Tag Archives: Because the Night

March 25, 2024 – Trina Has Her Own Memorial For Spencer, A Murder Mystery On Deck, Those Ones & Because

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jason sits in the interrogation room, while in the squad room, Chase calls Anna. He says, she has to get down here right away. He asks if Brook is good, and she says she’s glad Jason is alive and turned himself in, but she doesn’t know what it all means. Chase says, neither does he, but he’s going to get answers… for Dante’s sake. John walks in and asks, where’s Jason Morgan?

Trina walks into Bobbie’s and says, Josslyn’s working. Josslyn says she’s just taking over for her mom, but the lunch rush is over, so they can actually talk. Trina says she’s actually meeting someone, and she doesn’t have much to talk about. Josslyn says, that’s fine. It’s just she hasn’t seen Trina since she broke up with Dex. Where has she been?

Elizabeth frantically looks around for something at the reception desk, and Willow asks if she’s looking for this. She found it in the linen cart. She hands Elizabeth a tablet, and Elizabeth thanks her. She says, between Heather Webber and the missing meds, this has been quite a day, and on only two hours of sleep. Willow says she’s so sorry. She’s sure it’s been hard on Elizabeth’s family since they found out Jason’s back. Elizabeth says, thanks, but Willow has nothing to be sorry about, when Willow’s phone dings. Willow sees Michael’s text: No groceries. Boathouse empty. Elizabeth asks if everything is okay, and Willow says, everything is fine. It’s just Michael texting about groceries. She can’t believe he has time to remember about apple juice. Elizabeth says she’s completely out of everything at home. She can’t believe she’s so on edge. Willow says, can’t she? Give herself a break. Elizabeth says, believe it or not, this is her giving herself a break. She just wishes she knew anything about Jason.

Chase tells Jason, this is Special Agent Cates with the FBI. Jason doesn’t have to speak with him without his counsel present. Jason says he doesn’t need his lawyer, and Chase says, since when? She was with him when he turned himself in. If he thinks talking to Agent Cates without Diane present, that he’s going to get out of this on a technicality… John says, he’s waiving his right to counsel. Is that correct? Jason says, that is correct, and John thanks Chase and says he’ll take it from here. Chase leaves and John asks, what the hell is Jason doing here?

Willow walks with Elizabeth, who says, her whole family is on edge. And Jake is so moody and angry right now. Willow says, about what? and Elizabeth says, about what’s been on the news and online, and who knows what the kids are saying at school. Willow says, he didn’t tell her? and Elizabeth says, just wait until they get to be Jake’s age. You expect them to come running to you and tell you their feelings. You have to dig, which she does, sometimes lovingly, sometimes with a pickax. Willow says she’ll remember that. Elizabeth is a good mom. She’s sure Elizabeth is handling things in the best way possible. Elizabeth says she’s trying, but honestly, she’s as anxious as Jake. She desperately wants to know something too. She guesses all she can do is hold her breath and wait like everyone else, right? She shrugs and goes to the elevator.

Trina says, it’s not that big of a deal. She’s been busy at the gallery and Josslyn made it clear that she didn’t want to talk about Dex all that much. So she just figured they needed space. Josslyn says she didn’t mean to push Trina away. She just knows Trina is going through a lot and she misses her. They’re not roommates anymore; she’s never on campus. They should hang out. Trina says she’s not ready to do that yet. It’s different. She’s not that much fun to be around. Josslyn says, neither is she. That’s why it’s perfect. They can be downers together. Trina says she’s sorry for what Josslyn is going through, which is why she figured Josslyn needed space. She didn’t want to pile on. Josslyn says, Trina can tell her anything, and Trina tells her that she didn’t want to say anything before because Josslyn was so upset about Dex. Josslyn says, this is about her? and Trina says she’s trying not to put Josslyn in a difficult position because of Jason Morgan, because she knows how much he means to Josslyn and her mom. Josslyn says, this is about Jason, and Trina says, yes. It’s about Jason. Hasn’t it occurred to her that he could have been the one who shot Trina’s father?

Brook says, Chase is telling her that Jason agreed to talk to a federal agent without Diane present? and he tells her that’s what he said. What does she want to bet Cates is going to offer Jason a deal? His shift is up. Why doesn’t she go home, and he’ll catch up with her later? She says, he’s making all kinds of assumptions right now. He’s being really reactive, which is so not like him. Just take a minute, okay? Tell her what he’s really thinking. Tell her what he wants. He says he wants to get out of here. He wants… he needs to see how his partner is doing. She says, then that’s what they’ll do, and leaves with him.

John asks, why turn himself in? and Jason says, to set the record straight. He didn’t shoot Dante Falconari. John tells him, the evidence says otherwise.

Josslyn says, Jason didn’t shoot Curtis. It’s just not possible because the shooter was aiming for Sonny and Jason would have never shot Sonny. Trina says she doesn’t think Josslyn knows Jason as well as she thinks she does, because why did he leave Port Charles? Why did he let everyone believe he was dead? Josslyn says she doesn’t know, but she’s sure there’s an explanation. She’s just grateful he’s alive. Trina says, lucky him, when Michael walks in. He asks Josslyn if Carly is here, but Josslyn says, no. Carly is picking up Donna and she’s covering for her. What’s up? Michael tells Trina that he’s sorry about Spencer, and Trina says, thanks. She’s got to go. Josslyn says, stay. Let’s talk about it. But Trina says she has to meet her Aunt Stella. She tells them, take care, and leaves. Michael asks if everything is okay, and Josslyn says, everything’s fine. What’s going on? He says he has some news about Jason.

John asks, what happened? and Jason says he was on the roof of the warehouse at 257 Water Street with the sniper at 8 pm, exactly like he told John. John says, he sabotaged the shot? and Jason says, yes. But he wanted to try again. He told him that they didn’t have time. He told him to leave the rifle. John says, as instructed. So what went wrong? Jason says, Dante saw them leave the area. He followed and ran into them on the pier. He told them to stop. He did. Hamish didn’t. He raised his hands and turned around. Dante recognized him and that’s when Hamish shot him. John says, it was a mistake to turn around and let Falconari ID him. Although as it happens, his cover was already blown. Sonny Corinthos had video surveillance in the warehouse and a drone covering the roof. There’s a clear shot of Jason right beside the man with the rifle, which adds conspiracy to the laundry list he’s facing.

In the hospital elevator, Chase tells Brook, there has to be a deal on the table. That’s the only reason Jason would talk without a lawyer. She says she thinks they should take a moment before going to see Dante. He’s still all amped up. He says, she’s right, and they get out of the elevator. The last thing he wants to do is bring this negative energy into Dante’s room. She says, it had to come as a real shock seeing Jason, and he says, it was a punch to the gut. Willow and Elizabeth listen, and he says, Dante is fighting for his life and in walks the guy who tried to kill him? Lawyered up and angling for some kind of deal? She says she knows he’s worried about Dante, but he still doesn’t have all the facts and circumstances, so he can’t lose his cool or objectivity. He’s better than that. He says, not today, and she says, every day. He asks what she thinks about all this, for real, and she says, honestly, she doesn’t know what to make of it. If Jason shot Dante, then he immediately turned around and tried to save his life. At least Jason had the decency to turn himself in. Elizabeth looks stunned.

Stella meets Trina outside Bobbie’s and says she’s sorry she’s late. The parking was awful. Has she been waiting long? Trina says, not long. She was actually just texting Stella. Stella asks why she isn’t inside. It doesn’t look too crowded. Is that Josslyn in there? Why isn’t Trina in there with her? (Because today is assumption day.) Trina says she just felt like being alone. Besides, it’s really nice out. Stella asks if Trina was texting her to cancel. Doesn’t she want to have lunch with her auntie? Trina says, it’s not her. She’s not up to being anywhere with anyone. Stella says she’s sorry. Grief is so personal, and at the same time, universal. But that sadness and the pain she’s feeling will be different in the weeks to come, the months, the years. Trina says, that’s the thing. She barely knows how she’s feeling from one moment to the other. She mostly feels numb. Every now and then she’ll feel pain or anger, but for the most part, she’s just walking through a fog. She doesn’t really taste what she’s eating, she doesn’t care about much anymore, and she’s really just going through the motions. Stella tells her, like she said, it’s personal. It sounds to her like Trina is still in shock. Trina says, maybe, and Stella says, and this going through the motions is admirable. She supposes Trina is doing it because she feels like she’s supposed to be moving on, but the question is how? Trina asks if there’s even a way how, because she sure can’s see it. Stella says, that’s why she asked Trina to meet her here. She’s been worried that Trina is taking this a little too well. She doesn’t want Trina to think she has to suffer in silence because she doesn’t. And she shouldn’t.

Michael tells Josslyn, Jason contacted Diane and asked her to meet him at the PCPD. She did, and Jason showed up. He turned himself in. It’s probably going to be all over the media soon, so he wanted to give her and mom a heads up first. Josslyn thanks him and says she guesses it’s a relief. They know where he is, and they know he’s alive. But if Dante dies and Jason gets blamed, he could be set up for murder.

Elizabeth leaves to do inventory, and Willow chases her with the tablet. Elizabeth says she’d lose her head if it wasn’t attached, and Willow says, that’s actually when you’re super stressed. She’s not trying to pry, but they both heard the same thing just now. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know what to think. Is this a good thing that Jason did? Is it a strategic move? Willow asks if it couldn’t be both, and Elizabeth asks how Jake is supposed to take this. He’s so afraid his dad is guilty and she’s the one who’s been pushing him to keep an open mind about this. Maybe this was a mistake or happened for a legit reason. Willow says she sees that this has been a real challenge for their whole family, but she thinks before Elizabeth tackles them, she should be clear with herself first. What does she believe? Elizabeth says she doesn’t know. She wants to believe Jason is innocent and that he turned himself in to clear his name. What does Willow think? Willow says, Elizabeth has known Jason longer than she has. They share a child. For what it’s worth (🍷), Michael is his family and Dante is Michael’s brother. Not only that, he’s Sonny’s son and everyone says Sonny and Jason were like brothers. So in putting all that together, she can’t believe under any circumstances that Jason would shoot Dante. Just her two cents. Don’t give up hope. Elizabeth says, thanks. She needed to hear that. The boys are getting out of school soon and she needs to get home so she can talk to them about all of this before they hear it from anyone else. Willow says, good luck, and Elizabeth says, thanks. She’s going to need it. Teenage boys are a handful under the best of circumstances, and these are not the best. Willow says, maybe it’s a pivot point. Maybe Jason turning himself in will lead to him proving he’s innocent.

Brook asks if Chase is feeling calmer, and he says, as long as she doesn’t bring up Jason’s decency anymore. She says, okay, then she’ll bring up his. He’s far too good, too smart, to let his personal feelings interfere with his work. He says he knows. That’s why he’s doing everything by the book. She says she’s actually really glad he decided to leave. He’s a stand-up cop, but he’s still a human. He can protest all he wants, but she knows every bone in his body wants payback for Dante.

John asks, what happened to the sniper? and Jason says, he’s dead. (I swear there’s a hint of a smile.) John says he doesn’t have time for this. He has no idea when the Police Commissioner is going to show up here and he doesn’t want to be here when she does. So Jason needs to tell him everything, from the minute Dante Falconari was shot on the pier until the minute he walked through the police station door to turn himself in. Jason says he went to check on Dante. Hamish just wanted to leave. They were supposed to meet the extraction team on Pier 50. He told Hamish to go without him, he pulled his gun, they exchanged fire. Jason shot him. John says, they didn’t find a body. Did Jason dump him in the harbor? Jason says, no. He left him where he fell. If he had to guess, the extraction team came back, looked for them, and took him. John sits down and says, they know Jason gave Detective Falconari first aid. They know he called 911, knowing they record on calls and knowing they would eventually ID his voice. Jason says, yeah, he called 911. He left the line open so they could pin Dante’s location. He stayed until he heard the sirens, then he left. John says, why not call him? Why not come in? Why did he run?

Trina says she can’t do this, and walks away. Stella says, do what? and follows her. Talk. Trina says she’s not up for exploring her feelings or even thinking about a way to get over Spencer, and Stella says, nobody’s asking her to do that, certainly not her. Trina’s friends and family don’t want her in pain. They don’t want her walking around pretending she’s okay. Trina says, what if she doesn’t want to be okay? What if she never wants to get over it? Stella says, ever? and Trina says, no. Maybe. She just knows she never wants to get over Spencer. She never wants to get over him. She loved him so much and now he’s gone. Stella hugs her and says she understands. She thinks holding onto the pain is going to keep Spencer alive in her heart. She knows what Trina and Spencer had was special and she loved him very much, but Spencer loved her very much too. She doesn’t think he’d want his memory swaddled in pain. He wouldn’t want her to suffer because of him. Trina says, but what if he was the love of her life? and Stella says, she has her whole life ahead of her. Maybe it’s too soon to wonder about the future, so just focus on the here and now – they sit down – and leave herself open to trying to heal herself. Trina says she doesn’t know if she can do that. When she’s not down, she’s angry. And she stuffs it down because she hates Esme, and she has so much anger that it scares her. Stella says she hears Trina. And now that Esme’s gone, she has nowhere to put it. Trina says she doesn’t even care that Esme is dead. It’s like she got away with it, with blowing up their lives. And it’s not fair. Stella says, it’s not. None of it’s fair. But that anger she’s feeling is going to pass. It’s still fresh now because there’s been no closure. It’s a shame they weren’t able to give Spencer a proper funeral. She knows it must seem like some antiquated ritual, but it can help loved ones come to terms with their loss. Unity. Coming together to bear witness and support those who are left behind. Trina says, they gave Spencer a memorial, but she doesn’t think it was enough. She barely even remembers it. Stella says, maybe it wasn’t enough. Maybe she should create one of her own. Something special for her and Spencer.

In the kitchen at Bobbie’s, Josslyn tells Michael that they know Jason didn’t shoot Dante because they know him. But they’re the only ones. It’s all over the media that Jason is a suspect in Dante’s shooting and for possibly taking a shot at Sonny. Which missed, so that should be everyone’s first clue that this wasn’t Jason. Michael says, Jason would never shoot his father, and she says she knows that, he knows that, and mom knows that, but nobody else does. And people are starting to blame Jason for other shots taken. He says, they’re wrong, and she says, how do they prove that? Does Jason have an alibi? Where has he been? He didn’t tell mom anything. Michael says, he didn’t have a chance to talk to mom. What did she say? Josslyn tells him, she said Jason showed up in her living room, he’d been shot, and they didn’t really get a chance to talk about anything because Anna showed up with that FBI agent with a warrant to search the house. He says he knows about the FBI agent. Willow said he was at the hospital, questioning Elizabeth Baldwin about Jason. She says, thank God Jason turned himself in before he questioned them. Except she kind of wishes they had. She    would have loved to call Diane and watched her tear into everybody. Speaking of Diane, has Jason not told her anything about where he’s been? Michael says, no. She called him after she left the PCPD. She said they talked, but only about the charges he’s facing. He asked if she thought she could get him out on bail, but she told him not to get his hopes up. Josslyn says, she makes everything sound worse, so her victory sounds that much better, and he says he hates to break it to her, but he doesn’t think Diane is exaggerating this time. It really is that bad. He should go update Willow. By the way, does Dex know that mom talked to Jason? Josslyn says she doesn’t know why he would. She hasn’t talked to him. Go be with his wife and talk to her later. He says, okay, and leaves.

As they walk in the house, Aiden tells Jake that he’s cultivating wild yeast and friendly bacteria. That’s why he has to feed them every day. Pretty cool, huh? They go to the kitchen, where Aiden takes down the jar. He says he thinks it’s about ready. Does Jake want to see?  Jake says, no, and Aiden says, the real test of the starter is baking a loaf that rises. There’s this chocolate walnut recipe he saw. Jake says he doesn’t care about bread, and Aiden says, fine. Elizabeth walks in, and Aiden says he was just trying to… Jake says, what? Make him feel better about his psycho dad? Elizabeth hears them, and they hear her close the door.

Chase says, when Brook’s right, she’s right, and she says, absolutely. Wait. What? He’s agreeing with her? He says he doesn’t want to do anything that could compromise this case. It’s too important. He just has to figure out what went down at the docks and how Dante wound up with two bullets in his chest. He has to somehow figure this out. Not just for Dante, but for his family. She says she knows, and he will. She just knows it. He’ll figure it out and bring whoever’s responsible to justice. Let’s go sit with Dante. Chase can tell him right now. Chase can tell him every day until he wakes up. Chase says, until Dante tells him to shut up already? but she says, that’s her job. He’s really such a good man. She’s so lucky to have him. He says he’s the lucky one. He doesn’t know what he’d do without her. She tells him not to do anything to find out, and they head for Dante’s room.

Jason says, Dante saw him. Dante can ID him. John says, he had two bullets in his chest. He had to have known his chances of surviving were slim at best. Jason says he called 911, and like John said, the police had his voice on record. He couldn’t go back to the extraction team. If they hadn’t figured out he’d killed Hamish, they’d figure it out pretty quickly when they heard an APB out on him as Jason Morgan. John says, Jason should have called him, but Jason says he left the phone with Dante. John says, there are back-up protocols, but Jason says, the sirens were close. He had to keep moving. John asks where he went, and Jason says, the bridge. John says, he and the Commissioner were already at the bridge when Jason showed up. He went somewhere else first. He went to Carly Spencer.

Jason says, John and Anna got to the bridge ahead of him because he was shot and he was on foot, but John says, no. Jason was already at the house when he and the Commissioner arrived. He heard every word of Carly’s epic stonewall. Jason says he went from the pier to the bridge, and John says he already got a search warrant for the house. He can get another one and Jason was bleeding. There will be traces of his DNA. Jason doesn’t say anything, and John says, Jason agreed to full cooperation. This isn’t cooperating. After a long pause, Jason leans forward and says he went from the pier to the bridge. John says, fine. He was trapped on the bridge. Why not turn himself in? Why jump? Jason says, the Police Commissioner was there. He didn’t think John would want her or the local police involved. John says he sees. Jason was just being helpful. Jason holds up his hands with the cuffs on, and John says, after he jumped from the bridge, he disappeared. Where’d he go? Who took care of him?

Michael finds Willow at the hospital and says he needs to talk to her. They step away, and she says she’s so glad he’s here. She just overheard Chase say Jason was at the PCPD. He says, he turned himself in, and she says, why? She thought he was helping Jason escape. He says, he turned down going to the Keys. He said there would be consequences if he left. She says, like what? and he says he doesn’t know. He wouldn’t get into it, but it must be something severe if he’s willing to risk taking the fall for Dante’s shooting. She says she feels so guilty. She’s grateful that at least by turning himself in, he’s keeping Danny out of it. Michael says he didn’t like Agent Cates snooping around and talking to Danny; that was too close. He guesses it’s over now. She says, is it? and he says, Jason would never give them up. Jason didn’t say this, but he thinks that’s the reason Jason turned himself in, to stop the search and make sure they’re not implicated in any way. He’d rather go to prison than have this coming down on any of them.

Elizabeth sits with Aiden and Jake, and says she knows they must have a lot of questions. She’ll do her best to answer them. Aiden says he heard Jason jumped off a bridge. Was he hurt? She says she heard that too, and she doesn’t know. If he was, someone must be taking care of him, because he hasn’t been admitted to GH. Aiden asks if he’s going to jail then, and she says she imagines he’ll have to go to court. Jake says, of course (🍷) he’ll go to jail, but she says, they don’t really know that for sure. Jake says, they know he was here in Port Charles, hiding. Why would he do that? She says she doesn’t know. She’s sure he has his reasons. Jake says, why doesn’t she just tell them the truth? He turned himself in. That means he did it. His father’s a killer and everyone knows it. He hopes Jason gets life in prison so they can just go back to thinking he was dead. He starts to leave, but Elizabeth says, wait. She’s sorry all of this is happening. She’s sorry for all of it. She’s just really sorry.

Josslyn tells Stella that she heated up her pie, and Stella thanks her. She asks if Josslyn can sit, and Josslyn says, of course (🍷). She’s sorry Stella and Trina couldn’t have their coffee date. Stella says, she had something important to do, and Josslyn asks, is she okay? Stella says she thinks Trina is doing the best she can, and Josslyn says she’s worried about Trina. She’s not sure how to be Trina’s friend right now. Stella says, she’s an excellent friend and her saying that just proves it. She really cares about Trina. Josslyn says, Trina’s her best friend, and Stella says, and Josslyn’s hers, but she’s going to have to give Trina time to process what she’s going through. She knows Josslyn wants to rush in, but she can’t. Josslyn says she understands. When Oscar died, everyone kept saying these motivating things to her to try and make her feel better, but sometimes they made her feel worse. So she learned you’ve just kind of got to do that yourself. Stella says, so Josslyn knows how it is. Everyone’s just kind of got to walk through grief their own way in their own timeline. Their Trina is a strong young woman. She’ll find her way home.  

Trina goes to the cemetery and says, hi, Spencer’s grave. She’s sorry. She can’t call it Spencer because Spencer’s not here. You’re just a stand-in, a tangible marker for the incredible lifeforce that went by Spencer Cassadine. No disrespect, but you’re at a complete disadvantage, because there’s no way you could encapsulate what Spencer was. She kneels down and says, but you’re all I’ve got. So, hi, Spencer. She supposes Laura picked this spot because it’s toward the water. That’s fitting, huh? She knew he loved the water. The last time she saw him, it was near the water. Sometimes, she keeps wishing she gets a call that he made it to shore somewhere, that this is some horrible nightmare, that he’s fine. She knows that’s not good for her to fantasize about something that won’t ever happen. But she does like being near the water. She touches the stone and says, because it’s calm and it feels like he’s near her. Even when it rains, it’s like he’s near her. It’s like he’s in the atmosphere or something. Like he’s everywhere. But she feels like she’s disappeared.

Trina says, and she goes to her classes in the morning. He comes to pick her up at the end of the day, and her classmates want to know, who’s her mysterious and devastatingly handsome boyfriend? Did I hear that he was a prince? But she plays it cool, and they spend their free time going to museums, continuing their debate on who’s better, Monet or Degas? It’s Monet. Then they visit galleries, and bookstores, and they dine at bistros rating the coq au vin, and they just walk around the streets of Paris, hand in hand. That’s her fantasy. Her reality, she’s back in Port Charles. She’s not in school. She’s living at home and working at the gallery. And these days, even art hurts, but she does it to fill the time, so she doesn’t miss him so much. Because she doesn’t want to say goodbye to him. How can she say goodbye to him while he’s nowhere and everywhere at the same time? But she’s got to try, because if she doesn’t, she’s going to drown too.

Aiden says, there could be all kinds of reasons why Jake’s dad was alive and why he came back. They don’t know. That’s basically the point. He tells Elizabeth, it’s going to be okay, and puts his arm around her. Jake says he’s sorry. He didn’t mean what he said. She says, it’s okay. He gets to be angry, and so does she because this is hard. She’s just glad she has her boys with her. She takes their hands and says, maybe they can help each other through it. They have a three-way hug.

Michael says he didn’t give Willow much of a choice about helping Jason. He didn’t have time to think. He needed her help and Danny was already involved. She says she’s not blaming him and doesn’t regret it. She’d do it again. She hates what comes next. She’s worried about Jason and his children and she’s worried about Elizabeth. She heard Chase talking about Jason and not only is she grappling with everything that’s going on, she’s really worried about Jake and how all this is affecting him. He’s bound to be confused. She wishes they could tell them that Jason didn’t shoot Dante. He says, they can’t tell anyone. They have to keep quiet and let this play out.

John says, the booking report indicates a healing gunshot wound on Jason’s left side. It’s been sutured. Apparently by a professional, so it couldn’t have been done by him. Who helped him? Was it his lawyer? Did she arrange something for him? Miss Miller’s got quite the reputation of defending guilty clients and setting them free. But she would need to be a magician to get him out of this one if Dante Falconari dies. Since the sniper disappeared, Jason is on the hook for shooting a cop. That’s capital murder. He’ll spend the rest of his life in prison. Jason says, Dante is still alive. He could recover. John says, Jason better hope he does. They’ve invested two and a half years in this investigation. They place Jason inside that organization and now his cover is blown. So if after all this time and energy and intelligence they don’t get anything back, the Bureau will have no choice but to move forward with the evidence that leveraged his cooperation in the first place. And they both know he doesn’t want that. John walks out.

Tomorrow, Chase asks if Brook is saying they should call off the wedding; Gregory tells someone to back off; Sonny says, anything’s possible, and Michael wonders, even forgiveness; and Anna says Jason has to tell her the truth if she’s going to help him.

Below Deck

Captain Kerry says he’s picturing the Titanic; the boat going down and the band playing. Xandi says, they all have these personal things going on, and in her interview, she says, Barbie gives her anxiety. There’s a term she uses in yachting – spinning. You seem busy and productive, but aren’t getting anything done. She wants to give Barbie a Xanax. Fraser says, they need a crime and clues, and in his interview, he says, they’re in deep sh*t. He’s never done a murder mystery. They’re missing someone and have run aground, but they have to pretend to the guests that it’s all good. Kerry says he can ferry the guests to the beach, and in his interview, he says, usually the amazing places are the most difficult to get to. The current is pushing him, and he has to think, is the risk worth the reward? When it comes to this beach, it is. Guest Lesley says she was anxious about not being fed enough, but she’s being fed too much. Well, just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to eat all of it.

The guests leave for the beach. In Captain Kerry’s interview, he says, Carriacou is the most amazing beach in the world. It’s absolutely spectacular. The guests are ferried over and agree that it’s gorgeous. In Anthony’s interview, he says, tonight, he’s having an ocean party. Grenada has the best fresh seafood in the world. He has to be organized, but he and organization are not the best match. He acts with his feelings. After dropping off the guests, the captain has difficulty pulling the boat back out. In Ben’s interview, he says, it’s a sound you never want to hear, sand stuck in the impellor. The grinding and crunching means you’re in trouble. Captain Kerry says, they have no battery. They’re f***ed. In Barbie’s interview, she says, they’re a stew down and she has to be everywhere. She’s exhausted. In Xandi’s interview, she says, it’s frustrating. They should all work together and do what they’re told. The captain suggests packing up while the guests hang out. They’ll put all the stuff in a small boat they have and get the guests off by working with the tide. On the yacht, Anthony can’t find the garlic, and in his interview, he says he has no idea WTF he’s doing. He’s spending his time and his life looking for stuff. Instead of cooking, he’s going to the store. Bad weather is coming, and Captain Kerry says, they’ve got to get the guests back. Ben radios the boat, and in his interview, he says, not only is bad weather approaching, the tide is changing. If they beach the boat, they’re stuck here for the night. The crew packs up around the guests, and when it’s time for them to get in the boat, primary Lesley is a little too anxious. The captain barks, no one move toward the boat until I say! startling her so hard, she jumps back. She tells the others, the captain is getting agro.

In Captain Kerry’s interview, he says he’s doing what he can to keep the guests safe. There are a lot of moving parts and it’s a very dangerous situation. Because all that’s not enough, it starts to rain. The guests are finally in the boat, and Fraser says, welcome to the experience. After the guests are back safe, Xandi tells Fraser that she’s literally sat down for three minutes since the morning, and Fraser says, they’re ready to get a murder under way. Proud of the seafood, Anthony says he was expecting a disaster, but got an – he wrestles with the word – extravagrande [sic]. And an extravagrande it is. Fraser asks Ben to do a murder scene and in Fraser’s interview, he says he’s never done this before, but he’s got the gist. He ordered props and bits and bobs, and he’s shifting the responsibility to someone else so he can focus on service. That’s what the job is about as a manager. Ben tells the deckhands, let’s make up some crap, and they confer in the crew mess. In Kyle’s interview, he says he’s not the most theatrical person, but he’s got good ideas. He does have moments of brilliance.  Blue marlin en papillote is served – papillote is not unlike when you cook something in an aluminum foil pouch, but parchment paper is used – and in his interview, Fraser says, the chef is brilliant and they vibe, but he’s concerned about cleanliness in the galley. He can’t take on another job, and that’s what he feels like he’s doing. Captain Kerry swings by the guests’ table, explaining that he got firm at the beach, but he was worried about their safety. Behind the scenes, Barbie messes up her hair. She runs out screaming, there’s been a murder! She flops on the floor, her skirt flying up and exposing her no undies look. Lesley says she quite forgot this was happening, and Barbie runs back out. Fraser comes in and says, they’re first clue is on the deck closest to the sun, where they can play 21. They go to the deck and find the next clue: find the bell. It has a story to tell. They find the bell along with the next clue: spin the globe and the world is at your feet. Fraser is told that they’re coming, and the guests read the next clue is to be found outside room 104. They find the pizza roller that was the weapon and read: open the door. Someone might be on the floor. Fraser is lying there with a bloody cloth on him, along with the last clue: retrace their steps. Whoever has the number one has killed me. They go back to the table and guest Kristi (I think; they all seem interchangeable) has the number one on the bottom of her glass. There’s much applause, and Kyle says, the guests are happy, right? Ben says, no, they’re drunk.

The guests go to bed. Fraser says he’s aged 30 years, and Xandi says she’s the hot mess express. Anthony cleans in the galley until 3 am, and in Anthony’s interview, he says he spent hours cleaning. It’s hard to be creative in that vibe. He asks Fraser about what he should serve for breakfast, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, Anthony’s not bringing it. That’s not how yachting works. There’s only so much he can do. He suggests a breakfast sandwich, and wonders who came up with that one. Anthony correctly answers, McDonald’s. Curtis from yacht service calls Captain Kerry, and says, new deckhand Dylan is arriving. The captain calls Ben and says he has good news. He tells Ben that Dylan has been a chase boat captain and also been on bigger boats, and in Dylan’s interview, he says he’s originally from Cape Town. He’s 23, and he’s been in yachting for four years. He’s worked from deckhand to chase boat cap, so far. While he’s running, he likes to give people he passes a high five. They won’t understand, but they will remember him. In Sunny’s interview, she asks, who’s that model looking man coming on board? Ben tells Dylan that he hasn’t made a decision on lead deckhand, although I could swear that honor went to Sunny. In his interview, Dylan says he’s ready to show Ben what he’s got. The guests are seated for breakfast, and Fraser says, the specials are French toast and an Egg McMuffin British breakfast bun. Captain Kerry points out an enormous carrier at the dock, and in Ben’s interview, he says, there’s a lot of sh*t riding on this. Sunny doesn’t know the boat well and they have to nail this, or he might as well pack his bags. They come up to Port Louis Marina next to this big honking boat, and in the captain’s interview, he says, it’s massive. If he comes in too far, he’ll hit the buoys and possibly the reef, but if he’s not far enough, he could wipe out the back of the ship. He can’t f*** this up.

The docking is done, and the guests get ready to leave. There are hugs and goodbyes, and Lesley says, this is making her emotional because it’s something that’s been on her bucket list and they truly exceeded all expectations. She’s truly grateful and had an extraordinary time. She thanks them and gives the captain the tip envelope. The guests leave, and Captain Kerry says he’s never had a better thank you from guests before. In Sunny’s interview, she says she’s feeling positive about her and Ben’s relationship. The last guy she was involved with was a mountaineer while she was a mermaid. He got away, but there’s Ben. Dylan tells Sunny that if he has a choice between McDonald’s and a salad, he’ll take the salad. He was fat and bullied when he was a kid. In Dylan’s interview, he says he decided it could break or make him. His proudest accomplishment is his double chest bump. He flexes his pecs individually (my dad could do that) and introduces us to James and Barry. His pecs if you didn’t gather that already. He tells Sunny that he has stretch marks. He had a proper fat ass. It’s time for the tip meeting, and Captain Kerry welcomes Dylan. He says, they kicked off the charter a crew member down, then Cat departed. He saw them help each other and they did an amazing job. He doesn’t know when they’ll get another stew, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, it’s been an emotional roller coaster. It’s tough, but they’ve just got to take what they’re given and roll with the punches. The tip is a generous $30K or $2,727 each. The captain tells them that he took $50 out of each one so he could give Dylan $550. Nice! That reminds me of a job I 2 weeks paid vacation after I’d only been there 2 weeks. In Captain Kerry’s interview, he says, they did an absolutely amazing job. They surprise him all the time. He’s extremely impressed.

The crew heads to a restaurant, while Captain Kerry practices Turkish on the boat. Barbie asks if they think déjà vu is a real thing, and after trying to get Kyle to snort a shot, Dylan says he thinks there are different timelines, and it’s a memory from one. In Barbie’s interview, she says if she was dating Dylan, she’d ask him to be quiet for the whole dinner. The guys go for a smoke, and Dylan tells Anthony that all the ladies are sexy. Anthony tells him that Sunny is with Ben. He’s waiting for the other stew and hopes she’s hot. At the table, Fraser says, the galley is a mess. He feels like he’s doing too much for what’s expected. He’s got to talk to Anthony. Enough is enough. They move on to a club, dance, and do many shots. Dylan says he’s loving it so much, and tells Ben, vibe time is my time. Ben dances close with Xandi and says, she’s his favorite. Sunny sees Ben whisper in Xandi’s ear, and in Sunny’s interview, she says, he’s pissing her the f*** off. He’s being touchy feely with Xandi and it’s disrespectful to what they have. It makes her want to set his bunk bed on fire.

In the bathroom, Barbie tells Sunny that Ben’s not into Xandi and they’re not here for f***ing love story. On the way back, Kyle says he loves Fraser, and they kiss. In Fraser’s interview, he says, people love making out with him. Straight men sometimes show appreciation more than by being a bud, by giving him a kiss. He’s not mad about it. Back at the boat, Ben asks how Sunny’s night was, and she says, good, but she needs a minute to herself. He says he’ll leave her to it, and she says, in her cabin without so many people. Ben tells Fraser that he can’t deal with Sunny. He can’t read her and he’s sick of the bullsh*t. In Ben’s interview, he says, it’s been a rollercoaster. One minute, they’re kissing, and the next, she gives him the cold shoulder. We flash back to some examples, and he says he doesn’t know what to do. That’s why he doesn’t get attached. Too much bullsh*t comes with a relationship. Dylan eats a bunch of drunk food, and says, tomorrow is a big gym session. Ben and Xandi are talking on deck, and Sunny asks if he has a cigarette left. He says, it got wet, so he threw it out. Sunny says, copy that, and leaves. She vents to Fraser who says, she and Ben have had a thing since they got on the boat. Sunny says she made it, but he wanted it. Barbie tells Xandi there’s drama and Sunny is getting a bad vibe. When Xandi is drinking, Ben wants to take care of her, but Sunny sees it differently. Xandi says she probably has more chemistry with Sunny than Ben. He’s like a brother. Barbie says, Sunny doesn’t get that, and in Xandi’s interview, she says, Sunny’s got nothing to worry about. Ben’s a friend and she’s doing nothing wrong so get off her tits. Barbie says she thinks it’s a personal issue Sunny is projecting through Xandi. Ben tells Sunny that his dancing with Xandi isn’t sexual, but Sunny says she has a hard time accepting that. Xandi asks why she needs to change herself to make a 22-year-old kid feel better about herself? In her interview, she says she’s changed for enough people. She’s not changing being herself. The whole thing can f*** off. Kyle says, Sunny is young in this situation, but Xandi says, cash me outside, which sounds even stupider when she says it. She tells them that she’s done with this sh*t.

Later this season, Captain Kerry says, they don’t do this because it’s easy, the easy sh*t is on shore; Anthony thinks he’s not good enough; Fraser wants Barbie to go; Karry lectures Ben; Xandi has a panic attack; in Dylan’s interview, he says he has a d*ck, but he’s not going to be a d*ck; a lot of falling; Jill Zarin is a difficult guest; Anthony needs a translator in the galley; a new stew arrives and Ben says he’s in trouble; Barbie decides she likes Kyle; lots of crying; Captain Kerry says, if they’re not thriving or adding value to the rest of the crew, he can’t have them here; half the guests’ food ends up in the water; Ben has never been this stressed in a speedo in his life; Kyle talks to the captain about insubordination; and a disappointing tip.

⚰️ This Week In Ones…

A fearful old friend returns; an odd friendship with a Same Time Next Year vibe; calcified zombies (like perogies); ungrateful a-holes; you don’t get noodles for pulling a gun; Jadis finds something she’s looking for; amazing fight scenes; Jadis in palazzo pants; and irony!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-recap-season-1-episode-5-become-jadis

🐰 Hoppin’ Down the Bunny Trail…

Walk right back tomorrow for soap and VanderNotions. Until then, stay safe, stay putting gratitude into action, and stay remembering, vibe time is your time.

March 31, 2023 – Nurses Ball Prep, Ball Preview, Uneven, Awful Eric, Back Then, Go Already, Rankings, Bad Business, Scandovaling, New House, Dead Talk, 90 Match, Pup (!), Half a Dozen Quotes & Because

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna says, they never should have let Eileen go without wearing a wire, but Valentin says, it’s not like they had a choice. She refused to go otherwise. She was just supposed to drop off the counterfeit necklace and get out of there. Anna says, she pushed her luck. Now she’s dead. Drew says, assuming Victor killed her, and Valentin says he doesn’t think the Deputy Mayor went swimming fully clothed. The real question is, how much information did she give up before he killed her? Anna says, she couldn’t have told Victor where they are; she didn’t really know. Drew says, either way, they can’t stay here. It’s not safe. Valentin says, they’ve got to get out of here, but Sonny says, if they leave now, they’ll be signing their death warrants.

Lucy gets her popcorn ready, and turns on the TV. Reporter George says, we’re here at the MetroCourt hotel, when in just a matter of a few hours, the curtain will rise on Port Charles’s benefit of the year, the annual General Hospital Nurses Ball. Lucy looks wistful. And adding to the significance of this year’s ball, is the hospital’s 60th anniversary. It’s safe to say, tonight is a can’t miss event. Lucy says she’s missing the can’t miss event, and George says, with us now is the co-chair of the Nurses Ball Planning Committee, Maxie Jones. He asks Maxie what it’s like being part of this spectacular event, and she says, it’s been an honor planning this night’s festivities. The Nurses Ball is known for philanthropy, and entertainment; their contribution to GH’s 60 years of caring for the community will be talked about for years to come. George asks how it’s been, organizing this even without the guidance of the late Lucy Coe, who was known of course (🍷) as the force behind previous Balls, and Maxie says, Lucy is irreplaceable, and tonight is dedicated to her. She believes Lucy is with them in spirit, trusting her, and her co-chair Bobby Spencer, to make her proud. George says, on that note, there has been some backstage buzz. What does she think Miss Coe would make of the talk there’s been a hiccup in tonight’s acts? Lucy gets up, the popcorn bowl falling from her lap, and says, what hiccup?

Near a bench in the park, Spencer thanks Victor for meeting him, and Victor says, anything for him. Mystery man skulks around, and Victor asks if he’s to understand from this that Spencer is willing to do what needs to be done. Spencer says he’s not willing to sit back and let Esme call the shots. She was less than cooperative when they took Ace to the hospital. Victor asks if anything is wrong with the baby, but Spencer says, according to the doctor, Ace has cholic, and it’s nothing serious. Grandmother thinks they should be patient, exercise caution, and gain Esme’s trust. He’s done waiting. Victor says he needs to hear Spencer say it. He needs to hear Spencer say the actual words. Spencer says, let’s move forward with your plan. Esme must be dealt with.

Esme comes out of the exam room to see Ava coming out of the elevator. Ava says, hello, and Esme says she hasn’t seen Ava since… Ava says, since the night Esme’s lovely parents held her hostage, but Esme tells her, she was going to say, since the night she went into labor and gave birth to this guy. Ava says, what’s his name? and Esme tells her, Ace. Ava says, he looks like his father… my husband.

Carly strides into the gatehouse, seeing Willow on the sofa, and Nina standing over her, saying, please, answer me. Carly asks, what the hell happened?

Maxie laughs, and tells George, there are always hiccups for any live performance, and their performers and team members behind the scenes at the Nurses Ball are committed to executing tonight flawlessly, and giving a performance that’s worthy of it’s reputation. He asks if she’s found a dancer to replace the one that dropped out of the popular Magic Wands act, and she says, Dex Heller has agreed to step in, and he’s going to be great. George says he’s sure, but he was referring to the latest vacancy – the one yet to be filled. Lucy wonders, who dropped out? She doesn’t even know who’s in. She kicks the popcorn bowl, sending kernels everywhere, and says, the Nurses Ball is toast.

Maxie says she doesn’t know where George is getting his backstage buzz, but she guarantees tonight’s Nurses Ball will be the best yet. She thanks him for his time, tells him that he looks very nice, and jets.

Lucy makes a call, and says, Maxie, pick up the phone. She gets voicemail, and hangs up. She says, this is not what they’d said they’d do. Not what they’d planned. And she’d better answer the phone. Lucy calls again.

Nina says she was just asking Willow if she needed to call an ambulance, and Willow says she’s fine, really. Carly asks what Nina is doing here, and Nina says she was dropping off a care package of Deception products for Willow. She was putting it at the front door, and Willow asked her in. Willow says, to tell her that the bone marrow transplant’s a go, and Nina says she heard it from Aunt Liesl, but hearing it from Willow is wonderful. Carly says, Willow’s very generous, and Nina says, she is, and she doesn’t need Carly jumping to the wrong conclusions. Carly says she thinks she’s in a better position to know what Willow needs than Nina.

Esme says she heard Ava divorced Nikolas, and Ava says, he was her husband when Esme conceived their child. Esme says she doesn’t regret having Ace, but she’s sorry about what happened, and Ava says, what about everything else she did? Setting fire to Ava’s car, leaving behind a hospital ID belonging to her late daughter. Framing Trina Robinson. Those things didn’t just happen. Esme says, if those allegations are true from the old Esme, it’s some truly awful acts, and Ava says, referring to herself in the third person. How grandiose. Esme says she’s no longer that Esme Prince. Does Ava think it’s easy, constantly apologizing for some person she used to be? Ava knows nothing about that. Ava says, they’re all judged by their worst mistakes. It can be possible to overcome them. Esme asks if Ava has ever had to live with someone who constantly reminds her of all the wrong things she’s done. Spencer thinks he can’t forgive her past, and he thinks she’s a liar, and that Nikolas is some deadbeat runaway dad. Ava says, Spencer is basing his impressions on his experience. His father is not here for him, or for Esme’s baby. She’s truly sorry that Nikolas isn’t here to help Esme raise her child. Esme says she’s not. As far as she’s concerned, he can stay gone. She walks off with Ace.

Victor says, the last time he and Spencer met to discuss the Esme dilemma, Spencer was loathe to employ alternative tactics. What changed his mind? Spencer says, Esme mentioned getting a job. When she’s got a little bit of money saved up, she’s going to move out; maybe move on. He’s not sure about leaving the country, but he thinks she can legally leave the state, and he doesn’t love the idea of this brother being 2000 miles away from him. Victor says, Spencer may not have a choice, especially if Esme manages to acquire a veneer of respectability, and Spencer says, a judge may buy it, and look on Esme favorably when granting custody of her son. Ace is his brother. Victor says, and he’s willing to try this less than orthodox route? and Spencer nods. Victor says, Spencer shouldn’t hesitate for a second to prioritize the welfare of his baby brother. Should they talk about broad strokes? Spencer says, here? and Victor asks if he has a problem. Spencer says he’s used to meeting at the MetroCourt, but Victor says, that’s not possible, and Spencer says, why not? Why are they meeting here?

Sonny says, it’s too risky to make a move now, but Valentin says, it’s too risky to stay here. Victor’s already left the MetroCourt; he could be on his way here. Sonny says, give him time to make arrangements for a new place. When it’s safe, he’ll get them. They only want to relocate once. Valentin says he knows how to disappear, and Anna says, they have Lucy with them. Drew says, Eileen definitely didn’t know the location? and Anna says she doesn’t know. They were very careful about this, and took every precaution. She was blindfolded, they took different routes to get here, the phone was switched off. She doesn’t know what to say. Valentin says, it’s not impossible that she picked up some information she gave to Victor. Are they willing to risk their lives finding his father before his father finds them?

George tells Maxie, good luck, and she thanks him for all the Nurses Ball support. He leaves, and Felicia says, congratulations. She really kept her cool with that reporter. Maxie tells her, Lucy always says, never let them see you sweat, and Felicia wonders how he knew there was another Magic Wands drop out. Maxie says, before she did? She wishes she knew who was blabbing backstage. Who is she kidding? She knows it’s Amy Driscoll. That girl is so sweet, and has a killer voice, but she couldn’t be discreet to save her life. Felicia says, Maxie has bigger problems, like finding a Magic Wands replacement, when Maxie’s phone rings. She sees her phone says, crazy person, do not answer, and says, and maintaining her sanity.

Leaving a message, Lucy says she knows Maxie sent the call right to voicemail, and that’s not the deal they had… Never mind. She hangs up, and says, why does she even bother? She throws the phone down, and says, okay. Deep breath… and eat a gummi… Deep breath, and eat a gummi. She puts a gummi bear in her mouth, and says, mmm. You’re overreacting. So Bobbie and Maxie are going to be just fine. They know exactly what they’re doing and the Nurses Ball is fine. It’s in good hands. She turns and says, it’s not. You’re the only one who has the connections. You’re the one with the imagination. And they need you. She eats another gummi bear, and makes a call. She says she needs a car, and they can put it on the Deception Cosmetics account… They don’t need an address. Have the driver meet her at the corner of Marigold and Chestnut. She’ll be the striking woman in the fake fur coat… and tell them to hurry please. Ta! Wow. Deception’s car service isn’t too discriminating. No money, no name, no address, from an unknown number, and she’s getting a ride.

Carly says, Nina knows about the transplant and dropped off the care package. As she can see, Willow’s really weak. Willow says, it took her forever to settle Amelia for her nap, and Carly suggests she rest. Willow says she will, when Michael and Wiley come back from the store.  They’re getting snacks for when they watch the Nurses Ball pre-show. Carly says, why doesn’t she nap until then? She can show Nina out, and wait for Michael and Wiley. Nina asks if that isn’t for Willow to decide.

Anna says she has to make a couple of calls. Robert’s going to know by now that Eileen is dead, but Felicia may not be aware. Sonny says, tell them to stay away, and after he and Drew leave, no more visitors. Drew says, Sonny’s right. What’s most important now is not risking more exposure.

Victor says, spring has sprung in all its glory. Doesn’t Spencer appreciate the fresh air? Spencer says he should have brought his binoculars so they could birdwatch, and Victor says, Spencer must be relieved to be rid of the stultifying air of his grandmother’s apartment, and Spencer says, Victor Cassadine, nature enthusiast. Will wonders never cease? Victor says, Spencer can mock, but he really appreciates all the park has to offer. Besides, it’s really more secure than the MetroCourt, particularly now that it’s teeming with guests for the Nurses Ball. Spencer still thinks they should have met in Victor’s suite, but what are the next steps in getting his brother away from Esme? Victor says, they need to find evidence in all the dormant cases against Esme; evidence compelling enough to force the District Attorney to prosecute her. (Really? This is the guy with the big plan, and that’s all he can think up?) Spencer asks what Victor needs from him, but Victor says, just sit still. Leave it to him. If Spencer’s father had trusted him, they wouldn’t be in this mess, would they?

Ava asks if Esme is sure she’s not upset that Nikolas is out of the picture. At the very least he could have helped her out financially. Esme says, Nikolas didn’t want to help. Actually, he tried to get her to sign away the rights to her son. Nikolas came to Spring Ridge, all smiles and sweet words, and paperwork to legally strip her of her parental rights. She and Ace are better off without him. As far as she can see, so is Ava. Ava says, Esme doesn’t know anything about her marriage to Nikolas, and Esme says, she knows that Nikolas slept with her while married to Ava. Ava says, doesn’t she mean he slept with the old Esme? and Esme laughs, saying, touché. She knows she sounds insane, trying to distance herself from… herself, but she has changed. And she intends to do what she can to make up for the things she’s done. Ava says she’s glad to hear it. So how does Esme plan on making it up to her?

Willow asks how preparations for the Ball are going. Are Bobbie and Maxie losing their minds? Carly says, they insist that everything is under control, but she just got a text from Josslyn who said it was unorganized chaos, which is no one’s fault. Even if Lucy were still with them, she’d have a lot less time to prepare. The Ball is usually the last week in June or the second week of September. Nina says, she and Olivia had to do a lot of juggling to get the ballroom at such short notice, and Carly says she’s sure they did. Willow struggles to get up, and they both fuss over her, but she says she’s fine. She wants to do a little prep before showtime. Carly says, if she needs anything… Willow says, she’ll be sure to yell, and goes to the kitchen. Nina says, it breaks her heart seeing Willow try to appear normal, and Carly says she prays the bone marrow transplant goes well and is a success. Willow deserves all good things. Nina asks if it wouldn’t benefit Willow if they put aside their personal differences with each other, and presented a united front for Willow.

Maxie says, what about the one who works with Mac with the amazing arms? but Felicia says, he moved to Las Vegas two months ago to dance in an all-male review. Maxie says she should have been a career counselor, and Lucy slips in, wearing sunglasses and a faux fur coat. Felicia’s phone rings, and she says she has to take this, but don’t worry. They’ll think of someone. She leaves, and Maxie flips through a binder. Lucy comes up behind her, and says, no. Maxie yelps, and says, Lucy? Lucy says, shush, and Maxie asks what she’s doing here. Lucy says, what she was born to do, and Maxie puts her hand to her forehead.

Felicia says, dead? and Anna says, yeah. So as she can imagine, they’re reevaluating their safety measures. Felicia says, but Eileen couldn’t have told Victor their location because she didn’t know it. They were extremely careful. She had a blindfold and a bag over her head every single time they took her to the safehouse. They even confiscated her devices. Anna says she knows, but they have to err on the side of caution. They have to assume that Eileen told Victor that they’re all working together. To that end, no one can come to the safehouse in the next few days. Felicia says, they could be followed.

Victor tells Spencer, building a case against Esme will solve their problem, particularly if she’s basically friendless and without resources. He’s concerned Spencer doesn’t look convinced, and Spencer says, if Esme goes to prison, she’ll take his brother with her, but Victor says, only for the first eighteen months. Or would he rather wait until the boy’s too old to go with her to prison? But then he runs the risk of her suddenly deciding to take him with her and run to another state, or changing her name and both of them disappearing. It’s still his first choice to take Esme out of consideration altogether. Spencer says, no. His friends need to see justice done in the form of a trial and a guilty verdict. Victor says, fine. They’ll just have to find good enough evidence before Esme decides to leave town. Spencer says, let’s do that, and Victor says, but if they can’t find evidence compelling enough for the DA to rearrest Esme, he’s going to go with his first instinct. Whatever happens to Esme, baby Cassadine will remain in the family fold.

Esme asks how she can make it up to Ava, and Ava says, the change in her has to be genuine. Esme says, it is, and Ava says, and permanent. Esme tells Ava that she can’t say her memories will never come back, and Ava says, that’s why she can’t be trusted. She believes Esme really lost her memory, and she’s sorry for the ordeal Esme’s monstrous parents put her through. Esme even cares about her little baby. Esme says, but Ava still doesn’t trust her, and Ava says she’ll never forget what Esme did. She believes the old Esme, the one who delighted in inflicting pain on others, is still inside her, and Ava believes one day, she will come back. She doesn’t wish Esme ill, but the moment Esme remembers who she really is, she will recognize it, and she’ll finish what Esme started. Austin walks up, and asks if he’s interrupting something, but Ava says, no. She and Esme have said all they need to say. Esme asks if the bag he’s carrying is for her, and he says, it sure is. There are samples of the formula they talked about, and the probiotics. Call him if it’s not working, or if she has any questions. She thanks him for treating her son after everything that happened, and he says, his pleasure. Esme tells Ava that she knows Ava and Spencer don’t believe her, but she has changed… for good. All she wants is what’s best for her baby. She leaves, and Austin asks what Ava thinks. Does she believe people can change? She says she does… for the worse. Look at them. He asks what she means, and she says, they’re covering up a crime. He says, oh, that. He has a confession. He doesn’t always recycle. She says, normally, she would think that was funny, but nothing is normal. They’re constantly lying and looking over their shoulders, and there’s no end in sight. She just lied through her teeth to the wife of the Chief of Detectives.

Maxie pushes Lucy down the red carpet, and asks how she got here. Lucy says, the same way she got here the other night. She climbed out a window, walked a half a mile, and took a car. Maxie says, only cats have nine lives. Every time she escapes the safehouse, she increases her chances of getting caught. She heard what Anna said. If Victor Cassadine finds out, he’s not going to pretend to shoot her; he’s going to really shoot her. Lucy says, okay, but if Maxie would have just answered her texts, answered her phone calls, taken an email from her, she wouldn’t have had to risk her life. Maxie asks why she’s here, and Lucy says, she was watching the TV and saw Maxie talking to that reporter, and she came up with the perfect solution to Maxie’s Magic Wand conundrum. An older man with a cane hobbles up, and Maxie asks how she can help him, as Lucy quickly turns away. He says he has lunch plans with his niece, but the garden patio’s deserted, and Maxie says, the garden patio is closed today for a special event, but the MetroCourt restaurant upstairs is open. She sees Felicia, and calls to her. She asks if Felicia will help this nice gentleman up to the MetroCourt restaurant, and Felicia says, sure. If he’s never been up there, he’s in for quite a treat. She leads the man away, and Lucy says, that was so close. What if Felicia had seen her and known it was her? Maxie says, she would have notified Anna that Lucy had gone rogue – again. But that’s the least of their worries. All the people coming to the Nurses Ball know who she is. She has to leave now. She grabs Lucy’s arm, but Lucy won’t budge, and says she’s not leaving now. Not until Maxie hears her out. She does have the perfect suggestion for a Magic Wand. This is a man who’s used to coming to the rescue.

Carly says she has no intention of letting her feelings about Nina impact Willow, and Nina says, again? Carly asks if she didn’t just suggest to play nice, and Nina promises to do better if Carly will. Carly doesn’t say anything, and Nina pretends to be busy with stuff. She says, it must be disappointing for Donna not being able to stay at her daddy’s, but Carly says, she just explained to Donna that her father’s busy and she won’t be visiting Sonny for a while. Nina says, it must be hard for a child to understand, and Carly says, that’s life with Sonny; constant conflict and danger. Nina is a long way from Nixon Falls, isn’t she?

Valentin says, as long as they’re in possession of the necklace, Victor is dead in the water. He has the decryption key, but nothing to use it on. Drew says, which is only going to make him more desperate. If he wasn’t following Robert, Laura, and Felicia before, he will be now. Anna says, they need to find Victor before he finds them, and Drew says, the man is not an island. Somebody’s got to know where he is. Who is he close to in Port Charles? Anna says, his great nephew; Sonny’s nephew. Sonny says he’ll speak to Spencer and see if he’s heard from Victor, and Valentin says, assuming Spencer will cooperate. Victor Cassadine is a master manipulator. Spencer’s young. He’s not match for Valentin’s father. Sonny says, Spencer’s made a lot of mistakes, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’ll do the right thing. Did Sonny just come to Port Charles?

Spencer looks at his phone, and tells Victor that Esme’s probably wondering where he is. He’s supposed to pick up her and Ace at the hospital. Victor says he’ll put their plan in motion. When he has an update, he’ll give Spencer a time and location to meet. Watkins (mystery man gets a name!) will supply Spencer with a number to reach him; he’s going to dispose of his old phone. Spencer says, Victor’s avoiding the MetroCourt, setting new meeting locations, and now he’s changing phones. He’s ramping up security, isn’t he? Victor says, you can’t be too careful, and Spencer thanks him. He owes Victor one, and won’t forget it. Spencer leaves, and Victor says he’s counting on that. Watkins says, Victor didn’t tell Spencer that he’d be leaving Port Charles, and Victor says his intentions are always on a need to know. It’s more imperative than ever. Watkins says, his nephew’s custody fight? and Victor says, will soon be irrelevant. His great nephew is giving himself all kinds of anguish about something that will never see the light of day. If he knew the truth of Victor’s real plan, he’d never go along with it. If he has to keep lying to the lad, so be it. He needs Spencer on board.

Maxie tells Lucy, wait just a second. Lucy wants her to ask Mac to perform with the Magic Wands? Lucy says she can’t very well do it, and Maxie says, because she’s dead. Lucy says, think about it. Mac is such a well-known, well-respected member of this community. And to be perfectly honest, he’s a fox too. She’s often what’s underneath those button-down… Maxie says, stop. Mac’s her stepdad. Lucy says, he’s a daddy all right (missing the opportunity to use mack daddy), and Maxie says, that’s so inappropriate. Why couldn’t Lucy just text her requests instead of risking her life and coming in person? Lucy says, she tried. Instead of yelling at her, Maxie could thank her for saving the Nurses Ball. Maxie asks why she can’t stay away. Is it her need to control, or does it go deeper? And don’t hide behind some inappropriate remark or dumb excuse. Lucy says, okay. She does realize how everybody sees her, including her current roommates. That she’s vapid and silly, and selfish – she takes off her sunglasses – but the Nurses Ball, when she’s putting on that show, it’s the one time of year everybody takes her seriously. Despite all her business success, she’s running that show. She feels like she has a purpose. Like she’s fulfilled, like she’s needed, like she’s useful. It’s magic, and it’s so incredible that every single person in Port Charles is somehow putting on the show, or performing in the show, or donating to their cause. It’s like that one moment we all come together. She tears up, and says, Maxie knows there’s nothing else like it. Maxie says, the Nurses Ball is very special, and it’s mostly due to Lucy, and Lucy thanks her. So… Mac? Maxie says, what part about Mac is her stepdad does Lucy not understand, and Lucy says, what part doesn’t Maxie understand about, the show must go on? Maxie says she knows who would be a perfect fit, and Lucy says, who? Maxie asks if Lucy’s car is waiting for her, and Lucy says, of course (🍷). Who? Maxie says she’ll walk Lucy to her car, and Lucy follows her out, saying, who?

Sonny says, when he finds another safehouse, he’ll have his people come and get them, and Anna thanks him. Drew walks out with him, and Sonny says, Luke Spencer was his great friend. He loved Luke, and respected him. Victor is going to pay for Luke’s death, and Sonny has to stop him before he does any more damage to Spencer. He’s going to make sure of that. He gives Anna a quick smile, and he and Drew leave.

Nina says she knows who Sonny is and what he does, and Carly says, intellectually, sure. But when Nina was so eager to have Sonny all to herself, did she stop and think about what she’d have to give up? Nina says she’s not discussing her relationship with Carly, but Carly says, Nina doesn’t have to; she can see it in her eyes. And eventually Sonny will too. Nina bit off more than she can chew, and she’s not the first. Nina says she’s going to say goodbye to Willow. She has to get back to the hotel and oversee preparations for tonight. Carly says she’s only going to say this because Sonny’s the father of her kids, and if Nina is going to be with him, there’s something she needs to know. Sonny needs to be with someone who knows the good, bad, and ugly about him and his business. Who will stand beside him no matter how dirty things get. Does he share his entire life with Nina, or does he shelter her? Nina says she and Sonny have an understanding that works for them. It’s not the same relationship Carly had with him, and that’s what appeals to Sonny. Carly says, Nina didn’t want Mike to know his real identity when he was in Nixon Falls, and now that Sonny’s back, she wants to turn a blind eye to his business. Ignorance isn’t always bliss, and in this case, it looks like it’s the beginning of the end. Wow. Carly reads a lot into not much.

Willow comes back, and says, preparation finished. Is everything good? Nina says she was telling Carly that she has to get back to the hotel and get ready for the Ball. Is Willow going to be okay? How is she feeling about tomorrow? Willow says, nervous. The Nurses Ball will be a nice distraction. Still, she can’t stop thinking about everything that could go wrong. What if the transplant doesn’t take? What if Liesl’s bone marrow isn’t compatible with her after all? Carly says she’d be feeling the same way if she were Willow, but that doesn’t mean any of that’s likely. Nina says, Willow’s come too far to be disappointed. And if success can be guaranteed by sheer will, she and Carly have Willow covered. Tomorrow’s a fresh start, and she won’t be alone.

Anna says, it’s all going wrong, and Valentin says, every operation has it’s fair share of unknowables. He takes her hand and they sit on the sofa. She says she enlisted another civilian as an asset, and it’s too dangerous. She doesn’t know what the hell is wrong with her. He says, she tried to steer Lucy clear of this, and she wouldn’t go. Eileen Ashby was on borrowed time the moment she started working for Victor Cassadine. In fact, he thinks they gave her the best chance at survival. She couldn’t follow instructions. It isn’t Anna’s fault. Anna says, it is her fault, but he says, don’t do that. There’s only one person who’s going to pay for all of this, and he’s Valentin’s father. And he will. Somehow.

Spencer goes back to the hospital, and Esme says, there he is. He’s been gone forever. He says, not quite that long, and tells Ace that his mother’s a very impatient woman. She says, the doctor was very helpful, but they’ve been waiting a while; he said he’d be back. Spencer says, here he is. He had to take care of something. She asks, what’s more important than his brother? and he says, nothing, magically getting the elevator as soon as he presses the button.

As they walk through the halls, Ava tells Austin that Felicia was asking what he was doing on Spoon Island the night Ryan, Heather, and Esme showed up. They need an explanation as to why he was there. A good one; one they can sell. He says, any idea of what that explanation might be? and she asks if he owns a tux.

Lucy pulls of her coat, and says, unforgivable, Maxie. You shoved me in that car before even telling me who the replacement for the Magic Wand was. She bets Maxie doesn’t even know who the replacement is. She slumps down in her chair.

Maxie asks why she ever agreed to plan the Nurses Ball, and Felicia says, because she’s the best event planner in New York state, and nobody handles a crisis better than her. They will find a suitable replacement for the Magic Wand act. Maxie says she thought of a replacement… and it’s better than the alternative. Felicia says, alternative? and Maxie says, it’s a story for another day. Hopefully, it never comes to that. They leave, and the guy with the cane comes back. He straightens up, leans the cane against the wall, and makes a phone call.

Victor says, you have something for me? and cane spy says he tailed Felicia Scorpio to the MetroCourt. Victor will never guess who showed up in the lobby. Victor says, do tell, and cane spy says, Lucy Coe. She left here twenty minutes ago in a luxury sedan; hired car judging from the stickers. Victor thanks him, and says he’ll take it from here. He tells Watkins, once again, Lucy Coe proves herself invaluable. He’s got them. Anna and Valentin can hide no more.

On Monday, Willow says, tonight, she’s exactly where she wants to be; Sonny says, he and Nina are a long ways from dancing in Nixon Falls; and Lucy says, without her? She doesn’t think so.

🎤 Welcome To the Nurses Ball…

A little pre-show preparation.

💵 And We Work Twice As Hard…

Obviously though, everything worked out.

🤦🏽‍♂️ Once a Dipstick…

Not sure what this guy’s problem is, but every once in a while he comes out from his cave and causes a ruckus.

https://ew.com/tv/eric-winter-roselyn-sanchez-defend-eva-longoria-eric-braeden-drama/

📆 Yes, I Know the Date…

I’m including this because it includes a great picture of alien Casey and a very small Robin.

💎 Hasn’t Left the Building…

That’s what I keep saying.

💬 Love Bubble Language…

These are pretty funny.

🍕 Nonna Is Rolling…

A blow-by-blow about the pizza oven incident.

https://people.com/tv/rhonj-joe-gorga-claims-teresa-fiance-louie-screwed-me-250k-business-deal/

🍸 In Today’s VanderNews…

More on the Scandoval front and the Reunion.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1369980/lala-kent-shares-details-on-explosive-vanderpump-rules-reunion-taping

https://www.etonline.com/scheana-shay-says-ariana-madix-assassinated-raquel-leviss-at-vanderpump-rules-reunion-201958

What drove them to make these decisions is, they’re awful people.

https://people.com/tv/tom-sandoval-raquel-leviss-at-center-very-loud-very-enraged-vanderpump-rules-reunion/

I don’t blame her.

And the good news.

https://people.com/pets/ariana-madix-plans-on-keeping-dog-she-shared-with-tom-sandoval-sources/

🏖  Why Oh Why…

Here’s hoping Awful People Syndrome isn’t catching, and these people act like grown-ups.

https://www.essence.com/gallery/summer-house-marthas-vineyard-cast-exclusive/

⚰️ They’re Coming…

Mark your calendars: June 18th, after the mid-season finale (please) of Fear the Walking Dead.

And after that…

💍 Random I Know…

But I was wondering.

🐶 It Beats the Gym…

Technically, she did not break the rules.

https://people.com/pets/woman-carries-white-samoyed-dog-backpack-new-york-subway/

🐣 Quotes of the Week

I’d rather see my face aging than a face I don’t recognize at all. – Cameron Diaz

Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it. – Wilferd Peterson

Persons of high self-esteem are not driven to make themselves superior to others; they do not seek to prove their value by measuring themselves against a comparative standard. Their joy is being who they are, not in being better than someone else.Nathaniel Branden

Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult. – Charlotte Whitton, Canadian Politician

A person is not given integrity. It results from the relentless pursuit of honesty at all times.Unknown

I want to ride a camel with you every day. – Debbie, 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way

🛴  Cash Me Inside…

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by on Monday really Tuesday for soap and trash talking the awful people on Summer House. Until then, stay safe, stay away from making excuses, and stay knowing that it’s possible to overcome your worst mistakes, even if people have judged you by them.