to, as long as Drew gets her children back. Elizabeth says she’s already doing all the right things. She doesn’t need Drew to get her kids back because she’s enough all on her own. Willow asks if Elizabeth can promise her that, but Elizabeth says, no, and neither can Drew. Willow says, Drew is her best option, which means she doesn’t have a choice.

Drew tells Carly that an investigation revealed Judge Haran took a payoff of one million dollars the night before Michael took the kids from Willow. Carly says, so? and Drew says, obviously Sonny bribed her. Carly says, obviously means Drew doesn’t have any proof, right? and Drew says, there’s going to be an investigation into the money and into Haran. When that happens, the custody decision will be thrown out and the case heard by a new judge. When that happens, there’s no way Michael will get full custody. Any judge will see that Willow deserves to get her children back. Carly says, why? Because he thinks so? She can’t wait until Diane calls a parade of character witness again and Willow. Any judge will clearly see she’s unstable. Drew says, she’s their mother, and Carly says, and? Drew says, and she, of all people, should understand that. How many times has she played the mother card? She goes out, does something unconscionable, and her excuse is always the same – she did it for her kids. She says, damn right. She goes to extremes for her kids, but at least when she does it, she’s rational. Willow needs help. Drew says, not as much as Michael. If she wants to keep her mother title, she’d better step up and start acting in his best interests. She says, what are? and he says he proposed a deal to Michael, and he was either too foolish or arrogant or vindictive to accept it, but if she gets him to accept the deal of Willow getting primary custody, she’ll allow visitation. She says, so generous, and he says, actually, more than. If Michael doesn’t accept – which he won’t – then they go to court and then he will lose his kids forever. She says, okay. He went to Michael and Michael turned him down. Now he’s here talking to her. He’s desperate. He says, no. He just knows she can get Michael to take the deal. She’s done it many times before. She says, and why in the hell would she do that? and he says, because she’s a realist and because she knows it’s the last chance she and Michael have to remain in Wiley and Amelia’s lives.

Britt sees Tomas and says she’s glad he’s still here. There’s something he can do for her. Does he know that huge server in her office? It’s driving her crazy. It keeps humming in her ears. She needs him to move it. He says he’ll go to tech, but she says, that will take forever. Then her work will take forever. Then they’ll have to listen to Pascal whine about it forever. He says, this is procedure, and she says she knows, but he knows how they follow the rules here. Come on. Doesn’t he want to put those big, beautiful muscles to good use? Unless he can’t move it. Then she’s sorry she put him on the spot. He says, of course (🍷) he can. She seems stressed. Maybe instead, he could give her a massage. She says, what really stresses her out is getting him to move the server. Like now. Do it or does she have to tell you-know-who that he’s the reason she’s fallen behind. He walks toward the lab, and she doubles back. She opens a door with a card and sees Josslyn and Vaughn. She looks like, WTF? and Josslyn says, please. Can she help them get out of here? Britt listens and hears something. She jets and Vaughn looks at Josslyn.

Chase says he got Willow’s text, and she thanks him for coming. There’s something she needs to tell him. He says, there’s something he needs to tell her too, and she says she’s come to a pretty big decision. He says he saw Judge Haran at Bobbie’s and has great news for her and her kids.

Rocco asks if Danny is sue his dad is okay with them taking the speedboat out after dark, and Danny says, it’s not dark yet. Rocco says, it will be soon and what about then? Danny says, Drew is with Carly. They can go see Scout. Rocco says, since he was served with a restraining order, this would actually be kidnapping, but Danny says, they don’t have to take her anywhere and they’ll be really fast. He hates that guy so much. Rocco says, so does he, but they need to do what Carly said and stay away from Drew. Danny says, okay, but they’re definitely egging his house tonight… Lighten up. It was a joke. Rocco says, there’s someone down there, and Danny says, my God. They’re not moving. He thinks that’s a body.

Trina walks into Drew’s office and asks Kai, where’s Drew? Kai says, he’s not here, but he’s glad she is. She says she needs to find him. It’s about her mom. Kai says, whatever she’s going to say to Drew, don’t bother. It’s pointless. She asks what that means, and he says, Drew is the one who had Stella arrested and the only reason he did was because it was the most effective way to hurt her dad. She asks how he feels about that, and he says he feels like an idiot for not listening to her earlier. She was right all along. Drew is a monster. He’s corrupt, manipulative, and he’s willing to destroy people to get what he wants. He should never have given Drew the benefit of the doubt and he certainly shouldn’t have taken this job and never ever taken his side. She asks if he really means that, and he says, more than anything. She says, that means more than she can say, and he says he’ll do everything he can to make it up to her and her parents. She says, good, because she really needs his help right now.

Curtis says, Drew will do whatever it takes to hurt his aunt, and Stella says, because he knows it’s the best way to hurt Curtis. Jordan says she’s right about that, and Curtis says he’s not going to let that happen. Stella says, what he’s not going to do is go after Drew. Don’t let Drew push him into doing something he regrets. Don’t let Drew compromise her or the family any more than he already has. Curtis says, too late, and leaves. Jordan and Stella look at each other.

Portia looks at her wedding photo, when Isaiah knocks at the door. He says he saw her daughter leave earlier and wanted to check on her. Is everything good? She says, it’s as okay as it can be for now, and he says he’s not sure what that means. She says, that girl wanted answers, details on what’s going on between her, Drew, and Curtis. So she told her. He says, wow, and she says, she’s an adult. She could feel the tension going on between her and her father. It’s been going on a while. Now she knows exactly why. He says he’s sorry, and she says her too. He says, it must have been really hard, and she says, it was, but does he know what’s harder? All those secrets. Holding all those secrets for everyone. It was just so exhausting. He says he’s sorry if he made her day harder in any way, but she says he definitely didn’t. She says she does want him to know that her marriage was broken beyond repair before he walked through that door and all of this – her marriage, Trina, Stella, all of it – can be laid at the feet of Drew Cain.

Carly says, Willow may be an idiot, but she’s not. Drew can threaten her all he wants, but she’s not impressed. He says, no? and she says, no. He says, maybe she should talk to the Ashfords about their sweet aunt Stella and how he was able to dismantle her entire life with a few phone calls. Maybe then she’d be impressed. She says, he’s unbelievable. He’s proud of that? Going after Stella, of all people. What the hell is wrong with him? He says, what he did to Stella was nothing. Just the onset, a gentle preview of what he’s going to do to Michael if she doesn’t play ball. She says, okay. He made the wrong threat to the wrong person. If he ever tries to hurt Michael again, she’s going to stop him. He asks what she’s going to do. Sic Jason on him? She says she doesn’t need Jason. Mess with Michael and mess with her family, she’ll kill him herself. Elizabeth overhears.

On Tuesday, Trina tells Kai that he can help save her mother; Michael tells Kristina that Willow has to live with the consequences of her choices; and Willow tells Chase that she found a way to get her kids back.

GH is preempted on Monday.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-is-preempted-on-labor-day/

🧼 All the Soap News Fit to Print…

Never, ever, ever think you have an online relationship with a celebrity and they need your money.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/deepfake-video-of-general-hospitals-steve-burton-costs-woman-her-life-savings/

A refresher course in Ric.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-infamous-panic-room-tale-when-ric-was-the-captor-not-the-captive/

What goes around…

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-ric-hostage-twist-its-a-reverse-panic-room-says-rick-hearst-exclusive/

I can’t decide whether this is cool or just weird.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/tristan-rogers-to-make-surprise-appearance-on-young-and-restless-as-colin-following-his-death-at-79/

This is definitely cool.

https://ew.com/young-and-the-restless-casts-roger-howarth-11799845

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

For whatever reason, maybe alcohol, Kyle was back to yapping about slipping it to one of the guests. He worked Fraser’s last nerve, and in Fraser’s interview, he said he loved Kyle, but wouldn’t be putting his neck on the line for him anymore. Back-to-back charters, one wanting a Kentucky Derby theme, with a primary who is pre-mastectomy. After f***ing up royally, Jess told Captain Kerry that the whole cancer thing was causing her not to have her head in the game. He gave her a hug, which I thought was sweet and thoughtful. Solene continued to not comprehend that you have to work when you’re at work, and I don’t comprehend how she’s still employed. Maybe Fraser is as tired as I am of having to learn new names. The St. David Derby involved hats and stick ponies.

The Real Housewives Of Orange County

Emily had a Persian New Year Polygraph Party, and she said it would be a pivotal night for this group. Apparently so. Tamra slunk back in – no surprise there – but the polygraph test showed Katie to be a lying liar who lies about everything, including her shoe size. After she got the Game of Thrones shame treatment, she was kicked to the curb. Gina and Gretchen met with Kiki Monique, the blogger Katie had allegedly spoken to, and it was Gene the Machine’s 96th birthday. Shannon took him out for lunch where he was serenaded with Happy Birthday from a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. Oh, and Fancy Pants has a downstairs apartment for family time and a penthouse for sexy time. Nice!

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/did-katie-make-up-the-real-housewives-of-orange-county-roofie-rumor/

The Real Housewives Of Miami

I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to this one this week. In a nutshell, it was pretty dresses, fabulous hair ornaments, and Stephanie schooling us on Jetiquette. And of course, arguments.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/rhom-recap-stephanies-private-jet-completely-breaks-the-housewives/

Random Reality Items

Returns on September 16th, with a super-sized episode no less.

https://parade.com/tv/the-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-season-6

Returns on October 5th, also super-sized.

As long as Bravo is paying, why complain?

There seem to be no end to the perks of getting cheated on by Sandoval. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Maybe she googled him.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Paper Girls. Amazon Prime. Season 1. I really enjoyed this series about a group of girls who are surprised to end up in the future (for them, 1988, probably so we can have a good soundtrack). A time traveling mystery ensues, the girls meet their future selves, and find out their fortunes both good and bad. While I’d recommend it, I should have checked before watching whether it was a one-off, especially since Prime is known to be a tease, canceling shows after one season. Sadly, this was one of them.

https://readysteadycut.com/2022/07/29/review-paper-girls-season-1-amazon-original-series/

Apparently, the theory is that the series adaption wasn’t faithful enough to the graphic novels, even though creator Brian K. Vaughan was involved. Not having read the source material – and I probably won’t, since graphic novels are very pricey and don’t last as long as traditional novels – I didn’t care, so I’m doubly pissed about it being canceled.

https://www.cbr.com/paper-girls-brian-k-vaughn-adaptation/

The Monkey. Hulu. (Also on Prime, but it’ll cost you.) As Hal (Theo James) says: It’s a bad monkey. It’s a bad, magic, killer monkey. And it is. Twins Hal and Chip acquire a toy monkey – but don’t call it a toy – left behind by the pilot father who abandoned them. Turning the key prompts the monkey to play the drums, as well as cause death and disaster. I’m not sure exactly what I expected, but it wasn’t this, and I mean that in a positive way. It was actually quite good. Gruesome as hell, with a dark sense of humor, and an unsurprising surprise ending. Theo James is also incredible as the twins.

https://movieweb.com/stephen-king-the-monkey-hulu-streaming-chart-horror/

Hollywood Demons. Hulu, HBO/MAX, et al. A six-part series. I’ve only watched the first two so far – Stephen Collins, America’s Dad and Child Stars Gone Violent – but I’ll be back to finish. I enjoy an exposé. I’ve never seen Seventh Heaven, but I was familiar with who Stephen Collins was and it was a complete shock to find out he was a creeper. It’s not so much of a surprise to see child stars gone bad. While many of us suffer disappointments in life and don’t go off the deep end, admittedly, child actors have a unique set of problems. Hopefully by now their rights are more closely protected.

https://people.com/hollywood-demons-docuseries-id-pulls-back-glamorous-curtain-fame-11690832

https://people.com/stephen-collins-accuser-speaks-out-id-hollywood-demons-11701410

Episode list.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36041664/episodes/

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

While I love so many of today’s shows, it’s insane how short the seasons are and how long in between them. That being said, I’m looking forward to this one.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-trailer-robert-house

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-release-window-teaser-images-plot-cast

📺 Watch From the Past…

Apparently, it was the place to be.

https://ew.com/weirdest-star-trek-cameos-of-the-1990s-11772466

I watched a couple of seasons of this, but then drifted away. Some of it was demeaning, but on the other side, many of the contestants were petulant and whiney. It always baffled me when they were told they were getting a haircut or color change and they’d totally freak out. That’s show biz, kids.

https://ew.com/americas-next-top-model-winners-where-are-they-now-11792796

🐾 Strange But True…

🐕 Queen Elizabeth would have been pleased.

https://people.com/hundreds-corgis-compete-at-international-competition-11797031

🐈‍⬛ I wouldn’t bet my life choices on it, but it’s still pretty cool, and a sweet rescue story.

https://people.com/black-cat-rescue-goes-viral-for-hidden-talent-of-tarot-readings-exclusive-11788963

🦏 I bet my dogs could make the team.

https://people.com/sniffer-dogs-may-have-found-lost-critically-endangered-sumatran-rhinos-indonesia-11796169

🐻 And stay out! This dog is not having it. Canines, don’t try this at home.

https://people.com/pomeranian-chases-bear-out-of-house-in-viral-tiktok-exclusive-11791334

🐦 Quotes of the Week

Today stretches ahead of you waiting to be shaped. You are the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to you. – Steve Maraboli

You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals. – Booker T. Washington

I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him. – Galileo Galilei

My responsibility to myself, my neighbors, my family and the human family is to try to tell the truth. – Toni Cade Bambara

Summer has always been good to me, even the bittersweet end, with the slanted yellow light. – Paul Monette

The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity. – Amelia Earhart

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. – Mark Twain

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them. – Ernest Hemingway

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

The wise warrior avoids the battle.Sun Tzu

I cannot listen to you anymore with that bad tan. – Jennifer Tarazona to Elise Benson, 90 Day: Hunt for Love Tell-All

🍃 All Too Short a Date…

Until next week, stay safe; stay enjoying the last long weekend of the summer, but don’t drink and drive; and stay remembering that ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s just ignorance.

June 27, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Daisy’s Christening Day, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Dead Coming Up, New Squid, Bite Me, Above & Beyond, Octrain Of Quotes & Banner

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Carly talked to Michael in the MetroCourt Garden about Daisy’s christening, but he wasn’t paying attention. She asked what was going on, and he said welcoming a new family member felt cruel to Willow.

Nina said Willow had just gotten divorced, but Willow said she’d just lost her kids. Marrying Drew would help her get them back.

In his office, Martin told Drew that he’d alerted the media. Tracy had caved and they had her where they wanted her.

Brook found Tracy in the solarium and told her that there was so much she wanted to say to Gio, but she was giving him space. Tracy said Gio would come to her when he was ready. She wanted to run something by Brook, and Brook asked if she was hiding a body. Tracy said, not yet. She’d received an offer from Drew and had agreed to his terms. She needed to decide if she should go through with it.

Kai went to the gallery and told Trina that he’d taken Drew up on his offer and accepted the internship.

Portia sat down in the locker room and Isaiah came out in a towel.

Curtis came out of pool, and Jordan said she was shocked to find him there in the middle of the day. How would Aurora survive without him chained to his desk? He said, through the magic of cellphones. What was the point in working in a building that had a rooftop pool if he didn’t take advantage of it once in a while?

Carly said it was up to Michael and Sasha, but his beautiful baby girl was something to celebrate, and he shouldn’t feel guilty about the christening. He’d fought for his parental rights and the judge decided the children were better off with him full time. She was relieved. He said he was too, but was having a hard time getting past Willow falling apart in court. Carly said they’d been in love a long time and that didn’t go away overnight, but he said it wasn’t just that. Willow loved the kids and was still their mother, and he wanted her to be when she was ready and healthy. The real problem was Drew.

Willow said she and Michael had gotten married when they wanted to fight Nelle, and Nina said, so it was just a legal tactic, but Willow said this was different. She and Michael weren’t in love the first time they got married. She and Drew were in love and intended to stay married. They were telling the truth. Nina said, they knew that, but the judge wouldn’t.

Jordan told Curtis that the job with Sidwell gave her a bump in salary, so she could afford something bigger. Plus, to maintain her cover, she had to commit to the part. Anyone in her position would upgrade their living situation.

Isaiah told Portia that he was sorry. He didn’t realize anyone was in here. She said she needed a minute after pulling a 15-hour shift. She was trying to work up the energy and wherewithal to go home and couldn’t find it.

Trina said she thought was turning down the move to DC, and Kai said he did turn it down. He didn’t want to leave Port Charles or her, but Drew said the position had flexibility and Drew would make it work for him. Drew was letting him work in Port Charles. He might go to DC one in a while, but he definitely wasn’t moving there. Trina said she was happy he was staying, and he said him too. He asked if she was okay about him taking the internship. He wanted her to be honest. She said she didn’t trust Drew and thought working for him would be Kai’s biggest mistake.

Drew told Martin that this was the second best thing that happened to him all day, and Martin wondered what could possibly be better. Drew said Willow agreed to marry him, and Martin said he’d offer congratulations, but he and matrimony were no longer speaking. It was a smart strategy for the custody fight. Drew said what was different was that he loved Willow and looked forward to her sharing his last name – Quartermaine.

Tracy told Brook about the press conference and said if she dropped the cease and desist preventing Drew from using the name, he would refuse to cooperate with the authorities and the ketamine charges would go away. Brook asked what the problem was, and Tracy said, her pride. It was telling her to let this ridiculous case go forward. Force them to prove it. Brook said, could they? and Tracy said, of course (🍷) not. She didn’t drug Drew. Brook said, normally she’d tell Tracy to fight to the end, but it was a matter of public record that she’d framed Alexis. She could lose even though she didn’t do it. Drew was a complete sleaze, and he was offering her an offramp. She may just need to swallow her pride and take it.

Isaiah said Portia was Co-Chief of Staff. Why was she working a long shift? She said someone had to cover for Dr. Park in the ER and she volunteered. He said he apologized if he was overstepping, but was she possibly taking on too much? She said she was actively avoiding going home, and he said if things were tough there and at home, she needed a distraction and to not think of either.

Curtis said Jordan was good at making a believable cover, and she said there were so many life-or-death situations where he had her back and helped her. He said he knew she had his back, and they reminisced about a drug operation where they sat in his busted-up car in the August heat with no air conditioning. Jordan said, if only his employees knew their polished CEO once sat in a sweatbox, and Curtis said he remembered the chase. Then the look on his face when he realized he’d been played. Jordan said, that almost made it worth it.

Nina said if Willow married Drew, it would look like they were working the system. The judge saw how devastated Willow was. She’d think they only married to change that. Willow said they wouldn’t be, and Nina said, they knew that, but had to make sure no decisions seemed irresponsible or reckless. Willow said Martin had advised them to get married. He’d said it was a good strategy. Nina said, it might be, but Willow didn’t have to do it right away.

Michael told Carly that he and Willow had no chance to solve their problems. If Drew had backed off, who knew what could have happened? Carly said, Drew was family. They were close and he trusted Drew. Then Drew betrayed him in the worst possible way. Michael said, then Drew played mind games with his son, making Wiley think he didn’t want him. It was despicable. What kind of man did that? She said, someone with no moral compass. At least for now, Willow was blind to it. Michael said that was going to change.

Kai asked if Trina’s parents couldn’t keep their grudge with Drew between them, and she said they happened to be people she loved and who mattered to her. He said he got they had a bad experience, but Drew had been nothing but good to him, and she said she he was, but she had to question Drew’s motives. Kai asked if it wasn’t possible Drew saw something in him. She had. It was an amazing opportunity to explore politics on a national level without leaving Port Charles. She said she didn’t know he was interested in politics, and he said all he’d thought about was football. Now his future was wide open. It intrigued him. He liked helping people and serving the community. He wanted to see where it went. Maybe he’d pursue it long term or maybe not, but he did know he was hoping that working with someone she didn’t like wouldn’t come between them.

Brook asked if Tracy was that worried about Drew calling himself a Quartermaine, and Tracy said it did. The name meant something, and he didn’t deserve the name or the respect that went with it. Brook said Drew would never get what he really wanted – their acceptance. He’d never actually be one of them. Monica wouldn’t even let him into the house. If he needed a name change to drop the charges, give it to him. Tracy said she’d face the humiliation that came with the deal she made with the devil, but Brook said she wouldn’t be doing it alone, and took Tracy’s hand.

Isaiah said Portia would be no good to her patients if she ran herself into the ground. If she wasn’t going to get sleep, at least have some fun. Portia said she didn’t remember what fun was like, and Isaiah said they’d have to change that. It was a beautiful day, and they were going to go have fun.

Carly said Michael was legally able to get the kids away from Drew, and he said if Willow had any chance of being in their lives, Drew had to be taken out of the equation. Carly said she’d even teamed up with Nina, but nothing would shake Drew’s hold on Willow, but he said that was before she lost her kids. She painted Drew as her hero, but he was the real reason she’d lost her children. If she was forced to see that, maybe it would finally be enough for her to walk away for good.

Nina said it was fine if Willow and Drew wanted to get married, but they had to convince the judge it was a real marriage, not just a legal strategy. There should be no rush. No city hall. No Vegas. An actual wedding that was planned. Willow said she’d have to wait longer to see her kids, but Nina said there had been no visitation hearing yet. Willow said if they got married by the time the hearing was scheduled, it would improve her chances, but Nina said rash decision making wasn’t going to help her get her kids back.

Jordan said, afterward, she and Curtis had sat on the roof of his car, and he said they celebrated finally nailing Hoffman. She said the breeze from the water cooled them off. She remembers it being the best feeling ever. He said, because it was.

Kai said he appreciated that Trina was worried, but he was making a choice based on his experiences and could handle himself. He didn’t have to like someone to learn from them. Trina said, but he liked Drew, and he said he did. Maybe Drew would give him a reason not to, but that was a lesson he had to learn for himself. It was an amazing opportunity, and he was going to take it. His phone dinged and he said he had to go to a press conference for Drew. He’d call her later. As he left, she called him back and kissed him. She said she didn’t have to agree with him to be on his side. He had this. He thanked her and kissed her.

Brook met Chase at the press conference, and Tracy said she appreciated the support, but Brook didn’t have to notify the family to witness her public humiliation. Brook said she was Tracy’s moral support and Chase was hers. Chase said he was here support Tracy too, and Tracy said she’d been through worse, when Martin came in.

Curtis said, it was a long time ago, and Jordan said things were a lot different. He said he was proud of them. They’d come a long way. She said she just got a glimpse of the guy she used to know, when Portia came in with Isaiah. Curtis’s phone rang, and he said it was Trina. Trina asked if he could come by the gallery.

Portia told Isaiah that her workaholic husband made time to spend at the pool with Jordan, and he said maybe they had the same idea they did. Portia said they weren’t co-workers and didn’t need to decompress. They used to be married. Did he think they’re behavior was appropriate? He said he didn’t think he was the person to ask. He wasn’t impartial. He and Jordan used to date.

Willow said getting married could be the only way to get her kids back, and Nina asked if Drew was pushing her, but she said, not at all. Nina suggested she tell Drew that she wanted more time to plan. As her mother, she’d love to give Willow the wedding she’d dreamed of. They could plan it together. Willow said she’d already told Drew that she’d marry him, but she’d think about the rest of what Nina said. She had to go. Nina told her to call if she needed to talk, and Willow left.

Carly says she wants Drew out of Willow’s life almost as much as Michael does, but she may never leave Drew. Was he willing to keep the children out of her life for good if that was the case? He said Drew wouldn’t be part of Wiley and Amelia’s life. It was non-negotiable.

Martin told the press that Congressman Quartermaine was going to address the charges against his aunt, Tracy Quartermaine. There was nothing more important to him than family, honesty, and loyalty. Brook wondered if Tracy would go through with it, and Chase said Tracy had the means, motive, and opportunity. Brook said Tracy’s colorful past didn’t help, but if Tracy had wanted to drug Drew, she wouldn’t have met him in a public place and kept the evidence in her car. She’d already been caught framing someone and wouldn’t let herself get caught again. He said it was an interesting and perfectly logical defense.

Drew said, it didn’t have to go this way. Tracy could have cooperated. Tracy said he was so proud himself for winning. Gloat wasn’t a good color on him. He said, nor on her, although she’d worn it many times. Now that the shoe was on the other foot, he guesses it was proof they were related. He left and she said, think again.

Isaiah told Portia that he and Jordan’s relationship was brief. It got complicated and she wanted to step back. Portia said she could guess why, and he said this wasn’t helping her unwind. Maybe they should go. She said, absolutely not, and he said he’d wanted to help her relax, not add to her tension. She said it hadn’t. Curtis didn’t even notice she was here. Clearly, he was focused on something else.

At the press conference, Drew told Kai, when it was over, they could go back to what was important, making the constituents happy. His aunt made a grave error in judgement and when she acknowledged that, he could put the incident behind him and move forward. Kai flashed back to hearing Curtis talk about paying Jacinda off to say Drew took the ketamine on purpose, and Drew said he’d see Kai after the press conference.

Nina said she needed to talk to Carly. Carly needed to get through to Michael. If she didn’t, Willow was going to marry Drew.

Michael found Willow in the solarium and told her that the kids weren’t there. She said Yuri told her and although she’d love to see them, she came to see him.

Trina told Curtis that Kai accepted a position as Drew’s congressional intern, and he said he was sorry. There were better people for Kai to work and learn from, but don’t let the tension affect their relationship. Kai was a good guy and Trina seemed happy with him. Don’t let this stop that between them. Trina said she knew Curtis was trying to find the escort and bring her back, but she didn’t understand how it would protect her mom. He said it was complicated and to leave it alone, but she said she couldn’t. What kind of trouble was her mom in?

Portia said she couldn’t fix the situation until she knew what she was dealing with, when Isaiah’s phone rang. He said he needed to take it and when he left, Portia went over to Jordan. She said she was sorry to interrupt. Jordan must be exhausted from entertaining her husband all afternoon.

Carly said she felt awful about Willow, and Nina said she’d be legally entitled to visitation sooner or later. Carly said they’d deal with it them, and Nina said both kids were at an impressionable age. Drew would be a potential role model and a huge influence. The only way to change that would be for Michael to compromise now. Carly needed to convince him to allow Willow to see the kids and get a court order as soon as possible and make sure it’s just Willow, not Drew. Carly said she didn’t think it was possible, and Nina said if Willow saw the kids, she could pry her away from Drew. Carly had the power to get Michael to allow Willow to see the children.

Michael asked how Willow was feeling, and she said, better. She was so shocked. It hit her all at once and she didn’t know how to handle it. He said it was a surprise to him too, and she said the process was horrible. She didn’t want another court fight. Wiley and Amelia loved and needed them both, and they needed to set a good example. Michael agreed, and she said that’s why she wasn’t hiding anything anymore.  Their lack of honesty was what got them into trouble in the first place. She and Drew were getting married.

Drew addressed the press and said he knew his family was a fractious group and Tracy Angelica Quartermaine’s questionable judgement was legendary. As a family, they’d decided it didn’t make sense to waste taxpayer money and clog the court with a personal mattery. His aunt fully regretted her actions that led to her arrest and was pleased to make a public announcement. The Quartermaine family would settle the dispute in house, and he’d no longer cooperate with the investigation involving his aunt and strongly encouraged them to drop the charges. Now his aunt would like to address them herself.

Tracy took the podium and said she’d like to read a few prepared remarks. With regard to the reckless and reprehensible accusations she’d levied against her beloved and honorable nephew, Congressman Drew Quar… After trying several times, she said she couldn’t do it. She had to tell the truth. Drew took the drugs, then planted them in her car. He caused embarrassment and disgrace to the family when he destroyed his nephew’s marriage and should be thrown out of office the same way his stepmother threw him out of the Quartermaine mansion.

Tuesday:

Jason met Sonny at Sonny’s house. Sonny said Turner thought she was sending him to prison, but didn’t know her star witness was about to disappear.

Sidwell invited Lucy to lunch at the MetroCourt Garden, and said his son would be joining them.

Jordan said she didn’t know what Portia was implying, and Portia said she saw Jordan and Curtis by the pool, smiling and laughing. Jordan said reminiscing about old times? and Portia asked if she meant during their marriage. Jordan said Portia needed to have a conversation with Curtis, but Portia said Curtis wasn’t the problem. Jordan was.

Trina told Curtis about Kai overhearing him and Portia talking about Jacinda. She asked if Portia was in trouble and did Drew have something to do with it. Kai was working with Drew, and she needed him to tell her what was going on.

Tracy tried to call Drew Congressman Quartermaine, but couldn’t do it. She said she had to tell the truth. Drew took the drugs, then planted some in her car to embarrass and disgrace her. Just ask her nephew about that. He should be thrown out of office the same way his stepmother threw him out of the Quartermaine mansion. Martin suggested Brook take Tracy home. She was either having a stroke or sundowning.

Nina said Carly had to convince Michael to give Willow visitation. It was the only way to stop her from marrying Drew. Carly said Nina had plenty of chances to do that and nothing had worked. Why was this time different?

Michael said he and Willow married to get custody of Wiley from Nelle. Did she think it was going to help her this time? She said she loved Drew and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and Michael said if she married Drew, he’d make sure she never saw the kids again.

Jason said Natalia’s house was set up along with the guards, and Sonny said if she brought over the incriminating records, she’d be off to Belize. Jason said he had eyes on her just in case, but had one concern. What if Natalia already told Sidwell everything she knew?

Sidwell, Marco, and Lucy talked about Sidwell’s house in Dubai, and Sidwell said he’d tried to swing a substantial sale Lucy’s way, but it fell through. She asked if he was talking about Windymere, but he said, no. Sonny’s piers. Sonny considered his offer, but decided not to take it. Que sera sera. Lucy said, don’t give up yet. Perhaps she could still make it happen.

Nina said if Michael agreed to a generous visitation schedule, there was no way Willow would pass it up, even if Drew couldn’t go. Eventually, Willow would see that she didn’t need Drew’s help to have the kids in her life, and it would be the beginning of the end of their relationship. Carly said Drew was still calling the shots. There was no way he’d let Willow agree when it didn’t include him.

Willow said Michael won custody, but once she and Drew were married, the judge would revisit it and give her at least partial custody. Michael said he wasn’t being cruel, but after her meltdown, he didn’t think that would happen. He’d exercise every bit of his power to protect his kids. She said he didn’t have to protect them from her, but he said as long as she was with Drew, it wasn’t healthy for them. It was his opinion and the judge’s too. She said Willow’s relationship with Drew was the reason she’d lost. If they got married, she would seal her fate. She said he was just trying to bully her into dumping Drew. He was scared she was going to win and when she did, she’d try to have more compassion than he had for her.

Tracy said she was no fool, and on the side, Kai said he wanted to get Drew out of there, out of the line of fire and away from the cameras. Martin said Tracy blew her chance to stay out of prison with her insolent behavior. If there was any doubt about her guilt, there wasn’t now. She said his client got caught acting like a frat boy on spring break and was trying to cover his ass, planting the ketamine to frame her. From the audience, Cody said she was dead wrong about that.

Lucy said perhaps she could get Sonny to reconsider, but Sidwell said he’d declined before. She said circumstances had changed and she thought she’d pay him a visit right now. Sidwell called her an angel, and hugged her.

Sonny told Jason that he’d considered the possibility of Natalia leaking information to Sidwell, but from what he’d seen, she couldn’t stand Sidwell. The animosity ran deep and Sidwell would make plans to come after him even if Natalia was gone. He wasn’t the type to take no for an answer.

Portia said she’d seen Jordan begging for Curtis’s attention before, when Isaiah came back. Portia said Jordan found excuses to seek Curtis out, but Jordan said they had business dealings, and they were still family. Curtis was TJ’s uncle. And they were friends. Portia was projecting and what she’d described was how she chipped away at Jordan’s marriage to Curtis. Portia asked if it was pay back, and Jordan said if they were having a problem, it wasn’t on her. Portia asked, who said they were having problems? and Jordan said something wasn’t right or Portia wouldn’t be confronting her. Portia said Jordan had been fawning over Curtis and it was embarrassing, and Jordan said Portia was the one causing a scene because she felt insecure. It had nothing to do with her. If Portia’s marriage was on the rocks, Jordan was guessing she only had herself to blame. Grabbing a drink from nearby, Portia threw it on Jordan.

Cutis said Trina’s mother was in a tough position with very negative consequences if it wasn’t handled, and Trina asked how she could help. He said she couldn’t. They were handling it. She asked if he was tracking down Jacinda, and he said, yes. She asked if he was going to ask her to lie, but he said, the less she knew, the better. She said she understood he wanted to protect her but thought he was making a big mistake. She could help.

Tracy said she gave Cody a roof over his head and a job. This was how he repaid her? Brook told Chase that Cody despised Drew, and Chase asked why he was doing this. Brook said she had no idea. Martin announced that Cody was the son of the PCPD Chief of Police Mac Scorpio and worked for Tracy. It was courageous for him to speak out against his employer. Cody said he wasn’t a supporter of Drew’s and didn’t vote for him, but he couldn’t stand by and see him be accused of something he didn’t do. Cody was in charge of the horses, and Hades was their prize show horse. Before the Hampton Classic, Hades needed a minor medical procedure, and he had to help by getting an anesthetic. His truck wouldn’t start so he borrowed Tracy’s car. In addition to supplies, he picked up ketamine and must have left a vial in Tracy’s car. That meant the congressman didn’t frame her and Miss Quartermaine didn’t drug the congressman. She was innocent.

Curtis said he appreciated Trina’s concern, but her mom was in this situation because of him. Drew had been gunning for him and got to him through Trina’s mother. He was the target, not her, and he didn’t want Trina involved. They were capable people, and she had to trust him. Trina asked him to promise to tell her if it got worse, and he promised, but told her, in the meantime, don’t discuss it with anyone. She promised that she and Kai wouldn’t tell anyone.  

Jordan asked what was wrong with Portia, and Isaiah told Portia to come with him. As she left, Portia warned Jordan to stay out of her marriage. Isaiah hustled her out and asked if she felt better. Portia said, not really. This wasn’t her, but she had to deal with this once and for all. Her phone rang and she said now was her chance.

Nina told Carly that she’d deal with Drew, but needed Michael to work with her. Do it for their grandchildren. They loved and needed to see their mother. It would also help Willow deal with the trauma. Carly said she wasn’t unsympathetic, but hadn’t forgotten what Willow put the children through. She couldn’t stop Willow from marrying Drew; no one could. Nina would have to figure out another way. Carly left.

Jason said too bad Sidwell wasn’t legit. Sonny selling him the piers would solve all their problems. Sonny said, leaving Port Charles in Sidwell’s hands was a huge mistake, and Jason said they couldn’t tie him to the explosion or exonerate him. There was too much uncertainty, and they should prepare for blowback. There was a knock at the door, and Jason opened it to Lucy carrying a basket of oranges. She said she was hoping to have a tête-à-tête with Sonny, and Jason said he had to get going. He left and Lucy said they needed to talk about Sonny’s piers.

Outside, Jason’s phone rang. Nina asked if there was any chance he could meet her at the MetroCourt.

Michael said he’d tried to be compassionate, but Willow said he was unreasonable. She’d flown to Germany to see if they could work something out, and he refused to see her. He asked where she was getting that. No one told him that she was there. She said she spoke to the receptionist, who’d conferred with him and said he didn’t want to see her. He said, that never happened. It must have been a mistake. Willow said the mistake was hers thinking it was possible to be amicable, but he said it made no sense. She said he couldn’t stand it that she chose Drew over him, and he was holding it against her, keeping the children from her as punishment for falling in love with another man. He said he’d never use the children to punish her, but he would protect him from Drew, who was a destructive, manipulative fraud. She insisted Drew was none of those things. He respected her enough to tell her the truth, and he said Drew lied to her and she lied to herself. Willow said Drew treated her as an equal, and he said she wouldn’t stop living in her warped fantasy life. She said he was used to getting his way, but not this time. She was going to marry Drew, and she was going to get her children back.

Martin asked why Cody hadn’t stepped up before now, and Cody said he didn’t watch the news. There was so much sadness out there. He didn’t realize he’d left the ketamine in the car until it was time for the procedure. The full truth was he didn’t ask to borrow Tracy’s car and was worried she’d be upset if she found out. Martin said, more than facing charges that would send her to prison? and Cody said he didn’t realize how far it had gone. When he found out what happened, he had to say something. Martin asked how much Tracy was paying him, and Cody said he had the receipt, pulling it out of his pocket and reading, Dr. Jane Thomas, DVM. Martin said that didn’t prove a damn thing. It could have been doctored. Tracy grabbed the receipt and said she’d take it to an expert to prove it wasn’t. It was going right to her lawyer. Martin made a grab for it and fell off the stage.

Sonny asked if Sidwell sent Lucy over, but she said, no. She thought he needed to reconsider Sidwell’s offer. It wasn’t about the commission, but about being his friend and getting him out of a politically sticky situation. Measure C made a mess for him and Laura. Why turn down Sidwell? Sonny said, because he was a bad guy, and Lucy asked if he realized he was already in business with Sidwell through Deception. He said it wasn’t his decision, and she said the stock was soaring. It would be that much better if Sidwell owned the piers to operate his import business. He said, minerals and God knows what else, and she said in the spirit of cooperation and friendship, what could she do to make it happen?

Marco wondered if Sidwell thought Lucy could get Sonny to change his mind, and Sidwell said it was a long shot, but she was very persuasive. He hoped she succeeded so he didn’t have to resort to more drastic measures… Just kidding. Marco said he didn’t think Sonny would be an impediment for much longer.

Nina told Jason that Drew was engaged to her daughter, and she needed to make sure they didn’t make it to the altar. He asked how he could help, and she said she pitched a plan to Carly to get Michael on board, but Carly turned her down. She was desperate and Michael valued his opinion. He asked, what was her plan? and she said she wanted Michael to let Willow see the kids – without Drew. It would give Willow less reason to marry Drew and give her wiggle room to get Willow to postpone the wedding. If she got really lucky, she could convince Willow to dump Drew altogether. He said, it could work, and she asked if that meant he’d talk to Michael. Willow approached and asked, what’s going on here?

Carly told Michael that she’d talked to Nina and Nina told her that Willow and Drew were getting married. He said he knew. Willow was just there. She was convinced it would help her win back custody. Carly said, Nina thought if he allowed Willow visitation without Drew, it would take away her incentive to get married. Eventually, she could be pried away from Drew, and he’d be out of the picture for good. In the end, that’s what he wanted, right?

Portia said she was at the pool when Curtis called, and he said they must have missed each other. She said, they didn’t. She saw him with Jordan and thought they needed to have a conversation about that. He said they needed to discuss Trina. She knew Portia was in trouble, and knew it was because of Drew.

Martin was helped up, and Drew said he thought it best to bring the conference to an end. He thanked everyone for their time and patience, but Tracy said, before they left, there was something Drew might want to say to the good people of Port Charles. Drew said it seemed his dear Aunt Tracy had been exonerated, and he couldn’t tell them how relieved he was to know she wasn’t the one who drugged him. But rest assured he’d be working closely with the PCPD to find the real culprit. Tracy said he didn’t have to look far. Just look in the mirror. She laughed.

Jordan said she was glad Isaiah was still there, and he asked if she was okay. She said it was unexpected, but she was fine, and she thanked him for intervening. She didn’t know why Portia flew off the handle. He said he saw her with Curtis too. Was she seriously trying to say there was nothing to worry about?

Portia said they should have been more careful and asked if Curtis thought Kai told Drew what he heard. Curtis said, Trina told him that Kai wouldn’t, and he had a hard time believing Kai would do anything to hurt their family or Trina. He wanted to make sure Trina didn’t get tangled up in this. She asked if Trina knew what Drew was holding over her head, but Curtis said she had no idea Portia doctored Heather Webber’s test results. Portia said, if she did, she’d probably blame herself, and he agreed. They had to make sure to stop Drew. She said it didn’t seem possible, but he said he had some good news.

Michael said he thought Willow would come to her senses, but he was wrong and so were Carly and Nina. Today he knew Willow was incapable of realizing that her and Drew’s relationship was harming the kids. It was why she lost custody, and she couldn’t or wouldn’t see it. Ultimately, it didn’t matter because the impact on the kids was the same. Carly asked, what was his plan? and Michael said he’d ask Diane to delay the visitation hearing, but when it happened, Willow would get nothing. Keeping the kids from their mother broke his heart, but he couldn’t allow Drew to be part of their lives.

Drew said if Martin hadn’t been focused on revenge, he would have seen what Tracy was planning and stop it before she made fools of them. Martin said he could do damage control with the press, but Drew said he’d done enough. Martin said he was going to the hospital to get his back checked, and Drew said Martin’s retainer was all he was getting.  

Chase said, that was quite a speech, and Cody said it was the truth. Chase asked if he really had the receipt, and Cody said he’d have to check. He wasn’t so good at keeping records.  

Brook said, that was wild. Cody rode in to rescue Tracy. Tracy said she was relieved to be cleared.

Sonny said Lucy was a savvy businesswoman and savvy enough to know not to get involved in the situation. Lucy said he was judging Sidwell by his reputation, not his actions, but he said he trusted his sources. She said she also trusted hers and thanked him for hearing her out. She hoped she hadn’t imposed on their friendship. He said, not at all, especially when she brought him delicious oranges. They ate one.

Sidwell asked why Sonny wouldn’t be a problem. Did Marco know something? Marco told him that he’d said as much as he could say, and Sidwell said he hoped Marco was right. He preferred not to get his hands dirty, but if it was the only option to eradicate Sonny from Port Charles, so be it.

Jordan said nothing was going on, and Isaiah asked if it was completely innocent… It wasn’t his business anymore. She said she was sorry it didn’t work out, and he said him too. He saw that Sidwell wasn’t the only problem. Her ex-husband was too. She said that wasn’t true, but he said, deep down, she knew it was. If not, she was in for a rude awakening.

Curtis told Portia that Felicia had a lead on Jacinda. She was in Sydney, He didn’t know her exact location, but he would within 48 hours. Portia said, maybe the nightmare would be over soon, and Curtis said if he could convince Jacinda to come back and publicly state that Drew hired her for a wild night of sex and drugs, he’d be too busy to focus on imploding Portia’s career.

Tracy asked if Brook didn’t think Cody would lie, and Brook said she wasn’t judging, but it was clever. Tracy said, it was Michael’s idea. A real Quartermaine knows how to get things done.

Drew told Kai that he’d have to call off the wedding. He couldn’t be the reason Willow lost her kids. Kai asked if he thought it was a possibility, and Drew said it seemed everyone was against them. Kai said there was something he should know. Curtis Ashford planned to find the escort and bring her back to say Drew knowingly abused drugs. He should prepare for increased scrutiny. (I said, no, no, no, no, no, through the whole thing.)

Willow asked if Michael sent Jason to intimidate her and her mom, and Jason said she was making a mistake. She said he was wrong about his brother. Drew was a good man, and she couldn’t wait to be his wife. Together, they were going to get her kids back. He said, if that’s what she wanted to do, that was her choice, and left.

Michael said he hated separating the kids from their mom, but it was for their own good, and Carly said she’d been where he was. She was convinced keeping him from AJ was the right thing, but he didn’t thank her for that decision. His kids might not thank him and might very well resent him. He said he had to do it anyway and live with the consequences.

Wednesday:

Gio instructed Rocco and Danny on working at the pool. Danny was on water and Rocco on towels. Rocco told Danny that his mom took his photo like it was his first day at school. From a chaise lounge, Lulu waved to Rocco.

At the Quartermaines, Marco gave Lulu two birth certificates for Rocco, telling her how, 7 months later, it was altered to Rocco Falconari. Dante walked in.

Kristina went to Alexis’s office and Alexis said she’d seen Elizabeth. Martin was pushing her to sue the car company. She wasn’t interested and Alexis thought she didn’t suspect Kristina’s involvement. Kristina said Elizabeth didn’t suspect, she knew. Lucky told her.

At the gallery, Ava gave Laura an invitation to the Joel Sartore opening, but Laura said her calendar was overflowing. If she couldn’t make it, could she pass the tickets on to Elizabeth?

Ric came into the hospital, and Elizabeth said she was busy, but he said he was there to see a potential client.

Martin told Lucas that his back was still killing him. Lucas examined him and Martin said it was all Tracy Quartermaine’s fault.

Tracy looked at her phone and laughed, when Cody walked in. He said he knew how much she enjoyed watching Martin fall ass over teakettle, and she thanked him. She knew the minute she told him to shut up, Martin would insist he speak. She was trying to make a GIF of Drew’s face the minute he realized she’d won, but she’d ask Leo to do it later. They needed to discuss his payment. He said he didn’t want her money.

At Sonny’s, he asked what Natalia’s answer was, but she said she didn’t know. He was asking her to give up her life. He said, for a whole new beautiful, comfortable life in Belize. They were running out of time. What was her answer?

Rocco asked what Lulu was doing there, and she said she was just another guest. She asked if he remembered his social security number and if he thanked Carly, while she straightened his shirt. Danny told Gio that Rocco was so embarrassed. if his mom was here… she’d do the same thing. Gio said, so would his.

Brook told Dante that they were wrapping up and said she’d let Marco know when she made a decision. Marco left, and Dante said he assumed Chase told Brook what happened. She said, yeah. He could hold what he wanted against her, but Chase was just protecting her. He said he didn’t want to hear it, and she asked if he wanted to yell at her again. He said he didn’t. Talking to Chase made him realize it wasn’t getting him anywhere. In order to reach Gio, they had to work together.

Cody told Tracy that Drew was such an ass, he was happy to take him down a peg or two. She’d been framed and he was glad to help. She was a great boss, and it was the best job he’d had. She said Hades loved him and she found him more than tolerable. She thanked him.

Kristina said Lucky didn’t mention the blackmail to Elizabeth. Just that he helped cover it up. She had the right to turn Kristina in, but wasn’t going to. Alexis said Elizabeth must know Lucky could be charged as an accessory after the fact, but Kristina said, Lucky was headed to Africa, but Elizabeth knew it would hurt Alexis and Molly. Alexis said Kristina’s plan to break up Ava and Ric needed to stop.

Ava said, of course (🍷), and Laura said Elizabeth loved art and now that she had her cast off, she probably wanted to get out. Ava said she was happy Elizabeth was feeling better, and asked if Laura wanted a sneak peek at Joel’s new book. She sipped at a drink, and Laura said not her too with the dragonberry juice. Ava said Ric got her hooked on it, and Laura said he and Elizabeth were drinking it when she stopped by.  

Elizabeth asked Lucas if Laura knew Martin was in the hospital, but he said he wasn’t sure. She said she’d do the honors, and he said he’d noticed Ric was around, but she said he was there for a potential client. Lucas pointed out that Ric had dropped by every day since Lucky left, and she asked if he thought she was leading Ric on.  

Sonny said the longer Natalia stalled, Turner would pull the deal and prosecute her. He couldn’t let her give Turner anything that incriminated him. Natalia handed him the key to her safe deposit box and said, everything was in it. Her life was in his hands.

Ava said Ric had been working nonstop, and Laura said, now that the Corinthos case was settled, he’d have more time. Laura’s phone rang and she stepped away to take the call. It was Elizabeth.

Kristina said, as long as Ric and Ava were in it together, they’d drain the Cassadine estate dry, and Alexis would get caught for embezzlement. Alexis said she wouldn’t leave Elizabeth in Ric’s crosshairs, but Kristina said, she already was. If anyone could handle Ric, she could. Alexis said Elizabeth had a soft spot for Ric and she’d take him back. They should tell her about the blackmail. Kristina said, if they did, she’d confront Ric before she kicked him out of her life. Then he’d retaliate by sending her to prison. They were in this too deep and couldn’t say anything.

Cody told Tracy that he didn’t like taking money to help a friend.

Martin said he was going to sue Tracy for emotional and physical distress and the damage would go up with every spasm, but Ric said Martin had lunged at the paper, lost his balance, and fell. Martin said Tracy goaded him. How about a nuisance suit? She’d pay them to go away. Ric said Tracy was too vindictive to settle and he’d need a retainer of $15K. Martin said he couldn’t afford it. He wasn’t even sure he could pay his deductible. Ric said, forget Tracy. Take care of his back.

Lucas said Elizabeth was friendly toward Ric, but he was seeing Ava. Why did she seem bothered? She said there were certain things she liked about Ric, but hadn’t forgotten the terrible things. She wasn’t going back to him and Ric knew that. Unless he saw what he wanted to see. Lucas said it was hard seeing the good in people that others didn’t, and she asked if he meant Brad. He said they all made choices, and he’d decided when he had enough.

Dante said he wasn’t ready to forgive Chase or Brook, but didn’t want to prevent a relationship with Gio now. Brook said she wanted that too and was sorry Gio was so mad at Dante. She gave Gio up. It wasn’t Dante’s choice. Dante said she’d had a good relationship with Gio before. On the other hand, he’d come down hard on Gio when Rocco passed out. He regretted it and it made it harder for Gio to trust him. She said they were in the same boat. What should they do?

Sonny said he knew Marco negotiated for Natalia and asked what the timeline was. She said, Monday, and he said she’d be long gone by then. She couldn’t tell Marco that she was leaving. If Turner found out she was going to run, Turner would arrest her. Natalia said she wouldn’t be able to come back, and he said, no contact with friends or family. Belize was beautiful, especially if you had money, and she’d be safe. She’d be in a beautiful, luxury home on the beach. She asked if he would still be in contact with her, and he said, yeah. He owed her a debt and took it seriously. (If she doesn’t want to go, I will.)

Cody met Kristina and said he assumed she wanted an Ava update. She asked how it was going, and he said she couldn’t expect instant results. If he came on too strong, Ava would get suspicious. She told him to include Lucky leaving the country in his next conversation, and he asked, why? She said Ric was infatuated with Elizabeth and Ava was aware of it. She was guessing that Ric didn’t tell Ava about Lucky, and it would make her insecure and more receptive to his advances. Cody said if Ric was into Elizabeth, wasn’t his job done?

Elizabeth said she was sorry she’d assumed Ric was there to see her, and he said she could make it up to him by letting him buy her coffee – or dragonberry juice. She said she would have guessed he had plans with Ava, but he said, not tonight. Ava was swamped with a big show coming up at the gallery.

Brook told Drew that Gio was fair. They should let him set the pace and not crowd him. Eventually, he’d be ready to hear them out. When he was ready to listen, they’d prove they wanted a relationship, one on one and as his parents. Dante asked, what happened if Gio was never ready?  

Lulu asked how Rocco and Danny were doing, and Gio said it was their first day, but he thought they’d get the hang of it – Danny dropped a towel – eventually. Lulu asked how Gio was doing, and he said, just fine.

Alexis asked if Eliabeth had a minute to talk in private, and she said, sure. Lucas’s phone rang, and Marco asked if he wanted to meet for a drink at the MetroCourt pool when he was done. They could watch the sunset. Lucas said he’d love to. He was guessing from Marco’s tone, his mom’s legal troubles had cleared up, hypothetically, and Marco said, hypothetically, the interim DA was tough, but he negotiated, and a tentative agreement was in place. He was glad it was over.

Sonny said Natalia had kept his heart condition a secret and made sure he got the help he needed. She came to him when Turner offered her a deal. She said she was sorry she let Turner think there was a deal worth making, and he said she was there for his daughter when she’d had an accident. She was also there for Kristina in court. These were the little things he didn’t forget, and he’d make sure she was taken care of. She thanked him and said he had no idea how grateful she was. She was excited about the new life he was offering. He said loyalty meant everything to him and he wouldn’t abandon her.

Laura asked what Martin had done to himself, and he said he’d had a bad fall and was stuck there overnight. He didn’t want to be a burden. She said he was her brother. She loved him and he’d never be a burden. He said he’d wanted to get his own place, but couldn’t work, and she told him not to worry. He’d need an overnight bag, so text her a list of things she needed to bring back. She left, and he said, Tracy Quartermaine is going to pay for this one.

Tracy met Lulu at the pool, and said there was a pool at the house, but Lulu said, that pool didn’t employ Rocco. It was his first day. Tracy thought it was cute that Lulu was spying on Rocco, but Lulu said she wasn’t spying, and Tracy laughed. Gio asked Danny what he was doing, and Danny said, refolding the towel. Gio said they couldn’t reuse the towels, but Danny said, the guy barely touched it. Gio said, any towel they picked up should be put in the bin. Lulu said it looked like Gio would have the big brother thing down if he gave it a chance, and Tracy told her to just be grateful they were getting along. He was still mad at Brook, and she hoped he got over it soon.

Dante told Brook that they couldn’t give Gio so much space that he’d question if they cared. They had to do something to show him. She said they couldn’t force a relationship on him, and he said there was so much he didn’t know about Gio. Now he felt like he’d never get to know him. Brook said he would. Between her, Dante, her mom, and her grandma, they’d get through to him. Dante said they were a tough group to ignore forever. She was right. They had to be patient, but it was hard. He’d missed so much already.

Cody asked if Molly would be okay if Ric and Elizabeth got back together, and Kristina said, Molly would love that, but Elizabeth wasn’t interested. Until Ric knew he had a sure thing, he’d settled for Ava, but Ava… Cody said, is no one’s consolation prize, and Kristina said, if there was a break-up, it would be Ava breaking up with Ric. They had to get Ava to see that she had better options than Ric.

On the phone, Ava said she’d lost an antique watch. She knew she had it the day Ric went to Beecher’s Corners to work a case. Could they tell her the date?… Her mistake. Thanks. She flashed back to Ric telling her that he’d made it back so quickly because he had a fast car and knew a shortcut. In the present, she said he was a lying liar.

Marco asked if Lucas was working at GH when Britt was Chief of Staff, and Lucas said he was. Britt was best friends with his ex, Brad. Why? Marco said he came across her name whole working on a case. He’d see Lucas at the pool. Lucas said they’d start at the pool and see where the night took them.

Alexis said she didn’t realize Kristina and Elizabeth had talked, and thanked Elizabeth for not going to the police even though she had every right. She didn’t take what Kristina had done lightly. She’d spent her life pursuing justice, and now she was covering up Kristina’s crime. Elizabeth said, of course (🍷) she was. Kristina was her daughter. Alexis said she couldn’t let Kristina go to prison even though she deserved it.  

Lulu thanked Rocco for the excellent service, and Tracy said, the service was fine, tipping him. Danny and Rocco high-fived and Gio said they were free to go. Rocco asked if they could go in the pool, but Gio said employees didn’t get to swim. Swim at the Quartermaines. Danny said what if he tripped and fell into Rocco, and Rocco said, and as he was falling, he pulled Danny in? Tracy blew a whistle and said she’d give them a ride home. She’d had enough fun in the sun.

Cody saw blank walls in the gallery and asked, what happened? Was this art? Ava said, no. She was making room for an exhibit. He saw a freestanding sculpture and asked if that was art. She said it was abstract and meant to be touched. They both ran their hands over it, when Ava’s phone rang. She said, that’s not right. They booked months ago… She was sorry too. Cody asked if she was okay, and she said, not really. That was the guy who normally hung the art exhibits. He had a family emergency and wasn’t coming.  She had nothing on the walls for the exhibit. Cody said he was good with a hammer and nails.

Elizabeth said Lucky told her that Kristina thought it was Ava’s car, and she was horrified, and Alexis said so was she. Elizabeth said she knew Kristina had been struggling since she lost the baby and Sam. Anyone would have snapped. She thought Kristina made a terrible mistake. She gave into her impulses, and she knew Kristina regretted it. Alexis said that was generous. She thought Kristina was aware of the severity of what she’d done, but she was wondering if she was seeing what she wanted to. Elizabeth said she didn’t think so. After talking to Kristina, she thought Kristina understood. It was one reason why she agreed to stay silent.

Sonny asked when Natalia was supposed to meet with Turner, and she said, Friday afternoon. He said by the time the meeting rolled around, she’d be on a beach, sipping a Mai Tai and thinking about her future. She thanked him and said she’d be ready. She needed him to know how important their relationship was to her, and he said it was to him too. She said she was sorry she’d compromised it not telling him that Jenz was her ex. He blindsided her and she froze. No matter how he sold himself, he was a dangerous man. Marco wasn’t. Sonny needed to know Marco wasn’t like Jenz. Her attitude drove Marco toward his dad, but he wasn’t a criminal like his father. Remember that. Sonny said as long as Marco was only Sidwell’s lawyer, there was no problem.

Ava said, hanging the art was harder than it seemed. She couldn’t ask Cody. Cody said he was offering. She would have to point and occasionally cheer him on, and not hit him with anything when he got too close to the art. Serenity, where he grew up, was huge and had a lot of art. He wasn’t allowed near it, but sometimes there was a piece he’d have to look at. If he leaned in, the housekeeper would slap him. Ava said, that was terrible, and he said, those days were long gone. He’d be on his best behavior and be careful. No slapping or fighting. Ava asked if he did that often, and he said, the last person he hit was the mayor’s son, but in his defense, he was drunk. Ava said, he hit Lucky? but he told her that it wouldn’t be a problem. He didn’t get drunk anymore and Lucky was out of the country.

Elizabeth told Alexis that Ric knew how she felt about Lucky and they hadn’t been killed. She thought it best to move on and she had. So had Ric. The accident was a wake-up call. Ric seemed lighter. Ric heard them and ducked around the corner.

Natalia went to Miller & Davis, and Marco asked if she wanted to go over the deal. Natalia said the message was clear, but she wasn’t there as his client. She was there as his mother.

Dante saw Lulu at the pool, and she told him that Rocco’s shift was over. He said, too bad. It looked like they both had the same idea.

Kristina was sitting in a lounge chair, when Lucas came in. She asked if he wanted to join her, and he said he was meeting Marco, but was happy to keep her company in the meantime. She asked if things were going well, and he said, very well.

Dante saw Gio and said, got a minute?

Brook was looking at the birth certificate, when Danny and Rocco walked in. Rocco asked if she was working, and she said, yeah. She was busy with a very important project.  

Deanna went into Martin’s room, and he said he hoped she brought dinner. He was starving. She said they had a bit of a problem. She was sorry, but apparently, his insurance lapsed. He was no longer covered.

Sonny went to see Laura and she asked, what’s going on? He said he wanted to tell her in person that he wouldn’t be selling the piers to Sidwell. She said she couldn’t tell him how relieved she was to hear him say that. Sidwell was an evil man. The last thing she wanted was for him to get a foothold in Port Charles. Sonny said that’s why he turned Sidwell down. He wants to take over the city, but that ain’t gonna happen. He knew Sidwell acted like a legitimate businessman, but he’d seen how Sidwell operated. Laura said, so had she, Lucky, Anna, and Jason. Sonny said, not to start anything, but violence was coming to Port Charles and they had to figure out a way to stop it.

Thursday:

Sasha put Daisy in her crib as she talked about the christening.

Brook was looking at the Rocco folder when Rocco and Danny came in. Danny said they almost got kicked out, and Brook asked what they did. Jason came in and told them to quit bugging Brook.

Gio told Dante that he was still on duty, and Dante said he had tickets to the Port Charles Philharmonic series. He asked if Gio would like to check it out with him. He, Gio, Rocco, and Charlotte could make a night out of it.

At the pool, Lucas told Lulu that he was meeting Marco, and she said she was happy that he was happy, but how close was Marco with his father?

Marco said he wasn’t interested in talking to Natalia outside of the case, and she said even if he never acknowledged her as his mother, she gave birth to him and nothing changed that. Not even if they never spoke or laid eyes on each other again. He asked what that was supposed to mean.

Sidwell looked at photos of Sonny’s family members, when Boyle came in griping about being summoned to Spoon Island. He asked what was with the photos, and Sidwell said Sonny’s family was his obvious weakness. Their negotiations broke down and it made him upset.

Carly went to Sonny’s and said she had bad news about the christening. Sonny said he thought the reception was at her place, but she said Monica wanted to go, so it was easier to have it there. He said there was something he needed to fill her in on.

Sidwell told Boyle that Sonny turned him down, so he had to give Sonny incentive to sell. The people of Port Charles had to be reminded there was a menacing thug in their midst. Boyle said he wanted no part of it, but Sidwell said he was paying for Boyle’s campaign and didn’t care what he wanted. He’d do what Sidwell deemed necessary, smile, and say thank you.  

Lucas said he understood Marco and his father were close, and Lulu asked if he wasn’t concerned. He said, not really. He appreciated her concern, but they were two completely different people. Marco wasn’t his father. She said it would be good to know how tight they were. Were they just emotionally tight or criminally tight too?

Natalia said it may be the last time she and Marco saw each other, and he said she was leaving the country, wasn’t she?

Dante told Gio that he didn’t know much about classical music, but the first chair violinist was one of the best in the country. Did he want to check it out? Gio flashed back to smashing his violin and said music wasn’t his thing at the moment. Dante said, maybe some other time. He had a subscription and Gio could take who he wanted to. Let him know.

Jason asked how the pool was, and Brook said it was still standing. Danny said Gio wouldn’t let them go for a swim, and Jason said they had a pool there. Rocco told him, that’s what Gio said, and Danny said, nothing happened, and Tracy drove them home. The boys left, and Jason asked if Brook was good. She said she was up to her neck in Deception, and Jason said he had to talk to the boys and see how much money he owed Carly.

Sasha told Daisy, sleep well, my little ray of sunshine. She turned out the light and left.

Felicia was waiting in the nook and asked Sasha how it was going. Sasha said it was wonderfully exhausting and everything she’d ever dreamed of. She thanked Felicia for coming, and Felicia said she figured it had something to do with the christening and last-minute errands. Sasha said it was something more important. Felicia had been supportive, encouraging, and loving, Sasha’s ultimate safe space. It would mean so much to her if Felicia would be Daisy’s godmother.

Danny and Rocco told Jason about the day, and Rocco said Gio was a drag. They wanted a quick swim. Danny said it wasn’t like Carly would care, when Dante came in. He said the staff being in the pool would make them look entitled unprofessional. They didn’t want to be those guys. The boys left and Jason thanked Dante. He said he thought it was going to be good for Danny to work, and Dante said Rocco too. Did Jason have a minute? Jason asked, what’s up? and Dante said he realized he had the wrong take on Jason.

Lucas told Lulu that he assumed Marco and Sidwell’s relationship was similar to Sonny and Dante’s. They loved each other, but chose to keep Sonny’s extracurricular activities out of it. Lulu said Sidwell didn’t strike her as having the same code or boundaries, but Lucas said Marco promised he had nothing to do with his father’s business and had given him no reason not to trust that. Lulu said she didn’t, but she was going off what she knew about Marco’s father, and Lucas said, totally fair. Imagine if Charlotte was judged solely on who her father was. She said, well played, and he said, score. She said she just wanted him to be careful, and he said his eyes were open. Maybe he and Marco crossed wires. He was going to go. Lulu said, if Marco showed up, she’d tell him that he just missed Lucas, and Lucas left.

Natalia said she was leaving the country and Marco never had to deal with her again ever. He asked where she was going, and she asked what difference it made. She was starting a new life somewhere else. He wondered how she arranged it. Sonny, right? She said, yes.

Sonny told Carly that Sidwell had offered to buy his piers. The offer looked good on paper, but he couldn’t hand over unchecked power. He knew Sidwell wasn’t a fan of the word no and wouldn’t give up. Carly asked how long Sidwell had been trying. How were they sure he wasn’t responsible for the fire in the penthouse, or the assassination attempt in LA? Sidwell could be a threat to their family.

A drunk guy told Lulu that he liked her hat, calling her blondie. He asked if he could buy her a drink. She said she was good, and the guy sat down. He said the Mai Tais were insane, and Gio asked if Lulu was okay. The guy said he was trying to convince her to have Mai Tai and loosen up. How about a swim? Gio said the pool was closed and the lady would like him to move along, but the guy said he and blondie were good. Lulu said if he called her blondie once more time, she swore… Gio said he was going to tell security the guy was harassing her, and the guy said they were real buzzkills. He’d go swimming on his own. Gio repeated that the pool was closed. Get out. The guy left, and Lulu thanked Gio for the assist, when they heard a splash.

Brook looked at Rocco’s folder and flashed back to Lulu saying she’d never lie to her children or keep huge life altering secrets from them. Brook called Deception and asked Mona to print out the March financials. She’d pick them up from the office. She put the folders on her desk and left.

Sonny told Carly that he, Brick, and Jason had been looking into it, but so far nothing tied Sidwell to the bombing or assassination attempt. Then again, nothing exonerated him either. Carly asked how they knew he wasn’t a genius at covering his tracks, and Sonny said he was keeping his guard up. Sidwell had it easy getting what he wanted in Port Charles. Carly said he was invested in Deception, had underwritten the Nurses Ball, and scooped up Windymere, but Sonny said Sidwell wasn’t going to take anything from him.

Marco asked when Natalia went to Sonny, and she said before she’d come to him. He said Sonny was going to kill her, but she said that wasn’t who Sonny was. He said Sonny was a mobster, but she said he wouldn’t hurt her. They were friends… more than that. He’d promised to take care of her. He appreciated she’d been there for him a lot. He said she was blowing the deal and now her best outcome was to go to prison where they could keep her safe, but she said she and Sonny were leaving together. He said Sonny’s entire family and business were there. He wasn’t going anywhere. She said, not permanently, but she was starting a new life in a new country and Sonny would be part of it. He’d promised to provide for her. He said Sonny was going to kill her. He’d negotiated a deal she’d had no intention of honoring. He could be on the hook and go to prison. Lucas came in and asked if he was okay.

Felicia said she’d be honored to be Daisy’s godmother. Was Michael… Sasha said she was certain Michael was in full agreement. Felicia was a steadying presence and a true friend. Felicia said they were family, and Sasha said she felt that. Her mom and Robert were gone, and she was grateful. Other than her grandmother, she’d had no consistent mother figure. Felicia had a maternal way with her gentle guidance and open acceptance. She let people find their own way and she wanted that for her daughter. Felicia suggested they make it official, raised her hand, and said she accepted the role as Daisy’s godmother. They hugged.  

Daisy cried and someone came into the room, their shadow looming over her.

Natalia said she’d let Marco fill Lucas in. She wasn’t dealing with him when he behaved like this. Marco said he tried. If she left, the rest was on her. If she walked out, she was no longer his client or his mother. She was officially nothing to him. She said she already was and left. Marco said he had to call the police, but Lucas said, don’t do that.

Carly asked Sonny, what about Natalia? She was Sidwell’s ex and knew he’d had heart surgery. What if she’d tipped Sidwell off? Sonny said, let him worry about that. Natalia wasn’t going to be a problem for him or anyone in their family.

Dante said he thought Danny ran wild because Jason was too busy with Sonny to see what Danny was doing and what Danny thought he needed. Jason said he knew Danny needed space, and Dante said balance began there. They couldn’t hold on too tight. That’s not how it operated with Rocco, and he had to be patient with Gio. Let him call the shots. He was sorry he was so dismissive and critical of the way Jason parented his son. He apologized. Jason said, no problem. Apology accepted.  

Sasha suggested she make tea and found she’d put the milk in the cupboard instead of the fridge. Baby brain was real. Felicia asked how it was going with the Quartermaines, and Sasha said it had been great. Michael was an amazing father and Wiley and Amelia were so cute with the baby. They wanted to help with her, and she loved it. Felicia asked about Sasha’s parents, and Sasha said Robert video called every morning at 10 am Eastern time. He had to see Daisy. Felicia said, what about Holly?

Daisy was now in a different onesie, and the mystery person left. (I wondered now if it was Holly.)

Sasha said Holly was a work in progress, and Felicia said, weren’t they all? Sasha said they’d come a long way to build a relationship, and Felicia said her relationship with Maxie hadn’t always been good. She made some big mistakes, and it took a lot of time and effort and a lot of forgiveness to overcome it. It didn’t happen overnight. Sasha said Holly had been lovely. She’d sent a gift and they’d been texting. Now that she was a mother with a daughter, she looked at some of Holly’s choices differently and thought Holly did the best she could in the best way she knew how. Holly was what she was, and Sasha was starting to see she did what she could. Felicia said nothing taught you humility faster than parenthood. Everything you knew about your parents probably deserved a second look, as well as things you knew about yourself. They heard Daisy crying on the monitor, and Felicia said she was going home to rethink her outfit.  

A man told Gio that the guest was escorted off the property and sent home in a cab. It wasn’t the first incident, so he was no longer welcome at the MetroCourt. Gio had done an excellent job getting him out of the pool. He told Lulu, sorry for the inconvenience, but Lulu said she was fine and praised Gio. The man left, and Lulu said, part of her wanted to let him drown. Brook came in, but stayed behind a partition, listening. Lulu asked what the rule was about dangling your feet in the water, and Gio said he’d let her. She asked if he wanted to join her, and he said, why not? They sat laughing and talking as Brook watched.

Danny said he was going to bury Rocco at poker, when he saw the folders on Brook’s desk. Rocco said Brook told them that was private. Should he be looking at it? Danny noticed Rocco’s name.

Lucas said it was just them, and Marco said Lucas didn’t understand. He needed to get his mom arrested. Lucas said he’d mentioned Sonny, and Marco said his mom had evidence against Sonny that she was supposed to turn over to ADA Turner, but she already gave it to Sonny. Sonny convinced her that he’d protect her, and in her mind, she was moving to another country to live with Sonny. Lucas said that made no sense. Sonny had too many ties to Port Charles. Marco told Lucas, that’s what he’d said. She was supposed to turn everything in on Monday at 11 am, but she wouldn’t be there. Now he was left holding the bag. Lucas said he couldn’t bring the police in. He couldn’t be the reason his own mother went to prison.

Sidwell was looking at the photos again, when he heard Natalia coming in. She said she and Marco just got in a huge fight. Marco never wanted to see her again. He asked, whose fault was that?

Lulu and Gio talked and laughed, and Lulu said she was glad Gio was here for the boys. She had the feeling they needed him. Gio said he was glad Danny and Rocco weren’t there when the drunk was bothering her. They would have tackled him into the pool. Lulu said they didn’t need to. The Mai Tai idiot did it on his own. She thought they handled it pretty well. He said if she hadn’t thrown him the floating device, the guy would have dragged him down too. She said they made a pretty good team, and he said, they sure did. They high-fived and Brook looked pained.

Jason said he was sorry for what Dante was going through with Gio, but Dante said what happened wasn’t on Jason. Jason said Dante wasn’t responsible for what he didn’t know. Gio was a smart and good kid. Dante had to trust him to figure it out. Dante said he didn’t know what Gio would want from him or even what he had to offer, and he didn’t think Gio would accept it if he did.

Danny said it was about Rocco. See for himself. He handed Rocco the folder.

Marco said either Natalia went to prison, or he did, or she died, but Lucas said he didn’t know as Sonny would kill her. Marco negotiated in good faith with the ADA. It wasn’t on him if his mother ran for it. Marco said it was a total nightmare, and Lucas said the only people who knew the truth about Natalia’s plans were Sonny, Natalia, Marco, and him. He wasn’t going to say a word. No one else ever needed to know. Marco said Lucas would keep his secret? and Lucas said he would.

Sonny said they should be grateful Michael was home safe with the kids and happy, and Carly said, and their newest adorable surprise granddaughter. It was wild all the family Daisy brought together. Daisy was a Spencer, a Corinthos, a Quartermaine, and a Scorpio. Sonny said, God help her, and Carly said she was going to get so much love.

Sasha goes to Daisy’s room and says Daisy is lying in the wrong direction. She always puts Daisy facing the door. And her onesie was yellow. Did daddy change her? Why would he do that?

Natalia says she should have known she wouldn’t find compassion. Sidwell turned her son against her a long time ago. He says she did that all on her own, for not accepting Marco for who he was – a remarkable man. So whatever hole she found herself in this time, don’t expect him to dig her out. Natalia said she didn’t, but she needed him to promise something. He said he loved Marco; prove it. Keep Marco out of his disgusting business. They both knew Sidwell had his hands covered in blood. Don’t doom their son to the same fate. She left and he took out the photos one more time. He looked at Sonny, then slammed the envelope down. He went out onto the turret in the rain and looked out over the city.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Josslyn greets Michael at the Quartermaines and says they’re having a christening in his baby’s honor. She’s so excited, but admits she didn’t see it coming. He says, no one did at first. It wasn’t exactly planned. She says, you can’t plan for a baby as cute as Daisy. They’ll all be putty in her little hands. He says, Daisy was what his heart needed, but he didn’t realize until Sasha told him. Josslyn says she’s happy for him, and he says he’s happy for him too. She says, he’s home where he belongs, and he says, finally. She asks why he wanted to meet here instead of the church, and he says he wanted the chanced to explain why she’s not Daisy’s godmother.

Felicia says she’s excited. She can only imagine how Sasha is feeling. Sasha says she’s pretty excited too, and Felicia says, a christening is a big deal. It’s an honor to be Daisy’s godmother. Sasha says, when she was growing up, there was no big family, just her and her grandmother most of the time. Thanks to Felicia, Maxie, and Mac, Daisy will have the kind of life she didn’t have. She loves Felicia. Felicia says she loves Sasha too, but why did Sasha make everyone think Jason was Daisy’s father the whole time?

Carly says, Jason looks perfect (FYI, in a suit), and he thanks her. She says, Michael would have probably asked him to be Daisy’s godfather, but Sasha did it first. Michael didn’t have to ask. He says he’s honored, but he was surprised. She says, in the first place, he really stood up as Daisy’s father when no one knew who was. Sasha would have been alone except for him. They must have a genuine bond. He says, they do, and she says, it’s fitting that now he gets to watch over Michael’s daughter like he watched over Michael.

Natalia thanks Brook for coming over. She wanted to speak with Brook privately. Brook asks, what’s going on? and Natalia says, it’s the last thing Brook wants to hear. Deception is in trouble.

Turner shows up at Sonny’s place, and he says, hi, Justine. To what does he owe the visit? She says, for the record, they’re not on a first name basis, and he asks if he should call his lawyer. She says, he might if his attorney can explain why he sent her this. She indicates a box in her hands.

On the phone, Anna says, then get another judge to sign off because she needs the warrant today… Yes, today today… Thank you. She tells Jordan, sorry. Signing off is supposed to be the easy part. Jordan says, don’t apologize. She knows how it works in this office. Anna asks if Jordan put any more thought into what she should do about Curtis, and Jordan says she doesn’t know what’s happening between them, but whatever it is, Portia has a big problem with it.

Portia goes to Curtis’s office and says he must have gotten an early start this morning. She didn’t see him at home. He says he had work he needed to take care of, and she says she understands. she was hoping they could talk. He says, now is not a good time today, but she says she needs to know one thing. Is he helping her with Drew to save their marriage or is he using getting her out of trouble as an excuse to leave her once and for all?

Sasha tells Felicia that there was so much strife swirling around Michael, she didn’t want her child dragged into any part of what was going on around him. Felicia says, being a mother means making hard choices and putting your child first. Sasha was already thinking like Daisy’s mom before she was even born. Another way to be a mom is allowing the family to spoil her daughter. That reminds her. She and Yuri took all the gifts to the nursery. Sasha says, gifts? Plural? Felicia says, Sasha has no idea, and Sasha says she’ll remind Daisy again and again how lucky she is – how lucky they are – to be part of the Scorpio family. Cody stands at the door with a giant stuffed elephant and asks if that includes them.  

Sonny asks, what’s in the box? and Turner asks if he’s really going to pretend he doesn’t know. He says he doesn’t have to pretend. Sorry to burst her bubble. She says, it’s a baseball glove, gorgeous, very expensive. Some of the nicest leather she’s ever seen. He says, whoever sent it was doing her a favor judging by the sad, ugly glove she showed him the other day. She could definitely use it. She says, giving gifts to a public official is a risky move. If it’s seen as a bribe, it’s a felony. He says, is that so? She says, it is, but a squeaky-clean guy like him would never cross that line, would he?

Josslyn says she would make the best godmother the world had ever seen, and Michael says, no doubt, but he and Sasha agreed in the beginning that she would make all the decisions when it came to raising the baby. Josslyn asks if he supports that, and he says, 100%. She decided on Jason and Felicia. Josslyn says she can’t be mad at that. They’re amazing options. She knows firsthand that Jason is the best godfather one could have. Michael says Jason promised to be there for Daisy, just like he was there for him and for Josslyn, and she says, when Michael was in Germany, she couldn’t help feeling the heart of the family was missing. He really is their anchor. He says, speaking of his time away, it sounds like she and mom kept busy. Mom is dating the spy from Christmas dinner and Josslyn went to Easter Island and is now assisting a professor in his research. She needs to tell him everything, like now.  

At the church Jason says, Carly and Michael didn’t make it easy, but it was an honor to watch over them. Carly says she looks back at that time and she’s like, how did I do that? How could she leave her newborn? But she was able to do it because of him. If Michael was with him, she knew he’d be okay. Jason says, and he was, and she says, more than okay. He took care of everything, even Michael’s christening. By the time she walked into the church, her son had a name. He says, two of his favorites – Sonny and Mike. He can still hear Edward yelling, over my dead body! when they announced it. She says, only the Quartermaines would crash a christening, and he says, they had to. They weren’t invited. She says, Edward was so mad. Wow. But not today. There will be no uninvited crashers today.  

Brook tells Natalia that she blew off Tracy’s concerns about Sonny’s investment because she did her due diligence. The money was clean. It was from an account Sonny put aside for the record label. Natalia says, that money was clean, but it was a second follow-up transaction from a different account. If she’d scrutinized it in time, she’d have caught it. Brook asks if Sonny knew, but Natalia says, he had no idea. His finance team handled it. Brook says, Sonny would never do something like that, and Natalia agrees and says, it was a huge clerical error. Brook says, an error that could cost Deception its reputation, and Natalia says, it could, but there are some things they can do to protect the company. Have Sonny divest for safety and optics. There’s also a chance it may never come out. Brook asks if Natalia thinks they need to avoid a scandal, and Natalia says she doesn’t know, but she thought Brook deserved to know regardless. Brook says she appreciates that, but why come forward now?

Anna says, so Portia, General Hospital’s Chief of Staff, threw a drink on Jordan? and Jordan says, Co-Chief and yes. Portia threw a glass of iced tea on her. Anna says, wow, and Jordan says, and she caused a total scene, which is her way. Anna says, good Lord. Talk about overreacting. Jordan says, it’s just Portia’s M.O. in general, but if she’s being honest, she’s not so sure Portia was. She and Curtis do have a connection that runs deep, and she’ll always carry a torch for him. She doesn’t think that will ever change. Anna says, it’s a struggle, carrying a torch for another woman’s husband, one that you still love or have feelings for. It’s kind of brutal, especially when they’ve moved on. Jordan says, that’s the thing. They were reminiscing by the pool yesterday and she started feeling like maybe he felt the same way. Anna says, in spite of what Jordan felt in her head, she knew he was married, and Jordan says, that’s why she asked to stop by Anna’s office. She wishes she could have settled the conflict between her head and her heart before she walked through the door. Anna says she knows where Jordan’s heart is. Where is her head at? Jordan says she’s not the kind of woman to get involved in someone else’s relationship. If she did, she couldn’t respect herself and it would mean she didn’t learn anything from the pain she felt when her marriage fell apart, and she did. Even if Portia is being petty, she could never do to Portia and her marriage what Portia did to hers.

Curtis says, all he can concentrate on right now is getting free of Drew and any leverage he has over Portia. Whatever’s happening between them is lower on the list. Portia says she needs him to move it up. She can’t sit in limbo forever, waiting for him to decide whether their marriage is worth fighting for. He says he understands, and she says, maybe he has a lot going on right now or maybe he’s not ready to fight for their marriage, but she is. He says, if they dive into this right here, right now, she’s not going to like what he has to say, and she says she may not like it, but she wants to hear it. She needs to hear it. He says, okay. He admits that Drew wouldn’t have gone after her had he and Drew not fallen out. She says she’s proud of him standing up to Drew and refusing to be taken advantage of, and he says, right. He appreciates that, but they wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for her lies. After everything that happened with Trina, she promised him that things would be different. She’d always tell him the truth. She knows better than anyone that secrets ruined his marriage to Jordan. Yet here they are, questioning their future together for the exact same reason. Portia hurt him and betrayed him. His mind is blown that she’d be so foolish to put their family in this situation again. She says, wow. She’s glad she’s finally hearing what he’s thinking. He was right. She didn’t like it, but she needed to hear it. Now he needs to hear what she has to say.

Sasha says, of course (🍷) she and Daisy are happy to have Cody and his friend as part of the family, and he says, good to hear, because it could go either way on any given day. But actually, this isn’t his friend. To be honest, he intercepted the delivery guy. There’s a card. Sasha reads: Wishing you and Daisy a life filled with love and happiness. Love, Mom and Dad. She says, it’s so sweet, but it’s a little weird to read mom and dad. Felicia asks if Robert and Holly mentioned anything about visiting, but Sasha says, not yet. But she’s bombarding them with photos and videos. Mostly Robert. She and Holly don’t communicate as much, but she wants Daisy to know both of her grandparents. They hear Daisy cry on the monitor, and Felicia asks if she can get her. Sasha says, sure, and Felicia leaves. Sasha asks if Cody wants to hold the baby, but he says, Daisy is still pretty new. Let her grandparents and cousins break her in before he attempts anything. She says, if he’s sure, and he says he is. She seems happy. She says she is, and he says, that wasn’t the most convincing response. She says, sorry. Everything is fine. He says he knows her. If it’s not, she has to tell him. Seriously, what’s wrong? She says she doesn’t know. Something really weird is going on around here and it has to do with Daisy.

Josslyn says, when Michael has a few hours to spare, they can go to lunch or something and she’ll fill him in on everything he missed when he was gone. He said they’ll definitely go, and she says, he’s definitely paying. He says he missed her, and she says she missed him. So did the kids. How is he doing back home with the kids living with him full time? He says he’s adjusting. They both love being a big brother and sister. She asks if they’re excited about the christening, and he says, yes, but he thinks they’re struggling, Wiley in particular. He asked if his mom would be there, and when he told Wiley, no, he could see the confusion all over his face. How were they having a big family event without mom being there? And it’s only going to get worse. Josslyn asks, why? and he says, because Willow and Drew are getting married.

Brook says she doesn’t understand why Natalia didn’t tell her the second she saw it, but Natalia says she wasn’t sure about it. When she was, in good conscience, she couldn’t move on and not tell Brook. Brook thanks her for telling the truth, unlike some other people in her life, and Natalia says she thinks her son probably had a little to do with her coming forward. Allison too. Brook says, how’s that? and Natalia says, when you have two kids who want to have nothing to do with you, you realize some pretty hard truths about yourself. Like maybe you need to be a better person or a better mom. She just made a lot of mistakes with Marco and Allison. She refused to see the way her children were living their lives as anything other than missed opportunities. She destroyed her family and it’s her own damn fault. Brook says, there’s still time to repair it, but Natalia says she wishes that were true, but there’s nothing left here anymore for her. A lot of pain and hurt, and she thinks Marco is better off without her here. He’s started a whole new life in Port Charles and that’s okay because she has her future wide open now waiting for her.

Sonny says, it must have been sent by a very thoughtful teammate, and Turner says, maybe, but she finds it awfully convenient that the day after they had a run-in at the park, a brand-new baseball glove appears at her door with no note, no return address, and no indication of whom it might be from. He says he doesn’t know what to tell her, and she says, only someone with expert help and motive could pull off a drop that clean. He asks if that’s all she’s got, a gut feeling and no evidence. Is that how she prosecutes all her cases? She says her instincts haven’t let her down yet, and he says, yet. That is the word that matters. She says, okay. Even if he didn’t send it, she can’t accept it. He can pass it along to one of his teammates. Kristina comes in and asks if Sonny is ready to go, when she sees Turner.  

Sasha tells Cody, Daisy is great, but there have been a few things… It started at the hospital when they brought her the wrong baby. They sorted it out, but it still shook her up pretty good. He says, of course (🍷) it did, and she says, then, the first night they were home, the mobile over the crib was spinning. She knows it was off when she left. Then yesterday, when she put Daisy in her crib, she was wearing a yellow onesie. When she went to check on her, not only was she in a pink onesie, she was facing in the other direction. He says, Daisy can’t move around like that yet, right? and she says, no, and she can’t change her own clothes. He says, good to know. The hospital is an easy explanation, but the other stuff, there’s Michael, the nannies, and Mama Q running around. Any one of them could have done it. She says she asked. No one touched anything. He asks if she’s sure. This place is kind of like Grand Central Station. Any number of people could have gone in there and run the mobile or moved Daisy. Unless… She says, unless what? and he asks if she thinks it’s a ghost. She says, no, but it’s really unsettling, and he says he knows, but he’s sure there’s an easy and corporeal explanation for it all. He knows what happened with Liam and knows the journey she was on to get here. She has a second chance at being a mother and he promises her baby will be okay. She asks how he knows, and he says, she’s got the best mom in the world. He thinks he knows and always knew.

Josslyn tells Michael that she guesses she shouldn’t be surprised. Willow and Drew are awful people, so now they’re doing an awful thing. Michael said he was blindsided by the news, and she says she bets. She was so hard on Willow when he was gone, and mom took on Drew. They didn’t actually get anywhere, but they got a lot off their chests. It was like some weird primal scream therapy. Michael laughs and says he’s glad something good came out of it. He’s trying his best to keep the hurt and anger over his marriage out of the equation altogether and focus on what’s good. She says, yes. That’s the right thing to do. The kids love their mom. He says, they want to see her, but Willow keeps choosing Drew over them. By agreeing to marry Drew, she’s making that choice permanent. She says, Willow is going to… Willow, but she’s caused enough drama. So please don’t let it darken what should be a special day.

Carly says she wants to doublecheck security and then she’ll be good, but Jason says he and Sonny took care of that. The church is secure and has been on lockdown ever since. She says she did see quite a few guards, and he says, there are quite a few she didn’t see, so everything’s going to run smooth today. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he’s positive. After the explosion at the penthouse and the attempt on Sonny’s life in LA… She says, both unsolved, by the way, and he says, but they’re on high alert, especially at events like this. If anyone even thinks of making a move, they’ll be stopped.

Turner says, good to see Kristina again. She hasn’t seen her since the trial. How is she? Kristina says she’s okay. It got little crazy at the end when the decision came in. Turner says she remembers, and Kristina says she never got the chance to properly thank Turner for all she did. So thank you. Turner says she was happy to do what she could. It’s her job to bring criminals to justice. It looks like they have somewhere to be. She hopes they have a wonderful rest of their day. Sonny says, her too, and she leaves. Kristina says, the acting DA pays Sonny a house call? Something is going on unrelated to softball. He says, there’s nothing going on. He promises. Could she do him a favor? He left Daisy’s gift in the kitchen. Can she get it and meet him back here? She goes to the kitchen and Sonny makes a call. He says, ADA Turner was here. She’s showing too much interest for his taste, so as far as Natalia goes, there’s a change of plans.  

Anna says, if Curtis is feeling the same way Jordan does and the same pull, she’s probably right, and Jordan says, maybe it’s like Anna said. Being connected the way they are, they’ll probably always feel something. She doesn’t want to think about what that means. Portia and Curtis’s future is unclear, but she knows the issue they’re dealing with is serious. Portia’s been dishonest and kept secrets from Curtis. Anna says, kind of sounds familiar. Would it be fair to say that she and Portia are now on an even playing field? Jordan tells Anna that she can certainly say Portia’s high horse is a lot lower these days, and Anna says she thinks Jordan needs to speak with Curtis, have a proper, honest conversation about all of this. Jordan says, maybe. Curtis is important to her, and she’ll always want him in her life, but the way things are going, she doesn’t know if she can be around him anymore.

Curtis tells Portia, if she’s got something to say, let’s hear it, and Portia says she knows a little something about being hurt and betrayed too. He keeps bringing up Trina and she could have sworn they dealt with that a long time ago. Yet here he is throwing it in her face again. He knows she kept Trina’s paternity a secret from him and Taggert to protect her. That’s why this whole thing with Drew started. She wanted to protect Trina from that lunatic Heather Webber and did what she had to, what she could do, to keep Heather in prison where she belonged. She’ll always do whatever it takes to protect their daughter. She knows he wants her to say she regrets everything, but she doesn’t. He says, at least she’s finally being honest, and she says she’s so tired of living in fear of his judgement, his impossibly high standards, and needing to be right every single time they talk. She’s terrified that she’s going to try her best, but never live up to his image of the perfect woman in his head. She’s a human being. She makes mistakes. Those mistakes shouldn’t cost their relationship. They should work on them and grow from them. That’s what marriage is. He says, secrets can’t be the way married couples solve their problems. He can’t keep secrets from her. She says he didn’t tell her that he and Michael were plotting against Drew. Like he said, that’s what he did that started all this and that’s the reason Drew is coming after her right now. Drew is trying to destroy her life and everything she’s worked for because she’s Curtis’s wife. A wife he’s not sure he wants anymore. He says he regrets every day what he started with Drew, but she says, keep the regrets. She wants some understanding. He says, she has it, and she asks why he feels like what he did is different than what she did. He says, there are differences, but she says, no. There’s hypocrisy and irony because she loves him for protecting their family by any means necessary, but when she does it, he uses it as an excuse to break up their family.  

Carly greets Michael with a hug and asks, where’s Daisy and the kids? He says, Kristina is supervising a photo shoot in the garden before the ceremony, and she says, good luck. She can’t imagine anyone in that group staying still for very long. Sonny says he’s surprised Jason got her to stay still, and she says, they were having a conversation about old times, like Michael’s christening, and how important it is for them all to be together and look out for each other. Sonny says, nothing is more important than family – the family you’re born into and the family you choose along the way. As they all know, family is forever.

Looking at her laptop, Natalia says, Sonny was right about one thing. Belize is gorgeous. Is that sand really that white? That’s crazy. There’s a knock at the door, and she opens it to Paul. She asks, what’s going on? She didn’t expect him until later. He says, everything is fine. There’s just been a change in her itinerary. She’s not leaving tonight. She’s leaving now. She asks where Sonny is, and he says, at his granddaughter’s christening. She says, if he’s taking the red eye, she’ll wait and take it with him, but he says, Sonny’s not going with her. She’s going alone.

Anna looks at some papers and makes a call to Turner. She says, Commissioner Devane. Something just landed on her desk, and they need to discuss it. She needs Turner here now.

Curtis says, Portia is right about protecting Trina, but they have different ideas about what that looks like and the consequences of their different ideas look different. She says she’s apologized over and over. At some point, he has to break down and tell her how to fix this. He says he’s not sure it can be fixed, and she says, so he’s saying this is it? This is how they end after everything they’ve been through together? She understands that he’d never do to her what she’s done to him, but she’d never make him feel the way he’s making her feel. She starts to cry, and he says, she’s hurting and in pain. She says, they love each other and brought each other so much joy and so much happiness, haven’t they? Let’s just get back to that. Just tell her what to do. How they can work through this together. Tell her there’s hope. He kisses her.

 Brook comes into the church and says she ran into Sasha and Daisy outside. That baby is delicious. Carly says she plans on spoiling Daisy every chance she gets, and Brook says she thinks there’s going to be a long line of people waiting to do just that. Carly says, the more love, the better, and Brook says, always. Carly says she needs to find Father Reyes and tell him this has to be perfect, and Michael says, or they could not pressure him and just see if he’s set up for the ceremony. Carly says, we’ll see, and they leave. Brook says, good thing they’re all in the church. The father is going to need all the help he can get. Chase says, so Corinthos and Scorpio. That’s unusual parenting. Felicia says, it is, but Robert seems very happy about it. He and Holly sent a gift to the house. Chase says he’s disappointed. He’d be interested to see Sonny, Mac, and Robert stand around the baptismal font. Felicia says, Mac and Robert can’t be here, so he’ll have to let his dream go. Brook says she wants to run something by Chase, and they go to a more private spot. He asks if she’s okay, but she says, no. She has no idea how to tell Maxie. He says, tell Maxie what? and she says, Deception might be in very serious trouble.

Sonny tells Jason that ADa Turner paid him a visit today. Her reason was innocent enough, but she’s more interested in him than he’d like. Jason says he doesn’t like that, and Sonny says him neither, but it made him think getting Natalia out of town sooner rather than later was the best thing. Jason says, he moved up her flight and Paul is picking her up as they speak, and Sonny says, the last thing they want is for her to run into Turner or anybody else. Jason says, Paul is taking her straight to the airport, and Sonny says, she’s going to be put on a plane and she’s going to Belize, and this can finally be over.

Natalia says, Sonny’s not coming? and Paul says, her name has always been the only one on the manifest, but Mr. Corinthos arranged for her travel, accommodations, and security. She says, but he didn’t arrange to get himself on the plane, and Paul says, he has no reason to need to accompany her. She says, okay. Then she needs like, an hour to pack. He says, that’s fine, but she needs to hurry. He’ll let Mr. Corinthos know her ETA. Paul leaves and she closes the door and cries. She says, Sonny’s not… So there’s not… a future. There’s no new life. Just the same one somewhere else. Did she just tell herself this story? I didn’t do it without your help. Sonny, you bastard. You don’t want anything to do… What happened to not abandoning her? She cries some more and says, he doesn’t want anything to do with her. He just wants her gone. She checks the hallway, grabs her purse, and leaves.

Portia is about to return Curtis’s kiss, when he lifts her onto the desk. They hear the door open and it’s Jordan.  

Brook tells Chase that Sonny’s second investment in Deception wasn’t clean, and he asks if that wasn’t Tracy’s concern all along. She says she’s aware, and he asks how she found out. She says she saw Natalia at the MetroCourt earlier… He says he can’t talk about this, and she says, why? What does he know?

Turner asks what Anna wants to discuss that’s so important Anna had to order her into the office, and Anna says, see that? showing her a folder. It landed on her desk. It was an accident. It was intended to go to Detective Chase. The same detective Turner assigned to a case that she and Detective Falconari were excluded from. Turner asks how much she read, and Anna says, enough to know this stops now. Turner says, really? and Anna says, Turner isn’t running an investigation through her department using her officers without her. Turner says, there are reasons Anna was excluded. First and foremost, she can’t count on Anna when it comes to dealing with Sonny Corinthos. Anna says, okay. If Turner doesn’t trust her, she doesn’t end run her. Take it to internal affairs. Turner says, maybe she will.

Brook says, Sasha and Josslyn are going to bring in Wiley and Amelia, and Carly asks if Sonny is good. He says, yes, he is. He loves moments like this. The whole family under the same roof. They just don’t get enough of them. She says, no, they don’t, when Natalia strides in. Carly asks Sonny why Natalia is here.

On Monday, Portia says Curtis may not see what’s going on here, but she certainly does; Lucas tells Marco that this may be the last chance he has to reach back; Natalia says Sonny is going to get what he deserves; and there’s an explosion.

General Hospital will not be airing a new episode on July 4th.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

First the sad stuff. This still upsets me to no end.

https://extratv.com/2025/06/25/slain-actor-johnny-wactor-s-mom-and-brother-attend-premiere-of-his-final-film-exclusive/

https://extratv.com/2025/06/09/first-look-at-johnny-wactor-s-final-film-ciao-mama-exclusive-trailer/

https://people.com/johnny-wactor-mom-gets-standing-ovation-premiere-of-actor-final-movie-one-year-after-death-11761541

I recognize him, but don’t remember him from GH. His character sounded like a good time though.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/joe-marinelli-general-hospital-and-santa-barbara-alum-has-passed-away-at-68/

Now fun stuff. Hmm… We know Britt’s coming back – I assume in a flashback – so why not? Although Obrecht is still alive, so why not?

https://parade.com/tv/general-hospital-star-67-keeps-fans-guessing-amid-return-rumors

A sign of the times. The only shocking thing to me is finding out there’s another soap character out there named Sonny.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/pride-and-joy-the-romantic-and-dramatic-history-of-gay-weddings-on-daytime-soaps/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

The gay porn guests were still on board and Chef Anthony forgot one of them had a shellfish allergy. Fraser told the guest that it was his mistake, but in his interview, he said he was concerned since bringing on the chef had been his bright idea. Solène cleaned the bar without being told, and Rainbeau went out of her mind with joy. In Rainbeau’s interview, she thought it was kind of sad she was this excited, but it wasn’t long before she found a big mess Solène didn’t clean up. After she confronted Solène, Solène tried to bitch to Jess about it, but Jess wasn’t having it. The guests requested an S&M Venetian private club dinner, and Fraser was happy to oblige, insulting the guests without cracking a smile while serving dinner. The other staff, including Chef Anthony, played along, and a good time was had by all. After the guests left, Captain Kerry said he’d been impressed by everyone’s performances, but unfortunately, the tip didn’t reflect that. It was pathetic. Since there was a commercial, I figured he was doing that thing they do on American Idolwe’re so sorry to tell you… you’re going to Hollywood! But alas, that wasn’t the case. It was $19,990 or $1500 each. He gave them a dinner perk and some time off, and later, the crew lounged in the hot tub. Fraser kissed Damo after his boyfriend had specifically told him that kissing others was a no-no, but in his defense, it sounded like they never see each other, both of them being in the industry.

Next Gen NYC

So I guess 10K for an apartment is on the cheap side now? At least according to Ariana and Hudson who found one for that amount. Charlie said, with his dad, it was one big d*ck measuring contest. Well, it’s only a contest if you enter. He brought some friends to meet his dad and stepmother, probably to prove what an immeasurable d*ck his father is and that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree. Georgia was dating a guy that sounded like her complete opposite, but he seemed cool and wanted to invest in her heart project. So kudos! One reviewer compared this show to NYC Prep, which I also loved, but this group seems a lot more mature. In thinking about it, it must be really weird to be related to someone on reality TV and probably being their kid is the worst. Georgia, the one native New Yorker, is the one feeling like the odd man out because she’s not there as a nepo baby.

The Valley

Jax needs to have some cheese with that whine. When he wasn’t listing the faults that he supposedly addressed in rehab, he was complaining about how Brittany and the rest of the world treated him. A group trip to Maui was planned, where Jesse intended to propose to Kristen, and at least Jax had the good sense to opt out. No doubt he wanted to party without eyes on him. Not that it mattered a whole lot. With him or without him, there are plenty of issues to go around. Everyone has beef with someone, but when they claim to want resolution by talking it out, the talks usually end up with screaming and/or crying.

Yeah. He doesn’t seem like the nicest guy. And what the blip is Scheana wearing?

Real Housewives of Miami

It never fails that I stop watching something, forget why I stopped, then remember after I watch again for a while. With this, it was the constant screaming matches during events. This time it was during a surprise wedding celebration Alexia was throwing for Marisol and new husband Steve, and between Julia and Gurdy. It doesn’t matter why. It’s always stupid stuff. I felt bad for Marisol though. She was like, hello? Can you deal with this another time and not at my wedding reception?

Random Reality Items

I’m not sure why she was concerned. I didn’t get the vibe she was the bad guy in the situation. Just the opposite.

Below Deck baby leaves the dock!

You, too, can live like the Countess.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem. Netflix. At the time, this guy was an endless source of amusement to me. It was like, what’s next? In watching  this, I could see why people wanted to keep him in office. He really did work for the people. Unfortunately, his extracurriculars got the better of him.

https://people.com/what-happened-to-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-11758556

Grenfell Uncovered. Netflix. Harrowing and upsetting doesn’t begin to cover it. A high-rise apartment building became a literal wall of flame in the blink of an eye because of the inappropriate materials used to build it. Fire freaks me out since it so easily becomes out of control. I can’t even imagine being trapped in an inferno like this.

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a65170885/grenfell-uncovered-netflix-documentary-trending/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14837965/Netflix-viewers-tears-Grenfell-Uncovered-documentary.html

The Ritual. Netflix. Nothing deep here. Sacrificial rituals aren’t my favorite sub-genre, but this is a fun watch. The monster has a slow reveal, but there’s plenty of action leading up to it.

No spoilers.

https://www.unilad.com/film-and-tv/netflix/netflix-horror-the-ritual-watch-creepy-861343-20240828

Lotsa spoilers.

The Fix. Amazon Prime. The air is unbreathable, but there are ways around it. You can wear a mask, but the more affluent can get a drug that combats the poisonous ozone. It can also have some crazy side effects. Apparently, there’s a limited supply, but the public doesn’t know it. Although it seemed like the head guy gave out an awful lot of it to those around him. Since it was something a little different, I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t one of my favorites. IMO, the plot got more complicated than it needed to be, with unnecessary tributaries thrown in.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/prime-video/prime-video-just-got-an-overlooked-sci-fi-thriller-movie-thats-already-crashed-the-top-10-and-its-a-pleasant-surprise

Diary of the Dead. Amazon Prime. I kept missing this part of George Romero’s Living Dead manifesto, so this one’s a little old, but a zombie is a zombie and this delivered. One interesting tidbit was seeing Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead franchise) in the credits as Special Makeup Effects Producer.

Dead City finale. AMC+. Just when you think you’ve seen every way possible the dead can attack, they find something new. There was truly some phenomenal acting. While I’m sad to see this come to a close, I’m looking forward to Daryl Dixon’s next chapter. Spoilers, but come on, you haven’t seen this yet?

⚰️ Dead Of the Future…

Premieres September 7th.

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3-teaser-premiere-date-new-photos-11759045

🐙 Join the Game…

Squid Game is back in the house.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-review-netflix

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/videos/watch-the-trailer-for-squid-game-season-3

🦈 Have a Bite…

Shark Week begins July 20th.

https://www.discovery.com/shark-week/shark-week-2025-kicks-off-july-20

https://people.com/shark-week-2025-how-to-watch-new-shows-11759071

🐶 Tails Of Surprise…

💍 If I tried this with one of my dogs, it would be chaos multiplied.

https://people.com/celebrity-dog-serves-as-ring-bearer-in-owners-wedding-exclusive-11762126

🐕 Who says cats are the only ones with more than one life?

https://people.com/dog-thought-dead-for-4-years-reunites-with-stunned-family-11760580

🐻 No doubt my dogs would take advantage of the open refrigerator.

https://people.com/small-senior-dog-scares-big-black-bear-out-home-video-11757704

🪽 I love an inter-species friendship.

https://people.com/woman-finds-comfort-in-friendship-between-pomeranian-and-pigeon-after-loss-of-daughter-11759276

🐳 Quotes of the Week

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. – John Locke

A year from now you may wish you had started today. – Karen Lamb

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. – Chuck Close

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space. – Johnny Cash

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. – Herman Melville

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact. – William James

You’ll have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to. – Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), Good Will Hunting

I asked my dog what two minus two was. He said nothing. – I don’t remember where I heard this, but it’s pretty funny.

Happy Independence Day!

♨️ We Got Steam Heat…

Until next week, stay safe; stay behaving responsibly on Independence Day, aka the 4th of July; and stay working on your mistakes and growing from them.

March 14, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Charlotte Comes Home, Soap Suds, This Week’s Reality, Weekend Watch, Wild In the Wild, 4+4 Quotes & Cheap Seats

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites:

Monday:

Isaiah said he’d leave if Jordan wanted, and she said she didn’t want, but he had a problem with her investigating Sidwell. He said he’d prefer she stay away, but she said Sidwell liked her, giving her an advantage law enforcement didn’t have. If their being together hinged on the investigation, she guessed that was it. Dante asked Maxie about James, and she said it was a clean break, and they were good until James did something else stupid. Dante said he needed her help with Lulu. He was worried she was going to get in a situation she couldn’t get out of. Brook said Lulu was willing to step on lives regardless of consequences. Telling Dante would blow up lives. At the Quartermaine family crypt, Tracy promised her parents to protect the Quartermaine legacy, but Drew was outside with a county surveyor and a demolition guy. (FYI: That’s not how any of this works.) Drew told the guy to blow it up, and Martin said they’d best make sure they could back up their claims. Drew wished he could see Tracy’s face when she found out, when Tracy came out of the crypt and asked what was going on. Ned asked why Lois was okay with Gio becoming Sonny’s charity case, but she said Gio was family. In Buenos Aires, Anna and Jason did surveillance on Valentin, but there was no sign of Charlotte. Anna said, if they were in there, they were alone. Inside with the curtain’s drawn, Charlotte said she didn’t like it there, but Valentin said they weren’t staying long. It was time they said goodbye. Jason said they had a fifteen-minute window to get Charlotte and get out when the guards changed, but Anna thought it was too easy.

Ned said taking money from Sonny came with a risk, but Lois said it was minimal and Gio wasn’t alone. It took Sonny’s financial support to make sure Gio’s talent was cultivated. Ned asked why Lois hadn’t come to him instead of Sonny. Martin said the building had been seized and should be vacated, Drew adding that they had a court order. Tracy ripped it up and said she was calling the police, but Drew said the law was on their side. Dante said Maxie knew something, but Maxie said Lulu wasn’t returning her phone calls and Martin had no clue Lulu had broken into his hotel room. Dante said he didn’t want to know. Lulu was out of control. Brook told Lulu that her son was an adult by now and might not know he was adopted. It was the child’s choice if they wanted to know their birth parents, not hers, Dante’s, or Lulu’s. If Dante knew, he would want to find his child. Lulu said, give him that standing. Drew said it was public land, and Tracy called her surveyor. Drew said, as congressman, he’d gotten someone to protect the public interest. Edward had to steal public land, even though he already had plenty. The area was protected, and Tracy wasn’t getting her way. Emma and Gio showed up, and Emma said, leave the old lady alone. Valentin told Charlotte that this was his fault. They were a good team, but it was dangerous for her to stay with him. He’d texted Rocco pretending to be her, and Lulu was probably on her way already. Charlotte admitted missing Lulu, but didn’t want to leave him. Anna said Valentin had to know the WSB was looking for him after attacking Jack, and Jason said he was expecting them. She said he was expecting someone, when a car pulled in. Anna said that meant the WSB was there, and they had to move. Isaiah said he accepted Jordan’s terms and asked if she’d walk away the second they disagreed. She joked that it depended on the disagreement, but no. He said they’d need to do grocery shopping then.

Drew said the Quartermaines had appropriated public land, and Tracy was interfering with county business. The mausoleum was on protected land. Tracy said she was being denied access to her parents’ final resting place. Emma said Edward had saved her life, and Drew said he was Congressman Drew Quartermaine. Tracy said, Cain. He would never be a Quartermaine. Emma said none of them had jurisdiction and were trespassing, and Tracy called Chase. Lois said Ned was generous, but Sonny didn’t have family or support growing up. He had a good heart, and it was up to Gio who supported him. Gio ran in and told Lois and Ned what was going on at the crypt. Drew said Lulu kept tearing into Brook and he had to defend Brook, but it hurt Lulu. He’d asked Lulu to have patience, but she’d said he was taking Brook’s side. The problem was, they couldn’t talk anymore. Maxie said, because of Sam, and Dante said he was trying to keep the family together. Something was going on with Rocco too. He thought it was the tension between him and Lulu. Brook said she’d do anything to protect her son’s happiness, but Lulu said Brook just didn’t want Dante to hate her. Brook said she’d choose her child’s happiness over all. Lulu had always been threatened by her relationship with Dante, and she should ask herself if exposing Brook to Dante was worth hurting him. How could he miss a son he didn’t know he had? It was agony for her and if Lulu told Dante, Lulu would subject him to the same agony she’d lived with for 21 years. Dante would try to find their son, like Lulu did with Charlotte. Where did that leave Rocco? He knew his dad was there for him, but he’d be abandoned both parents. Charlotte asked if Valentin was letting them find him, and Valentin said she deserved a better life. Anna ran in with Jason and said the kill squad was behind them. Take Charlotte and go.

Tracy told Chase to arrest the trespassers, but Drew said the county surveyor’s preliminary findings shows a portion of the property extended beyond the property line. Tracy said her surveyor found differently, and Emma asked if they had to tear down the crypt. Drew said they could move it, but Tracy thought that was obscene. Gio asked, what was the difference? and Martin said the land was protected and it was illegal to build. Tracy said Drew hated the family, and Emma said he was abusing his power. She started to film and told Drew that he should be helping his constituents instead of traumatizing them. Lulu told Brook not to throw her son in her face, and Brook said she lived with him. When Lulu was in Prague, he was afraid she’d get hurt. He’d just gotten his mom back and she left him again. Lulu said Brook was using her kid to justify lying about her own son. It was lucky she’d given him up and a good thing she was nobody’s mother. Brook took a swing at her, but Lulu grabbed her hand. Dante said Rocco had been struggling since Lulu woke up, and ever since she went to Prague, he was terrified that he was going to lose her. He couldn’t talk to Lulu, but he could talk to Brook, which didn’t make Lulu less mad. For fifteen years, their feud had been going on. Maxie said it wasn’t because of that. Lulu was still in love with him. Anna said, let her handle the WSB, and told Jason not to fire his weapon. Valentin made himself scarce, when two guys arrived. Anna told them that she was the Police Commissioner of Port Charles, New York. Don’t shoot. They asked where Valentin was, and she said he’d just left. One guy told the other to search, but Anna told them to call Jack. The guy said Jack wasn’t running the op.

Anna said, the mission had changed, and they needed to talk to Brennan. Since they obviously weren’t buying it, Jason grabbed one guy, knocking him out, and Anna took care of the other. She thought Valentin was long gone, but he came out with Charlotte and said, not this time. Drew said Tracy wasn’t a downtrodden member of his constituency, but an entitled bully used to getting what she wanted. Tracy said he was using his public office to retaliate against the family that threw him out. Still filming, Emma said, congress was in session now, yet Drew was still here. Your votes in action, Port Charles. Lois and Ned arrived, and Lois said she thought Drew’s constituents had bigger problems. Drew was there when Alexis and Martin tried to work this out, and Tracy had been willing to bend. Drew said he was following the law, and Tracy said his surveyor’s findings were preliminary, yet he got an order without confirmation to seize the building. Emma continued to film. Isaiah showed Jordan how buy groceries online since they had to stay in, and he promised to make cooking with him worth her while. Her phone rang and it was Ned. Dante said Lulu was going to marry Dustin, but Maxie said, the night of the explosion, Lulu broke things off because she was still in love with Dante. Lulu told her and was about to tell him, when she collapsed. She wasn’t telling Dante now and instead, pushing him away and trying hard not to love him. Classic Lulu. Dante said, Lulu had been gone so long, he fell for Sam, and Maxie said Lulu didn’t want him to know. She thought Dante needed to be patient with her. Lulu was doing the best she could. Brook cried as she told Lulu that she was a mother. She went through 12 hours of labor and gave her baby to a stranger from an adoption agency. She couldn’t even let herself hold him. She didn’t know if she’d had a boy or a girl until Lulu told her. Lulu said she was sorry. She assumed Brook knew. Brook said, and Lulu assumed it was easy for her, but it wasn’t. She loved her baby with all her heart and still did. She had to believe she gave him a better life. Lulu asked if Brook didn’t want to know for sure, and Brook said, more than anything, but not at the expense of her child’s happiness or Dante’s. If he wanted to find his birth parents, he would. Brook begged Lulu to leave it alone.

Maxie said Rocco needed both of his parents, and Dante said he knew Lulu was a great mom and she loved their son. Maxie said Lulu knew he was a great dad. They needed to come together. Rocco needed extra assurance. Lulu said she didn’t agree with any of this, but didn’t want to be the one to blow up Dante’s life or her child’s. She wasn’t going to tell Dante. She thought he should know, but thought Brook should be the one to tell him. Brook said she needed the past to stay in the past, and Lulu said Brook should know, she never would have found out if Brook’s mother hadn’t talked to her Uncle Martin. The secret wasn’t in the past. It was now. Brook said she knew, and Lulu left. Brook texted her mom that she needed to see her asap. Ned said he’d called Jordan to help him keep the peace, but Drew said there was nothing to negotiate. The law was the law. Tracy wondered why Martin said Drew was willing to drop it if she allowed him to retain the name, and Emma said, busted. Tracy said she was referring to the meeting where Lois was a witness, and Jordan said she felt Drew was provoking the family and using public funds to fight his personal battle. That wasn’t who he was. Drew asked who he was. Cain or Quartermaine? Valentin thanked Anna and said he was expecting Lulu. Anna asked if he knew about the text, and he said he sent the text. He needed charlotte to be safe. They were going to send another kill squad when the first one didn’t check in. Charlotte asked where her mom was, and Anna said she’d explain it on the way. Charlotte said she didn’t want to go with them, but Jason said he promised Rocco that he’d bring her home and that’s what was going to happen. Valentin said, je t’aime, mon petite, and Charlotte said, je t’aime, papa. He held her for a moment, and then she went out with Jason. Valentin told Anna that he felt like this was the last time he’d see her, but she said it didn’t have to be that way. Come with them and let her bring him in.

Lulu knocked at Maxie’s door, saying she needed to talk to her, but Dante answered. Charlotte asked Jason if Anna was going to kill her father, but he said she wouldn’t do that. They came to bring her home. She probably wanted to try and save Valentin too. Valentin said Anna always came through for him. He was glad he got to say goodbye. She said it didn’t have to be goodbye. Come back. They could make a plea deal. Valentin said he knew too much, and he’d tried to kill Jack. They both knew the WSB wasn’t going to let him live. For Charlotte’s sake, he was free to do what he had to do. Anna told him not to throw his life away, and he said there was a time he thought she loved him, and they were the best months of his life. She said she didn’t think she loved him, and took his hand, saying, part of her always would. He thanked her for that and told her, take care. Charlotte left with Anna and Jason. Tracy said Drew could call himself Smith for all she cared, but he’d never be a Quartermaine. Emma said Drew made his decision based on Tracy’s and had abused his position for his own petty revenge, then searched for, how to recall a congressman. Tracy said he liked that she had grit, and Gio said he did too. The surveyor tried to mark the ground, but Tracy knocked his wheelie thing out of his hand. Drew said that was assault, and Chase asked if the surveyor wanted to press charges. Because he was obviously being paid off, he looked at Martin, who nodded. Chase said he’d forego the handcuffs, told her the Miranda rights, and led her away. Back at the Quartermaines’, Brook walked into the living room and Lois followed. She said she’d gotten Brook’s text. Brook closed the door, and Lois said she looked upset. What could she do to help? Brook asked how much she hadn’t been told about the baby.

Tuesday:

Buenos Aires. Anna brought Charlotte to a room, and Charlotte said her papa was running for his life and it was all Anna’s fault. Sasha went to Carly’s office and Carly asked if she was coming to work at the MetroCourt. Sasha said she was tempted, but decided to stay at the Quartermaines, and Carly said it was Sasha’s life, and she could do what she wanted. Sasha said that was a refreshing take, and Carly asked what had changed Sasha’s mind. Portia went to Curtis’s office and said Drew was probably missing the place, but Curtis said Drew had nobody to blame but himself. At the station, Drew said he hoped there was a free cell in case nothing could be done until morning. Tracy said she didn’t touch the surveyor. It was despicable. Alan was taken way too soon, but the silver lining was, he never had to meet Drew. Laura met Martin, who said Drew was rapidly spinning out control. At the crypt, Emma said she doubted they were going to bulldoze it at night, but Gio said he was staying. Emma said she had the best idea and would be right back. Lulu said she was looking for Maxie and didn’t expect Dante to be there. Dante said James broke his arm and got a cast, so Spinelli and Maxie took him and Georgie out for ice cream as a consolation prize. He was babysitting Bailey Lou. Lulu said she wasn’t surprised, since he was an amazing father. Brook asked what Lois hadn’t told her about her child. Martin had an entire file on her baby and knew Dante was the father. Why? Gloria came in and asked, what in the Bensonhurst is going on here?

Dante told Lulu she was a great mom. It was incredible seeing her and Rocco connect again. Lulu said the last few days had been weird, like Rocco couldn’t be in the same room with her. She’d been preoccupied with finding Charlotte and wondered if Rocco felt like she was choosing his sister over him. Charlotte said she’d never forgive Anna for using her papa and driving him away, and Anna said Charlotte didn’t understand… but Charlotte said Anna had ruined their lives and she hated Anna. Jason came in and asked Anna to give them a minute. Anna left, and Jason said Anna was the reason Charlotte and her father were still alive. Portia told Curtis that she had been grateful to Drew for saving Trina, but she was astonished at how he was treating his family and friends. She didn’t think it was possible for someone to change that much, but Curtis did what needed to be done and won. Curtis said, here’s hoping, and Portia asked if he really wanted Drew as an enemy. He got what he wanted. Maybe now was the perfect time for a truce. Curtis said he wasn’t the one continuing the fight. She needed to talk to Drew. Laura asked how Drew found out about the property line, and Martin said he may or may not have mentioned it. It was his job and his duty to represent his client. Chase came out and told Laura that he’d been ordered by the congressman to lock up his wife’s grandmother in a cell. Laura asked what she could do to help. Drew said he was sick of the hypocrisy, and Tracy said she was sick of the sound of his voice, yet here they were. Drew said, after all the horrible things the Quartermaines had done, all he did was fall in love. Tracy said, falling in love was one thing, and acting on it was another. She loved the way he always left the detail out that it was his nephew’s wife. He said she held him to different standards and she said she did. He blew up Willow’s marriage, betrayed Michael’s trust, and severely hurt the woman who welcomed him with opened arms in to her home – Monica. Brook told Gloria that it was a personal legal matter, but Gloria said it was her Brook was talking to. Brook had been talking to her mother about her baby.

Emma brought chairs, blankets, and a lantern to make Gio’s stakeout more comfortable. She said Drew was a jerk, laying into poor, old Tracy, and Gio suggested she not let Tracy hear any part of that. Tracy could handle herself. Don’t jump into the Quartermaine mess. Emma said it was her thing. Her mom said she was a born crusader. Gio said at least he knew where his mom was and could visit. If someone threatened to move her, he’d be in a cell next to Tracy. Brook said, Lois had told her grandma? and Lois said she’d needed to confide in someone. She didn’t know how to navigate the situation and wanted to make sure Brook and her baby were protected. Gloria said she’d left Brook’s past in the past, and Brook asked, then why talk to a lawyer? Lois flashed back to talking to Martin and asking if it was possible for Brook to find her child. Brook said Lois had told her, everything was fine, but she wondered if that was true. It must not be, or why else would she talk to Martin? Gloria said she’d told Lois to talk to him. Martin told Laura that he was sorry. He’d wanted to use the property as a bargaining chip, so Tracy would drop the cease and desist. Laura said, now the crypt would have to be moved and asked if Chase thought the charges would stick. Chase said, they could, and Martin said she should have just given in. Laura asked if he’d met Tracy, and he asked, what was so special about the Quartermaine name? Laura said Tracy was protecting the family in the only way she knew how.

Tracy said Drew had repaid Monica’s generosity by destroying her grandson’s marriage and happiness in favor of his own. He didn’t deserve Monica’s generosity and should leave Port Charles. Drew said Tracy had been kicked out of Port Charles by the family more than once. What made her think it wouldn’t happen again. Sasha said, the truth was… and Carly said Sasha liked working for the Quartermaines. Sasha said she thought they needed her, and Carly said, of course (🍷) they did, but don’t put herself on the back burner. Sasha said she was in a better financial position. She’d negotiated her way to the beginning of a nest egg. Carly said it was an achievement, but the one thing that made her situation different from the other single mom’s – the baby’s father. Jason said Anna saved Charlotte and Valentin’s lives, but Charlotte said they didn’t need her help. Jason said Anna was the first one to warn her dad. He wanted to turn Valentin in, but Anna convinced him to give him a head start. She’s the reason he had a chance to run and she tracked Charlotte to keep her safe. Charlotte said that Anna felt guilty for shooting her, and he said that was part of it, but Charlotte was her dad’s whole world. Anna was protecting her for him. She cared about them both. Charlotte could feel however she wanted, but Anna at least deserved her respect. Charlotte asked if the WSB would have really killed them.

Jason told Anna that Charlotte was sleeping, and Anna said she needed a favor. Take Charlotte back to Port Charles in one piece. She was going to get a room and make her own way back. It was too hard for Charlotte to be around her, and it felt cruel to force it. Jason said he thought Anna was making a mistake. Portia told Curtis that she remembered the old Drew, the good guy, the hero. That’s why he ran for congress in the first place. Curtis said, Drew’s motives changed, and she agreed 100%. But maybe Curtis could afford to let him keep some of his dignity and back off. Curtis said, Drew’s reputation had been tarnished, and it wasn’t on him to fix. She said, but he didn’t need to rub it in Drew’s face. if he could accommodate Drew a tiny bit, it might work out in his favor. Curtis said he was furious with Drew, but not interested in payback. Aurora was a non-starter, but if there was a path to peace, he was here for it. As long as the terms were reasonable. She said that was all she was asking for, when Jordan came in and said she needed to speak with Curtis. The situation with Drew had gone from bad to worse. Drew was officially out of control.

Drew told Tracy that things were going to change. He was the black sheep now, but not for long. He was a Quartermaine and would get his way. Then she would be on the outside, wondering how she got there. The answer is him. Chase told Drew that the mayor would like a word. Drew went into the squad room and said he was sorry Tracy dragged Laura down there, but Martin said, that was him. Laura urged Drew to do the right thing. Stand down and drop the charges against Tracy. He asked, why? and she said, to be blunt, if he didn’t, it wouldn’t bode well for him, politically or otherwise. Dante told Lulu that he didn’t think Rocco was jealous of Charlotte. Rocco was perceptive, like Lulu, and he could see that she was worried about Charlotte and was trying to give her space. Lulu said it was strange. She was Rocco’s mother, but she’d missed a pivotal stage and was out of the loop. She knew nothing about parenting a teenage boy. Dante said parents never felt like they were doing the right thing. She and Rocco both had to make up for lost time, and she was doing it with grace, love, and patience. He wouldn’t handle be close to handling it as well. Emma said she’d bring a file if Gio and Tracy were locked up and Gio said he liked Tracy. She gave it to you straight, even if you didn’t want to hear it. And she could take as good as she gave. She actually listened to him. Emma said she thought Tracy was smart. She wished she could stay with Gio, and Gio said the lab animals couldn’t free themselves. Emma said she wanted to take him real camping, but in the meantime, stay warm. Gloria told Brook that she’d advised Lois to consult a lawyer to make sure Brook and her baby protected were protected. They’d decided on a closed adoption. Brook said, so her baby could have a happy and stable life, and Gloria said, Brook too. They wanted her to have time to grow up, fall in love, and have a family of her own. Brook said she wasn’t 16 anymore. It made sense then, but made less sense now. She needed to know who adopted her son and where he was.

Sasha said her experience with Jason was different, and Carly said Jason would never tell Sasha how to be a mother, but if she needed anything, he’d be there in a heartbeat. He was the most loyal person she knew. Don’t do him a disservice by cutting him out of the baby’s life. Sasha said the father respected her wishes and said he’d support her in any way he could. It was the second greatest gift he could give her. Curtis said he never thought he’d be sympathetic to the Quartermaines, but Portia said it was family drama. Stay out of it. Jordan said it wasn’t about the Quartermaines. It was about how Drew was abusing his power. First, he blocked the esplanade, then wanted to move it for his personal gain. Now he was focused on settling the score with his family when he needed to be doing his job – enacting laws, securing school funds, and fulfilling his campaign promises. Curtis said, public outcry was the only thing that would stop him, and Jordan said, good thing she knew the head of a media company. Curtis said he made no promises, but he’d see what he could do. Drew told Laura that he wasn’t making this up. They broke the law. The land was public, and they took it. He owed his constituents not to turn a blind eye just because they were family. Laura asked if he thought putting Tracy in jail overnight was the pathway to justice, and Martin said it seemed like more trouble than it was worth. Drew said, fine. Tracy could go home. He’d talk to the surveyor and get the charges dropped, but this was far from over. Gloria said Lois didn’t know the details, and Brook said, but Gloria did. Gloria said she hadn’t been contact since the papers were signed for the closed adoption. Brook said, what if she wanted to find him? They knew she and Chase were trying to start a family. What if she gave away the only child she was going to have? Gloria said, Brook was his birth mother. Act like it. Let the young man be. Don’t put her pain on her son. She made the right decision. Abide by it. Brook said Gloria might be right, but it didn’t feel that way now, and she left. Lois told Gloria that Brook couldn’t know Gio was her son.

Jason told Anna that the only person to blame for Valentin’s situation was Valentin. He may not get out of this one. Anna said, if Charlotte needed someone to blame, it might as well be her, but Jason said Charlotte needed an example. She saw Anna’s mistakes and saw what she did after her mistakes. She saw Anna was accountable and keeping her word. She didn’t need Anna to disappear. Anna said she wasn’t sure she could do that, and Jason said he’d never seen her run. Don’t start now. Gloria said they couldn’t tell Brook. It wasn’t fair to her or Gio. Gio knew who he was and worshiped his mother. They couldn’t take that away. Lois said, Camilla was dead. His birth mother was right here. Don’t they need each other? Brook saw Gio outside the crypt and asked what he was doing. He said his grandma got in a fight with a surveyor and Chase arrested her, and Brook said, it must have been interesting. Gio said he was standing guard, and Brook asked if she could join him. He said he’d love some company. He was keeping his word to Tracy. Why was she here? Brook said, to clear her head. Her other grandmother was here. Gio said, that’s great… unless it wasn’t, and Brook said she knew her grandmother would do anything for her. Gio said Gloria was solid and could be trusted, and Brook said she could trust her grandmother and her mom, but what they were asking her to accept was hard to live with. Lulu said she owed Dante an apology. She was short with him at the Quartermaine’s. He said he was sorry too, and she said they were acting like grown-ups. He said he didn’t think he’d made it better by defending Brook. He didn’t think he’d said enough about how it was a miracle having her back after all this time. He didn’t want to take her being here for granted. She said she needed to tell him something, when Bailey Lou started crying. He said duty called. Hold that thought.

Anna asked if Jason was calling her a coward, and he asked if she was going to run. She said she was going to see it through and keep an eye on Charlotte. Charlotte was smart, resourceful, and believed she was invincible. It was a dangerous combination and Anna thought they’d come after Valentin. He was a target and she was saving Charlotte from herself. It would be a challenge. Jason said he’d take the first watch, and Anna lied down on the couch. Sasha told Carly that she was aware she had it better than most single moms. She asked the father to step back and he didn’t fight her. Carly said that might change when the baby was born, and Sasha said she promised if she needed help from the father, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask. Portia told Curtis, let Drew implode on his own. Let Tracy handle the Quartermaines. Curtis said Drew was failing to represent the people who elected him, and that included them. He wasn’t going to stand by and watch. He got on the phone and said, Brian, rally the troops. There was going to be a big Aurora Media push to expose Drew Quartermaine’s abuse of his office. Martin said Drew was a US Congressman, and didn’t need an enemy like Tracy, but Drew said, everyone else might be afraid of Tracy, but not him. He was going to break her.

Laura asked if Tracy would like the good news or the bad news first, and Tracy said, good. Laura said Tracy could go home tonight, but she didn’t think Drew would back down. Tracy was going to have a battle on her hands. Tracy said, give her the bad news, and Laura said she felt Tracy’s parents would say, choose her battles wisely. Tracy said she was. She wouldn’t allow some grifter to steal the family name and force her to move her parents’ final resting place. If Drew wanted a battle, bring it on. Bailey Lou played with some toys and Dante said, extra play time made it even for the ice cream. He asked what Lulu wanted to say, but Lulu said she couldn’t remember. It must not have been that important. Gloria told Lois that if they told Brook that Gio was her son, it would ruin three lives – Brook’s, Dante’s, and Gio’s. Think of why they made that decision. Lois said, to protect Brook and her child, and Gloria said, nothing has changed. They needed to protect them now. Lois started to cry. Brook apologized for being cryptic, and Gio said they were at a crypt. (BA-DUM-CHH!) Brook said she trusted someone, and they didn’t tell her something they should have. She couldn’t tell him anything else. He said she didn’t have to. They could just sit, look at the stars, and dream of heat. For what it was worth (🍷), Lois and Gloria loved her. Brook said she knew, but they were a lot. He must miss his mom so much. He said, so much every day, and Brook said he had people looking out for him. He had a whole crazy family, like it or not.

Wednesday:

In the steam room, Chase told Dante that he could tell something had changed, and Dante said he and Lulu talked. The Golden Bachelorette guy was in Nina’s office, and she said she’d been a fan of his (Jeffrey Beckett) for a long time. She never read anything like his work as a wildlife journalist. Crimson’s nature and travel series was lucky to have someone of his caliber involved. Plus, he cleaned up nicely for man of the wild. Elizabeth helped Lucky into the house. His condition needed to be watched for the next 24 hours and since Doc and Laura were working, he was stuck with her. He said he guessed it was okay, and she said, just okay? They moved closer on the sofa and the doorbell rang. It was Carly with a food basket, asking, how’s the hero? At the café, Kristina asked if Alexis read the smack piece on Congressman Cutthroat, Drew’s new nickname. He’d used his political influence to get exhumation of esteemed members of the Quartermaine fam and in his quest for revenge, had Tracy arrested. Alexis wondered, what the hell he was thinking and how did they protect Scout? In Curtis’s office, Laura asked if he was behind the article and Curtis said he was. She told him, way to go, and they high-fived. Drew brought flowers to Willow at the hospital, and she suggested they go to the breakroom. He asked if the article got to her and was she embarrassed seen with him. Portia asked Ric to tell her that he found a way out without her losing her career or marriage, but he said it was much worse than she thought.

Carly thanked Lucky and Elizabeth for figuring it out and bringing Cyrus to justice. She asked what Lucky was going to do now that he was home, but he said he had no plans. Carly said she was leaving so they could get into the basket (is that what we’re calling it now?), and she left. Lucky asked Elizabeth, where were we? Nina said although Jeffrey was there for a fitting and photoshoot, she was glad they had time to meet, and he said he didn’t get many calls from magazines. She said they were branching out to satisfy their readers interest in travel and nature, and they talked about his next trip to Turkey. (BTW, dude is no actor.) Nina asked how his wife felt about him being gone all the time, and he said he wasn’t married, but had the feeling he was going to meet someone special soon and had learned to trust his instincts. Nina was straightening his tie, when Ava came in. Alexis looked at the photo of a mean faced Drew on her tablet, and told Kristina, of course (🍷) DeWitt wrote it. That seedy little worm would write anything for clicks. Kristina said she remembered too well when he wrote about her and Blaze, but Drew deserved it. Alexis said, Scout didn’t. There had to be something she could do to protect Scout. Willow told Drew that The Invader was nothing but lies, but she felt like all eyes were on them and wanted to keep a low profile. It had nothing to do with her feelings for him. She asked if he knew who was behind the article, and he said, no, but he had his suspicions. Ric told Portia that if she’d just altered the results, she might lose her job, but the results were tied to a criminal trial, and she faced the possibility of jail time. She could be charged with obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence, fraud, and criminal negligence. If he hadn’t gotten independent tests done, Heather could have wrongfully ended up in prison. Keep playing by Drew’s rules and make sure he never tells anyone. Portia said it was too late. Drew was going to expose her today.

Dante told Chase that he and Lulu ended up babysitting Baily Lou together and both let their guards down. It was their first real talk since she’d woken up. The first time he felt they’d been in sync and had an honest conversation. They talked about Rocco, Charlotte, and Brook. He’d been defending Brook, and it made Lulu feel like he was picking her side. He had to stop doing it. Chase said he never would have thought the animosity would still be there, and Dante said, him too. It had been four years, but he had to be okay with it and let Lulu be Lulu. He didn’t want to be in the middle, but wanted to focus on Lulu being back in their lives and being happy again. Ava said she and Jeffrey had met when she had a Joel Sartore exhibit, and Jeffrey said he remembered. Nina said he was doing a new series for Crimson, and he asked how they knew each other. Ava said they were good friends, and he said good friends were hard to come by. Ava said they certainly were. Kristina said she had a favor to ask Willow. She’d had a video chat with Michael and he missed the kids. Willow said, the kids missed him too, and Kristina asked it would be okay for her to take videos of the kids sending messages to their dad and send them to Michael. He needed all the support he could get. Willow said the kids would love it and she appreciated the update. She had one condition – please focus on them and Michael and say nothing negative about Drew. Kristina told her that she’d never say anything bad in front of the kids. It wasn’t easy for them. Willow said she wished everyone was a bit more like Kristina. Portia told Ric about the article in the Invader. Drew would assume Curtis was behind it and if she couldn’t influence Curtis, Drew had no reason to keep her secret. But wasn’t what Drew was doing illegal? Ric said she couldn’t expose Drew without exposing herself, and she said it was going to be impossible to hide. He said she had two choices. Convince Drew that Curtis had nothing to do with the article or tell Curtis everything now. She might lose her job, but it was a chance to save her marriage. She said maybe she could save both. Lucky suggested he and Elizabeth have a date later, but thought they could get a head start. They kissed, when the door opened and Aiden walked in.

On the phone, Portia asked Curtis to stop by her office. It was important. Laura told Curtis that her opinion of Drew had changed. She hadn’t seen him do one thing he said he’d do during the campaign. (Welcome to politics!) All she’d seen him do was pose for the camera and abuse his power. She applauded anyone willing to expose him. Curtis said Drew’s biggest weakness was his need to be seen as a hero, and she wondered if they could use that to get him act like a hero. Alexis interrupted, but Laura said she was late again and left. Curtis said it was always a pleasure, and Alexis said she hoped he felt like that after what she was going to ask. Jeffrey left, and Ava said she could see Nina had moved on from Drew. Nina said she definitely had, but she wouldn’t be with a rugged wilderness man any time soon. She asked Ava, what’s up? and Ava said she’d had difficulty regarding her finances lately. Nina wondered if Ava was there to ask for a loan. At the hospital, Kristina was about to get in the elevator, when she saw Ric and turned around, but Ric followed her. He told her that her trip to the ballet with Avery wasn’t happening. Carly approached Willow and said she didn’t want to fight. She wouldn’t be there if she didn’t still genuinely care for Willow. She was worried how the negative press would affect her grandchildren. Wiley was old enough to hear things in school. Willow said she’d explain it was untrue, but Carly said it wasn’t. Drew was really doing these things. He’d sunk to a new low. Drew came out of nowhere, since he doesn’t do his actual job, and said, leave Willow alone. Did Carly ever mind her own business? Carly said if it affected her grandchildren and it was her business, but she’d be happy to talk to Congressman Cutthroat.

Dante told Chase that Lulu thought Rocco was acting strange because she was focused on finding Charlotte, but he didn’t think so. Chase said he was kind of the fun uncle and could talk to Rocco. Dante told him to go for it, and Chase said when they were Rocco’s age and distracted, it was about girls. Dante said he’d walked in on Danny and Rocco having an argument over girl. He never talked to his mom about that kind of thing. Chase asked if Dante thought his mom would have liked the girls he was with, and Dante said, one in particular. Elizabeth told Aiden that his dad was staying the night, and Aiden said he was sorry he’d miss it since he was staying at a friend’s house. Ava said she hated asking Nina for a favor. When she married Nikolas, she spent quite bit and thought she’d always have money. She had a generous settlement until the Cassadine curse kicked in. Nina said, of course (🍷) she was willing to give Ava a loan. She’d been waiting for Ava to ask. What took her so long? Drew told Carly that he didn’t care what names he was called. He wasn’t in the wrong. The Quartermaine crypt was on public land. She wondered how he could be the same man who held her at Virginia’s grave (irony!), and he said that was wrong, but this was wrong too. Carly said, it destroyed her and he was doing the same thing. Did family mean nothing to him? He said he was doing it to keep his place in the family that Tracy was stripping him from, and she said that wasn’t the way to do it. If he continued to justify his actions, she saw a recall in his future. Willow said Tracy was no saint. Drew was only fighting fire with fire. It was the only language Tracy understood, and Carly knew that better than anyone. Carly said she came to have a calm conversation with Willow, but there was no point, so she’d leave them to it. Kristina asked Ric, why not? and Ric said it wasn’t her dad’s day. She said it was a special one night only performance and it was impossible to get tickets. She’d talk to her dad and they could switch days. He said it would just confuse Avery, but Kristina said he was going to upset Avery just to get back at her. He said maybe she shouldn’t promise what she couldn’t deliver. Next time check a calendar.

Nina said, it wasn’t a loan, it was a gift, but Ava said she couldn’t. Not even from Nina. She’d have Ric draw up paperwork and a repayment schedule. Money could change things, people, and friendships, and she wouldn’t let it change theirs. Nina said it wouldn’t, but Ava said she’d lost their friendship once and didn’t want to risk it again. Nina said she felt the same way, when Carly came in and said she needed to talk to Nina. Ava said she and Nina would talk later and left. Nina asked, what’s the emergency? and Carly said it was about Drew and Willow. They had to put their plan in motion now. Sasha was waiting in an examining room when Willow came in. She said, Sasha was her next patient, and Sasha said if Willow had a problem with her, say it. Willow asked how Sasha could be such a hypocrite. Sasha turned on her the second she saw Willow kissing Michael’s uncle on 4th of July. Sasha said she didn’t, and Willow said Sasha did way worse. She dated Michael and now she was pregnant by his other uncle. (Wow. That’s a stretch to say that’s worse.) Drew went to Portia’s office and said he was disappointed in her. He thought she’d get Curtis to see reason and move on. Instead, he’s the one behind the article. Portia said she didn’t think so. The Quartermaines were a huge family. It could have been anybody. Curtis had Aurora Media, so why would he use a rag like The Invader when he had reputable sources at his fingertips. Drew said she had a good point, but it could be a great point if she could convince Curtis to do a series of articles focusing on him being a family man, a hard-working congressman (ha-ha-ha! he’s never at work), and an ex-Navy SEAL. Portia said if she defended him any more than she was, it would tip off Curtis, and he said that was unfortunate for her. She said it was one thing to go after Curtis directly, but it was a whole other thing to go after him through his wife. If he found out Drew was blackmailing her, he’d go to a whole other level. Was Drew sure he was ready to take that on? Alexis told Curtis that it was about the article in The Invader. Drew came across as a villain and Tracy a hapless innocent. Nothing could be further from the truth. Curtis asked, which part? and Alexis said, DeWitt wasn’t going to publish a retraction, but she was hoping Curtis might write an article present Drew as more balanced to protect his image. She was worried about the public turning on him and how her granddaughter would feel. Curtis had the resources to help. He said he was sympathetic about Scout, but Drew made himself look bad, not the article. He valued her friendship, but couldn’t help. Did she ever think that by shielding Drew from the consequences of his actions and not holding him accountable, that she was enabling him? Aiden told Elizabeth and Lucky that he was meeting his friends at the movies. It was nice having them together. Aiden left, Lucky said, alone at last, and they started kissing again. Ava came back to her apartment to find Kristina waiting outside her door.

Elizabeth and Lucky began to get busy, when the doorbell rang. Laura said she was sorry she didn’t call, but wanted to thank Elizabeth for bringing Lucky home. She hugged Lucky and suggested they all have dinner tonight. Lucky said, that would be perfect, and he and Elizabeth forced smiles. Ava asked what brought Kristina by, and Kristina said she ran into Ric, and he said she couldn’t take Avery to the ballet. Ava said it was her day and Avery’s schedule had to stay consistent. Kristina said it wasn’t about Avery. It was about getting back at her. Ava was going to deprive Avery of a magical night that would be a core memory lasting a lifetime. Ava said Avery was still going, but with her. The theater owner was a friend, and she got front row center. Kristina said, bitch, and Ric popped out, telling her to watch her temper. Remember the last time she lost it. She said there was a special place in hell for both of them. Chase told Dante that Rocco would grow out of it. They did. He was glad Dante talked to Lulu. Dante said he was relieved. He asked how things were going with Brook, and Chase said, the same. They didn’t know how they were going to become parents. Dante said, take their time. Whatever happened, Chase was going to be a great dad. He was a natural. Chase said it meant a lot coming from him, and Dante said Chase could come to him with everything. Chase said with his dad gone and Finn in Seattle, there weren’t a lot of guys to talk to. His friendship with Dante was important to him. Dante said it was to him too. Sasha said her and Willow’s situations weren’t remotely similar. She and Michael were long over. Willow said she thought there were more similarities than Sasha was willing to admit. The one big difference was, her mom was never a con artist. (Um…) Sasha said Willow didn’t know her mother, and Willow said when Sasha’s plan didn’t work out with Michael’s money, she went after Jason. Sasha said Willow was so, so wrong, and suggested they talk about Willow landing her husband’s very wealthy very uncle. Coincidence? Speaking of coincidence, she thought the article about Drew was what was bothering Willow. It made her realize she’d thrown her life away. She blew up her life and family over a sleaze and couldn’t admit she was wrong.

Portia told Drew that there had to be another way she could help that wasn’t about Curtis writing a puff piece. Drew said they could do a press conference. He could discuss his pediatric sports initiative (🍷– new drinking game! you’ll see) and she could represent GH. Portia said she didn’t see how it would help, but Drew aid, her being there would force Curtis to cover the story and paint him in the best possible light. Curtis walked in and asked what the hell Drew was doing there. Carly told Nina to stall Willow. Keep Willow at her place or find her a place of her own. Whatever it took to keep her and the kids from moving in with Drew. Drew was pushing it and they had to believe somehow Willow knew it was a bad idea. The longer they could keep Willow from moving in with Drew, the better. Meanwhile, they’d work on exposing Drew. Nina asked how she suggested they do it, and Carly said they needed to get in his house and find something so undeniable that Willow would never look at him the same way. Nina asked, what if there was nothing to find? and Carly said they’d make sure there was.

Thursday:

Jason and Anna were flying back to Port Charles with Charlotte. Charlotte wanted to call her mom, but Anna said, hold on. Maxie, Lulu, and Carly were at a table at the MetroCourt, when Jack came in with Jordan. Jordan told Jack that she was the liaison for the WSB, and he said he didn’t think the mayor was his biggest fan. Jordan said, if they eased the tension, it would be better for sharing information. The WSB possessed information that was helpful. Jack asked what she’d like to know, and she said, not what, but who. What did he know about Jenz Sidwell?  Portia wondered if there was another way for her to help Drew that didn’t involve Curtis writing a puff piece, and Drew said he was having a press conference to discuss his pediatric sports initiative (🍷) and she could represent GH. It would force Curtis to print a story painting him in a positive light. Curtis came in and asked what the hell Drew was doing there, and Drew said he was presenting a business proposal to Curtis’s wife. Curtis asked Portia to tell him what was going on. Sasha said, when the article dropped, Willow realized she blew up her life and family over a sleaze and couldn’t admit she was wrong. Willow said she was absolutely wrong to cheat on Michael, but who was Sasha to judge her? No one knew what led up to it except her, Drew, and Michael. Sasha asked if she was sure about that. Lucas was about to leave the bar in Miami when he found a credit card on the floor. As he looked at it, a man approached and said he believed it was his.  Elizabeth asked if Lucky was expecting anyone else to pop in, and he said, no. Her? She said, nope. It was just them for the rest of the night. He said he liked the sound of that and she said she did too, and they kissed.

Anna said she wanted to wait until they were in Port Charles before letting Lulu know Charlotte was back, and Charlotte asked if Anna thought those men would find her papa. Jason said Valentin made the right call by letting her come with them. He could move faster alone. Anna said there was no one better at disappearing and the men didn’t stand a chance, but she knew that didn’t make it hurt less. Jack told Jordan that Sidwell’s dealings in rare earth and minerals weren’t just gold and diamonds. The minerals he spoke of were strictly regulated by those in weapons manufacturing. Jordan asked if he thought that’s why Sidwell was in Port Charles. Did he want to use their port to smuggle his goods? He said there was no evidence of it, but it was in both their interests to keep an eye on Sidwell. Was there something she wanted to share with the class? She said she had one interesting tidbit. Carly was making a valiant effort not to notice him, but failing miserably. Lulu asked, what’s so fascinating? but Carly said, nothing. Lulu asked why she was staring at Jack, but Carly said she was just making sure her patrons were happy. Why would she care who Jack spent time with? While Portia was busy on the phone, Drew told Curtis that he was spearheading a pediatric sports initiative (🍷). He was surprised Trina hadn’t mentioned it since her friend Kai was involved, lending them his local celebrity status. Curtis said, and Drew was in his wife’s office because… Drew said she was Co-Chief of Staff and the initiative involved GH. Portia had already agreed to be at the press conference. Portia said she wished Drew wouldn’t put words in her mouth.

Elizabeth’s doorbell rang and she said it was like Grand Central Station. She opened the door to Ric and told him it wasn’t the best time, but he said it was important and would just take a minute. Lucky said he thought this night couldn’t get better, and Ric said he wanted to start by thanking Lucky. In Miami, the man said that Lucas found his card and offered to show Lucas his ID, but Lucas said it wasn’t necessary. The man introduced himself as Marco and offered to buy Lucas a drink as thanks. Sasha said everyone saw Willow mooning over Drew. She found excuses to be with or around him and even Michael noticed. Willow said her and Michael’s issues started before Sasha moved in and they all made mistakes – her, Drew, and Michael. Sasha said she thought the only mistake Michael made was trusting Willow. Willow told Michael that it was just a harmless crush, that her heart was still with him and the kids. He believed her and when he found out she acted on her feelings, he was devastated. So yes, Sasha would judge her and not feel bad about it. Willow said Sasha got pregnant at the beginning of November, around the time Jason was mourning Sam, and Sasha said, Jason and Sam hadn’t been together in years. Willow said, but their love story was epic and an obstacle to anyone who wanted Jason. (Is she confusing Sam with Carly?) Sasha saw an opening and took it. (This is possibly the most difficult suspension of disbelief for me, since Sasha could so get Willow fired.)

Jason asked why Anna didn’t want Charlotte to call Lulu, and Anna said she didn’t think the WSB would go after Charlotte, but if Brennan didn’t send the men, someone else had a vested interest in shutting Valentin up permanently. Jason said, it might be easier to use Charlotte to lure Valentin than find him, and Anna said, Charlotte’s phone could be tapped. She needed to contact someone else first. Marco said he was in Miami for a client meeting, and Lucas said he was there for a medical symposium. His ex was also on the trip, and it didn’t end well. Portia said she hadn’t given Drew an answer yet, and Drew said, it was just wishful thinking. Portia said the program was his baby and he should take all the credit, but Drew said it was a partnership. What happened to one of them would happen to the other, and the intention was to benefit the kids. Portia said then she’d do it, and Drew said it was a worthy cause. It would also generate a ton if positive publicity for GH, creating an influx of donors, which would help all of the patients. He knew how quickly things would change, and bringing money in would help her keep her position. Curtis said it would also help people forget Congressman Cutthroat, and Drew said he’d like to offer Curtis and Aurora the opportunity to cover the kick off. Willow said, while she was acting on her sincere feelings, Sasha acted out of greed. Jason was wealthy and adding the Quartermaine connection, her having his baby was the best con she ever pulled. Sasha wondered, what about Willow telling Michael that she would love, honor, and cherish him until death they did part? Think what she wanted about Sasha’s choices, but she didn’t break any vows or hearts. Willow said, give it time, and left. Anna called Jack and told him that she had Charlotte Cassadine. He said he didn’t suppose she had Valentin as well, and she said, negative. They were on a jet and would be at the Sussex airfield in an hour. She needed him to bring Lulu there without alerting anyone. Was it something he could do? He said, not a problem, and Anna told Jason that Jack was going to meet them on the tarmac. Jason asked if she was sure about trusting Jack. How did she know the men weren’t lying, were there under Jack’s orders, and they were delivering him the means to eliminate Valentin?

 Anna said, Jack may be on the hunt, but he knew if anything happened to Charlotte on his watch, Carly would never forgive him. Jason said Jack didn’t care about Carly, but Anna said he did. When it came to Carly, he didn’t have an ulterior motive. She thought he was smitten. She wasn’t saying he was a good guy, but he wanted to see Charlotte reunited with her mother as much as they did. Ric thanked Lucky for saving Elizabeth and gave Elizabeth a manila envelope. He said it was a hard copy of the Medical Review Board’s final decision. She was officially exonerated from responsibility in the deaths of Sylvia Mullen, Dex Heller, and Sam McCall. He also got her back pay for the days of work she was forced to miss. She thanked him, and he said his only regret was that Terry had to call him to represent her. It was good to have such a good friend, but Elizabeth should have called him in the first place. She said she didn’t know Terry had called and didn’t know how serious it was until she was in the middle of it. He said if she ever needed a lawyer or wondered if she might, he should be her first call. He couldn’t bust down doors or duke it out with lunatics, but if she called, he’d always pick up. Lucky rolled his eyes. Marco said Lucas’s ex being there couldn’t be easy, and Lucas said, ex-husband. Marco asked how long they were married, and Lucas said, three years and they had a son. He apologized and said, Marco offered to buy him a drink, not listen to his sob story, and Marco ordered two more. He said he loved long stories, the sobbier, the better. Tell him about his son.

Curtis said Aurora wasn’t the only game in town and Drew could find another media outlet, but Drew said, Curtis’s wife was on board. It would look bad if Curtis didn’t cover it. It was a win-win for all of them. Curtis said he needed time to think about it, and Drew said, fair enough. He left, and Curtis said, what the hell was that? Maxie, Lulu, and Carly discussed the Quartermaine crypt incident, and Jack told Jordan that he hated to cut the evening short. Jordan’s phone rang, and she said she’d be there as soon as she could. Jack went to Lulu and said he was sorry to interrupt, but she had to come with him. It was urgent. Lulu asked if it was about the search for Valentin, but he said he couldn’t give her any details. She’d have to trust him. Carly said she could trust Jack, and Lulu left with him. Maxie asked Carly, what was going on with her and Agent Brennan? Anna thanked Jason for coming and having her back. He didn’t need to get involved. He said he did, but Anna said she let Valentin escape. Jason said he went along with it, and she said, because she asked him to. He said he chose to. It was on him too. They both let Valentin take Charlotte. Anna said, and now they were bringing her back. Lucas told Marco that he gave Wiley back to his father, he and Brad got divorced, and Brad spent six months in prison. Marco said Lucas’s ex must have loved him. He did a terrible thing, but believed it was to spare Lucas pain. He risked his freedom. He risked everything. Lucas said Marco was the first person to hear the story and have that reaction, and Marco asked if Lucas disagreed. Lucas said, no. That was the part that killed him. He knew Brad did it because Brad loved him. He’d always wanted a family of their own, and Brad thought it would break his heart not to have a child, so Brad gave him one. Marco said, and broke his heart anyway, and Lucas said, it hurt a lot of other people, and no amount of love or good intentions can change that. Marco said, it couldn’t erase Lucas’s time with Wiley or Brad either. Wiley may not be his son, but was still a part of him. He was a child of Lucas’s heart and always would be. Lucas said he had a year and a half of being a dad. The memory was his forever, and no one could take it away. Ric told Elizabeth to put the papers in her records asap, and she went upstairs. Lucky suggested Ric send a messenger next time, and Ric asked if he detected hostility. Lucky said, just impatience, and Ric said he meant it when he said Lucky was a hero. And it got him a nice comfy spot to recover. Lucky said it was harder when random people kept dropping by with unnecessary things, and Ric asked if he could drop Lucky off at his mother’s so she could tuck him in. Lucky said thanks for the offer, but he was solid, and Ric said, that was the first word that came to mind when someone thought about Lucky – solid and reliable. Elizabeth could do so much better. Lucky said, like with Ric? Portia told Curtis that she agreed with Drew about the initiative. It would be good for the kids and for the entire hospital. As a doctor and as a mother, she had to support it, no matter what she thought or felt about Drew.

Curtis said if it was just Drew, there was no way he’d get involved, but did Portia want him to cover it? She said she did, for the reasons she said, but also for Trina. Kai was involved and Curtis’s support would mean so much. Don’t let Drew’s awfulness keep him from contributing to a good cause. Don’t let Drew have that kind of power. Jordan went to Drew’s office and said she didn’t have much time. Make it quick. He told her that he was having a press conference to announce his pediatric sports initiative (🍷). Portia agreed to be part of it and he was hoping Aurora would provide coverage. He’d love for her to be there as a representative of the mayor’s office. Jordan said, give her a break. Drew was trying to get himself a nice bouquet to cover the stench of The Invader article. Drew asked if she was going to help organize the support of the community or walk away just to spite him. Jordan said she’d take it under consideration, and left. Lulu asked why they were watching a jet landing and Jack said her daughter was on it. He didn’t have any details, but Anna told him to bring her. He assumed it was to secure her safety. Lulu started to cry and said she couldn’t believe it. Her daughter…

Marco asked if Lucas was doing better, and Lucas said he wasn’t in Boston drowning himself in work. He’d gone to Boston, didn’t date at all, and barely had contact with his friends and family. Marco asked, what changed? and Lucas said his mom died. Marco said he was sorry to hear that, and Lucas said, it was a wake-up call. Our time here was so limited, and they had to do as much with it as they could. Love people while they were still here. Marco said, so he went home, and Lucas said he still worked a lot. There was no action on the dating front, but he wasn’t hiding from life, so there was that. Marco said it was a lot. It took courage to face the things that scared you. How was it? Lucas said his family and friends were great. Shockingly, it hadn’t been so horrible seeing Brad. Marco said, it stirred up old emotions, and Lucas said, sort of. He remembered why they fell in love and how happy they were once upon a time. Brad helped him through a terrible time and made him less lonely. Marco said someone who did that would always have a place in your heart. Not the place they used to, but a place. Lucas said, when he found out Brad was at the symposium, he thought it was a sign. Brad was the kind, supportive person he fell for, and he started to feel something he hadn’t felt in a very long time. They were just at the brink of putting it back together, but then Brad decided to tell him how he got to go on the trip, and he’s still the same lying manipulative person he was. Still driven by love for him, but maybe that was the problem. Marco said, love? and Lucas said it couldn’t be the only answer to loneliness. Marco said, companionship came in all shapes and sizes, and Lucas said maybe it was as simple as finding a gorgeous man and taking it from there. He added, more accurately, from here, and kissed Marco. Jordan went to see Portia and said she spoke to Drew about his new pediatric sports initiative (🍷), and Portia said he asked her to be at the press conference. Jordan said she heard Portia was on board. Drew also said Aurora might get involved. Is that the truth?

Carly told Maxie that she and Jack’s lives were incompatible, and Maxie asked how he took it. Carly said, quietly. He walked away and she hasn’t seen him until now. Maxie said it sounded like the rejection hurt his feelings, but Carly said Jack had a woman in every city. She was just the one in Port Charles. She couldn’t go down that road when Jack would never commit. Maxie asked, to what? What kind of commitment was Carly looking for? Sasha got her ultrasound, and the nurse (not Willow) asked if she’d like to know the sex. Coming out of the elevator, Drew saw Willow and asked if she was okay. She seemed down. Willow said she was coming from a difficult patient, and Drew said he wouldn’t blame her if she’d let the Congressman Cutthroat nonsense get to her, but she said she already told him that she didn’t read that garbage and didn’t listen to anyone who told her about it. He said it seemed like there was more than just a difficult patient that got to her. Anna and Jason brought Charlotte to Lulu.

Ric said he’d get out of Elizabeth’s hair, and she thanked him for everything. He told her that he meant what he said, and she asked if he wasn’t trying to annoy Lucky. He said it was an added bonus, but he wanted her to be happy. He left and Elizabeth said, finally, they were alone, but Lucky had fallen asleep. Maxie asked what Carly was looking for. Did she want to settle down and get married? Carly said she would be happy never to be married again, and Maxie wondered if she could possibly be overthinking things. If she died tomorrow, would she regret not sleeping with Jack? Curtis said he was going to cover the press conference, and Jordan said, if they were on board, she’d be there. She left, and Portia thanked Curtis. Curtis thanked her for helping see the right thing to do and they hugged. Willow told Drew that she could handle it and so could he, but Scout and Wiley were a different story. Drew said he was working on reminding everyone of the good work he was doing on behalf of the citizens. The old headlines would be gone and forgotten. It was going to work out. Willow told him that when he said it, she believed it, and they kissed. Sasha came out and looked at her sonogram, then saw Drew and Willow. Lucas asked Marco, what now? and Marco said he thought Lucas should give him his room key. Lucas slid the key to Marco. Charlotte and Lulu hugged, and Lulu said, Charlotte was finally home.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada:

We see bingo cards and tchotchkes being set out. Yuri says, O-65, retire and thrive… Correct? Gloria says, perfect, and Gio says he never heard that before. Got it! Lois says she’s got nothing, and Gloria says she taught Yuri all the bingo lingo. That man is a natural. Gio says he can’t believe she brought her bingo kit from Bensonhurst, and Gloria says she never leaves home without it. Yuri says, call your doctor. Time for a shot of B-12. Gio says, bingo! and shows his card. Gloria says, a four-corner win, and Lois says she’s impressed. It’s hard to beat ma. Gloria says, they all know Gio is a star and can do pretty much anything, when Brook walks in. She says, of course (🍷) Gloria brought her bingo set with her, and Gloria says she can’t risk getting rusty. Gio says, Brook can take his spot. He’s got to meet Emma. Gloria says, Brook is lucky. That seat is hot. Yuri says he’ll bring the car around for Gio, and Gio tells them, see you later, and leaves. Gloria says, Emma? and Brook says, Emma Scorpio Drake. She’s the Police Commissioner’s granddaughter. Gloria asks, what’s going on with them? and Brook wonders if they’re all going to pretend they just found out, when all along they knew the baby was Dante’s.

On the phone, Laura says she doesn’t want to be interrupted… Yes, it’s that important.

Lulu brings Charlotte home to Laura’s apartment and looks at her. Charlotte says, it’s okay. She’s really here. Lulu says she can’t believe it. She’s been dreaming about this for so long. She smooths Charlotte’s hair and says, there’s so much she wants to tell her, but she wanted to wait until they were alone. They hug, and Lulu says, thank God she’s here and safe. Charlotte says, don’t thank God. Thank papa.

Sonny thanks Isaiah for making a house call, since doctors don’t do that anymore, but Isaiah says, some do for some patients. Sonny says he appreciates it. He doesn’t want his children knowing about his condition. Isaiah says, he’s welcome. His blood pressure is a lot better. Sonny actually seems to be listening to his advice. Sonny says he’s been taking his medication and reducing stress. He even called a truce with his daughter’s mother. It seemed to help. Kristina walks in with Rocco and asks, what’s going on? Rocco asks if Sonny is okay.

At Trina’s apartment, Kai asks if their third date is living up to their first, and Trina says, when he asked her to the museum, he didn’t say it was a date. On Valentine’s Day, she didn’t know it was a date, so it doesn’t count. And since they’re staying in tonight, this doesn’t either. He says, Valentine’s Day was definitely a date and so was painting. They were good dates too. What can he do to make tonight feel more datelike? Would a kiss help? She says, it might, and they kiss. She says, yeah. It definitely feels like a date now, and they kiss again.

On the phone in his hotel room, Jack asks, what’s the update on Josslyn Jax… Is that right? Good to hear. Keep pushing her. There’s a knock at the door and he says, they’ll talk tomorrow. He opens the door to Carly and says, if he remembers correctly, the last time they spoke, she wanted nothing to do with him. So what is she doing here now? She says, fixing a huge mistake, and kisses him.

Trina’s phone rings, but she says she’ll ignore it. Kai says, what if it’s an emergency? and she answers. She asks Ava, what’s going on? and Ava says, thank God. She locked herself out of the gallery and can’t find her key. It’s freezing and her phone is dying. Can Trina come quickly please? Trina tells Kai that Ava locked herself out of the gallery and needs to be let in before she freezes. He says he gets it. Ava is her boss and friend. He was about to head out anyway. Trina thanks him for being cool about it. She’ll see him tomorrow. He says, for sure, and leaves.  

Gloria says, no one is pretending anything. Brook’s been avoiding her all day and she thought that meant Brook didn’t want to talk about it. Brook tells Gloria that she didn’t know what to say. Finding out Gloria knew all along knocked the wind out of her. Gloria says she’s sorry to hear that, and Brook says she told her ma alone. She had no idea Lois ran off and told Gloria. It makes her wonder who else knows.

Lulu says she’s glad Charlotte’s father kept her safe, but she wouldn’t have been in danger in the first place if he hadn’t taken her on the run. Charlotte asks why it matters. She’s here now only because of her papa. Lulu says she didn’t even know Charlotte was coming until before the plane landed. How did Anna and Jason know where she was? Charlotte says, papa texted Rocco and told him where they were. He thought Rocco would tell Lulu and Lulu would come and get her, but Jason found out. Lulu says, Valentin wanted Charlotte back in Port Charles because he was worried about her safety after someone took a shot at him in the Prague café. Charlotte says, he was trying to do what was best for her, even if it means he doesn’t see her every day anymore, and Lulu says, Rocco didn’t tell her that he’d gotten the text. She would have been on the first plane. Charlotte says, papa thought so too, and Lulu says, Rocco’s been avoiding her and she couldn’t figure out why. It makes sense now. She never once gave up hope that Charlotte would come home. Charlotte says she knows, and Lulu says she wishes it had been her that came to get Charlotte, not Anna and Jason. Charlotte says, actually, she was glad Lulu wasn’t there.

Jack says he thought Carly didn’t want to do this, but Carly says she overthought it. It’s what she does and it’s not great. She shouldn’t have thought the worst about him. He says, she changed her mind and he’s supposed to forget and be at her beck and call? How does he know she won’t change her mind again tomorrow? She says, he doesn’t, but she won’t, and he says, he knew she had doubts, but he thought it was about the WSB and how dangerous his job is. She’d be putting herself at risk. But she questioned his character and his feelings for her. That’s a very different thing. She says she knows, and he says he was very clear and very consistent about the way he feels. If she still doubts his intentions, she was right to end whatever it is they had. She says she was completely wrong. That’s why she’s here. He asks, what changed her mind? They haven’t not spoken, so it’s not him. Why the change of heart?

Sonny tells Kristina, everything is fine. He’s just under the weather and called Lucky to get ahold of Dr. Gannon to check him out. They know each other? Kristina says, they met at Charlie’s. Nice to see him. Isaiah says, her too, and she says she brought Rocco by to see the new place. Rocco says, it’s not new. He’s been here, but not since Charlotte lived here. Sonny says he made some changes, especially in the backyard. Does Rocco want to check it out? Rocco says, cool, and he and Sonny leave. Isaiah says he’s going to go, but Kristina says, if her dad had a cold, he would have had Isaiah call in a prescription, not have him come to his home and examine him. What’s really going on with her dad?

Trina lets herself into the dark gallery and says she got here as fast as she could. She turns on the light and her family and friends yell, surprise! She says she can’t believe they did this, and Curtis says, she didn’t think they’d forget her birthday. Trina says she knows her parents are successful and driven and figured they’d be running the hospital and Aurora, but Portia says, they’re never too busy to celebrate their birthday girl. Stella asks if she can get in on that birthday love, and hugs Trina. Trina thanks her for coming, and Stella says she wouldn’t miss wishing Trina a happy birthday. She knows Trina is going to have an incredible year, and it will only get better. Trina says she likes the sound of that, and Stella says she was supposed to be a distraction, but she thought of someone better for the job. Trina sees Kai, who smiles at her, and Stella says, was she right or was she right? Trina says, she was right, as always.

Charlotte says she’s glad Lulu wasn’t there. It was so dangerous. After papa sent the text, Jason and Anna showed up and told them to run. Lulu says, it must have been terrifying, and Charlotte says, it was. She and papa hid, but they could hear everything. The WSB came in and Jason and Anna had to fight them off. She doesn’t think Lulu could take them on like that. Lulu says she’s scrappier than she looks and would do what it takes to keep Charlotte and her brother. Charlotte says she knows. She’s happy to be home, but it feels kinda weird. Lulu says, good weird or bad weird? and Charlotte says, good weird. Lulu says she knows the feeling. It will feel normal soon, she promises. Charlotte wonders how, without her papa.

Outside, Sonny asks what Rocco thinks, and Rocco says, looks good. Sonny asks if it’s missing anything, and Rocco says, Charlotte. It feels weird being here without her. Sonny asks if they’re close. Does he miss her a lot? Rocco says he does. Can he tell Sonny something? Sonny says, anything, and Rocco says he got a text from Charlotte, but didn’t tell either of his parents. He remembered how dangerous it was last time. He told Danny, who told his dad, and Jason promised to bring Charlotte home. Sonny says, he did the right thing. He was looking out for his family and in a tough spot, but he handled it like a champ. Rocco says, but he hasn’t heard from Jason. What if he can’t find Charlotte? Sonny says, Jason is good at finding people, but if Rocco doesn’t hear from him soon, he’ll step in. Rocco thanks him, and Sonny says, you’ve got it.

Isaiah says, whatever questions Kristina has, the answer is the same. Talk to her dad. Kristina says, since he’s here, there must be something to ask about that he’s not telling her, and he says, ask her dad. Kristina says she thinks he’d tell her if it was bad, but he doesn’t have to. Obviously, it’s bad if he’s here. If Sonny was fine, he wouldn’t be trying to cover it up. Isaiah says he’s not covering up anything. He’s respecting the oath he took and doctor/patient confidentiality, which is the law. She says she’s Sonny’s daughter. He’d tell her if Sonny was in the hospital. Be honest. It’s kind of the same thing. Isaiah says, it’s not, when Sonny and Rocco come back. Sonny asks, what’s going on? and Kristina says, Dr. Gannon confirmed something serious is going on. What is it? Sonny looks at Isaiah, who shakes his head.

Jack asks, what changed? and Carly says she realized that life is short. If something happened to either one of them, she’d regret not exploring whatever this is. She’s sorry. She was wrong. And she doesn’t usually admit to either. He says, sorry for what? and she says, not trusting him. She saw him with Vivian and Vivian was flirting. He was so nonchalant, it threw her, and she dismissed all the good things he’d done. But she realized ending things had nothing to do with him. He says, what about Vivian? and she says, that was just an excuse. She got so scared because of how much she was starting to feel for him. She tried to push him away and that’s not her. She’s not the kind of person to run from her feelings. He says, or much of anything else. Exactly what kind of person is she? She says, stick around and find out, and they kiss.

Lulu says, Charlotte knows she wishes Valentin could be here, for Charlotte’s sake. She’d love if it was different, but Charlotte is safer here and has stability. She can’t live life on the run. Charlotte says, it wasn’t that bad. She and papa saw a lot of different places and he made sure she had everything she needed. Lulu says, now that she has Charlotte here, there’s so much she wants to ask. She has so much to tell her and not just about Charlotte’s time away. Her time too. She missed so much in the last four years. Charlotte says she can’t wait to tell Lulu everything. She’s happy to be back home. It might not seem like it, but it is. Lulu says she knows Charlotte had a crazy day. Who is she kidding? Charlotte had a crazy year. Charlotte says she knows things were weird, but her papa always kept her safe and brought up Lulu whenever he could. Lulu says she knows how much Charlotte loves her papa, and she’s so grateful he kept her safe. She’s more grateful that he sent the text, so Charlotte would be brought home. She knows how hard it was for him. Charlotte says she couldn’t believe it when he told her, and Lulu says she’s sure it was lonely being out there with just her dad, and Charlotte says, it was. Lulu says, they need to make up for that. She’s going to make a quick call.

Gloria says she swears on the family bible. No one else knows about the baby. Brook asks how she can be sure, and Gloria says she’d never betray a trust that way. Lois says, listen to her grandma. Gloria knows all the family secrets and never let any of them slip. Gloria says she sensed something was eating away at Lois, and Lois says, Gloria had to pull it out of her. Brook asks why Gloria wouldn’t tell, and Gloria says she was respecting Brook’s privacy and the privacy of Brook’s mother. She never talked about it. Brook says, never? Not even at confession? Gloria says, not a word. She put it in the vault, and it stayed there where it belongs, and she suggests they do the same.  

Laura tells Trina, happy birthday, and hands her a giftbag. She says, these are from Ace. He made the card himself. Trina says, it’s ridiculously cute, and thanks Laura for letting him make it for her. She thanks Laura for being here, and Laura says, there’s no place else she’d rather be. Besides, she thinks it’s what Spencer would want, for her to be here. She knows last year was tough and she’s very glad to see Trina in a better place and willing to celebrate her birthday. Trina says, that doesn’t mean she forgot Spencer or doesn’t miss him every day, and Laura says she’d never think that about her. Neither of them will ever forget Spencer. He was one of a kind. Trina says, yeah, and Laura says, he loved her so much. He would be so happy to see how happy Trina is. She missed seeing the light in Trina’s eyes and she’s glad it’s back. Spencer would be very glad it’s back. Her phone rings, and she says, sorry. It’s her daughter. Trina moves on and Lulu asks if Laura can come home. She has a surprise for her.

Jack leads Carly to the bedroom. They get busy and there’s a song part.

Kai says he’s in a group of athletes who are working at the hospital, visiting sick kids in the pediatrics wing. He tries to spend as much time there as he can. It’s fun in the middle of the hard stuff. Trina says, it’s sweet of him to get involved, and he says he met the guy who came up with the program. He’s a congressman. Emma says, the guy who slept with his nephew’s wife? and Kai says, he seemed okay. He doesn’t know about the guy’s personal life and doesn’t care. The program is changing lives. Emma says, that part is great. Is he sure that he’s not taking on too much? If he wants to back out of her animal fundraiser, she understands. He says, since he’s not playing football, he has plenty of time, when Curtis comes out. He says, it’s time for cake, and the cake is brought out. Trina says, it’s gorgeous (agreed), and Portia says, sing Happy Birthday! They sing and Trina smiles. Kai says, make a wish, and Stella says, make it good. Trina blows out the candles and everyone applauds.  

As they bask in the afterglow, Jack says, this isn’t at all what he expected when he opened the door and saw Carly standing there. She says, he showed up at her hotel room and gave her one hell of a kiss in Germany. She thought she’d return the favor. He says he’s glad she did. He’s been thinking about this for a long time. She says, her too.

Laura comes into the apartment and is immediately absorbed in taking off her coat. She says, sorry she’s late. She got stuck at the party saying goodbye to so many people…  She sees Charlotte, quietly freaks out, and they hug.  

Gio gives Trina a giftbag and says, it’s from Josslyn. She’s sorry she couldn’t be here, but she’s still in Easter Island. She made sure she had it sent to the Quartermaines’ in trust of him delivering it. Trina takes out a sleep-aid set and says, Josslyn is amazing. Josslyn knows she has a hard time sleeping. She loves Josslyn so much. Stella says, here’s the last one, and Emma says, it’s from her. The guy in the bookstore said it’s a must have. Trina opens the present and it’s the same art book Spencer got her shortly after they met. She thanks Emma and says, it’s amazing. She thanks everybody for all the thoughtful, amazing gifts and says, go have another slice of cake and more to drink and just party. Portia tells Trina, happy birthday, and kisses her cheek. Trina looks sadly at the book.

Isaiah says he didn’t tell Kristina anything, and Sonny asks if Rocco doesn’t have homework. Kristina says, since Isaiah is on his way out, could he drop Rocco home at the Quartermaines’? Isaiah says he’d be happy to, and Rocco thanks Sonny for the tour. Sonny says, anytime, and Rocco leaves with Isaiah. Kristina says, Sonny knows she’s going to find out. What’s going on? She can always tell when he’s lying, so tell her. Whatever it is, it’s worse in her head. What she’s imagining isn’t good. What’s going on? Sonny says he doesn’t want her to worry. What he’s got is treatable. He’s fine. She says, treatable? Just tell her what’s going on. He says, there’s something wrong with his heart.

Lulu asks if Charlotte is sure she’s all right, and Charlotte says she’s fine. Just tired. She’s going to go shower. Laura suggests she lie down and get some rest, and Charlotte says, that’s probably a good idea. Laura says, they can catch up tomorrow. She wants to hear about everything Charlotte was doing. Charlotte says, most of it was boring, and Lulu says, don’t get too comfortable. She’s got the idea there might be more visitors. Laura says she’s really happy Charlotte is home, and Charlotte goes to shower. Laura asks if they found Valentin, but Lulu says, no. He’s still out there somewhere, but he’s the reason Charlotte is here. Charlotte said he took good care of her and made sure Charlotte didn’t forget her. Laura says, that doesn’t surprise her. She knows how much Valentin loves Charlotte, but she’s still better off away from him. Lulu agrees and says she hopes he stays away for Charlotte’s sake.

Brook says, all these years, she thought she was keeping the secret from Gloria, but Gloria was keeping the same secret from her. Gloria says, if the devil himself was mad at her for not telling, so be it. She would do anything for Brook. She would suffer anything. As long as her girls and their future was protected. She loves them both so much. Lois says, they love her too… even though sometimes she makes it hard, and Brook says, yeah, but this brought up so many things she wasn’t letting herself think about for so many years. It’s going to take time to wrap her head around it. (Hello 1960s!) Lois tells her, take all the time she needs. They’ll be here when she’s ready. Brook leaves.

Jack tells Carly that he needs to refresh and is taking a quick shower. He gets out of bed and heads for the shower and says, that was an invitation to join him. She says she knows, but someone has to answer the door for room service, and she’s a little bit thirsty. He says, suit herself, and she stays in the bed, looking all happy. She hears him singing in the shower and gets up.

Gio says, Emma’s been great lately, and she asks what he means. He says, she put an activist group together and moved forward. She kept him company at the crypt and gave Kai a good pep talk. She asks why he’s surprised, and he says, the first times they met, she didn’t come across as someone who would do that. She seems different. She says, this is who she is now, and he says, it makes him wonder who the real Emma is. She says she’d like to know her too.

Stella asks Curtis about meeting with Congressman Henderson, and Curtis says, he helped with some obstacles. Drew is now focused on his pediatric sports initiative (🍷) and he’s planning a press conference. Portia is going to talk, and Aurora Media is covering it. He hates that he’s helping rehab Drew’s image. Stella suggests he pick his battle. He can elevate Portia, but if he gets in the way, he could hinder her success. She deserves to shine. Drew be damned.

Portia thanks Ava for referring Ric and being there, and Ava says, of course (🍷). She thanks Portia for confiding in her. If the truth came out, it could hurt Trina. Portia says, it could have been devastating.

Trina slips out of the party.

Ava tells Portia, Drew has a lot of powerful enemies – Nina, Carly, Curtis, Jason, Michael. All the Quartermaines hate him and it’s only a matter of time before his house of cards collapses and one of his many other enemies takes care of him for her. Portia says, someone needs to do something and do it soon.

Curtis can’t find Trina and hopes she’s okay, but Stella says she was here quite a while. It was almost like having the old Trina back, but she might have gotten overwhelmed. A party like this might have had her thinking about Spencer. Curtis says he hates to think it put a black mark on Trina’s special night, but Stella says, it didn’t. Grief doesn’t have a timeline and it’s often felt in our happiest moments.

Kai looks around the party, then sends a text.

Sitting on the window seat in her dark apartment, Trina takes out the art book Spencer gave her. She looks at the inscription and holds the book to her chest.

Lois checks to make sure Brook is gone, and Gloria says, if Brook is this upset about finding out she knew about the baby, imagine how angry she’ll be that they know who the baby is. Lois says she knows, and Gloria says, Brook can never know, and what they did tonight proved why.

Rocco comes home and Lulu asks, how was grandpa’s house? Rocco says, he changed stuff, and it was weird without Charlotte. Charlotte comes out and says, it doesn’t have to be weird anymore, and they hug.

Carly joins Jack in the shower, and he says he had a feeling she’d change her mind. She tells him, make room, but before she can take her robe off, there’s a knock at the door. She says she’ll be right back, and he gives her a kiss and says, hurry.

Kristina says, Sonny has a heart condition? How long has this been going on? He says he’s okay. He’s fine. She says, then why didn’t he want to tell her? and he says, she’d worry for no reason. She says, of course (🍷) she’d worry. What did Dr. Gannon say? He says, it’s from an injury that happened a long time ago and Isaiah put him on the right path. He’ll have to do a procedure, but everything will be fine. He just has to reduce stress. She says, that’s why he agreed to joint custody. he didn’t want the stress of a trial. He says, that’s part of the reason. He didn’t want to watch Ric put her and Avery on the stand. He didn’t want to put either of his daughters through that.  

Carly finds a serving cart in the hallway with a bucket of champagne and two glasses on it. She makes a happy sound, brings them into the room, and closes the door. Valentin comes out from around the corner, and boy, does he look pissed.

On Monday, Anna says, the marshal is here to serve an arrest warrant; Brook says, Drew picked a fight with the wrong broad: and Jack tells Carly, don’t! and knocks the glass out of her hand.  

🧼  All the Soap News Fit To Print…

It looks like there will be a new lawyer in town and maybe a love interest for Lucas.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adrian-anchondo-cast-as-marco-on-general-hospital

Gloria returns!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ellen-travolta-returns-to-general-hospital-2

Maybe he had a good time, but it was painful to watch. This guy is no actor. He sounded like he was reading it and didn’t even read it well.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/the-golden-bachelorettes-guy-gansert-guests-on-gh

Two requests of the fans.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-cameron-mathison-makes-a-special-request

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/eva-larues-warning-to-her-fans

Side gigs. I haven’t read Jon Lindstrom’s book yet, but I want to. Although now I can just wait and see the movie. Well done!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jon-lindstroms-book-to-become-a-movie

I don’t know how exciting this is, but if she’s happy, I’m happy.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-announces-an-exciting-new-project

This was weird/sad, but it sounded like he was getting treatment.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/rick-springfield-learns-he-has-brain-damage

Victor has moved on from the building.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/days-of-our-lives/charles-shaughnessy-returns-to-days-of-our-lives

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I didn’t see this, but it seems to fluctuate between dangerous accidents and nookie.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Boz was hosting a trip to St. Lucia and informed us that it’s the only country named after a woman. We watched as the women packed, and I’m not sure why Erika called my shorts ho shorts, but I was offended. Aren’t shorts supposed to be short? When getting a less than enthusiastic response about an outfit from son Phoenix, Dorit told him, it’s Poca Rabone, like that meant something to him. Boz said getting them all together to travel was like herding cats, so they were meeting in Miami. In her interview, Boz said, beautiful views, delicious cocktails, a steel drum band. Who would complain? Really? Has she met them? In Jennifer’s interview, she talked about not fitting in when she was young, and Sutton cried over her long road with the women and how Garcelle had been the only one to support her. Kyle would say, you two, but never point the finger at Dorit alone. Mauricio visited Kyle and talked about going on  It was the usual, just in a different vacation setting. PK met with Dorit, where the D-word was used, yet Dorit is still in the denial phase. Kyle, however, was sliding into acceptance after Mauricio visited and told her about his quest for weed spiritual healing.

Some non-news. Maybe she’s a girlfriend; maybe she’s not.

Denise Richards and Her Wild Things

I love this show so much. A lot of episode 3 revolved around a Cuban iguana named Godzilla who had passed away at age 30. He’d belonged to Charlie’s ex, Brooke, and was dropped off at Denise’s house when Brooke went to rehab. He liked Fig Newtons and had an entire suite to himself. They had him for nine months, and a memorial was planned. There were a lot of flowers, as well as some heartfelt speeches. Denise also met with Erika (RHOBH) and they clinked glasses and made up. Another thing I love about Denise is her love of animals. She even got a little picnic table for the squirrels outside, one of whom she called Fat Fred, but she insisted she wasn’t fat shaming him. Sami was getting a nose job and said she’d been bullied in school about looking like her dad. Recently, someone had made a comment that she’d never be as pretty as her mom. WTF? Ugh. It’s one of the things I hate about the internet. Anonymity has created mean AF a-holes.

Summer House

Kyle discussed his misdirected rage texting with Paige and said he was super upset. Aww. Poor baby. He’s always super upset about something. I’m pretty sure he lives off of super upset energy. One thing I really hate about this group is their tendency to play telephone. Really, their tendency to just make sh*t up to suit themselves. Lexi had asked Jesse not to be so flirtatious in his comments on the other girls’ social media and somehow this got changed to her demanding he not comment at all. And that literally came from horse Jesse’s mouth. She needs to dump this dude asap. One minute he’s all in love like never before, and the next, he’s making it up as he goes along. The tail end of the show was in NYC with Paige and Craig. When Paige said she never wanted to live a slow life, that said everything. While no judgement about relationships that are ephemeral, if you’re not on the same page regarding commitment, it’s for certain someone is going to get their heart broken.

Southern Charm

Craig told Paige about making up with Austen and how he thought his admission that he couldn’t drink was like holding up a mirror to Austen. He might not be wrong. Paige complimented Craig on his self-awareness. Austen later came by for a visit, and I forgot which show I was watching for a moment. The big topic once again involved JT. Venita wanted him to be her plus one at a summer soiree Madison was giving. JT was hesitant, but said he’d think about it. He talked to Leva about it and said he didn’t know if it was appropriate while he had a girlfriend, and also admitted he’d probably encouraged Venita by flirting. But the best was yet to come when Leva told him that Ryan used the same barber, who apparently told him that JT said some Black girl was trying to bust up his relationship. Once again, although I’m no fan of JT, I couldn’t see him saying something like that. Neither could Leva or Venita, but in Venita’s interview, she said, Ryan’s husband was Black, so why would he lie? Why indeed. JT was livid, since it made him sound racist. On top of it, racist about someone he cared for. Leva said he should call the barber immediately and get it cleared up for Venita’s sake. Translation: So we can get it on the show. He did and the barber seemed surprised, saying, the only thing he remembered JT telling him was that there was a cute Black girl named Venita on the show. When JT called Venita to tell her, I’m pretty sure all she heard though was that he loved her.

On the upside, Brett got the cancer all-clear on his last test and Molly and Taylor took their dogs out for ice cream.

What’s JT up to? Not much. No surprise. I can’t blame him for jetting though. The Reunion should be interesting.

Random Reality Items

VPR 2.0 is on the way.

This is the weirdest thing ever and I can’t believe it’s still going on.

Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.

What a shame. Hopefully, those left in the cast invested in real estate.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Extinction: The G.M.O. Chronicles. Amazon Prime. I am a die-hard zombie fan and I did enjoy this. There was precious little info out there and this review is less than stellar. There is the trailer though.

Okay. This guy liked it more, but there are a few small spoilers.

The Night Eats the World. Amazon Prime. This film won awards, and I didn’t hate it, but there were long stretches of not much going on and the main character chatting with – or rather, to – a zombie he had corralled in a stalled elevator. Be forewarned, the ending is not a happy one.

https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/night-eats-the-world-review-zombies-tribeca-1201954987/

Beyond the Gates. CBS/Paramount+. I finally got serious about watching this and I’m hooked on watching it with my dinner now. It’s oddly old-fashioned and trendy at the same time. Beautiful people, an inclusive cast, fabulous wardrobes, and a gun drawn at a wedding. You can’t really ask for more.

https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2025/03/cbs-beyond-the-gates-promo-tv-critics

🙀 Things You Don’t See Every Day…

🦒 I’m not letting my dogs read this. It might give them ideas.

https://people.com/athletic-giraffe-escapes-arizona-zoo-to-get-snacks-11695093

🐻‍❄️ Pretty as a picture. Oh wait, it is.

https://people.com/photo-sleeping-polar-bear-wins-nature-photography-contest-11690907

🐾 It’s a ferret! It’s a ferret’s ghost! It’s a stoat!

https://people.com/rarely-seen-animal-caught-on-camera-in-pennsylvania-11693659

👄 Quotes of the Week

Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult. – Charlotte Whitton

You’re in pretty good shape for the shape you are in. – Dr. Seuss

You are not your resumé; you are your work. – Seth Godin

Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises. – Samuel Butler

You aren’t learning anything when you’re talking. – Lyndon B. Johnson

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. – Vincent van Gogh

Remember: Always walk in the light. And if you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. Love the light. – Roberta Flack

The mosquitos are d*ckheads out here. – Channelle (Aisha Dee), Apple Cider Vinegar

🍀 Top O’ the Month To Ya…

Until next week, stay safe; stay not using St. Patrick’s Day to be a green beer drunken mess (also don’t be another kind of Karen and drive drunk); and stay loving people while they’re still here.

October 30, 2024 – Time Of Death 5:48 PM, Justification, Salty Stuff, Ariana Does Horror, Dark Dancing, Halloween Watch, Best In Costume & Night Wind

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jason beings Scout and Danny to the hospital. Scout wants to show Sam her costume and Danny just wants to see her.

Alexis brings Sam some candy, and Sam asks her to remind Dante to get some more for the trick-or-treaters. Alexis says, both she and Dante bought some, and now they have 60 pounds of it. She wants to know Sam’s secret. She can put herself together in a minute or sixty, but Sam looks so good after surgery. She’s glowing.  

Trina stops by Portia’s office and says she’s heading to school. Portia asks how it is being back, and Trina asks if the rumors are true that Heather left Port Charles. Portia says, yes, and Trina wonders if Portia had something to do with it.

On the phone, Willow says, Michael hasn’t come home and she’s worried. Call her back. There’s a knock at the door and it’s creeper Drew. She asks why he would come here.

Sasha sits up in bed and remembers being at the bar. She looks next to her, and Michael rolls over. (Rut-roh.)

Cody is sleeping on Maxie’s couch, and cowboy James holds his finger under Cody’s nose. Cody opens his eyes and asks what James is doing, and James says, checking to see if he’s breathing. Cody says, is he? and James says, so far. Cody says, too bad, but James says, breathing is supposed to be good thing. Cody says, tell that to his head, and James says, Cody should have told him that they were having a sleepover. Cody says, it wasn’t exactly a planned thing, and James says he has gummi worms in his holster. He asks if Cody wants one and Cody says, no. (I can feel his stomach lurch.) James asks what he’s going as for Halloween, when Maxie walks in. She says, Cody looks like he’s going as someone who made a big mistake last night. (That’s actually pretty funny.)

Sasha flashes back to the bar and Michael ordering tequila. She asks what he’s doing here, and he says, celebrating. He finally knows the truth. He tells the bartender, keep them coming. She remembers them making out and then moving to the bed. Michael wakes up and sees her.

Drew says he’s sorry to drop in, but he needs to apologize. Willow says she doesn’t want his apology. Just go. If Michael finds them together, it’s the last thing she needs. Drew asks if she’s heard from him, but she says, no. He asks if she wants him to call… and she says, no. Stay away from her and Michael. Her marriage can’t take any more of his help. He says he understands and asks if she was about to tell Michael when she showed up at the main house. She says she thought it was better if Michael heard it from her. Nina told her everything.  

Portia says she had nothing to do with Heather leaving. Now they can refocus their lives again. Trina says she has nothing to report and asks about Marshall, but Portia wants to hear everything about school.

At the Surf Lodge, Dante asks if Rocco is okay, but he says he just wants to see his mom. Dante says, she’s still recovering and will be in the ICU for a while. They’ll see her when she’s moved, but there’s something he wants to talk to Rocco about first.

Sam says she heard Lulu’s surgery went well, and Alexis says, her transplant prognosis is good. Sam says, that’s a relief, and Alexis says, it’s a relief to see Sam smiling. Sam says, considering she’s fine and Lulu has hope, it’s cause for celebration, and Alexis says, their family is long overdue. Sam says she hopes Alexis means that… She shows Alexis the ring and says, Dante proposed. Alexis says, it’s about time, and Sam says she knows Alexis isn’t a big advocate of marriage. Alexis says her marriages were dumpster fires. Sam’s will be better. They hug.

Trina says she loves art history, but her project partner has made no appearance. She doesn’t want to say how good things are or she’ll jinx it, but Portia says, that won’t happen. What about her missing partner? Trina says she tried to contact them, but if she doesn’t hear from them soon, she’s going to tell the TA to get her a different partner. Portia says, it’s Trina’s turn to have some good times, and Trina says she’s going to make it happen for herself. She’s got to get going. She’ll see Portia later.

James asks Cody what mistake he made, when a car horn blows outside. Maxie says, that’s Billy’s mom, and James says, if Cody changes his mind about not going trick-or-treating, go as a cowboy, so they’ll match. He and Cody fist bump, and Cody is like, ow. James leaves, and Maxie asks how Cody’s hangover is feeling.

Sasha and Michael are both in robes, so I assume they’re at a hotel. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she has a hangover from hell and is totally mortified. Otherwise, she’s okay. Him? He says, the same, and asks what they had to drink. She says, everything, and he says, that wasn’t his plan. He doesn’t think he had a plan. She says, neither did she. She was angry and hurting, and the alcohol did nothing to improve her judgement. He says he was in the same place. What happened… Neither of them planned it. They’re both at fault. Sasha says she’d agree, but it hurts to nod her head, and Michael says his hair hurts. She says, there’s something she didn’t tell him. When he told her about Willow kissing Drew, she already knew. She saw them kissing on the 4th of July. She walked into the solarium, but they didn’t see her, and she didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to say or do. It was the last thing she expected. He says, it was the last thing he expected to hear, and she says, Willow is her friend, but she and Michael have history. He’s always been kind to her and she should have told him. He says she was just trying to be loyal to both of them. He understands and he’s not mad. She says, him being mad wouldn’t be the straw that broke the camel’s back, but it would be the straw that killed her. He says, it’s not on her. Willow and Drew are the ones who put them in this position.

Scout tells Jason that she brought Sam a grilled cheese because she likes them, and Olivia said she was a hero. Jason says, she’s one of the bravest people he knows, and they go into the elevator.

Alexis says, when first she first noticed Sam and Dante together, she thought they were a perfect match. The longer they were together, Sam smiled more. She was more herself than with anyone else. Sam says, that’s how it felt from the beginning. They each had a piece of a life, but not the whole thing. It works. Alexis says, they made it work. They committed to building a life, and they took that life, and wrapped it around their families. Sam says she never thought it could be this way, and Alexis says, Sam showed her what a healthy relationship looks like. She wasn’t able to give her girls that kind of family, but Sam is giving it to hers. What she just did for Dante and Rocco is the best gift ever. There’s no demonstration of love that’s greater. Sam says she loves Dante, and Alexis says she loves Sam, and kisses her hand.

Maxie tells Cody, don’t throw up on the rug. They had a dog… Cody says, don’t finish that story. He’s sorry he crashed here, but Mac insisted because Felicia swapped out her couch for a love seat. Maxie says, if it wasn’t an election year, she would have heard about it. She knew it would come back to bite her. Cody asks if she thinks a pint-sized cowboy with gummi worm breath will be punishment enough, and Maxie says she thought Mac talked some sense into him.

Sasha says she doesn’t blame Michael for being angry, but Willow felt terrible and was beating herself up. Michael says he’s glad Willow regrets kissing Drew, but he hates that she’s beating herself up over it. It just happened, right? Sasha says, after Willow confided in her about the second kiss… Michael says, there was a second kiss? and Sasha says she thought he knew.

Drew says, Nina showed up and told Willow everything? and Willow says, yes. He asks what she said, and she says, Cody was blabbing about how Drew kissed his nephew’s wife. Drew says he’s sorry, but she says she’s not blaming him. Drew says, Cody was drinking like it was his job, and Willow tells him that Nina said he was very drunk and punched Drew. Then he said what he said. Drew says, that sums it up, and she says she didn’t want Michael to find out from a stranger or a news report. She wanted to tell him. She thought she could make him understand. Drew says, and he decided to do it himself, and she says, after all the times he told her not to, he went ahead did it anyway. (I hope the bloom is finally off that rose for her.)

Dante tells Rocco that Sam said yes, she’ll marry him. They want to make their family official. Rocco seems surprised. Rocco says he is, and Dante asks if he’s surprised that she said yes, but Rocco says he’s surprised Dante asked. Dante says, why? Clearly, it’s something. What’s going on? He doesn’t like them being married? Rocco says, what about mom?

There’s a beeping alarm, and Jason notices Portia running toward Sam’s room. He sees Alexis running out and she looks at him. She shakes her head.

Jason tells Danny that he needs to take his sister to Bobbie’s. Eat something and wait there for him. Danny asks, what’s going on? but Jason says, not right now. Scout says she wants to see mom, and Danny says, he was thinking that mom loves the cookies at Bobbie’s. They could get a bunch for her as a surprise. They leave, and Jason asks Alexis, what happened? She say she doesn’t know.  

Elizabeth says, Sam isn’t responsive and has no pulse. She’s not breathing. Lucas says, code blue and he wants a crash cart. He wonders where this is coming from. Her vitals were normal. He asks if it could be internal bleeding, and Portia says, a possible embolism. She does chest compression, and he asks for the paddles. He uses them on Sam, but there’s no response. He does it again.  

Maxie tosses a bag of ice to Cody, and he says, there’s some stuff she should know before she gives her speech. She says she knows more than he and Sasha would like, and he says, she knows they’re cousins? She says, first cousins, and he asks if it was published in The Invader.  She says, it’s not known publicly, but her mom is friends with Sasha’s mom. Sasha said her mom was dead, so Maxie was surprised when Holly told her mother and Sasha confirmed it. Cody asks how Sasha is, and Maxie says, hurt and confused, to be expected. He says, that makes two of them, and she asks what he remembers. He says he was drinking… She says, not at all responsibly, and he says he punched that smarmy son of a bitch Drew Cain in his smug little face. Maxie says, he and Sasha got horrible news, and they were both in a bad place, but she doesn’t understand. Why Drew?  

Willow says she wanted to be honest from the beginning, but Drew said not to make it a bigger deal. Then he blindsided her. Why? Why blow up her life? Drew says he didn’t have a choice. Ned and Tracy were going to blackmail him. She says she can’t believe they knew. She’s going to be sick. Drew says, the told him that they’d tell Michael everything unless he went along with their demands. It would have only escalated until someday it blew up anyway. In the moment, he had no other call. He still doesn’t. She says, he’s probably right, and he says, she’s got to believe him. If he’d had a second to warn her, he would have. He’s sorry. She says, none of that matters. All she cares about is her family. She wants Michael to come home. She can tell him one truth; she loves him and their family. And she’s going to do what it takes to earn his forgiveness. There’s only one person who could have told Cody. Sasha. She can’t believe Sasha did that to her. (Oh come on. Like telling an SO a secret you’re keeping is unheard of.)

Michael asks what Sasha means, but she says, forget it. He says, tell him what she knows, and she says, the night McConkey died, Drew was torn up, and he and Willow kissed again. Michael asks if there were any other times, but she says, no. Willow loves him and she’s hating herself. He says, maybe she should. He can wrap his head around one kiss. One kiss is a mistake. The second time is not an accident. They made a choice.  

Cody says, Drew is sleeping with Nina and kissing Willow, and Maxie asks how he knows. He asks how she knew, and she says, look at this face. People tell her things, but she doesn’t drink and tell. He says he feels bad about his big mouth, but not the punch, and she says she’s not being judgy, but why Drew? Cody says he’s trying to be a good guy, but look at what doing the right thing has gotten him. She says she’s sorry about Sasha.

Sasha tells Michael, emotions were high, and Drew and Willow got caught up in the moment. She thinks they know something about that. She doesn’t like herself right now. She loves Willow and broke her confidence and slept with her husband. Michael says, there’s enough blame to go around, but the person at fault the most is Drew. (Agreed.)

Willow says, she confided in Sasha, and Sasha blabbed (WOTD) to Cody, but Drew says, she can take Cody off her worry list. He’ll handle Cody. Willow says, Michael will be home soon and she’s going to tell him everything, including about the second kiss. It’s the only way they can move forward. Drew says, Michael is already hurt. Telling Michael about her feelings for him will only hurt him more. (Yeah. We see how well that advice worked out the first time.)

Cody tells Maxie, Drew is not a good guy. Nobody knows he’s sleazing around with his nephew’s wife and sleeping with her mom. He thinks he’s better than everybody else, but he’s not. He’s a sleaze hiding behind a nice haircut and fancy coats and suits, and he’s getting rewarded for it. He wanted to pull Drew down from the pedestal he’s put himself on and throw him down in the gutter where he belongs. Maxie says, so he had his big moment and lashed out. Where did that get him? He says, a night on her couch, and she says, he could have wound up in jail. He says, thanks to Mac, that didn’t happen, and she says she’s sorry. It’s a horrible thing, but she hopes he realizes that he has a family who can help him through it and will. Things are going to get better. Stay away from Drew. He says he plans to, and she says, otherwise, he’ll deal with her. He asks if this is what having a sister is like, and she says, if you’re lucky.

Lucas calls for the paddles again, and tries to revive Sam, but she’s still unresponsive. (These scenes are actually a little stressful to watch, they’re so intense.)

Dante asks if Rocco remembers what it was like before Sam, and Rocco says, they were sad all the time. Dante says, they were barely making it through the day. It’s like they were sleepwalking. Then Sam showed up and it got better. It was like they woke up. Rocco says, it was easier to move, and Dante says, they weren’t stuck anymore. Rocco says, Sam unstuck them, and Dante says, they did it together, but Sam made it possible.  

Lucas says he won’t quit, and Portia says, she’s in AFib. Lucas tells Sam not to quit on him now.

Alexis asks a nurse if she can tell her what’s going on. She’s Sam’s mother. The nurse says, her medical team is doing what they can, and they’ll update Alexis as soon as they can. She leaves, and Alexis tells Jason that she doesn’t understand.  She was just with Sam. Dante had proposed, and Sam showed her the ring. They were happy and laughing. She doesn’t know what happened.

Lucas keeps trying and tells Portia to resume compression. Portia keeps trying, but her face says, it’s futile.  

Alexis tells Jason, Sam was fine one second – happy about her future – and the next, her face went completely white, and she couldn’t breathe. She was confused and Alexis didn’t know what to do. She doesn’t understand. She’s scared

Dante says, Sam, Danny, and Scout were a package deal, and Rocco says, it took some getting used to. Danny is mostly a pain. Dante says, siblings are pains, but we love them, and Rocco says, most of the time, they’re great. Dante says, family is great. And Sam is the one who gave them their family again.

Sam flatlines, and Portia says, it’s time. Lucas says, no. She’s still here. Go again. The paddles… I said, charge. Portia keeps up the chest compression and looks at Elizabeth.

Alexis says she called Sam’s name, but she didn’t answer. Alarms went off and she was pushed out while they rushed in. Her girl is in there.

Scout wonders where Jason is. It’s almost time for trick-or-treating. Danny says he’ll take her. He knows the houses where the best candy is. She says, mom loves Halloween candy… Grandma looked weird. He says, not really, but Scout says, she did to her. He says, she’s just tired. She spent the entire night at the hospital. She asks if he thinks mom will have a scar, and he says, probably. A scar is cool. She says, mom is cool. She’s a hero. He says, she is.

Portia says, the patient is still in asystole, but Lucas says he can do this. Portia says, she’s been in asystole for 30 minutes. She’s gone. Lucas gathers himself and says, time of death, 5:48 pm. The monitor is shut off.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth tells Jason, do it for Sam; Drew asks Cody if they have a deal; Michael asks Willow if there’s anything else; and Sasha says, no one has to know about this.

⚖️ There Is No Defense…

Seriously? There’s a big difference between nobody’s perfect and being a total creeper.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-defends-drews-contentious-gh-love-triangle

🧂 Worth Their Salt…

The almost fistfight between Whitney and Lisa’s husbands was shut down before it got to the RHONJ Battle of the Joes level. While I give kudos to Justin for defending his wife, dumping a full bottle of Lisa’s tequila down the drain when he got home was a little juvenile. For one thing, Lisa wasn’t there, so the point is moot. All he did was create the hassle of getting more tequila. I’d say good riddance to it, but apparently, they like it. Justin and John met later and right away John asked if they should order appetizers. Now that’s the way to squash beef. Eat some smashed potatoes with it.

I like Bronwyn more every episode. One of the fun things she likes to do is pick her husband up from the airport wearing different costumes. Get that sexy nurse out of your head, because I mean things like sharks and unicorns. And mushrooms. More like mascot costumes. He acted longsuffering about it, but he seems to be a good sport, and I can see why she married him.

Heather went to Bronwyn’s fantabulous house, where Bronwyn met her at the door wearing fantabulous earrings. An errant dog poop found inside prompted Heather to say in her interview that she had to watch her step. Who among us owners of little dogs has not found a wayward poopie? And Bronwyn’s house is so massive, it’s a wonder she can find her own bathroom. Bronwyn was honest in saying she’d invited Heather because she was planning a group trip and didn’t know where their friendship was at. As usual, Heather took offense and denied any responsibility in their rift. IMO, Heather lost any shred of authenticity along with the weight. In Angie’s interview, she’d said she’d known Heather since they were kids. Heather had always wanted to sit at the cool kids’ table, still did, and would do anything to sit there. I’ve never heard a more accurate description.

😈 Still Not As Scary As Sandoval…

Because she doesn’t have enough gigs.

👠 Trick Or Tango…

Even DWTS gets into the Halloween act.

🎃 After the Tricks and Treats…

I’ll be shooting for Apocalypse Z this weekend.

FYI, The Substance is in theaters, but according to this article, will be streaming on Halloween.

A straight up guide.

https://deadline.com/feature/where-to-watch-halloween-movies-tv-streaming-guide-1236157656/

More family friendly fare… mostly.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/30/entertainment/halloween-movies-2024/index.html

I dunno if I’d consider these under the radar, but there are some good ones here.

https://www.ksl.com/article/51164945/10-under-the-radar-halloween-movies

For the NASA nerd in you.

https://www.space.com/halloween-2024-cosmic-monsters-horror-movies

Choices from across the pond.

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/best-new-horror-movies-to-watch-this-halloween/

🐶 Ready For Treats…

Never enough photos of pets in costumes. Especially when money is no option.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/10/30/celebrity-pets-all-dressed-up-for-halloween/

👻 In the Midnight Hour…

Needing to sleep like the undead before facing the goblin horde on All Hallows’ Eve. But join me tomorrow for soap, what the witches are brewing in the OC, and more Halloween. Until then, stay safe; stay never blowing out a Jack-o’-lantern before midnight; and stay not going dressed as someone who made a big mistake last night on Halloween.

October 4, 2024 – Lucas Comes Home To Port Charles, A Review, Reunited, Her No Good Very Bad Look, VanderWeen, Engaged, First One, Sorry About That, Pet (!) Costumes, OctoQuotes & Thrill This

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Gino plays his violin outside of Bobbie’s, when Trina puts a dollar in his violin case. She asks if he knows any Billy Eilish.

Chase says he can’t put his finger on it, but something is different around here, and Brook says, good different or bad different? He says, definitely good. Listen… It’s quiet. She says, the kids are all in school, Tracy is out on a ride, Olivia is at the MetroCourt. Somehow, all of the planets are finally aligned, and they have this entire place to themselves. He says he has the afternoon off work. The planets can’t get any more aligned than that. He kisses her, when her phone rings. He asks her to ignore it, but she says she can’t. She looks at her phone and says, it’s Violet’s school. They’re sending her home.

Ric asks if Ava is suggesting someone at General Hospital altered Heather’s test results, and she says, it wouldn’t be the first time. He asks, who would do that? and she says, somebody who wants Heather kept behind bars. He says, lab tech?… Someone with maybe a little bit more authority. Somebody who could go in and out of any room in the hospital without being stopped. It’s also got to be somebody who is so invested in keeping Heather in prison, they’d be willing to risk anything to keep Heather behind bars.

Lucky knocks on Sonny’s office door and says, sorry to disturb him. He knows it’s been a long time. They hug.

Carly tells Josslyn, the doctors need to do a secondary screening of Lucky’s liver to make sure everything is okay, and then they can move forward with the transplant. Josslyn says, but Lulu’s going to be okay, and Carly says, it’s looking that way.  There’s a knock at the door and Carly opens it to Lucas. They hug, and he says, she’s looking good. She says, he’s home.

On the phone, Brook says, of course (🍷) … Absolutely. They’re on their way. She tells Chase, Violet’s fine. Physically fine. He says, so she’s not sick or hurt? and Brook says, no. He asks why they called, and she says, she hit a boy in her class. He laughs and says, no. Violet wouldn’t do that. She says, her teacher saw her do it, and he says, she got in a fight or something? Brook says she doesn’t know. Violet wouldn’t tell the teacher what happened. He says, since when does Violet not talk about anything? Something’s up. He’s going to go get her. Brook says, they’ll both go. It might take the both of them to get the truth out of her.

Ric asks if there’s someone at the hospital who was attacked by Heather, because that person would definitely want her to stay where she was, and Ava says, Heather and her hook put her in the hospital. So she won’t exactly be shedding any tears if she stays where she is. He says he’s sorry, and she says she’s just saying, the hospital is a big place and there are probably a lot of people who weren’t too excited about the possibility of running into Heather at the supermarket. He says, that’s a fair point, but if he’s going to prove GH’s tests are untrustworthy, connecting it to somebody might be helpful. She tells him to go ahead and prove his grand conspiracy. In the meantime, his client Heather will be rotting in Pentenville. He says, not if he connects the dots real fast, and she says, if he accuses a hospital employee with tampering with the tests, every lawyer GH has is going to come running, and nothing about his case will move fast. He asks if she thinks he should ditch the whole tampering theory, and she says she thinks if he wants things to move quickly, he should give GH an easy out. Just tell them up front that he thinks it’s probably an honest lab mistake. The hospital is sure to agree it’s a faulty test. He asks when she became such an expert in legal strategy, and she says, just giving him an alternative. If he wants to do it his way, do it his way. She doesn’t care. She has no dog in this fight. He says he thinks she does. So who is she protecting?

Lucas and Josslyn hug, and he says he’s missed her so much. He can’t wait to hear all about her life. He wants pictures, videos, all of it, especially the embarrassing stuff. She says, that’s most of it. She’s going to just reschedule with Trina. He says, go be with her friend. They have plenty of time to catch up. She says, it’s going to take a lot of time to get him fully caught up, and he says he’ll block out three hours. She leaves, and Carly says she knows they’ve been talking about him coming back for a while now, but until he texted her that the plane had landed, she just didn’t believe it. He says, it was time, and she suggests they sit down and talk. They go into the living room, and she asks if it was hard leaving Boston, but he says he didn’t have many ties there. Boston’s great, but he was working all the time. It made him a better doctor, but he didn’t want to live like that. He missed the family. She says, they missed him too. She’s so happy he’s here. He can stay as long as he likes, but just be warned. Donna is really into crafts, and he’s going to find beads and glue everywhere. He says he’ll keep an eye out, and she says she’s so glad he’s home. She knows it’s hard for him to be in Port Charles. He says he’s sorry he didn’t stick around after mom’s funeral, but she says, it’s okay. She gets it. He says he knew she would, and she says she just wants him to be okay. He says he’s getting there, and she says she knows he’s excited about the job. It’s just that after everything he’s been through, is he sure he’s up for it?

Sonny says he can’t express how happy he is that Lucky is home safe, and Lucky says he’ll never be able to repay Jason or Anna or Carly for everything they did to get him back here. Sonny says, even though Lucky got all the help, he heard it was hell to get back. He’s sure Lucky’s dad would be very proud that he did this for his sister. Lucky says, his dad might be relieved, but he’s not so sure he’d be proud. Sonny asks, what makes him say that, and Lucky says, because they both know he should have been here all along.

Gio finishes playing, and Trina applauds. He says, thanks, but he still needs to work on that bridge. She says, it sounded perfect to her, and he says he’s glad, but he needs something perfect to both of them. She says, that’s fair. What is he even doing out here? He says, change of pace. It’s a nice vibe. Fresh air, sound of the birds, the wind. Kids laughing, people talking. She says, so he likes to play surrounded by… life, and he says, when he plays outside, he feels like he’s part of this big orchestra that’s always playing, but they forget to listen to it. She says, and here she thought it was just about the acoustics. She’s glad she ran into him. She felt terrible that his performance at the gallery got canceled. He says, it wasn’t her fault, and she says she knows, but she’s been working overtime getting Harriet Nakia’s show back on the book and she finally did. She’d love to rebook him. He thanks her for the offer, but says he has to pass, and she asks, why? He says he knows how much she cares for Ava, but she pushed Uncle Sonny’s pregnant daughter out of a window and killed her baby. He’d never work for that woman now.

Ava says she’s not protecting anyone, and Ric says, she’s right. He doesn’t need to find out who did this. She says, really? Two seconds ago, he was Columbo. Now he’s going to walk away? He says, no. He’s just reevaluating the new information. She asks, what new information? and he says, the fact that she doesn’t want him to know who did this. He’s not going to pressure her into telling him who it is. She says, that would be a waste of time because it isn’t anyone, and he says he thinks he’s gotten to know her pretty well, and he knows she wouldn’t stick her neck out for anybody. So this person must mean a lot to her. He guesses he’s just going to have to figure out Heather’s case with what he’s got. He says he’ll see her later, and leaves.

Lucas asks if she’s questioning his skills as a surgeon, but Carly says, not at all. She just knows it isn’t easy for him to be back in Port Charles. He says, when he saw an opening for a trauma surgeon at GH, he didn’t even think about it; he just applied. She says, if there’s anything she can do for him to make it easier, let her know, and he says, just her being here makes it easier and better. He thinks this job was the universe telling him that he can’t run away forever. He doesn’t want to be that kind of man. She says, a man who runs from difficult situations? and he says he knows he will never be Wiley’s father, but he’d sure like a shot at being uncle. He thinks he could really nail that. (Isn’t Wiley, like, in college by now?) She says she thinks he’ll be a great uncle. Has he talked to Michael? He says he emailed Willow and Michael before he accepted the position. They’re both completely on board. She says she knows it’s going to be difficult to see Wiley, but if anyone can navigate that situation, it’s him. Speaking of navigating a difficult situation, has he been in touch with Brad? He says, no, and he’s not going to be. But while they’re on the subject of past relationships, what is this he hears about her and Sonny?

Sonny says, they all make the best decisions at any particular moment, and Lucky says he can’t help wondering how his dad would feel about him letting Lulu waste away in that bed. Sonny says, if Aiden messed up, would Lucky judge him? and Lucky says, of course (🍷) not. He loves Aiden. Sonny says, there’s his answer, and Lucky says, that’s just part of being a parent. Sonny says, not all parents. Even with him. He made that same mistake with Michael and still regrets it to this day. He can tell Lucky something about his father. He wouldn’t judge Lucky because he loved him. Lucky thanks him for saying that, and Sonny tells him that he’s saying it because it’s true. Don’t beat himself up. He’s here. That’s all that matters. Lucky says he has a lot of work to do, and not just the stuff with Lulu, and Sonny says, then do it. Has he seen Aiden? Lucky says, not yet. He’s been to some of the most dangerous places in the world, and here he is in Port Charles afraid to see his own son.

Trina says, Gio really won’t play at the gallery? and he says he’s sorry. Uncle Sonny’s been good to him. Maybe if Ava gets cleared, he’ll consider it. Trina says, it’s fine. If that’s how he feels about it, she’ll just ask someone else. But don’t worry. She’ll never ask him to play at the gallery again. She goes inside Bobbie’s.

Brook and Chase walk into the nook with Violet, and Chase says he knows Violet didn’t want to tell her teacher about what happened today, but she can tell them anything. Brook says, they love her like crazy, and Violet says she doesn’t want them to get mad. Chase says, she must have been pretty mad to hit that kid. What was his name? Violet says, Garth, and Brook says, what’s the story with Garth? Violet says, he’s a mean bully and he lies, and she hates him, and Chase asks what he lied about. Violet says, her dad, and Chase asks what he said. Violet tells him that Garth said her dad’s a drunk.

Carly says, Lucas is in town all of two hours. How does he know what’s going on with her and Sonny? He says, Joss, and she says she should have known. He says, she really should have. So? She says, so, it’s complicated. Can they just leave it at that? He says, for now. She’s going to tell him eventually. She says, probably, and he says, Joss also told him about Ava and Kristina. Does she think Ava did what they’re accusing her of? She says she doesn’t think Ava is innocent of anything, but to be honest, nobody knows what happened in that hotel room except for Kristina and Ava. And it’s a whole mess right now. Molly and Kristina are… Is he sorry he came back yet? He says, no. He thinks it’s good he came back when he did. He’s sorry if he sounded judgmental about her relationship with Sonny. After the relationship he had with Brad, he has no right to judge anyone. She says she understands, but she also knows he’s not going to let her off the hook that easily, and he says, definitely not. Now while she comes up with her Sonny story, he’s going to GH to fill out some forms and get his new ID. She says she’s happy he’s home. Their family really needs him right now. He says, somebody’s got to keep an eye on her, and leaves.

Lucky says he doesn’t even know if Aiden wants to see him, and Sonny asks why he wouldn’t want to. Lucky says, because he dropped the ball. They used to email and videochat every couple of weeks and he hasn’t made contact in a long time. Sonny says, Aiden still cares what Lucky thinks, but Lucky says he doesn’t know about that. Sonny asks if Lucky cared about what Luke thought about him, and Lucky says, more than anyone. Sonny says, then that’s what’s got to be at the front of his mind. Not what he wants to change, but what Aiden needs from him. Lucky says he doesn’t even know what that is, and Sonny says, he’s not going to get it by sitting here talking to him. He’s just got to show up no matter how tough it is. He’s got to show up. Lucky says, Sonny is right. He’s going to go see Aiden. Sonny says, he’s probably in school, right? and Lucky says, something else he should have known. Sonny says, he’s going to figure it out sooner or later, and when he does, they’ll change the start time of school and change the vacation schedule, and he’ll have to start all over. Lucky says, good to know. He guesses he’ll swing by GH and check up on Lulu and his buddy Isaiah. He thanks Sonny, and Sonny says he’s glad Lucky is back. Lucky says, him too. It’s good. Sonny says, that means he’s supposed to be here, and Lucky leaves.

On the phone in Bobbie’s, Trina says she saw their ad online and she was wondering if they’re still available. Give her a call back and they can talk details.

Outside, Gio puts away his violin, when Josslyn comes into the courtyard. She says she didn’t know he’d be here, and he says he was just rehearsing. She says she was about to head inside and hang out with Trina. Does he want to come? He says, it’s probably not a good idea. Trina isn’t going to want him there. She asks, what happened? and he says, they don’t see eye to eye on something, and neither of them is going to change their mind. She says, that doesn’t sound like Trina. She’s always down to share other people’s points of view. He says, not about Ava Jerome. Trina wanted him to play at the gallery and he said he couldn’t. Not after what Ava did to Kristina. Josslyn says, that’s it. Come with her. He follows her inside.

On the phone in her office, Portia leaves a message for Trina, letting her know she was thinking about her. She hopes school is going well. Trina doesn’t have to call her back. She just wanted to let Trina know that she loves her. There’s a knock at the door, and Ava walks in. Portia asks what she can do for her, and Ava says, as Portia is probably aware, Ric Lansing is representing her in her current legal difficulties. Portia says, okay… and Ava says, he’s also representing Heather Webber. Portia says she did know that, and Ava says, what Portia may not know is, Ric had several blood panels run to test Heather’s cobalt levels, four to be exact. Three were normal. One was not. Does she want to guess which one? Portia says, not really, and Ava says, the one test that showed Heather Webber still had elevated levels of cobalt in her blood was conducted right here at the GH lab. Portia says, their lab is excellent. She’s sure if there’s a problem, they can do another test. No issue at all. Ava says she’s surprised to hear Portia say that, and Portia says, why is that? Ava says, because Ric has come to the conclusion that someone here at GH tampered with those test results. Someone with an interest in keeping Heather in prison. Someone with access. Portia says, someone like her?

Brook asks what Violet thinks Garth meant when he said that about her dad, and Violet says, a drunk is someone who drinks too much. Brook says, it’s not a nice word, and Chase says, her dad has a disease. Brook says, we don’t call people unkind names because they’re sick, and Chase says, that’s right. Violet says she told her friend Jamie her dad couldn’t take her to the pumpkin patch this year because he was in a special hospital, and Brook says, that’s right. Violet tells them that she was saying that her daddy is going on lots of hikes and talking to people. But then, Garth said he wasn’t in a hospital. That he was in rehab because he was… Chase says, got it, and Violet says, then she hit him as hard as she could, but then he poured grape juice all over her shirt. Brook says, her dad bought her that shirt, didn’t he? and Violet says, yeah, and now it’s ruined because of stupid, mean Garth. Chase hugs her and says he’s so sorry any of that happened to her. He thanks her for telling them the truth, and she says she’s sorry she hit Garth. He just made her so mad. She’s sorry about her shirt. Brook says, that’s okay. Why don’t they go upstairs? Violet can change and she’ll throw the shirt in the washing machine. She’s sure she can get the stain out. Violet leaves and Brook follows her.

Isaiah walks around on crutches in his hospital room, when Lucky walks in. He says, not bad. Now pretend the Yankees won the series and jump up and down. Isaiah laughs and says, about time. What did he do, walk from Sidwell’s? Lucky says, looking pretty smooth there, and they shake hands. Isaiah says, this is actually him improved. It’s good to see him. Lucky says, it’s good to see Isaiah too. He guesses he owes Isaiah one. Isaiah says, oh yeah, and one day, he might actually take Lucky up on it. Lucky says he knows Isaiah is joking, but he’s not. They may not be trapped in Sidwell’s compound anymore, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have Isaiah’s back. Isaiah says he knows, and Lucky says, good. Because he does and he always will.

Carly walks into Pozzulo’s, and Sonny says he can make Carly an espresso in 25 seconds. She says, that’s impressive, but that’s okay. She’d feel like she was cheating on his old machine. He says, she doesn’t know what she’s missing, and she says, one more mystery she has to live with. He says, have it her way, and leads her to his office. He says, guess what? Lucky was here earlier. She says, how’d that go? and he says, he’s adjusting to being back in Port Charles. She says she’s sure it’s a lot for him, and he says, he’s a lot like his father. He’s tough. He’s going to be okay. She says she doesn’t know if he’s heard, but Lucas is back. He says he heard. How is he? She says, he’s good. He’s ready to start the next chapter of his life. He’s also concerned that they’re getting back together. Sonny says, this is going to be over soon, and she says, good, because that’s why she’s here.

Terry lets Lucas into her office and says, everyone is excited about him rejoining the staff, and he thanks her for making his transition back so smooth. She says, they’re lucky to have him. She’s sure he had his pick of hospitals. He says, GH was always his first choice. He’s looking forward to a fresh start in his hometown. She says she wants that for him too, but there’s something she thinks he should know.

On the phone, Trina says, if they’re schedule changes, let her know. She turns around to see Josslyn with Gio, and says, whatever they’re trying to do, the answer is no. Josslyn says, Ava is not worth losing a friendship, and neither is Sonny, but Trina says, this is between her and Gio. Josslyn says, they both see good sides to Sonny and Ava. How, she doesn’t know, but it doesn’t matter. She’s not here to waste her time or her energy trying to convince them that they’re wrong. Trina says, the world won’t end if everyone doesn’t have the same opinions, and Josslyn says, she’s right, but they don’t have to fight Sonny and Ava’s battles for them. Let them screw up their own lives, but don’t let them change one thing about theirs.

Portia asks if Ava really thinks she’d risk everything to get back at Heather, and Ava says, what she thinks is, if her daughter were in danger, she’d do everything she could to protect her. Changing a test result? That’s nothing. She’d pull strings, she’d pay bribes, she’d even kill if it meant keeping her child safe. And she’d sleep very well at night. Portia says she guesses they’re different in that way, but Ava says, no, they’re not. But Trina doesn’t know how far Portia would go to protect her. She’s getting her life back together. She’s going back to school. For the first time in a long time, she’s thinking about the future. Portia says, that’s exactly what she’s been praying for, and Ava says, well, it’s happening, and Trina doesn’t need to see her mother’s career crash and burn because of something she did to protect her daughter. Portia says she appreciates Ava coming to speak with her, but she doesn’t know what Ava is talking about. Ava says, come on. It took her all of three minutes to realize it was Portia who messed with those test results. And she won’t be the only one. So like it or not, Portia is going to need her help.

Lucas walks into the lab where Brad is working. He says he heard Brad was working here.

Trina says she understands why Gio feels the way he does about Ava. She was at the pool when Kristina fell. It was horrifying. Gio says, if Josslyn hadn’t done everything exactly right that day, Kristina would have died, and Trina says, that’s why he doesn’t want to do anything with Ava, and if he doesn’t want to perform at the gallery, don’t. He thanks her, and she says she’s just asking as his friend to consider the possibility that the fall was an accident. He says he wasn’t in the room with Kristina and Ava, so he’ll let the judge in the case decide who’s guilty. As far as the gallery gig, he won’t do it for Ava, but he’ll do it for her. She asks how he knows she hasn’t found his replacement.

Brook asks if Chase wants to go beat up Garth with her. She’s kidding… mostly. He asks how Violet is doing, and she says, she’s doing better. She’s upstairs changing her clothes. She’ll be down in a minute. Has he seen her phone? He says, she left it here when she went upstairs, and gives it to her. She checks something, and he asks what she’s doing. She says she’s looking for Garth’s parents’ phone number in the school directory. She’d like to have a little chat with them. He says, that’s probably not the best idea right now, and she says, he’s right. They should drive over there and have the conversation in person. That way, they can get eyes on Garth, see what his story is. He says, that might make things worse. Although there’s nothing stopping him from putting a boot on their car. She says she likes where his head is at on this, and he says, but you know who wouldn’t? Finn. She says she hates it, but he’s right. They need to focus on Violet. He says, there’s always going to be Garths in this world. They need to teach her how to deal with them. Short of her uncle tasing them. She says, that’s a good idea. The teaching, not the tasing. They just need to put their feelings aside and listen. He says he thinks Violet misses Finn more than they realized, and Brook says, it’s her way of crying out for help.

Lucky asks what Isaiah thinks of Port Charles, and Isaiah says, all he’s seen so far is the airport, the side of the street, and inside the hospital. Lucky says, all the hot tourist spots, and Isaiah says he’s also gotten to know some people around here. Lucky says, anyone interesting? and Isaiah says, one or two. Lucky says, sounds like Port Charles is growing on him, and Isaiah says, Lucky never told him much about his life here, which is cool, but now might be the time to tell him anything he needs to know. Lucky says, like what? and Isaiah says, like anything that might keep him from putting his foot in his mouth. Lucky says, Isaiah has met his ex, and Isaiah says, she’s pretty awesome. And he’s looking forward to meeting Lucky’s son. Has Lucky seen him yet? Lucky says, not yet, but he will soon, and Isaiah asks if Aiden knows what Lucky’s been doing. Lucky says he hasn’t given him too many details. He didn’t want to scare him. Isaiah says, he should know that Lucky’s been helping people. Isaiah is happy to tell him that, and more if Lucky wants. Lucky says he might take Isaiah up on that at some point. There are going to be a lot of questions, and he certainly doesn’t have all the answers. Isaiah asks if Lucky is worried how Aiden is going to react, and Lucky says, that, and he’s focused on his sister. He’s waiting to hear if he’s a match. Isaiah asks if he’s concerned about the surgery, and Lucky says, which one? Lulu’s or his?

Brad says, Lucas is back, and Lucas says he is, but not for Brad. They’re both going to be working here, so he thought he’d make some things clear since they’re bound to run into each other. If they speak to one another, it will only be about work. No catching up, no hashing things out. Nothing. The past is the past and that’s not going to change. He’s moving forward with his life and that doesn’t include Brad. Are they clear? Brad says, crystal, and Lucas says, good. Because he wants nothing to do with Brad – ever.

Portia asks why Ava wants to help her. What’s in it for her? Ava says, Trina. She doesn’t deserve to watch her mother lose everything. She’ll think it’s her fault, and she’s been through enough without adding that to it. Portia says she was just trying to protect Trina, and Ava says, keep doing it. Do what Ava tells her to do. No one has to know she’s doing it. Portia says, it’s already too late. Brad Cooper is back working at GH. He’s working in the lab and he’s already suspicious of her. Ava says, lie low. Don’t try to cover her tracks. Don’t try to hide what she’s done. The bigger deal she makes it, the bigger deal it’s going to become. Portia asks what she does about Ric Lansing, and Ava says she’ll handle Ric Lansing. She can certainly keep him away from Portia. Portia says, it’s not going to work. Ric Lansing will get Heather out of prison. They have to stop him.

Carly says, Sam told her that Alexis is protecting Kristina by not defending herself, and Sonny says, Alexis isn’t doing herself any favors in this case. Carly says she gets that, but Alexis shouldn’t be punished for a crime she didn’t commit, and he says, that’s why he hired Martin Grey to represent her. He’s already working on her defense. She says, he’s going to let this go to trial? but he says, no. He believes Alexis’s case is going to fall apart. She says, what if it doesn’t? and he says, it will. She says she’s on his side. She always has been and always will be. He asks why she thinks he came to her for an alibi, and she says, why does he think she gave him one? She doesn’t want anyone to go down for Cates’s murder. The world is a better place without him in it. He can’t destroy another life. Sonny says, he won’t, and she says, okay. Then he needs to tell her what they’re going to do to protect Alexis.

Violet comes downstairs, and Brook asks if she feels better. Violet says, yes, and Chase says, Garth shouldn’t have said what he did, but her dad wouldn’t want her to hit someone either. Brook’s phone rings, and she says she has to take this. She steps away, and Violet says, if Garth hadn’t said those mean things about her dad first, she wouldn’t have punched him. Chase says he knows, but he needs her to believe in her dad right now. Can she do that? Violet says she guesses so.

On the phone, someone tells Brook, the principal would like to speak to Violet’s guardian as soon as possible.

Violet says she’s sorry she hit Garth. Does Chase think she’s going to get in trouble? He says, even when you have a good reason for doing something, if you break the rules, there are consequences.

Gio asks if Trina is saying she already got someone to play at the gallery. Where did she find them? Trina says, the internet? and Josslyn says, there’s no way they’re better than him. Gio thanks her, and Trina says she will tell them that the musician she found is a little sketchy, so she’d be very happy if Gio would reconsider her offer and take the job. He says he’d be very happy to accept the offer – for her, and Josslyn says her work here is done. Gio says, if the environmental science degree doesn’t work out, she could always be a talent agent, and Trina says, very true. She could.

Ava says, unfortunately, there’s nothing they can do to stop Ric from trying to get Heather released from prison, but Portia says, there has to be. Ava says, he’s got three tests that prove the GH test was faulty. Heather Webber was affected by cobalt in her system. Portia says she can’t just sit here and do nothing, but Ava says, she can’t be seen anywhere near Heather’s case. Ava’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Ric. Ric says he’s got great news. He filed a summary motion on Heather’s case. He asked that her conviction be overturned immediately, and there’s a good chance it will be. Ava says, congratulations, and he says, don’t worry. Her mystery friend will remain a mystery. She thanks him and says she means it. Can she call him later? He says, no need. He just wanted her to know about the motion. He hangs up, and Ava looks at Portia.

Brad says, Lucas must hate him, and Lucas says, all of this would be easier if he did. He does feel sorry for Brad. He understands all the reasons Brad did what he did. Brad says he still shouldn’t have done it, and Lucas says, Brad was drawn into a nightmare. But Brad pulled him in too, and it’s a nightmare he never wants to think about or experience again. So goodbye, Brad. He walks out.

Isaiah says, so if Lulu’s body accepts Lucky’s liver, it will take her back to her baseline. He’ll have given her the best possible chance to wake up from her coma. Lucky says, don’t kid a kidder. The odds of that are pretty slim. Isaiah says, slim is better than none, and Lucky says he guesses. Isaiah says, Lucky is going to need about a week in the hospital, and another six to eight weeks after than to recover from the surgery. That being said, there are risks. There’s no such thing as a routine transplant surgery. Lucky says, and Isaiah wouldn’t consider… Isaiah says he’ll give advice and offer support, but he’s never going back into surgery. Lucky says, sorry. He never should have asked. Isaiah has done more than his part. Isaiah says, he means the whole risking his life to get Lucky help thing? and Lucky says, without him, he’d still be in the desert. Whatever happens next is on him.

Sonny says, don’t worry about it, and Carly says, he does have a plan to help Alexis, doesn’t he? He says, they can protect Alexis and everybody involved. All they have to do is find the gun Alexis threw away. She says, what if he doesn’t find it? and he says, then he’ll prove Alexis didn’t kill Jagger Cates. She says, how? and he says he’ll turn himself in.

On Monday, Willow says, maybe she and Michael can figure it out together; Robert tells Diane, Holly’s back in town; Terry has Lucky’s test results; and Lucky owes someone a huge apology.

🪥 Brush Up On Your Lucas…

A refresher course or an introduction.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-lucas-jones-ryan-carnes-158930

🎉 Mother and Child Reunion…

Laura’s head is going to explode when Lulu wakes up.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/genie-francis-returns-to-general-hospital-2024

I dunno about him being like Luke. Luke was never that altruistic.

https://ew.com/general-hospital-will-reunite-laura-with-lucky-genie-francis-jonathan-jackson-8723567

🎉 Receipts, Proof, Timelines, Lemons In a Bowl…

I really do feel badly for her, but she seriously needs to curb her drinking.

Confirmation!

🍸 Something About Horror…

It beats the horror of the last two seasons of VPR.

💍 Charming Proposal…

She’s finally moved on from creeper Austen. Good for her.

🥸 That’s a Lot Of Laughs…

Wow. Fifty – 5-0 – seasons.

https://ew.com/how-to-watch-first-snl-episode-after-saturday-night-movie-8722822

💸 Regrettable Millionaire…

This came after the shame of being included in The Dark Side of Reality TV. I kinda, sorta remember it, but I’m not a fan of the finding love shows. I always feel embarrassed for the contestants. No doubt they feel embarrassed for themselves too, after it airs. And it’s rarely love that they find.

https://ew.com/joe-millionaire-producer-regrets-convincing-women-to-do-show-8714985

👻 Get Your Ideas Here…

This article shows costumes you can buy and where you can buy them, but it’s not that hard to DIY some of these ideas. I’m no seamstress, but I’ve handmade dog costumes a few times. You try to find Rocky Horror costumes for dogs.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/best-dog-halloween-costumes

Omg, the little football.

https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/20-funny-creative-outrageous-pet-costumes

💡 Quotes of the Week

The really magical things are the ones that happen right in front of you. A lot of the time you keep looking for beauty, but it is already there. And if you look with a bit more intention, you see it. – Vik Muniz

It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.Abraham Lincoln

October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations about them once again. – Hal Borland

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. – Terry Simpson

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. – Mike Tyson

You’re going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it’s always their actions you should judge them by. It’s actions, not words, that matter. – Nicholas Sparks

I said no cilantro. I might as well shove a bar of goddam soap in my mouth. – Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell), The Penguin (Same.)

No one knows what it is, or how it works, but everyone wants to possess it. – Nomad (Michael Berryman), Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time

🍁 Here’s To October…

Get your weekend on, then join me on Monday for soap and seeing what’s on Sail. Until then, stay safe, stay within the parameters of a party (in other words, don’t be nosy about the host’s home), and stay never calling people unkind names because they’re sick.

August 20, 2024 – Kristina Is Arraigned, Soap Bubbles, Sergio Wants a Baby, Salty Talk, VanderBail, Best R Ever, Zoo Babies & Afternoon

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura asks, what hell are you doing here? and Cyrus (didn’t see that coming) says, hell had nothing to do with it. Laura tells Lulu, mom is here. She’ll be right back. She and Cyrus go out into the hall, and Laura says, Lulu’s doctor called her. Why is he here? He says he hasn’t seen Laura in months and assumed she had her hands full with the baby, her mayoral duties, and Heather. He visits frequently, so he’s surprised he hasn’t run into her.

Ava leaves a voicemail for Scotty. She asks, where’s the pharmacist? Is everything okay? She needs for him to call her back. She throws her phone as Nina walks in. Nina picks it up and says she thinks Ava dropped something.

Dante comes home, and Sam hugs him. She says she brought Scout home from her softball game. She was awesome. She’s upstairs and she’s sure she’ll tell Dante all about it. She’s headed over to her mom’s, since Kristina is there. Is he okay to stay and watch the kids? He says, the kids aren’t a problem, but Kristina isn’t at her mom’s.

Molly meets TJ at the hospital, and he says he heard about Kristina. He’s so sorry. She says, her mom is with Kristina, but she’s had no chance to talk to her. She did have time to be reprimanded by his mom. She used her authority as ADA to confront Ava in jail. Scotty complained to the DA’s office, and it landed on the Deputy Mayor’s desk. All she could think about was that her child was gone because of Ava. She could have been suspended or fired, but instead she got more than her share of professional courtesy and grace off the books. She doesn’t regret confronting Ava, but she’s sorry about so many other things. She hopes he can forgive her.

Alexis tells John that her emergency hearing should be granted soon, and John says, Kristina assaulted and threatened to kill a federal witness. She says, this is malicious prosecution and doesn’t serve him, which he’ll find out in court.

Sonny goes into the interrogation room, and Kristina asks why this is happening. He says he’s going to take care of everything.

Kristina tells Sonny that John claims she threatened Ava and tried to kill her, but that’s not what happened. Ava grabbed her. She only threatened to tell the court the truth about Ava on the witness stand. Sonny says he’ll tell her what’s going on. Is she up to hearing it? She says, yeah, and he says, he and Jagger go way back to a time when he did things he’s not proud of. That’s a weight that he’ll have to live with. The guilt is his weight, not hers. She says, his past doesn’t matter, but he says, Jagger has come back to settle the score. Jagger knows how much he loves her, and that’s why Jagger is targeting him.

Nina says, her life is in her phone, and hands Ava’s phone to her. Ava asks what she wants, and Nina says she managed to squeeze out half a page for the artist Ava is so excited about. Ava says, under other circumstances, she’d be thrilled, but she has bigger concerns. Her lawyer isn’t answering his phone. Nina says, Scotty isn’t always reliable, and Ava says she was arrested for murder and the FBI agent who was helping her clearly has his own agenda. Go ahead and say it. She has nobody to blame but herself. Nina says, it’s true she wanted to see what Ava had coming to her, but this is not what she had in mind. Ava says, Nina wanted to see her suffer. She got her wish.

Molly says she’s sorry she was hiding behind work and left TJ to handle everything, but he says, she’s grieving too, and he wasn’t always understanding. She says, it’s like living in a slow-motion nightmare. She’s living in one horrible moment when the next comes. Sonny and Kristina got off the elevator, and Kristina was ready to go home, when Agent Cates stormed in and arrested Kristina. He claims Ava is a witness in a RICO violations case, and Kristina assaulted her. He says, that doesn’t sound right, and she says, their mom went into lawyer mode, but now she’s starting to wonder if she shouldn’t have defended Kristina.

Laura asks if the doctor has been in there, and Cyrus says, no one’s been in there since he got here. She asks how often he visits Lulu, and he says he tries to be here two or three times a week. He reads the Bible to her. He’s her uncle, and he hopes it brings her a little comfort. Laura asks why he didn’t tell her, and he says he knows she’s got a lot going on, so he thought he’d help. He sees now that he should have cleared it with her, and he apologizes. If it causes her distress, he’ll stop. She says she appreciates his intentions. She’s worried about Lulu. He asks, why? and she says, the doctor asked to see her. She said something’s not right with Lulu’s tests, and there was an urgency about it. He asks if she’d like him to pray with her, and she says, her only prayer is that if her daughter needs help, she has the strength to give it to her.

Alexis tells Kristina that she got the emergency hearing, and Kristina wants to know how this happened. Alexis says, it’s a desperate miscalculation by a desperate man, and it’s going to blow back on Cates big time. She’ll be in the courtroom and meet Kristina outside. She leaves, and Sonny says, they’ve got this. Don’t worry. He leaves, and Kristina says, it isn’t her fault. Ava grabbed her. She flashes back and says, Ava grabbed me.

Doc asks if Lulu is okay, and Laura says she only saw Lulu for a moment. Cyrus was there. Cyrus says he’s only seen the nurse since he’s been here, and Laura says, apparently, Cyrus visits Lulu regularly. Cyrus says, among other patients, and Doc says, ministering, he supposes. The doctor joins them and says she’s run some tests and is waiting for the results. She’ll see if the lab can put a rush on them. She wants to have the most current information in hand before she updates Laura. Doc asks if she has any indication of what’s going on, and she says, when they get the results, they can decide on what course of action, if any, they want to go for. She leaves, and Cyrus says he doesn’t wish to intrude. He’ll pray for them both. He leaves, and Doc asks if Laura is okay with Cyrus visiting. She says she doesn’t know. She can’t think about anything but Lulu.

Nina asks why an FBI agent would concern himself with a custody case. It’s not something they usually take on. Ava says, he wanted information he could use against Sonny. She told him that she had nothing to give him, then Sonny showed up at her hotel suite. He was livid about the custody battle. Nina knows how he gets quiet and intense, and Cates stepped in. Nina says, Sonny can be intense, but she doesn’t believe he’d harm Ava, and Ava says, Sonny hates her and Cates was there for her like a hero. He said he’d help her with the custody battle, so she threw in with him. The only thing she cares about and that matters to her is Avery. Now she thinks she made a gigantic mistake.

Dante tells Sam about Kristina’s arrest, and Sam asks if Anna and her mom know. He says, her mom is all over it. Cates is saying Kristina went after Ava, who’s a witness in a RICO case against Sonny, and Sam says, unreal. He says, her mom is trying to get Kristina arraigned. He just got back from seeing Laura. She asks if the mayor is in on this too, but he says, something is going on with Lulu.

Molly says she showed Ava the autopsy photos. She wanted Ava to know what she’d done and live with the memory of the images. The autopsy photos upset and horrified Ava, but it didn’t make her feel any better and Ava didn’t confess. So what did she accomplish? She jeopardized her own career. She wanted to take action, and what she did, she did out of anger. She can see why Kristina would do the same thing. He asks if she thinks Kristina threatened to kill Ava. She says, Kristina wouldn’t mean it and wouldn’t physically attack her. He says, they have photos, and she says, a picture can tell a thousand lies. It’s how it’s interpreted. Maybe Ava was grabbing Kristina. Maybe she was fending Kristina off. He asks if she thinks that scenario is possible, and she says she doesn’t want to, but maybe Kristina’s actions are responsible for the death of their baby.

Alexis says, Sonny will say and do nothing, no matter how much Cates goads him. If he can’t do that, he has to leave. Sonny asks how she is. She hasn’t had a case in a while, and this is their daughter. He wants to know if she’s up for it. She asks if he’s doubting her. If she had any qualms, Diane would be here. When she sees Cates’s smug mug, she’ll be filled with righteous indignation and a strength she forgot she had. He says, that’s what he likes to hear. His presence here will present a problem for Cates, not him. Cates hates the fact he’s breathing, so he’s going to watch as she pokes holes in his bogus arrest. It’s going to drive him crazy.

The FBI lawyer shows up and tells John that he doesn’t feel comfortable about the case. It’s not clear cut. John tells him to make it clear. It’s part of an ongoing investigation involving Sonny. He needs Kristina to stay put until the trial. The lawyer says, got it, and they go into the courtroom. The bailiff says, all rise… Judge Sullivan presiding. Judge Judy The judge takes her seat and tells them, let’s get going. It’s late.

Dante says, the doctor wanted to see Laura because Lulu had a setback, and Sam says she’s sorry. Does Rocco know? Dante says he wanted to know more first. Lulu has been a prisoner in that bed so long, he hopes miracles happen, but he feels like the chances are slim. Sam’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Diane. She listens for a moment, then thanks Diane for calling. She tells Dante that the emergency hearing was granted. It’s starting now. He tells her to go and keep him posted. She says, let her know what happens with Lulu and if he needs anything, and he says, he needs to figure out what to try and say to Rocco. (I thought Laura told him to hold that thought.)

Ava tells Nina that she and Sonny had a falling out and he gave her the boot. The next thing she knows, they’re lining up character witnesses for family court. She got involved with Cates, but now she sees how obsessed he is with taking Sonny down. Nina asks if it won’t help Ava’s case, but Ava says she’s still facing criminal charges for Kristina’s fall. She can’t take care of Avery from behind bars. Nina thinks it’s not going to come to that, and asks, what happened? Ava says she swears it was an accident. She and Nina were friends before she blew it, and Nina knows whatever else she is, however selfish or bad she is, she’d never hurt a child.

TJ says, Molly’s not only one who saw Ava. He went to the gallery. She asks, why? and he says, for the same reason. He needs answers, and the two of them have been so far apart. She says she feels terrible, but he says, she’s dealing with the same loss, and he understands. What Ava suggested lines up with what Molly told him. He doesn’t think Kristina is blameless. She says, Kristina made the choice to go see Ava. If she hadn’t done that one thing, their child would be alive. (These two are idiots on a good day. If Kristina had gotten hit by a bus that went through a red light, I’ll bet Molly would say, she shouldn’t have been crossing the street.)

Alexis tells judge Sullivan that there’s no witness statement, no report, no video. Besides that, her client was just released from the hospital where she had an emergency C-section. It’s not only an unjust arrest, it’s jeopardizing her health and bordering on malicious prosecution. She asks that her client be released immediately. The judge asks where the evidence is to back up the charges, and the lawyer looks at John, who’s got nothing. He gets up and says, they have a report from a reliable citizen, but the FBI has a heavy workload and has yet to file a formal transcript. In light of this, he asks for a continuance. Judge Sullivan says, denied. This has been a colossal waste of everyone’s time. The defendant is released on her own recognizance, effective immediately. John jumps up and says, no. She’s making a mistake (I wait for her to say, you again?)

TJ says he loves Molly and he’s sorry, and she says she loves him too. She was too scared to handle her own grief and too heartbroken to handle his. He’s her best friend and partner and she let him down in every possible way. He says he accepts her apology and loves her so much, and they hug. She says, there’s so much to take care of, and he says, they’ll figure it out. They’ll go someplace quiet. Molly’s phone dings, and she says, it’s a friend from the courthouse. Kristina’s been granted emergency bail. TJ wonders why Alexis didn’t call, and Molly says, since she works in the DA’s office, they thought it was better if she kept her distance. He tells her, go see about her sister and don’t worry about anything else. They’ll figure it out together tomorrow. She leaves.

Laura tells Doc that when the doctor called and said it was about her daughter, she had a surge of hope that the doctor would say Lulu was awake and asking for her. It has happened so many times, a sort of irrational spark of joy, only to be followed up by a crash when she hears them say, there’s no change. This is worse than no change. She can tell by what the doctor isn’t saying. Lulu is getting worse.

Dante leaves a voicemail for Laura, saying, he’s checking in. He hears Rocco and says he didn’t know Rocco was downstairs. Rocco asks if there’s any truth to the rumor they’re getting pizza, and Dante says he ordered pizza, but he’s got to talk to Rocco about his mom.

Ava tells Nina that Kristina came to her suite. She was furious about the subpoena. Sonny attacked Dex and she saw the whole thing. Nina says, it must have been traumatic. She’s fond of Kristina and knows Sonny is protective of her. Ava says, Kristina was beyond. Kristina barged in, screaming at her. At some point she put her hand on Kristina, and Kristina jerked away. She stumbled and tripped on some luggage, then crashed through the window. It happened so fast. She had nothing to do with it. It was an accident. Nina says, Kristina lost the baby and nearly died, and Ava says, it was tragic and horrible. Nina says, the luggage was just right there? Was Ava going somewhere? Ava says, Carly threw John out and she let him keep his bags in her room, since he was helping her with the custody fight. After Kristina fell, she supposes she was in shock. She didn’t know how to explain the bags of an FBI agent, so she did something stupid. She hid them. She put them in a closet, and of course (🍷) the cops found them. Nina says, Ava altered a crime scene and lied about what made Kristina fall. Of course (🍷) they’ll wonder why Ava would lie if it was an accident. Ava says, but it was. She didn’t push Kristina. Nina has to believe her.

John says, as soon as the defendant leaves the courtroom, her father will have her on a plane to a country with no extradition treaty. Judge Sullivan says, the only reason John hasn’t been cited for contempt is because of his FBI badge. He has 48 hours to get his case together, including documents that show Ava is listed as a witness in a RICO case, or he’ll be the one in a cell. (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! John’s face.) The bailiff says, all rise, and the judge leaves. John asks the lawyer, what the hell was that? and he says, it was a lousy case, and they got treated accordingly. John better get it together and his evidence had better be bulletproof or he’ll have John’s badge, and John will be sitting in a cell. John glares Sonny on his way out, and Sonny asks Alexis, how’d I do? Alexis smiles and Sonny winks at Kristina. (Our Sonny is back.)

Ava says she sees Nina isn’t convinced, and Nina says she believes a lot of it. It was a confusing situation and probably happened fast. Ava says, Kristina fell, but everybody assumes she pushed her, and Nina says, life isn’t fun when your credibility is shot. She knows about that. When you meddle with people in a life changing way, nobody gives you the benefit of the doubt, especially when you need it most. She hopes Ava gets out of it. She’s a good mom. Let her know about the magazine space, and if she sees Scotty, she’ll tell him to call Ava. She walks out, and while she’s looking in her bag in the hallway, Ava says she’s sorry. Nina says, her too, and leaves with tears in her eyes.

Laura says she wishes she had an update for Dante. Thank God that Doc is here. He says, waiting is excruciating, but he appreciates that Lulu’s doctor is so thorough. Laura says, hearing no change would be good news today. She can’t bear thought of Lulu living out her life like this, so she has hope. He says, it’s okay to be hopeful, and she says she needs to be strong for Lulu. She cries and he holds her. He says, hang onto that and hang onto him.

Sam sees Molly at the courthouse, and says, mom was on fire and Sonny kept his composure, and Molly says she’s not surprised about mom. Sam says, what Molly missed was Cates’s meltdown, and Molly says she’s had the misfortune of dealing with him. He waves his badge around like it’s proof he walks on water. What evidence did he have? Sam says, nothing, and the judge told him he has 48 hours to get it or he’ll be brought up on charges. Finally, justice in action. Kristina gets to go home and heal. Molly says, she still has the charges hanging over her head, but Sam says she believes they’ll be dropped. Cates has nothing even resembling evidence. It’s just a way to get at Sonny.  

Dante says he’s sorry Rocco’s grandma can’t be here for their video game rematch, and Rocco says he thought that’s why they were having pizza. Dante says he went to see Rocco’s mom, and Rocco says he likes visiting. It’s quiet and peaceful and mom knows he’s there. He tells her stupid stuff that happened in school and reads her horoscope from The Invader. He remembers she used to read that. Dante says he wants to talk to Rocco’s grandma. The doctors ran some tests and got the results, but he doesn’t know more than that until he speaks to Laura. He asks if Rocco is okay, and Rocco nods. He says he has pictures of mom, so he’ll never forget what she looks like. There’s footage and recordings, but her voice never sounds right, like her. He’s afraid he’s going to forget what her real voice sounds like.

John goes to the gallery and tells Ava that Alexis was granted an emergency bail hearing. The judge practically walked Kristina and Sonny out of the courtroom. Ava says, Kristina was arrested? and John says, after they went over her story – how Kristina was the aggressor, came to her suite uninvited, forced her way in, and threatened Ava – the next logical step was to file charges. Ava asks if he’s talked to Scotty, and he asks, why? She says she hasn’t heard a peep from him all day, and something tells her that she’s going to need her lawyer. He says, Scotty is obviously busy, but she doesn’t need him. He’s the only hope she has left. (I think the only hope she has left is coming clean.)

Kristina thanks Alexis, and Alexis says she gives credit to Kristina’s father. He behaved no matter how much Cates goaded him. Sonny says he’d do anything for his daughter, even listening to the rants of an FBI agent. Kristina says she didn’t think she’d be back in this house again, and Alexis says, they both love and adore her. Sonny says, they’ll always protect her.  

On the phone, Nina says that someone owes her a favor and she’s ready to collect.

Rocco says he believes if his mom wakes up and says one word, it will all come back, and Dante says, that’s a good way to look at it. Rocco says, as long as she’s alive, it can change. They can’t give up hope that she could wake up tomorrow or next week. She’s hanging in so they need to. When the day comes and she opens her eyes, he hopes he’s sitting there and he’s the first thing she sees. He wishes it could be soon. He misses her. Dante says he misses her too.

Sam says she thinks it’s absurd. Kristina just lost the baby and could have died. She should be home grieving and taking care of herself, instead of winding up in a courtroom… She’s so sorry. Why wasn’t Molly here? Molly says, her office was concerned about a conflict of interest, and Sam asks if she wouldn’t have heard. Molly says she was caught up in something with TJ. They have to plan the baby’s funeral. Sam hugs her and says she’s sorry.  

John says, they have to rehearse Ava’s story for the record on file, but she says she’s given her statement. He says, give it again, but this time, she’s going to say what he tells her to say and do it how he wants it. She says, it’s been a long day. She’s going to close up and head back to her hotel. They can start tomorrow. He says, the judge gave him 48 hours. He’s not losing his badge or Sonny’s case over this. Let’s get started. They’re going to work on her statement until it’s perfect.

The doctor apologizes for the wait and tells Laura that they did a test on Lulu’s liver, and it’s been compromised. If they continue on this trajectory, her liver will fail. Laura asks if the doctor is telling her that her daughter is going to die.

Tomorrow, Alexis says, TJ never needs to know what Kristina intended to do; John tells Ava that the only thing Sonny responds to is leverage; and Anna tells someone that they have to choose.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I’m thrilled that Brad is back, but bummed that Britt is no longer around to cause trouble with him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/parry-shen-celebrates-his-return-to-general-hospital

In case you don’t know him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-brad-cooper-parry-shen-171676

Background on Lulu, much of which I don’t remember. On the show, it sounds like she’s going to die, but there was that Soaps In Depth article that said they’re recasting, so who knows? Whenever they change writers, it’s a surprise a minute.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-lulu-spencer-falconeri-169139

Still pretty incensed about this.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jacqueline-grace-lopez-shares-a-special-message-with-fans

Do you think he really says things like, holy heck?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nicholas-chavezs-netflix-series-gets-a-premiere-date

🐪 A Camel Walks Into Dubai…

In one of the creepiest moments in Housewives history, Sara revealed that her housekeeper had been plotting to kidnap her young son. She was also sharing his picture with various creepers, who responded with how cute he was, which is pretty f***ed up. To add insult to injury, when Sara told her to start packing, she packed some of Sara’s things as well. Thankfully, she’s now in jail. A thousand showers can’t wipe that away.

Sergio wanted to have a baby with Stanbury, and it sounded like it might be a deal breaker. If I were her, I’d have that baby lickity-split, since a puppy at her heels he might be, but he’s also a real find who adores her and who’s actually thoughtful. For her birthday, he took her on a private yacht cruise and had a cake made that looked like their new house. I love stuff like that. I mean the cake, but the yacht is good too. They finally have the leeway to use a surrogate, and money is no object as far as a nanny or anything else goes, so why not? She said it would be life changing, but not so much when you have a life like theirs. It’s not like he’ll have to take a second job.

Stanbury and Lesa had lunch, and Lesa did one of those things I hate that many of the Housewives do – play the family card. You know, what you said effects my family. Well, if people don’t get that you’re on a reality show and nonsense is going to be said about you, maybe you need a new address book. It just seems way overused. Fancy Pants Heather made the same claim just last week on RHOC. It’s just doubtful anyone cares about secondhand hearsay from a co-star.

And the rest…

🧂 Pass the Salt…

Coming September 18th.

In case you need an explanation.

https://ew.com/real-housewives-salt-lake-city-season-5-trailer-explained-8697919

🍸 Adding Bail Bondsman To Resumé…

That’s a lot of weed. How stupid is he to be carting that to another country?

🦸 You’re Welcome, Canada…

Movin’ on up.

https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-beats-joker-highest-grossing-r-rated-movie-of-all-time-8696677

🦥 New At the Zoo…

It doesn’t get much more adorable.

https://people.com/atlanta-zoo-excited-about-birth-of-baby-two-toed-sloth-8697807

🐼 No surprise, Ying Ying looks exhausted.

https://people.com/giant-panda-hong-kong-gives-birth-twins-worlds-oldest-first-time-panda-mom-8696512

🦩 The times, they are a-changin’.

https://people.com/same-sex-chilean-flamingo-couple-hatch-and-care-for-chick-8696536

🌊 Good Tides, High Vibes…

Join me tomorrow for soap and what’s being listed in LA. Until then, stay safe, stay speaking about others as though they were standing next to you, and stay never throwing in with an FBI agent who has their own agenda.

August 13, 2024 – Blaze Makes Two Decisions, New Heather, Old Friends, Next Chapter, Dubai Swings In Bali, Watch Party With Awful People, VanderSales & Sugar

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

I was busy with something else at the beginning, but my main takeaway point was Tracy having a tea party for Violet and her stuffed animals. And Ava, John, and Scotty showed up…

At the MetroCourt, Carly says she doesn’t understand why Ava is here and not in jail, and Ava says she pled not guilty and made bail. Carly says, Kristina could die and her baby did die, and Ava sails in here like she doesn’t give a damn. She’s not capable of shame. Ava says, Kristinka’s fall was an accident, and Scotty tells her to hold her peace until the trial. Ava says she wants to collect her things, but Carly tells her, good luck. Her room is a crime scene. Ava says, that’s ridiculous. Nothing happened. Carly says, she’ll also have to find other accommodations. They’re booked. Ava says, of course (🍷), and Carly tells her to contact the PCPD for her things. John asks if they can have a table, and Carly says she’ll send someone over.  

Anna wonders what Jack wants with Carly, and he asks if the table and the wine don’t give it away. She says, a romantic dinner for two? and he says, exactly. Valentin must have used that tactic on her. She asks why he’s using it on Carly, and he says he enjoys Carly’s company. She wonders if he’s incapable of giving a straight answer, and he asks if it’s difficult to believe he’s intrigued by a woman, enjoys her company, and wants to see where it leads. She says, yeah. Something big is definitely in the works. Why else would the WSB open an office here? Jack admits that the WSB never does anything without an ulterior motive.

Kristina says, Blaze worked her whole life for a break like this. Her mother is right. She has to go. Blaze asks why Kristina is pushing her away. Yes, she focused on her career at the expense of everything else. Love, happiness, and belonging were things she was afraid to hope for because she was afraid to lose her mother and family’s love. Then Kristina happened and became her everything else. Now Kristina wants to push her away. Go ahead, but she’s not leaving Kristina alone to deal with her grief because she loves her. Kristina says, she really does, and Blaze says, so much. Kristina says, then she really has to leave.

Sonny tells Jason that Ava will say anything to save her skin, and Jason says, they’d still have to prove or disprove what she says. If it wasn’t her, who was it? Sonny says, she had easy access, and Jason wonders, what if the switch didn’t happen here? Sonny says, then it’s the pharmacy. Jason needs to go and find out who’s filling his prescription and see what they have to say, and Jason says, copy that. Sonny’s phone rings, and he tells Jason that it’s good news. Ava made bail. Jason asks why he wants Ava out of jail, and Sonny says, it’s easier to even the score.

Ava says, John being there made all the difference. Who knew she was being called to testify as a material witness in an ongoing FBI investigation? Carly approaches the table and asks, what kind of investigation? If she contacts the FBI, how surprised will they be that there’s an investigation? Ava asks what she’s implying, and Carly says, the FBI isn’t interested in Sonny, but that’s all Cates cares about. John says, it’s his job to arrest criminals, and Carly says, he’s using Ava like he used her and Jason. The only thing he cares about is sending Sonny to prison.

Anna says, something else is going on, and Jack says, absolutely yes, but he has no idea what. The WSB’s hidden agenda remains hidden. She says, he expects her to believe he has no inkling, and he says he’s been demoted to lowly station chief. She sits down and tells him to level with her. She’s already figured out his arrest and Valentin being revealed as the head of Pikeman was a charade. John asks, how many syllables? (BA-DUM-CHH!) and she asks if Valentin is really on the run. She imagines he’s cozied up with Charlotte in a chalet in Switzerland courtesy of the WSB. He says, Valentin was allowed to flee their jurisdiction, and asks whose side Anna is on. Anna says, whose side indeed, when her phone rings. She answers and tells them, thank you. She tells Jack, it’s been fun, and he says, either jaywalking or a parking violation. She says, trespassing. Enjoy what’s left of his evening. The wine is really good. She leaves.

Violet asks if Tracy’s mother liked tea parties, and Tracy says, she loved them. She was a proper Englishwoman and had tea every afternoon. Violet says, there are a lot of pictures of her all over. She was pretty. Tracy says, she was a beauty, and Violet says, she seemed nice. Tracy says, she was the nicest and down to earth. She could put someone in their place and still be kind. She was impossible to argue with. Violet asks, if she was so nice, why argue with her? and Tracy says she doesn’t know. Sometimes families argue and the Quartermaines do it more than most.

Kristina tells Blaze that she loved the baby so much and had so much hope, but all her hope and love went with her. She’s empty and has nothing left to give, even to Blaze. Blaze asks if Kristina is saying she doesn’t love her anymore, but Kristina tells her that she’s saying she can’t love anything or anyone, and it’s not fair for Blaze to give up something that could make her life great, when Kristina will make her life miserable. Blaze says, what if it’s the grief talking? What if they can navigate it and Blaze can see her through this hell, and they find heaven on the other side? Kristina says, it sounds beautiful. It seems like it belongs in a song. Maybe Blaze can sing it on tour. What if, in the best-case scenario, they get through this, then what? What if every time Blaze sees someone performing and living the life she could have had, Blaze hates her, or worse resents her? She’ll leave anyway and they’ll be where they are now. Is Blaze telling her that some part of her doesn’t want to get on the plane to Hong Kong and open for Miguel Morez? Blaze says, of course (🍷) she wants to go, but why is Kristina making her feel like she has to choose her career over her? Kristina says, because she has to live her best life right now and Blaze’s best life is not here with her.

Jason says, Kristina is strong. She’s made it through so far, and she’ll make through this. Sonny says, Jason didn’t see her eyes when she asked him to make Ava pay. Jason says, of course (🍷) she was angry. She should be, but when she calms down… Sonny says, Kristina didn’t know that kind of hate, but he understands because he has the same hate. Ask Alexis. She walked in and asked him not to kill Ava. Jason says, she believes in the law and thinks that’s the way to get justice, and Sonny says, she thinks if Ava dies, Kristina will think it’s because of her and not be able to live with herself. But if she goes through a long trial and Ava walks or worse… Kristina deserves peace. Jason asks what he’s going to do. 

John says, how dare Carly question his integrity? She just squirmed out from under RICO charges because the evidence conveniently disappeared. She escaped justice. Carly says, John was using her. He doesn’t care about justice or the law or his son. John gets all ruffled, and she asks if he’s been in the city where his son lives or where Sonny lives. It’s only a matter of time before the FBI finds out what he’s been doing. She leaves and Scotty says, some celebration. He’s going to split. He leaves, and Ava thanks John. She tells him not to let it get to him. Carly is naturally abrasive, and Sonny brainwashed her for decades. John asks, then why doesn’t she let Donna stay with him? and Ava says, only Carly can judge Sonny. Speaking of Sonny, there’s something she’s been meaning to tell him. When she was in lockup, Sonny sent Jason to intimidate her. She’s afraid her life is in danger.

Sonny says he can’t make a move now, especially with Jagger here. He’s going to bide his time. Jason asks, what about Kristina? Is she willing to sit back and not take matters into her own hands? Sonny says, Kristina doesn’t have it in her on her own to kill Ava. There’s a knock at the door, and Frank says, the Police Commissioner is here. Anna comes in and says, it’s like old times. She learned Ava made bail. Sonny asks what that has to do with him, and she says, nothing and it needs to stay that way. If Ava so much as skins her knee, she’s going to come down on him with full force. Do not touch a hair on Ava’s head.

Tracy says, no argument with her mother lasted long. Everybody adored her. She was the perfect combination of fun and elegant. Violet asks if elegant is the same as fancy, and Tracy says, yes and no. It can also mean tacky, which is the opposite of elegant. When you’re elegant, everything is just right – your words, your voice, the way you carry yourself. Her mother made it look effortless. Violet asks if Tracy is elegant, and Tracy says, on occasion. Violet asks if she is, and Tracy says, for a nine-year-old, very elegant. Keep at it. It takes work. Strive to be elegant and avoid animal prints. Violet says, but she loves animals.

Kristina says, Blaze wants to do what’s best for her and them. She can’t stay here just to be with her or feel like she has to or because she thinks she loves Kristina. All she’ll think about is the tour. Blaze says, if she goes on tour, all she’ll think about is Kristina, and Kristina says, Blaze can be living her dream or living Kristina’s nightmare wishing she was living her dream, and Blaze says, fine. She’ll go, but she’s just a phone call away if Kristina needs anything. After the tour ends… Kristina says, stop. They can’t make promises. They don’t know what they’ll be doing or who they’ll be after the tour. Blaze says she knows she’ll still love Kristina, but Kristina says she can’t put a timeline on grief and healing. She can’t guess what her life will be like. Blaze asks if they can at least check in and see how the other is doing, and Kristina says, deal.  Blaze says, finally, a win, and Kristina says she just wants Blaze to be happy and free to live her life. Blaze says she can’t if Kristina isn’t there, but Kristina says, she’d be surprised. Blaze says, great. Another surprise. She cries and takes Kristina’s hand. She says she’s going to miss Kristina so much, and Kristina says, she’s going to be doing the thing she was born to do. Watching Blaze soar will make her happy. She’ll be so proud. Blaze kisses her and leaves, and Kristina cries.

Anna tells Sonny, stay away from Ava, and he agrees. He says, she’s not a priority. He has Donna, Avery, and Kristina to worry about and no time to worry about Ava. Anna says, see it stays that way. The same for Jason. Sonny says he knows he’s been out of line. He went through some stuff and wants her to know he’s handling it. She says she’s glad he’s doing better, and he thanks her. She says, but she has a job to do, and he says, to serve and protect. Even Ava? She says, even Ava, and he says, she doesn’t have to worry. It’s good seeing her. She leaves.

John asks if Jason threatened Ava, but she says, he’s not much for talking, but he got the point across. He asks what Jason said, and she says, he accused her of replacing Sonny’s medication with the placeboes. She said she didn’t do it, which is true. The point is… He says he knows. The pharmacist is safe and out of Sonny’s reach. She can finally tell him who paid Clement to sabotage Sonny’s mental health. She says she doesn’t know, but don’t tell Sonny. Jack walks in, and John says, unbelievable. Ava asks, who’s that? and John says, somebody who’s supposed to be in prison. At the bar, Trish asks if she can help Jack, and he asks if Carly is still around.

Tracy says she likes animals as much as the next person, and Violet says, she doesn’t like Annabelle II. Tracy says, Annabelle II has one virtue – she’s housebroken. Other than that, she’s ill-mannered and ill-trained. The house is full of antiques, and they might as well put them on the lawn and make an obstacle course. Violet asks if they can ask Monica’s permission, but Tracy says, no. She’d probably say yes, and she’s not turning the house into a canine obstacle course. Violet says, it’s Monica’s house. Alan gave it to her. Tracy says, Alan was too generous for his own good.

Kristina hugs her blanket when there’s a knock at the door. Molly asks how she is. Is she in pain? Kristina says, not so much. She’s able to come home in a couple days. She asks how Molly is doing, and Molly says she was just with TJ at Woodlawn Cemetery. She went to see Ava in jail. Kristina asks, why? and Molly says she wanted Ava to know she’s not getting away with it. Kristina says, she won’t, and Molly says she wishes she was so sure. Kristina says she is sure. She promises Ava is going to pay for what she did. Molly says she doesn’t know how strong a case they have, and Kristina says, there are photos. Has Molly seen them? Molly says she found a note in the case folder, but she hasn’t, and Kristina says she had Michael send them to her. Everyone, including the jury, will see that Ava is the reason she went through that window. She shows Molly the photos on her phone.

In the car at the airport, Natalia tells Blaze that the tour manger will be waiting for her. She’s got to snap out of it. She hasn’t said a word. Blaze looks at her, and Natalia says she knows leaving is hard. She knows leaving Kristina behind in pain is hard, but Blaze must know that the tour is going to boost her career. Opening for Miguel Morez on an international stage in front of millions is not something to pass up. Blaze says, it’s not like she had a choice, and Natalia says, of course (🍷) she did. She can go and be a huge success or stay… Blaze says, and wind up a failure, but Natalia says, it will just take longer. Blaze says she agreed. Natalia doesn’t need to sell it, and she isn’t coming. Natalia says she has to tie up some things in Port Charles and will meet Blaze in Europe, but Blaze says she meant Natalia isn’t joining her at all. She got what she wanted. Kristina broke up with her. Now she’s breaking up with Natalia. You’re fired.

Ava asks what Jack did to get John so spooked, but John says he’s just surprised to see him here.

Carly asks if Jack and Anna got things settled, and he apologizes for the interruption. He suggests she come back and finish the bottle of wine, but she says she doesn’t think that’s a good idea. He says, if he buys her a drink here, is it a better idea? and she says she thinks that would be okay.

John tells Ava not to worry. Sonny won’t get his hands on Clement. Not yet. Ava asks what he means, and he says, when the time is right, he’ll lead Sonny right to him.  

Jason says, Anna doesn’t make empty threats, but Sonny says, nothing is going to happen to Ava. They have other problems. He doesn’t want Avery being influenced by Ava. He’s going to let the court handle it, but don’t forget he has pictures of Ava putting her hands on Kristina. It’s Ava’s fault Kristina went through the window and the baby died. Ava is going down and he’s getting full custody of Avery. Ava is going to prison. Jason wonders what happens once Ava is in prison, and Sonny says, bad things happen in prison.

Violet asks how someone could be too generous for their own good, and Tracy says, her brother was a good man, but sometimes he gave too much of himself. He liked to make others happy, and that side of generosity can be exhausting. Violet says, there are a lot of pictures of him too. Sometimes he looks happy and sometimes he looks serious. Monica said he was a doctor, and they were very much in love. Tracy says, they were a perfect match and loved each other, but it took a while for them to realize it. She thinks Alan giving Monica the house was a stretch. Violet says, they wouldn’t have a place to live or have tea parties, and Tracy says she can’t argue with that. Who was it who told her to say, this is Monica’s house, and Alan gave it to her? Violet says, everybody, and Tracy laughs and says she’s not surprised.

Blaze says she’s firing Natalia, and Natalia says, she doesn’t mean that. Blaze says, doesn’t she? Natalia is always dismissing her. Nothing she wants or feels matters. Natalia is her parent, but as a business manager, Natalia works for her. This is happening whether she wants it to or not. You… are… fired. Now she’s done. She gets out of the car.

Kristina says, the pictures show what happened, and Molly agrees. Kristina says she asked Ava to withdraw the subpoena, and Ava went after their family. She said, their mother was a pathetic drunk and her father was a violent thug not fit to be around a child. Kristina said she’d testify that Ava was the reason Morgan died and that she shot Connie in cold blood and got away with it. She’d tell the court everything she knows about Ava. That’s when Ava grabbed her.

Jack toasts, to new friends, and Carly asks if that’s what they are. He asks if there’s some other zone she prefers, and she says, pals. They clink glasses and she asks why he’s in Port Charles. He says, like she heard him tell Anna, the WSB opened an office here. She says, the real reason, and he admits he didn’t tell Anna everything. She asks what he held back, and he says he was given a choice of positions, here or Bali. She says, and he chose Port Charles? Why? He says, once you’ve seen one tropical paradise, you’ve seen them all, and because she’s here. Carly says, that’s a line, but he says he always speaks the truth.

Ava says, sorry, she doesn’t think she heard right. John wants Sonny to find Clement? John says he’s using Clement as bait. When Sonny goes after him, he’ll be there to arrest Sonny. Ava says, in order for John to do that, doesn’t Sonny have to do something to Clement first? John says he’ll make sure Clement survives to testify. He’s going to use Sonny’s relentless pursuit of vengeance to take him down once and for all.

Jason says, either Ava is lying and she got to the pharmacist, or she’s telling the truth and it’s someone else. Either way, there will be a trail. Sonny wonders if there’s anybody out there who’s actively coming at him, and Jason asks, what about Ava? Sonny says he’ll wait as long as it takes. Kristina doesn’t know that the last words Ava is going to hear will be, this is for Kristina and her baby.

Tomorrow, Tracy says she’s planning on taking Cody for a ride; and Sonny asks, what if he gives Natalia another reason to stick around?

⛓️‍💥 Change Of Heart…

Portia’s head is going to explode.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/alley-mills-on-the-new-heather-on-general-hospital

🎊 Double the Fun…

Lucky and Stone Cold, together again.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-steve-burton-jonathan-jackson-reunite

📺 Grotesque Return…

Doubtful he’s ever coming back to GH. He was using it as a springboard. I’m not sad about it though. Gio is a much better match for Trina. Spencer was too loud and talked too fast. If they decide to bring Spencer back, they should recast.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nicholas-chavez-teases-his-return-to-tv

🐪 Dollar Stores In Dubai…

This was the end of the trip to Bali, and I had mixed emotions. The women who griped about wearing the traditional dresses decided that, rather than be seen in these beautiful creations, they just wouldn’t show up. Nice. I was disappointed in Stanbury. Being British, you’d think she’d have more manners than that. She evened it out by making up with Ayan and afterward, they got on a Bali Swing (see below). It looked absolutely terrifying, so better them than me. The episode ended on an all-around positive note, when Ayan announced that the group was like sisters who fought and made up. She’s not wrong, even if that’s because it’s against the law to publicly display your anger at others.

Apparently, these swings are a thing in Bali.

https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/the-bali-swing

There was also a palm reader who told Stanbury that she’d have a boy. It was unclear whether she meant a baby or just that Stanbury would remain married to Sergio. It looks like there’s a possibility of both happening.

👠 Unreunion In Jersey…

This was kind of weird, but not entirely an awful premise. The group was split in two and had watch parties for the last awful episode. They consisted of Teresa, JenniferA, and Jackie in one room, and Danielle, Rachel, Marge, and JennF in another. According to the recap, Delores played Switzerland and switched between the two rooms, but it seemed like she was mostly with the former group. Admittedly, I wasn’t totally paying attention, but I don’t think she spent much time with the latter. JennF was a bit of a tie breaker, since she was late and chose her own room. Although that might just be a sign that production didn’t care. At the very end, the women gave individual thoughts on their feelings about the season – a need for change seemed to be the universal theme – and Rachel announced to her group that she was pregnant.

Looks like Rachel wasn’t buying what Teresa’s group was selling.

And there are still questions. I, too, was somewhat disappointed, although I don’t know why. Maybe because I decided to watch it in the first place.

👕 Something About Merch…

I’m surprised they bothered opening. That’s some chunk of change for T-shirts and whatnot.

🌇 Left a Mediocre Job In the City…

Come on by tomorrow for soap and the LA art of the deal. Until then, stay safe: stay standing up to rude behavior, but not losing your cool; and stay striving to be elegant and avoiding animal prints.

July 19, 2024 – Lulu Has Visitors, Wave Hill, She’s a Legend, Previewing Dubai, Considering It, He’s the Worst, Arrested Mom, New Dance, Almost Here, Fur ‘N’ Fins, Just Over 8 Quotes & Time

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly says she would have lost her mind if she’d seen Jason jump from the footbridge, and he says, then it’s a good thing she wasn’t here. She says, nothing’s better than having him back home. Did she tell him how grateful she is? He says, yeah, and she says, two and a half years for her. She’s never going to be able to repay him for that. He says, there’s no debt, and she says, he gave up his freedom so she could have hers, but he says, no debt. Not ever. Not between them.

Tracy says, no, and we see James standing in the stable doorway. Cody asks what he’s doing here. It’s a little late for him to be out, isn’t it? James says, Grandpa Mac says he can’t take riding lessons from Cody anymore. Mac says he has to go to Two Trees Ranch now. Cody says he’s heard good things about that place, but James says he hates it there. Cody asks if he’s even been, and James says, no. Tracy says, let her ask the obvious question, where’s his mother? James says, at home, and Tracy asks, where’s Spinelli? James says, home too, and she asks how he got here. James says he took a Ride Share.

Josslyn meets Trina at the pool and says, it’s so good to get out of her uniform. Trina says she bets. Is Josslyn ready to head out? Josslyn says, in a minute, and sets her bag down. She has something for Trina. She’s been meaning to give it to her for the last few days. She found it when they were moving. Trina asks, what is it? and after digging in her bag, Josslyn says, it’s this little bird guy. She shows Trina the dove Spencer gave to her, and Trina takes it and says, it’s a turtle dove. Josslyn says she guesses she has to brush up on her ornithology. She can’t believe she knows that word. (I can’t believe I spelled it right on the first try.) She asks if Trina is all right.

Laura sits at Lulu’s bedside and says, her kids are doing beautifully. Charlotte is the happiest she’s seen her in months. She’s just gallivanting all over the globe. And Rocco continues to school her in video games – his words. She laughs and says, little does he know she lets him win half the time. But they’re growing up, and fast. And beautifully. She thinks Lulu would be really proud of the people they’re becoming. As for her – she massages Lulu’s hand – she’s really been missing Lulu a lot lately. She could really use Lulu as a sounding board. She’s got so much going on in her life, she’s got a lot of reasons to need her sweet, thoughtful, receptive daughter. Dante stands in the doorway, and Laura says, sweet girl. That’s got to feel better, doesn’t it?

Cody says, what does James mean, he ordered a Ride Share? He doesn’t even have a phone. He says, Georgie does, and Tracy says, the benefit of having an older sibling. Cody says, or the curse. Georgie ordered a car for him? James says, no. He stole her phone and got one himself. Tracy tries not to laugh, and Cody asks how James physically got out of his house without his mom or Spinelli knowing. James says he climbed out the window, and Cody says, from his bedroom? Tracy says, tell her it’s a one-story house, and Cody says, it is. James says, but it would be cool if it wasn’t, and Cody says, James knows he’s going to have to call his mom, and she’s probably not going to be happy. Tracy says, probably? and James says he’s not happy either. He wants to take riding lessons with Cody, not some stupid ranch. Cody says he knows, and James asks if he did something wrong. Was it too annoying having him here? Cody says, no, not at all. He loves every minute he gets to spend with James. James says, then why? and Cody says he wishes he could answer that, but where James rides and who he rides with isn’t up to him, as much as he wishes it was.

Carly says she just can’t get over Jason doing this for her, and he says, she’s going to have to try. Please. She says, he sacrificed everything, relationships with everyone, and he says he’d do it again. She says, he means that, and he says he does. Because the alternative would have been her paying the price for something she never would have been involved with if it wasn’t for him and Sonny. She asks if he’s saying she’s not cut out for gangster life, and he says, she’s a lot of things – she says, careful – but mob boss should not be one of them. She says she missed him so much, and he says he missed her too, and takes her hand. She says, now they don’t have to anymore.

Josslyn says, that was a gift from Spencer, wasn’t it? (why doesn’t she know this?) and Trina says, it was a set of two. He has… He had the other one. Josslyn says, Trina never told her, and Trina says, it was just their little thing. She just doesn’t understand why. Josslyn says, why what? and Trina says, why it’s still like this. Why it’s still so hard. Why Josslyn giving her a figurine is so upsetting. Josslyn says, because she’s still grieving, and Trina says, but when does it end? Josslyn says, it doesn’t, and Trina says, good pep talk. Thanks. Josslyn says, it’s true. Grief is a ride that you don’t get off of, but the ride morphs. It can change and eventually, it’s not going to be so painful. It can even be beautiful. Trina says she just wants to get there so badly, and Josslyn says, she will.

Dante knocks at the door, and Laura wipes her tears away. He says he can come back, but she says, don’t be silly, and hugs him. He goes over to Lulu and smooths her hair, saying, hey, you. Laura says she was just catching Lulu up about Charlotte and Rocco, and he asks if there were any Ace stories in there. She says, they didn’t get there yet, and he asks how Ace is doing. She says, he’s good. He’s meeting all his milestones, and she thinks he’s settling into life with her and Doc really well. Dante says, he should. He kind of won the lottery with them. She says she doesn’t know about that. They were pretty rusty, but they’re finding their way now. He says he didn’t get a chance to tell her how incredible he thinks what she’s doing is, being a mother to her grandson. She says, it’s not exactly what she saw for herself at this stage, and he says he bets not. She says she loves Ace and he’s family. She’ll take care of him as long as she’s able. He says, it sounds like it’s a no-brainer for her. He doesn’t know if it would be for everyone. She says she doesn’t know about that, but he says he does. She says, who knows? Maybe Lulu will wake up just in time to meet her newest nephew. He says he prays for that every day, and takes Lulu’s hand.

At the stable, Maxie says she can’t believe James snuck out of the house, and James says, she’s the one who took out the screens from the windows. Spinelli says, that was in case of a fire or another emergency, and James says, this was an emergency. Maxie says, seeing Cody was an emergency, and James nods. She says, he cannot, A, leave their house alone without telling anyone; B, steal his sister’s cellphone; C, use it to order a Ride Share. She’s sure there must be a D. Spinelli says, exiting their home via the windows, and Maxie says, there you go. Tracy and Cody must think they’re the worst parents. Cody says he doesn’t think that, and Maxie says, Tracy can refrain from answering that. Tracy says she’s headed back to the house, and Maxie says, speaking of, does she hang out at the stables often? Tracy says, goodnight, and leaves. Maxie says, now that they have the answer to how, let’s focus on why. Why was it so important for James to see Cody tonight? James looks at Cody, who says, it’s okay, buddy. Just tell his mom what he told him. James says, Grandpa Mac says he can’t do riding lessons here anymore, and Cody says he’ll abide by whatever the family says, but he needs James to know the decision isn’t coming from him. He loves teaching James. Maxie says she knows he does, and tells James that nobody loves Grandpa Mac more than she does, but he’s not in charge of where James takes riding lessons. James says he is? but Maxie says, no. She is. James asks if he can keep on taking them here, and Maxie says, that’s a conversation for another day. That is unless she’s decided he’s grounded for life. Spinelli says, then said conversation would be moot, and James asks what moot means. Spinelli says he’ll explain it on the way to the car, and guides James out, patting Cody’s shoulder as he passes. Maxie thanks Cody for calling her. She doesn’t even want to imagine the heart attack she would have had if she went to check on him in his room and his bed was empty. He says he’s glad they avoided that scenario, and she says her too. And she’s glad he’s still here. He says, a promise is a promise, and she says, make sure he keeps it, and leaves.

Trina tells Josslyn that she asked Spencer why he wanted her to have turtle doves. He said, because every time she saw them, she would be reminded of him. So she told him that she was keeping one and gave the other one to him for the same reason, because she wanted him to know she was always thinking of him. Josslyn says, that’s because they’re a pair, a perfect match, and Trina says, yeah, a perfect match. Josslyn sits next to Trina and puts her arms around her.

Laura asks, how are the kids? and Dante says, they’re good. Busy. Everyone’s busy, right? Scout was just saying she wanted to have a visit with Ace. She says she’s sure Ace would like that, and he says, she’s really into this babysitting thing. Not that she’s old enough to be left alone with the kids, but she’s really good at entertaining little kids. Laura says, then she’d be welcome any time, and they laugh. He says, it must be cool having a little one running around the house again, and she says, it’s exhausting. But it’s more fun than she could have imagined really. (I identify, having recently got a new puppy.) He says, it probably gives her an excuse to throw one of her kitchen floor country music tea parties, huh? and she says, he knows about that? He says, Lulu told him all about it. It was one of her favorite things as a kid, coming home from school and seeing everything set up, and Laura says she forgot about that. He tells her that Lulu always said she was the best, most creative mom, and Laura says, she made it easy. He says, now Ace gets to experience that, right? and she says she hasn’t thrown a tea party for him. Who knows? Maybe she should. He says he does have one question though. Why the kitchen floor? She says, easy clean up, and he says, it all makes sense why Lulu is such a great mom. She takes after her own.

Carly asks if Jason has decided how he’s going to get through to Sonny, but he says he’s not sure. Up until now, he hasn’t been able to tell Sonny anything. It just makes him angrier. She says, which is completely unfair, and he says, not completely, but she says, yes, it is. She gets that Sonny wanted answers – they all did – but the fact that Sonny refused to give him the tiniest benefit of the doubt after all Jason’s done for him… Jason says, it wasn’t like him, and she says, nothing Sonny’s been doing lately is like him, but this is good, right? Jason gets to explain everything to him. Where he’s been, what he’s been doing, and why he’s been doing it. Jason says, you know what’s funny about this whole thing? and she says she doesn’t think anything is funny about it. He says, all this talk about transparency and him being able to tell Sonny the truth… It’s going to come down to two words. She says, John Cates. Thank God he’s not going to be a problem anymore. Jason says, John may not be his problem, but he’s Sonny’s.

Maxie and Spinelli bring James home, and Georgie says, what took them so long? And why does James have to be such a brat? Maxie thanks her for staying here in case Bailey Lou woke up. She didn’t wake up, did she? Georgie says, no, and Maxie says, great. And don’t talk to her brother like that. Spinelli says, that tone is reserved for them, and gently pushes James toward Georgie. Georgie says, steal her phone again and he’ll be sorry, and Maxie asks what she just said. Georgie says, it slipped out, and James says he still doesn’t get why everybody is so mad. Maxie says, because it’s not safe to go out alone and get in a stranger’s car, but James says, she uses Ride Shares all the time. Maxie says she’s a grown-up, and Spinelli says, please tell them that he knows what he did was wrong. Maxie says, and that he will never ever do that again. James says he knows, and he won’t, and he’s sorry. She thanks him, and he asks if he’s grounded, but she says, undecided. Georgie says, if she did that, she’d never see the outside world again, and James says, okay, but he really did need to talk to Cody. Georgie says, about riding lessons? and he says, it’s more than that. He thought Cody might tell him the truth. Maxie says, about what? and James says, something weird’s going on, but nobody’s saying. He can tell. Spinelli says, smart boy, and Maxie says, you know what? James is right.

Sasha says she came as soon as she got Cody’s text. What’s wrong? He says, everything.

Tracy walks into the nook to find Gio eating a sandwich. She says she thought Sasha was done for the night, and he says, she is. He made this. She says, really? He just made himself at home in the kitchen. He asks if that’s a problem, and she says she doesn’t know. Did he make a mess? He says he always cleans up after himself. The kitchen’s spotless. She says, it better be, and he asks if she’s hungry. He can make her one too. She says, no. She already had her dinner. He says, so did he, but that was over an hour ago, and she laughs. She says, he must be ravenous. No sandwich, but a cup of tea sounds good. He says, she should have chamomile. It will help her sleep. She says, thanks for the tip, and he says, she’s welcome. She makes her tea and says, he would be smart to be afraid of her. It is her house after all. He says he thought it was Monica’s house, and she throws up her hands. He says, didn’t Tracy’s brother Alan give it to her? and Tracy smiles.

Dante says, Rocco told him how wonderful Laura was with him when he was in the hospital. She was a real comfort to him. She says, he was trying to be strong for Scout. It was so sweet, but he was terrified. Why wouldn’t he be? He says, Rocco told him that she went to the Quartermaines and sat with him and stayed with him. She asks if he told Dante about the video games, and Dante says, he certainly did, about a thousand times. He was very appreciative. As is he. She says, honestly, Rocco is a very special kid. He’s very perceptive and very sensitive. Dante says, thankfully, he doesn’t have that flying off the handle Falconari gene, and she says, or the brash Spencer gene. He’s quiet, she thinks, and treads lightly. He clearly thinks and feels things really deeply. He says, you know who Rocco reminds him of? Her.

Maxie tells James, when Grandpa Mac came home, something happened that upset him. It’s not a secret, but it’s private. Georgie says, that clears things up… Sorry. James asks if Grandpa Mac is mad at him, but Maxie says, no, not at all. Sometimes when people are upset, they don’t want to talk about it. Spinelli says, or they don’t know how to, and Georgie says, Grandpa Mac isn’t sick like Violet’s grandpa was, right? Maxie says, no. Grandpa Mac is fine. He’s just going through something and the best thing they can do is be patient. Georgie says she’s headed to bed, and Spinelli says, sweet dreams. She leaves, and Maxie says, it’s time for James to go to bed too – again. Spinelli says, and stay there this time, and James says, but it doesn’t make sense. What does any of this have to do with his riding lessons? Spinelli says, he can still take his riding lessons. They just might be in a different location. James says, but he wants to do his lessons with Cody. He’s the best. Maxie says she knows. They just have to take a break from the Quartermaine stables for a little bit. James says, until when? Until he’s back in school, the summer’s over, and it gets dark before 5 o’clock? Spinelli says, the timing isn’t ideal, and Maxie says, they know he’s disappointed. Spinelli says, James must be very confused, and James says, very. Maxie says, just give her a little bit and she’ll figure it out, okay? and James says, this stinks. He walks to his room, and Maxie tells Spinelli, yet another thing he’s right about.

Sasha says, James really ordered a Ride Share and came here by himself, and Cody says, he sure did. She says, Maxie must have been so freaked out, and he says, she definitely wasn’t pleased, but luckily, he called her before she realized James was missing. Sasha says, but why? What did James need to see him about? He says, apparently, Mac told him that he couldn’t take riding lessons here anymore. So James was obviously upset, but he’d thought he did something wrong. It killed him. It’s one thing for Mac to take his anger out on him, but to drag James into all of this? Although he can’t really blame Mac. If he was Mac, he wouldn’t want his grandson hanging around him either. But James keeps borrowing this hat. He picks up a black cowboy hat and says, it’s way too big for him. It keeps falling down over his face, covering his eyes; he’s riding blind. But James keeps insisting it’s perfect. She says, because it’s Cody’s, and he says, yeah. He just loves that kid. James is like family to him. She says, James is his family. He’s Maxie’s son, he’s Mac’s grandson, which makes him Cody’s nephew. Cody says, and now James is hurting and it’s totally his fault.

Josslyn asks if anyone knows what happened to Spencer’s turtle dove. Did anyone find it in his things? Trina says, when they were in Paris, he saw that she brought hers and showed her that he brought his too, and Josslyn says, that is beyond sweet. Trina says, he pulled it out of his pocket and told her that he brings it everywhere. Josslyn says, you know how people are always telling you that grief is bittersweet? and Trina says she’s heard that more than once. Josslyn says, Spencer being gone, that’s the bitter part, but he’s also still with Trina, and Trina says, that’s the sweet.

Jason tells Carly, Cates is fixated on Sonny. Cates came to his room, pressuring him for information. She says, about Sonny? and he says, there was nothing about Pikeman at all. It was all about taking Sonny down, and now Cates is using Ava. He thinks she’s Sonny’s next victim and wants to help her keep custody of Avery. Carly says, this is a problem, and he says he knows it is. She says, Cates has already proved he’s like a dog with a bone. If Sonny… He says, that’s why he has to get Sonny to let him back in, so they can figure this out together.

Dante says, Rocco wanted to visit, but his buddy Charlie got tickets to the Woodchucks game, and Laura says, just as well he’s there and not here. He says, is it? and she says she thinks so. It’s hard enough for him to see his mother like this. Dante wouldn’t want him to miss something fun because of it. He says he guesses so, and she asks how often Rocco visits. He says, often enough he guesses, whatever that means, and she says, it means whatever he needs it to mean. He says he doesn’t know what Rocco needs anymore. This just gets harder and harder. She says, for Rocco? and he says, yeah. He just knows his mother being in this bed than he does of her being out of it. He wants Rocco to know Lulu like he does. Strong and funny and energetic. He tells Rocco stories about her all the time, but it feels like he’s talking about some long, lost relative, not his mom. She says she gets that. She doesn’t like that for him either. He says, it gets to the point where, by Rocco coming to see her, he’s doing more harm than good.

Trina says, sometimes she feels so guilty, and Josslyn asks, why? Trina says, because of course (🍷) she loves and misses Spencer, but there are times she’s so mad at him. Josslyn says, for leaving her, and Trina says, he told her that he’d never do that to her. That whatever happened, they’d face it together. Now he’s gone and she’s alone. Josslyn says, she is not… and Trina says, Josslyn knows what she means. She just feels like Spencer lied to her and she knows that sounds insane. Josslyn says, she’s not insane, and Trina says, really? She’s mad at her dead boyfriend. Josslyn says, does she know what Spencer would say? You should be mad at me. I’m an idiot. Trina laughs and says, he would say that, wouldn’t he? (Yes, and he’d be right. I don’t really miss Spencer, and I’m all for Trio.)

Gio suggests Tracy join him, at least while she’s having her tea. She says, all right, and sits down. How’s his sandwich? Besides large. He says, delicious. All that’s missing are the amazing roasted red peppers he used to get on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. She says she thought he was a Brooklyn boy, and he says, through and through, but he went to college in the Bronx. She asks, where? and he says, Fordham University. She says, that’s a good school, and he says he loved it. She asks why he transferred to PCU, and he says, the music program’s better and when they offered him a scholarship… She says, they made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and he says he’s so happy he’s here, but he does miss the city. She rolls her eyes, and he says, what? She says, New Yorkers call New York City the city, as if there are no other cities around (she’s right, but the whole tri-state area does it), and he says, well, it’s the best one (he is also right). She says, since he’s from Bensonhurst, she’s going to assume Brooklyn is the best borough, and he says, it depends on what you’re looking for. She says, concert halls, and he says, Manhattan. Lincoln Center. She says, really? Better than Carnegie Hall? He says, for him personally, yeah, and she says, huh. Pizza. He says, that’s a tough one. Luigi’s in Brooklyn is hard to beat though. She says, sports stadium, and he says, Citi Field, hands down. She says, and with that goes baseball teams, and he says, the Mets (agreed). He doesn’t look good in pinstripes. She says, so they’ve covered four of the five boroughs. She knows nothing about Staten Island. She’s never gone there. He says, don’t worry. No one does. (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I love this conversation.)

Carly says, it’s ironic, and Jason says, what is? She says, by isolating himself and pushing everyone who cares about him away, Sonny’s getting it from all sides. He put his trust in Ava. Shockingly, a bad move. Now he’s about to be consumed with a nasty custody battle. And Agent Cates is willing to use anything to take Sonny down. Jason says, what’s scary is, Cates has hated Sonny for a long time and he’s never had an opening before. Now he does.

Maxie asks if everyone is accounted for, and Spinelli says, accounted for and fast asleep. She hands him a glass of wine, and they clink glasses. She says she still can’t believe James climbed out his window, and Spinelli says, he was a man on a mission and wouldn’t be deterred. She says, that is a very generous and Spinelli way of looking at it, and he asks how she’s doing with all this. She says she’s frustrated… sad… happy… excited... Did she say frustrated? He says, she did, and she says she knows she and Cody don’t share DNA, but he’s family. He says he’s sure Mac will come around, and she says she knows he will. She just wishes he would speed up the process. Not just for himself, but for James too. He says, and for her? and she says she lost a sibling once already. She’s not going to lose another one. He says, she had no control over what happened to her sister, and she says she knows, but she has control over this. She at least has sway over Mac. Think of all the kajillion times he forgave her when she lied to him. He can forgive Cody for this one.

Sasha says, so Maxie shows up… Cody says, with Spinelli, and she says, and they collect James. Did he tell them why he came here? Cody says, he did, and she asks what Maxie said. He says, basically that while she loves Mac, it isn’t up to him to decide where James takes his riding lessons. She says, or with who, and he says, pretty much. She says, that’s good, and he says, how is any of this good? She says, Mac is angry, and he has every right to be, and he says, absolutely. She says, but it doesn’t sound like Maxie feels the same way. And James obviously still thinks Cody hung the moon or he wouldn’t have come here. He says, but it’s Mac’s opinion that matters, isn’t it? and she says, to an extent. He’s having the reaction he’s having. Don’t overreact in response. She really doesn’t think he’s about to be banished from James’s life. Maxie and James clearly have faith in him. And for the record, she does too.

Tracy says, okay, last one. Parks. Gio says, Central Park is amazing for sure, and she says, but he prefers Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He says he’s a bigger fan of the one in the Bronx actually, and she says, New York Botanical? He says, it was right next to Fordham, and he used to go all the time. It’s enormous. So much to offer. But if you’re looking for gardens specifically, Wave Hill is out of this world. She says, never heard of it, and he says, it’s in the Bronx actually, but it overlooks the Hudson River. The view is – he kisses his fingers – and it might be one of the most relaxing places in the city. Sorry. New York City. She laughs and says, there are beautiful gardens here. Her mother gifted them to Port Charles. He says, really. Maybe she could show him sometime. She says, maybe I can.

Trina thanks Josslyn for letting her talk about Spencer and just being patient and understanding. These feelings have her feeling completely confused. Josslyn says she remembers that well. She remembers feeling so all over the place, but they can talk about Spencer whenever Trina wants. She misses him too. A lot. Trina says she hopes she’s not making Josslyn feel like she can’t talk about Spencer. She knows she’s not the only who lost him. Josslyn says, Trina doesn’t make her feel like that at all. She hesitates sometimes to bring him up because she doesn’t know if it’s going to make Trina feel better or worse. Trina says, that changes by the hour, and Josslyn says, how about this? If she brings up Spencer and Trina doesn’t like it, just tell her to stop talking and she will. Trina says, deal, but today is not one of those days. Josslyn hugs her and says she loves Trina. Trina says she loves Josslyn more, but Josslyn says, not possible.

Dante says he sounds like a jerk, not wanting to bring his kid to see his mom, but Laura says, he doesn’t. He says, it feels pretty awful, and she says, of course (🍷) it does. It’s an awful situation, but he’s handling this with grace and strength, like he does everything. But she thinks the question he raised is actually quite important. He asks if she’s got any answers for him, but she says she doesn’t think she has answers. She could offer some advice though, if it’s welcome. He says he’ll take whatever he can get, and she says she thinks Rocco is at an age where he knows what feels right and what doesn’t. She thinks when it comes to visiting his mom, she would leave that decision up to him. Dante hugs her

Carly says, if Jason wasn’t here, she’d be going through this on her own. Watching Sonny spiral, worrying about him, worrying about her kids, and she wouldn’t have him to bounce things off of. They make a good team. He says, they always did, and she says, nobody wants to be in a situation like this, but if she has to be in one, she’s so, so grateful she’s in one with him. He says, him too, and they clink beer bottles.

On Monday, Laura asks Anna to please tell her that she knows some way to get in touch with Valentin; Carly asks if somebody is having John Cates go after Sonny; and John says, Jason’s days as his informant are far from over

🌊 Ride the Wave…

TBH, I’d never heard of it either, but now it’s on my radar. It looks gorgeous.

https://www.wavehill.org/

🍻 Quite a Pair…

Everyone should have a Tracy in their life. I love her character and Jane Elliot sounds wonderful to work with.

🐪 Camel Extra…

For whatever reason, I don’t mind these Housewives as much. Besides loud fights being frowned upon, it’s just fun to look at the richest of the rich places. RHOBH have nothing on these women.

🍑 Too Bad They Haven’t Asked…

Kenya’s character may be flawed, but is Kim really the one who should be pointing that out?

🍸 Most Awful and Most Lowest IQ…

He should have done his due diligence? How about just reading the room. Seriously, are we being punked or is there a human being really this stupid?

https://people.com/tom-sandoval-drops-lawsuit-against-ariana-madix-8680565

Where do I sign?

🍹 Dancing In the Drunk…

Why does no one remember Uber when they’re drinking? Better yet, how about taking one there if you’re going to be drinking?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1405011/dance-moms-christi-lukasiak-arrested-for-dui

https://people.com/dance-moms-alum-christi-lukasiak-arrested-dui-charge-8678992

🩰 A New Set Of Moms…

This looks promising. The teacher seems kinder and gentler than Abby Lee, but a lot of dance teachers are kinda mean.

https://people.com/hulu-dance-moms-a-new-era-official-trailer-exclusive-8679808

🐺 Counting Down Now…

The final trailer, Easter eggs, a yellow suit that makes grown men weep, a joke, and of course, Dogpool.

https://comicbookmovie.com/deadpool/deadpool-wolverine/deadpool-wolverine-final-trailer-spoiler-breakdown-lady-deadpool-a-shock-return-and-some-big-easter-eggs-a212194

https://comicbookmovie.com/deadpool/deadpool-wolverine/deadpool-and-wolverine-get-serious-in-emotional-final-trailer-as-spoiler-makes-their-mcu-debut-a212193#gs.bv8le5

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/deadpool-wolverine-hugh-jackman-yellow-suit-b2582775.html

https://people.com/blake-lively-jokes-husband-ryan-reynolds-is-trying-to-get-me-pregnant-again-8677044

🐼 Bringing Joy To the World…

I saw pandas in person (or bearson as it were) years ago when they were here on loan. They are unbelievably cute and don’t look real.

https://people.com/san-diego-zoo-shares-first-video-of-its-2-new-pandas-from-china-8680830

🦈 Sharks get a bad rap. Fish are friends, not food.

https://people.com/shark-facts-for-shark-awareness-day-8677521

🐕 A little more Messi.

https://www.filmwendy.com/post/hollywood-s-top-dog-of-2024

🐦‍🔥 Quotes of the Week

If you just go with the flow, no matter what weird things happen along the way, you always end up exactly where you belong. – Tom Upton

To be nobody but yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. – e. e. cummings

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.Colin Powell

Those boos were from the heart. – Terry Moran, Republican National Convention

It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about. – Dale Carnegie

Today is a new day. Hiding from your history only shackles you to it. We can’t undo a single thing we have ever done, but we can make decisions today that propel us to the life we want and towards the healing we need. – Steve Maraboli

Forever is composed of nows. – Emily Dickinson

Wrong turns are as important as right turns. More important, sometimes. – Richard Bach

You and I are like oil and vinegar. Oil and vinegar don’t mix.John McManus, 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

🧸 Gummi Bear’s Picnic…

Be adventurous this weekend, or at least switch up your streaming genre. Then join me on Monday for soap and troublemakers on Deck. Until then, stay safe; stay enjoying the great outdoors, even if it’s just your backyard; and stay not overreacting to someone else’s reaction.

July 18, 2024 – Sonny Offers Brook a Deal, Happy Birthday, Jen Is a Deadbeat, Mystery Kiss, VanderMuddle, Yuck, DeadFlix, Driven By Fête & Candy

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jason and Carly go to the footbridge, Jason carrying a six-pack (beer, not his abs), and Carly says she loves this place. He cracks open two beers and hands her one, and she says, now that everything is done, she feels like all of him is here with her. From now on, they’re not holding back and not keeping anything from one another. Jason says, until or unless something more important is in play. He doesn’t like lying, especially to her.

Tracy shows up at the stables and tells Cody that she saw the light on. He asks if she needs him to kill a bug or something… He’s assuming a big, giant, scary bug. She says, there’s no bug, but it’s good to know he’s available should one appear. She was wondering if he’d mind company. He says, if she doesn’t mind his company, but fair warning. Comet is asleep if she’d rather hang out with him. She says, wouldn’t anybody? and he says he’s getting used to it. She says she couldn’t sleep, and he says he was going to grab a beer. Does she want one? She says, beer me, and he says, coming right up.

Dex brings Chase some dinner at the station, and Chase asks what he’s doing today. Dex says, non-lethal weapons drills and taser practice, and Chase says, he’d be surprised how many people taser themselves. Dex is also about to go on a five second ride that consists of people hitting him with bats. It will be the longest five seconds of his life, and like his entire body is having the worst Charley horse ever. The good news is, he’ll fall down, but won’t lose consciousness. And don’t forget the rule of three: don’t go hungry, don’t get wet, and get home safe.  

Brook arrives at the penthouse and sees Natalia is there. She says she thought it would just be her and Sonny, and Sonny says he knows she has issues with Natalia. Brook says she has nothing to say about Natalia, but a lot to say about Blaze’s career. She’s assuming the reason she’s here is to make a plan to salvage it. Blaze’s career might be over because of Natalia’s idiotic words, so spare her Natalia’s childhood woes and let’s get to work.

Kristina knocks at Nina’s office door and asks if she can bug Nina for a minute. Nina says, of course (🍷). What’s up? Blaze walks in and stands next to Kristina.  

Cody asks if he heard Tracy right. Beer me? She says she heard it on a commercial and it sounded apt. He laughs and she says, experts say if you drink alone there’s a problem, and she doesn’t want to contribute to anybody’s problem. He says, since when? and she says, if somebody she cares about has a problem, she wants to fix it. If somebody she doesn’t like has a problem, she doesn’t just want to contribute to it, she wants to be the sole cause. He says, makes sense, and they clink bottles.

Chase says he owes Dante everything, and Dex asks, what’s different here from where Chase worked before? Chase says, personalities. You need to study the community and get a feel for it. But that wasn’t his biggest challenge. Dex asks, what was? and Chase says, not being able to talk about his beloved Red Sox. There are nothing but Yankees fans here. Dex says he’s a Dodgers guy, and Chase suggests he keep it to himself. That’s something you don’t come back from. He knows Dex having Sonny on his resumé isn’t easy. He has to earn respect and it may take time. There’s nothing but admiration for Dante. His integrity was never questioned. Dex wonders if it’s better to be Sonny’s son than work for him, but Chase says, it doesn’t matter. Dex is here now and needs to prove himself every day. Dex says, that’s the plan, and Chase says he just heard himself. He sounds exactly like his dad.

Carly tells Jason that since they’re putting it out there, ever since she found out about the FBI recording and that she could be arrested, it’s been weighing on her. Jason says, that’s why he didn’t tell her, and she says she hates it, but she gets it. Now that the terms of the deal have been met, they’re off the hook. The weight has been lifted and she feels freer. He says, that’s how it should be, and she says, he’s free too. What’s going on? What is she missing? He says he just spent almost three years being pressured. Now the pressure is gone, but he’s just not sure he remembers how to be free or just live his life. She says, here’s to remembering, and they clink bottles.

Brook says, her first thought was to sue the record label for breach of contract, but Scotty says, they’ll just invoke the morals clause. Sonny says, there’s nothing immoral about Kristina and Blaze loving each other, but Brook says, they’ll just change language, and it won’t end well. If they’re provoked, they’ll say Blaze breached by having a negative impact on their reputation. Sonny says, that’s why they came up with a plan, but it all depends on Brook. Brook says she’s listening, and Natalia says, they want Blaze to be able to put out her own music on her own indie label. Sonny is going to finance it. Sonny says, on one condition. That Brook run the label. Natalia says, Brook is already fighting on Blaze’s behalf. So are they going into business? Brook says, yeah… no.  

Nina says she’s glad Kristina and Blaze are here. She wants to apologize for the deplorable role The Invader played in their misery. Nothing like that should ever happen to anyone. She picks up her desk phone and says she wants someone down in her office now… She doesn’t care. Just get here. She tells Blaze and Kristina that she had no idea her new Editor-in-Chief transcribed and posted the recording. The only thing he cares about is clicks, no matter what was said or who got hurt. Kristina says she knows that’s not true about Nina, and Nina says, she can’t deny her part in it. There are no words to describe how terrible she feels, but she’s going to make it right.

Cody asks, what’s going on up at the house that got Tracy awake? and she says, the incessant humming of the air conditioning. She can feel it in her molars. Is she wrong for thinking a fan is more civilized? He says he thinks the horses would agree. Air conditioning would drive them buts, but they’ll stand in front of a fan all day. She says, not to mention the thousands of children running in and out who leave the door open. They’re cooling the outdoors. He asks, which parent is she channeling? (I’m dying laughing because I used to hear that as a kid too) and she says, her father. Her mother was too nice. If he yelled that they were cooling the outdoors, she’d think if there was one bug made more comfortable, they should do it. He says, she sounds special, and Tracy says, she was. Much to the chagrin of most people, including herself, she takes after her father. He asks how her father slept, and she says, upside down with his arms crossed across his chest in a rafter. They had their differences, but she loved him. Maybe her not sleeping well will just be how it is. He says, maybe she needs to wear herself out. She can take a ride anytime or he could put her to work. She says, thanks, but her insomnia isn’t so bad that she’s willing to start shoveling. It used to be, when her head hit the pillow, she was out. Or she would ruminate about how to get even with the people who wronged her, and within minutes, dreamland. Cody says, those were the days.

Chase says he wanted to play pro ball and was on a traveling team, but they shut him out. They’d all played together before, and he’s surprised they didn’t try to sabotage him. His dad was sympathetic, but wouldn’t let him quit. His dad said they couldn’t take something away from him that he wanted. He needed to practice hard and out hustle them, and they’d have to accept him. Once they did, then they would like him. He can hear his dad saying, you can do this. I know you can. Dex says, he sounds like a great dad. He did an amazing job at Chase’s wedding. Dex was choked up, and he could tell how much Chase’s dad loved him and Brook. Chase says, he had principles and lived them. What did Dex’s dad think about him becoming a cop?

Brook asks what kind of involvement she’d have, and Sonny says, she’ll have all the financing she needs creatively. Natalia says, within reason, but Brook says she’s not sure if they have the same definition of that. All the print and media management will be hers alone. Natalia will have no press presence or influence and will do no interviews unless she authorizes it. She’ll say where Blaze performs and how she’s presented. Natalia says she wants to talk to Blaze, and Brook says, that makes one of you. Natalia can agree or the label will never get off the ground, and when she leaves, her offer goes away.

Blaze says she appreciates Nina’s apology, but it was Ava that caused the problems. Nina says, Ava edited the conversation with the intent to cause as much harm as possible. All her reasons are self-serving and unbelievable to anyone who isn’t a sociopathic narcissist. Kristina says she’s happy Ava is away from her dad, and Nina says her too. Her hateful, spiteful editor decided to give a boost to the paper and himself and comes in second to Ava in awfulness. Adrian comes in, and she says, here’s the second runner-up now. She introduces Blaze and Kristina and says she thought he’d want to face the women whose careers and reputations he treated with such callousness. She also thinks it’s a good time to apologize and suggests he start at grovel and when he hits rock bottom, keep going.

Cody asks if Tracy thinks she can’t sleep because no one has wronged her and she can’t plot, but she says she doesn’t plot. She makes lists. He asks if plots aren’t lists gone to the dark side, and she says she never thought of it that way. She likes itemizing things that have to get done, won’t get done, are already done and need a follow-up. (Same.) It’s soothing. She makes lists of her lists. He says, it sounds stressful, but she says, a list is a gift you give yourself. Anyone can eat an elephant if it’s made into bite sized pieces. He says, she paints a disgusting picture, but maybe she’s right. He wouldn’t be able to eat an elephant if it was broken down to atoms. He wouldn’t see the elephant to begin with, even if it was charging at him. He ignores any disaster coming at him. He used to brag that he was a guy who doesn’t worry. Tracy asks when he realized that wasn’t something to brag about, and he says, recently. He pretends things aren’t happening and before he knows it, the gas fire has turned into an inferno. The elephant gets mad and rampages, and the countryside is wiped out.

Adrian says he’s truly sorry. He had no idea how big it would be. Kristina asks if they didn’t deserve their feelings and just living their lives, and he says, some – not him – believe that keeping their relationship under wraps was hypocritical. Kristina asks if they can’t live their lives in private, and he says, of course (🍷) they can. He didn’t think this would happen. She asks what he thought would happen. He yelled fire and now he’s shocked that people got trampled. Does he even believe his own apology? Nina says she thought he liked the hard-hitting questions. She’s curious about his answer too. Adrian says he hasn’t been in his position long and wanted to prove he could deliver a big scoop. He didn’t think past that, and he should have. He’s truly sorry. Kristina says she doesn’t forgive him, and Adrian says he doesn’t blame her. He’s under orders from Nina and his conscience to turn this around and they have his unqualified support. Nina says, he’s gone now. Go. He leaves, and she says she’s sorry. They came for a reason, and she put her own agenda ahead of it. What can she do for them? Blaze says, Nina actually brought it up. The reason they’re here… Kristina says, they’re planning a response and would love her help.

Natalia says she can’t be cut out completely. She’s the reason Blaze got this far. Brook says, she’s the reason Blaze has to start over, and Natalia says she made one mistake. Brook says, it was a hell of a mistake. She’s sorry. She’s not trying to punish Natalia. She was a good manager, but the maternal authority is over. No more guilt trips or coercion. The only one who didn’t see her sabotage was her.

Carly says, now that Jason is done, Cates can go back to Virginia or whatever circle of hell he’s from, and Jason gets to do what he wants. What is it? Jason says he hasn’t thought that far ahead, and Carly says she knows a great hotel where the co-owner will give him free towels all day. He says, she wants him to lounge around the pool all day? and she says, nothing would make her happier, but he says he’s not good at lounging. His boys are his priority. Jake is leaving. He got accepted to an art academy in Barcelona. Carly says, Jake is leaving just as Jason is free to spend time with him, and Jason says, he’ll miss Jake, but he’s happy for him. She says, he can visit Jake, but until then, they can go hiking and camping, and he and Danny can spend tons of time together. She wants him to promise her something. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, don’t disappear again.

Tracy asks what part of the gas fire Cody is avoiding, or is it already an inferno? Cody says, it’s not out of control, but the countryside will never be the same. She asks, what happened? and he says, remember how he told her that he found his father, but didn’t know how his father would take it? Now he knows and it’s out in the open. Tracy asks who the proud papa is, and he says, Mac Scorpio. She says, wow, and he says he wouldn’t call Mac proud. She says, he didn’t take it well? and he says he’s glad he told Mac on Independence Day since it looks like he’s going to be independent forever.

Kristina says, Nina is the most media savvy person they know, and they’d like her to coach them and give them advice. Blaze says, they need to get it right, and Kristina says, they have so much riding on it, but Brook thinks it will make a big difference. Blaze says, one mistake, and the revival of her career is gone.

Brook says, Natalia made the calls. Now let her and Blaze forge a new path that lets Blaze be seen and heard. Sonny says he trusts her, and Natalia says, Linc Brown taught her one hell of a lesson. She made a promise never to let a third-party control Blaze’s career again. It didn’t matter how great the were. The business is cutthroat and there’s only one person you can trust – yourself.

Jason tells Carly that when he first came back, it wasn’t like he was coming home. He was a military contractor in town to do a job under orders. She says, now he gets to be himself and pick up the life he had, but he says he made that mistake before. Not again. When he was gone before and came back, he couldn’t see it at the time. He couldn’t go back to his old life any more than he could go back in time. He got back together with Sam, and it wasn’t fair to her, Scout, and Danny. All he did was put them through a breakup. Sam had changed and so had he.

Chase tells Dex that his dad was an academic. He liked the law as a concept, but had zero interest in enforcing it. Dex asks how he felt about Chase becoming a cop, and Chase says, he was all for it and told Chase that he’d be a good cop. Dex says, he was right, and Chase says, his dad encouraged him to figure out what he wanted, and he was supportive and comforting, not smothering. Now that he doesn’t have his dad… Sorry. Dex says, he has nothing to be sorry for, and Chase says he knew he’d be sad, but not like this. Dex says, Chase’s father hasn’t been gone that long. Grieving takes time. Give himself some. Chase says, he had nothing but respect for his dad, and Dex says he wishes he felt that way about anyone in his family. Chase asks why he doesn’t.

Tracy says she’s sorry it didn’t go as Cody had hoped. What happens now that he ignored the gas fire and the inferno swept through the countryside and is smoldering? He says, normally, he’d pull up stakes, move on, and not look back, but he promised Maxie and Sasha that he wouldn’t. They’ve been good to him. So has she. She says, she’s not just his friend. She’s his employer and she’s going to share one of her famous lists with him. No severance, no health insurance, and no recommendation if he dares leave without giving her a 30-day notice.

Nina says she’d be happy to help, and Kristina says, Blaze has done interviews before, but not like this. They were micromanaged by her mother. Nina suggests they take some deep breaths. All they have to do is be themselves. They’re wonderful, and need to show the public, like they did Adrian, that they’re human beings. Blaze says, it’s not that simple, and Nina says, nothing is, especially family. They’re imperfect and difficult. This is a chance to show everyone that they’re doing the best they can, just like everyone else.

Natalia says she trusted her own instincts and created a media disaster. She doesn’t completely trust Brook, but she and Sonny have done more to earn her respect than anyone else in this town. It’s time she trusted her daughter, so if Allison agrees to the terms, they have a deal.

Carly says, Sam’s been hard on Jason, but he says he doesn’t blame her. He’s disappeared twice. They have a son together, and nothing has worked out the way Sam expected. That’s why it was so easy with Britt; she had no expectations. Carly says she was so jealous of Britt. She knew Jason was falling in love with her and didn’t want him to love anyone but her. (Ugh. The part of Carly that I hate.) He says, it was different, but she says she still didn’t like it. Then Britt died saving Josslyn’s life. He says he heard that, and she says, now when she thinks of Britt Westbourne, she’s forever grateful.

Dex tells Chase that he wasn’t close with his family. If his father had a dream for him, he had no intention of fulfilling it. Not having a close family, he had no one to look up to or emulate, and no one to rebel against. He wanted to get away and create a life opposite of what he had growing up. He went into the military, and it felt right, like he was finally doing what he was supposed to. Chase asks if he’s sorry he left the army, and Dex says, not anymore. Since joining the force, it feels right again. It feels like home. Chase says, he’s going to be a good cop, and they leave together.

Nina tells Blaze and Kristina, you can be a superstar, but no one has the right to treat you like an object. She won’t let them be a casualty of that kind of thinking. Their media training starts tomorrow… She sees their faces, and says, or she can offer them tea and coffee from room service, and they can start now.  

Tracy says, it never occurred to her to run, although she should have numerous times at the altar. Cody tells her that she should try it sometime. It’s freeing. She says, it’s avoiding, and he should break the habit. He doesn’t look like he’s excited about being free. Every time something calamitous happens in her life, she comes home, and as soon as she gets here, she starts complaining. It just makes her feel that family is more comfortable. He says, maybe he’ll give it a shot, and she asks if his answer is yes. He says he’ll definitely try it her way… if he ever has a family and home to come back to. She asks, what makes him think he doesn’t? and he says, on paper he has one, but Mac doesn’t want anything to do with him. Tracy looks toward the door and says, oh no. Cody says, what are you doing here?

Sonny says, it’s going to be great. While they deal with the music, he’ll make sure Ava gets what’s coming to her. Brook, Sonny, and Natalia clink glasses, but Brook looks worried.

Carly says, if Jason isn’t going back to his old life, what does his new life look like? and he says he doesn’t know. She says he could run security for her hotel, but he says he doesn’t need a job. He has the coffee business. She says, Sonny owns other half and turned his back on Jason. Jason says, because he doesn’t know what happened. Now he can tell Sonny. She asks, what if he won’t listen? and he says, there’s got to be a way to get through to Sonny. He’s in more trouble than he knows.

Tomorrow, James tells Maxie that something weird is going on; Sasha tells Cody not to overreact; and Jason tells Carly that he has to get Sonny to let him back in.

🌻 Opening Up…

She’s a trail blazer and definitely deserves to have her birthday wishes come true.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-cassandra-james-opens-up-on-her-birthday

🍊 Orange You Glad They’re Back…

Gina put on her realtor hat and vouched for Jen so Jen could rent a place, but oops, bad idea. Jen skated on the rent and got evicted. Worse still, Jen couldn’t see why this was an issue for Gina. WTF? over and over.

A focus on dos amigas.

https://people.com/rhoc-recap-tamra-judge-says-shannon-beador-not-a-good-person-after-dui-arrest-8680557

💎 Because He Got High…

So I guess this means it’s really over? I feel badly for the kids, but this is what can happen if you get married when you’re a kid. I don’t think it had anything to do with the show. I’m not sure he even knew they were on one.

🍸 VanderBoot…

Looks like Sandoval has put the final nail in the VanderCoffin. There’s no going back now.

Speaking of lawsuits. Their no good very bad day.

🎈 VanderFringes…

All I can say is, ewwwwww!

⚰️ Coming To a Stream Near You…

Netflix will be absorbing a lot of Dead.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/tv/news/interview-with-the-vampire-the-walking-dead-spinoffs-head-to-netflix-in-branded-amc-deal/ar-BB1q6iE9

🐩 Inspired By Fame…

This might be a bit of old news, but it’s not every day you see a Chinese Crested dressed as Colman Domingo.

👖 Traveling With My Pants…

Start your weekend tomorrow with some soap, both useless and useful knowledge, and a song. Until then, stay safe, stay coloring inside and outside the lines, and stay having principles and living them.