Tag Archives: Barbie Girl

Jul21

July 20, 2023 – Esme Visits Her Mother, Getting Around, Happy Birthday, Uniting, Bringing Drama, Under the Runway, About Barbie & More Barbie  

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Gladys struggles with Cody and tells him to let her go. He says he asked her not to touch him, when Sasha stabs him in the side with a knife from the bar. He touches the wound and sees blood on his hand, while Sasha holds the bloody knife. He says, Sasha… why? and drops to his knees. She sees Cyrus asking her, why, Sasha? and Maxie runs over along with a pool guy. Maxie says, everything is okay, and tells Sasha to drop the knife, but Sasha says, stay away. Cody/Cyrus says, please, Sasha, but she says, no. Stay away.

At Bernadino’s, Ava taps her plate with a knife, and Austin takes it out of her hand. He says, if she’s worried about anything that’s going to happen, just know he’s here with her. She says, everyone in this place knows he’s here with her after that ridiculous display he put on yesterday. He says, anyone with eyes would know he wants her. Just so she knows, their attraction to one another might save their lives. Nina approaches the table with Sonny and asks if they’re sure they want a double date.

Esme is in the visitor room at Pentenville when Cyrus approaches her. She says she thinks he may have the wrong visitor, but he says, on the contrary. She’s exactly who he wanted to see. He sits down.

Molly says she was just leaving, but Kristina tells her not to. She’ll go. Sam says, no one is going anywhere – she closes the door – until the two of them talk.

Trina asks why they were made to leave Curtis’s room, and Portia says, it’s just protocol. She needs the room to be able to do her job. Marshall says, TJ is on his way, and Trina says, Curtis seemed so out of it just now. Is that normal? Is he going to be able to talk when they remove the tube from his mouth? Please tell her that he’s going to be okay.

Maxie tells everyone to get back, and tells Sasha, just drop the knife, but Sasha says she can’t let him hurt anyone else. Cody looks at his blood-covered hand, and Cyrus says, you’re going to have to do better than that. She lunges at him with the knife.

Nina and Sonny sit down, and Nina says she was just trying to find out some information on Curtis’s condition. Ava asks how he is, but Sonny says, they haven’t heard yet. Ava says she just feels so badly for Trina. She’s just now getting to know him as her father. Austin says, it’s probably really difficult for Portia and TJ, and Sonny says, it sounds like Austin is pretty close to his colleagues. Austin says, at GH? They were very welcoming to him. Sonny says, was Britt? He remembers seeing Austin at the memorial. Austin says he and Britt were friends, and Sonny says, from what he heard, Britt trusted him. Austin says, she did. He’s starting to think maybe Sonny doesn’t.

Sam says, it’s clear Kristina and Molly have very different points of view here, but neither of them are actually listening to each other, so it’s not going to help. She suggests Molly tell Kristina a little bit of what they were talking about today, and Kristina will listen. Then Kristina will tell Molly exactly what she was thinking when she suggested she’d be a good surrogate for Molly and TJ’s baby. Kristina says, that’s lovely, but she tried, and Sam says, try again.

The nurse tells Portia that Curtis is off the ventilator and his vitals are stable. She’s paged Dr. Barnsdall. Portia thanks her, and Trina asks if they can see him. The nurse says, yes, but only two at a time. She leaves, and Portia suggests Marshall and Trina go first. Trina and Marshall go into Curtis’s room, and Spencer says, that’s great news, but Portia says, he’s not out of the woods just yet. He says, what the nurse told them about his vitals is a good thing, right? Curtis has family here with him, and he’s heard having people around who love you can make a big difference. He promises he’s not going to let his family connections harm Trina or her family ever again. TJ comes around the corner, and Portia asks if Spencer thinks that’s really a promise he can keep.

Marshall tells Curtis, welcome back. Is he okay? Does he need anything? Trina lingers by the door, and Curtis says he needs… Marshall asks, what? and Curtis says, his daughter.

Esme asks if she knows Cyrus, and he says, no, but he knows who she is. Sorry. Who she was. He read everything there is to know about her early time in Port Charles. She had quite the journey. Clearly, she’s no longer the young lady who first came to town. She says she wishes other people would see it that way, Mr. … He says, Renault. Please call him Cyrus. Maybe he can see her for who she is now because he’s a fellow pilgrim on the same journey, trying to change hearts and minds. She says, if he’s in some kind of religious thing, she doesn’t… He says he’s not trying to convert her, but he thinks they face the same dilemma. They were on the wrong path before, and now that they’ve changed, people are skeptical of their sincerity. Esme says, exactly. People tell her that she’s done all these terrible things and look at her like she’s as horrible as her mother and father. He says he completely understands. His family suffered because of their connection to him and his sordid past. He wants it to end. That’s why he sought her out. She says she doesn’t understand, and he says, her blessed child is a part of his family.

Maxie crouches down by Cody, and tells Sasha to stop, but Sasha says, Maxie doesn’t understand. She can’t let him hurt anyone else. Maxie says, Cody hasn’t hurt anybody, and Sasha says, Cody. Suddenly, Cyrus turns back into Cody, and Sasha says, no, it was Cyrus. She saw Cyrus. She sees the knife in her hand and drops it, hyperventilating as she backs away. Gladys runs to her, and Maxie says, call 9-1-1, as Cody keels over. Sasha says, oh my God, over and over.

Alyse films with her phone as the paramedics put Cody on a stretcher, and Sasha says, how could she do that to Cody? Gladys says, it’s going to be okay, and Maxie says she knows Sasha didn’t mean to hurt him. Sasha says she would never, and Gladys says, none of this is her fault. Maxie says, Gladys is going to stay with her. She needs to handle something. She leaves, and Sasha asks, what’s wrong with her? Why did she do that? Gladys tells her, don’t worry. It’s going to be okay. They’ll fix everything. Sasha wonders what Brando would say, and Detective Bennet (remember him?) says, Sasha Corbin? She asks, how is Cody? and he says, in bad shape. From what he was told, she’s responsible. The paramedics take Cody away.

Sam takes Kristina and Molly’s hands and says, no matter how mad they get, how much they fight, they love each other. They’re sisters. That’s never going to change. Now talk. Please. She walks away, but Kristina says, Sam… Sam says, please, and Kristina says, okay. She’ll admit she’s not always the most self-aware person, but when she thought of offering to be a surrogate, it’s only because she wanted to help Molly, and TJ. Molly says she might have overreacted at the hospital, but she’s still trying to deal with the fact they can’t have a baby. Then Curtis got shot and almost died, and it was all too much. Kristina says she gets that, and she was trying to be sympathetic and sensitive, but Molly lashed out at her with so much anger and hatred. Sam’s phone rings, and she says she has to get this. You two talk. She leaves, and Kristina says, Molly told her that she always tries to make herself the center of attention. Is that really how Molly sees her? Molly says she was hurt and upset, and wanted to hurt Kristina, and Kristina asks, why?

Sam says, Dante’s not here, and asks Maxie, what’s up? Maxie says she’s at the MetroCourt pool. Cody has been stabbed. Sam says, what?

Curtis asks, what happened? and Trina says, he doesn’t remember? Curtis shakes his head, and Marshall says, he was shot. Curtis says, who? and Marshall says, the PCPD is trying to figure that out. Trina says, they think the bullet wasn’t meant for Curtis, and Curtis says, any leads? Marshall says, he’s a patient, not a cop. Trina says, mom will tie him to this bed herself if he tries to help with the investigation, and he asks, where’s Portia?

TJ asks, how’s Uncle Curtis? and Portia says, his vitals are stable. Trina and Marshall are in with him right now. Only two people at a time. TJ asks if Dr. Barnsdall knows Curtis regained consciousness, and she says, he’s been paged. TJ was in the operating room with Curtis and knows there were complications. What if there are residual effects?

Sonny says, who Ava spends time with is her business. Who Avery spends time with is his business. Nina tells Austin that she thinks what Sonny is trying to say is, they’d like the opportunity to get to know him better. Austin says, absolutely. It’s not a problem. Ava has been very clear about how much Sonny loves Avery, so it’s only natural he’d want to get to know any man who’s potentially in her mother’s life. Sonny says he appreciates that. Does Austin have anything to do with Ava wanting to look for a new nanny for Avery? Ava says, no, absolutely not. Pilar has been negligent lately. Avery’s well-being is her only concern. He asks if she’s started looking, when a man approaches the table, and says, Dr. Gatlin-Holt. Austin says, he is? and the man says, Gordon Stevens. He was a patient of Austin’s. Austin says, nice to see him again, and Gordon says, maybe not so nice when Austin hears what he has to say.

Esme says she should have realized; he’s a Cassadine. Cyrus says, no. Thankfully, he’s not. Any transgression he’s committed pales in comparison to that family. He’s the only fallen angel in his lineage. His siblings are absolutely above reproach. She has firsthand knowledge of his sister’s fine character. She says, his sister? and he says, her son’s grandmother, Mayor Laura Collins? She’s his beloved sister, which makes little Ace his family. Heather is suddenly there, and tells him, never say that name again. She’s the only family her daughter and grandson need.

Molly says, Kristina knew how important it was for her to have TJ’s baby. Her own body betrayed her. Does Kristina know what that feels like? What it’s like to know she’s letting TJ down? How it feels when no degree of focus and hard work can accomplish a dream she’s longed for? Sam comes out and says she has to go. Kristina asks if everything is okay, and Sam says she hopes so. There’s ice cream in the freezer; take their pick. She runs out.

Trina asks if Curtis wants her to send Portia in, and he tells her, go eat. Get some rest. She says, someone told her that he’d want her to take care of herself, and he says, someone smart. She says she’s so glad he’s back, and leaves. Marshall asks if Curtis is feeling okay, and Curtis says he feels strange. Like something happened. Marshall says, the doctors almost lost him in the operating room, and Curtis says, that explains it. Marshall says, explains what? and Curtis says, why he was with mom and Tommy.

Cyrus says, they were just making conversation, and Heather says, make it somewhere else. Her daughter’s here to see her. He says, she might want to be more punctual, and Heather laughs. He says he hopes he and Esme get to do this again sometime, and leaves. Heather takes his seat, and tells Esme that she should never talk to other inmates, especially Cyrus. He’s dangerous. Esme says, not like her? and Heather says she was so thrilled when they told her that Esme wanted to see her. She looks beautiful. Motherhood becomes her. Ace must be so big now. Does she have any pictures? Esme says, no. She can’t believe she’s actually here. She swore to herself that she’d never let Heather see her again, or meet Ace. Heather says she understands. She made a couple of mistakes. But Esme’s given her a second chance. Esme says, that’s not why she’s here. She still thinks Heather is the same vile, reprehensible person, but Heather is the only one who can give her the information she needs. Heather says she’d do anything for Esme, and Esme asks why Heather abandoned her.

Ava says, perhaps Gordon didn’t notice they’re having lunch here. Maybe he could find a more appropriate time to discuss whatever health concerns he has. Gordon says, apologies, but what he needs is immediate attention right now. Getting up, Austin says, it’s not a problem. Why don’t they find a place where they can chat? Please excuse them. The price of doing business as a doctor; always on call. He leaves with Gordon, and Ava says, the nerve of that guy, interrupting us like that. Nina says she guesses they’re both involved with men who are in high demand, and Sonny says, Nina always comes first with him because they have no secrets. What about Ava and Austin? Any secrets?

An officer gives Bennet the knife in an evidence bag, and Bennet tells Sasha that she’s being charged with assault with a deadly weapon. She’d better hope he makes it. She says she would never hurt Cody, and Maxie tells Gordon that Sasha doesn’t belong in jail. He can see she’s not well. He says he knows Maxie was married to a good cop. So she can see how convenient this act is. Maxie says, it’s not an act, and goes over to Sasha’s bag. She takes a prescription bottle out, and hands it to Bennet, saying, he can see she’s on antidepressants, and he knows what effect they can have on people. Alyse joins them, and says, it’s true. Sasha Gilmore has a very well-documented history of mental breaks following the death of her infant son. He says, and she knows this because? Alyse says she was just interviewing Sasha for Crimson about her recovery. Gladys guides Sasha over, and Bennet says, she lost her baby? Sasha says, Liam… He left us… Then Brando. He asks, who’s Brando? (Oh come on. He doesn’t read the paper?) Gladys says her son and Sasha’s husband; her dead husband.

Austin and Gordon walk out to the back alley, and Austin says, what was that? He can’t just do that. He can’t just confront Austin in a restaurant. Gordon says, take it up with his cousin. Mason gave him no choice. Austin asks, what’s Mason done now? and Gordon says, it’s what he hasn’t done. He hasn’t paid for Gordon’s services.

Ava says, so Sonny and Nina have no secrets. That’s got to be a first for Sonny. She and Austin like a little mystery. Sonny asks if that means she doesn’t know much about the guy, and Nina says, that’s not what Ava said. Sonny says he just wants to know Austin can handle himself. That Gordon guy seemed a bit hostile… Ava says, Austin knows what he’s doing, and Nina asks if he didn’t face down the Quartermaines. Ava says, yes. Austin demanded his birthright, the Quartermaines strongarmed him, and he decided it just wasn’t worth the fight to be part of that particular clan. Nina says, their sense of entitlement knows no limits. Michael isn’t that way though. Sonny says he’ll be right back, and leaves. Ava says, this is going great.

Marshall says, what was she like? and Curtis says, loving. It felt like home. Marshall says he bets she was still beautiful. He said he was there with Tommy too? Curtis says he didn’t see him, but he could feel him. He’s still trying to process. It felt realer than a dream. Marshall says, there are more things in heaven and earth than they’ve dreamt of, and Curtis says he misses her too. Marshall says, Curtis was happy there, wasn’t he? But he came back. He came back for them. Why? He says he came back for the same reason Marshall did. He came back for his child.

Trina thanks Spencer for coming, and says, it made such a difference having him here. He says he’ll always be here for her, and she says, even if it means he has to hang out with her mom in the waiting room? He says, the only exceptions are in fine print, and she asks what he and her mom were talking about when she walked in earlier. He flashes back to Portia suggesting he let Trina go, and he says, they were talking about putting family first. It’s definitely something her mom does. Trina says, she’s a fighter. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do to protect the people she loves.

Heather says, from the very first moment Esme was born, she loved her so much. She’d already made some mistakes in her life that would have complicated things for Esme, and she wanted Esme to have the best life possible. That’s what a mother wants for her baby, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice to make that happen. Esme says, Heather really believes that, doesn’t she? and Heather says, it’s true. It was all worth it to protect her. Esme says, no, no, no. Going around town murdering people with a hook does not qualify as an act of love. Heather says she might have been a little overzealous, but she saw those people as a threat to her daughter. She had to protect Esme; the way Esme would protect Ace. Esme says, oh no. She’s raising Ace. Heather abandoned her. Heather says she made a sacrifice for Esme, and now Esme is doing what she has to do for her baby. Esme says she’s nothing like Heather, but Heather says, that’s why she’s here, isn’t it? Esme finally realized how much they have in common.

Kristina says she never meant for Molly to overhear her about being their surrogate, and it’s possible she may have been a bit too impulsive that night. Molly says, that night? and Kristina says, all right, most nights. But Molly knows that about her, so she should also know that Kristina would never think just because she can have a baby naturally and Molly… can’t, that it makes her some kind of hero. She just thought if she could give her little sister what she desperately wants, that she wants to do that. Molly says, but Kristina didn’t even ask her if that’s what she wanted. She knows Kristina meant to help her, but she wasn’t the first person Kristina talked to about it. She knows Kristina has a big heart, but… Kristina says, but she also has a big mouth, and sometimes when she gets excited about something, she has a tendency to… Molly says, word vomit, and Kristina says, yeah. Molly says, the kids at the shelter are so lucky to have her, but she’s Kristina’s sister. She’s not some stranger Kristina is trying to get off the street.

At the hospital, the nurse tells Cody that there’s someone to see him, and Sam comes in. She says, ouch. He set a new record for stitches. He says, the procedure has become all too familiar, and she says, from what she was told, the amount of blood at the pool, she thought he might be lucky to just make it here alive. He says, her and him both. How did she know he was here? She says, that’s not how this is going to work. He’s not asking the questions; she is. How much trouble is he in this time? He says, for once, he’s not in any trouble. Sasha is.

Bennet says, they need to do a psyche evaluation. He’ll call on ahead and they’ll be waiting for Sasha at GH. He tells the officer to cuff her, and Maxie asks if that’s really necessary. He holds up the bag with the knife, and says, yeah. Maxie tells Sasha, everything’s going to be okay, and Gladys says she’ll come with Sasha, but Bennet says, she can’t ride in the car. The officer takes Sasha away, and Bennet says, Gladys should probably clean up and get to the hospital. Gladys looks at the blood on her hands. Ooh. Symbolism.

Sam says, Sasha stabbed Cody? That doesn’t make any sense. She never hurt anyone. He says he thought exactly the same thing… until she stuck a bar knife in his side at the pool and called him Cyrus. Sam says, Cyrus Renault terrorized her a couple years ago. He asks if he looks like the guy, but she says, not remotely. Besides, he’s been in Pentenville for a while now. He says he could see in her eyes that something was off, and right before that, she got accused of shoplifting. Sam says she guesses Sasha’s recovery had a setback.

Spencer says he’s sorry Trina has had so much to deal with lately. He knows Greenland wasn’t exactly a picnic, and since she’s gotten back… She says she’s fine, and he says he hates feeling like he’s letting her down. Just let him know. Is he making her life better, or just harder?

Portia goes in to see Curtis, and says she thought she was going to lose him. He says he thought he was going to lose her, and she says, nothing matters now except him getting better. Curtis says, Dr. Nephew, and TJ tells Dr. Barnsdall that Curtis even has his sense of humor back. Dr. Barnsdall says, Curtis looks and sounds good, but he’d still like to do some tests. Curtis asks, what kind of tests?

Kristina says, Molly is her little sister, but Molly has always had her life so much more out together than Kristina. She just had this ability to work hard, figure things out, and accomplish it. Molly never needed her. Molly says, that’s not true, but Kristina says, it is true, and that’s okay. Molly has comforted and counseled her more times than she can count. And she just thought finally she’d be able to help Molly. That Molly actually needed her this time, and she could help Molly in a meaningful way. Molly says, all she ever needs is for Kristina to be her big sister.

Esme says, maybe the old Esme who came to Port Charles was a bit like Heather, but she’s not that person anymore. She would never hurt anyone and she would never abandon her child the way Heather abandoned her. Heather says she knew if she and Ryan raised Esme, there was no way she could flourish. Esme says she didn’t exactly flourish with the Prince family, and Heather says, they were stable, they had money, they gave her the traditional upbringing she deserved. Esme says, then why did she tell everyone they were cold and withheld any emotion they might have had for her? and Heather says, that’s what she remembers? Esme says, no, but… Heather says, that’s what Spencer Cassadine’s been telling her, isn’t it? but Esme says, Spencer’s been good to her. He loves Ace. Heather says, Ace is his half-brother, and he’s half Cassadine. That’s all Spencer cares about. He’s willing to ignore the rest of Ace’s bloodline. Esme says, bloodline does not determine who we are meant to be unless you’re a werewolf, and Heather says she knows she and Ryan had their faults, but maybe what they gave her, what the Princes gave her, helped her to become the wonderful woman she is today. Esme says, Ace is never going to know anything about her parents, real or adoptive. She and Spencer have decided to co-parent him and raise Ace to be his own person. Heather tells Esme, her and Ace and that pampered punk is very unhealthy, but Esme says, any family is better than hers. Heather says, how does that fairytale end when Spencer finds out exactly what happened to Esme’s adoptive parents?

Austin tells Gordon that he’s the last guy on earth who would defend his cousin. He knows exactly who that guy is, but he pays his debts. Gordon says, Mason did pay him for the work he did at General Hospital, but he did some extra… Austin starts to blow Gordon off, and Gordon says, bottom line is, Mason is ducking him and he wants his money now. Austin says, talk to his cousin, because it has nothing to do with him, but Gordon says, it has everything to do with Austin. Because Austin is in on it with him. They both know that. Austin says, they’re done here. Don’t ever contact him again. He starts to leave, but Gordon grabs his arm and asks, how difficult is it for a doctor to operate with a broken arm? Sonny comes out and says, you break him, I break you.

Sonny asks if Gordon knows who he is, and Gordon says he does. Sonny says, then Gordon knows he’s a nice guy until you do something he doesn’t like, and he doesn’t like what Gordon is doing right now. So apologize to his friend Austin… Austin says, he doesn’t have to, but Sonny says, hey, and tells Gordon, now. Gordon says, I’m very sorry, Dr. Gatlin-Holt, and Sonny says, he can go now. Gordon thanks him, and leaves. Austin shrugs, and says, so patients don’t always understand doctors are human beings. They can’t help everybody about everything, so sometimes they get angry… Sonny says he didn’t know the medical profession was so hazardous, and Austin says he made it this far, so he guesses he’ll just keep doing what he’s doing. Sonny asks if Austin wants to go back to the ladies, and Austin says, yeah, and jets.

Esme says her adoptive parents died in an accident, and Heather says, well accidents – air quotes – happen – end air quotes. The way that bartender Oz Haggerty’s overdose happened. Esme asks if Heather is saying she had something to do with her parents’ deaths, but Heather says, never mind. That’s all in the past. She shouldn’t have brought it up. Esme says, Heather was just trying to get in her head. It was obviously a mistake to come here. She gets up, but Heather says wait, and follows her. She says, Esme’s mistake is caring what people think about her. She doesn’t need Spencer… Esme says she does. If she wants any chance of living down the things people say she’s done. Heather says she promises Esme, the people in Port Charles don’t forget. And they don’t forgive. Does she know why Heather named her Esme? It means to love, and Heather loves her and accepts her for exactly who she is. She just may be the only person in the whole world who will ever feel that way.

Kristina tells Molly, from now on, no matter how good she thinks her intentions are, she’s not going to assume anything. she’ll wait for people to tell her what they need. Molly says, and she promises to lean on her big sister a little more often, putting her head on Kristina’s shoulder. Kristina says, now that she’s not assuming what Molly wants or needs, she does have an important question for her.  Molly says, already? and Kristina says, mint chocolate chip or mocha? Molly says, both, and as Kristina gets up, she says, and that offer she never officially made still stands. She and Molly touch hands, and Kristina goes to the kitchen.

Cody tries to sit up, and Sam asks what he’s doing. He says he needs to check on Sasha, and Sam says, that’s not a scratch he has right there. He asks if she’s ever been thrown from an unbroken colt. This is nothing. He has to at least see if he can help Sasha. She says she doesn’t think there’s much he can do right now, and they look through the door to see Sasha handcuffed to a wheelchair and looking pretty worried. She’s wheeled into the elevator.

Nina says she’s so glad they’re doing this. Isn’t Sonny? Sonny doesn’t look glad, and flashes back to seeing Austin and Gordon in the alley. Sonny says, yeah. He feels like he knows a lot more about Austin. He smiles.

Trina says, if Spencer is asking if she regrets being with him… His phone rings, and he sees it’s Esme. Trina says, answer it, but he says he’s with her right now. Anything else can wait. She says, it could be about his baby brother, and he steps away. He says he’s in the middle of something right now, but Esme says she just needs to talk to him about something. He asks if Ace is okay, and she says, he’s fine. She’s just been digging into some things in her past and has some questions about her adoptive parents. Does he remember… He says he’s not doing this right now. He’ll see her back at the apartment. He hangs up, and Trina asks if everything is okay, but he says he only cares if he and Trina are okay. Are they? She says, if he’s asking if it’s been easy, it hasn’t been, and he says he knows things have been complicated with him and his family, and he hasn’t been there for her, but he thinks he’s doing better and he promises… She says, it’s not just him and he knows that. Life hasn’t been easy for either one of them. He says, and he feels like they deserve a break. He knows they got one with Curtis waking up, and he’s thankful and grateful that Curtis did. She says, maybe things will be easier for them for a while, and he puts his arms around her. He says, no matter what comes, they’ll face it together.

Dr. Barnsdall tells Curtis to close his eyes and just respond when he feels something. The doctor pokes him in different places on his body, and Curtis is like, yeah… yeah… mm-hm. TJ and Portia look hopeful, but when the doctor gets to his legs there’s no response. TJ asks what Curtis feels, and Curtis says he didn’t feel anything. (Way to panic a patient.) He opens his eyes and says, he can’t feel anything. TJ and Portia don’t look hopeful anymore.

Tomorrow, Curtis says, none of them seem surprised that he can’t feel his legs; Austin asks someone, what happens if people disappoint them; Carly visits Drew; and Josslyn tells Dex that they both know who that bullet was meant for.

🤹🏻 Busier Than You…

Who knew Leo wore so many hats?

Yes, That’s GH’s Easton Rocket Sweda in the New Old Navy Campaign!

👶 Double the Ace…

You can tell these two were destined for show biz. I’m also glad I’m not the only one who thought, that’s a pretty big newborn.

Happy First Birthday to GH Cuties Jay and Joey Clay – See How They’ve Grown!

🪧 Joining the Cause…

It was bound to happen. Give those people their money already.

Soap Stars Join the SAG-AFTRA Picket Lines

🗽 Up For Debate…

It’s only been one episode, so I don’t have the names down, but there are a couple of pot stirrers in the mix.

https://extratv.com/2023/07/13/rhony-s-new-housewives-on-who-created-the-most-drama-on-the-reboot/

🩲 Underside Out…

This week’s Runway was all about using underwear as outerwear, but in a chic way. IMO, there were a couple of gorgeous pieces, but there were also a few klunkers, one of which was in the top three, so what do I know? I was thrilled that Paulina Porizkova was a guest judge, since I loved her book. Designer Sergio Hudson was also in attendance.

‘Project Runway’ 20 episode 7 recap: ‘Fashion, Inside Out’ put underwear on the forefront [LIVE BLOG]

🩰 Dream Car Pulling Up…

The set. What I wouldn’t give to play in it.

https://ew.com/movies/barbie-set-toy-box-margot-robbie-greta-gerwig/

The looks. It’s all about the close… and those tiny shoes.

https://ew.com/movies/margot-robbie-barbie-style-doll-inspired-looks/

The cast. I love Weird Barbie, although I never did that to any of mine.

https://ew.com/movies/barbie-movie-cast-everything-to-know/

🤖 Not Written By AI…

Join me for Friday’s free-for-all of soap, tea, citations, and music. Until then, stay safe, stay not being a lousy tipper, and stay remembering, bloodline does not determine who we are meant to be. Unless you’re a werewolf.

Mar10

March 9, 2023 – Victor Has an Off Night, Her Other Boy, Reunited, Coming Back, Dead Again, Soap Jump, Deck Secrets, VanderScandal, One Of Us, Today & Barbie

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina asks MetroCourt bartender Jamie if he isn’t in business school, and he says, PCU’s graduate program. She asks why someone in a leadership position would be investigated by the SEC, and Sonny walks up wondering why she’d ask that.

On the phone, Ava leaves a message for Austin asking if they can discuss his charming cousin, and the not-so charming stranglehold he has on them. Call her as soon as he can. Trina comes in and says she received a notification that artwork came in, but Ava says, it’s not her job to track it anymore. Trina says she wanted to spare Ava from anything gallery related, especially after everything that’s happened to her lately. Ava says, thanks, but Trina doesn’t have to take care of her, and Trina says, to be honest, she wanted a reason to return to the gallery. This place is really important to her; like a second home. Now it’s more important than her first.

Curtis is in the elevator, when Selina joins him. She congratulates him on his nuptials, and asks if Brad delivered her gift at the rehearsal dinner. Curtis says, he did, and she says she’s surprised she didn’t hear from him. Did the gift not meet with his approval?

At the stables, Cody looks for a receipt in a file folder, and ends up dropping everything on the floor. He says, Mama Q didn’t hire him for his organizational skills, and Sasha comes in, saying, that much is obvious. He says he’s about ponies, not paperwork, and she says, he’s good with horses. He’s also good with people. Among them, her.

Lucy asks Anna if the coffee is dark roast; it tastes burnt. Bleh. I know what she means and I hate that. Lucy says she misses Kelly’s smooth coffee. She misses Kelly’s. She misses croissants. Couldn’t Anna just kill for a chocolate babka? Why does Felicia just bring yoghurt and granola? Valentin comes out, and Anna asks, how was his shower? but he says he didn’t actually take one. Somebody decided to use the last of the hot water again. Lucy says, that’s because the water here is so very hard, she has to rinse a lot to get the shampoo out of her hair. Lucy moves the blind to peek out, but Anna yells, stay away from the window! Lucy asks how long they have to keep hiding here. This is torture. Anna and Valentin look at each other.

Victor is putting on his tie as Eileen wakes up. She says, good morning, and he says, is it? She says, it’s the best sleep she’s had in weeks. She feels so rested. He says, that makes one of them, and she says, he’s not upset about last night, is he? He says he’ll thank her not to mention last night again.

Felicia, Bobbie, and Maxie have coffee at Charlie’s, and Bobbie says, they treaded very carefully with Jesse Brewer. She was a wonderful, generous woman, but she had zero tolerance for personal drama at work, so she really kept them on their toes. Maxie asks how long she’s worked at GH, and Bobbie says, 45 years. The hospital’s turning 60 this year, so she wasn’t here at its conception. Felicia says, 60 years is quite a milestone, and Maxie says, the hospital’s the center of so many peoples’ lives in Port Charles. How are they marking the occasion? Bobbie says, there aren’t any plans she’s aware of, and Felicia says, that’s a missed opportunity. Maxie says, it’s more than that. It’s a travesty. Somebody needs to do something about it.

Looking at her tablet, Lucy sighs, putting her feet up on the couch next to Valentin, and he says, problem? She says, the stock, and he says, took a hit? but she tells him, relax. He’s still getting a return on his investment. It’s just… It could be a whole heck of a lot better. He says, if she was there, and she says, yes. Anna comes out and tells Valentin, that was the last of the coffee, and he says he misses Paris. She says, her too, and he says, for a lot of reasons, but right now for the coffee. Anna snuggles in his lap, and Lucy says, stop. Marty can’t be here because he’s visiting his mom, so seeing the lovebirds is tough when she’s involuntarily celibate. Anna tells her, when this is over, Marty will be waiting for her, but Lucy says, don’t say the w word. Waiting, waiting, waiting. It’s all she does. She’s so sick of waiting. She just wants out of here.

Victor puts on his shoes, and Eileen says, they were both tired last night, and they’d both been drinking. Oooh. I get why he’s cranky. She says, neither of them were at their best, but now they’re both rejuvenated. He puts on his jacket, and she asks if it was something she did, but he says he has a busy day today. She says, anything to do with the next phase of his plan? He doesn’t have to go it alone. She’s with him all the way. She straightens his tie, and says, didn’t she prove that to him, when she helped take care of Anna Devane? She grabs his lapels, pulls him toward her, and says, let her in. Tell her what he needs; what he wants. She’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Cody says, if he knew Sasha was coming, he’d have cleaned the place up. She helps him pick up the papers, and asks if he found what he was looking for. He says he’s afraid not, but no worries; he’ll look later. He doesn’t notice, but one of the papers stays on the floor, and Sasha hands him a box. She says, it’s to thank him, and he says, for what? She says, for what he did when she confronted Heather Webber at the PCPD.

Ava says, trouble at home? but Trina says, Ava is the one who just went through hell. How is she? Ava says she’s getting there, and Trina says, and her friend Dr. Gatlin-Holt? Ava says, well enough to check himself out of the hospital. Trina’s mom treated him before he left GH. When are she and Curtis headed to Italy? Trina says, as far as she knows, that trip is canceled. They’re not in a great place right now. Ava says she’s so sorry to hear that. What happened? Trina says, I happened.

Curtis tells Selina that he had a few things on his mind. Sending out thank you cards wasn’t on his list. Selina says, it’s not like him to be ungrateful, so she’ll ignore his oversight. Newlywedded bliss can be all-consuming. Or so she’s been told. He asks her to excuse him, and walks off.

Gladys plays poker on her phone in a private area of the hotel, and says, you’re bluffing, sucker. Selina comes along, and says she never bluffs. Gladys thanks Selina for meeting her, and Selina asks why she didn’t want to meet at The Savoy. Gladys says she makes bad decisions when she’s at the club, and Selina asks if that’s what she thinks, indicating a manila envelope on the table. Gladys says, the deed to her son’s garage.

Nina tells Sonny that she’s always pestering Jamie with business questions; he’s in business school. She’s taking credit when he passes his course with flying colors. Sonny asks if she’s heard from Willow today, and she says, no. And she didn’t want to risk their somewhat shaky truce, bothering Willow with questions and calls. He says she’s taking it slow, that’s a good thing, and she says she’s just grateful she’s in the loop where her daughter’s health is concerned. He says he wishes he was in the loop where his daughter was concerned. Has she heard anything from Ava about Nikolas threatening to take Avery?

Bobbie says she agrees. It would be great to honor GH’s six decades of service to the community, but they’re still navigating Britt’s loss, so they’re just putting up a plaque. Maxie says, they need more than a plaque. Port Charles has seen so much loss and turmoil in sixty recent years. This town needs a celebration. Felicia agrees, and Bobbie says she supposes Maxie has something in mind. Maxie says, many somethings actually, but there is a clear winner to usher in the festivities. This town needs the biggest and best Nurses Ball GH has ever seen. There is no better way to mark GH’s sixtieth anniversary than the Nurses Ball. Felicia says, the anniversary is next month, but Bobbie says, there’s no way to get the Nurses Ball ready in time. It’s not an easy enterprise. Maxie says she’s done bigger events in less time. She just needs a choreographer, a fireworks team, a llama, and a truckload of bubbly. Plus a celebrity guest, teasers for the local news, and some corporate sponsors to foot the bill. Bobbie says, easy peasy, and Maxie says, we can do it. Felicia asks, who’s us? and Maxie says, the three of them.

Victor kisses Eileen’s hand, and says, she really wants to help? and she says, any way she can. He says, then only come when he calls. It wasn’t long ago she imagined she was being haunted. She says she was under a lot of pressure, and realizes now it was sleeping pills her doctor prescribed. She requested a copy of the file on Holly Sutton with her accident at the cabin; the original unredacted file. It contained useful information on the necklace. He says, she’s certain she can get her hands on this file? and she says she has strings she can pull. He says, then pull them now. In the hallway, she makes a call, and says, checking in… as demanded.

As Anna tries to talk to Eileen, Valentin tells Lucy, as far as safehouses go, this is fine. We’re all making sacrifices, so deal with it. Lucy asks why she should. He and Anna are the spies. She’s just a humble… Anna says she can’t talk right now. Eileen’s contact will meet her where she is. She tells Valentin and Lucy, they cannot go out the door, but Valentin says, this is their best chance to bring Victor down. Lucy says, this really seems like a you problem, pointing at both of them, and Valentin says he wishes he’d taken that attitude when they found her shackled in a Paris catacomb. Lucy says she really is grateful, but she woudn’t have needed rescuing if Anna hadn’t blackmailed here into spying in the first place. Anna says she just had Eileen on the phone, and she says she’ll get them everything they need to stop Victor. Lucy says, for their sakes and for hers, she hopes Eileen comes through – and soon. She walks out of the room, and Valentin says, if they don’t get out of here soon, he just might kill Lucy Coe himself.

Gladys picks up the envelope, and says, this will make her and Selina square, right? Selina says, more than amply, and holds out her hand. Gladys gives her the envelope, and Selina checks out the paperwork. She says, Gladys is more than covered. The remaining funds can be deposited into a business account, or used for a stake in the next game. Gladys says, no thank you. She’s done with all that. A deposit will suit her fine.

Cody says he was afraid Sasha would think he was butting in, but he knew Dante would look after her, and she says, Dante showed up because Cody sent him? Cody asks if that’s not why she’s thanking him, but she says, no. She’s thanking him for not giving her up to the desk sergeant when she claimed to be Heather’s lawyer. He looks in the box, and says, yum, biscotti, and she says, he enjoyed Olivia’s biscotti that night in the solarium. He thanks her, and says, she’s not mad? She says she pretended to be someone’s lawyer to get in to see the woman who killed her husband. He thought she was out for revenge, and tried to save her from herself. He says, turns out, she doesn’t need saving.

Ava says, none of this is Trina’s fault, but Trina says, if she hadn’t gone to see Aunt Stella the night of the wedding, none of this would have happened. Ava says, most secrets come to light. What’s important is how Trina is doing. Trina says she’s all over the place. She’s angry at her mom… Ava says, but Trina misses her, and Trina says she wants to stay close to her dad, but she’s starting to feel distant from him. And she likes Curtis, but she resents him. Ava asks what she can do. What does Trina need? Trina says, a solution, but Ava says she doesn’t think she can help with that.

Nina says, Nikolas threatened to take Avery? and Sonny says, Ava told him it was an empty threat, but there’s no empty threat when it comes to his child. Curtis approaches, and says he’s sorry to interrupt, but can he and Nina talk for a moment? Nina says, of course (🍷). Isn’t he supposed to be in Tuscany? He thanks Nina for comping the room for them, but he can’t accept. He gives her an envelope, and she says, he’s reimbursing her for the room? Sonny says, it was a gift for Curtis and his wife, and Curtis says, that’s just it. Portia may not be his wife for much longer. Nina says she’s so sorry; what happened? Sonny wisely gets up, and says he’ll let them have a discussion. He has something he’s got to do. Curtis suggests he and Nina have a seat at his table.

Selina says, just the man she wanted to see, and Sonny asks what he can do for her. She asks why her shipment was rerouted from Pier 55 yesterday, and he says, a minor inconvenience. She says, if he’s concerned she might attempt to join his Pikeman deal… Gladys almost walks in the room, but stops, and Sonny says, they had an arrangement. She operates on his docks at his discretion. And he wants her to keep it that way. She walks off, and Sonny sees Gladys. She says, hi cuz, but he tells her, don’t hi cuz him. What was she doing with Miss Wu?

Ava says she’s always here for Trina, but there’s no quick fix for this particular situation. She knows Trina is probably sick of hearing things like this, but with maturity comes the understanding that nothing is absolute. There are almost always shades of grey. Trina says, what her mom did was wrong. No amount of age or perspective will make her see that differently. Ava says she agrees Trina’s mother was wrong, but if Trina is looking for her to validate her righteous indignation, Ava thinks Trina is going to be disappointed. She knows from personal experience, there’s no telling what a mother might do when she’s afraid she’ll lose her child.

Sasha tells Cody, it wasn’t easy listening to the woman who murdered her husband; every word coming out of Heather’s mouth infuriated her. He says, and Sasha didn’t go for her throat. He admires her restraint. Sasha says, it would have felt so satisfying to claw her face off, but she thought about what Brando would want; to get justice for him without compromising her future. He says she definitely seems lighter or something, and she tells him that she wouldn’t say it was closure, but a burden has been lifted. How about him? How does he feel? He says he’s not really liking himself much lately. He seems to be in the habit of letting down anyone who cares about him. She says, all any of them can do is forgive themselves, and he says, if he can’t, what then?

Maxie tells Bobbie, Corinthos Coffee, ELQ, Aurora Media, and they can get Ned to come up with the rest. Bobbie says, hold on there, hotfoot. They haven’t even pitched this to the Board. Maxie says, when they hear she lined up donors, and she’s offering her services free of charge, how could they object? Bobbie says, Maxie needs a reliable committee, but Maxie says, no problem. She can already think of half a dozen go-getters, and she already has a co-chair. Bobbie says, Maxie’s mother didn’t agree to that, but Maxie tells her, who said she’s talking about her mom?

Felicia comes bearing coffee to the safehouse, and Valentin says, they heard about what happened with Ryan Chamberlain. Is she all right? She says she’s getting there. The whole thing was a traumatic experience, but she thinks it’s worth it, because Ryan is now gone. How is everything here? Valentin says, it would be nice to believe they’re making progress. Despite his reservations, Anna said Felicia was the most convincing corpse she’d ever seen. Felicia admits she liked seeing the look on Eileen’s face when Eileen realized she’d been had. Valentin doubts she liked being played. Let’s hope she hasn’t gone rogue. Felicia says, if Eileen wants to take them down, she’s going down first, but Anna says she has the feeling Eileen is too self-serving for that.

Eileen waits in the Bistro, when Laura walks in. Laura says, Eileen was expecting someone else, and Eileen says she thought maybe Felicia, but she should have known it would be Laura. Laura asks, why is that? and Eileen says, Anna is clearly enjoying her fall from grace. What better way to stick it to her than send Laura? Laura says she volunteered, and Eileen says, not surprising. Laura was the first to tell her that Anna was dead, then sent her to the morgue. Laura’s been playing her since Lucy Coe was shot. Laura says, they were on to her long before that. They were biding their time until she could prove to be useful to them.

Lucy begs Felicia not to go, and asks if she can’t stay and be a buffer between them. Felicia says she’s sure there’s not friction; they’re all on the same side. Lucy says, they’re all going a little stir crazy. She knows that saying, two’s company… Valentin says, three’s a necessary evil in order to survive, and Felicia promises she’ll be back. And she’ll bring Lucy an update on what Maxie is planning for the Nurses Ball. Anna gestures for Felicia to shush, but Lucy says, oh my God, the Nurses Ball. They set a date? When is it? Anna is like, eh! but Felicia says, in a few weeks. Lucy says, there can be no Nurses Ball without her.

Maxie says, Bobbie makes the most sense as a co-chair. She loves the hospital. She knows its history. She’s played a role in the health and happiness of so many who’ve walked through the doors, the least of whom is her. She has to do it. Nobody else can fill Lucy’s shoes. Maxie needs her… She has until the end of breakfast to decide. Now, musical acts… Maxie consults her phone.

Sasha tells Cody that she’s had a lot of time to think, usually at night when it’s quiet. One of the things she couldn’t let go of is how Brando spent so much time taking care of her before he died. They lost a lot of valuable time together when she was spiraling. Cody says, she went through a lot. It’s not her fault she was a hot mess express. She laughs, and says, don’t be shy. Tell her what he really thinks. He says he’s sorry. He suffers from foot in mouth disease. She tells him not to apologize. She told him before, she appreciates he doesn’t feel the need to treat her with kid gloves. He says he could still stand to have more grace, and she says he could stand extending some grace to himself. Once she managed to do that, her regrets stopped keeping her up at night. He says, sounds easier said than done, and she says, nothing worth doing is ever easy. Comet snorts, and Cody says, Comet agrees. Sasha tells Cody that he’s outnumbered.

Trina tells Ava, she doesn’t know what to say to her mom, or Curtis, or even her dad. Should she take the DNA test? Ava says, that depends. Does she want to know who her biological father is? Trina says she’s not sure, and Ava says, maybe the better question is, would knowing change anything for her? Trina says she won’t let it. Marcus Taggert is her father. He raised her, he loves her, and that will never change. Ava says, if that’s the case, some would say, there’s no reason to find out. But at the end of the day, Ava likes looking in the mirror and knowing who she is, exactly where she came from. It might not change her habits or behavior, but at least there are no lingering existential questions. Trina asks if Ava is saying she should get the test, and Ava tells her, she’s saying, why not know for sure?

Nina tells Curtis, she’s so sorry; she doesn’t know what to say. Curtis says he doesn’t either, and she asks how she can help. He says, she can take his check, but she says, they both know she’s not doing that. He’s not really telling her that his marriage is over, is he? He says, Porta lied to him. When they met again after all those years of being apart, she made a point of telling him that Trina couldn’t possibly be his daughter. She says she’s not defending Portia, but to be honest, she can’t condemn her either. Curtis says, Portia didn’t admit Trina could be his daughter until her secret came out and she had no choice. Nina says, because Portia was afraid she was going to lose him, and she can understand that. She withheld information for the exact same reason.

Sonny asks what business Gladys could possibly be doing with Miss Wu, and she says she was just following his advice. He discouraged her from selling the garage to a low bidder. She rejected that offer, and sold it to someone who knows its worth. Selina Wu is the proud new owner of Brando’s garage.

Victor goes to the bar, and Selina says, whatever Mr. Cassadine is having, put it on her tab. Victor says, it’s kind of her, but unnecessary, and she says, she insists. He looks like he needs a pick-me-up. He asks what she knows about it.

Sasha pets Comet and sweettalks him, and Cody asks if she grew up around horses. She says, lately, she’s more familiar with the horsepower of muscle cars, but he says, she’s not afraid. The last woman he had there would rather be caught dead than… She says she loves riding; it’s just been a while. He suggests she ride there, and she asks what he charges. He says, she’d be doing him a favor. It exercises the horses, and Mama Q will stop worrying whether he has friends or not. She asks Comet if that sounds fair, and listens. Cody asks what Comet said, and she says, that Cody does have friends.

Laura asks what Eileen found out, and Eileen says she and Victor shared a room last night. They used to… Laura says, Anna told her. The less she hears about that, the better. Eileen says, Laura doesn’t have to. She’d hoped reigniting their physical relationship would loosen Victor’s lips, but it didn’t work. Laura asks, why not? and Eileen says, Victor hasn’t been himself… He had an off night in the bedroom.

Selina asks Victor to disregard her intrusion. Enjoy his coffee in good health. Perhaps it will restore his customary courtliness. She takes out her phone, and turns her back to him.

Nina says, not telling Sonny’s family he was in Nixon Falls is a mistake she’s still living down, but at the time, she thought she was justified. Curtis asks if she’s saying Portia did too, and she says, yes, but that being said, she’s always on his team, especially with this issue. She knows how painful it is being denied your own children. He says, finding out Trina might be his daughter, is nothing in comparison with what Carly did to Nina with Willow, and she says she’s trying to focus on rebuilding her relationship with Willow, but she’s so angry. Curtis says, so is he, and she says, he has every right to be, but she wants him to remember the circumstances aren’t the same. Portia is his wife, and she’s Trina’s mother. Has he spoken to Trina? He says he went to see her. The whole time he spoke with her, he just kept looking into those big, beautiful brown eyes, and wondering if they were his mother’s eyes. He’s got to know. She says, he’s got to have answers, right? But does Trina want to know? He says, she’s considering it, and Nina says, take it from her, don’t push. She’s learning to live with what she’s given. Whether it’s a DNA test or a relationship, let Trina decide.

Ava says she and Trina share no DNA. Nature didn’t forge the connection they have; they did that. It’s one of the most meaningful bonds she has. She doesn’t know if that’s an argument for or not getting the test; only Trina knows. But whatever she decides, Ava will be beside her, holding her hand. They hug.

Maxie tells Bobbie, time’s up. What’s it gonna be? Bobbie says, all right. She’ll co-chair the Nurses Ball Planning Committee. Maxie says, Bobbie is the best. She won’t be sorry. She promises the Nurses Ball will be the best way to celebrate the sixtieth festivities of the hospital. She’s going to text her mom. Bobbie says, she and Lucy might not have always seen eye to eye, but she’s going to do Lucy proud. Maxie says, Lucy worked really hard every year to make sure the Nurses Ball was a huge success, and Bobbie says, Lucy made it sound like it was the biggest undertaking in modern times, but she intends to do just as well, without breaking half the sweat or losing her clothes. I wonder if that’s how Lucy is going to make her reentry.

Felicia looks at her phone, and says, it’s largely because of Lucy that Maxie thinks the show should go on. She wants to honor what she thinks is Lucy’s legacy as the heart and soul of the Nurses Ball. Lucy says, that’s lovely and she’s grateful, but it’s really no small feat organizing an entire Nurses Ball, and in just a few weeks? She doesn’t think Maxie is capable of doing it. Felicia tells her not to worry. Maxie has plenty of people to help her. The text she just received? Bobbie is going to co-chair. Lucy says, Bobbie Spencer? Anna opens the door, and Felicia says, sounds like it’s all in hand. Stay safe. She jets, and Lucy asks if they actually heard that. Bobbie Spencer, no. No, no, no, no, no. Bobbie Spencer is not going to take what is hers… again.

Nina says, whatever Trina decides, no matter the results, Curtis is still going to be part of her life because of his relationship with her mother. He says he’s not sure where he and Portia stand, and Nina says, so if Trina’s not his daughter, both Portia and Trina will be out of his life?

Trina says she doesn’t know what she’d do without Ava, and Ava says she’ll always be here for Trina. But she only has one mother. Trina says, maybe, but unlike her mother, Ava has never been dishonest with her. When it comes to Ava Jerome, what she sees is what she gets.

Cody thanks Sasha for the biscotti, and she says, probably not as good as Mama Q’s, but he says, if they are, he won’t tell her. She says she thinks she’ll take him up on his offer. She would love to get back into riding. He says, excellent, and she says she wishes she could give him something more in return. Like free color matching at Deception, or free tune-ups at the garage. He says he’s already found his perfect foundation shade, thanks, and he doesn’t have a car; which works out, since she no longer has a garage. Sasha asks what he means; she still has Brando’s garage. Cody flashes back to hearing Gladys says she’d sign the garage over to Selina, and says, he’s sorry. He must have heard wrong. Sasha says, from who?

Sonny says, it sounds like Gladys selling Brando’s garage to Miss Wu is a savvy business deal. He’s good with it as long as Sasha is. Gladys says she’s glad he’s on board. See ya. She tries to jet, but he calls her back, and asks, is Sasha good or not?

Valentin sips his coffee, and says, now that’s a cup of joe. Anna says she knows living with Lucy is a temporary – he says, insanity? – thing, but it’s all going to work out in the end. If they can prove Victor killed Luke, and framed her for killing Lucy… He says, providing Eileen does everything they as her to do.

Victor tells Selina that he should apologize. He hasn’t been feeling himself lately. She says, oh? and flashes back to him raising the martini she put something in, which I’d forgotten about. She says, that’s a terrible shame, smiles at him, and leaves. So she gave him something to make him impotent? I guess killing his ego is the next best thing to killing him.

Laura asks if that’s unusual for Victor, and Eileen says, until now, he’s actually been rather… robust. But they haven’t been together in months. Maybe last night explains why. Laura says, clearly, Eileen isn’t going to be able to get information from him seducing him, so they have to come up with another way to engage his interest.

On the phone, Selina says, Miss Sutton, it’s Selina Wu. She’ll be interested to know that something has disconcerted their mutual acquaintance, Mr. Cassadine. Perhaps that something has to do with the substance Holly paid her to slip him? She gets in the elevator, as she watches Victor at the bar.

Eileen tells Laura, despite Victor’s frustration and embarrassment earlier, his interest was piqued when she mentioned getting the unredacted report of Holly Sutton’s accident and the necklace she stole. Laura says she thinks they just might have to give Victor exactly what he wants.

Tomorrow, Drew has a proposal for Ned; Sasha wants to know who Cody heard discussing selling Brando’s garage; and Sonny says, Gladys better know what she’s doing.

🍼 Forgotten Son…

I have some vague recollection of him, but God knows we heard his name enough from Heather.

What Happened to Steven Webber on GENERAL HOSPITAL

👫 Besties Across the Pond…

It’s so cool how they’re friends IRL.

GH’s Kelly Thiebaud and Parry Shen Reunite!

🎤 Returning Again…

Important dates to remember; March 29th, the tribute to Sonja Eddy, and April 3rd, the Nurses Ball.

Chandra Wilson Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

⚰️ He’s a Multiple…

I don’t see why he couldn’t come back. I fully expect Faison to show up again, even though his brain is in a jar, or that his good twin will show up. Maybe Doc and Ryan were triplets. Or maybe Ryan figured out a way to seem dead, since he had a lot of time on his hand (ha-ha), and Heather will come dig him up.

Is Ryan Really Dead on GENERAL HOSPITAL? — Jon Lindstrom Speaks Out!

🧼 When He Switched…

This was eons ago, and he’s just talking about it now?

Jason Thompson Opens up About Leaving GH for Y&R

🛥 Don’t Tell…

I don’t know how secret any of this is, but it’s interesting. It kind of sounds like (June, June) Hannah will be back in the franchise too. Although obviously not working for Captain Sandy.

What Happens on the Superyacht, Stays on the Superyacht! See Below Deck’s Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

🍸 Let’s Get To It…

While it was hard to choose among the many, many, many articles on the top – including those on CNN and the New York Times, because this is such important news – we’ll start with these. I’d love to be a fly on the wall at that Reunion. Unless Ariana is carrying a flyswatter.

https://pagesix.com/2023/03/09/tom-sandoval-subtly-supports-raquel-leviss-amid-cheating-scandal/

The Queen herself weighs in.

https://people.com/tv/lisa-vanderpump-addresses-tom-sandoval-ariana-madix-breakup-raquel-leviss-drama/

You might want to take notes.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/08/entertainment/raquel-leviss-ariana-madix-tom-sandoval/index.html

Like this is a surprise.

Tom Sandoval and Raquel Are ‘Losing a Lot of Friends’ Amid Cheating Backlash

🖥 Beyond the Game…

This is a great show. Nice that they were able to incorporate an actor from the game into the series. I’ve never really played video games except for when I babysat. I’m too afraid I’ll get sucked in and never come up for air. And I don’t have a grandmother whose basement I can live in.

https://ew.com/tv/the-last-of-us-troy-baker-james-interview/

👗 It Happened March 9th…

I still love Barbie. But it’s really all about the clothes. And the tiny shoes that always get lost. And all the accessories. And maybe the teeny dog that comes with her.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/9-video

👠 In a Barbie World…

Join me for the free-for-all that is Friday’s post, when there will be soap, tea, insightful words, and captivating music. Until then, stay safe, stay being the calm in the storm, and stay remembering, with maturity comes the understanding that nothing is absolute. There are almost always shades of grey.

Mar10

March 9, 2022 – Ryan’s Truth Is Revealed, Heather Takes Gina To NYC, Salty Talk & Barbie

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

In the car, Sasha tells Brando, she can’t believe their actually eloping to Niagara Falls. They’re on their way to get married right now. Brando says he has to keep pinching himself to remind himself that he’s not dreaming. She says, it’s not a dream. At the end of the road is a wedding chapel, and the start of their life together as husband and wife.

On the phone at the MetroCourt bar, Gladys leaves a message for Brando, saying, it’s his mother… again. Why isn’t he answering her calls? She knows he’s on a getaway with Sasha alone, but she’s worried about him… and Sasha. Could he at least send a text? Let her know they’re okay? Maybe send a picture of where they’re staying. Especially, let her know when they’re coming back. She loves him. Lucy sits down, asking if she may offer a word of advice. Gladys says, no; she’s off the clock. Lucy says, it’s not about work. She knows Gladys is worried, but Brando and Sasha deserve all the time they need to heal. And when they come home, they’re gong to be rested and relaxed, and a whole lot richer. Gladys says, well, money isn’t everything.

Victor lifts his cup, and says, to new beginnings for the entire Cassadine clan. Ava and Nikolas just look at him, and he says he’s sorry. He thought they were on the same page. Now he has to wonder if this invitation to their vow renewal is a real olive branch, or just a way of using his genuine love of family for their own purposes.

An orderly pushes Ryan to his room, and says, for a guy who can’t walk or talk, he sure gets under people’s skin. He opens the door, and says, especially that hot new intern. He’d sure like to be the one to rile her up. His phone dings, and while the orderly’s back is turned, Esme approaches the room, and looks at Ryan.

Brando says he doubts the back road is going to be a shortcut to the wedding chapel, and Sasha says, in other words, they’re lost. He says, yeah, and she tells him to put his pride aside, and put on the GPS. He says he hates to admit this, but the GPS went out, and he didn’t want to take the time to fix it. She says, so much for marrying a mechanic and having no car problems. He says, for the record, the GPS is more of a computer issue than a mechanical issue. She tries her phone, but can’t get a signal, and says, there’s a downside of being in the middle of nowhere. He tells her, don’t worry. He’s not one of those guys who won’t stop and ask a local for directions. She says, they haven’t passed a gas station or even another car for miles. What if they’re really lost? He says, they’ll get help, and she says, will they? Are they lost, or has he changed his mind about getting married?

Lucy asks if she heard Gladys right. Money isn’t everything doesn’t sound like her. Is she all right? Does she have a temperature? Lucy tries to feel her forehead, and Gladys says, she’s kidding of course (🍷). She knows Maxie’s back, and they’re full steam ahead to take Deception public. What does that actually mean for Sasha? Lucy says, Gladys knows Sasha is a partner, and thanks to Michael Corinthos’s ninja negotiating skills… talk about having the right boyfriend at the right time. Lucy just wanted a face of Deception, but he wanted an equity stake for Sasha in the company, which Lucy doesn’t regret at all; Sasha has been an incredible asset to the company. Anyway, the point is, when they do take Deception public, that girl is going to get a large share of stock, and her net worth is going to skyrocket. Gladys says, Brando knows how to pick them. She always knew that Gilmore girl had potential. Lucy says, really? That’s not exactly how she remembers it. Since when is Gladys Team Sasha? Gladys says, come on. Any mother would have doubts about Sasha’s history. She was a supermodel. She was leading a supermodel lifestyle; hanging out with gangsters, snorting illegal substances… Lucy says, wow, so very subtle, and Gladys says, but then she saw how brave Sasha was when she and Brando lost little Liam. Lucy says, Gladys is right. She doesn’t doubt Sasha’s bravery; she was very courageous. But Lucy is kind of worried Sasha is rushing her recovery by coming back to work so soon. Gladys says that’s her feeling exactly, but every time she mentioned it, Sasha shut her down. Politely – her manners are impeccable, of course (🍷) – but a wall is still a wall, no matter how pretty it’s painted. Lucy says, maybe it’s not right for them not to respect Sasha’s privacy, and Gladys asks if there’s something wrong with Sasha. Something Brando’s mother should know.

Dante asks how Drew knew it was Britt, and he says he saw the dynamic when they were on Cassadine Island together. Peter used Britt as leverage to control Jason, but Britt never backed down. She let him have it about the hell he put Maxie through, about supposedly hating Faison, but essentially following in his footsteps. Dante says he bets Peter didn’t like hearing that, and Drew says, he did not, but he thinks on some level, Peter envied his sister. Even though she was the prisoner, she had more agency than Peter did, so it makes sense Peter would mess with her any way he could, making her the executor just so she’d have to acknowledge his existence and not forget about him. Dante says, he probably got a kick out of forcing her to deal with whatever he left behind, and Drew says, so they go to Britt, and have her plant the bait. He holds up a tarot card, and says, then they let it get back to Victor what Peter left behind. Sam says, there might be a problem with his plan. Does Britt strike them as the kind of person who’s going to safeguard Peter’s personal effects?

Maxie asks what Anna said, and Britt tells her, the WSB x-rayed and vetted the contents; there’s nothing dangerous inside. No toxic substances or anything potentially lethal. Maxie says, so if it’s harmless, what is Britt going to do with it? Britt tells her, she never said it was harmless; it came from Peter, remember? He knows she hated him. Who knows what he left her to mess with her head? Fortunately, there’s a dumpster in the alley behind the hotel. Maxie says, so? and Britt says, so this is going in the garbage where it belongs. She gets up, and Maxie says, no, don’t do that.

Nikolas says he thanked Victor for interceding for him with Spencer; that was very sincere. He meant what he said. Ava says, she confesses she advised Nikolas to be careful of Victor at first, but that was before she could see for herself that his heart is clearly in the right place this time. Victor says, Laura has been doing her best to turn his family against him, and Nikolas says, his mother can be overprotective at times, but given Victor’s past and recent association with Peter, can he blame her? Victor says, for the last time, his dealings with Peter were extremely limited, and yes, a regrettable lapse in judgement, but he’s not the only one. Peter deceived a great many people, including the formidable Anna Devane, but the man is thankfully dead, and may the discord he caused die with him. As for Laura, for the well-being of his family, he agreed to give her a pass; something, for the record, she would not do for him. Ava says, that’s big of him, and Victor says, consider it a wedding present. Ava says, the real gift would be bringing them all together when she and Nikolas renew their vows. Of course (🍷) they can’t be certain Spencer will accept their invitation. Victor says he has a good feeling about it. After all, Spencer’s significant other supports a father/son reconciliation, and Esme seems to hold great sway with Spencer.

Esme hides around the corner as the orderly leaves, and takes a keycard out of her pocket. She quickly slips into Ryan’s room, and closes the door. She says she knows he terrifies most people, but she’s not most people. What was he thinking out in the day room, speaking out loud? Does he realize someone could have heard him when he opened his mouth to snap at her? After all his planning, all his months of silence, he could have blown the whole thing just to scold her. He says, actually, he was thinking about her, and how she failed him.

Brando says he wants to marry Sasha more than ever. What makes her think he changed his mind? She flashes back to taking a pill, and says she’s sorry for taking this out on him, but if the GPS isn’t working and they’re lost, what do they do? He says, they’re not completely lost. Roll down her window. She does, and he asks if she can hear it. She says, they’re by the river, and he says, they’re on a back road that runs alongside the river. If you listen hard, you can hear wedding bells. Bells ring in the distance, and he says, the bells are ringing from the chapel. She says, soon those bells will be ringing for them, and for Liam. His brief life will have meaning because they’ll know, and the whole world will know, he was born out of love.

Lucy tells Gladys, she admits she and Maxie are a bit worried about Sasha coming back to work too soon after the trauma of losing Liam. She’s speaking from firsthand experience. Those kind of wounds take a long time to heal, if they ever heal at all. Gladys says she tried to get through to Sasha, but Sasha shut her out. It seemed like with Brando’s help she was getting better, and she still believes Sasha will heal, especially when she gets back from that getaway and realizes what this IPO is going to do for the future of their family. But what if this getaway is just an escape from reality?

Britt says, there’s no way Maxie is feeling sentimental about Peter, and Maxie says she is not feeling sentimental, but Bailey is Peter’s only child. Maybe he left something for her. Britt says, like he wrote her a letter? but Maxie says she’s hoping he left her something of financial value. Britt says she takes her role as Aunt Britt very seriously, and she doesn’t want her niece growing up with anything of Peter’s to drag her down. Maxie totally agrees with her, and says, if there’s nothing in that box worth keeping, she’ll help Britt. Britt says, fine, and suggests they open it on the terrace, just in case there’s something in it that makes them howl with rage and disgust.

Anna calls Dante, and he steps away to take the call. Sam asks if Drew is okay. Is he sure there’s no way that card can affect him? Drew says, it’s not the right card, but Victor’s not going to know that, and when he tries to activate Drew, they’ll know what he’s up to. Sam says, Drew knows that card is the hook, and he’s the bait, and if Victor does realize something is going on, Drew is going to be at risk. Is he willing to do this? She’s not going to judge him if he backs out. He says he’s doing it. He wants to take Victor down as much as she does. Dante comes back, and says, Britt’s at the MetroCourt, and she’s already got Peter’s belongings, and Sam says, it’s too late then. There’s no way Britt is going to hold on to Peter’s belongings. Drew says, they’ve got to try. They’ve got to move.

Victor says he believes, where Esme goes, Spencer will follow, and Nikolas agrees they should include Spencer in the vow renewal once he’s finished his time at Spring Ridge. But as for inviting Esme, does he have to remind Victor that she torched Ava’s car? Victor asks if he has to remind Nikolas that Spencer dislikes Ava as much as Nikolas dislikes Esme. If he wants his son to put aside his pride and celebrate their vows, how can he exclude the young woman who has so much influence in young Spencer’s life? Ava tells him, she wouldn’t say Esme’s influence is exactly positive, and Victor says, if they’re going to start throwing stones, none of them are going to walk away without being bruised. Nikolas says, unfortunately, he thinks his uncle is right; either it’s an inclusive family celebration or it isn’t. He thanks Victor for reminding him; he owes Victor. Victor says he’ll leave the two of them to get along with their guest list. He pats Nikolas on the shoulder, and says Nikolas won’t regret this. He leaves, and Nikolas asks, what the hell happened to their intimate, romantic celebration for two? She tells him, they said it would be a night to remember, and with their new guest list, that’s bound to be true.

Ryan says he’s so disappointed in Esme. She had one job; to break up Ava and Nikolas. He had to continue this exhausting charade, pretending to be as animated as an eggplant. She has totally lost sight of the prize. She says, that’s not fair. She did everything she could to help Spence terrorize Ava in the hopes she’d leave Nikolas. She thought leaving Ava’s dead daughter’s hospital badge by her burnt car was an inspired idea. It’s not her fault Ava’s love of Spence’s dad is greater than her fear of a stalker. Ryan says, she doesn’t love Nikolas; she only thinks she does. And Esme’s been wasting her time, playing this adolescent game of kiss-and-tell with Spencer and his friends. She says, what she’s doing is trying to make sure her relationship with Spence looks real. If she’s not convincing, someone might get suspicious, but her loyalty, first and last, is always to him. He tells her, so she says, and she crouches down putting her hands on his knees, saying, please. She’ll do anything. Just let her prove it to him… daddy. He likes when she calls him that, doesn’t he? He says she knows he does, but as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

Sasha asks if they can’t drive faster, but Brando says, that’s a negative. Her phone rings, and she says, they have cell phones again. He asks who it is. Maxie? Lucy? She says, it’s his mom, and he says he’s been ignoring her calls, but that’s his mom. If one way doesn’t work, she’ll find another. Sasha answers, saying, what a nice surprise, and Gladys nearly does a spit-take, surprised Sasha picked up. She says she knows Sasha and Brando are on a little getaway, and she doesn’t mean to interrupt, but she hasn’t heard from Brando, and naturally as a mother she’s concerned. Sasha looks at Brando, who shakes his head, and Gladys asks if everything is okay. Sasha says she’s sorry, but they have spotty coverage. Gladys is breaking up on her, but she’s sure they’ll have a lot to talk about when they get back. She hangs up, and Gladys says, hello? Lucy says, darn it. Bad connection, huh? Gladys says, Sasha couldn’t wait to get off the phone, although she did blame the bad reception at the Falls. Lucy says, the Falls as in Niagara Falls? Is that where they went? Gladys asks, what’s wrong with Niagara Falls, and Lucy says, nothing. She thinks she got married there… No. She thinks she almost got married there once. Gladys says, if you can’t make it to Vegas, head to Niagara for a quickie wedding… Lucy doesn’t think that’s what they’re doing, does she?

Nikolas says, maybe while he’s making the drinks, Ava can explain her about-face. When did she go from suspecting Victor was up to no good to inviting him to their vow renewal? She says, if he must know, his mother asked her to keep Victor close; they all know he’s up to something. He says, it’s the Cassadine way, and she says his mother is mostly worried about Spencer, knowing he’s susceptible to Victor’s, quote, unquote, generosity. He says, and knowing his mother, she must be concerned that he’s susceptible too. Is that the gist?

On the terrace, Britt tells Maxie that she can still change her mind and drop this off the balcony, and watch Peter’s belongings just shatter on the ground. Maxie says, wait one second. If she destroys that box – toss it, burn it, put it in a vat of battery acid, isn’t she always going to wonder what’s inside of it? Britt says, no, but clearly Maxie is. She suggests they get this over with. She starts to open the box, and I notice it says muzzle this end on one side. I send packages for eBay all the time, and have never once seen a box that says that. It must be a special Peter box. Dante comes out and says, stop. Britt asks if there’s something dangerous in there after all, and Sam says, not dangerous to them, and Maxie says, to who?

Victor walks into the MetroCourt, and asks the hostess for a top-shelf Manhattan. Since it’s such a lovely evening, he thinks he’ll take it on the terrace. He starts to walk toward the terrace door, and Drew intercepts him, saying, Victor’s timing could not be any better.

Esme asks daddy if he has another plan, and Ryan says he has information which is where all good plans begin. For instance, she followed his every instruction to steal the card key, and here she is. And Ava might really believe she found true happiness with Nikolas, but soon enough she’ll find a worm in that apple. Esme says, please tell her; please let her in on things. She can’t help him unless he trusts her. He says, trust is a two-way street. Given how easily distracted she is by petty jealousies and shallow co-ed shenanigans, he’s not sure he count on her anymore. She says, really? Like he said, it’s a two-way street. He doesn’t trust her? Maybe his brother will trust her when she tells him the truth; that he can talk, and he’s been able to for months. She turns to leave, and he grabs her wrist, yanking her down to his level. He says, she’s not going anywhere.

Sasha says she didn’t like lying to Brando’s mom, but what else could she say? He says they just have to break the news to her as gently as possible. By the amount of times she’s called him, it’s clear she hasn’t even gotten used the idea of them taking a few days to themselves. Soon, she’s going to have to get used to seeing a ring on Sasha’s finger, and their names on a license. Finally, she’s going to burst into tears, and claim he robbed her of planning her only son’s wedding, but eventually, after a few years, she’ll get over it. Sasha doesn’t say anything, and he says, if she’s changed her mind and decided she wants a more traditional ceremony, he can turn the car around right now. They can go back to the B&B, and she can look at party planner reviews, but to be honest, they both know she would pick Maxie. Sasha says she doesn’t need a big wedding. She just wants him. She wants to see those rings on their fingers as a reminder they belong to each other, body and soul. He says, speaking of rings, look in the glove compartment. She takes out a box, looks inside, and says, oh my God.  

Gladys says she can’t believe her son would elope and not include her, and Lucy says, that’s kind of the definition elopement. The parents stay home. Gladys says she’s not just any parent. She’s a single mother who sacrificed everything for that boy, and it’s not like him to sneak around behind her back, so this was Sasha’s big idea. Lucy tells her, don’t you dare blame Sasha. She deserves every bit of happiness she can get after everything she’s gone through. Gladys says she was thinking of Sasha. She’s afraid Lucy may be right. She rushed back to work, she’s rushing into marriage, all just to avoid the terrible pain of the loss of Liam. It’s a big mistake, and there has to be something she can do to stop them.

Ryan holds Esme’s wrist in a viselike grip, and she says, let her go. He releases her, and says he guesses her time in Port Charles wasn’t wasted after all. Not if she’s developed a backbone that can stand up to him. She says she had an excellent teacher, and he says he appreciates the compliment. He hopes she makes him proud, and she says she will. That’s always been the plan. He tells her, just remember, he calls the shots. Are they clear? She says, yes, sir; you’re the boss. He says, that’s more like it, but she still has to regain his trust. She says she’ll do anything. Just tell her where to start. He says, back to square one, with Ava.

Nikolas says, if he and Ava both agree Victor can’t be trusted, why invite him to share the happiest day of their lives? She says, Laura is already concerned Victor has made inroads with Spencer. And given what Victor knows about Nikolas in regard to Hayden, he thinks he has the upper hand with Nikolas. Nikolas says, they’re even. His debt is paid in full. She says, five minutes ago, Nikolas said he owed Victor, and she knows he’ll find a way to collect. He asks if she thinks he’d let Victor get the better of him, and she says, no, but she thinks he’ll keep trying. And she thinks he’ll use any weapon he can find, including Nikolas’s son. That’s why she invited him to be there when they renew their vows. She wants Victor to believe they trust him, so when he finally does show them his hand, they’ll be ready.

Victor asks what Drew wants with him, and Drew says he’s putting Victor on notice. They may never be able to prove Victor helped Peter escape, but Drew will never forget the part Victor played in stealing two years of his life. Victor says, it sounds like Drew is threatening him, and Drew says, really? He meant it to sound like a promise. Stay clear of him, and of his family, and everybody he cares about, or he’ll find a way to make Victor pay for every single day he was locked away from his life. Drew goes to the elevator, and the hostess comes back with Victor’s drink. He says he’ll take it with him, and exchanges looks with Drew before he goes outside. Maxie, Britt, Sam, and Dante are gathered around Bailey’s stroller, and Victor asks if they mind if he joins them, or is it a private party? Sam tells Maxie that Bailey is such a beautiful baby, and Victor says he does love babies. He’s gratified that Maxie is finally reunited with her daughter. She thanks him, and Dante asks if Victor knows anything about Peter leaving personal effects behind. Victor says, despite what everyone seems to think, he wasn’t on intimate terms with Peter. Why does Dante ask? Sam says, it’s just that the box Britt is holding just came from the WSB; it contains Peter’s personal effects. Britt says she was going to toss them in the garbage, then Maxie encouraged her to open it, just in case there’s anything inside that could help pay Bailey’s college tuition. Maxie says, just give it to her; she’s taking too long. Maxie grabs the end of the box, and Britt says, take it easy. Maxie says she can’t wait any longer, and they struggle over the box. It falls, and everything goes everywhere. Maxie says, sorry about that, and Victor hones in on the tarot card.

Sasha says, they just decided to get married. How did Brando slip out and buy wedding rings without her knowing it? He says, they’re not what she thinks they are. When they decided to get married on the fly, he had to improvise, so those are actually some spare engine parts that he polished up while she was in the shower, but they’ll serve their purpose until he can take her to a proper jewelry store. She looks at him, and he laughs and says, he’s kidding. When he told her that he was going to the gym, he ran out and went to the closest jewelry store. Those are the real thing, just like they are. She says she loves them, and kisses him. Too bad. I thought the spare parts thing was cool and apropos. They hear something, and she asks, what was that? The check engine light is on. He says he’ll pull over and see what the problem is.  

Lucy takes Gladys’s phone out of her hand, and asks what exactly she’s trying to do. Brando and Sasha are adults, so even if Gladys finds the chapel they may be eloping at, she’s not going to stop their wedding. She can’t. So please, let them follow their hearts. Gladys says, easy for Lucy to say. She’s just Sasha’s business partner, and Sasha is on the verge of being Gladys’s daughter-in-law. Lucy says she really takes issue with that. First, Sasha is her friend, and secondly, Gladys would be damn lucky to have Sasha as a daughter-in-law. Gladys says she doesn’t disagree, and snatches her phone back. She says, if Sasha and Brando were getting married for the right reasons, she’d be all for it. But a few days ago, there was no mention of marriage. she’s afraid the reason they’re eloping is, they’re trying to hide from the pain of Liam’s death. She can’t let that happen.

Ryan says, his original plan to break up Ava and Nikolas came up short, and Esme says, if anything, it just made them closer. She knows he loves Ava, but she’s never going to care about him the way Esme does. He thanks her for pouring salt in his wound, and she asks, what’s Plan B? Don’t tell her that he doesn’t have one, because he always does. He says, she thinks she knows him, doesn’t she? and she says, just like he knows her. She brings a chair over and sits, and he says, she’s already completed the first step to insinuate herself into the family. He thinks they can use Spencer’s incarceration to their advantage, and she asks, how? He says, by making herself an even larger presence in their lives, and she says, Nikolas doesn’t trust her, and Ava openly dislikes her and doesn’t even try to hide it. He says, it’s easy to control a teenage boy, whose hormones are raging. Ava and Nikolas? She’s going to have to try harder. If they don’t like her, she’s got to make herself more likeable. She says she’s willing to try, but she thinks Nikolas already blames her for turning Spencer’s head. Ryan says he’s confident Nikolas will come around. You know what they say, like father like son.

Nikolas says, Victor is no one’s fool. He has to realize they have a motive for including him in their ceremony. Ava says, that’s why they have to stay one step ahead of him, and he says, just remember, Victor played King of the Mountain with Peter, and Victor is the one who survived. His mother is right; Victor is up to something. She says, let Victor give it his best shot. As long as they stick together, Victor can’t touch them. Don’t forget – she puts her hand on his – she has a long history dealing with people like Victor.

Maxie says she’ll help pick it up, and Victor says, don’t worry; he’s got this. Sam says, normally, she would help, but she doesn’t want to touch anything Peter’s touched. Never. Dante says, he knows the WSB was done with that and passed it on to Britt, but does she think he could take it down to the PCPD? They have some cases they need to wrap up that Peter was involved in. Maybe it could help them out. Britt asks if there’s something the WSB missed, and he says, no, but they’re looking for espionage, and looking forward to tying up Franco’s murder case. Britt says, the WSB released it to her – she takes it from Victor – so he’d have to talk to Anna Devane. He says he understands, but Anna gave it to Britt because she’s done with it, so would it be cool to pass it on to him? He’ll give it right back to her. They go inside, and Victor takes the tarot card out of his sleeve. Ha-ha! I love this guy.

Gladys gets up, and says, she’s got to stop them. She tells Lucy to have the bartender put the drinks on Carly’s tab, but Lucy jumps up, and says, no, no, no, no. Gladys seriously isn’t going to try and stop Sasha and Brando’s wedding? Gladys says she absolutely is, and Lucy says, please don’t. She’s not really sure they’re eloping, and besides, Niagara Falls is a beautiful place, a natural wonder. Hundreds of thousands of folks visit there every year, and they don’t get married. Gladys says, Brando didn’t return her calls. Something is up; a mother knows. Lucy says, please. Do not try stop the wedding. They’ll only end up resenting Gladys. Gladys says, these are two grief stricken parents. They probably shouldn’t commit to buying a car, much less spending their lives together. There has to be something she can do to stop them from doing something they’ll always regret. Gladys walks out, and Lucy makes a frustrated sound.

Brando closes the car hood, and Sasha asks, how bad? He says, they need a tow, and gets back in the car. He tells her that he already called for one, but they’re in the middle of nowhere; it might take a few hours. She says she should have known this plan was not going to happen. Now they’ll never get to the chapel before it closes. Maybe this is a sign. Maybe they were never meant to have a happy ending. He says he has a blanket in the trunk, and coffee in the thermos, and until help arrives, he’s sure they’ll find some way to keep warn. They kiss, and headlights brighten the car. Sasha says, it’s the tow truck. So much for it taking hours. He says, it looks like they’ll get to have their happy ending after all.

Maxie wheels Bailey’s stroller through the lounge area, and tells Britt, she’s settling down. So much excitement. Better get used to it, Baby Lu, because you mom is a magnet for trouble. Britt says, so is her Auntie Britt. She’s still not sure what happened on the terrace, but if it makes Victor pay for aiding and abetting Peter, it was worth it. Maxie says, well worth it.

Looking at the tarot card, Victor thanks Peter, and says, while Peter is rotting in hell, he’ll make good use of this. He puts it in his pocket.

Nikolas tells Ava, the best way to stay one step ahead of Victor, is by keeping him where they can see him. She says, and Spencer? and he says, when he comes home from Spring Ridge, absolutely, and that goes for Esme as well. But he can promise her one thing. No one will ever come between them. They kiss.

Esme tells Ryan that she needs to go. The orderly will be back any minute. She puts the chair back, and says, but there’s still something she doesn’t understand. Even if Ava leaves Nikolas, what then? Ryan is still a prisoner facing a life sentence. Where is all this leading? He says, leave that to him. Just do as he says and she’ll have her heart’s desire. Not just Spencer and his fortune, but the family she’s always longed for. She says, Ava isn’t her family, and he says, no, but she’s family to him. He gets up, and walks closer to Esme. He says, and what’s mine is yours – he strokes her hair – my beautiful, gifted daughter.

Tomorrow, Sasha says, if they don’t get married now, they never will; Diane tells Alexis to go out and get some fun; Anna tells Robert, one nightmare ends, and another one begins; and Nina tells Sonny that she’s suing for visitation.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Jen and Emily worked out on the beach, and started with squats. My workout nemesis continues to haunt me. Gina told herself not to miss the plane, as she drug her suitcase through the house, picking up a throw rug with it along the way. Noella’s mother Nancy was visiting, and Noella said she’d seen a charge for someplace James was at. She was tempted to go there with their son and ask if he remembered her. I’m your wife. Um… I’m guessing not for much longer.

Heather brought Max and Nick along on the trip, and they were stopping in Syracuse first to visit Heather’s alma mater. In Gina’s interview, she said, what was cool about flying private was that you didn’t have to follow the rules. You waited in a private lobby, and she didn’t know WTF happened to her luggage; they just handled it. Clearly, Heather knew how to travel in style.

When Jen and Emily finished their workout, they sat on the beach and talked. They were going to Shannon’s for a cooking class, and in Jen’s interview, she said she never cooked for the family, and thought Ryne would like it. She told Emily that she’d tried to make dinosaur chicken nuggets, and burned them. Emily asked if things were going better, but Jen wasn’t sure. She wanted it to work, but didn’t know how. She wondered if she should do what he wanted, which was to be an equal partner. Emily asked what she meant; finances, kids, or both. Jen said, owning things together. She’d bought the Hawaii house before they were married. She wondered if it would solve the problem. In Emily’s interview, she said, as an attorney, it sounded like Ryne was ready to leave, but would like some money on his way out. Which is exactly what it sounds like to me. It will solve his problem, and she’ll be left holding the bag. Jen thought they should live separately for a while, but go to counseling twice week as they’d been doing, and have a date night once a week. Emily said she was all about fixing it. After you got a divorce, you just traded one set of problems for another, dating d-bags with toupees who drive Lamborghinis.

Heather said she hadn’t been to Syracuse since she graduated, and it was weird being there with her children. She told Gina to get settled, and they’d go out; the kids were ordering room service. When they reconvened, they toasted to a college hangover. Heather said, back in the day, you could only get into Pagans (the bar they were going to)  if you had a good fake ID, or you were dating the bartender or bouncer. In Heather’s interview, she said she hadn’t been there in 31 years, and was being flooded with memories of shopping, eating, and getting fake IDs that were rejected; fun, silly, stupid sh*t. In Gina’s interview, she said she went to Hofstra in Long Island, but she didn’t do as well. She was a shot girl, but she did go to class. Heather told Gina that they were taking the kids on a tour of her college and sorority house. Then they’d change for her live podcast, and leave directly for Manhattan from the show. Gina told Heather that her brother had gone the educational route, and she went for family life. In her interview, she said she envisioned the same thing as every other woman at the time; go to college, marry her college boyfriend, and have children. Her life was very different from what she’d envisioned.

A student guide gave Max and Nick a campus tour, with Heather and Gina tagging along. In Heather’s interview, she said it was insane that her babies were about to go to college. She wasn’t sentimental about them following in her footsteps. She wanted them to create their own paths. When she was younger, she thought she’d be a Broadway star, and had studied musical theater, but no. She did an episode of Divorce Court (back when they did reenactments) and they flew her out to L.A. She was a working actress, but then met Terry, and the rest was history.

Shannon’s friend Lisa helped Shannon prepare for her cooking party. Noella, Jen, and Emily were coming, and in her interview, Shannon said she was surprised they didn’t know how to cook. When she prepared a dish for guests, she felt it came from the heart. And it made her feel good when people said it was good. We flashed back to some of Shannon’s cooking successes. When her guests arrived, she passed out chef coats and hairnets. In Emily’s interview, she said Shannon was having a party to teach them to cook, and made them look as ugly as possible. Shannon let them ditch the nets, and Lisa ditched the party. Shannon explained that she was going to teach them how to make a crockpot meal that was healthy and super easy. Then they’d make a real meal of grilled shrimp with tomato/fennel sauce. Ugh, fennel. She asked them to help with the crockpot white chili, and in her interview, Emily said she thought Shannon was going to cook, and she was going to eat. In Shannon’s interview, she said, class meant interaction. In Noella’s interview, she said, cooking was like a BJ. She could do it, but she just didn’t want to.  

Heather was introduced as a 1990 alumni, and did her podcast. She told the students that in high school, she had been a big fish in a little pond, and when she got there, everyone seemed secure. She folded in on herself, and gained a Freshman 30. Then she entered the Miss Syracuse pageant, and it was more than a tiara. It helped her think on her feet, and honed her interview skills. In her interview, Heather said she remembered she loved performing, and was a whole person again. In Gina’s interview, she said it was the first time she was seeing Heather in her element, and she was killing it. After the podcast, they got back on the plane, and headed to Manhattan.

Shannon asked if anyone had talked to Heather and Gina before they left, but no one had. Noella spit a shrimp into her napkin, saying it was raw. Everyone else said all theirs were cooked, and in Jen’s interview, she said she found it odd that Noella got the one shrimp that was raw, and Jen was the one who had cooked it. Liar. Shannon called Heather, and got voicemail. She told the women that she was declined, and Noella said, more like blocked.

Heather and Gina finally called on FaceTime, and Gina said it was a great trip. Heather said, love you, miss you, bye, and that was about it. Shannon brought up Emily saying she was jealous of Gina’s friendship with Heather, and said, nothing could be further from the truth. For what reason? The thought never crossed her mind. Gina needed to put pin in her inflated ego. Emily said, Gina deserved to be successful after she’d been through hell and back. In Shannon’s interview, she said she’d been there for Gina when she was going through that tough time, and we flashed back to that. Shannon was offended by the insinuation that she wasn’t capable of being a friend. This was bulsh*t. Emily perused Shannon’s playlist, and Jen told Shannon that she was leaving. She said she and Ryne had been talking about him moving out for a month, but Shannon said she didn’t think that was a good idea. Noella and Emily wondered what they were talking about, and Shannon said Jen was going through stuff. Emily said they were all going through stuff, and Shannon said it was moving out stuff. In Noella’s interview, she said they all had challenges in their marriages. It was supposed to be a sisterhood, but that wasn’t computing with Jen. In Jen’s interview, she said, grown women didn’t act this way, whispering in people’s ears, and putting people down. She was done with this sh*t. She left, and Emily and Noella shed most of their clothes, and jumped in the pool.

In Gina’s interview, she said Heather was eating so many carbs, dancing around in the streets like a wild woman, and heavily buzzed on champagne. Heather asked if Gina would rather be cooking at Shannon’s or here, and Gina said she had to ask? Really?

Shannon joined Emily and Noella in the pool, taking off her pants, but leaving on her chef coat and hat, and announcing she was Chef Shannon. Archie saw his ball in the pool, and jumped in. In Shannon’s interview, she said, who knew her cooking class would end up with people mostly naked in her pool with the dog?

The next morning, Shannon came downstairs to a pretty big mess. Noella called, and Shannon said her place was a crime scene. And three whole weed candies were gone. She wondered if she’d eaten one, but we saw some clips where it looked like Noella was the culprit. Noella said, it was crazy, and she needed the hair of the dog; there was no way she could function. Shannon told her, have a good hair of the dog day, then wondered, where to start?

Jen met with couples counselor Tina, who came to her house. Tina said it had been a challenging year, like Jen didn’t know. In Jen’s interview, she said she and Ryne had known Tina for a few years; they’d gone to her relationship boot camp. Jen said she’d do anything to make the marriage work except giving up the spotlight, and Tina said, even if Ryne wasn’t there, they could about what Jen could change to make life better for herself, her children, and she and Ryne as a couple. You couldn’t heal or change what you weren’t willing to reveal, and Jen had wounds she’d been carrying from when she was a child that hadn’t been resolved. She was rejected as an adolescent, and brought it to the relationship. She asked if Jen felt rejected by Ryne, and Jen said she did. Tina said, it was a pattern, and Jen wondered if she was putting out kindness, but it was being received as something else. She said she was hardest on herself, and Tina wondered if others didn’t pick up on that energy. Jen said Ryne thought she was criticizing him, but that wasn’t what she was doing. Tina said Jen had to take responsibility for knowing what triggered Ryne. Even if she didn’t mean to criticize, Ryne wasn’t being acknowledged when he wasn’t being respected by his standards, but hers. If she did that, Tina thought he’d see it was coming from a heartfelt place. Jen said she hoped so, and in her interview, she said she’d had a lot of loss and heartbreak. Losing Ryne would feel like losing her dad again, and she didn’t want to lose him.

Heather’s mom Carole, Aunt Barb and Uncle Tony joined them for dinner, as well as Gina’s parents Susan and Gene. They’d barely sat down, when Carole told the server, she didn’t want to be rude, but this was how you set a table, moving around the place setting. In Heather’s interview, she said her mother was very proper, and liked things a certain way. She was similar in decorum, but in other ways, they were vastly different. In Gina’s interview, she said, this explained a lot. Where Heather came from, and why she was the way she was. It was funny to see the difference between her parents and Heather’s mom. Her parents were, no substitutes? We’ll have whatever’s on the menu. We’d like a nice cab, but if you bring merlot, we’ll drink it anyway. Heather made a toast to family, and Barb said she was proud of Gina; she looked happy. Carole said Gina had been raised properly, with ethics and morals. Gina said she was a little rough around the edges, but Carole said, people didn’t have ethics today. Heather said, growing up, they had a schedule. If they were going out to dinner at a certain time, if no one was hungry, you were still going to dinner. She was the same way in that she liked to have a plan, but if someone didn’t want to go, they didn’t have to. Carole said, if someone threw up they didn’t go, and in her interview, Heather said she loved her mom very much. She’d done the best she could to be the best parent, but sometimes an emotionally sensitive person needed more. It was a lot to unpack. She’d need 12 hours of therapy… or 12 years. Heather said, if you locked your kids in a box, they’d explode once they got out. She’d had unrealistic curfews. Gina said she never had that.

Gina and Heather went for a drink in their hotel bar afterward, and Heather said it was tough for her mom since her dad died three years ago. Gina said it was still fresh, and Emily called, first showing a video of the pool escapade. Gina said, Shannon had no pants on, and Emily said she was having dinner with Shane. She was surprised she’d recovered from last night. Gina said again that Shannon had no pants on, and Emily said, tequila made you take your pants off. Gina said, when they’d called, it didn’t look like Emily was having the best time, and Emily said she might have been annoyed. Shannon brought up not being jealous of Gina and Heather’s friendship. Gina said when someone went over the top to prove they weren’t jealous, they probably were. Heather said, she doth protest too much, and Emily told Gina that Shannon said she needed to put a pin in it, like she had a big, inflated head. It was sad that Shannon couldn’t be happy for a friend, and thought Gina was arrogant when she was confident. In Gina’s interview, she said, sorry, she felt good about herself. Was Shannon the only one allowed to feel that way? If she was doing well and truly happy, she wouldn’t act like this. Emily told them that Shannon kept saying it was a competition, and wanted them to have more fun than Heather and Gina. Heather said Shannon had done that in Mexico, when she, Tamra, and Vicki said they were going to have more fun than the rest of them. We flashed back to the three of them getting wasted and jumping in the pool. In her interview, Heather said, if falling in the pool with your pants off makes you happy, she’s here for it. But what she didn’t like was the weird, competitive, having-more-fun-than-you thing. She didn’t know what to do with that.  

Next time, Gina asks if Jen ever pictures herself with someone else; Jen has a party, and says Ryne doesn’t have to come if there will be drama; Jeana comes to Jen’s party, and wonders if Kelly is there; and Shannon comes for Gina, calling her an a-hole.   

🧂 This Needs Salt…

The recap.

Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City Reunion Part 2 Recap: Breaking Baby Gorgeous

A little extra.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/06/rhoslc-recap-whitney-claims-lisa-spread-rumors-about-meredith-pre-rant/

🐨 G’Night Mate…

Hope to see you tomorrow for a spot of tea and a bar of soap. Until then, stay safe, stay more focused on the inside than the outside, and stay knowing, you can’t heal or change what you’re not willing to reveal.