Tag Archives: Below Deck Mediterranean

August 19, 2024 – John Arrests Kristina For Attempted Murder, Starboard Cabin Leak On Deck, Charged, Our Talk Daddy & Island

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Cody tells Sasha that he knows it’s a big step for her and doesn’t want to mess it up. She tells him to stop talking, and they get busy.

Brad (yay!) thanks Terry for seeing him, and she asks if his concern is a medical issue. He says, no, and she asks what she can do for him. He says he was checking the GH job website and noticed an opening for a lab tech. He realizes it’s an entry level position, but he’d like to apply. She asks, what’s stopping him? and he says his history with GH. She asks if he’s referring to his extremely checkered past as an employee of this hospital. Does he think it’s worth his time applying? He says he knows it’s a long shot… unless the Co-Chief of Staff goes to bat for him.

Jason looks for Anna at the station.

Laura tells Anna that it was the long-term care facility on the phone. The doctor wants to see her, so she needs to go. Anna asks if there’s anything she can do, and Laura says, yes. Step up the search for Valentin. Charlotte may need to see her mother. She hopes to God it’s not the last time.

John tells Kristina that she’s under arrest, and Alexis asks, for what? He says that’s between him, the perp, and the FBI, and Sonny says, John wants to come after him, but can’t do it like a man, so he’s going to harass his daughter. John says, even if that were true – and he’s not saying it is – there’s nothing Sonny can do about it.

Tracy brings Violet to the stables. They’re both dressed in riding outfits, and Violet says she loves her new costume. Tracy says, she looks wonderful, and Violet asks if she looks elegant. Tracy says, exceptionally, but the outfits are about more than looking good. There’s also safety and comfort. She tells Violet to pay close attention to Cody when he saddles her horse. Everybody should be able to saddle their own horse. She wonders where Cody is, and Violet says, maybe he’s hiding. Tracy suggests they find him.  

Laura asks Jordan to cover for her at the breakfast meeting on waterfront planning. Lulu has had a setback with her health, and she may need to rely on Jordan more than usual. Jordan says, that’s what she’s here for. She hopes everything is all right. Laura says her too.

The desk sergeant tells Jason that Anna’s not in her office and asks if he can take a message, but Jason says he’ll wait. He sits with Dante, and they discuss Danny’s upcoming baseball game. Dante’s phone rings, and he says he’ll be right there.

John asks if Sonny is feeling powerless, but Sonny says, against John? Not a chance. John says he’s got the FBI behind him. What’s Sonny got? Sonny says he’d be happy to show it to John, and John says, bring it. Alexis tells Sonny, stop it, and Sonny says he’s going to make a phone call. He leaves, and John tells the officer to cuff Kristina, but Alexis says, not until he tells her what the charges are. John says, Kristina is an adult. He doesn’t have to answer to her parent. Alexis says she’s not here as Kristina’s mother, but as her lawyer, and John (who is eternally out of every loop) says, she lost her license. She says, he needs to catch up. She got her license back. Molly says, it’s a judicial review process, not unlike the one he’ll be facing at the DOJ. John tells Kristina that she’s being arrested for the assault and attempted murder of Ava Jerome.

Anna comes into the station and Jason says he was waiting for her. She tells him to follow her.

Dante goes to see Laura, who says she’s sorry she didn’t call herself. Dante says he hopes she’s not too busy for dinner tonight. Rocco has reached level 20 in Fortune Quest and wants to tell her all about it. She says she has to go to Silver Water. Something’s not right with Lulu.

On the phone, Sonny says he doesn’t care if she’s in court or what client she has, he needs to speak to her. (I assume it’s Diane.)

Molly says, that’s ridiculous, and John says, the victim would disagree. Kristina says, Ava Jerome is nobody’s victim, and John says, only because Kristina didn’t succeed. Alexis tells Kristina not to say another word and asks John when this alleged assault took place. John says, the attacked happened on August 1st at 10:30 am, and Alexis says, the altercation when Kristina fell three stories and Ava walked away without a hair out of place? but John says he’s not litigating this at the hospital. Molly says, he doesn’t have a law license, and won’t be litigating anything, and he says he’s here to take the perp to the PCPD. Kristina says, Ava attacked her, nearly killed her, and did kill her baby, and Molly says, his claim is shaky at best and John can’t arrest Kristina. This is out of his jurisdiction. He says he’s a federal agent. The whole country is his jurisdiction. She says, this is local matter to be handled by the PCPD and the Port Charles DA’s office, and he says, where she works, but she says she won’t be on the case. He says, Kristina made a criminal threat against a material witness in an ongoing FBI investigation. Which means it’s absolutely within his jurisdiction.  

Tracy tells Violet, Cody’s not out back or in the stable. She knows she told him they were going riding. Where could he be? Violet says, Cody lives upstairs. Maybe he’s up there. Tracy says, there’s only one way to find out, walks up the stairs, and calls to Cody. Cody and Sasha stop what they’re doing, and Cody says, maybe if they’re quiet, she’ll go away. Sasha says, it’s Tracy, and he says, touché. She hopes he locked the door, and he calls that he’ll be be right down. Just give him a minute. He tells Sasha that he’s sorry.

John says, Kristina got a subpoena from Ava’s lawyer to testify against her father and went to Ava’s hotel suite to confront her. She threatened to kill Ava if she was forced to testify. Kristina says, that’s not what happened, and John says, when Ava wasn’t intimidated, Kristina flew into a rage and attacked Ava. During the struggle was when Kristina crashed through the window. Kristina says, that’s not true, and John tells her, that’s what Ava says, and thanks to the photos she provided, the evidence shows Kristina assaulting Ava. Alexis says, the photos show Ava had hands on Kristina, and John says, she was defending herself. Alexis says, Ava was sending Kristina off balance and crashing out the window, but John says, that’s for the court to decide. He tells Kristina, get up, but Alexis says, don’t move. This is abuse and harassment. It’s a threat to Kristina’s physical health and to John’s employment. He says, she’s being discharged, and Alexis says, to go home to a clean bed. He’s not about to drag off Kristina to a dirty cell. Sonny says, she’s in a wheelchair, and Alexis says, if he insists on this, she’ll call the ACLU, the DOJ, the FBI, and the local press. John says, fine. Bring the wheelchair. Alexis tells Kristina not to do or say anything. She’ll be right behind them. She tells Molly that she can’t come, or it will risk favoritism. Sonny promises to fix this, and the officer gives Kristina her rights. Alexis says, she’ll keep them posted, and follows Kristina, John, and the officer out of the hospital.

Dante asks if Laura wants him to come, but she says, Doc is going to meet her there. He wonders if he should tell Rocco, but she says, not yet. She wants to talk to the doctor first. She’s hoping it’s a false alarm. She’s hoping Lulu will be better and this will just be a surprise visit. She’ll call as soon as she knows anything. Dante thanks her for keeping him in the loop, and she says, of course (🍷). He’s family and always will be… What’s wrong? He says he knows he and Lulu weren’t together when it happened, but he’ll always love her. Laura says she knows and takes his hand.

Molly meets Jordan at an outside table, and Jordan says she appreciates Molly coming here. Molly asks if Jordan is here as her mother-in-law or the Deputy Mayor, and Jordan says, a little of both. Kristina tells her that Agent Cates arrested Kristina, and she doesn’t mean to rush Jordan… Jordan says, they need to take some time. She wants to make sure Molly really hears her. Molly says, about what? and Jordan asks, what on earth possessed her to go see Ava in jail?  

Terry says, Brad altered Finn’s drug screening, and faked lab results that said Britt was pregnant with Patrick Drake’s child. Brad says, she was pregnant, and Terry says, after he helped her steal Lulu’s embryo. She brings out his folder, and he says, for the record, he did nothing to implant the embryo, but she says, he gets no points for that. He also helped Nelle pass off her child as his and Lucas’s. He says his child died and Lucas hadn’t even met him yet. All he was doing was watching their new baby and the baby just died. She says she can’t imagine what he was going through, but it’s no excuse for what he did. He says he made a monumentally bad call that cost him everything. He knows he hurt people, but he also believes he’s been punished enough. Terry asks if he expects her to trust him, and he says, Britt did. Before she died… before she was murdered by Heather Webber, she lobbied for him to get a job as a patient advocate. Terry says, she was a good friend, and he says, the best ever. Terry says, she was also a professional and committed to the good of the hospital. He says, she was, and she wouldn’t have lobbied for him if she didn’t trust him. She believed in second chances and got more than a few. She offered one to him, and she wasn’t able to follow through, but Terry can. Please give him one more chance. For Britt.

Cody comes downstairs and says he’s sorry. Tracy asks if he was sleeping on the job, but he says, definitely not sleeping. She asks if he forgot, and he says he did. She says, that’s never happened to her before. She’s been ignored, but never forgotten. She tells Violet, there’s a first time for everything, and Cody says he forgot in all the excitement. Tracy asks if he means James being missing, and Violet says, James is missing? Cody says, they found James, and Tracy says she thought he was the one who found James.  

At the station, Alexis asks where Kristina is, and John says, she’s being booked. Sonny says, John has gone too far, and John asks if that’s a threat. Alexis says, it’s a fact. This is a massive overreach of jurisdiction and an abuse of power. He says, tell it to the judge, and she says she’s going to tell his superior at the FBI about the supposed investigation. (Someone, please do that.) John asks if they think he’s making it up. The FBI has been investigating Sonny for decades. Alexis says she thinks the FBI is a lot less interested in Sonny than he is, and Sonny says, John is off the rails. He can’t wait to see John crash and burn. (Agreed.)

Anna asks, what’s on Jason’s mind? and Jason says, they talked about Sonny being a little off. His bipolar meds were tampered with. She says, Carly told her that, but he seems back on track. Jason says, he is, and she asks if they know who it was who tampered with the meds. He says, Valentin, and Valentin got away when he gave Anna time to warn him.

Cody asks if they want to get on the horses, but Violet says she forgot her hat. She runs into the other room and sees Sasha coming downstairs. Violet asks if she was taking a nap with Cody.

Brad tells Terry that no one ever accused him of being incompetent. Nothing he did wrong was self-serving. He was either blackmailed or coerced. Terry says, he’s no one’s innocent victim, and he says, one thing he never was, was innocent. He always brought on his own trouble, but that doesn’t change that he’s an expert lab technician and would be an asset to the hospital. She asks why he doesn’t apply to another lab. Why is it so important he work at GH? He says, for the same reason it was to Britt. It’s home.

Jordan says, they got a call from Scotty saying the DA’s office was harassing his client, but Molly says she wasn’t alone and brought an impartial witness with her. She never said she was a representative of the DA. Most importantly, Ava killed her daughter. Jordan says, it has yet to be proved. If Molly was there as a private citizen, why did she ask Dex to be her witness? She would have never even gotten in there if she didn’t work for the DA. Not only did she abuse her position, she compromised the case. Molly says she’s sorry. She wasn’t thinking. Jordan says she’s glad Molly understands. Molly asks why she isn’t hearing this from Robert, and Jordan says, he understands she was acting out of grief, and as a professional courtesy, he’s letting her handle it rather than give Molly an official reprimand. What she doesn’t understand is why Molly did this on the day TJ and her family needed her. She thought Molly needed them too. Molly says she does, and Jordan asks, why did she leave them to confront Ava? Molly says she was angry. She wanted justice for her daughter, bur doesn’t even know if prosecuting Ava will accomplish that. Jordan says, nothing will bring that beautiful baby back, and Molly says, don’t they deserve to know what happened? She’s starting think Kristina falling wasn’t Ava’s fault.  

Kristina comes out and asks where Molly is, and Alexis says she suggested Molly stay behind so it doesn’t look like there’s bias. Kristina says, Cates is biased. She almost died and her baby did die. Alexis asks if she’s in pain, and Kristina says, no, but she’s uncomfortable and wants to go home. Sonny says, he’ll have Frank pick up her medication, and Kristina says, this is a nightmare.  

John says, Kristina’s cell is ready, but Alexis says she’s going to find a way to make Kristina more comfortable. She goes to the desk, and Sonny tells Kristina that he doesn’t want her to worry. She’ll be home before she knows it.

Anna says, Jason thinks Valentin tampered with Sonny’s meds, and Jason says, yeah. Anna says, Carly thinks it’s Ava. She has no proof. She’s just going off of Ava’s history. She did the same thing to Morgan. Jason says, that’s what they thought, and Anna says she’s trying to make sense of it. Jason says he found the pharmacist that switched Sonny’s medication, and he said it was on Valentin’s orders. He filled Jason in on everything. Anna says she had no idea Valentin tampered with Sonny’s meds, and Jason says he knows. It’s not her style. She says, she appreciates that, for what it’s worth (🍷), and he says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he needs to know where Valentin is,  but she says she doesn’t know. He asks if she’s still protecting Valentin, and she says she knows she screwed up, but she swears she had no idea that Valentin tampered with Sonny’s meds. Jason asks if she’d tell him if she did, and she says she would. He says, that he believes, and she asks if Sonny knows. He says, not yet, and she says, Jason can’t tell him. he tells her to stop protecting Valentin, but she says, it’s not about him. She needs to find Charlotte.  

Violet wonders why people take naps when they don’t have to, and Cody says, we get old. We get tired. We take naps. Violet says, they’re not old. Tracy is old. Tracy coughs and says, it’s not polite to discuss age. Violet asks, why? and she says, those are the rules. Sasha says she’d better get back to the house, and Tracy suggests she take Violet to get some apples and carrots for the horses. Violet asks if she’s not supposed to watch Cody saddle them, but Tracy says, they’ll wait. Sasha says, if Violet feeds Buttercup apples and carrots, Buttercup will love her even more, and Violet says, sounds like a plan. They leave, and Cody says he’s sorry he made them wait. It won’t happen again. Tracy says, in the middle of the day? and Cody says he’s entitled to a break. Tracy says, there are children on the grounds, and Cody says, they were in his bedroom. She asks if Leo has never barged in unannounced, and he says he thinks that kid can travel through walls. She asks what he was thinking, and he says, it was a big afternoon. She says, because he returned James, but he says, not that part. It was huge, but it’s what happened after. Mac told James that he’s Mac’s son. He thinks Mac might have forgiven him.

Terry says, Brad can’t ask her to turn a blind eye on his misdeeds, and he asks if she turned a blind eye on Britt. She says, they didn’t like anything about each other, and Brad says, but by the time Britt invited Terry to her first and only birthday bash, they were more than co-workers. They were friends, right? Terry says, it was a great party. He and Britt sang the hell out of that duet. She remembers how excited she was for Britt to embark on a new life. He says, none of them knew that life was ending that same night. Britt died because she saved Josslyn. Terry asks if he thinks that will persuade Michael not to object, and he asks if she’s saying she’s going to try and help him work here. She says she can’t believe she’s going to say this, but she’ll do it.  

Dante says he heard from three different people that Cates arrested his sister, and Sonny says, he sure did. Dante tells John that his sister was just in the hospital, and John asks if that means she doesn’t need to face the consequences of her actions. Dante says, what actions? but John walks away. Sonny says, bogus charges. John is using Kristina to get to him. Bogus charges or not, it’s better than lockup. Kristina says, they know it’s not true, and Alexis says, it’s not even plausible. Kristina says, when she let Ava know that she’d tell everything about Connie and Morgan, that’s when Ava grabbed her. She didn’t attack Ava. Alexis says, she knows, and if she has to, she’ll prove it.

Molly says she doesn’t think Kristina would intentionally hurt Ava, and Ava has nothing to do with being a witness for the FBI. Jordan says, it’s painfully obvious, and dealing with Ava would set anyone off. Molly says she was there when Kristina received the subpoena, and Jordan asks, what was her initial reaction? Molly says, Kristina was adamant that she wouldn’t testify and went to ask Ava to withdraw the subpoena. Jordan says, maybe her actions were rash, but that hardly seems unhinged, and Molly says, Kristina has a temper, and she’s hated Ava ever since Morgan died. She can’t help but wonder what Kristina did when Ava refused.

Jason says, nothing is going to happen to Charlotte, and Anna says, while Jason was waiting for her, she was in with Laura. Lulu isn’t doing well, and Laura wants Charlotte back here to spend whatever time Lulu has left with her, but she has no idea where Charlotte is and needs to find Valentin. Jason says, he’s not keeping this from Sonny, but she says, if Sonny finds out, he’ll retaliate. He says, Sonny will have to find Valentin first, and she says she’s just asking him to hold off. It’s about Charlotte. She owes it to Charlotte. Charlotte almost died because of her. She should not be forced to watch her father die. Jason says he’s not telling her that’s not going to happen, but if it does, Charlotte won’t be anywhere near it. She says she’s asking for time to track them down and Jason sighs. He says, if this is about Charlotte, when Anna finds them, is she going to warn Valentin about Sonny? Anna says she won’t let a private citizen take the law into their own hands.

Cody says he’s got a dad and a family. James is super psyched about his new uncle, which is him. Tracy says, it’s wonderful and she’s happy for him, and he says, that means a lot. She tells him, now saddle the horses.  

Terry says, Britt will haunt her if she doesn’t, and Brad thanks her. It’s amazing. She won’t regret it. He’ll be totally opposite of the person he was. She says, he doesn’t have the job yet, but he says, with her recommendation, he’ll be in. She says, in the highly unlikely event that it happens, he’ll be on probation, and he says he’s already done parole. Probation is nothing. She says, a lot of people will want him to fail, and he says he looks forward to winning over the haters. He thanks her, she says, get out, and he leaves.

Laura asks someone, what the hell are you doing here? (Valentin?)

In the interrogation room, Dante says he got Kristina some soup, but she says she’s not hungry. Alexis says she’s got to try and eat, and Kristina says, fine. She takes a couple of spoonfuls and says, it’s kind of good. Dante says, would her big brother steer her wrong? Sonny looks though the window and John comes up behind him. John says, it must be weird to be on this side, and Sonny asks if he feels guilty. John asks, why? and Sonny says, because he made a bogus charge and used Kristina to get to him. John says, he had to watch Sonny use Karen. Now he’ll watch justice take its course. Sonny says, this isn’t not justice, when Jason arrives. John says, if it’s not the enforcer right on cue, and Sonny tells Jason, let’s walk. This guy gets on his nerves. They leave.

On the phone, Anna tells someone that she needs help locating one of their clients.

Alexis says, John is still here. Fantastic. He says, someone’s got to stand guard, and she says, knock himself out . She’ll be petitioning for a emergency hearing, but he says, it won’t get the charges dismissed. She says, we’ll see. In the meantime, she’ll see about bail. John says, he’s sure with a father who owns a private island, Kristina won’t be a flight risk, but she says she won’t let him railroad her daughter.

Dante says, Kristina won’t spend the night in a cell, and she asks if he thinks she’ll get out. He says, if she can’t, she’s still not going downstairs, and she asks if she’ll get house arrest at the MetroCourt. He says, she’ll spend the night here, and she asks if it’s better than downstairs. He says, of course (🍷), and she says, at least the cell has a bed, but he says, they have Wi-Fi. They’ll binge one of those crappy reality shows she loves. She can pick the one he hates the most. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, just scared. They don’t have evidence of what actually happened. The photos show that Ava grabbed her, but the look on her face is angry. At the end of the day, it’s Ava’s word against hers. Dante says, that’s a great thing. Who would believe Ava over her?

Jordan says she’s surprised Molly has doubts about her sister, and Molly says, Kristina loved the baby and would never intentionally hurt her, but Kristina doesn’t think sometimes. She’s sure TJ has shared his concerns. Jordan says, he has, and Molly says, Kristina has had her outbursts during the pregnancy. She saw the photos of the confrontation. Jordan asks if Ava’s hands weren’t on Kristina, and Molly says, it doesn’t prove Ava was the aggressor. They were both so mad. Jordan asks what she’s saying, and Molly says, the idea of Kristina threatening Ava isn’t that farfetched. Jordan asks if she thinks Kristina attacked Ava, and Molly says, they wouldn’t be here. None of this would have happened if Kristina had listened her and stayed away from Ava.

In Sonny’s car, Sonny tells Jason that Jagger arrested Kristina to get to him, and Jason agrees. Sonny says, Ava was right about one thing. She didn’t tamper with his medication. Jagger did. Jagger expected him to lose his mind and attack him. Jason says, it wasn’t Cates, and Sonny says, he had the motive and the dates match. Jason says, it wasn’t him. It was Valentin.

Tomorrow, Molly tells TJ that if Kristina hadn’t done that one thing, their child would still be alive; Sam asks Dante if the mayor is in on this too; Sonny says, this is going to drive someone crazy; and Laura asks if they’re telling her that her daughter is going to die.

Below Deck Mediterranean

D*ckwad Joe tells Ellie that he doesn’t want to go on the date. He’s never been asked on a date before and thinks it’s serious, and he doesn’t want serious. Ellie says, it’s just about having fun, talking, and getting to know each other, but Joe says, for him, dating is up there and he’s not ready. He feels pressure and doesn’t want a date. Ellie says, okay. Not a problem. He says, she doesn’t hate him? and she says, no. Thanks. Bye. In her interview, she says, he liked her well enough to make out with her, but not enough to get to know her as a person and talk to her. She understands why some spiders eat their mates after mating.

Joe tells Nathan that maybe he took it too serious, but he doesn’t want to force himself. Gael asks if Ellie is all right, and Ellie says she’s numb to everything at this point. She imitates Joe and says, it’s not that serious. She’s moving on. In Gael’s interview, she says, Joe is being a d*ck. He wants what he wants when he wants it. He doesn’t care about the girls and she’s losing respect for him. Bri tells Jono that she heard Ellie speaking to Aesha, and she needs to stop flirting with Joe. Jono says, her job may depend on this. In Nathan’s interview, he says he usually dresses casually, but tonight, he’s here to impress. He puts on a turtleneck and slacks, and says, one look in the mirror and he looks like a knob. The crew leaves to go out, and in the taxi, Joe tells Bri about the non-date and says he didn’t want the pressure. In Bri’s interview, she says she’s not surprised, but he should have said no first instead of yes. This is what annoys her. Joe starts something and never finishes. He leaves her there, dangling. The crew heads for a restaurant.

At the table, they talk zombies, and Joe asks if Ellie is all right. She says she’s fine, and he says he’s never been asked on a date before. He was overwhelmed. It seemed too serios. She says, he was wrong, and in Joe’s interview, he says his last relationship was in 2017. When they broke up, he was going through a rough time. He was sleeping in his car and had no job. He thought he didn’t deserve this woman. The next person he dates is going to be the person he marries. Wow. He really doesn’t understand dating at all. Aesha says that if she marries Scott, he’s going to take her name, so he’ll be Scott Scott. Joe asks if Ellie wants children, and she says she was an only child, and wants three. He’s surprised and says he doesn’t know her, and in her interview, Ellie says, that’s what the date was about. How many ways can you chase away good p*ssy? In Bri’s interview, she says, f*** Joe, and tells Jono that it’s awkward now. Jono thinks it’s funny, and in her interview, Bri says she’s confused. If Joe wants Ellie, then take Ellie and stop teasing her. Well, we know he won’t be taking her on a date.

The crew goes to a penthouse club where they – surprise – dance and drink. In Bri’s interview, she says, Joe looks in her eyes and she’s locked in. Stop it. Nathan asks Gael to come with him, and she asks if she’s in trouble. He says, maybe, and Aesha wonders if they’re finally having a moment. Nathan says, they should get off the boat and do something cool, and Gael asks if they’re allowed. He says he asked Iain and Iain said it was okay. They’ll have fun. In Gael’s interview, she says she hasn’t had time to fully resolve her feelings about her last relationship. She wishes she could deny how she feels about Nathan, but she can’t. She’s never had a connection this quickly and it’s scary. Iain sits with Aesha, and he says he feels she’s doing well. She says she had her trials with the girls and had to teach them, and he says he wondered if she was going to make a change. She says she almost fired both of them, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, they’re doing well enough to keep their jobs, but she’s had to do her job, then repeat theirs if she wants the boat to run to the administrative standard. We flash back to her dealing with their screw-ups, and she says she needs to be on all the time and it’s not sustainable. Bri and Ellie sit together, and Bri says, Joe is playing both of them. It’s like chasing a flea. Ellie says she apologizes for hurting Bri’s feelings. It wasn’t her intention. She saw Bri’s defense mechanism was going into sensitive mode, and was afraid if she responded, Bri would keep defaulting to it. So she stayed firm to bring Bri out. Bri says she’s sorry for projecting and accusing Ellie of things she didn’t do, and in Ellie’s interview, she says she’s surprised Bri apologized and is owning up to her role in their issues. If she had known Joe was leading Bri on, she would have approached the situation differently. They hug. Nathan tells Iain that he asked Gael out and she said yes. Iain asks if Nathan is nervous, and Nathan says, a wee bit. Nathan asks Gael if she wants to go bungee jumping or skydiving, and she says she’s flexible.  Insert your own joke here. Joe follows Bri to the bathroom and asks why Bri’s face dropped when she saw him. She tells him not to be giving her eyes, and he says he’s only giving her eyes because she’s giving him eyes. She says, f*** off. She wants to hook up with him. He goes into the stall, and we hear them saying rude things. Joe tells her to get her skirt up. Gross. I’m not into angry sex or toilet sex.

Joe says, Bri started it, and she says, if he doesn’t know how to make a decision, she’ll make it for him. If he can’t be a man, she will be. Get out. He walks out, and in Bri’s interview, she says, sh*t. In every way possible, Joe isn’t good for her. He’s feeding into her impulsiveness and not making her a good human. The crew leaves the club, and Ellie tells Aesha that Bri said she was sorry for the unnecessary drama. Aesha says, unless they did it for themselves, she couldn’t do it for them. In Aesha’s interview, she says, maybe the cabin switch made them make up. She needs to see them at work to see if this is actually going to happen. She tells Ellie that she loves that they had the conversation. Back on the boat, everyone goes to bed. Bri wonders if she should talk to Joe and clear the air, and Aesha says, be honest with him. Joe gets a text from Bri saying they should chat. He wonders what she wants to chat about.

28 hours before charter. Captain Sandy reads that heavy rainstorms are predicted, while Nathan searches for fun activities in Athens. In Nathan’s interview, he says he likes the idea of rock climbing. Aesha tells Bri and Ellie that they know the drill. Cabins and laundry. The captain goes into the laundry room where it looks like a clothing store exploded, and in her interview, she says, the laundry is a disaster. Joe tells Nathan that he and Bri kissed in the toilet, and Nathan says, get off. Joe says, Nathan is shouting when he’s trying to keep it on the downlow, and in their joint interview, Nathan says, Joe can do what he wants. He’s single. Joe says he doesn’t know what he’s doing. How can he expect a good outcome? Nathan says, exactly.

Bri calls her friend and is talking as she walks into the laundry room where Captain Sandy is ironing. The captain says she wants Bri to clean up this mess. Hang up. The way she left it, that can’t happen again. She doesn’t like messes. If Bri is disorganized, how can she keep up? Fix this for her and get started now. Nathan goes to the bridge and asks Captain Sandy if it’s possible for him to bring out Gael to do a wee activity. The captain asks if something is going on, and he says, he’s enjoying her company and thought it would be nice to get off the boat for a wee distraction. She tells him to enjoy himself. As long as the work is completed, have fun. Bri tells Jono about what the captain said, and says, but she’s an organized mess. In Jono’s interview, he says, it’s a fiasco, but Bri is his girl. He doesn’t want her to lose her job. He’s not covering up for her, but he feels empathetic. Nathan tells Gael that they’re going rock climbing, and she says, nice, and hugs him. Captain Sandy shows Aesha where she’s going to ask Leah to marry her, and in the captain’s interview, she says, Leah is coming in a few days and she’s nervous. She doesn’t want to mess it up. Aesha suggests she do it on the dock there. It will be more ceremonial. Captain Sandy says she wants it to flow and not bawl her eyes out. She tells Aesha that the laundry room is an explosion. She thinks a lot of Bri’s confusion is that. She sees Aesha standing to eat her meals. She never sits and the captain wants to help. In Gael’s interview, she says, when it’s more serious, she overthinks it more. She tells Jono that it’s exciting, but terrifying, and in her interview, she says she thinks she and Nathan have a connection, but she’s seen guys be sweet to girls, and behind their back, they don’t know what’s going on. Maybe Nathan is playing games. In the past, she’s been hurt and it scares her. She and Nathan leave.

At the preference sheet meeting, Captain Sandy says, the primary is Pamela Duke, who created a nautical themed jewelry line. The other guests are her husband Denny, Uncle Steve, and his wife Janie. Janie and Steve will be celebrating their 25th anniversary, and there’s a fireworks surprise from Steve. They have a lot to discuss. They’re going to be stuck on the dock the first day. The wind is going to be over 40 knots, and they wouldn’t be able to get back in. In the captain’s interview, she says, instead of a hurricane, in the Mediterranean, it’s called a Medicane. There are going to be high winds and lots of rain. She thinks it will move by quickly and hopes to get off the second day. She tells Aesha that there’s a lot of history in this town, so it should be easy to figure out what to do.

At the rock-climbing place, Gael asks if Nathan still thinks it’s a good idea and he says, no. In Nathan’s interview, he says he’s afraid of heights. He doesn’t know why he chose this activity. F***. Nathan says he’ll race her up, and Gael slips, but then passes him. He says he’s scared, but she says, he’s got this. They reach the top, and he’s afraid to go back down, but she says, just think of it as a bosun’s chair and push on the wall. They go back down, and in Gael’s interview, she says she feels a bit vulnerable. They’re progressing and she wonders if that’s why it’s scary. They climb again, and a little kid begins his climb. Nathan says he hopes the kid falls. When they’re finished, Nathan says, it turns out that she’s the better rock climber, and she says she’s proud of him. He was scared, but he got here. He says he will puke on their first date, and she says, it’s a story to tell. In his interview, he says, it was fun getting to know Gael. He might have found his pot of gold after all.

18 hours before charter. Bri tells Joe not to f*** around. Don’t make her feel dumb. He says, cut the sh*t, and in Bri’s interview, she says, her time with Joe is done. She knows who Joe is and sees through his bullsh*t. It’s nice to feel wanted, but she has to set boundaries and needs him not to cross them. Aesha looks up the Agora of Athens, and says, it looks beautiful. She asks Bri about the laundry and says, the captain said it was a total sh*tshow. She feels Bri works inefficiently and gives her some tips. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the boat is meant to be run with four stews. She does it with three and two have little experience. It’s just hectic. Ellie looks for her Pepsi and is courteous, but not too friendly, with Joe. In Joe’s interview, he says he has no regrets about not going on the date. He’s not interested. Gael and Nathan get back to the boat, and Nathan asks for a kiss. In Gael’s interview, she says, right now, screw it. She’s going to do what makes her feel happy. He’s nice and she likes him, Did she say that? Nathan tells Joe that they had fun. He’s a hopeless romantic, and Joe is just hopeless.  

5 hours before charter. Thunder starts, and Captain Sandy says, this sucks. The provisions come in and rain begins to fall. The captain wonders what the dripping noise is and sees there’s another leak in the forward cabin. We flash back to her telling Aesha that they can’t use the cabin, and she says, this is not good. She radios the deckhands and says, the leak is getting in the bosun’s locker now. The door is closed and they’re taking on water. In her interview, Captain Sandy says, when they take on this much water, it can sink the boat. They can’t go to sea, and it will end the season. Nathan says he needs a wet vac, and the captain says, f*** me.

Captain Sandy says, the forward hatch is leaking, and the crew cabin is really flooding. Joe says he hates the rain so much. They use the wet vac, and Luka says he was plugging it and the plug fell. He tells Captain Sandy that the leak is finished, and in her interview, she says, they have to dry it out and make sure the hatch is sealed. It showed them where the leak was, so they were able to fix it. She tells the deckhands to put in fans. In Jono’s interview, he says he has to dig deep to focus on stellar food. He used to ride horses, and taking care of them requires discipline. He’s digging from that to focus on producing stellar food when they’re stuck at the dock. The captain radios, 30 minutes to guest arrival, and Nathan tells Joe that Bri is having a hard time in the laundry. Things go missing. Joe says, they can’t complain, and in Joe’s interview, he says he knows Bri is treading on eggshells, so he’s not saying anything. The captain radios for the crew to go to the main deck, and primary Pamela comes out of the taxi screeching. Captain Sandy says, Aesha will show them around the boat and after that, she’ll have a chat with them about the plan. Aesha does the tour, and Pamela looks for the bar. The captain says she has bad news regarding the weather. They can’t leave yet, Pamela asks, where’s her alcohol?

Captain Sandy says, if they went out, the guests would hate her and be scared for their lives. Pamela says, it wasn’t supposed to happen until three. Where’s her alcohol? This sucks. The captain says, sorry, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, they look like they were just told Santa isn’t real. It’s really sad. Aesha tells the guests that after lunch, they’re going to a wine tasting at Athen’s oldest winery. It’s absolutely beautiful and will be a nice excursion. Perhaps realizing what an ass she’s being, Pamela says she knows it’s not their fault. Lunch is about to be served, and Nathan and Gael spoon in Nathan’s bunk. Aesha asks if there are deckhands available, interrupting their cuddle, but it turns out Nathan isn’t needed. The guests deem lunch delicious, and Iain calls Nathan to meet in the galley pantry. Aesha tells Gael that she’s going to the winery with Gael’s boyfriend and they’re going to cuddle. Gael asks if Aesha is bringing back some wine for her, but Aesha says, no, and Gael says, bitch. In the taxi, guest Eric says, it’s what they call pre-rain in Florida, and on the boat, Captain Sandy says, holy sh*t. It says, 30 inches of rain today. Pamela is afraid they’ll get to the winery, but won’t be able to get out. Aesha says, it’s indoors, but Pamela says she thinks they should have stayed on the ship. She’s not agreeing to this anymore. Take her back.

Gael says, this is why the storm had a damn name, when an alarm goes off. Captain Sandy says, oh sh*t. F*** me, man. Which seem to be the words of the day. She thinks they might be leaking again and tells Iain to check the starboard cabin. Nathan radios Aesha in the other taxi that the guests want to turn back because the roads are flooding, and Aesha says, let’s go back. The captain says, it’s getting wet. It’s leaking like a motherf***er. Iain says, yeah, it’s dripping, and the captain says, f***, f***, f***!  

To  be continued…

⚖️ Justice For Johnny…

An update on the Neanderthal murderers.

https://ew.com/murder-charges-announced-fatal-shooting-johnny-wactor-8697940

🎤 King Of Talk…

It wouldn’t be right not to acknowledge Phil Donahue’s contribution to daytime talk TV. He had a real reality show.

https://ew.com/talk-show-hosts-react-to-phil-donahue-death-oprah-katie-couric-more-8697726

💦 Walking On Raindrops…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay making promises sparingly and keeping the ones you make, and stay giving second chances, especially if you’ve gotten a few of them yourself.

August 12, 2024 – Jack Takes Up Residence In Port Charles, Who Is Miguel, Mean Girl Guests On Deck & Anthem

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Drew sees Willow at the hospital and says, the pharmacy messed up some of Monica’s medication so he’s here to straighten it out. Has she recovered from their elevator adventure? Elizabeth comes by, and he thanks her for figuring out Monica’s meds. She says, of course (🍷), and he says he’s got to get these to her, and leaves. Elizabeth says she’s missed Willow, and Willow says she’s missed her too. She wishes she was back under better circumstances. She came to see Kristina.

At the MetroCourt bar, Carly says, a 2000 Bordeaux. The customer has great taste. Trish says, they didn’t have what the customer wanted, and they demanded to see the hotel owner. Carly says she has no patience, and if the wine wasn’t so nice, she’d be tempted to throw it at them. Trish says she’d pay money to see that, but Carly says, don’t encourage her.

Maxie goes to Nina’s place and says she thought Nina should hear about James’s big adventure baking brownies by himself. Nina says, Drew is coming over. She’s helping him refine his campaign platform. Maxie says she doesn’t know if Drew’s platform needs any help, but Nina’s story certainly does.  

At the cemetery, TJ says, this is a nice spot, and Jordan says, it’s pretty with the tree. It has space and shade. TJ says, the tree will change with the seasons, reminding them that things grow and change, and nothing lasts forever, even this pain. She says she’s sorry. She wishes she could wave a magic wand and take it away. If it helps, she thinks of all the spaces, this is the most peaceful. He says he thinks so too.

Willow goes to Kristina’s room and says she can come back if Kristina wants to sleep, but Kristina says she’d rather be awake now. When she closes her eyes, all she sees is her daughter. Then when she wakes up – she starts to cry – she has to realize her daughter is gone all over again.

Maxie asks, what’s going on? and Nina says, nothing. She got the wine out to sooth Drew’s nerves after his call with McConkey. And they can celebrate after they’re finished for the night. Maxie says, it’s not Nina’s best idea or her subtlest, and Nina says, whatever Maxie thinks or believes, she’s doing it for Willow.

Willow says, Kristina is in shock and sedated. It’s normal for her mind to play tricks on her. But that doesn’t mean she’s not feeling terrible. Kristina says she knows Willow suffered this kind of loss, and Willow says she has. Kristina says, and Willow knows this empty feeling, and Willow says she does. Kristina tells her that they say time heals, but she can’t imagine that being true. Did time help her forget the horrible loss of her baby? Willow says, forget? No, but the passage of time makes it easier to remember without falling apart. Kristina says, sometimes she thinks she feels her daughter kicking. Did that happen to Willow? Willow says, something similar happened. She kept reliving the last and only time she held her baby and could his feel weight in her arms. Kristina says she thinks she’s going crazy and can’t handle this much pain without breaking. She can tell people are just saying anything to make it better, but nothing makes any difference. Did anyone say anything to Willow that made it feel better? Willow says, the only people who helped were the ones who could sit with her in her sadness and understand how much she was hurting. The ones who just let her be. Kristina agrees.

Brook asks Blaze how Kristina is, and Blaze says, everyone else has been in there but her. Brook suggests she focus on the good stuff and asks if Blaze got her email. Blaze says she hasn’t been able to focus on it, and Brook says, it’s happening. They haven’t signed a contract yet, but Blaze is going to be the opening act for Miguel Morez’s fall tour. (See below.) Blaze says she needs to nurse Kristina through her recovery. Can’t she join in a few months? Brook says, the tour is starting in Hong Kong and Blaze has to leave tonight, but Blaze says, that’s impossible. Brook says she knows it’s fast, but it’s doable. The tour will take Blaze’s career over the top internationally, and the fallout from her mother outing her and her being dropped from her record label will be forgotten. She deserves to be a superstar, and this is her chance. She knows the timing is terrible, but Kristina has people who love and will care for her. She’s out of danger. If Blaze turns this tour down, the opportunity isn’t coming around again.

TJ thanks Jordan for helping. It makes an awful day better. He should reserve the site before someone else does. She says she doesn’t want to overstep, but shouldn’t Molly be helping him? He says, of course (🍷). He texted and called, but he’s gotten no response. He doesn’t know where she is, but he’s there picking out a plot for their baby without her.

Jack finds Carly says, good. She brought the wine. She says, it’s not the one he wanted, but she hopes it will do. He looks at the bottle and says, it’s fantastic. And it’s too good not to share. Will she join him? (I love Jack. He’s the epitome of suave.)

In Jack’s room, Carly says, he ordered a lot of food, and he says, everything sounded so good, he couldn’t help himself. Will she join him? He hates to eat alone. She should test the wine to make sure it lives up to its reputation. Unless she prefers champagne. She says she should taste it. It’s from their special reserve and she should make sure it’s not corked. He says, she has a reputation for serving her guests only the best, and he opens the bottle. He pours a glass, and tells her to give it a minute to breathe. Make herself comfortable. She says she’s only staying long enough to sip the wine, but he says, sit. The experience shouldn’t be rushed. He pulls out a chair and she sits down.

Kristina says, her IV is uncomfortable, and Willow says she’ll call someone to fix it. She heads for the door, but turns around. She says, the nurses are busy, and she knows how. Does Kristina mind? Kristina says she trusts Willow.

Natalia finds Brook at the hospital and says she got Brook’s text. It’s insanely exciting. She took the liberty of packing for Blaze and her bags are in the car. She can’t believe Blaze will be touring with Miguel Morez. Where is Blaze? Brook says, she went in to see Kristina, and Natalia says she thinks spending time with Kristina might be good. Blaze will be reassured she’s on the road to recovery before she says goodbye… What’s going on? Brook says she’s going to call Miguel’s manager and pass. Blaze isn’t going on tour.

Molly says she got here as fast as she could. She didn’t know TJ had planned to be here. He says, she’s not home. He texted and left her messages, and when he didn’t hear back, he decided do it without her. She says she had to take care of things at work and hasn’t been checking her phone as often as she should. She’s sorry. She thanks Jordan for being here, and Jordan says, of course (🍷). She should get going. She hugs Molly and TJ, and says, if they need anything, she’s here. She leaves, and Molly says she’s sorry. He says he doesn’t need an apology. He needs her input about which plot to get. He feels completely alone going through this without her. He doesn’t want to do any of this without her. It feels like grief is eating at him and he’s alone. She’s the only person who knows how he feels and he needs her here. She says she knows, and he asks, what’s going on with her? Does she want to be part of this?

Willow fixes Kristina’s IV, and says she loves taking care of her patients. Kristina says she can’t imagine anyone better, and Willow says she’s glad to be here for her. Kristina says, she’s impressive, and Willow says, most nurses consider it a calling. Kristina says she’s in awe. She always thought being a nurse was crazy. She can’t imagine they have much life outside of the hospital or that it leaves much time or emotional space for anything else.

Maxie says, Nina is spending time alone at night with Drew for Willow’s sake? and Nina says, it’s complicated. If she tells Maxie something, it has to stay completely between them. Maxie says she hopes to forget this conversation as soon as she leaves, and Nina says, at the Quartermaine’s 4th of July party, Drew and Willow kissed. Maxie says, what? and Nina says, they got caught up in the moment. Willow loves Michael and loves her life. She had a weak moment. They’ve all had them. Drew saved Willow’s life and Nina thinks it’s hero worship, but Willow is drowning in guilt. She refuses to let Willow suffer with that. Maxie says, there’s not much she can do to stop it, and Nina says she’s going to try to put the attention on herself. If Willow doesn’t spend time with Drew, she’s sure the attraction will fade. Maxie says she’s not close to Willow, but knows she’s a good person. She’s sorry Willow is having a hard time. Nina tells her to remember this stays between them, and Maxie says, she’s not going to say a word, but just so Nina’s plan is clear, her solution to Willow’s inappropriate feelings is to throw herself at Drew. Does she have that right?

Maxie says she thinks it’s admirable that Nina wants to help, but doesn’t think this is the healthiest way. She can’t pursue a physical relationship that was based on anger, hatred, and pain. Nina says, admittedly, at first their reasons were muddled at best, but over their time together, most of the negative feelings have fallen away and they’re left with genuine attraction. Maxie says, this is an unexpected turn of events, and Nina says, they’re not running away together either, but they enjoy each other’s company. Maxie says, it makes sense. They’re both consenting adults and they’re both hot. But with all the heat between them, why is Drew making out with Willow?

Blaze asks how Kristina is feeling, and Kristina says, as bad as she looks, she feels worse. Blaze says, she has her color back, which is good. After the fall, she was so pale. Blaze was so scared. She didn’t think they’d be talking like this ever again. She loves Kristina and she’s glad Kristina is okay. Kristina says she’s not okay. Her daughter is dead, and her life has completely fallen apart. She’s just here. Blaze says she’s grateful for that… Sorry. Does Kristina want some water? Kristina says, no, and Blaze says she could ask for another blanket or some meds, but Kristina says she doesn’t need that. Blaze asks if she can do anything else, but Kristina shrugs and shakes her head. Blaze says she was thinking of going back to Kristina’s place and bring her whatever she wants, but Kristina says she’s sorry. She knows Blaze just got here, but she’s so tired.

At the MetroCourt, Anna looks at her phone, and Felicia runs in. Felicia says she’s sorry she’s late, but Anna says she has to go. She’ll be right back, she promises. She ordered Felicia a glass of wine. She leaves and Felicia sits down.

Carly says, Jack didn’t have to go to all this trouble. He could have just asked her out to dinner. He says, what fun is that? and she asks why he’s still not behind bars. He says, mistakes were made that put him there, and the mistakes have been rectified. He prefers not to dwell on the past. The only thing he remembers that brightened his day was her visiting him. She asks how long he’s going to be in Port Charles, and he says he’s not there on business. He’s staying in town. She asks what he’s going to do, when there’s a knock at the door. Jack opens it, and Anna asks, what the hell is going on?

Jack asks what Anna is referring to, and Anna says she just got a message informing her of Jack’s new position. Carly asks if there’s a problem, and Anna says she’s sorry to interrupt whatever is going on here… Carly says, she’s having a quick dinner with a new guest, and Anna says she doesn’t want to be here for this conversation, but Carly says she thinks she’ll stay. Anna asks how Jack was assigned to Port Charles of all places, and he says, because of the criminal element, the WSB decided to open a permanent field office here and they needed a chief. Carly asks if he’s the new head of the WSB in Port Charles, and he says he’s become fond of the city. Anna says, he wanted this. He probably convinced them to open the station. Carly says, Anna is right. She doesn’t want to be here. She thanks Jack for his hospitality, and he thanks her for joining him. She leaves, and Jack asks if Anna is happy. She ruined everyone’s evening. Anna says, ruining his evening is the only thing she’s happy about.

Maxie says, in trying to keep Drew and Willow apart, Nina is crossing the line on purpose, and Nina says, Willow isn’t pursuing Drew, but she admires him. Every time Willow and Drew look into each other’s eyes, he loves the man he sees reflected back. She’s going to make him look in a different mirror, and if it stops Willow from making the mistake of jeopardizing her family, she’s happy to do it. Maxie says, Nina and Willow are building a relationship now. Willow trusted her enough to tell her about Drew, and even got Michael on board. It’s amazing news, but Nina’s plan to save Willow by throwing herself at Drew could jeopardize all that.  

Natalia goes to Kristina’s room and says she wanted to check on her. She’s sorry for all Kristina is going through. Kristina thanks her and says, Allie was here. She doesn’t know where she went. Natalia says she knows where Allie isn’t going. She was supposed to tour with Miguel Morez. He wants her to open for his fall tour. It’s an incredible opportunity, but Allie turned it down to stay with Kristina. Kristina says she had no idea, and Natalia says she thought Allison would keep her in the dark. She has no right to ask anything of Kristina, but she needs to anyway. Her actions screwed up so many things and amazing chances for Allie. She wants to overcome that and have a chance to be a better mother. It’s Kristina’s best interest to let her daughter go. (Natalia’s popularity quotient drops by a billion points.)

Willow tells Elizabeth that she’s not sure she was able to say anything meaningful, but she’s glad she spent time with Kristina. She asks if the nursing department is still understaffed, and Elizabeth says, always. Does Willow know someone willing to help? Willow says, me.

Molly says she’s holding onto anger and she’s sorry, but it’s all she’s got. TJ says he’s angry too, but they have to set it aside for the moment. There are things they’re supposed to do. Molly says, they did everything they were supposed to do, and this is how they were rewarded, and he says, they need to have a reception to honor their daughter. They need to pick out a casket and a headstone and a burial plot. She says she can’t. It’s too much. He says he knows. It’s tearing him apart, but they have to do this. And they need to start by giving their baby a name.  

Nina says, Willow is her most important relationship, and she’d do nothing to jeopardize their progress, and Maxie says, she better hope Willow never finds out her plan. Nina and Willow’s relationship has come a long way. She doesn’t think Willow would be happy and Drew might think she’s using him. Nina says, they’re using each other for a mutually beneficial good time. Drew is having a good time. Maxie says she can’t talk anymore about Nina and Drew having sex. If Nina falls in love with Drew, she’ll have to kill her. Nina says, if that happens, she’ll do it herself. There’s a knock at the door, and Maxie says, perfect timing. Nina lets Drew in, and Maxie says, she was just leaving. Enjoy their evening.  

Carly sees Felicia, who says, it’s good to see her back. Carly says she sees there are two wine glasses. Felicia must be meeting someone. Felicia says she’s meeting Anna, but Anna got a text and had to go. She’ll be back soon. Carly says, it might be a little longer than Anna thought. She just left an intense conversation between Anna and Jack. Felicia asks if Jack is staying here, and Carly says, he’s the new head of the WSB office in Port Charles. He’ll be in town for the foreseeable future.  

Natalia sees Brook at the bar and asks if she called Miguel’s manager to pass on the tour. Brook says, not yet, and Natalia says, good. Don’t.  

Elizabeth says, Willow wants to come back to nursing? and Willow says, talking to Kristina made her realize her mistake. Elizabeth says she thought Willow wanted to spend more time with her family and she’s doing amazing things with the bone marrow registry. Willow made her want to donate. Willow says, they’re doing important work here and she realized she misses it, and Elizabeth says, nursing does worm its way into your heart. Willow says, there’s also more traveling with this job than she realized, and she doesn’t want to be away unless it’s with her family on vacation. She did what was required of her and gave as much as she could. It’s time for her to come back to GH.

Nina shows Drew a map and says she’s circled the areas he needs to focus in on. That shirt looks great with his eyes, and he should definitely wear it as much as possible on the campaign trail. He says, she looks nice too. (Nice? He’s a real charmer, that Drew.)

TJ tells Molly that he needs a church service and a minister to issue a blessing. He needs to come here. He needs a place to remember his daughter. His family has always put their faith into this, and it means a lot. Molly says she knows the steps of grieving, but you’re supposed to have closure, and there won’t be any. She doesn’t want there to be any. He says he knows she puts her faith in the law, but he needs rituals to fill the void. She says she needs to do something about what happened to them, and he asks what she can do other than mourn. She says she’s going to make sure Ava is punished to the full extent of the law. That’s what her ritual will be.

Anna asks Jack what his agenda is. He’s gone to a lot of trouble, moving people around like chess pieces and taking some off the board. Why install himself as the new head of the WSB in Port Charles? He says he likes it here, and she says she doesn’t believe him. He says, like he told her in DC, the job is a demotion. Both the Bureau and the PCPD have similar objectives and can coexist without ruffling each other’s feathers too much. Anna asks, what’s going with dinner? and he says he’ll be staying at the MetroCourt long term and wants to be on good terms with the owner. Anna says, it was him, wasn’t it? She knew it.  

Blaze comes back to Kristina’s room and says she grabbed Kristina’s favorite blanket, the one she wraps them in to watch movies. It smells like Kristina’s place. She starts to put the blanket on Kristina, but Kristina says, stop. Blaze shouldn’t fuss over her. She should be at home packing for the tour. Blaze asks how Kristina knows about it, and Kristina says she had a visitor. And for once, she and Blaze’s mom are on the same page. Blaze has to go on tour.

Elizabeth says she’s surprised. Willow only left a little while ago. Willow says she thought it was the right decision. She jumped in to fix Kristina’s IV and seeing Kristina’s relief made her happy. The personal one-on-one interaction lets her help those most vulnerable. The Foundation is great, but the job isn’t for her. She belongs here. Elizabeth asks if she’s sure, and Willow says she is. She’ll talk to Drew and Michael and get it sorted out, but she knows it’s the right decision. She’s exactly where she needs to be. Elizabeth says, in that case, welcome back, and hugs her.

TJ says, and after Molly makes sure Ava is punished, what then? They still have to be alone in their apartment, avoiding the room that was going to be the nursery. She says she hasn’t thought that far ahead. What does he want? He says, to be together. Going through this horrible thing, he feels like he’s been alone, and he wants her to be here with him. Right now, it feels like they’re going through it together. She says she’s here, and he holds her. She says she thinks this is a beautiful place for their daughter.

Nina says she thinks they’ve made progress and she’s excited to see the things she and Drew discussed put into practice in his campaign. He says, him too. She never had him over to work at her place before. She says, normally, she likes to keep her home and work life separate. (And why would she? He’s her boss.) She doesn’t just invite anyone. He says, he’s not just anyone? and she says, absolutely not. She thinks they’re embarking on a different relationship, one of mutual regard. He says, she has so much to regard, and she says, him too. She’s pretty sure he knows that. He says, it only matters that she thinks so, and she says, they’re officially in agreement. They kiss, and Nina almost misses the table putting down her wine glass. They get busy on the sofa.

Maxie was right. This is an unexpected turn of events.

Tomorrow, Kristina tells Molly that Ava needs to pay; Ava feels that her life is in danger; Jason tells Sonny that he has another enemy; and Blaze says, you’re fired.

🪇 Shaking His GH Bon-Bon…

It’s doubtful, as this article suggests, that Blaze will be leaving the show. She just started appearing in the opening credits.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Bay of Zea. Iain sets up a basketball net, since guest Mike is an NBA player, and in his interview, he says he had one or two hiccups – we flash back to those – but he hopes this charter is a smooth one. He’s got to dig deep for the love of the game. In Ellie’s interview, she says, now that she’s doing only rags and towels, she’s expecting things to go the same way as they did previously, since it was Bri f***ing up. Provisions come in, and Joe and Gael take the tender to pick up some balloons. Gael drives, and in her interview, she says she hasn’t had enough tender experience, and it scares the sh*t out of her. She gets excited when she docks without incident, and says, when she has little wins, yay her. They pick up an elaborate balloon arch for the Fire and Ice party and Aesha is thrilled since she thought she’d have to blow up the balloons. The crew changes for the guests’ arrival, and Iain and Nathan take the tender to pick them up. Iain explains to the guests that the big boat is anchored because the wind is picking up. The guests take selfies on the tender and we focus on a Berkin bag. The crew welcomes the guests, and Captain Sandy says, it’s a shorter charter, so Aesha is going to show them around and they’ll get going. Nathan says, anchor is home and secure, and they shove off. Primary Mahisha says, the couches are an eyesore. It would be great if they were gone. Are they heavy to move? In Aesha’s interview, she says, what? Aesha and Bri move the couches, and the guest take pictures. In her interview, Aesha says, thank God it’s a shorter charter. For real.

Anchor is dropped and the water toys go out. Mahisha tells Aesha that she needs to wake up and get her drink, and in Aesha’s interview, she says she’s more than happy to grab her very close drink, but ask politely. She tells Ellie that the guests seem like hard work and goes to the laundry to give Bri a mental health check. Bri says she’s 80%. The guests require drinks, drinks, and more drinks with lots of vodka. While Ellie goes downstairs with the drinks, but the impatient guests have come up to the bar. In Ellie’s interview, she wonders what just happened. That was a lot. Aesha tells Bri to pull the plates for Jono, who’s making sea bass and tomahawk steak. In Jono’s interview, he says, they want flashy food, and we flash back to him reading that they want culinary masterpieces at every meal, like a Michelin star restaurant. Nathan and Aesha take the balloons outside, and Jono says he’s feeling Michelin vibes. The table décor is amazing with some dry ice stuff going on.

Ellie looks for her dress, and in Bri’s interview, she says, no, man. She can’t make a mistake. She’s pretty sure it happened before Aesha implemented the new rule. She finds Ellie’s dress in her bag and gives it to her. In Ellie’s interview, she says, they’ve been treating Bri like a baby deer. If she brings the dress up, it will be like she shot Bambi. Mahisha whines about the caviar, and asks Jono if Beluga isn’t top tier. It tastes like a washcloth. He says he has to work with what’s available, and in his interview, he says he did whatever he could do. It is what it is. Now can he go back to work, or do they want to talk more? Ellie asks if Joe likes peanuts, but he says he’s more into fish. I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be a double entendre or he’s just an idiot who doesn’t know what peanuts are. Dinner is served, and Aesha tells Jono that the guests absolutely love the fish.

In Joe’s interview, he says he thought he lost Ellie because of that stupid song. We flash back to that, and he says, she accepted his apology and they’re on good terms. Maybe there’s a chance to reignite the flame – no strings attached. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’s moved on. They can proceed with the flirtation. Guest Max says her utensil situation is off. She wonders why she has a butter knife when there’s no bread and butter. She doesn’t want to be rude, but complains to Aesha, and Aesha says, it’s not a butter knife; it’s a fish knife. Fish isn’t supposed to be tough. Max says, their caviar service sucked. (I’m not kidding. That’s what she returned with.) In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests like to claim they’re upper class, but where’s the class part? She’s good enough at her job that she’s got to stand up for herself at some point. Max gripes that Aesha tried to school her. Well, yeah. Apparently, you needed to be schooled in utensil situations.

Gael gets in Nathan’s bunk with him and tells him not to turn out to be a d*ck. He promises not to hurt her. Max is still bitching about the butter/fish knife thing and says she’s okay with being wrong (doubtful), but Aesha’s face changed. The next course is served, and Max says she’s uncomfortable now. Captain Sandy comes down and asks, how’s dinner? Mike says, it’s really good – how many of these people need thesauruses? – and noticing the captain’s stylish shoes, Max says she wants to see the captain’s shoe collection. Captain Sandy says, it’s at home, and wisely jets. The women go upstairs for a dance party, and Mahisha wants drinks. Aesha asks Ellie to tend the bar, and the guests complain that they need liquor. Ellie says, someone will check on them every 15 minutes, and when she leaves, Max insists Ellie made her head shake. Whatever that means. Ellie tells Joe to go charm the ladies, and Aesha tells him to gyrate. In her interview, Aesha says, maybe Joe should keep it in his pants, but he’s got to do something. Max asks if he’s their distraction, and the captain asks Aesha how it’s going. Aesha says, they’re mean girls, and tells her about the butter/fish knife fiasco. The captain says, you can tell it’s a fish knife because of the point on the end, and Aesha says, the guest was in her face and in a minute would have eaten her. Mahisha says, they brought Joe up to sweet talk them, and guest Mike says, it was a successful first day. He tells Aesha that Mahisha gets hungry at night, and Aesha says, they have sandwiches, but Mahisha says she doesn’t eat sandwiches. Of course she doesn’t. Mike says, his wife is bougie, and Aesha says, the chef is in bed, but they have fruit and berries. Mahisha says she’ll have some berries, but when Aesha leaves, Mahisha decides to go to bed. Mike says, she just ordered berries, and Mahisha promptly trips on the stairs, which is happiness to us all. Joe asks Aesha if he should do research on the island, and she says, if the guests got facts from him, they would love it. In Aesha’s interview, she says she’s had to scratch by with three stews. When they’re pushed, the cracks show, but she’ll do what she can to help. She’s Aesha, everything everywhere all at once.

In the morning, Aesha asks how Gael’s first night was without her, and Gael says she cried. Mahisha is hungry, and Aesha radios Ellie to start breakfast. Mahisha wanders off to take pictures, and Ellie says, she’s not at the table now. Aesha finds the guests and tells them that the food is on the table. Jono comes up and says he made a spread, but tell him if they’d like anything else. Mahisha says she wants berries because she’s a complete and utter a-hole. Aesha tells the guests that they’re going to Temple Aphiah and lunch is scheduled for 2. Captain Sandy asks Aesha how the guests were, and Aesha says, the same. In Gael’s interview, she says, Iain isn’t the best communicator, but they’re just getting it done if it needs to be done. Maybe Iain is some kind management genius and structured it so the team is self-sufficient. Mike tells Captain Sandy that her staff is top notch, and she says, if you beat their character down, it kills their spirit. But if you’re gracious and thankful, they’ll do everything for you. She tells the guests about a charter where the guests were so rude, she pulled the primary aside and said she’d cancel the charter if they continued to treat the staff that way. They turned it around. She called the owner who said they didn’t need the money and to cancel the charter. Max tells Mike that she’s over this conversation – yeah, I’ll bet – and makes herself scarce. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, how we treat other people is important. These clients are difficult. She tells Mike, you don’t have to clean your plate, just be kind, and in her interview, she wonders if she got her point across. The guests leave for their excursion.

When they get to their destination, Joe says it’s his first time here too. Leah texts the captain that they need to talk about Bailey… Captain Sandy says, oh my God, so we know it’s not good news. Joe tries to give the guests factoids, but they just want to take selfies. In Joe’s interview, he says, history isn’t appreciated as much as he thought it would have been, but he’s having a good time. The guests call them lovebirds and take their photo, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, despite what happened, Joe has his charm. The guests are picking up on the attraction between them, and it validates what she’s been sensing. On the boat, Captain Sandy tells Aesha that their dog Bailey died, and Aesha hugs her. The captain shows Aesha pictures, and in the captain’s interview, she says, her heart hurts for Leah. She got five years with Bailey, but Leah had 11 years. She tells Aesha that Bailey was all love, and shows her a video. Aesha says she’s so sorry Captain Sandy isn’t there, and they cry. The captain says she is too, and I get teary eyed as well. Aesha says, the hardest part is missing things, and in her interview, Captain Sandy says, being captain, a lot of deaths happen when you’re at sea. Her mom and dad died when she was at sea. Now losing Bailey brings up all her losses.

The guests head back, and Aesha asks if Captain Sandy is going to be okay. She says, yeah. Leah says she loves the dogs more than her. Jono says he spent time in Ho Chi Minh City and learned all the cooking techniques. Nothing says rich motherf***er than duck for lunch. The guests are back on the boat, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests seem to have a base level of decency. Maybe they realized how horrible they were and it’s their way of saying they’re sorry. Asian food porn is served, the entrée being extra crispy duck. I’m not a fan of duck, but it looks wonderful. In the crew mess, Joe says he’s excited for a night out. He wonders what the f*** he did. He doesn’t want either Ellie or Bri, but alcohol turns him into a demon and then he just drinks more. Gael says he’s playing with these women, when Bri comes by, and everything gets quiet. In Bri’s interview, she says, they were talking, and it went quiet, and it hurts her. Obviously, she’d be upset. She feels they were talking about her. Mike says, the duck was fire, and in Jono’s interview, he says he’s always been great at crafting good flavors. If he didn’t know better, he’d call himself a Michelin chef. Guest Tante says, they could use one more day, and Aesha says, it’s a shame it’s a short charter. You know she’s saying, hallelujah! in her head. Ellie tells Gael that she and Joe had a nice time. He apologized and she realized he wasn’t being malicious. Joe asks how Bri is, and she says, as if he cares. He says he does, and in Gael’s interview, she says she doesn’t know where her ethics lie. She wonders if she should be loyal to the deck crew, but Joe is stringing these women along and she feels like she doesn’t want Ellie to get hurt.  

Anchor is hauled and the boat is en route to Zea Marina. The captain says she’s backing all the way in. It’s a tight one. Iain gives the wrong line instructions, but Gael says, that’s not right, and corrects him. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s more confident now that she knows what she’s talking about. She needs to trust herself. The boat is docked, and the captain says, nice work. She tells the crew to get ready for guest departure, and Aesha says, thank God. Mahisha says, the food was amazing. Jono has great food and great taste. She can’t wait to see what happens later with the lovebirds. She’s not naming names. We flash back to the guests playing Cupid, and Mahisha says, it was phenomenal, and they had no issues. In Aesha’s interview, she wonders if they were on the same charter. She’ll take it, but it’s so confusing.

The guests leave, and Captain Sandy says, they made it through. It wasn’t easy, but well done. The crew cheers and applauds. Bri says, they weren’t bad at the end, but Aesha says, it was all fake. She meets with Bri and Ellie, and says she knows it was a sh*t charter guest-wise, but nothing went wrong with the laundry. She thinks it was just a miscommunication with both of them. She’d been training them on the job, but this time, she didn’t have to. She wants to finish like this. They join hands. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’s going to invite Joe on a date. She’s over the stagnant energy. She’s getting out of her comfort zone and making the first step. She wants to see if there’s something there or not. She finds Joe and says, she has a question for him. She wants to invite him out on a little date. He says, just them? Let’s do it. They hug, and she promises they’ll have a good time. Ellie tells Aesha and says she thinks he’s scared, but he said yes. Joe tells Nathan that he’s never been asked on a date before by a bird. He likes her and she’s attractive, but he’s not asking for more from either of them. He says he’s changed his mind and he’s not going, but Nathan tells him that he already said yes. He asks how Ellie reacted, and Joe says, she was ecstatic. Nathan says, it’s only an hour out of his life, and in their joint interview, Nathan says. Joe is afraid to go on the date. Joe says he’s petrified of Ellie, and Nathan says, Joe is falling in love with Ellie, but Joe says, don’t even. He’s not going. End of story. In Gael’s interview, she says she has the feeling, if scorned, Ellie will burn the boat down and she’s on the boat too.

The captain calls the crew for the tip meeting, and says her first question is, who are the lovebirds? Someone says, Iain and Nathan, and Captain Sandy says, stay professional. They kept showing up and kept smiling, and it’s difficult when your spirit is getting beat down. The tip is $20K or 17,000 euros – $1400 per person. After the meeting, Ellie asks if Joe is excited, and in Nathan’s interview, he says he’s sh*tting himself. Joe tells Ellie, let’s talk, and they sit on her bunk. He says he doesn’t want strings attached, and in Joe’s interview, he says he’s not going on a date. He tells Ellie that he feels pressure and doesn’t want a date.

She is missing nothing. This guy is immature and a relationship disaster waiting to happen. He’s not even that good looking.

Next time, a rock-climbing wall; a bad rainstorm; and Bri wants to hook up with Joe.

🎤 The Song Sings Itself…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay being aware of your social footprint, and stay remembering that, while it doesn’t make you forget, the passage of time makes it easier to remember without falling apart.

August 5, 2024 – The Aftermath Of Kristina’s Fall, Goddess Birthday On Deck, Best Collaboration Ever & Bye

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Josslyn knocks at Dex’s door, and he asks if she’s okay. She says, physically, she’s fine, but she’s not okay. He hugs her.

At the hospital, Natalia thinks they should go, but Blaze says, Kristina is her girlfriend and it’s an emergency. Natalia says, it’s not the place for them. Blaze and Kristina have only been seeing each other about six months, and everyone here is related by blood. They’re family and Blaze is not. She thinks the respectful thing to do is let the family hold vigil as a family. They don’t need to get into it here. They leave.

In the interrogation room, Dante says, there are multiple discrepancies in Ava’s story. When Kristina showed up at her hotel room, were the curtains open or closed? It looked like there was a struggle. Outside, Trina watches through the window, and Chase comes by. She asks if he’ll need her statement, and he says, someone will take it shortly. He knows she and Ava are friends, but thinks it’s best if they kept their distance. Trina asks if there’s any news on Kristina.

Molly runs into the hospital and asks TJ, what’s going on? Is Kristina in labor? She’s not due for another 3 weeks. He says, there’s been an accident and Kristina was hurt. They’re giving her an emergency C-section. Molly asks if Kristina and the baby are going to be okay.  

Josslyn tells Dex that she was in the water, but doesn’t remember getting in. She didn’t know who it was, but given how they fell, she thought there was probably a spinal injury, so she was super careful turning them over. She saw it was Kristina, and it was so awful. She cries and says she froze for a second. She was afraid to move Kristina in case it would cause more damage. That second might have made all the difference. He says he’s sure it did. It sounds like she was assessing the situation. Her lifeguard training kicked in and she calmed herself, then she knew what do in the next second. It sounds like she saved Kristina’s life. She’s alive, isn’t she? Josslyn says, as far as she knows, and Dex says, Josslyn got her as far as the paramedics, then it was up to them and the doctors. She says, what if she’s not okay? Or the baby? She has a horrible feeling one of them won’t make it.

Anna meets Chase at the station, and they go into the interrogation room.

Ava says she’s sorry her answers aren’t satisfying Dante. It happened so fast. How is Kristina doing? Anna says, there’s no news, and tells Dante to go to GH. Dante says, Ava’s statement has inconsistencies, but Anna says she’ll fill in the blanks and they’ll compare notes later. He should be with his family. Chase says he’ll take it from here, and Dante leaves. Ava says she appreciates that Dante is distraught and related to Kristina, and he keeps trying to persuade her to confirm his theories instead of letting her explain. Anna says, Chase isn’t distraught, and he’s not related to Kristina. He’ll continue the questioning. She’ll interrogate the witness. She leaves, and Chase asks what Ava remembers from the moment Kristina walked in until she fell. Ava says, first she needs to say it was just a horrible accident.

Alexis says she doesn’t know anything other than Kristina fell out of the north tower in the MetroCourt and into the pool, thank God. Molly asks if she and the baby are alive, and Alexis says, yes. Kristina sustained multiple injuries and they’re doing an emergency C-section to save the baby. TJ wonders what Kristina was doing at the MetroCourt, and Alexis says, she was in Ava’s suite, but she doesn’t know why. Molly says she knows why, and looks at Sonny.

Dr. Park says he’ll notify the family that the baby didn’t make it, when Kristina wakes up. The doctor tells her to lie still, and she asks where her baby is. What happened?

Kristina asks to see the baby, and Dr. Park says, they’re going to give Kristina a mild sedative. She says, tell her what happened with the baby, and he says, they did everything they could, but the injuries were too severe. She didn’t survive. Kristina asks if he’s saying they couldn’t save the baby, and he says he’s sorry. She asks if he’s sure they did everything they could, and he says he’s sorry. She says she had a girl? and he says, she did. She says she had a daughter. She needs her sister. She as to be the one to tell Molly. She cries.  

At the Bistro, Natalia orders a bowl of chicken soup for Blaze. She says, obviously Blaze’s blood sugar was crashing, and Blaze says she counts herself lucky. Most stage mothers starve their daughters. But she’s still angry that Natalia made her leave. Natalia says she didn’t mean to upset Blaze. She was wrong and she’s come to accept that Blaze loves Kristina. Blaze says, Natalia can’t bring herself to say they’re in a relationship, and Natalia says she’s trying. Blaze says, try harder, and Natalia says she wants to understand. Help her do it. She wants Blaze to tell her about she and Kristina.  

Dr. Park tells the family that Kristina is awake. She’s in the ICU asking for her sister Molly. Molly jets, and TJ asks, how’s the baby?

Chase tells Ava to start from the beginning, she says, Kristina showed up at her room. As he knows, her father is Sonny Corinthos, and they’re involved in a custody hearing. Kristina was subpoenaed to testify. Chase asks, on whose behalf? and she says she’d hoped it would be hers. Kristina is aware her father is too volatile to have custody. She witnessed him brutally beating one of their cadets at Chase’s wedding reception. She’s sure Chase is aware of it. Her attorney subpoenaed Kristina to talk about that, and she showed up at Ava’s room. She shares her father’s temper. Maybe she’s bipolar as well, since manic is the only way to describe her. (I literally gasp, since suggesting something like that without being a medical professional is a big no-no.) Chase asks, what happened? and Ava says, Kristina barged in. She was overwrought and not listening to a word Ava said. She tried to calm Kristina down… She flashes back to berating Kristina about her mother and father, but tells Chase that she suggested they sit down and talk it out. She tried to remind Kristina that being upset wasn’t good for the baby, but Kristina kept screaming at her. She wasn’t making any sense. She flashes back to Kristina saying that if Ava forced her to testify against Sonny, she’d tell the court about Ava’s involvement in Morgan’s death and how she murdered Connie. Ava tells Chase that she asked Kristina to go, kindly and politely, but she just wouldn’t leave. Chase asks if Ava attempted to guide or escort her out, but Ava says she would never handle a pregnant woman that way, much less one that was enraged. She never laid a finger on Kristina. Chase asks, then what happened? and Ava says, Kristina came rushing at her. It was terrifying. She got out of the way, but Kristina was in a blind rage and tripped over a shoe. She didn’t see it until after Kristina fell. She could barely believe what happened. She saw Kristina go through the glass and heard it shatter and heard the most awful scream. It happened so fast, she couldn’t do anything to stop it. She prays Kristina and the baby will be all right.

Molly goes to Kristina’s room and asks how she’s doing. The nurse says she’s stable, but she’s lost a lot of blood and needs rest. Molly asks if she should come back, but Kristina weakly says her name. Molly goes over to the bed and says, the doctor told her that Kristina was asking for her. Kristina says, the baby… and Molly starts to cry.

Dr. Park tells the family, Kristina sustained an abruptive placenta in the fall. Despite all their efforts, they couldn’t save the baby. He’s sorry. Everyone looks sad, and Alexis hugs Sonny and cries.

Anna asks when Trina realized something had happened, and Trina says, when she heard the scream. She saw someone land face down in the pool and she froze. Luckily, Joss and Gio got her out of the pool safely. Anna asks if she noticed anything else, and Trina says she looked up, trying to see where Kristina came from – she literally fell from the sky. She saw Ava standing in the broken window, so it must have been her suite. Anna asks what Ava did next, but Trina says, nothing. She stood there, then backed away. Anna says, nothing else? and Trina says, no. Ava closed the drapes and she couldn’t see anything after that.

Dex gives Josslyn some tea, and she says she feels better with him being here and back in her life. She’s grateful he didn’t stay away. He says, she didn’t give him much choice, but she says he could have disappeared again and stayed away. He repeats that he had no other choice, and she says she’s so sorry she was judgmental when they broke up. He says he thinks she was entitled to be judgy, but she says she didn’t try to understand that he was changing. She couldn’t just go through it with him; she had to judge. He says, she held him accountable and pointed out that he wasn’t the man he wanted to be. Look at him now. She says, lucky her. She learned things too. Never take anything for granted, especially after today. The disaster made her realize that good or bad, young or old, all we have is right now. They kiss.  

Molly says, the baby is gone? and Kristina says, their precious little girl is gone. Molly says, it was a girl? and they both cry. (I want to cry.) Kristina says she’s sorry it wasn’t her, but Molly tells her not to say that. She doesn’t have to say anything. Just rest. Kristina says, they lost their baby girl, and Molly holds her hand.

Jordan says she wishes she had the words, and TJ says, him too. He’s not proud of this and probably shouldn’t say it… She tells him to get it off his chest no matter how bad, and he says he was wondering what Kristina was doing there in the first place. He knows it doesn’t matter and only hopes she’ll be okay. It’s all they have left to hope for. Jordan says, he’s suffered a great loss and can feel however he wants. Don’t edit himself with her. He says, his first instinct is to blame Kristina and say, it’s her fault. His mind is screaming that her mom said, I told you so. He feels terrible, but he can’t help it. Their child is gone. His child won’t have the chance to be born, and all his thoughts and anger can’t make that stop.

Dante asks how Kristina and the baby are, and Alexis says, Kristina is awake and stable. She’ll be okay, but they weren’t able to save the baby. She hasn’t called Sam yet. Dante says he will, but she says she has to do it and leaves. Dante tells Sonny that he’s sorry, and Sonny asks if he thinks Ava had something to do with it. Dante tells him that she’s saying it was an accident, and Sonny asks if he believes her. Ava and Jagger are trying to take Avery away from him and tried to take Kristina too. Dante suggests they focus on Kristina, and Sonny says, they will pay.

Dex says, maybe they should slow down, and Josslyn asks, why? He says, she just went through a traumatic event, and he’d never want to take advantage, and she says, that’s one of the many reasons she trusts him. When she walked out of the hospital, all she could think was how much she loves him. She let her pride get in the way of that love. He says he loves her too. Him joining the PCPD and getting his life back on track was something he needed to do for himself, but it’s all part of loving her. She says he doesn’t have to prove anything, but she appreciates that. He says he had to prove it to himself, and she says, that’s between him and him. As for them, love isn’t a job or a to-do list. It doesn’t have to be earned. It just is.

Blaze tells Natalia that she and Kristina started seeing each other around Christmas. Kristina is beautiful and a force of a personality. She’s so comfortable being who she is, Blaze admired that. She was worried about her career and terrified of being outed. Not because of her fans… Natalia says, because of her, and Blaze says she was afraid Natalia would stop loving her. She wouldn’t be the first parent who wrote off their child for being gay. She and Kristina went to Rice Plaza around the holidays, and they held hands in a public place. It’s a big deal, not just for them, but for a lot of gay people. When some people who knew them saw them and said hello, she pulled her hand away. She didn’t realize it; it was a reflex. Kristina called her on it and said she was hurt. Blaze had gotten so used to hiding who she was, she almost missed out on getting to know Kristina at all. Natalia takes her hand and says she’s sorry Blaze felt that way. She’s sorry for how she reacted finding Kristina in Blaze’s hotel room and for dismissing Blaze’s feelings as a reaction to what a man did.  Blaze says she hopes Natalia gets it now, and Natalia says she got arrogant, giving Blaze what she thought was incredible insight, saying she found safety in women because men were dangerous. There was no way her baby girl had feelings for a woman or could be attracted to a woman because she was a good girl, and good girls don’t behave that way. Blaze asks if part of her still feels that way.

Alexis says, Sam is devastated, and Dante asks if Alexis is okay. She asks if he’s okay, and he says he’s just angry. He wants to be able to do more to help. Alexis says she’s sure he’ll find a way, and he hopes she’s right. Molly comes out crying, and says she guesses they all know. She hugs Alexis, and says, the baby was a girl. Kristina needs her mom. Alexis goes to Kristina’s room, and TJ holds Molly while she cries.

Alexis hugs Kristina, who also cries.

TJ says, they had a daughter, and Molly says, they did. Sonny heads for Kristina’s room, but Molly stands in front of the door and says, he’s not going anywhere near her sister.

Natalia says, it’s hard to shake beliefs you’ve had your whole life. It’s like learning how to write with your left hand when you’ve been forced to use your right hand your whole life. She feels like she should probably thank Ava, and Blaze says she doesn’t have to worry about being outed now. Natalia says she heard her words. She was so sure it was a phase. Blaze says, because gay people aren’t serious, and Natalia says she’s been on the receiving end of Kristina’s outrage. She must be pretty special if Blaze is willing to risk everything. Blaze says, Kristina is the most amazing person she’s ever met. Kristina’s courage, heart, and strength inspire her every day. She cries and says she can’t lose that. Natalia says, they just have to have faith that Kristina has the courage, heart, and strength to pull though this.

Sonny says he wants to see his daughter, but Molly says, he’s the reason Kristina is in the ICU. He’s the reason Kristina almost died. He says he had nothing to do with it, but she says, he had everything to do with it. Does he even know why Kristina was in Ava’s room? She’d subpoenaed Kristina to testify against him at the custody hearing. She wanted Kristina to tell the world that he’s a violent thug who attacked a cadet at a reception and threatened to murder him. He says he knows she’s upset and he’s sorry she lost her daughter. If anything happens to Kristina, he doesn’t know what… She says, Kristina went to see Ava because of him. She almost died because of him. Her daughter is dead because of him. He walks away.

Trina asks if it’s all right if she speaks to Ava, and Anna tells her, go ahead. Chase tells Anna that he took Ava’s statement, and he thinks she’s hiding something. Ava asks if Trina is all right, and Trina says, is she? Ava says, not really. She can’t believe what happened, and she’s sorry Trina got dragged into it. Trina says she was at the pool when Kristina fell, and Chase wanted her statement. Ava asks what she saw, and Trina says, almost nothing. After Kristina fell, she looked up and saw Ava standing at the window. Anna thanks Trina for her help and says, she’s free to go, but they need Ava to stay.

Josslyn and Dex get busy because somebody has to make this day not as sad.

Blaze says she feels better, and Natalia says, it’s the chicken soup, but Blaze says, it’s not just the soup. It’s her. She thanks Natalia for listening and letting her talk about Kristina and their relationship. Natalia didn’t even shudder when she called Kristina her girlfriend. Natalia says she doesn’t shudder, and Blaze says, she didn’t make a disappointed mother look. Not this time. She’ll take it as a win. She thanks Natalia for the soup and the talk, when her phone rings. It’s Jordan, and Blaze asks how Kristina is. Jordan says, she made it through the C-section and is with her mother now. Blaze says, thank God. How’s the baby? Jordan says, unfortunately, they couldn’t save the baby.  

Ava says she’s explained more than once and been nothing but cooperative. She even allowed herself to be subjected to the humiliation of being brought in wearing handcuffs because she knew Dante wasn’t thinking straight. Are they charging her? Anna says, not at this point, and Ava says, then she’ll be going. Anna says, they’d rather she stayed, and Ava asks, why? Chase says, forensics is still in her suite, and Ava says, why? It’s a slip and fall. She hopes Kristina and the baby are all right, but it’s not a crime scene. Anna says, yet to be determined. She needs to transcribe Ava’s statement and might have further questions. It would be better if they knew her whereabouts and won’t have to keep track of her if she doesn’t leave. Ava says, fine, but she’s not saying one more word until her lawyer gets here. She asks them to call Scotty Baldwin right away.

Jordan asks if Dante arrested Ava, and he says, if she was just Deputy Mayor, he might talk about it, but she’s related to the parties involved. She says, so is he, and he says, Chase is taking over so he can be with the family. He’s sorry, but he can’t tell her anything else. She says she understands, and nothing can bring her granddaughter back.  

Molly says she’s sorry she wasn’t here, and TJ says, there was no way for her to know. It wasn’t like she was ignoring phone calls or texts. She was in court, and when he was able to get word to her, she came right away. She says she was too late, but he says, even if she’d been there sooner or been here the whole time, there was nothing she could do. She’s here now and that’s all that matters. She says, they had a baby girl and she’s gone. They hug.

Alexis tells Kristina that she’s so sorry, but they’ll get through this. She promises. Kristina closes her eyes, and alarms start to go off. Alexis yells that they need help.  

Sonny goes up on the roof. He takes his jacket off and puts it on the ledge. He looks down and flashes back to saying Dante’s forsaken him and Dante saying he’s trying to save him. He’s reached his limit and he’s done protecting him. If he commits a crime, now he’s going to face the consequences. He remembers talking to Kristina in the ladies’ room at the wedding reception and her being afraid of him and remembers Josslyn calling him a criminal and a liar, and saying she’ll never forgive him. He flashes back to Anna saying, the days of him thinking he can skate are over, and kicking him out of her office. He hears Molly saying that Kristina went to see Ava because of him and almost died because of him. Her daughter is dead because of him.

Tomorrow, Laura tells Doc that sometimes it pays to be in politics; Anna feels Ava isn’t being truthful; and Sonny stands on the ledge talking to someone in his imagination.

Below Deck Mediterranean

We ended last week with the captain telling Bri and Ellie: Everyone here is replaceable. You’ll be on the ferry going back. You both.

Ist day of charter. Through her tears, Ellie says she’s behaved responsibly and is a good leader and teacher. She’s had no issues or problems with anything. Captain Sandy says, Aesha came to her. Aesha is doing what she can to keep the peace. The last thing she wants is to let them both go, but she has to think about this. Be kind and get through charter. Ellie wipes her eyes and Bri curses in the laundry. The captain calls Aesha to the bridge, and Jono asks Bri to meet him in the galley. In Jono’s interview, he says, you learn baking in culinary school.  He skipped that part of the job. He asks Bri to help him with dessert. Aesha brings food with her to see Captain Sandy, since she hasn’t had a chance to eat. The captain says she had a talk with Bri and Ellie, and they still both… Aesha says, they don’t like each other and at the end of the day, it’s a toxic thing in the workplace. Captain Sandy says, the way it’s going, she’s going to have to let both of them go, but she has to make sure they have a crew. Aesha thanks her, and the captain says, it’s her job.

In Gael’s interview, she says she’s never jumped from one relationship to another this fast. She knows Nathan pretty well, but she doesn’t want to ruin the moment by thinking too far ahead. Aesha tells Ellie to start setting up for the goddess party, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, she feels like it’s always something. If it’s not professional, it’s personal, and if it’s not personal, it’s professional. She feels like she’s failing as chief stew because she doesn’t know what the answer is. In Ellie’s interview, she says her head shouldn’t be anywhere near the chopping block. She’s going to keep her mouth shut and put up with Bri’s bullsh*t. The goddess dinner table is set, and Captain Sandy asks Aesha if Ellie and Bri share a cabin. Aesha says, yes. Can she change that? The captain says, if that’s what she wants, do it. That’s what happens when you’re the boss. Aesha calls Bri and Ellie to meet her in the crew mess. Gael is there, and Aesha says she’s glad because they’re going to swap cabins. Bri will bunk with her, and Ellie will bunk with Gael. Gael jokes that they have to get their sh*t together, and Nathan eats a rib bigger than me. The guests tell primary Coleen, happy birthday, and Aesha tells Bri to do cabins. Seafood pasta food porn is served, with chorizo filling in for the scallops for the non-seafood lover.   Ellie sets up the slumber party and makes tents. Aesha tells Jono that the guests loved the meal, and he dances. Joe plays piano and makes up a song about Bri and Ellie – ♫ I’ve already had one and now it’s time for two ♫ – and Nathan and Iain lose their sh*t laughing. Unfortunately, Ellie is within hearing distance, and when she says she’s enjoying the music, Joe asks if she likes the song. She says, it’s beautiful, but she thinks she heard plenty. He says, it’s just a joke with the boys, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, that motherf***er got attention from her once. Now he thinks he can get whoever he wants, but not her. She’s dried up.  

There’s an ad for Goddess perfume. Coincidence or wise placement?

Ellie tells Aesha that the fort is completed, and Joe practices singing Happy Birthday. At the table, the guests reminisce about Coleen. Aesha brings in the gold cake, while the crew sings Happy Birthday much better than the last time. Aesha thanks Coleen for letting them share her birthday, and Coleen cries. Joe goes on and on about not knowing Ellie was there to anyone who will listen. Aesha tells the guests, it’s pajama party time, and Coleen tells them, get your jammies on, ladies. The set-up is very cute, a large tent with little white lights. Some of the guests ask for porn star martinis, but guest Nikki says she’s not liking the drinks. Aesha asks Ellie what she’s putting in them, and Ellie shows her. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the job of the second stew is cocktails and decorating. Ellie can decorate, but her cocktails suck and she mislabeled Jono’s pants. She never knows what she can rely on with Ellie. Nikki tells Aesha that she’s got to teach Ellie how to make martinis, and Aesha promises she will. On the phone with her friend, Bri says, she and Ellie’s fighting is affecting others and now she has to change cabins. Her friend says, at least she’s not with that bitch. The guests go to bed, and Ellie says she needs this trip to end. Me too.

Guest Stacy is up early in the morning and asks Bri if she can get in the jacuzzi. Bri calls Nathan and he sets it up with Gael. After Stacy is finished with her tub time, Chief Engineer Ionel tells Nathan that there’s no hot water because no one closed the valve. Ionel tells Captain Sandy about it, and she says, mistakes like that shouldn’t happen on charter 5. She calls Nathan and Iain to the bridge and say she doesn’t want to do this after the tip meeting. The jacuzzi valve was open, so there was no hot water. Even though it’s Gael’s responsibility, Nathan cops to it, and the captain says, it’s not a small thing. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, thankfully, it didn’t become a guest problem. It’s a leadership problem, which makes it an Iain problem. A lot of little things keep happening that shouldn’t happen by charter 6. We flash back and wow. It’s definitely a lot. She says, it’s a systematic issue. Systems need to be in place, which is something Iain failed to do.

Iain calls Nathan and Joe on deck, and says, it’s his fault even if it’s not his fault. They’ve got to check the valve. In Joe’s interview, he says, he understands why Nathan took the blame, but he doesn’t agree. Coleen tells the captain that the food is phenomenal. The chef kicked butt. Nathan tells Gael about the valve, and says he told the captain that they were both there, even though she turned on the jacuzzi. Gael doesn’t think Nathan should take the blame and wants to take responsibility for it with the captain. She goes to the bridge and tells Captain Sandy that she apologizes. She turned on the jacuzzi. The captain says, Gael’s not in trouble. When she says something, it’s to educate and tell them to try to work on this. Gael thanks her, and in the captain’s interview, she says she loves when people take accountability. It was a mistake. Gael is visibly nervous, and she’s accountable. The captain wishes Iain would do more of it. Nathan says he hates getting sh*t the last day, and Joe says, Gael isn’t a princess; she’s a deckhand. They dock, and the captain says, good pivot. They’re meeting in five minutes to see the guests off.

The guests say goodbye, and Coleen says, it was amazing. They made her birthday memorable. They’re not an easy bunch. She thanks them, give the captain the tip envelope, and the guests leave. The captain says, good job. Now she’s taking the tip envelope shopping. I think she’s joking… She tells the crew to get in their reds and turn the boat around. In Joe’s interview, he says, Ellie has every right to be upset and he’s going to apologize. They clean the boat, and Bri finds a mess in the laundry. She sings, ♫ why this so annoying? ♫ and in her interview, she says she wished everything would be different when she came back. Did she make a mess or did Ellie? She thinks Ellie might be sabotaging her. She tells Ellie, in the future, don’t move the laundry, and Ellie says she’s sorry. Bri says, don’t do laundry. She’ll do it. Ellie says, okay, and when Bri sees Aesha, she says she’s taking full responsibility for the laundry and told Ellie not to do it. Aesha says, they can’t have that, and Bri says she doesn’t want her doing it. Aesha says, it’s not about what Bri wants. She’s running the boat. If Bri is on break and Ellie has a spare moment, she’s not going to not do laundry. Nothing personal.

The crew goes to the salon for the tip meeting, and the captain says, they had great guests. They were pretty awesome. The client loved the food, so she wants Jono to keep doing what he does. It seems to be working. As far as disagreements, she knows how they feel, and their mental status is important. By charter 5, they’re tired and they don’t get much rest. She thinks they need a reset, and the owner has arranged a day out. They’ll start with the Acropolis, followed by a day at a beach club. It’s going to be an awesome time. Aesha yells like Tarzan, and Captain Sandy says, the tip is $21,500, $1790 each or 1500 euros each. Aesha is amazed at the amount for one day. The crew gets ready to go out, but Ellie says she needs sleep. She wants to start fresh. In Ellie’s interview, she says, she’s over the drama with Bri. It’s the same thing over and over, and she’s completely emotionally battered. She doesn’t have it in her to be around other people. She needs to sort herself out. Joe whines that he upset her, since all worlds revolve around him.

In the taxi, Nathan explains what happened with Joe singing, and Jono says, it was a song about who he should choose. We flash back to Joe singing, ♫ I’ve already had one, now it’s time for two ♫, and Ellie hearing. Aesha says, oh my God, and Jono says, how cringe. In Bri’s interview, she says, Ellie triggers her, but hearing someone talking about you and being there, the feeling of your heart sinking… She feels sorry for Ellie. Joe says he’s going to tell Ellie that he’s sorry, but Aesha says, don’t.

The drinking commences, and Aesha says she hopes Bri doesn’t feel she’s hard on her. Bri says, Aesha is the reason she picks herself back up, and Aesha says, if she wants to be on service, she can’t let her lows show. Bri seems surprised that she does, and Aesha says, big time. In Aesha’s interview, she says, Bri is very emotional, but she understands why Bri isn’t being fired. She does cabins well, and when she helps with breakfast service, she does that well. The laundry is her Achille’s heel. If she could do that and get the squabbling sorted out, she could be a great stew… Well, maybe not great, but a good stew… Well, a passable one… Well, maybe just a stew, but not a bad one. Joe tells Gael that she came to him with an aggressive attitude, and she says she had a rough morning. She didn’t want Nathan to take the blame for something she’d done. Joe says, it made him annoyed, and she says she went to the captain. Joe says he didn’t want her to have princess treatment, and she says she’d never take princess treatment. He says he didn’t know that. All he saw was Nathan taking the blame. In Gael’s interview, she says, she’s not entitled. Better fix it up. She says she’s telling him and now he knows. The crew heads back to the boat because, beach day.

Aesha says her two favorite things are history and the beach. Nothing can bring her down today. She’s going to look at old sh*t, then tan. Just let her do that. Bri tells Ellie that she heard about Joe on the piano and she’s sorry. Ellie says he was taking the piss out of both of them. She didn’t want to upset Bri, so she didn’t say anything. She wanted to tell Joe, bitch, I got NFL players in my DMs. The group gathers to leave, and Ellie says she feels like a new person. They go to the Acropolis, and Aesha reads factoids out loud as they walk. They can see the Parthenon from where they are, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, she was picturing herself here, and she acts out a scene about her delivering goods to the Acropolis that the survival of civilization depends on. On the boat, Captain Sandy tells her laptop, download, you mofo, and has never been more relatable. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’d like Joe to take accountability. She has no intention of speaking to him unless he apologizes. His behavior caused the rift that has now threatened her job. Jono asks if Gael is going to say yes or no to Nathan’s proposal, and in Nathan’s interview, he says he hopes he and Gael can do something outside of charter season, just the two of them, and see if they can make this something. Aesha says she’s hungry and wants a cocktail. They move on to the beach club.

They sit in a little tent with a table in it and order drinks. Aesha says, Joe is quiet, and Nathan says, they all have their moments. Nice work, team. Ellie says, when she heard Joe’s song… Nathan says, she wasn’t happy, and she says, it sounded disrespectful. Nathan says he’s just staying quiet, and in his interview, he says he’s not dealing with this. Joe can. He’s gone. He leaves the table, and Joe (aka Mr. Insightful) says, he’s upset her, hasn’t he? There are crickets for a moment, and Ellie says, it was disrespectful. He says, it was just a little song with the boys. It was a playful moment. She says she doesn’t give a sh*t. It was disrespectful. He says he’s sorry he offended her. He knows he’s a pr*ck. She says she doesn’t accept disrespect, and he says, she doesn’t deserve it. He apologizes. She says she appreciates it. It’s kind of him. In Ellie’s interview, she says she can see he means it and has remorse. He’s immature and his ego got carried away. She doesn’t think he was being malicious, so she’s happy to forget about it. Nathan slips back into his chair, and Jono says, no more singing. The server brings what looks like pizza, and everyone dives in. Aesha says she’s proud of everyone, and they chant, Mustique! and clink glasses. Ellie says she’s ready for the beach, and they go to a cabana. Some of them get in the water, and Bri twerks. Aesha says, it’s the first time she’s seen Ellie… Jono says, enjoy herself? Ellie dances and everyone clinks glasses again. Nathan asks if he can kiss Gael, but she says he has to take her on a picnic first. In Gael’s interview, she says, it’s not like she doesn’t want to kiss him, but she hates PDA. (Me too.) They go back to the boat, and Aesha says, they needed today. Jono says, 100%, and Aesha says, it’s nice and early, but he says he still hates to leave. In Ellie’s interview, she says she thinks it’s healthy for her and Bri to part ways. She can start fresh and focus on herself rather than what Bri is doing.  

Zea Marina. 7 hours to charter. Aesha says she hates that Gael is leaving, and Gael says she wants to cry. Captain Sandy says, it’s going to be windy, and she wants to get off the dock early. She tells the crew that they’ll be receiving the provisions and guests on anchor. She calls Aesha, Jono, and Iain for the preference sheet meeting. She says, it’s a short charter with a late arrival. The primary is Mahisha, who founded a natural hair care brand Curls. She’ll be joined by her husband and friends. Jono reads that the guests want every meal to be a culinary masterpiece that rivals any Michelin restaurant. Captain Sandy asks Jono, whatchu gonna do, boo? She asks if they feel good going into the next charter. They’re going to have fun.

The move happens, and in Bri’s interview, she says, you know what they say, that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Captain Sandy tells Iain that they’re going to leave as soon as possible. Otherwise, they’ll be stuck at the dock. Jono says he’s going to make a charcuterie board to welcome the guests. He can make it look more dramatic than it is. In his interview, he says, he doesn’t think any Michelin restaurant has only one chef. He’ll do his best, but he might be f***ed for this one. They go to the Bay of Zea, and the captain says she’s missing a red shirt. The one she was given isn’t hers. She gives it to Bri, and Aesha says, everyone should label their clothes at the beginning so there’s never a mix-up. Bri says she doesn’t know where the other one is, and Aesha wonders how it can go missing. Bri looks for it, and Aesha says, such a sh*tshow. In Aesha’s interview, she says, unfortunately, she can’t fully trust her stews. We flash back to the many laundry issues this season, and she says she needs to be on all the time. It’s not sustainable to maintain this. She hopes this works out. They need to get to the bottom of what’s going on. She tells Ellie to only do rags, napkins, and towels. Then they can see where the problem lies and can prove it. In her interview, she says she had a lightbulb moment. She can go for it in a way where no one can point a finger. She tells Bri that Ellie is allowed to come in the laundry and explains the new system. If something that belongs to a person goes missing, they’ll know it’s 100% her fault, but if she keeps making these mistakes, Aesha will have to consider letting her go.  

This season, Jono serves a guest raw food when it could kill her; Captain Sandy says she has to fire Jono; Athens; guests find the couch an eyesore and want it moved; Bri tells Ellie that Joe is playing both of them; Captain Sandy says something is a fireable offense; Ellie says she’s being made a scapegoat; a new stew arrives: Nathan says, Joe is going for another one; the new stew is a pathological flirt; and a bad storm floods the boat.

🦸‍♂️ Everything and More, Peanut…🐺

How did I love this movie? Let me count the ways. If you only see one thing on the big screen this year, it should be this movie. The jokes come so fast and furious, I would have watched it a second time if I could have. The action? Incredible. The special effects? Magnificent. The cameos? Sublime. And Dogpool? The new love of my life. Deadpool and Wolverine are the best pairing since Romeo and Juliet. Even better, since – spoiler alert – neither of them drinks poison and dies. Although there are deaths a-plenty and more Deadpool variants than you can shake a katana at. I’m hoping this film’s thunder keeps rolling for a long time to come. I’m also hoping this isn’t the last film. Although how can it be, when Disney is going to make Hugh Jackman do this until he’s 90?

https://ew.com/deadpool-wolverine-elektra-blade-gambit-x-23-action-scene-breakdown-exclusive-8687405

Some of the guests.

https://people.com/jennifer-garner-shares-how-she-got-marvel-fit-for-deadpool-and-wolverine-8690592

https://people.com/ryan-reynolds-says-deadpool-wolverine-costar-channing-tatum-was-born-to-play-gambit-8690676

https://ew.com/chris-evans-shares-behind-the-scenes-look-at-his-deadpool-and-wolverine-cameo-8687115

https://people.com/chris-evans-says-ryan-reynolds-offered-him-cue-cards-for-his-surprise-monologue-in-deadpool-and-wolverine-exclusive-8689836

An almost was. How could he turn this down?

https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/ryan-reynolds-nicolas-cage-ghost-rider-deadpool-and-wolverine-1235032716/

I always stick it out for the credits, and I have to admit, when I saw Wrangler for Hugh Jackman, I wondered where I could apply for the job.

https://ew.com/ryan-reynolds-daughter-deadpool-and-wolverine-role-on-set-for-hugh-jackman-8684962

All the records broken. Sit on it, Titanic.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/deadpool-and-wolverine-box-office-record-second-weekend-1235965690/

🐚 Seashell Wishes…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay creating an alternate weather plan when having a party, and stay remembering, good or bad, young or old, all we have is right now.

July 30, 2024 – An Arraignment Surprise, Soap Bubbles, Messy New Jersey, Ramonacoaster Return, Ending the Feud, New Freedoms, Where’s Whitney, Last Of the Shadows, Super Rescue & Suddenly

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Anna goes to the WSB and introduces herself as the Police Commissioner of Port Charles, New York. She asks if the desk agent can point her in the direction of someone who knows what happened to Jack Brennan and why he was removed from Pentenville.

Wiley is celebrating his birthday at the pool and tells Willow that he thought daddy was coming. Willow says, he wanted to, but had to do something with grandma. Wiley says, Grandma Nina! but Willow says, no, his other grandma. Wiley says, no. Grandma Nina is here at the pool.  

John tells Sonny, Carly is going to lose her children, her hotel, and the restaurant left to her by her deceased mother. Jason is going to talk. Sonny says, no one has anything to say to John, and John says, Jason is going to testify against him, and Sonny is going to be in that courtroom with all his money while John is beside him listing all the crimes he’s committed. John ends his tirade with calling Sonny a miserable son of a bitch, and Sonny is ready to punch him, but Michael grabs him and says, calm down. Sonny says, let him go, and John tells Michael to listen to the guy who’s not his real dad. Listen to the one who blew his real dad away. For once, he took care of it himself. Michael tells Sonny not to give John the satisfaction. Donna may lose her mother. Does Sonny want her to lose her father too?

Michael tells Sonny, just walk away. It’s not worth it. His family needs him. Sonny says, Jagger finally showed his true colors, and John says, same for Sonny. Sonny laughs, and John says he’s looking forward to seeing more of Sonny. Michael and Sonny step away, and John says, nice uncle. She’s an officer of the court. Why is she protecting him? She says she’s not, and he says, it’s a point of integrity for the county. She tells him to make a formal request. Fill out an official form, and she’ll have it processed. Then if he wants to drag Sonny to court and put him in prison, he’s more than welcome. He’s been waving his badge around, making demands, and using his power to service his own vendetta. He says, she has more than enough to go on and is hiding behind bureaucracy instead of serving justice, and she says, be her guest. Have Sonny arrested and prosecuted, but if he wants assistance, fill out an official request. He accuses her of being in bed with Sonny, and she tells him to request a court order. Until then, their business is done. Good day.

Nina hugs Wiley, and James says, greetings and salvations (not a mistake; he gets Spinelli’s hello a bit wrong). Willow says she’s happy that James’s mommy brought him to the pool, and Maxie says, no one needs to remind them whose birthday it is. Nina looks at Willow, who nods, and she says she brought something for the birthday boy. Spinelli tells Maxie, so far, so good. Wiley is happy to have one of his grandmas at the party. Maxie says, they all know Carly has to appear in federal court, but they don’t know why, and Spinelli says he found out Cates is using the incriminating evidence he has on Carly as a threat to coerce Jason into working for him. Maxie says, that snake, and Wiley thanks Nina for his gift. He tells James that they can show Nina how fast they can swim, and the boys get in the pool. Nina asks Willow if that was okay, and Willow says, Nina has great taste, as always. Wiley definitely liked it. (I think it was a truck, but I wasn’t totally paying attention.) Nina says she’s in the middle of a workday, so when the boys are out of the pool, she’ll be on her way, but Willow asks if she’s sure she has to leave.

On the phone, Dante says, Jack Brennan was at the hotel in December of 2023… Then go up the chain of command to the co-owner Olivia Falconari. Tell her it’s Dante Falconari… Right. He’s her son. He thanks them for their cooperation. Molly comes into the station looking for Anna, but Dante says, she’s out of town. Molly asks if he knows when she’ll be back, but he says he doesn’t. Is there something he can help her with? She says, there’s a rogue FBI agent roaming the courthouse and Dante’s father is hellbent on tearing him limb from limb.

Michael asks if Sonny is okay, and Sonny says he’s fine. Michael is right. Jagger’s not worth it. Diane joins them with Josslyn and Jason, and asks if everything is all right. Michael says, it’s fine, and Sonny looks at Jason then walks into the courtroom. Diane asks if she needs to worry, but Michael tells her to focus on their mom. She says she can multitask, and he says, they all rely on that. Josslyn asks if Jason is sure Sonny is taking his meds, and Jason says, Carly checked. Josslyn says, it’s possible they stopped working, and John lurks behind them. He stares at Michael and moves on. Jason asks what they missed, and Michael says, he can probably guess. How’s Donna? Josslyn says, she keeps asking where her mom is and they keep saying she’s on a business trip where there’s no cell service. She’s going to grow up to be a cop or detective. Pilar has her at Wiley’s birthday party. She’s sorry Michael is missing it, but they’ve got to figure out what to tell Donna if Carly doesn’t make bail. She asks if Jason thinks she will.  

Anna tells the desk agent that Brennan’s time in Pentenville was completely wiped out, as well as the PCPD records of him. That only happens when someone high up wants it. Whoever that is, is who she needs to speak to. He says, she probably knows what he’s about to say, but she says she needs to hear it. He says, the information she’s seeking is probably highly classified. Without a federal court order, they can’t and won’t provide it. Anna says she’s not a civilian, she’s a Police Commissioner, but he says, she’s local law enforcement. She says she’s a former WSB agent, but he says, all that gets her is in the door. She needs a special clearance. She suggests he get ahold of Mia Granahan, the Deputy Director. She’ll be happy to wait. Brennan was arrested for crimes in her jurisdiction. She arrested him herself and won’t sit by and allow the WSB to disappear him. She’s not leaving until she gets an answer. Brennan comes out of a nearby office and asks, must she always make a nuisance of herself? (I love Jack. He’s so much fun.)

Dante asks, how bad was it? and Molly says, words were exchanged, but John was way up in Sonny’s face. He wanted more to happen and almost got it. Sonny took a swing at him. Dante says, but there was no assault? and she says, the punch never landed. If it weren’t for Michael, Sonny would be in federal custody.

The kids play in the pool, and Willow thanks Nina. Nina says, of course (🍷), and Willow says, not just for the present, but for arranging for Michael to meet Congressman McConkey. Nina says, it’s her pleasure, and Willow says she’s sure it was as difficult for Nina to say yes as it was for Michael to ask. He considered asking Monica or Tracy, but Nina has a closer relationship with McConkey. Nina says, wise move, and Willow says, she wasn’t sure, considering how things are between Nina and… Nina says, Willow wasn’t sure if she would go to bat for Carly, but Willow says, no undue influence. They just want the congressman to look into Agent Cates’s abuse of authority. She thanks Nina, and Nina flashes back to Michael saying that she owes his family one and can make it right with one phone call. When his mom is free, he’ll make sure Willow knows all the credit goes to her. Nina tells Willow, spoiler alert. She may be shocked by why Nina did it. No matter what their differences, she knows how important Carly is to the family. How could she say no?

John wanders around the hallway and runs into US Attorney Wilcox. He tells John that he read the files and asks if there’s anything else he should know. John says, plenty.

Carly is brought into the courtroom and hugs Josslyn, but the officer says, no contact. She asks how Donna is, and Josslyn says, she thinks Carly is away on business. John comes in and Carly stares at him, but Diane says, look at her. From this point on, she’s not to look at Cates. Not a glare, not a side-eye, not looking backwards when she tosses her hair. Carly says she never tosses her hair, and Diane says, she’s not to speak to him. Carly says, she’s not an idiot, but Diane says, she’s impulsive. Carly says, Diane made her point, and she can hear Jason agreeing. Diane says, the most important thing to remember is, once the arraignment starts, no words. Not a peep, not a noise, no audible breathing until she argues for dismissal. Josslyn asks if she thinks it will work, and Diane says, no, but the court expects it and it starts the road to acquittal. Michael says he’s meeting with McConkey and asking him to look into Cates’s conduct, and Carly says she hopes they turn over every rock to find something. If she’s going down, Cates is going down with her. The bailiff says, all rise.

Alexis comes to the station and says she’s dropping off some paperwork for Anna. Dante says, it’s official, and she says, once again she’s a licensed and practicing attorney. Dante says, now they can have a different picture on their dartboard instead of hating on Diane. Sam wanted to have them over for dinner, and he thinks this would be a good excuse to celebrate. Alexis says she looks forward to it, and Dante takes the paperwork and leaves. Alexis asks if Molly’s got a minute, and Molly says, she must have spoken to Kristina. Alexis says, yes, she did.

Anna goes into the office and says, it’s good to see Jack, especially since every trace of him has disappeared. He says, there’s a reasonable explanation. He was never there. She says she kept a hard copy of his intake arrest record, and he says, damn. Now he’ll have to burn down the police department – again. He swore it was the last time. Anna tells him to stop whatever game he’s playing. He’s won. He says, what was that last bit? and she says, he won. He’s out and free, and she, the lowly, local Police Commissioner, can’t touch him. What’s going on? He says, sorry, she has no clearance, but she says, that’s never stopped her before. Or him. He says, the Bureau found a use for him. It’s as simple as that. Why does she ask? Was she worried about him? She says she was really worried… that he wouldn’t pay for the crimes he’s committed and that’s exactly what happened. He’s been rewarded for them. He says, he’ll be running a local station in the hinterlands. Some reward. She says, the WSB needed to divorce themselves from Pikeman. It did a good job for them, but things were getting conspicuous. The FBI wasn’t on board, so the WSB let them take Pikeman down and walked away clean. Is she close? He shrugs.

Maxie tells Spinelli that she knows she said she was okay with it, but she wants to know what happened. He says he can’t divulge his methods, and she says, but he could deny them in detail. He says, for instance, he absolutely did not access the evidence Cates is using against Carly, and Maxie says, of course (🍷) not. How would he do that? He says, not by having Sam distract Cates and borrowing Cates’s digital ID. She wonders why he couldn’t use the ID to get rid of the evidence and throw it away, but he says, even The Jackal couldn’t pull that off.

The judge says, the defendant is charged with racketeering violations, and Diane says, they can waive the reading. Wilcox has no objection, and the judge asks if the defendant understands the charges. Diane says she’s making a motion to dismiss. The prosecution hasn’t shared the evidence, which consists of a single recording. There’s no eyewitness testimony, just one audio file recorded by an FBI agent. A guy comes in and whispers something to Wilcox, and Diane says, Carly is a long standing pilar if the community and the charges are lacking in merit. She voluntarily turned herself in hoping to get this whole thing over with. It reeks of malicious prosecution, and she hopes the court sees it for what it is. The judge says, it always pleases her to hear Diane argue a motion, and Wilcox says, the people don’t oppose the motion to dismiss. We all go, whaaat?

The judge bangs her gavel and asks if she heard correctly. Are they agreeing to dismiss the case? John jumps up and says, they’re not, and Wilcox asks, who the hell is he? The judge says she’ll ask the questions. Who the hell is he and what business is it of his? John says he’s Special Agent Cates. He brought Carly in and the US Attorney is making his job impossible. The judge asks the attorneys and John to approach the bench, and John says, they have an iron clad case, but Wilcox says, the audio file is gone. It no longer exists. (I laaaaugh.)

Anna says, the FBI was closing in on Pikeman and Jack got himself arrested knowing he’d never face trial. The WSB left him in Pentenville until everyone forgot about him. He says, everyone but her, and she says, now he’s a free man. And Valentin his scapegoat is also fine? Lounging with his daughter on some extradition free beach? Jack says, she’s right. There. He said it. It’s all true. Anna says, but none of it will see the light, and he says, that’s how the game is played. Speaking of games, he doesn’t think she came to the nation’s capital just to badger the WSB into divulging his whereabouts. She wants something. Anna asks, what kind of leverage does he have against John? and Jack says, John is FBI and he’s WSB. Why would she think he has pull? She says, because you’re you. You have connections. Jack says he’s flattered, and she says, John is off the rails and targeting Jack’s friend Carly.

John says he has an official summary on his phone, but Diane says, in this day and age of deepfakes, evidence isn’t evidence unless there’s a chain of custody. John says, there is, and accuses the DA’s office of being incompetent. Maybe they should look for the file. Wilcox says, they did, and the last time it was accessed was by John. The judge says, so they have no evidence, and Wilcox says, none. She thanks them, and Carly asks Diane, what’s happening? Diane says, wait for it, and the judge asks if the prosecution wishes to proceed. Wilcox says, they’re not moving forward with the case, and the judge says, case dismissed. Carly looks at Jason and everyone looks stunned. Sonny smiles. (I can’t stop laughing.)

Carly asks, what happened? and John says, it can’t be gone. The judge asks if he didn’t hear the dismissal. One more word, and she’ll hold him in contempt. He’s stopped talking? Good. Now listen. For the record, she recommends he take his questions, accusations, and excuses to his superior. His conduct is not for court. Understood? John nods, and she says, good. Now they’re done. Court is adjourned. The bailiff says, all rise, and the judge leaves. Carly hugs Josslyn and Michael, and everyone is happy. John says he doesn’t know how they pulled it off, but it’s not going to work. It’s evidence tampering and he has a good idea who’s behind it. He flashes back to Diane assuring him that this is going to blow up in his face, and Anna telling him to ignore the evidence. Carly says she’d love to send a thank you note to whoever did this, but Jason says, it’s not over. Michael says, it is, and John tells Sonny, enjoy his reprieve. It won’t last. He’s going to put Sonny behind bars for the rest of his life, and make sure Jason and Carly are rotting beside him. He stomps out.

In the interrogation room – where everyone goes to talk – Alexis says she spoke to Kristina and has one question. Molly says, hit her with it, and Alexis asks, what was Molly thinking? Molly says, nailed it, and Alexis says, she jumped the gun and tried to force Kristina to sign the termination of parental rights on the spot. Molly says she just presented Kristina with documents she’d always intend to sign, but Alexis says, it wasn’t a formality. By Molly’s own admission, she said Kristina was being cagey. Molly says, it was obvious that Kristina wanted to keep the baby, and Alexis says, Kristina said she tried to explain that she was protecting Molly and TJ’s privacy. Molly asks if Alexis buys that, and Alexis says, Kristina didn’t want to discuss Molly’s fertility issues without permission. Molly says, then Kristina should have asked her before the interview. How could it not come up in the prepping? The obvious assumption is that Kristina and Blaze are having a baby together. A message Kristina perpetuated.

Nina says, Wiley and James are fast, and Spinelli says, especially for children with their mass and density. Wiley asks if Nina wants a hot dog, but Nina says she has to go back to work. Spinelli goes to get hot dogs for the kids, and Wiley thanks Nina for coming. He hugs her and everyone smiles. (Oh wow. This episode is way too happy. An asteroid is surely hitting Port Charles soon. Or the Ice Princess. Or something.)

Carly hugs Jason and says, it’s over. He’s free. Jason sighs, and Josslyn and Michael hug Carly. Sonny flashes back to Carly telling him about the recording, and Josslyn says, the look on Cates’s face… Michael says, priceless, and Jason asks if she knows how it happened. Carly says she has an idea, but Diane strongly suggests they keep their theories to themselves forever. Michael says, it’s a solid plan, and Wilcox says, Diane had an excellent argument. She says, it’s a pity they’ll never know, and he says, almost. He tells Carly, on behalf of the US Government and the Justice Department, their sincerest apologies, and Carly says, they were just doing their job. He says, it’s come to their attention that Agent Cates has been less than professional on other fronts, and they’ll be looking further into his conduct. Carly says she hopes they take a long hard look, and Wilcox leaves. Carly asks if she can walk out, and Diane says, unless she has a burning desire to stay. She strongly suggests Carly go to the PCPD and pick up her personal items. Michael says, it’s cause for celebration. He knows of a party already in progress. Carly wonders if it’s still going on, but Josslyn says, if it’s not, they’ll get the party started again. Michael asks if Sonny wants to come, and Sonny asks, what’s wrong with you people?

Alexis says she doesn’t think Kristina’s reasoning is up to par. Her body is flooded with hormones that are telling her to protect the baby and keep it. But she wants Molly to have it. Molly asks if that’s why Kristina is claiming she and TJ are breaking up. It’s like she wants it to happen for an excuse just to keep the baby. Alexis says, they both have her genes. Molly has the ones that want justice, law, and order, and Kristina’s got the ones that make her think she’s right, she’s the smartest one in the room, and her ideas are better. Lucky you. She has another great idea – back off please. Just talk to her and accept her explanation. Trust her to be honest. Molly’s impulse was to have Kristina sign the termination on the spot. If she pushes back, Kristina will push harder, double down, and dig in. Molly knows she’s right.  

Jack says he’s sorry Carly is experiencing difficulty, and Anna says, she’s been charged with RICO violations. He says he doesn’t see her as a racketeer, and she says, Cates is targeting her ex-husband and using it for extortion. They have an agent running roughshod over the law in town. He’s a wrecking ball and she’s not letting him play out his vendetta. Jack says, a code of honor and actual honor are very different. If anyone knows… She says, it’s them. How many people’s lives has he destroyed in his performance of duty? Does he keep track? Does he care? Jack says, she has a tendency to jump to conclusions. It’s a bad habit for a spy… She says, ex-spy, and he tells her, try to have patience. She may discover that he’s not in the business of ruining people’s lives if he can help it.  

Sonny says, this did not have to happen. Carly should have told him what was going on before it was too late. Jason should have called him three years ago and told him what Jagger was up to. He could have stopped it. Jason says he tried to explain what he could, but Sonny says, Jason didn’t trust hurt him. None of them did, but that’s all right. He’s going to take care of Jagger himself. He walks out, and Jason looks at Carly.

This was a great episode.

Tomorrow, Anna tells Jason that she has a debt to repay; Molly apologizes to Kristina; Ava tells John that she has every reason to believe she’ll get the outcome she wants; and Dante tells Sonny that he can only push everybody so far, even him.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

A blast from the past returns.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/emma-samms-returns-to-general-hospital-2024

So many of the soap stars love cooking, the Food Network should create a show for them. I miss Soap Net… sniff…

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kirsten-storms-shows-off-her-incredible-cooking-skills

Sounds like she had a pretty normal life, but still, it must be weird.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kimberly-mccullough-on-growing-up-on-tv

She should thank her lucky stars that she practically skated. Uber. It’s called Uber.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospitals-haley-pullos-sentenced-for-dui

This sounds like a good time. I actually considered going for a hot minute, but couldn’t think of anyone I could force coerce into going with me.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dont-miss-the-2024-general-hospital-fan-celebration

👠 What Happens In Jersey…

I love Marge sending Teresa a funeral bouquet in memory of her dignity. Apparently, she has tea to spill.

Danielle’s take.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1405006/rhonjs-danielle-cabral-confirms-the-season-14-finale-is-just-as-shocking-as-youd-expect

The uncivil war rages on.

https://okmagazine.com/p/rhonj-season-14-finale-war-revealed/

Seriously, Andy, reboot that thing or get rid of it.

https://people.com/andy-cohen-teases-rhonj-reboot-heres-the-truth-exclusive-8685366

What happened last week.

🗽 And In a Surprise Crossover…

Come on. What does anyone expect from this clueless throwback? If she was a dude, she’d be one of those guys from Manhattan who wouldn’t date you if you lived in Queens. A word about New Jersey. It’s like any place else. It has its good points and bad points. It’s geographically beautiful, there are tons of things to see, and the food is fantastic. On the other hand, the taxes are high, the government is corrupt, and it’s way expensive to live here. But best of all, you’re highly unlikely to run into anyone like the cast of RHONJ. Or Ramona.

🛟 Making Up Off Deck…

Hannah is a mom now. She’s too tired to argue.

🚜 They’re Moving On…

Interesting how both Barry and Ethan can’t let go of their respective relationships, yet their exes are moving on quickly. No crying and eating ice cream for them.

🪄 Looking For Fabulous…

Note: As of this posting, there was no recap for My Big Fat Fabulous Life, but I did watch it and it was very touching. The episode revolved around the Thores’ second Christmas without matriarch Babs, and the first time actually celebrating. Shopping for a tree, a Christmas costume party, the family together – including Hunter’s new girlfriend Karen – and Goosie in a Christmas sweater. There was nothing not to like. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a recap.

🧛🏻‍♀️ Fading Shadows…

The beginning of the end airs October 21st.

https://ew.com/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-final-season-preview-exclusive-photos-8676830

🐕 Best In Pool…

If you take nothing else away from my obsession with this dog, remember that a rescue dog (or other pet) can be the best thing that’s ever happened to you, and you to them.

https://people.com/all-about-dogpool-the-canine-rescue-star-of-deadpool-and-wolverine-8685503

📝 The Back To School Slippery Slope Arrives…

Join me tomorrow for soap and new Listings. Until then, stay safe; stay keeping dirt/grass outdoors and not tracking it inside; and stay remembering that a code of honor and actual honor are very different, and choosing wisely.

July 29, 2024 – Ava Tells John About Sonny Being Undermedicated, Captain Sandy Has To Get Involved On Deck & End

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

John says, Jason needs to give up what he knows about Sonny and Carly will go free. Jason asks if the FBI knows he’s using his badge to take care of a personal grudge, and John says, ignorance is bliss, but Jason doesn’t look blissful. They each have something the other wants. Help him bury Sonny and he’ll see to it that Carly walks.

Michael wonders if John’s actions don’t fall outside the FBI’s code of conduct, but Carly says, they might see it as the end justifying the means and look the other way. He says, or they might clip John’s wings, and she says she’d love to see that, but she’s more concerned about his father finding Cates. She sent Dante to run interreference with Sonny, but she needs Michael and Josslyn to do something. They’re not going to like it and it won’t be easy, but they have to promise her. Michael asks what they can do to help.  

Sonny looks at his gun when there’s a knock at the door. His phone rings, and he sees it’s Kristina. Dante says he knows Sonny is there. He can hear Sonny’s phone. He’s not here as a cop or on behalf of the FBI. He’s here as Sonny’s son and because Carly asked him to come.  

Kristina leaves Sonny a message and says she got a call from Allie, who told her Carly had been arrested. She wanted to make sure he knew. There’s a knock at Kristina’s door, and she lets Alexis in. Alexis says, sorry she didn’t get back to Kristina sooner, but she was busy at a webinar that was mind numbingly boring. Rather than killing herself, she ate half a cheesecake. Kristina asks if Molly happened to call her.

Jason says, Carly was never John’s target and Pikeman was just a means to get here. Sonny has always been his target. John knew Jason wouldn’t remember him or his vendetta. John says, the Bureau isn’t going to be happy that he let Valentin slip, but they’ll settle for a strong RICO case against Sonny, and Jason wonders if they know John is using his power to take personal revenge. John says, if Jason wants to save Carly, he’s going to have to give Sonny up.  

Molly finds TJ at the hospital, and says, Kristina refused to sign the papers. TJ says, Perez and his followers now know Kristina’s intention. If they hadn’t watched the interview, they wouldn’t have known until after the baby was in preschool. Molly tells him that Kristina said she was protecting their privacy, but he says, that’s a blatant lie. She says, Kristina claimed she didn’t want to mention it and open their lives to public scrutiny, but he says, that still doesn’t explain her refusal to terminate her parental rights. He wonders if they’re going to end up settling this with lawyers in a family court.

Alexis says, Kristina’s sister called her after the interview. She’s not happy how Kristina answered the baby question. Kristina says, Molly told her the same thing, and Alexis asks how Kristina thinks she handled it. Kristina says she was nervous. She was prepared to answer questions about Allie, Allie’s mother, and possibly her father. She was trying to protect Molly and TJ. Alexis says, so she started off thoughtful, and Kristina says, asking for privacy isn’t the same as claiming the baby. but considering the meltdown Molly had here this morning, she thinks maybe the baby should be hers. Alexis says she hopes Kristina doesn’t mean that. She said Molly had a meltdown. How far down? Kristina shows Alexis the papers, and says, Molly demanded she sign them to terminate her parental rights. Alexis says, and she didn’t sign them, and Kristina says, no. If Molly and TJ break up, TJ is the only one who can claim the baby. She didn’t sign them and she’s not going to right now. Alexis says, they’re all upset, but Kristina says, she doesn’t have a choice. She asks if Alexis still has the petition for her to file for custody.

Sonny locks up his gun and opens the door. He asks Dante, what’s going on? and Dante says he’s happy to see Sonny laying low and giving a pass to Carly’s arraignment. Diane is going to make a plea and ask for bail, and Carly will say nothing. He ran into Carly, and she was hoping Sonny would pass on going. Sonny says, she’s worried because she knows he figured out what’s going on with Jagger. He’s not going to lie, he’s mad, but he’s fine. Dante says, for what it’s worth (🍷), Cates is unwelcome wherever he goes. Everyone thinks he’s out of control, including Anna. Sonny says, anybody can see through him, which makes sense considering what he’s done. He doesn’t know what Cates told his superiors, but the real reason he came to town is to take him down. Dante seems skeptical, and Sonny says he knows how it sounds, but Dante knows the old saying. Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

John says, Jason let Valentin escape and owes him. Give him Sonny, and he and Carly can walk away into the sunset. Jason asks why he should believe John, and John says, he doesn’t have a choice. He’s seen how far Jason will go to protect Carly. He can convince the jury that she was only play-acting to protect Sonny’s business, then testify against Sonny. He promises Carly will go free. Jason says, John just wants to take down Sonny and will say anything. He’s not buying it. One deal with John was enough. John tells Jason to give his proposal some thought. He’ll be at Carly’s arraignment if Jason changes his mind. He leaves.

Carly says, there’s a good chance she won’t make bail, but Michael says, Diane got bail for Jason. Diane can get it for her. Carly says, this is federal court and she’s there for alleged racketeering. They’re not going to let her out. He says, that can’t happen, but she says, it can, and there’s a good chance she’ll be convicted. There’s something important she wants him to do. He says, name it, and she says, make peace with Sonny and have Josslyn do the same. He says he’s tried multiple times, and she says, he has to try until it sticks. Swallow his pride and dignity and put a smile on his face. There’s nothing more important than Sonny letting him in. It’s about Donna. Sonny loves her, but he’s not reliable right now. He says, but he and Josslyn are, and she says, right. Donna feels safe with them, and they love her and understand her, like how she likes tomatoes on her BLT, but not in a salad. It’s the little things. She’s sorry. It’s not fair and it’s her fault. He says, it’s Cates’s fault, but she says she didn’t have to dare him to prosecute her. She lost her temper. She’s hoping her winning, charming self will get through to the court, but Diane’s not optimistic. He says, okay. He’ll make peace with dad. He’ll keep showing up until Sonny lets him in. He’ll talk to Lois and Brook, and they can vouch for him, and he’ll make sure Josslyn does the same. She thanks him, and says, it will make her rest easier. He says, that will make it worth it, but Sonny isn’t his number one priority. Getting her cleared is.

Molly says she’s praying this doesn’t deteriorate into a lawsuit. What would happen would probably be a fight between TJ and Kristina, since they’re the baby’s biological parents. TJ says, it’s not right, but she says, it’s the law. Given the court’s general bias, when the parents aren’t married, the mother usually gets the advantage. He asks if they wait until they’re served papers, and she says, it’s probably a mistake to force the issue. She thinks it’s best they wait until after the baby is born and Kristina’s hormone fog lifts. Hopefully, she remembers her promise to them. TJ asks if Kristina said anything else, and Molly says, Kristina told her that she and Allie might make better parents. He says, they’ve been together a year, maybe. Kristina is a bartender who’s opening a youth center funded by her father and Blaze is a pop singer whose career has been canceled. Molly says, Kristina thinks she and TJ are about to break up and wondered how she couldn’t see it.

Alexis says she has the documents safely tucked away, but that doesn’t mean Kristina has to file them today or ever. She and Molly are both overreacting and escalating things. Kristina says, Molly and TJ want her to terminate her parental rights, and if they break up, the only this this family can do is watch TJ walk away with her baby. Alexis says, their baby. Why does Kristina keep insisting they’re going to break up? They’ve been together 10 years high and were high school sweethearts. It works out sometimes. Kristina says, Alexis is their mom, and Molly and TJ aren’t going to fight in front of her, and Alexis asks what they fight about. Kristina says, usually her. What are they going to do with a screaming child? Alexis says, like all parents, they’ll figure it out, and Kristina asks if Alexis has talked to them about their parenting style or childcare. Alexis says, they’re not required to discuss that with either one of them, and Kristina asks if Alexis thinks they’re going to quit career and stay home with the baby. Alexis says she isn’t privy to TJ and Molly’s hopes, dreams, and plans, and Kristina asks if they’ve even mentioned taking a leave of absence. Who’s going to take care of the baby once it’s born? Alexis with her new re-won legal license?  Alexis says, obviously not, and Kristina says, that leaves a stranger… or her. Alexis says she doesn’t know Molly and TJ’s plans, name, nanny, or college. Kristina is jumping to all kinds of conclusions. Kristina says, if she’s caring and taking care of the baby now, what’s the difference between that and her being the mother?

TJ asks what Molly said about them breaking up, and she says she can’t remember Kristina’s exact words, but it wasn’t nice. He asks if she thinks they’ll break up, and she says, does he? He says, it’s been a tough year. That’s about all he can say. She says, it has been. It hasn’t been great, but there hasn’t been a single moment where she wanted to be without him. He says he doesn’t want to be without her, and they won’t let that happen. Their tension has been because of worrying about the baby. Once it’s here, they’ll be fine. Molly says, they’ll have other stuff to stress about, and he says, but they’ll be able to handle it. She agrees, and her phone rings. She says she’s at lunch. Is there a problem… Did the DA request her specifically or… Okay. Fine. She’ll track him down as soon as she gets to the courthouse. She tells TJ that some agent is throwing his weight around and wants them to cough up documents for him. She’ll see TJ at home. She leaves.

Alexis says, just because Molly and TJ don’t share their plans, doesn’t mean they don’t have one. Kristina’s sister is a planner. Kristina doubts they’re planning on breaking up, but it’s not off the table, and Alexis says, that doesn’t mean it’s on the table. Kristina talks a lot about it, and it’s not helping the current situation. Kristina says, what if they stay together, then break up down the line? Does Alexis think any court would rip a child out of the only home it’s known or leave it with the biological father? Alexis doesn’t say anything, and Kristina says, that’s what she thought. If she’s going to make a move, it has to be now, before the baby is ripped out of her arms in the maternity ward. Alexis says, she needs to slow down, and Kristina says she knows Alexis thinks she’s rushing into something, but this is different. Alexis asks, how so? and Kristina says she’s the one bringing the baby into the world. She’s the reason the baby exists, and she has to be the one responsible for it.

John goes to Ava’s hotel room, and Ava says she thought John left his bags there and hit the road, but he says he spent the night in the US Attorney’s office. He hopes his stuff isn’t in her way. Does she mind if he parks here? He needs to change for the courthouse. Ava says, no problem, and he says he promises he’ll be out as soon as he can. She says, his stuff isn’t a problem. She’s concerned about him. Sonny despises him and he’s been more volatile than usual. John says he appreciates her caring, but he’s not concerned about Sonny, and Ava says, if he knew what she did, he might be. He asks if there’s something specific that he should know, and she says, first, she needs to know if she can trust him with a secret.

Sonny tells Dante that Jagger has been holding Carly as leverage over Jason, but the case against her is ridiculous. Dante asks if it’s enough to go to trial, and Sonny says, Carly on trial isn’t what Jagger wants. He thinks Jagger wants Jason and Carly to turn evidence against him, and he’s going to offer them immunity to testify against him on the stand, because he’s predictable. Dante says, when he first came to town, Cates said he wanted to protect Sonny, and Sonny says, maybe the FBI told Jagger to protect him, but that’s not why he’s here. Jagger has been out to get him for over 30 years, and now Jagger thinks he’s found a way to crucify him.

John says, nobody is recording, and Ava knows he’s not wearing a wire. He’d love if she trusted him, but she doesn’t have to. Whatever she says, she can deny later if she has to. She says, Sonny hates John, and he says, the feeling is mutual. Is he planning something like an ambush? She says she doubts Sonny is clear thinking enough to plan that. She wants John to understand that she found out by accident. Sonny is critically undermedicated. He takes two medications to control his bipolar and he’s very good at taking them. When she was staying with him, a few times, he exploded in a rage. John asks if that’s unusual, and she says she wondered if something was going on with his medication, so she took one of his pills and had it tested. It’s the wrong dose. It’s less than a quarter of what he ought to be taking. And if one is off, she can only assume the other is too. He asks if she told Sonny, but she says, no. There was never a good time, and she’s afraid he’ll blame her. She had her daughter and couldn’t risk it. He has to very careful how he deals with Sonny. He says he will. It occurs to him, if Sonny is crazy enough to go for his throat, it will be helpful in her custody case. She says she never thought of that, but now that he mentions it, it could.

Dante says, it makes sense, and Sonny says, Jason and Carly won’t turn on him, but he needs them away from Jagger. Dante suggests he share this with Anna. She’ll come to the same conclusion. Sonny says, Anna isn’t a fan of his, but even if she was, it probably wouldn’t matter. Dante says, Cates repeatedly broke procedure and someone needs to rein him in. He’ll do what Sonny wants, but don’t give Cates another reason to come after him. Sonny says, Dante is probably right. He knows good advice when he hears it. Dante leaves.

Jason visits Carly in the interrogation room, and she asks, how mad at her is he? Look at it this way. She spared him a long bus ride to Quantico.

Kristina says she knows she put Alexis in an impossible situation. She won’t come to Alexis for legal advice anymore. She’ll find someone else and get a referral. Alexis says, before she does something she can’t take back, think about her responsibility to her sister and the promise she made her. Is keeping the baby worth losing her sister? Kristina says she knows Alexis doesn’t believe her, but she truly thinks making a claim to the baby is the only way to protect Molly as a mother. If that’s even what she wants anymore. Alexis says she knows both Molly and TJ want to be parents. If that’s not true, they fooled everyone, including themselves. Kristina says, what if their fights lead to a breakup? She’ll know she made sure the child has a stable home with a mother, maybe even two.

Brick sends Sonny a text: There’s a long line at the courthouse metal detector. Cates just came in. Sonny leaves.  

At the hospital reception desk, Dante asks TJ about a Jack or John Brennan being admitted. He wouldn’t bother TJ if it wasn’t official business. He was involved in Brennan’s arrest and he was transferred. The information was misfiled or lost, and he wonders if the patient is back. He’d been injured in a fight. TJ says he remembers. There was a guard outside his door. He checks the computer and asks if Brennan used an alias or has an unusual spelling to his name, but Dante says, not that he’s aware. TJ says, he’s not in the system, nor has there been one patient who transferred from Pentenville. Dante says, weird, right? and TJ says, very. Dante thanks him, and TJ says he remembers Brennan. Dr. Robinson was upset about an FBI agent who wanted him released before he was ready. She got hot and that never happens. He doesn’t recall the agent’s name, but how many agents could be in town?

Carly says she knows she promised Jason, but when John started throwing out ultimatums, she lost it. Then he told her that Jason would want her to put him back in his hotel room. Jason asks what she’s talking about, and she says she packed up John’s things, voided his keycard, and locked him out. He says he gets why she did it, but wishes she hadn’t. He’s sure they could have figured something out. Why couldn’t she do what he asked just one time? She says she tried. It’s not like she wants to go to prison. He says, they’ll figure this out. He doesn’t know why he’s even saying this, but play it cool for a while. She can’t do anything to make it worse.

Michael sees Molly outside the courtroom and says he didn’t think she’d be at this arraignment. She says he was just waiting for someone. What arraignment? John arrives, and says he needs to talk to Molly privately. He told DA Scorpio what he’s looking for. Did she bring it? She says she hasn’t spoken to the DA. What is he looking for? He says, any open files on Sonny. They’ve got to have a room devoted to him. Molly says, even if they did, it’s not in her purview to give them to him and she’s not convinced he has the authority to demand them. Michael sees Sonny come in, and says he was hoping they could sit down and sort through some things after the hearing. Sonny says, we’ll see, and John tells Molly that he has the right to see files on Sonny.

Carly asks how she could make it worse, and Jason just looks at her. She says she hates that he’s mad at her, but he says he’s worried. Cates is more dangerous and wants Sonny. Cates will do anything to get him to flip. He’s going to try and break them. Carly asks what Jason is going to do, and Jason says, get information on Cates. It might be enough to get him yanked back. She says she doesn’t know how that will change her situation, and he tells her to just do and say what Diane tells her. Not one more word. Be a model defendant. She promises and says, if things don’t go how they want them to, take care of Michael, Josslyn, and Donna. He says, of course (🍷), and she thanks him. An officer tells her, it’s time to go. He handcuffs her and takes her out. Jason says he’ll be right behind her, and I notice he’s in an all-black suit with a black shirt and tie. Since he’s always wearing all black, I didn’t even realize.

Jason and Carly see Dante in the squad room, and Carly asks if Dante found him. The officer tells Carly, let’s go, and Jason says, good luck. Ask if Anna can get what he wants from her office. Dante says, Anna left for DC, and they don’t know when she’ll be back.

John asks who Molly is to question his authority. Scorpio’s glorified assistant? She suggests he maybe actually listen when women talk, instead of making aimless demands and asking questions that have already been answered. Sonny is her uncle. He says, of course (🍷). It makes sense now. She says she’s never been accused of protecting Sonny and won’t be today. He requested files she has no reason to believe he’s entitled to. He says, Carly is about to be arraigned for racketeering and Sonny wanders around free in fancy Italian suits. Some guys hide behind the women they’re supposed to protect. She tells him that she’s done. Find someone else to use as a prop for his play. He asks if she’d dance for Sonny. Would she lie for him? Would she strip for him? She says, he’s out line and has no business talking to her like that, when Sonny walks over. He tells Molly that John is so excited to see him, he babbles and makes no sense. He’s been coming after Sonny for 30 years. Come on and get him instead of going after Molly. He’s pathetic. John says he’s got Sonny. Sonny is so blinded by his arrogance, he can’t see. He got to Jason and Carly because Sonny threw them away. That’s what he does. Like he threw Karen and John’s brother away. Molly suggests he take a break, and John says, Carly is about to lose her children, the hotel, and her deceased mother’s restaurant and Jason is going to talk. Sonny says, no one wants to hear what John wants to say, and John says, Jason is going to protect Carly in the courtroom, and he’s going to be there to listen to all the criminal things Sonny has done. Sonny lunges for John, but Michael grabs him and holds him back.

Tomorrow, Anna says she’s not leaving until she gets answers; Alexis tells Molly that she’s got another great idea; and Carly says, if she’s going down, Cates is going with her.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Hydra, Greece – final day of charter. Captain Sandy says she’s heading back to the marina, and Bri puzzles over whose laundry is whose. The captain tells Nathan to pull out with the chain. She wants the bow team on the bow. In Joe’s interview, he says, being lead deckhand, he’s hoping he gets the experience he needs from being on the boat. Nathan doesn’t have to show him what to do. The captain tells Iain to look before he talks, and in his interview, Iain insists the bow guys weren’t there and then they were. He got into trouble for taking too long to answer. He tells Gael that he gets in trouble if he does anything, and she says she doesn’t understand why he’s angry. In Gael’s interview, she says, Iain has a lack of accountability. He never says, maybe he could have handled it better. The boat heads out, and Aesha asks Bri how laundry is going. Ellie said Bri was making a list of things Ellie is doing wrong. Bri says she thought Ellie was stealing polos to get at her, and Aesha says, what the f***? Talk to her before she makes a burn book. In Bri’s interview, she says she made the book because it’s a lot for her to remember, but if she needs them, she does have receipts. Aesha says she wants things better, not worse.

The guests pack, and Captain Sandy tells Aesha that there’s something on her mind. Leah is flying in on the 14th, and she plans on asking Leah to marry her. Aesha says she’s excited, and the captain says she needs Aesha’s help. Aesha hugs her, and in the captain’s interview, she says she never thought in a million years that she’d ask someone to marry her. Her heart knew and Leah changed her way of thinking when it comes to marriage. She loves Leah so much and wants to be everything Leah sees in her. She tells Aesha that Leah thought she’d never ask because she’s always said she didn’t know why marriage was so important.

They head into port, and Captain Sandy tells Iain that she’s not going astern until the lines are out of the water. When she moves the vessel, she has to make sure the lines don’t touch the water. In Gael’s interview, she says, in his head, Iain is saying, f*** you, and Iain tells Nathan to pull the starboard lines. The captain says, those aren’t our lines, and Iain says, oops. The captain wonders, what’s so hard? and tells the crew to get into their whites. Gael smells her own armpit and says she’s good. The guests say their goodbyes and hug the crew, and Kacie says, thank you for everything. The interior team was amazing, and Bri knocked it out of the park. (That phrase is so overused on this show, I wonder if production tells people to insert it in their conversation somewhere.) She says, Ellie was fun, and Aesha is her spirit animal. In Aesha’s interview, she says, if the guests knew what was happening with the crew, it would be a different story. At least they’re good at their jobs and keeping things quiet. Kacie says she loves them so much and blows them kisses. The guests leave, and the captain tells the crew to meet for the tip meeting.  

Captain Sandy says she wants them to keep the bar high. One thing she wants on deck is for them to be aware of what’s around them. She’ll talk to Iain later. The tip is 19,100 euros – $22K or $1800 each. The crew goes, woof, woof, and the captain tells Iain to come to the bridge. In her interview, she says she expects more from a bosun. She thinks Iain’s head is somewhere else, but starting now, she’s not letting him slide. She tells him to have a seat. She says, when docking, the cross lines are what they do first. It keeps the boat from swinging. Don’t say something unless he can 100% confirm it. She saw the lines in the water, and she doesn’t trust him 100%. She wants to get to that trust. In Iain’s interview, he says he thinks he’s doing all right, but she’s his boss. He thinks she’s trying to push him to his limits to see how far she can push him. It hurts a little, but he guesses he’ll just keep smiling.

The crew gets ready to go out, and Aesha says, there’s a club that’s doing a white party. It will be sick. In Joe’s interview, he says, Ellie is looking fantastic and she said she’s liking him. We flash back to that, and he says, usually when he’s given the green light, he hits the ground running. Gael’s boyfriend texts her, saying, what’s going on? He guesses she’s got no time for him anymore. They go to a restaurant and in Joe’s interview, he says, he’s up and down between Ellie and Bri and he likes it actually. They move on to a club, and in the taxi, Joe says, Ellie is looking stunning. Someone wonders who’s hooking up, and Jono says, Nathan and Gael. Sorry boyfriend. They go to Tragos, and Ellie shows Joe her Instagram photos. In Bri’s interview, she says she can read the vibes and it feels awkward. She’s trying her best to hide it, but she feels so bad. Joe says he’s looking at the men’s comments on Ellie’s photos and asks if she’s a cat or dog person. She says she’s actually a rabbit person, and Bri starts babbling about bunnies. In his interview, Joe says he’s in a corner, stuck between Bri and Ellie. It’s crazy. Aesha says, it’s a weird dynamic, and Gael’s boyfriend texts, asking if she’s free to talk. She texts back that she’s at dinner. Sorry. Her boyfriend says, when they’re on the phone, she never says she loves him. He knows where this is going anyway. Nathan watches Gael, and her boyfriend says, they might as well end it now. Jono asks Gael, what’s wrong? and she leaves the table. Aesha goes with her, and Gael says she’s been trying, but it’s hard.

Gael cries and Aesha says she’s sorry. At the table, Joe and Ellie clink glasses, and Gael tells Aesha that she messages her boyfriend every morning and every night they talk on the phone. She thought she was doing her best, but she saw his insecurity, and he’d rather she be miserable with him. Aesha says, it’s so selfish. He’s ripping her down because he’s scared, and he should be lifting her up. She’s amazing. She’s built for this sh*t and has every right to be upset. Aesha hugs her and says, f*** that sh*t. Back at the table, Iain says he feels a lot is going on that he has no idea about. Gael and Aesha come back to the table, and Gael says she’s okay. Nathan asks if she and her boyfriend are done or no, and she says, he brought it up. She couldn’t tell him that she didn’t love him anymore, but he noticed. In Nathan’s interview, he says he hopes Gael is happy, whatever happens between them. He’s happy for himself too. Gael wonders how many signs she ignored. She’s hot and sweaty and wants to go dance.

The crew goes to the white party, but Iain decides to head back to the boat. He’s not feeling it. Gael texts her boyfriend that they should have a chat tomorrow. In Iain’s interview, he says he needs to focus on what he’s getting paid to do – his job. We flash back to his bumbling, and the captain saying she wants him to do better. He says he doesn’t want to wake up tired and hungover. He’s going to sleep. In the club, there are sparklers and dancing. Ellie dances with Joe, and in her interview, she says she’s having fun and feeling like she wants to rip his shirt off and blow his mind. She kisses him, and Gael says, she’s proper into it. In Bri’s interview, she says, it’s the most annoying situation. She doesn’t want to think about it. They leave, and in her interview, Bri says she’s not jealous, but it gets annoying when they’re doing it in front of her. Nathan asks Gael to chat later, and Joe kisses Ellie in the backseat of the taxi. Jono tells them, keep it PG-13, and Bri says, that means stop making sound effects.

Back on the boat, Bri tells Jono that she doesn’t understand. They’re rubbing it in. Ellie was so annoyed when she and Joe hooked up, but she was sleeping. Jono tells her to calm down, and Aesha looks for noodles. Ellie sits down with Jono and Bri in the crew mess, and in Jono’s interview, he says, it’s a bit awkward. Joe wonders if there’s any chocolate, and Bri tells him to look for himself. Aesha makes some ramen and slurps it directly from the bowl in her cabin. Everyone goes to bed, and Gael meets Nathan on deck. She says, it was an eventful night. Joe got Ellie and Bri, and Nathan is missing out. He says he’s not. She’s unbelievable. She says she’s scared and wants to keep it between them. He says, there are no cameras here, which is clearly not true, and they kiss. He says he wants to cuddle, but they go to their separate cabins. Maybe he and Joe can cuddle.

5 hours before charter. Aesha says, it’s hard to process the first day when you’re hung over. Bri tells Ellie that she’s not mad, but they don’t have to do it in front of her. When they get in the cab, chill. Ellie thanks her and says, they won’t do it again. Joe says, Bri hates him, and Nathan says, they’ll talk later. He’s going to sit outside. The captain calls for the preference sheet meeting, and Aesha, Jono, and Joe go to the crew mess. Captain Sandy says, the primary is Colleen, a branding expert from Orlando. Jono reads that she dislikes seafood, vegetables, and anything chewy. Guest Nikki doesn’t like eggs, and guest Jacqueline doesn’t like meat, poultry, cucumbers, and eggs. In Jono’s interview, he says, it’s like charter two all over again, and we flash back to that. He’s had two successful charters in a row and shown he’s been through it. He’s ready to get it right. Aesha reads that they want the chief stew to guide them through Paros, and they want a goddess themed 50th birthday party. Afterwards, they want a PJ party. The captain says, they’ve got work to do.

3 hours until charter. In Gael’s interview, she says she feels like it’s the first industry where she’s belonged. Things about her relationship are heavy on her. Her boyfriend has seen her work and knows she’s serious about her job. He should be supportive of her progressing in her career. Nathan has shown her flaws in her relationship, and he’s got her. She calls her now ex-boyfriend and says she’s sad too. He should have supported her, but gave her a hard time more than anything. That’s not a proper relationship and it’s not right. He says, she could have taken ten seconds to message him, but she says she messaged him every morning and called him every night. We flash back to that, and she says she’s sorry he’s not happy and doesn’t feel that she supported him enough. Let’s just leave it. She’s sorry how ended and wishes him all the happiness in the world. She cries.

Aesha asks if Gael is okay. She’s sorry about the breakup. Just because it’s for the best doesn’t mean it’s not sad. She needs to cry and deal with it. Gael says, and get Aesha cuddles. Ellie hugs Joe, as the captain looks for her white shirt. Bri says she’ll double-check. Iain tells Nathan that the deckhands left things like they were done, and he had to clean the stains on the deck. Bri says she literally can’t deal, and the captain brings in some clothing that she says she’s throwing away and some that aren’t hers. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, third stew is an entry level position. Aesha should train her, but they’re down a stew and she can’t put it all on Aesha. She wants to invest in Bri. Someone believed in her when she was newly sober and took a risk. That doesn’t mean someone is fired when they’re not good enough. Someone didn’t give up on her. Why should she give up on Bri? The captain tells Aesha about the grey pants and says, Aesha’s got to train Bri. They’ll figure it out. In Aesha’s interview, she says, Bri is making so many mistakes in the laundry. She tries so hard, Aesha wants to give her a chance, but she needs to put a hard foot down this time. Bri says, it’s so frustrating, and Aesha says she has to be honest. If Bri keeps making mistakes, she’ll have to consider letting her go, but she doesn’t want to do that without giving her another chance. Bri whines that everything is put on her and she’s sick. Aesha says she’s sorry.

Iain tells Joe that he doesn’t want to nag, but everyone left like the deck was done. Bri writes down that Gael is missing her black pants and tries to sort the laundry. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri is still writing passive/aggressive notes. She thinks Ellie is sabotaging the laundry because Gael’s pants are missing. It’s too much and needs to stop. Nathan asks if Gael needs a hug, and Gael says, you need 8 a day to maintain. Ellie wonders where Gael’s black pants are, since she ironed them, and they were folded. We flash back to her hanging them up, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, this is making her feel crazy. Did she do it? She can’t remember. It must have been her, but was it really her? Nathan asks if Bri is stressed out, and Bri says, yeah. He says, come here, but she says, it will make her cry and she can’t. She jets, but he follows her and hugs her. She says, everything is put on her and she’s tired of this sh*t. Gael can’t find her pants, and Ellie said they were here. She double-checked. In the laundry room, Ellie says, thank God she’s got it recorded. She can see the pants were here. ⬅️

Bri sniffles and tells Nathan that she’s fine, just frustrated, and in her interview, she says she’s confused because Ellie is in the laundry. She feels Ellie needs to own her part in this. Ellie tells Bri that they can do without the meltdowns, and in her interview, she says she feels cornered. Everyone is believing Bri’s bullsh*t, and she needs to say something. They’re looking at her like she’s doing something wrong and it’s not a good environment for her to live in either. The crew changes into their whites, and Jono asks, who’s missing dress pants? Bri says she thought they were his, and asks if Joe is looking for pants. He is.

Ellie tells Bri that she’s sorry for losing patience, but Bri’s meltdowns are affecting other people. The guests arrive, and the captain says, Aesha will show them around, they’ll get the luggage on board, and take off for their first destination. Gael thinks it’s going to be a loud charter. Aesha tells the guests that they’re going to have a great time and to figure out the cabins. She’ll be upstairs when they’re ready. The guests go to the bar, and guest Nikki asks for tequila. She’s going to get straight to it. And if they can’t get it right, she’ll take over. She used to be a bartender. Guest Stacy thinks her mojito tastes weird, and Ellie says, it needs more run. Stacy says, she can keep trying all night. In Iain’s interview, he says, so far, so good. He wants the captain happy and smiling. Onward and upward. In Gael’s interview, she says, Iain frustrates her and she feels bad for feeling that way. He’s a nice guy and she thinks he means well. Aesha sings, ♫ we’re going on a field trip – I’ve got a big d*ck. ♫ In Jono’s interview, he says he wants to knock it out of the park. (What did I say?) Call him Greek. Aesha says, no breaks. She’s a machine. The tender is ready, and Aesha says, let’s go shopping. Bri flashes back to Ellie saying her meltdowns are affecting others, and Aesha saying she’ll have to consider letting Bri go. Bri fans herself in that useless gesture people do so they won’t cry. As the tender leaves, the guests yell, girl power! Bri tells Captain Sandy that she’s feeling down. She’s having internal battles and struggling with Ellie. She feels like she’s going crazy.

The captain asks if Bri wants to go home, but Bri says, no. She wants to work through it. She’s not a quitter. She sniffles, and Captain Sandy says, she needs to be more specific. What is upsetting her? Bri says she feels like she can’t stand up for herself. She just takes it. The captain asks if Bri wants her to get involved, but Bri says, no. The captain says, she has to get control of her emotions, and she does it by being confident in who she is and what she does. She chose to be here, and it’s her choice how she responds to the circumstances. She can do this. She chooses. Captain Sandy makes muscle arms, and Bri laughs. The captain tells her to do the same and she does and says, shake it off. They hug, and the captain says she’s going to go be cool now on the bridge.

The guests go shopping with Aesha, and the captain tells Iain to get the slide in the water. Colleen says, treat yourself, don’t cheat yourself, and Aesha says, it’s a lovely way to spend the day. The jet skis are put in the water, and Gael says she thinks Bri is having a mental breakdown. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s a sh*t position to be in. She feels like she’s failing as a chief stew because she doesn’t have the answer to the problem. It’s exhausting. Iain says, it’s a clash of personalities. Aesha doesn’t know what’s going on if she’s not in the room. Gael says, people in yachting are from different walks of life, and the chances of not liking someone are high. Ellie tells Bri that she’s taking a break, but didn’t get to finish the cabins, and in Bri’s interview, she says, what the f***? Ellie is taking a break and hasn’t done the cabins? She stomps off, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, if Bri storms off one more time, she’s going to lose it. She follows Bri to a cabin, and Bri says, the cabins are a priority, and she feels like Ellie did it on purpose. She doesn’t want to talk now if that’s okay. Ellie says she didn’t do it on purpose, and Bri says she could have set up lunch easy. Just go on her break. If Ellie is going to distract her, just go. She’s not taking it. Leave her alone. She’s angry, so let her be. Ellie says she doesn’t get to behave like this, and Bri says, just leave her alone. Ellie says, Bri doesn’t get to speak to her like that, and Bri says, Ellie is asking for it by pushing her. Stop it. Ellie says, listen to her. Bri doesn’t get to speak to her like this. Stop wiping. They need to talk. Bri refuses, and Ellie walks out, but comes back. She says, Bri doesn’t understand how a boat works. She’s out of control. The second stew outranks her and that’s who Ellie is. I get that Ellie doesn’t need to beat the second stew thing to death, but I’m with her that Bri shouldn’t talk to her like that while at work.

Bri says, unbelievable, and Ellie says, they’re at work. Bri tells her, please be quiet. On the tender, Colleen asks if Gael has a boyfriend. Gael says, as of now, no. Ellie tells Iain that Bri had a meltdown. She’s blinded by her insecurity. Bri cries to Jono, who tells her to sit, but she says she can’t. The guests are coming and she’s the only one awake. She says a whole string of bleepity-bleeps and tells Jono that she feels Ellie is being spiteful. She sees Captain Sandy and says, they’ll talk later because it will make her cry and the guests are coming. The captain tells her to pull herself together and greetsthe guests on deck. Bri asks the captain to hand out towels so she can get the welcome drinks. Colleen remarks that the captain has two jobs, and the guests change into their swimsuits. Bri complains to Aesha that Ellie set the table, but hadn’t finished with the cabins and took her break. She asked Ellie to get out of her face, but Ellie said she was second stew and Bri shouldn’t talk to her that way. Aesha says, Ellie had more than enough time to finish the cabins, and Bri insists it’s out of spite. Aesha tells her to take a breather in the laundry and asks if the captain heard that. Captain Sandy says, no, but she caught Bri being upset that Ellie didn’t do the cabins. Bri tells the captain that she’s going to break if she’s pushed hard, but Captain Sandy says, the way Bri is walking out to the guests is not okay. She needs to hide her emotions. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, she doesn’t want to think about this stuff. She needs everyone to do their job. She’s going to allow Aesha to handle it. When she steps in is usually when there’s nothing else they can do, and someone gets fired.  

The guests play on the slide and Aesha calls Ellie to the pantry. She asks, what happened? and Ellie says she was working the entire time. Aesha says, but she didn’t do the cabins and Bri said Ellie made her feel like sh*t for them not being finished. Ellie says she didn’t make Bri feel like sh*t. She said she had no time to finish. Aesha asks, why not do them before she set the table? and Ellie says, that’s her bad, but everyone is letting Bri get away with bad behavior. Aesha says she wasn’t there, and Ellie says, Bri completely berated her and has been going to the other crew members and involving them. She’s not seeing things clearly and is escalating things. She doesn’t think this can continue. She’s sorry. Aesha thanks her. The guests jump off the boat as the captain cheers them on. Aesha tells the captain that she spoke to both Ellie and Bri, but their stories were opposite. They were shaking and crying, and they’re both convincing. She doesn’t know the truth and doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do. Captain Sandy says, they can’t fire one; they’d have to fire both. Just leave it with her and she’ll have a conversation with them. As she walks away, the captain wonders why they can’t all just do their jobs.

Ellie and Bri are called to the bridge, and the captain says, they need to see the big picture. They’re here to do a job and need to have respect in the workplace. If they can’t work together, she can’t let one of them go. She’ll have to fire them both. She doesn’t know the full story and neither does Aesha. She’s her to make sure they can fix it and continue to do their jobs. Can they do that? Bri says she doesn’t think so. They both tried and it’s impossible. She felt Ellie didn’t have her back and purposely didn’t do the cabins. Ellie says she had a lot of work, and Bri says, like what? The captain tells her, don’t be mean. She doesn’t like that. Ellie says, Bri is disrespectful in her attitude, and Bri keeps trying to interrupt. Captain Sandy tells her, don’t. Everyone is replaceable and they’ll both be on the ferry going back.  

To be continued…

🌿 Luke Warm For the Summer…

Join me tomorrow for soap and a spot of tea, since there’s no Dubai this week. Until then, stay safe; stay not doing a disappearing act when leaving a party and thank the host before you go; and stay crying and dealing if you need to. Just because it’s for the best, doesn’t mean it’s not sad.

July 22, 2024 – John Tells Jason That Sonny Has To Pay, Burn Book Of Laundry Crimes On Deck & Blues

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

At Bobbie’s, Danny asks how Jason made this happen, and Jason says he asked. Danny says, that hasn’t worked before, and Jason says, Danny’s mom just wants what’s best for him. Danny says, lately, what’s best has been staying away from Jason and taking his phone. Now they’re going on a speedboat trip. He wonders if they can camp out, and Jason says he promised to have Danny home by 10, but they’ll make it happen soon. Carly comes over to their table and says she hears Danny’s dad is taking him out on the boat. She’s having the kitchen whip up some sandwiches to take with them. John comes in and tells Jason, a word, but Jason says, John will have to wait. He has plans with his son. John says, not anymore. (Pretty early in the show for me wanting to punch him.)

Laura goes to see Anna, who says she always has time for the mayor. Laura says, it’s a personal matter, and Anna says she has even more time for a friend. Laura asks if Anna heard from Valentin today or last night, and Anna says, no. Why? Laura asks if she knows why the FBI would be looking for him.

Brook thanks Kristina and Blaze for meeting her at the boathouse. It’s the only place they won’t be interrupted. Blaze says, it has a great vibe, and Brook offers them coffee and herbal tea. Blaze says she needs coffee; she didn’t sleep much last night. Kristina says, Nina gave them a lot to think about. They asked her about how to deal with the press. Blaze says, so they don’t make things worse, and Brook says, that’s why they’re here today, to prepare for an interview with Perez Hilton. It’s their one chance to reverse backlash caused by Blaze’s mom’s homophobic comments. Just be themselves. They’re fabulous. Kristina asks if their questions were agreed to. They don’t want any curveballs. Brook says, after careful consideration, they said no

Scotty tells Ava that they need character witnesses. They need all the love they can get. Ava says she and Sonny both have shady pasts, but Sonny is still running his organization. He asks if she has proof that won’t get her killed, and she says she thinks the playing field is level, but he says, Sonny will dig up people who will canonize him and vilify her. What about Alexis?

Sonny thanks Michael for coming over, and Michael asks what it’s about. Sonny says he needs Michael’s help.

Laura says, an FBI agent paid her a visit and demanded to know Valentin and Charlotte’s whereabouts. It’s one thing for them to want Valentin, but Charlotte? They talk and text all the time… Anna says she hates that Laura is going through this, but Laura knows that she can’t divulge anything about an ongoing investigation, and she doesn’t have any answers. Laura says, Valentin and Charlotte’s phones are no longer in service, and Charlotte’s social media accounts have all been wiped out. They’re gone. She wants Anna to just tell her that she knows some way to get in touch with Valentin. Anna says she doesn’t, and Laura wonders what this could be about. She knows Valentin has been working at ELQ for the past few years. Why would he run unless the FBI uncovered something from his past? She was thinking Anna was going to tell her that it was a misunderstanding. She has a very bad feeling. Anna says she understands that, and Laura says she knows Anna and Valentin aren’t together, but can Anna tell her why the FBI is looking for him?

Ava says, no matter how much Sonny displeases Alexis, Alexis despises her, and Scotty says, what about Nina? Ava says, now that Nina knows she and Sonny are on the outs, she’s probably camped out in Sonny’s hallway pretending it’s a coincidence. He says he doesn’t want a roll call of exes who Ava hasn’t angered. She doesn’t have a lot of people in her corner. Ava says, Laura. She’s the mayor. He says, that’s as good as it gets, but it’s only one. She says, they’ll figure it out. She bets Sonny has fewer allies than she does.

Sonny asks if Michael wants coffee, but Michael says, Sonny doesn’t have to win him over. How can he help? Sonny says, he knows Ava is filing for full custody of Avery and she’s been going behind his back to everyone, including Kristina. Ava made Natalia’s recording public and now Kristina and Blaze are suffering because of it. Michael says he had no idea Ava was involved, but it doesn’t excuse what Natalia said. Sonny says, Natalia is making it right, but he doesn’t want Ava to be part of his daughter’s life. Michael says, Avery loves her mother, but Sonny says, she’d be better off without Ava influencing her. Michael says he’s glad Sonny kicked her out and wonders why she was living here in the first place. Sonny says, there was the break-in at Windymere and like Michael said, Avery loves her mother. He moved her in, but never again. Diane says, there’s an aspect of all of this they haven’t explored. Ava is adamantly voicing her concern about Sonny’s mental stability. If she could sabotage Morgan, imagine what she could do to Avery?

John tells Jason, send the boy home, but Carly says, Jason has spent enough away from his family. Let him spend the day with his son. Jason asks her to drive Danny home while he talks with this… agent, and tells Danny that he promises they’ll reschedule. He leaves with John, and Danny asks if Carly has any idea what this is about. Carly says, they both know his dad can take care of himself, right? and Danny nods.

Ava says, Trina. She’s seen firsthand how Ava makes Avery a priority. Scotty says, she’s an employee. It’s not their best look. She says, Trina is strong, honest, and immensely capable. Her character is sure to impress the judge. Scotty says, okay, but it’s only two, and she says she’s had it with his pessimism. He says, unless a member of her fan club knocks on the door, they’re in trouble, and she says, he’s fired. He suggests she hire Alexis, and wonders if a lawyer can testify against their own client. She says, he’s unfired, and he says he’s in her corner, but he just wants her to understand what she’s up against.

Michael wonders, if they bring up Ava tampering with Morgan’s meds, doesn’t it open the door to talk about Morgan and Sonny’s rocky relationship? and Diane says, yes, but the friction with Morgan was due to Ava’s relationship with him and the onset of his bipolar, which Ava did sabotage. Sonny says, the real question is, who is the better parent? He gave Michael a lot of love and a great home. Will he testify to that? Michael says he can swear on a stack of Bibles, but it’s ancient history. What’s not is his mom sending Morgan to military school to get him away from Sonny, and Morgan being hit by a ricocheting bullet meant for Sonny.

Kristina says she thought the interview would be fair, and Brook says, it will be. Kristina asks, then why won’t their questions be used? and Brook says, once a guest dictates the questions, it’s no longer an interview, but becomes a press release. He will and should ask the questions he wants to. Kristina says she gets the principle, but they have no control? Brook says, of course (🍷) they do, and Kristina asks about their request for certain subjects to be off limits. Brook says, like Kristina’s father and Blaze’s brother? and Kristina says, let her guess. They said no to that too. Brook says, they did, but what’s most important is for them to have the opportunity to tell their side of the story to the world. Blaze says, it’s too much to risk. They’re canceling the interview.  

Ava says, Sonny’s not invincible and she won’t let him take her child, and Scotty says, let him help her then. Does she have anyone in the contacts on her phone? She says, Agent Cates, and he says, Jagger? The FBI guy? Didn’t he question Ava at Selina Wu’s warehouse? Ava says, he wants to be supportive, and Scotty says, he’s law enforcement and has hate for Sonny. That’s good, but she’s only known him for 15 minutes and he thought she’d said Cates was having her followed. She says, because of her association with Sonny, but that’s over, and he found no evidence to incriminate her on anything. Scotty asks, other than hating Sonny, does John have any other reason to take her side? She says she hasn’t known him long, but maybe they have gotten closer.

Jason brings John to his room and asks, what’s so important that John pulled him away from his son? John says, they raided Valentin’s house and found no trace of him, and Jason says, his assignment was to find out who was running Pikeman and get evidence, and he did. Finding and arresting Valentin is on John. John says, Jason was stalling, but Jason says he was waiting until John finished talking. John says, he was here a half hour, and by the time they got to Valentin’s house, he’d vanished. He was tipped off. Jason asks if John thinks he did it, and John says, if it wasn’t Jason, who was it?

Anna says she doesn’t have a cordial working relationship with the FBI, and Laura says, what about Cates’ relationship with Robin? Anna says she and John haven’t seen eye to eye on pretty much anything since he’s been here. And given her closeness to Valentin, there’s no way the FBI would disclose anything to her. Laura says, makes sense. She’s sorry. She’s grasping at straws. This came out of nowhere. She was convinced Valentin had made the decision to provide a stable home for Charlotte and leave his old life behind. Anna says she thought that too, and Laura wonders how they can both be that wrong. She has to believe that if Valentin is with Charlotte, he’ll do everything in his power to keep her safe. Anna says, Valentin is trained in these situations. Not with a child, but they know Charlotte is resourceful. Laura says she knows. It’s just that for some reason all of her children are out of her reach, and now Charlotte is also missing. She cries, and Anna says she’s so sorry. Laura says, it’s okay. Will Anna let her know if she hears anything? Anna says, of course (🍷), but the way they left things, she doubts she’s going to hear from Valentin. Laura says, you never know, and thanks her. Anna says, of course (🍷). Anytime. Laura leaves and Anna sits down, wiping tears from her eyes.

Sonny says he thought that was in the past and asks if that means Michael won’t testify. Michael tells him that he’s not saying that, but they’re going bring up history. Diane agrees and says, they have to prepare. Sonny says, her too? and Michael tells Sonny that all he’s saying is, who’s to say that won’t happen to Avery now? Sonny asks if Michael doesn’t think he’s thought about it, and Diane says, this reaction is what she doesn’t want in court. Scotty will bring it up. Sonny wonders if Michael wants to take the stand to punish him, but Michael says he’s trying to help. Sonny says, like he helped Dex. Michael is only a good son when he wants something. When he doesn’t, he looks at Sonny like something he scraped off the bottom of his shoe.

Scotty says he’s got to ask, and Ava’s got to be honest. Is there something going on between her and Cates? She asks if he’s jealous, and he says, if Diane finds out… Ava says, don’t worry. They’re not involved. Not yet anyway. He asks her to promise they won’t get involved until after the hearing, and she says, so in addition to Cates… What about Dex? He used to work for Sonny and barely escaped. Sonny beat him within an inch of his life. Maybe he’d be willing to testify. Scotty says, she has no proof, and she says, Dex is almost a cop, and she has it on excellent authority that Kristina witnessed the beating. He asks if she thinks Kristina would testify against Sonny, and she tells him to subpoena her. It’s about time Sonny answered for his behavior. He asks, what about Josslyn? She thinks Sonny is public enemy number one. Ava says, she hates Sonny, but she’s her mother’s daughter. She’s an entitled brat who looks down her nose at Ava. He asks if she has a better idea, and she says, Carly, and he rubs his forehead like he has a headache.

Carly say she was hoping Cates confided in Anna, but Anna says, John is more likely to confide in Carly. Carly says she regrets any kindness she’s shown John and asks if Anna is going help. Anna says she can’t divulge any information she finds out, and Carly says, thanks for nothing. Anna says, tell her what this is about, and Carly says, Cates came for Jason this morning.

Jason asks why he’d warn Valentin, and John says, maybe Jason wants to sabotage his case and stick it to him. Jason says, and risk prolonging their deal. There’s no way he’s not done. John says, that would be true if they could find Valentin, but until they do, he has nothing to show for his assignment. Jason’s days as his informant are far from over. He’s putting Jason on a bus to Quantico, where he’ll receive a new ID as a federal prisoner. He’ll go to Lompoc Penitentiary, where he’ll be inserted into a drugs and arms trafficking outfit they believe is there. He leaves tonight.

Carly explains what happened at Bobbie’s, and Anna asks if John said anything to suggest he’s coming for Sonny. Carly says she thinks John is helping Ava with the custody hearing, but she also thinks it’s all one big excuse. Anna says, for what? and Carly says she thinks John is doing what he can to take Sonny down. Anna asks if that’s Carly’s theory or Jason’s, and Carly says, all she knows is, Jason was supposed to be done, when John barged in and started pushing Jason around again. If it’s not about Sonny, what the hell is going on?

Blaze says she’s sorry, but Kristina says, they can’t let her mother’s voice be the only one. They have to share their side. Brook says, that’s the idea, but Blaze says, it’s looking like a firing squad. Kristina says, let him ask questions about her dad and her pregnancy. He can try, but she can also say, they choose to keep that part of their lives private. Brook says, or Kristina could explain what it is. She’s having the baby for her sister because her sister can’t. People will swoon over that story. Kristina says, it’s not her story to tell and she’s not going public with the details of her sister’s health and fertility issues. Brook says, they wanted her advice, and she thinks they should take the risk and do this. Blaze says she knows it’s not true that they can’t make it worse, but Brook says, Perez has no private agenda. He just wants to the truth. They can’t get any better or broader exposure, and they don’t have to answer. Kristina says, it will look like they’re hiding, and Brook says, they could reframe the question and answer in a way that’s comfortable. For example, if they ask what it was like being a mob boss’s daughter growing up, Kristina can say, both of her parents encouraged her to be her best self, and she trusts they’ll continue to do that. Blaze says she likes that, and Kristina says, it’s a good idea, but she would never say that. Brook suggests she figure out what she would say and that they do a mock interview.

Michael says, Sonny asked him to come here and he put aside their bad blood, but now Sonny is attacking him. Sonny says he’s not attacking anyone, but Michael says, the only time he’s seen Sonny like this is when he’s off his meds. Sonny says he’s been taking them and asks if Michael wants to check his medicine cabinet. Michael says, maybe they’re not working anymore. Something is wrong. Sonny says, what’s not working is Michael sabotaging him to get back at him. Then he gets mad, and Michael says he’s crazy. Diane tries to intervene, but Michael says he’s done. Give him one reason to stay. Sonny has no idea how badly he wanted things to work out. Sonny says, he’s made a hell of an effort, and Michael tells Diane, this was a mistake. This isn’t the father he knew growing up. He walks out.

Brook tells them, heads up and make eye contact. Take their time. Here we go. When they first heard the recording, how did it feel? Kristina says, she had been out for some time, so these types of slurs and insults weren’t new. It’s part of the reason she started the Corinthos-Davis House, a non-profit for LGBTQ youth. The center has just been completed and they have amazing programs: counseling, job searches, health education, and referrals. Brook says, that’s amazing. What about Natalia’s comments? Kristina says, it was difficult when she first heard them. It felt like someone had ripped open a shower curtain. She wasn’t ashamed, but it was a massive intrusion. It’s hard to know her privacy was violated by someone she knows and trusted.

Anna suggests John might be trying to debrief Jason, and Carly says, about what? It’s more. She could tell. Anna says, John has been gunning for Sonny since he came to town. He’s resentful about having to protect Sonny when Sonny had a target on his back. Carly says, it’s clear how he feels, and Anna says, now Sonny has no target. Carly says, John thinks it’s his turn, and Anna says, it’s a likely explanation. Carly says, he’s wasting his time. There’s no way Jason is going to flip on Sonny.  

Jason says, the deal was for him to infiltrate Pikeman, ID their leadership, and provide proof. He gave John more than that, and if John can’t make a case, that’s his problem. John says, maybe he can, maybe he can’t, but one case is ironclad – The People vs Carly Spencer. If Jason’s not on that bus, Carly is going to Pentenville.

Scotty says, Ava is nuts. Why would she think Carly would testify against Sonny? Ava says, they’re just asking her to tell the truth, and he says, the opinion of an ex-wife isn’t exactly a slam dunk. Ava says, Carly also happens to be the mother of two of Sonny’s children, Donna and Morgan, but he says he wouldn’t bring up Morgan if he were her. She says, whatever happened, when Morgan was a child, Carly had to ship him off to military school to keep him safe from Sonny. He says he could dig up those records, but it’s ancient history, and she says she happens to know Carly won’t let Donna sleep over at Sonny’s because of his erratic behavior. She was there when Carly accused Sonny of not taking his meds. She even pushed her way into his bathroom to check because he was being so combative. He asks if Sonny is taking the meds, and she says, yes, for all the good it’s doing. She thinks their strongest witness will be Sonny himself. Scotty asks why she thinks that.

Anna says, whatever Carly is thinking of doing, don’t. Don’t confront Cates without any information on what really happened or what Jason intends to do. She understands the impulse, but she’s asking Carly to hold off. Let her find out what’s going on first. Carly apologizes and says she never should have involved Anna. This is between her and Jason, and they’ll fix it themselves. She leaves, and an obviously frustrated Anna makes a call.

Scotty asks what Ava is thinking, and she says, attorney/client privilege? He says, yes, as long as she’s not going to tell him that she’s going to commit a crime. She says she’s not doing anything. One of Sonny’s meds was replaced with a placebo. He says, not that again, but she says she didn’t do it. Not personally. But she figured it out. He asks who else would do it, and she says she doesn’t know, but she’s seen the results up close and it ain’t pretty. He says, so what she’s telling him is that she wants him to get Sonny on the stand and then push his buttons, and she says, he’ll blow like Vesuvius. They can prove to the court that Sonny is to volatile to have custody of Avery – ever.

Sonny says, when it comes to his family, that’s his business, and Diane says, absolutely. Now she’s speaking as his attorney. He was abusing a witness who came into his home at his invitation to help him. Sonny says, Michael turned on him, but Diane says, he was trying to help. Sonny just refused to listen. He’s behaving more erratically, aggressively, and more self-defeating than she’s ever seen, and she’s seen a lot. If he can’t get a grip on what’s got him, there’s no way she’ll be able to convince a family court judge that he’s a responsible, loving, dependable parent to any child, certainly not his own.

John says he has a bus ticket and Jason’s detailed assignment. Read it and destroy it. He knows the drill. Jason says he’s not going, and John says, if Jason is going to stay in Port Charles, Jason has to get him enough evidence to arrest and convict Sonny. Jason says, what if he doesn’t have it? and John asks why he’s still protecting Sonny. Sonny has left a trail of broken lives in his wake, starting with John’s wife and brother. Sonny has to pay! John is unhinged and literally panting, and Jason just stands there. Jason says, Sonny has been wrong about a lot of things,  but there’s one thing he’s right about and that’s John. Pikeman was just an excuse to come to Port Charles and take Sonny down. John says, Jason knows where the bodies are buried, enough to put Sonny away until the end of time. So either give it to him or get on that bus. 

Tomorrow, Jason asks Anna to give him the same consideration she gave Valentin; Carly tells Sonny that John wants to take him down; and John tells Ava that if she wants his help, she has to help him first.

Below Deck Mediterranean

🐈every time one is seen lounging around Greece.

First day of charter. Captain Sandy is boxed in, with six inches between the ground line, the dock, and the other boats, and the wildfires are getting closer. All the lines are freed, and the captain tells Joe to take a line, but he says, it’s stuck under the fender. Nathan says, a wee tender is passing next to them, but as soon as it passes, he says, they have a small RIB off the bow. Somehow, the captain gets out, and Iain says, that’s precision driving. The guests cheer, and the captain says, that was intense. Undocking can be challenging, but Nathan is her bow guy now. In Joe’s interview, he says, fake it before you make it. He has to prove himself to the captain. Aesha sings about how she’s going to wet her pants and has no time to go to the bathroom. In Bri’s interview, she says she’s been writing things down, and we flash back to Ellie suggesting a notebook for the laundry. Bri says, the last thing she wants to do is mess up something else.

The yacht heads for Hydra, and Aesha tells the guests that they’re going exploring. Nathan tells Gael that he feels sh*tty for Joe. They can work as a team, so he learns on the job. Joe has been thrown off the bow and Nathan knows he’s feeling hurt, and his ego is bruised. In Nathan’s interview, he says, Gael is in her head, but he doesn’t blame her. He finds her attractive and enjoys her company, but he wants to be respectful and give her the space she needs. A few of the guests do The Worm in the main salon, and 1980 calls. They drop anchor, and the jet skis and wave runners are put out. The captain asks Bri to pop into her cabin, and Joe dives off the side of the boat to help with the equipment. Captain Sandy shows Bri a greyish pair of pants against a white pair and says she doesn’t know what happened, but this must have been put in with the darks. It’s not white. Aesha tells Bri, even with a color catcher, don’t put the light and dark clothing together, and Bri promises not to. In Aesha’s interview, she says, Bri started off badly, then had one good charter. We flash back to both, and Aesha says, ever since, it’s gone downhill. So far, there have been no fights, so that’s got to be a sign of improvement. But there’s not a chance she can rest easy. She’s been full-on and she has to figure out how to change this. Since there isn’t much to do upstairs, Aesha sends Ellie to help with the laundry, but when Bri finds her there, she says she’s got the washing. Ellie says, she’s just doing a job. Aesha told her to help, since there’s nothing to do upstairs. Stop chasing her out. In Bri’s interview, she says, she thinks Ellie wants her off the boat. She feels paranoid. (She really isn’t too bright, is she?) She’s organized the laundry into messy piles, but she knows where everything is. Ellie messes up her messy piles. Dude, it’s not your desk at home. It’s the superyacht laundry. The guests head back inside, and Aesha calls Bri to the bar. She tells Bri to go on a break, and meanwhile, Ellie is in the laundry and sees the Bri’s notebook. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri seems to be writing a list of laundry crimes, mistakes she’s found in the laundry. She’s just finding her own mistakes and blaming them on her. What the f*** is going on here?

The captain tells the deckhands to take in the anchor and calls Joe to the bridge. In Joe’s interview, he wonders what he’s done now, but Captain Sandy asks him to take the wheel while she goes to get coffee. She says she trusts him. In her interview, she says, she supports Joe. She’s not demoting him. He just needs more experience. He knows how to do it, but not how to do it under pressure. She put him at the helm to give him confidence. In Joe’s interview, he says, the captain is still giving him responsibility and it makes him feel at ease. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, all they have are rocks, so she’s using two anchors. It will be difficult, but she has confidence that it should be a smooth operation. Jono wraps stuff in grape leaves, and in his interview, he says he loves Greek food. He’s not experienced in it, but his BFF is from Athens, and her grandma is a master chef. He calls friend Penelope to get instructions, and says, one more setback and he might lose his job. He has no room for error. I pick up on the use of leeks instead of onions and wonder if the Greek restaurant in the strip mall near here is still open. Bri calls her best friend to complain about Ellie, and Captain Sandy says she’s going to back in like a mofo. She’s backing into rocks, and in Nathan’s interview, he says, keeping them in position is an easy thing to do, but a lot of people make it complicated.

Iain gets confused and says, there are no guys to catch the heavy lines at the dock, when there are clearly two guys there. 🐈 In the captain’s interview, she says, sometimes Iain doesn’t look before he speaks. Pay attention. Be aware. Aesha asks Ellie if she’d be comfortable doing lunch service. They need the table set by two. In Aesha’s interview, she says, they’re halfway through the charter season and she can’t keep doing everything. We flash back, and she says, maybe it’s her, and she has too tight of a leash on them. Sometimes you have to throw someone in the middle of the ocean and see if they sink or swim. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’s never done lunch service before, but her energy isn’t matching with Bri’s. She’s not going to be mean. It is what it is and she has to deal with it. In Gael’s interview, she says she knows Iain is going to brag about how he can climb rocks, but it’s not going to be as easy for the guests as he thinks. He’s tiptoeing around Captain Sandy. Just make it safe. Even though she’s on break, Aesha listens to the stews over the radio, and Ellie asks Bri to help fetch various things. She’s extra polite, and in Bri’s interview, she says, Ellie looks good, but it feels fake. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s anxious regarding her relationship and doesn’t want to let it affect her work. She could use a win this charter. Iain tells her, good job, and the captain says, nice work. In Aesha’s interview, she says, this is why she doesn’t take breaks. The person left in charge doesn’t know where things are. She tells Jono that Ellie is running service and she’s nervous. She wants to check. 🐈 She sees the table isn’t set up and it’s ten minutes until dinner. Ellie says, they were making cocktails, and Aesha says she’s coming back from her break. Start setting the table. In her interview, Aesha says she’s learned her lesson. They’re not ready.

In Ellie’s interview, she says, Aesha isn’t giving them a chance. She’s taking it away and it crushes her soul a little bit. Five more minutes, and they would have had it more under control. She’s lost her pho and has no confidence. Aesha tells Bri that the bar is a mess and the table’s not set. They’re not on top of it. In Bri’s interview, she says, if she was Aesha, she wouldn’t trust her and Ellie. Platters of food porn come out, and a guest says she didn’t know shrimp came that big. Bri says, they’re king prawns, and the guest says, if you live in a fancy place, they’re prawns, but if you live in a not so fancy place, they’re shrimp. Truth! Aesha tells Jono, the guests really, really like lunch, and Bri takes a plate to the captain. Gael gets a text from her boyfriend, saying, in spite of anything, he loves and misses her. She texts back that she misses him too. She knows he’s got to focus on his exams, so they’ll talk soon. In Gael’s interview, she says she has a strong connection with Nathan, but at the same time, she definitely has a lot of guilt. She doesn’t want to do that to her boyfriend. She’s a people pleaser and hates to disappoint others. The last thing she wants to do is hurt him more.

The next morning, Aesha says, the guests are leaving the boat at 10 and she’s going with them. I can’t say I blame her. The women guests twerk, as the men chant, Myrtle Beach. They do know they’re in Greece, right? lain helps them over the rocks to the shore, and says, two at a time to keep them safe. One woman wants to take a picture, or her parents will never believe she did this. 🐈 It’s a sweet, quaint, colorful city, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, Hydra is gorgeous. She loves exploring, by foot or donkey. She sometimes wishes she was a donkey on the island so she could poop on the street. I nearly die laughing. Captain Sandy calls her wife Leah, and says she misses her. Leah says, ditto. She took Little Bear for a walk, and Little Bear misses the captain too. Captain Sandy asks if Leah is excited about coming, and we see she’s due to arrive in three weeks. In the captain’s interview, she says she and Leah have been together five years and they’re in love. She moved to Colorado where there’s no water. She would follow Leah to the desert, but would ask if they could please live near the ocean. She tells Leah, it’s one of those days where everything is crazy. One of the guests asks how old the city is, and Aesha says, it was built quite some time ago, showing her vast historical knowledge. 🐈 They see a store named Carolina, which is weird since they’re from Charleston. In that eerie small world way, it turns out the owner is also from North Carolina. In the crew mess, Joe tells Nathan that he dreamed about Bri. She was wearing an old school retainer, and he woke up in an utter panic. Bri walks through and tells him to enjoy the rest of his evening. She doubts she’s going to see him. In Bri’s interview, she says, actually, she’s never been in a weird work love triangle. It’s affecting her work, but she feels chemistry,

The guests come back, and Ellie says, they’re preparing for the sequined dinner. A guest says, it’s time to get ready for sparkle night, and Ellie says, the primary wants Joe to perform. If Gael wants, she can perform with him. She asks if Joe is up for a performance. 🐈 Aesha tells the stews that the décor looks great. Disco balls hang from the ceiling. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’s warming up to Joe. Bri’s feelings aren’t bothering her, and she’s personally looking forward to spending more time with Riz as she calls him. It’s short for charisma. Jono asks how things are going with Gael and her boyfriend, and Gael says, they haven’t spoken much, but she thinks they’re all right. Then she amends that to, they’re good. In Jono’s interview, he says he wants to wow the guests with beautiful food. It’s just as important plating as how it tastes. He’s made grilled lobster with cauliflower rice and he’s taking just as much time digging into his plating skills, so it looks as beautiful as it tastes. Aesha says she appreciates Ellie being a professional, and Ellie says she’s checked out of the drama. This morning when Aesha sent her to the laundry, she started folding and Bri came in and told her to leave. She told Bri that she was there now and just here to help. Bri literally stormed out. It was disrespectful. Aesha says, Bri loses her place if someone else comes in, but it can’t be only hers. If there’s free time, Ellie should help. Ellie says, Bri started writing a laundry crime list. Gael’s clothes were found in the washer, there was no color catcher in with the clothes… In Aesha’s interview, she says, this is what she has to deal with now. She feels like a good chief stew needs to listen and assess both sides before making a decision. Ellie says she’s not getting involved or Bri will twist it like it’s her causing the problems. It’s just too much.

Aesha says, it doesn’t happen in front of her, but thanks for letting her know. Kacie sees the sparkle décor and says she’s going to cry. Guest Ashley says, it’s sparkle night, baby, and Joe puts on a sparkly top, wondering if this is really his job. In Gael’s interview, she says she thought she was going to pursue dance until she tore her ACL when she was 16. Desert is a poached pear with berries, and Jono puts edible gold leaf on the pear. In his interview, he says, a poached pear is simple, and to add value to the desert, he’s incorporating gold leaf. Timeless extravaganza. On of the guests says, they’re having a sparkle party today and tomorrow, and Aesha suggests they take a picture. When she does a big one, she likes to show Scott. In Aesha’s interview, she says, he tells her that she doesn’t need to send him that, and she tells the guests that he doesn’t like it, but she does it anyway. She’s such a dude. Bri tells Aesha that she’s done with the cabins, and Aesha says she can knock off. Aesha tells the guests that they have a big surprise, and Joe and Gael enter all sparkled up. In Joe’s interview, he says, it’s going on. He’s got to perform, baby. They dance and they’re actually pretty good. The guests cheer and Aesha says, they killed it. They were so good. Joe and Gael high-five, and he says, well done. He goes to his cabin and tells Nathan that he can’t wait to have nightmares. Aesha goes to the laundry and flips through the notebook. In her interview, she wonders why Bri is writing this down. It looks like a book of receipts. What is this, a burn book? She can’t tell if Bri is stirring the pot or Ellie is. She takes something out of the dryer and wonders why it’s in there. In her interview, she says she sees cashmere in the dryer and a burn book. It’s time to involve Captain Sandy. She can’t handle this.

Next time, the primary is a branding expert and the guests look difficult; Ellie tells Bri that second stew outranks her; and Captain Sandy says, if Ellie and Bri can’t work together, she’ll have to let go of them both.

🔮 Formerly Known As…

Join me tomorrow for soap, what I’ve been watching, and perhaps some Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay taking it easy with the fireworks (every day doesn’t have to be 4th of July), and stay not abusing a witness who’s trying to help you.

July 15, 2024 – Willow Tells Nina About Kissing Drew, Leaving the Anchor Behind On Deck, Two Goodbyes, Goodest Boy & Cruel

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

In bed with Valentin, Anna asks if he sees something he likes, but he says, no. He sees something he loves. He tells her to kiss him like she means it, and she says she does, and kisses him.

Jack sees Carly in the visitor’s room and says, you again. He’s running out of charming greetings. She never comes to see him just to chat. There must be something wrong. Does it involve the FBI?

Jason stands outside Elizabeth’s door with an envelope in his hand. He’s about to slip it under the door, when Elizabeth opens it.

Drew tells Michael that as Aurora’s de facto CEO, he’s going to have Nina reporting to him directly. Is that going to be a problem? Just say the word, and she’s gone. He’ll fire her today if Michael wants him to. (I wasn’t crazy about Drew when he was a good guy, and I’m starting to like him less every time he opens his mouth.)

Willow goes to Nina’s office, and Nina asks her to come look at the issue she’s working on. An artist wants to push scaled down turbans, and she can’t tell if it’s brilliant or ridiculous. Willow says she doesn’t know if she’s the best person to ask, and Nina says, it probably seems frivolous to her, but Willow says, it’s not that. She did something terrible, and there isn’t anyone else she can talk to about it. It’s the kind of thing you can only tell your mom or a sister, and she doesn’t have a sister. Nina says, Willow can talk to her about anything, and Willow starts to cry.

Carly tells Jack that she took his advice, hired the best lawyer, and told them everything. He asks if her lawyer is aware that the FBI is forcing Jason to help them by holding the recoding of her over his head that suggests she’s guilty of RICO violations. Carly says, there’s nothing suggestive about it. They have her flat out saying she’s head of Sonny’s organization. He says, that’s no small feat considering the size and scope of the organization, and she says she’s impressed with how familiar he is with it. He says, the WSB has been known to have interest in local businesses when it furthers their interest. When tampering with the nation’s power structure, one can’t be too scrupulous about the partners one enlists, can one?

Elizabeth says she’s sorry she didn’t hear the doorbell, but Jason says he never rang it. He came to give her this for Jake’s art school. He heard voices and didn’t want to interrupt. She asks if he’d like to come in, but he says, no. He should be going. She asks if he has someplace to be, and he says, no. It’s her house and Jake’s house, and he didn’t want to put them on the spot showing up uninvited and forcing Jake to talk to him. Just because they enjoyed a baseball game doesn’t mean Jake wants to take his money. He doesn’t want Jake to feel pressured to take it. She says, the only way to know is to make the offer and let Jake decide.

Drew says, when Michael came to him and said he and Nina were going to put their differences aside, he thought Michael might feel differently in the light of day. Michael says, even though he’d just as well never see Nina again, she’s a fantastic Editor-in-Chief and it would be bad business to let his personal feelings interfere with Crimson. Besides, Willow is starting to want a relationship with Nina again. If he got in-between that, it would only hurt Willow and that’s the last thing he wants to do.

Willow says, what happened could ruin her life, and Nina promises it will stay with them, mother and daughter. Willow says she’s not proud of this and can’t believe it happened. It was the 4th of July party. She and Drew had a few moments alone to talk. They were toasting his success, and the fireworks were going off. She doesn’t even know how it happened. She guesses they were just caught up in the moment. One minute, they were looking up at the sky, and the next, they were kissing.

Anna says she has to get to work, but Valentin suggests they go sailing. She says she can’t make any decisions until she gets some caffeine in her body, and he says he can fix that. He goes to the kitchen, and she asks if he can make her a latte. He says, as she wishes, and she takes the satellite phone from behind the books. She puts it in her bag, and he comes back, saying, he’s out of milk. She says she thinks that’s a sign she should go to work, but he says, maybe it’s a sign they should go out to breakfast, and he’ll buy her a fancy latte with one of those hearts in the foam. Or they could stay home and do this. He nuzzles her neck and asks if they don’t deserve some time by themselves before everything changes. They’re not going to be able to keep their feelings for each other a secret. People with opinions are going to find out, and he wants to keep this moment as uncomplicated as he can for as long as possible, before the world comes crashing down on them again. They start to kiss when Charlotte walks in.

Valentin asks what she’s doing here. He was going to fly to Europe and pick her up after her holiday. She says, that was the plan, but her friends decided to go island hopping and she’s seen enough of Greece to last a lifetime, so she decided to surprise him. She looks at Anna and says she obviously succeeded. Anna says, it’s lovely to see her. She knows Charlotte and Valentin have catching up to do and she has to go to work. Charlotte says, please stay. There’s something she didn’t say to Anna before she left Port Charles, and she doesn’t like loose ends.

Jack says he’s well acquainted with the corruption and violence in organized crime, and Carly says, unfortunately, she is too. He says, despite knowing that, she went toe to toe with rival mobsters, and she says, they thought Sonny was dead. She had to make a show of strength, or Sonny’s enemies would have moved in and taken over his territory. He says, their first step would have been to eliminate anyone close to Sonny, including his family, and she says, so she did what she needed to do to protect them all. He says, not many people would have the nerve. It seems to him that her talents are wasted in hospitality. Someone with her skills is a born secret agent.

Michael tells Drew that when he sees Willow smile, he thinks about all the months there was nothing to be happy about. He used to pray for the life they have now, so if he has to pretend everything is okay with Nina and put a smile on, he’ll do it to keep the life he’s been blessed with. A life he’s indebted to Drew for. Drew says, no. He did what anybody would do in that position. Michael says, Drew risked his life to bring Dr. Obrecht home (so where is she???) and saved Willow. They’ll never forget that. Willow thinks of him as her guardian angel. Drew says he definitely doesn’t deserve that, but Michael tells him not to be so modest. Drew was able to forgive Nina and it motivated Willow to do the same thing.

Willow tells Nina to forget she said anything. She’s going to go. Nina says, wait, and Willow says, Nina must think she’s a terrible person, but Nina says she could never think that. She’s not judging Willow. How could she with all the mistakes she’s made? It was just surprising. It’s the last thing she expected. Willow says, Nina would never think she’d do something so stupid and self-destructive, but Nina says she’s sure Willow is remembering it a lot worse than it was. She had a cocktail or two and the kiss was probably more chaste than she thinks. Willow says she wasn’t even tipsy. She kissed Drew the way she kisses her husband. It was real and it was wrong. Nothing like this has ever come close to happening before… Except she and Drew have always had this special connection and it’s only gotten stronger. She loves Michael and she’s grateful for their family and the life they’ve built together, but Drew saved her life. It bonded them in a way she’s never felt with anyone else before. In a way, he even brought her and Nina closer together. She doesn’t know what she feels for Drew, but she can’t stop thinking about their kiss. Nina says she thinks Willow is being too hard on herself, but Willow says she’s being unfair to Michael and Drew.

Drew says, if Willow wants to have a relationship with Nina, it’s not because of him. It’s because of the person she is. She tries to see the best in people. Michael agrees, and says, but she idolizes Drew. Drew running for congress has given her something to believe in. Drew says he hopes he can live up to Willow’s faith in him.

Willow says, Drew needs to focus on himself right now and not have this confusing situation with her, but Nina says she thinks Willow is giving Drew far too much consideration here. He’s a grown man. He can look out for himself. Did she force this kiss on him? Willow says, of course (🍷) not, and Nina says, so she wasn’t acting alone. Drew shares some of the blame. Willow says, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is. The kiss never should have happened at all. Nina says she’s kissed someone she wasn’t supposed to kiss and can relate to Willow’s feelings. That’s why she knows the issue isn’t really the kiss, but how Willow feels about it. Or more importantly, what she does about it. Willow says, it’s never going to happen again, and Drew agrees with her, and Nina says, so she regrets the kiss. Willow says, very much, and Nina says, and Drew? Willow says, he does too, but when they talked about the kiss, Drew said something that surprised her. That in a different world, under vastly different circumstances, there might be something between them.

Charlotte says she owes Anna an apology, one that’s long overdue. She should have said something before she went to school, but she wasn’t ready yet. She is now. Anna says, it’s sweet of her, but not necessary. Apology accepted of course (🍷). They can leave it at that. Valentin says he thinks it might be good for Charlotte to say what she needs to say, and Anna says, of course (🍷). Charlotte says she’s sorry she trashed Anna’s hotel room. She’s sorry she wrote those terrible things on Anna’s door and mirror. Anna was always so sweet to her, and she thought it was all an act. Her Grandfather Victor told her that Anna was evil, and she believed him. Now she knows he was the one who was lying and she’s so sorry for how she acted. Valentin wonders what’s behind this shift, and Charlotte says, there were kids that came to the school after their country was attacked. Some lost their entire families and had to leave everything behind when they escaped. Their entire lives were taken by powerful people who didn’t care who they hurt or killed as long as they got what they wanted. It made her realize Grandfather Victor was like that too. Valentin says, he was, but she’s not, and Charlotte says she hopes not. She’s a Cassadine and Cassadines are bad, unless they die trying to be good. Valentin looks sad.

Jake comes out and sees Jason, who says he just stopped by. Elizabeth says, Jake’s dad wants to give him something, and Jason says, Jake’s mom told him that he was accepted into an art academy in Spain. Jake says he just got lucky, but Jason says, they only take the best. They’re not going to waste their time unless he’s really good. Jake says, maybe, but it’s expensive, and Jason says, that’s why he’s here. He wants to pay for it. Elizabeth says, isn’t that amazing? and Jake says, it’s super generous, but not necessary. Jason says he gets it. Jake is worried that he’s trying to buy a place in Jake’s life and his forgiveness, but he knows he has to earn that. He hopes one day that comes, but there are no strings attached. When he wasn’t much older than Jake, he had an important decision to make that shaped the rest of his life, like the one Jake’s about make. He wants Jake to choose what makes him happiest without worrying how to pay for it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and might not come around again. If he’d been a different kind of father – any kind of father – paying for Jake’s education would be no question. Please take the money and don’t let his failings mess with Jake’s future.

Michael tells Drew that he sees Willow is all-in with his campaign. It’s all she can talk about. She’s Drew’s biggest supporter as long as he stays the stand-up guy he is. Drew says he’ll do his best, and Michael says, Drew forgave Nina and hired her back at Crimson. Now, Crimson has never more successful. He respects Drew’s judgement and will follow his lead. Drew asks if Michael is sure he can handle working closely with Nina, and Michael says, if it means it’s good for the business, he’ll put a smile on and do it.

Nina says, of course (🍷) Drew would wonder what could have been between him and Willow. She’s a remarkable woman. What man wouldn’t? Willow says, a remarkable woman who kissed her in-law with her husband in the next room, and Nina says, things happen. Drew is a handsome man, and their lives became intertwined. The lines were blurred, and Willow made a mistake. It’s understandable. She’s human. Don’t beat herself up too much. Willow says, even if it costs her marriage? but Nina says, one kiss doesn’t need to lead to divorce. Willow says, Michael might feel differently when she tells him, and Nina says, then don’t tell him.

Carly says she’s never been an intelligence agent. She didn’t want to save the world. Jack says, that’s only for idealists. He’s a pragmatist. If he can tilt the scales of justice, he considers it a job well done. Now he takes pride in a well mopped cafeteria. She says, her lawyer told her that if she follows through with a trial, she has a 30% chance of getting off, and Jack says he doesn’t like those odds. Maybe they can improve them.

Anna says, Charlotte is proof all Cassadines aren’t bound for tragedy, and Charlotte says all she wants to do is make it right. She wishes she could go back and change things. Anna says she’s made a lot of mistakes and hurt a lot of people. Shooting Charlotte was – she cries a little – the worst thing she ever did, and she hopes Charlotte knows how sorry she is. Charlotte says she does and also knows Anna didn’t mean it. It happened because she snuck into Anna’s place to harass her. All she can do is ask Anna’s forgiveness. Anna says she’s already forgiven Charlotte, and asks if Charlotte can forgive her. Charlotte says, consider it done, and they hug. Anna says, Charlotte has a lot of grace. She wishes she’d had half of that when she was Charlotte’s age. Charlotte says, it’s kind of recent. The other students taught her how blessed she is. She has a father who loves her, which is more than most have. Anna says she has to get to work, but she’s glad they had this talk. She hated how they left things. Charlotte says, her too, especially since she sees how important Anna is to her papa. She’d never do anything to hurt him. Anna leaves.

Willow says she doesn’t know how she can keep the kiss a secret. She’s a mess, and Michael will know something is wrong. If she confesses, maybe they can find a way to work through it together. Nina says, at the very least, it will relieve Willow’s burden, but there’s no way to predict Michael’s reaction to his uncle kissing her and imagining a life with her. Willow says, he’ll be hurt and his relationship with Drew will be ruined, and Nina says, she can assuage her guilt or choose to put it behind her and move on. It was a momentary minor slip, and if she treats it as such, she’ll eventually forget it happened. Willow says she tried, but she felt too guilty. That’s why she came here. Nina says she’s glad Willow came to her and hopes Willow keeps coming to her. For the sake of the family, let her be the only one Willow confides in. Eventually, she’ll realize a kiss is not the end of the world. The less power she gives it, the less it will matter. Willow thanks Nina for being able to dump on her. It means so much. She should get going. She has a lot to think about. Nina reminds Willow that she’s just a text or phone call away, and Willow leaves. Nina’s smile fades.

Michael says, they’re in agreement, and Drew says, if he’s elected to congress, Michael will return to being CEO and Curtis will keep control of the wellness division. Drew’s phone rings, and Nina says she needs to see him. He tells her that he’s busy and to set up a meeting, but she says, if he’s thinking of hanging up, she’ll make him regret it. Get up here right now or his campaign is over before he kisses his first baby.

Jack says, the FBI will have no mercy and no pity for Carly. To them, she’s a high-profile target that they have evidence against. She asks if he agrees with her lawyer, and he says, he does. The best bet is for her to avoid a trial entirely. She has two other options. One is to go on the offensive. Make everything public and cry government overreach to anyone who will listen. Out the agents involved and kick up a fuss. Maybe they’ll be shamed into cutting her loose. She asks, what if she just makes them mad and they double down? and he says, that’s the risk. She asks about her other option, and he says, make sure Jason remains valuable to the FBI, but she says, he can’t do it forever. Jack says, as long as they have the evidence. Destroy the evidence, destroy the case. She says, it’s on a protected FBI server. How? He says, easy. She has his sympathies.

Anna lets herself into Jason’s room and opens a laptop. She takes the satellite phone out of her purse and loads the files from it onto the computer. She looks at the files that come up.

Jason says, it’s Jake’s choice. Either way, he’ll understand. Jake says he knows it’s not that simple for Jason and knows Jason’s life isn’t regular. It seems like he tried to do his best with what he had. Art school is what Jake wants and to do it in Spain… He’s excited and grateful for Jason’s offer, so he accepts. Jason hands him an envelope, and Jake holds out his hand. They shake, and it turns into a hug.

Carly says, if it was just her, she’d take her chance in court. She hates how Jason has been blackmailed and she wants to punch Cates every time she sees him. But it’s not just her. Jack says, her kids will suffer too, and asks about Donna. Carly says, Donna is happy, but if she went to prison… Jack says, welcome to his world. You choose the lesser of two evils, whatever would least damage the people around you. Carly says, it’s cowardly letting Jason suffer the repercussions of something she did, but Jack asks if it isn’t worth it if she stays with her kid. She says she guesses it is better if she takes the hit rather than Donna, and he says, there’s her answer. She thanks him for his advice and expertise, and he says, always a pleasure. She says, take care of himself, and he says, her too.

Valentin asks if Charlotte wants breakfast, and she says, sounds great. He thanks her for making peace with Anna, and she says, Anna made it easier than she had to. She’s happy he and Anna are back together. He says he doesn’t know about that, but for the first time in a long time, he thinks there’s hope.

When he returns, Jason finds Anna in his room and asks if she got it. She says, it’s just as they thought, a treasure trove. Files, metadata, everything they need to shut Pikeman down and nail Valentin ten times over. Jason says, it’s finally over. He can get back to his life. Give him the phone. Anna says, she can’t. Not yet.

At Pentenville, a man says, they’re ready for Jack. I think it’s Valentin, but we don’t see his face.  

Willow goes into Drew’s office, but finds Michael in his chair. Michael says, Drew had to leave. He’s not running for office, but will she settle for him? She hugs him and says she’s never settling with him. She hopes he knows how happy she is with him. He’s given her everything – a home and a family, and she loves him so much. He says he loves her too. He’d rather be in her arms than in a congressional seat.

Drew goes to Nina’s office and asks, what the hell is wrong? She ordered him to come see her and threatened him. Did she forget he’s her boss? She smacks him across the face and says, you son of a bitch. You kissed my daughter.

Tomorrow, Willow tells Sonny that she wonders if it’s a good idea; Drew tells Nina that it’s time they came to a new understanding; and Ann tells Jason that she can’t let Cates take Valentin away.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Final day of charter25-minute delay (so far). Captain Sandy tells the deckhands to put the brake on and stop the anchor. She tells lain that they’re not going to be able get to get the anchor up. He says he’s waiting for the tender to charge, and she tells him to stay with it. In the captain’s interview, she says they’ve never had to leave the anchor before. They could try to haul it by hand or leave it. Leaving it is a risk. It’s an expensive piece of equipment, and she hopes it’s still there when they come back for it. They don’t have an option because she has to get the guests back to the dock. On top of it, the wind is insane. At this point, there’s a 39-minute delay. Trishelle says, they’re hosting people at 3, but Marsha says, she’s not making that flight. The captain says, it’s not the crew’s fault. It’s too windy to transport them back. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests are missing flights that she doubts are economy. She has to distract them and keep them entertained. The captain explains what’s happening to the guests, and everyone is totally cool about everything. Captain Sandy tells Iain to find the largest fender and get reflective tape. She gives him instructions, and in her interview, she says, they put the reflective tape on the buoy they hook to the anchor, like they did in Jaws to see where the shark is. Hopefully it works out better for them. She tells the guests that they’re not sinking; the windlass broke. Trishelle says, she’s legit not making her flight, and Brittany says, it’s like extending the vacation and she’s okay with it. In Joe’s interview, he says, whatever Captain Sandy says to do, he’s doing it. Aesha asks Bri if she’s organized in the laundry, and in Aesha’s interview, she says she’s glad Ellie and Bri aren’t fighting. Since Bri hooked up with Joe, they’re letting their petty drama infiltrate the interior. It’s a she said/she said situation and they’re both so convincing. We flash back to them separately telling Aesha what happened, and Aesha says, after charter, she’s brokering a truce. She doesn’t care who said what. Aesha sends Ellie to help with laundry, and the captain says she needs to get the guests back. Nathan takes the chain off the anchor and ties it to the buoy, and Captain Sandy says, he’s free to drop anchor. In Joe’s interview, he says, if the chain hits you or the boat, someone could get hit or die. The chain snaps as the anchor is let go.  

Aesha says, this is a first for her, and the captain says, time is of the essence. The wind is worse. It’s at 33 knots, and the forecast is for 63 knots. If she doesn’t get back now, she can’t dock the vessel. The guests finish packing, and Captain Sandy calls the Marina Emergency Services. She says, they had to leave the anchor. They need someone to meet them to help repair the windlass and a retrieval team for the anchor. The guests rave about the trip – these people are unbelievably nice – and Marsha says she could start a modeling agency in the Mediterranean. Bri and Joe flirt like elementary school children, sparring and poking at each other. Blech. In Bri’s interview, she says, you can’t put toothpaste back in the tube. In Iain’s interview, he says he’s been playing the long game with Ellie and thinks he’s a shoo-in. In Ellie’s interview, a producer asks if Iain has a chance, and it’s a hard no. In Jono’s interview, he says he almost packed after the last charter, but he’s putting the Givenchy back in the closet. He thinks his training taught him to improve and be made stronger by criticism. Captain Sandy says, it’s a lot of boat to hold in the wind, and lain keeps asking for Joe to drop the big fender on starboard. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, it’s taking too long. She can’t keep holding the vessel. If the fender isn’t down, she can slam into the dock and damage the boat. The delay is now 3 hours and 20 minutes. Nathan helps Joe, and the captain says, Joe needs to learn how to tie a line. Nathan has more knowledge, so until Joe learns, he’ll be doing it. She calls lain to the bridge and asks why he chose Joe to be lead deckhand in the beginning. Iain tells her that Joe had experience and was good at guiding people, and we flash back to Joe’s mess-ups. Iain says, Joe is good at running a team, and the captain says, Nathan is working circles around him. She thinks Joe is a great talker and Iain needs to reassess their experience. In her interview, Captain Sandy says, it was clearly an oversight. lain should have come to her first. She’s had to correct Joe’s dockings, and if Iain had taken the time to read the CVs, he would have seen that Nathan is more experienced. This is a red flag. She tells him, in the future, run things by her. Nathan is now the bow guy. Gael’s boyfriend texts her, wanting an update, and Nathan and Joe both wonder where their trousers are. Bri says she’s confused.  

The guests are ready to go, and Marsha gives Aesha a baseball cap and tells her that she’s adopted. Brittany says, Captain Sandy runs a tight, perfect ship. In Nathan’s interview, he says he wouldn’t leave a tip if he was them, but they’re rich and don’t care. Brittany says she loves them, and has Aesha help her get the tip envelope out of her dress bodice, which is just weird. After the guests leave, Aesha tells the stews that they’re having a meeting. They can make a cocktail. The deckhands get to cleaning, and in Joe’s interview, he says he practically got demoted. He wants good laughs and good energy around him. The stews sit down with their cocktails, and Aesha says, well done. They were lucky that the guests were lovely, but they nailed it as well. Ellie and Bri lost focus because of their personal issues. They all need to have respect and kindness when they say things. Ellie says, when it’s put out that she’s disrespectful, she has a problem with that, and Bri says she felt that her feelings weren’t considered. Ellie says, during charter isn’t the time to be overly sensitive, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, the meeting is off to a good start.

Zea Marina. Aesha says, Ellie and Bri have different personalities and need to be conscious of how someone is taking something. You can’t just say, I’m me and you have to take it. Ellie says, things can’t be blown out of proportion all the time. It’s exhausting. Aesha says, they’re going to squash it now. Be aware of how they speak and be the best team. Just keep getting better. There’s a group hug, and in Aesha’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel like they actually fully resolved things. All she can do is keep eye on them and hope the situation doesn’t escalate. If it does, she’ll have to ask the captain for assistance. She’s at her wit’s end. Gael’s boyfriend texts that he’s sorry for being needy. It’s time for the tip meeting, and Captain Sandy says, engineers are coming to fix the windlass. It was difficult, but the windlass is getting repaired, and the anchor is being brought to them. She knows it’s never easy, but it’s part of their character to remain teachable. Nathan is their bow guy now. She tells Jono, good job, and says, the tip is $25K, $2000 a person or 1800 euros. The crew cheers.

The crew gets ready to go out, and in Bri’s interview, she says, in the beginning, she thought Ellie could be a friend. Now all chance of that is gone, so she just has to look out for herself. In Ellie’s interview, she suggests that Joe let it go. She and Bri will battle it out. She comes out in a black catsuit, and Iain’s eyes nearly pop out of his head. In Jono’s interview, he says he’s ready to party, but everyone is still stressed. He doesn’t know what’s going down, but he’s going up. They take a taxi to a bar and have shots. I think, please eat, and Nathan licks Gael’s hand. Joe tells Aesha that it’s weird, and she asks if he can please take the night off from the girls. Joe says he’s not a machine and doesn’t think tonight is his night. In Aesha’s interview, she says she shouldn’t have to ask a deckhand to leave her girls alone, but she’ll try anything at this point. In Joe’s interview, he says he has to take a step back and be professional. Iain tells Ellie that she looks beautiful, and Gael tells Nathan that she loves him. Ellie tells Iain that she’s a person of few words, and he says, him too, but he feels he’s not connecting with everyone as much as he’d like to. Ellie tells him to ask them about them and then listen. In Ellie’s interview, she says, this is not the way to go about it, and in Iain’s interview, he says, sh*t. They sit at the table in awkward silence, then everyone hits the dance floor. Iain talks and talks and talks about himself to Ellie, totally ignoring her advice. In her interview, Ellie says, her bodysuit is working well… on the wrong person. It’s a torture method. He’s waterboarding her with words. Joe tells Bri that she makes him laugh and he finds her attractive, and she says, they’ve caused drama already. He says, he understands that they have to function on a professional level, and she says, if he doesn’t want anything, she won’t invade his space. He says, right now, he doesn’t want anything, and they shake hands. Aesha points out Joe and Bri to Jono, and she asks, what’s with Nathan and Gael? as they watch them at the bar. Jono says he doesn’t know, and Gael and Nathan move closer to each other. Gael tells Nathan that he’s getting her horny, and Jono tells Aesha, it is what it is.

In the taxi, lain blows on Ellie to give her a breeze. Eww. Back on the boat, Nathan and Gael go up to the top deck, and Aesha goes to bed. Gael tells Nathan that she’s a heartbreaker, and he kisses her cheek. She says she can give him a kiss on the cheek and does. He says, they’re friends, and they leave. The declare their like for each other on the stairs and nuzzle. In Gael’s interview, she says she liked it, but at the same time… In Nathan’s interview, he says he doesn’t think Gael’s boyfriend is going to be too happy, but f*** that guy.

In the morning, the anchor is retrieved. Joe says, anything? to Nathan, and Nathan says, there was some neck kissing. Joe tells him, be careful, and Nathan says, she’s fire. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, wildfires are burning near the marina. It’s the first time she’s dealt with that, and it’s so sad that the people are suffering. It’s not close to the boat yet, but getting closer by the day. They need to get off the dock before they have a problem. Iain and Aesha go over what needs to be done with their departments, and the captain tells Iain that the fires are north of Athens. She wishes they could just take off, but leaving the guests at the dock id not a good thing. The anchor arrives, and in the captain’s interview, she says, thank God. A diver goes down and floats it up. They’ll put the chain back on and wrap it around the windlass. We see this operation cost just over $40K. Yachts are expensive. Don’t they say that the two best days are the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it? That’s probably why. It’s a money pit.

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting, and Aesha, Jono, and Iain gather in the crew mess with the captain. Captain Sandy says, the co-primaries are Kacie and Quint, who are exploring Europe for the first time. Aesha reads that they want to have an excursion to a local island, and the captain says, they’re going to Hydra. It’s tough to dock there, so the deck crew needs to be on their A-game. Gael has a guilt hangover after she sees texts from her boyfriend that say he’s sorry if he’s needy and he feels hurt. She shows Jono and says she feels like she’s always on the phone. We flash back, and she is always on the phone. Jono says, maybe they need a break. They can’t change that they’re not together. Does she want to be with him?

Gael says, he’s a good guy, and Jono asks, does she want to be with him? She says she thinks she struggles, especially when she’s tired and working. She doesn’t want to paint him as bad. Jono says, that’s not what he asked, and in Gael’s interview, she says, if he hated her, this would be easier. She’s torturing herself every day keeping up the relationship when she has a connection with someone else. Being apart, people do things they wouldn’t normally do. Growing up, it was always, you can do better. At the same time, she reaps the seeds she sows. She tells Jono that she hates disappointing people, and he says he thinks she and her boyfriend need to have a conversation. Be honest and transparent, even if it’s hurtful.

Once again, Captain Sandy can’t find her shirt, and in her interview, she says, it’s not the first time her laundry was mixed up. We flash back to several times, and she says, the third stew is an entry level position, so she wouldn’t fire someone, but it needs to be corrected. It’s charter four and Bri needs to develop a system. Provisions come in, and the captain brings some clothes back to the laundry. She says, they’re not hers, and Ellie calls Bri to the laundry. Bri explains that the captain’s clothes are in the washing machine, and Ellie says, there needs to be more clarity. Captain Sandy says, they’re not leaving until the wind dies down. She hopes it blows the smoke the other way. Things start blowing around and the placemats fly off the table. In the captain’s interview, she says, they need to wait for a weather window and have to get off before the smoke gets to the marina. Ellie calls Bri to the laundry again, and Bri says, the captain’s clothes are in the dryer. Ellie tells Captain Sandy that she’ll bring them up. Finding the clothing on her bed, the captain looks for a shirt. She says, this is terrible, and goes back downstairs to find the crew eating in the mess. She asks why it’s so hard to get her clothes back, and Bri says, her shirt should be in the pile. Ellie says, her clothes were all pressed and hanging, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says she’s dealing with wind, fires, and guests. She doesn’t need to lose a shirt. This is the last time. Now she’s gonna get pissed.

Ellie asks if Bri checked their cabin. It has to be somewhere. The captain says, Bri will pay attention now, and tells the crew to meet on the dock in 15 minutes. Bri finally finds the captain’s shirt, and Captain Sandy says, she’s got to fix this. In Bri’s interview, she says she knows she’s making mistakes, but she’s not the only one in the laundry room. She’s going to log every piece. Receipts, bitch. Iain tells Joe that people are picking up on little things and saying the deck work is incomplete. They’ve got to work together and get everyone on the same page.

The guests arrive, and the captain tells Iain, if they don’t get off the dock, they’ll spend the day in a bulk of smoke. Co-primary Kacie introduces herself and says, they’re from Charleston. Captain Sandy says, they’re not departing immediately because the wind is insane. She doesn’t want them seasick their first time out. Aesha gives the tour, and in Nathan’s interview, he says he feels bad about Joe. Joe is his boy. He can tell Joe feels bad and he doesn’t want to be a d*ck. The captain calls Iain to the bridge. She tells him that a superyacht just docked right in front of her (bastard), and in her interview, she says, the wind is getting worse, she has a boat portside, and now a boat has pulled in front of her. Typically, she wouldn’t take the risk, but the smoke is coming in, so she’s taking it. She tells Iain to drop the lines. She’s casting off and is going to come as close as she can to the other boat. The guests see the fire coming, and Captain Sandy tells the deck crew that they have a window and need to leave. The crew moves quickly, and Iain says, she has 4 meters on the stern and has cleared the groundlines. In the captain’s interview, she says, it’s crazy. They can see the fire and the clients on the boat can smell it. If they don’t want ash on top of them, they have to get out, but how can they get out? She’s boxed in and has 6 inches to work with. One wrong maneuver and the season is over. They’re so close… She says, sh*t. It’s too tight.

To be continued…

🎽 Dancing In the Clouds…

This guy was so precious. I barely remember him from GH, but I work out every day and when I’m feeling lazy, I don’t mind sweatin’ to the oldies with him on YouTube. Rock on, Richard.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-fave-richard-simmons-dead-at-76

🥀 Released From Battle…

Such a shame. Whether you loved her or hated her, there’s no question that her work will live on.

https://ew.com/shannen-doherty-costars-pay-tribute-after-death-8677736

And she loved her dog.

https://people.com/all-about-shannen-doherty-dog-bowie-8677823

🐕 Who’s a Good Boy…

Olympians need furry encouragement too.

https://people.com/meet-beacon-golden-retriever-therapy-dog-team-usa-olympics-gymnastics-trials-8672007

🧚‍♂️ Chasing a Midsummer Night’s Dream…

It’s been a long, humid day, but join me tomorrow for soap and entertainment info and recaps. Until then, stay safe, stay choosing to live your memories rather than record them, and stay not waterboarding anyone with words.

July 8, 2024 – Two Major Surprises In Port Charles on the 4th Of July, Anchor Disaster On Deck, Sharks Ahoy & R.O.C.K.

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

On the television, McConkey says he’s proud of what he’s accomplished, and serving in congress has been the honor of his life. He did it all for the hardworking citizens of Port Charles. Port Charles is a city that has everything you want in a place to live. Olivia says, he’s a good man, but wears too much pomade, and Sasha says, everyone speaks highly of him. Olivia says, he’ll be a tough act to follow, but Sasha says she doesn’t know. Drew looks pretty sexy in his suit. Olivia says, don’t tell her husband, but she thinks so too. If they want sexy politicians, they’ll have to move to Canada. Sasha says, if Drew is elected, Canadians will start moving here. McConkey says he’s retiring. It’s time for him to enjoy his golden years with his wife and family.

Cody shows James a hoof pick and explains how it’s used. James asks if Cody’s father taught him about horses, but Cody says, no. James asks if his brother did, but Cody says he doesn’t have one. James says he doesn’t either. He just has sisters. There are so many girls in the house. But he sees Cody as just as good as a brother.

Portia and Mac watch on a laptop as McConkey says he feels gratitude, and Felicia asks if Mac brought work home. Portia says she brought the laptop. She’s hoping to glimpse Curtis in the crowd. Georgie says she’s bored and asks when they’re leaving. Mac suggests she go for a swim, but she says, there are too many boys at the pool. Felicia says, boys she’s known her whole life, and Georgie says she’s spent enough time with them already.

Tracy watches McConkey’s speech on her phone and asks Sasha why she can’t rewind. She wants to see Drew’s close-up again. Sasha says, sometimes you can’t rewind with live events, and Tracy says, they have expensive tech and all it does is allow them to be tracked down. She prefers her old TV and VCR. Sasha tells her, preach it.

McConkey says he’s endorsing Drew Quartermaine, and Tracy says, what? McConkey says he’s confident Drew will do great things for the New York 28th congressional district. Meet their next representative to congress. Drew steps up to the podium and confetti falls.

Olivia runs around putting the finishing touches on the picnic, and Portia asks if she’s excited about Drew’s campaign. Tracy says she’s thrilled, and Felicia says she’s sure that anyone has reservations about a family member going into politics. Mac says he’s sure all the skeletons are out of the Quartermaine closet by now, and Olivia says, it will be over in a couple of months. Tracy says, unless Drew wins. Then they’re in for two years. All eyes will be on the Quartermaines. Ned says he was mayor and he’s been there, and Tracy asks if that ill-fated adventure is supposed to make her feel better. It’s not the same. Drew is running to be a member of congress. Olivia puts a campaign button on Tracy and says, it will help her get in the spirit.

Willow says, Drew is a natural, and Michael says he likes Drew’s chances. Curtis walks in and says, same here, and Portia says, Curtis will have his work cut out for him at Aurora. Curtis says, he and Michael will keep the business afloat, but Michael says, more than that. It will be thriving. Sam says, Drew’s not elected yet and has a hard road ahead, and Laura says, Chelsea Grimes is a formidable opponent. She’s a shameless self-promotor, but she has a following. Willow says, she exploits people’s worst fears, while Drew’s been to hell several times and come out the other side. Who wouldn’t want a man as strong as Drew? Jordan agrees, and says her money is on him. McConkey comes in with Drew and says, anyone who bets against Drew is either a fool or a cynic. Everyone applauds and Drew thanks them. He says he loves them and couldn’t have done this without them. He thanks McConkey for his wisdom, his friendship, and his endorsement. Nina comes in, and Drew says he couldn’t have done it without McConkey. McConkey says, or her, indicating Nina, and Tracy asks, who the hell invited her?

McConkey says he was sparked by Nina’s timely introduction, and Tracy says she applauds Nina’s commitment. She didn’t completely ruin Drew’s life, but pushing him into politics should do the job. Ned tells her that she needs to learn to read the room, and Olivia says, who’s hungry? McConkey tells Drew that he needs a bigger gut and American shoes, then he’ll make a fine representative. Drew asks what Sam thinks, and Sam says, far be it for her to question the congressman’s judgement. McConkey excuses himself, and Sam asks how it went with Scout. Drew says, she’s a little vague about what the campaign means, but she’s excited about the name change. Sam says, he’s actually doing this, and he says he’s having his lawyers handle Scout’s name change. Cain was just a placeholder given to him by the state. Sam says she’s glad he’s claiming his Quartermaine name, and Scout too, but it will take some getting used to. Dante joins them and tells Drew, good job. Drew’s got his vote. Sam says, tonight is Drew’s night. Enjoy it.

Willow notices Nina sitting alone and asks if Nina is okay, and Nina says she’s fine. Sometimes she forgets the universal contempt for her, then someone comes along like Tracy to remind her. Willow says, she’s wrong about it being universal, and Nina says she’s glad to hear it. How did Willow feel about participating today? Willow says, surprisingly good. She’s been disillusioned with politics. (Same.) No one seems to care about the important things, and most of them just pretend to listen to the voters when their job is on the line. Drew makes her hopeful that there can be good, important change that can help people. Nina says, it might be a surprise to hear, but she feels the same. Drew is building a bridge between the two of them and it changed the way she thinks of him and herself. She has a habit of clinging to a grudge too tight. Willow says she’s guilty of that herself.

Jordan asks if Ned misses his mayoral days, but Ned says, the people made their choice and Laura is an excellent mayor. Olivia says she can’t imagine dealing with all that baloney, and Laura says, her either. Mac and Felicia join them, and everyone says how good it is to see him, and they missed him. He says, ditto, and tells Laura that he’s sorry about Spencer. She says, it’s still kind of unreal, and he says, when someone so young is taken from them, it’s hard to make sense of it. Laura says, but today is a happy occasion and she’s glad Mac made it back in time for the party. Jordan says, it’s been too long, and Felicia says, that’s what she’s been telling him. Mac says, they kept it together without him, and Ned says, he’ll take the backstabbing at ELQ over local politics any day. Thank God he doesn’t have to deal with that Heather Webber business. Mac wonders what he’s talking about, and Laura says, it’s come to light that Heather may not be legally responsible for the crimes she committed.

Cody says, James thinks of him as a big brother? and James says he doesn’t know what it’s like, but he bets this is close. Is it okay with Cody? Cody says, it’s a little scary, to be honest. He doesn’t know what it’s like. Dante comes in with Sam and says, Cody’s been his brother since he was twelve. Dante taught Cody how to pick up girls, and Cody taught him how to ride horses and make cherry bombs. James says, cherry bombs are cool, and asks if it’s okay that brothers have different last names. Dante says, it’s better, and Sam says, it means you’re not family by accident. Dante says, it’s the family you chose. James says he wants to be brothers, and Cody suggests they make it official with something only brothers do. They each spit on their palms and shake hands, and James says, Georgie would never do that.

Mac says, if Heather isn’t responsible for Britt Westbourne’s murder, who is? and Felicia says, it’s complicated. Heather was sick. Mac says, she’d have to be sick to kill all those people, and Portia leaves the room. Curtis follows her and says, it’s a day to celebrate. Don’t let herself get dragged into hypotheticals about Heather.

Olivia tells Ned that she needs help in the kitchen, and Ned says, of course (🍷), and leaves with her. Laura explains Heather’s condition to Mac, and he asks if she means a bum hip made Heather a murderer. She says, it caused psychosis. No one knew and maybe the case needs to be reopened. Mac says, she was a willing participant. Heather knew what she was doing on Spoon Island. They were there. Laura says, she wouldn’t have made the decisions she did if the poison wasn’t in her system, and Mac says, they live in world full of toxins and don’t turn into serial killers, but Laura says, he doesn’t have a medical degree and neither does she. She’s putting her faith in the expert’s opinion, whatever that may be.

Tracy asks what Drew’s name is, and he says, Drew Quartermaine. He shows her the papers and asks if she minds sharing her last name. She says, a Quartermaine will always get her vote, and for the record, her brother Alan would be proud of him.

Nina scarfs down some cookies in the nook, when Sasha comes in. Nina asks how they could know each other this long, and she had no idea Sasha was a talented chef? Sasha says she’s full of surprises, and Nina says, she’s glad. She’s starving and there were slim pickings at Drew’s announcement. Sasha says she’s surprised Nina was there, but Nina says, the whole Aurora team came to support him. Sasha says she’d thought they didn’t get along, but Nina says, something changed when he hired her back at Crimson. She thinks they realized they have more in common than they thought. Drew is the reason her relationship with Willow is healing, and she introduced him to McConkey. They’re both seeing another side of each other lately.

Drew finds Willow in a room by herself, looking outside at Wiley. He asks if she minds him hiding out with her, and she says, not at all.

Cody tells James that it’s a big responsibility and he doesn’t want to let James down. James says, Cody is the best and would never let him down. Cody thanks him, when Mac comes in with Georgie, who says, she told him James would be here. His grandma is looking for him. It’s almost time for the fireworks. James asks if Cody is coming, but Cody says he’s got to stay here and make sure the horses aren’t scared. James says he could stay and help, but Cody says, no way. Then who would record the awesome video for him? James promises to get it and leaves with Georgie. Mac says, Cody is good with James, and hopes James isn’t too much. Cody says, too much fun? James is the greatest. Mac says, Cody has had an effect on James. He constantly talks about the horses and Cody’s stuntman days. He wants to do the same thing when he grows up. Cody says he’ll walk it back. He doesn’t want to lead James in the wrong direction. Taking care of horses, living above the stalls, and wrangling Quartermaines isn’t for everyone. Mac says he can see the appeal. Cody’s life seems good. He wouldn’t do a thing to change his own life, but if he had two, one would look like Cody’s.

Laura tells Felicia that she’s sorry she brought the party down. Clearly Mac doesn’t share her point of view. Felicia says, Heather brings out strong feelings. It’s a complicated situation, and there’s no solution that will make everybody happy. Laura thanks her, and Ned announces, it’s time for the fireworks. Everyone leaves except Laura, and Portia tells Curtis that she’s going to stay a minute. Save her a seat. He leaves, and Laura says, Portia is obviously angry with her. Would she like to talk about it? Portia says, the only thing she wants is Laura’s assurance that Heather will stay in Pentenville where she belongs.

At the boathouse, Dante tells Sam that they’re the first ones here and get to pick a spot. The kids seem to be having fun. Sam says she’s glad they’re having a good time, especially scout. Drew was right; she’s happy with the name change. He asks if she wants to talk about it, and she says, talk about what? He says, my mother’s potato salad… or Drew running for congress, but Sam says she’s not wasting time arguing with Drew. He and Jason know how to compartmentalize. It’s done, and now all she can do is be happy for Drew and show up at a rally or two and smile for the camera. He asks, what if The Invader calls? and she tells him that she has nothing to say to that sleazy rag after what DeWitt did to Blaze and Kristina. Dante suggests she have a plan of attack. Saying, no comment, might look like there’s something to hide. She says, it’s Drew’s problem, not hers. The only thing she’s worried about is Scout. Drew’s new career could hurt her in all kinds of ways.

Willow tells Drew that she loves this party, but it can be overwhelming at times. He says he had an honest to God moment, a positive one, with Tracy, and she says, there’s no one he can’t impress. He suggests Mercury might be in retrograde, but she says, that’s next month. It’s impressive how quickly he took to politics. People can tell it’s not just a vanity competition, and Drew is going to carry on McConkey’s legacy and do great things for the people in the district. Drew says he was blindsided, but the more he gets into it, the deeper he goes, the more convinced he is of his duty to do it right. Willow says, that’s why he has to win, but Drew says, if he does, things will change, including things for them.

Nina tells Sasha that she and Drew… Sasha says she gets it, and Nina asks if Maxie told her, but Sasha says she picked up on a vibe earlier. Nina says she’s glad they’re not too obvious. Neither of them wants to advertise it. The reaction would be less than ideal. Sasha says, so it’s a casual thing, but Nina says she doesn’t think it even reaches that point. It was just a few times… a few very good times. Sasha says, so she’s enjoying herself, and Nina says she is, but it’s not going to happen again… probably. Sasha says, she’s not judging. Drew is hot and his body is amazing. Nina says, you could grate cheese on his abs, and Sasha says, she’s happy to see Nina laughing. She deserves to have fun, but it’s time to stop. This kind of thing can only end in disaster.

Nina says, disaster is a strong word. It’s just a little fling. Sasha says she just wants to make sure Nina knows what she’s doing. She was deeply in love with Sonny, and Drew was in love with Carly. Both of their relationships ended abruptly and were heartbreaking. The end of a relationship isn’t the end of the feelings. It takes time for the feelings to recede, and until they do, Nina has to find an outlet somewhere else. Nina says she gets it, but sees nothing wrong in wanting a little company, a human touch now and then. It’s difficult to be alone when you’re used to being a couple. It’s been so long. Sasha knows what it’s like, doesn’t she? Sasha says she does, and she might have been too careful with her heart since then, but maybe it’s better than having her heart broken again before it’s had time to heal.

Drew says, if he gets elected, he’ll have to spend more time in DC, after he lured Willow away from her GH job. He feels like he’s abandoning her. Willow says she’s worried he’ll think she’s exploiting him, since she plans on lobbying the heck out of him for the New Tomorrow Institute. He says he looks forward to it, and she says she doesn’t want him to feel guilty. She loved her job at the hospital, but she’s grateful for the change. She gets to spend more time with her kids, and she loves the work. The kids are too young to understand, but Wiley is fascinated that she smells like perfume instead of antiseptic. It’s fun dress up and not be in scrubs all the time. Drew says, she could win a beauty contest wearing scrubs. (Rut-roh. I think I’m smelling what Drew is cooking.)

Mac tells Cody, working at the Quartermaine stables with an apartment upstairs doesn’t exactly qualify as roughing it. It reminds him of growing up in Australia and the walkabouts he and Robert took with their parents. He once flew over the area in a prop plane and the landscape was amazing. He wouldn’t mind living in a treehouse or camping. When he was away, it reminded him of how much he likes it. Cody asks if that’s why he was gone so long, and Mac says, it took longer than he expected. He hated being away, but he had to go honor a commitment he made so long ago he doesn’t remember making it. Some things become such a part of your blood, you stop questioning them.

Sam says, Drew will probably live in DC away from Scout, and she’s going to miss her father. Dante says, he has money and access to a jet. He can come and go as he pleases. She says, it’s frustrating how she wound up choosing Jason and Drew to be parents when they don’t prioritize their children. Dante says, biologically, the kids have other dads, but he thinks they’re good at parenting and thinks their crew would agree. Who cares what Jason and Drew are doing? Scout and Danny have them. It’s not always easy, but it will always be good. They kiss.

Tracy and McConkey come downstairs, and Tracy says she’s glad they did that. Monica enjoyed catching up with him. He says he enjoyed it too and asks how long Monica has been laid up. Tracy says, she doesn’t like to talk about it, but Monica had a difficult year. She understands he did too. He says, they’ve known each other long enough that he doesn’t have to pretend. He has lung cancer. She asks, how advanced? and he says, Stage IV. She says, her father thought ill health was a sign of carelessness, and McConkey says he feels like he’s in his prime, and still has a lot do and more to give. She says, her father was the same way, and he says, he was a fine man and a giant pain in the ass. She says, that’s why they loved him. If he’s up to it when the campaign is over, she’d like to invite him and his wife over for dinner. He says he’ll have Hazel reach out, if he’s not six feet under. She says, if he is, she’ll send a spread over to his wake. She tells him to take care of himself, he says, her too, and leaves.

The fireworks start and everyone is enthralled. Felicia wonders where Mac is, while James films. Mac and Cody come out of the stables, and Mac says, they went all out. The display gets bigger every year. Cody says he knows, and Mac says, it’s amazing how elaborate they are since he was a kid. He’s never seen one look like rain. Cody struggles for a moment, then says, I’m your son. (I nearly choke on my coffee.)

Laura tells Portia that Trina said she had concerns about Heather, but Portia says she has concerns with Laura. Why go to bat for a convicted murderer instead of protecting the citizens? Laura says, Portia was part of the team that diagnosed Heather, so she must understand the questions it raised. Portia says she treated Heather according to the oath she took, but can’t forget that Heather’s entire mission in life was to murder her daughter.

Curtis asks if Nina wants to join him for the fireworks, but she says she thinks she’ll head home. He says, she can’t miss the best part, when Michael comes in. He gives Nina a curt hello, which Nina returns. She thanks Curtis for the offer, but says she’s going to take off. She tells both of them, Happy 4th of July, and starts to leave. Curtis says, he doesn’t like getting into their personal lives, but when Drew is on the campaign trail, they have to learn how to work together. Are they going to be okay or is one of them always going to have to leave the room?

Willow says she hopes she didn’t give Drew the wrong impression. She believes in him so much. He’s always been there for her family, her kids, and her. she wouldn’t be alive today if he hadn’t risked his life in Greenland. He’s the reason she can see her kids grow up. Everyone would be lucky to have someone like him in their corner. She’ll do whatever she can to help, but selfishly, she doesn’t want him to move to DC. She’ll miss him. He says he’ll miss her too, and they kiss. Sasha sees them. (Almost choking on my coffee for the second time.)

Wow. Two bombshells on a Monday.

Tomorrow, Gio says he never would have guessed; Laura says her concern is to see justice served; and Maxie asks why someone lied.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Ellie tells Bri, the victimhood needs to stop. She’s sorry, but Bri’s lack of experience shows in her not being aware how a boat works. There’s a chain of command. Bri says, Ellie makes her feel dumb and it hurts, but Ellie says, maybe it’s Bri’s own insecurities making her feel that way. She never said Bri was dumb, and she’s tired of this bullsh*t. She’s had it. She’s done. In Bri’s interview, she says, Ellie is on a power trip and against her since she hooked up with Joe. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri doesn’t listen. Both she and Aesha are her superiors. Breakfast is lobster eggs benedict, and in Jono’s interview, he says he doesn’t want to put out cold eggs again, so he’s making them nice and fresh. He still thinks his job is on the line, so please, no complaints. Captain Sandy asks the guests how dinner was, and they say, fabulous. She says, Aesha will tell them about their next destination. It’s a very cool place. Jono tastes his eggs benedict and dances around. Guest Dean declares the lobster delish, and Aesha explains that they’ll be going to a cave on Moni Island that they have to swim to. Guest Marsha says she can’t put her head underwater. The peacock (i.e. her hair) doesn’t like the water. In Aesha’s interview, she says she loves Marsha’s attitude. She can’t imagine the time it takes to look like that. She’s exhausted just looking at her.

Ellie asks Joe what the Bri situation is, but he says he doesn’t know. She slept on a mattress on the floor. Ellie says, Bri is creating drama for no reason and playing the victim. It has nothing to do with her. Anchor is hauled, but the windless isn’t working properly, and Joe says, it’s a piece of sh*t. Iain says he’s going to send Joe and Gael in the tender with the guests, and Ellie tells Aesha that the Bri situation is out of control. She’s been sleeping on the floor in the guys’ cabin and said Ellie was belittling her. Aesha asks if she is, but Ellie says she’s not that person. That’s where she draws the line. Aesha says, they both need to get on with it, and they’ll sort it out after charter. In Aesha’s interview, she says, there’s an annoying rivalry circling around Joe, but she can’t discipline them out of their emotions. The guests are paying a lot of money to be here. Captain Sandy does some weird jumping jacks on the bridge, and says she needs exercise. Yeah. She needs to learn how to do jumping jacks.

Aesha tells the captain that Ellie is going to the cave because of her thumb situation, and Nathan tells Gael that he’s glad the drama has nothing to do with them. Gael says she thinks they’re the same. Anchor is dropped and the tender is loaded with supplies for the cave excursion. Bri talks to her mom, who asks if she’s got everything sorted. Bri tells her that she’s saying the wrong stuff, and her mom says, show kindness. There’s a fine balance between being assertive and people perceiving you as cheeky. In Bri’s interview, she says, boarding school has a way of making you feel small. You had to wait at the door for whoever was above you, no matter how far away they were, or you’d be bullied. Captain Sandy says, they’ve got to be faster, and she sees the swim platforms leaning up against the side of the boat. In her interview, she says, the fact Iain is in charge and hasn’t caught this is not okay. She tells the deckhands put the swim platforms in the water, and calls Iain. She says, it can’t look like that. It’s a guest area and they have to get the platforms in the water. In Iain’s interview, he says he planned to get them set up after the guests were in the water. Joe says, it’s difficult being told two different things, and they put the platforms in the water. Captain Sandy says, the guests are waiting, and tells Iain that he’s got to be faster.

Aesha is bummed and wishes she could come. Iain says he’s waiting for the guests, who are waiting to be told where to go, and Aesha suggests he go get them. Ellie wonders if it’s a good time to say she’s not a good swimmer. On the yacht, lain tells the captain that he had a different plan, and she says, his plan wasn’t working. In Gael’s interview, she says, growing up being half Asian wasn’t cool, and on top of it, she was slightly socially anxious, which gave her identity issues. When she started yachting, she found that being underwater made her feel safe and at peace with herself. The guests swim to the cave, Ellie following. They hang out in the wading pool inside and it’s amazingly beautiful. One of them says, it smells good, like salt. Iain whines to Nathan that if he’d done it correctly, he still would have been told he was wrong. Ellie has a hard time with her flippers and says she’s the worst person to do this. Gael hauls Ellie back into the tender, and Ellie says she hopes Joe doesn’t believe she’s a bad person or belittles Bri. He says, all he knows is this girl came to their cabin, crying and moaning. Aesha calls Bri to meet her in the upstairs pantry, and says she doesn’t want to get into what Bri and Ellie are fighting about, but why did Bri sleep in the boys’ cabin? Bri says, because it was just fun. She needed her own space and was sleeping in the galley, but Joe said she could sleep on the floor. Aesha asks if she’s trying to prove a point to Ellie, but Bri says, no. She tried saying something, but Ellie didn’t want to hear it. Aesha tells Bri that she can’t sleep in the boys’ cabin. It will affect them. Ellie tells Joe that she was honest with Bri about wanting to pursue things with him, and in Joe’s interview, he says, they’re butting heads, and he’s the cherry on top. (Ugh.) He doesn’t want anything serious, but of course he’s interested. Who wouldn’t be? Bri tells Aesha that Ellie is annoying. When they’re sharing, Ellie has completely different times than her. Aesha says, that’s yachting. If they can’t cancel their sh*t out, she’ll have to make some changes.

Aesha says, they can’t be fighting. It’s affecting their work. Bri says she’s sorry, and Aesha says, they’ll sort it out. Those who went on the cave excursion are back, and Aesha tells Ellie that the guests are chill, but keep an eye on them and set the table. She’s taking a break. Iain tells Gael to keep an eye on the guests when they’re in the water, and Aesha finds that she has no polo. The one on her bunk belongs to Ellie. She tells Bri to put the laundry in the right place, and in Bri’s interview, she says, they’re not labeling their stuff properly. A producer asks if she actually looks at the tags, and she insists she does. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s gained confidence since being here. She wants to be treated like an equal or die trying. On her last boat, a piece of metal crashed down on her and she needed 16 stiches, so she couldn’t prove herself to the men. She wants to not just be good, but pass expectations. Ellie tells Bri that they should change into their nights and pull plates for the chef, and in Bri’s interview, she says, her job depends on her getting on well with Ellie. Whatever Ellie wants, she’ll do. Aesha tells Ellie to start setting the table and wonders why the plates weren’t pulled ages ago. In Aesha’s interview, she says, she doesn’t know if Ellie is distracted or not as capable as she lets on. We flash back to Aesha having to remind Ellie of various things, and Aesha says, she has to always keep an eye on Ellie and Bri, and it’s exhausting. How about doing your job? Just work. She asks why the plates weren’t pulled, and Ellie says she was serving the guests and cleaning up the bar. It just didn’t happen yet. Aesha says, they need to be done in an hour, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, the time got away. At the same time Bri is getting away with murder, she’s put on the cross for the smallest mistake. It’s bullsh*t.

Jono is excited about dinner, and in his interview, he says, the guests want a Hollywood extravagant experience, and he wants to push past last night’s experience. He wants everything perfect and wants to erase last night. We flash back to the primary Brittany’s steak being dry, and he says he wants that gone. They guests dress up like old Hollywood, and Joe tells Gael that he had a word with Ellie. She said Bri broke girl code and is playing the victim, but it’s between them. Gael says, there’s two sides, so they don’t know, and laughs that it’s over him. He wonders if he should go for Ellie, and Gael tells him, whoever he bangs should be the person he continues to bang, or it will cause issues. The guests sit for dinner, and the tablescape is gorgeous. Iain says, the guests want the crew to sing Happy Birthday, and Joe says he hasn’t practiced yet, but Ellie says he has an hour. In Joe’s interview, he says, being an entertainer, he’s always acting. His mom has fibromyalgia and is bedbound, so she got her son to entertain her. To this day, he’s never stopped. He goes to practice on the piano. In Aesha’s interview, she says she and Jono have had a nice trajectory, getting closer with each charter. He’s a lovely human and she’d love nothing more than for him to run the ribbon at the finish line with a gold medal. She asks how the food is, and Brittany says, mama like. Meanwhile, Joe plays the piano while Nathan sings badly. As they do cabins, Ellie asks Bri, how’s laundry? and Bri says, good. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri is trying to make her look like a bad person. None of her concerns are being addressed, but Bri’s concerns are being addressed whether they’re real or not. Injustice frustrates her. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, Jono’s presentation between this charter and the last one is like night and day. She’s relieved she has a back-up chef, but she’s impressed. The captain helps serve, and Trishelle says, Jono gives a classy presentation. The topic of escaping boobs comes up, and Marsha mentions Trishelle’s Playboy spread. Trishelle says she’s not ashamed. She looks good and her boobies are generational. Brittany asks if they can see them, but Trishelle is like, no. Brittany does the splits a la Kyle Richards, and Aesha wonders if she’s overserved her.

Aesha says, there’s a surprise for the guests in the main salon and leads them to the piano. She tells Jono that they absolutely loved dinner. Well done. He smashed it. In Jono’s interview, he says, it’s what he wants every dinner. He needed to stop and p*ssy up and she stepped up. Aesha calls the crew to the salon, where Joe is at the piano. They sing Happy Birthday – badly – to guests John and Rich. In Aesha’s interview, she says, no one wants to hear her sing. She’s horrific. God gave her other gifts, like her tiny hands. What is she supposed to do with these tiny hands? Wait. Don’t answer that. Ellie apologizes to Aesha for not getting the plates in a timely manner, and Aesha says, they can’t be perfect all the time. Marsha doesn’t want to go to bed. She doesn’t want it to be over.

3rd day of charter, Moni Island, Greece. In Bri’s interview, she says, it feels good to be in her own bed. It’s not like she was sleeping in a bed though. She was on the floor. She’s trying her best to stay away from Joe. She wants to be drama free. Even though she likes watching it, it’s not for her. Aesha asks where Bri slept last night, and Bri says her own bed. Aesha high-fives her and says she doesn’t want it festering when they go out to drink. They’re going to squash it today. A producer asks Joe and Nathan how they know the bromance is in effect, and Joe says, it happened in like, two seconds. Nathan thinks it’s their energy, and Joe says, it’s spiritual. Jono tells Aesha that he’s going to do eggs benny again. The guests seem to like it. Captain Sandy tells the deckhands to start hauling anchor, and the windless makes a lot of sad noises. Nathan radios the captain that they’re having trouble. There’s no power on the starboard side. Captain Sandy asks if it’s because of the wind or is the windlass not connecting. He says, it’s not connecting, and Joe says, it doesn’t sound good. No, it doesn’t.

Captain Sandy gets the engineers involved, and in her interview, she says, the windlass is like a spool of thread. The clutch is frees it from the teeth that haul the anchor, but it’s not grabbing, so they’re having a difficult time. While the engineers try to figure it out, breakfast is served. Jono says, juicy food porn, and he’s not wrong. The guests love that he gives them extra lobster on the side. The captain talks with engineer Luka, and in her interview, she says, they have to release the clutch and haul a little at a time. The worst-case scenario, she leaves the anchor. The battery is dead in the tender, and the captain says, it’s the worst possible time to make a mistake like this. She wonders, who left the battery on? and asks Nathan, who was the last one to dock the tender? Nathan says, Joe or lain. Nathan wakes Iain, and tells him, the battery in the tender is dead and the anchor isn’t working on the starboard side. To his credit, Nathan doesn’t bitch and just gets out of bed. Brittany says, they’re flying to Paris this afternoon, and we see in the text that there’s already a 20-minute delay. Captain Sandy asks Iain, who was the last one to dock the tender? and he says, probably him. She says, he has to turn off the battery, and he says he was refueling and got distracted. She says she needs him to help sort that out, and in her interview, she says, it’s like herding cattle. In Iain’s interview, he says, he’ll take the blame. He wonders if they can jumpstart the tender like a car, and Joe says, what a disaster. They start hauling by hand, but the line snaps, and the chain releases. Captain Sandy tells them to put the brakes on. Stop the anchor. F***, f***, f***!

To be continued…

🦈 Doo-Doo Doo-Doo Doo-Doo…

Shark Week is upon us. Here’s your schedule.

https://www.discovery.com/shark-week/schedule

☀️ Three-H Summer In Progress…

Hope you made the most of the long weekend if you had one. If not, hope you didn’t work too hard. Either way, put your feet up tomorrow and join me for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe; stay yielding to hikers, runners, and horses when biking on a trail; and stay preaching it if you prefer your old TV and VCR.

July 2, 2024 – Natalia Causes a Backlash Tsunami, Lots About Soap, Just Caroline, Stirring the Jersey Pot, New New York, Deck Doings, Keep Them Safe & Party

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

I missed the very beginning, but that’s usually just a rehash anyway. So…

Diane tells Sonny that it’s her job to plead his case and provide counsel. It’s steep hill he’s going to have to climb. Avery isn’t a baby anymore, and if she sees him trying to take her from her mother, it could permanently alter her relationship with him. He says he’d rather she hate her father than become her mother, and Diane says, it’s his call. She records some notes for herself on her phone, and her phone beeps. He asks, what’s the problem? and she says, it’s a big one. Does he mind if she makes a phone call?

Alexis says, Kristina is in the homestretch of her pregnancy. The last part is challenging, physically and emotionally, and she wants Kristina to know she’s here for her no matter what. Kristina says she knows, but it never hurts to hear. Alexis’s phone rings, and Diane says she saw The Invader alert. What is Alexis doing? Alexis says she’s with Kristina celebrating quitting her job. She’s left the tabloid life behind. She doesn’t know what’s in The Invader, unless they’re running a picture of her face on a dartboard. Diane says, it’s not about her, but it’s bad. Go to the website now. Alexis asks what she’s looking for, and Diane says, she’ll know when she sees it. And turn up the audio. Alexis and Kristina listen to the file from The Face of Deception’s Daughter, and Diane says tell Kristina that she’s sorry.

Sonny asks if everything is okay, and Diane plays the audio file for him.

Everyone in Maxie’s office listens to the audio file, which includes Natalia talking about her fear that someone will take a picture of Blaze and Kristina holding hands. She’s scared it will be sold to the tabloids and there will be a scandal. Blaze glares at Natalia and says, don’t hold back. Tell us how you really feel.

Alexis and Kristina listen, and Kristina says, turn it off. She gets the gist. Alexis asks if she’s okay. Her blood is boiling, so she can’t imagine how Kristina feels. Kristina says she’s not the one who was just outed. Blaze was discriminated against by her own mother in public. She’s angry, but she’ll be fine. Alexis wonders if Kristina has heard from Blaze, and Kristina says, they usually text constantly, but no. Alexis says, maybe she hasn’t seen it, but Kristina says she doubts it. Deception is probably coming up with PR strategy for a response. She’ll call when she can. Alexis says she doesn’t understand how a mother could talk about her own daughter that way, and Kristina says, that’s why she’s grateful. She can forget about maternal leave from the center. After this, they won’t let her in the front door.

Ava says, her phone is blowing up, and Adrian asks if she wants to celebrate with him. She calls him a little worm and tells him to forget he knows her. Her name isn’t to cross his lips, not anytime to anyone, especially not Nina. Adrian says, sounds like a story. Does she care to dish? She says, she’ll see to it that he’s typing with his toes. Men have killed for her for a lot less. They’ve never met. They’ve never spoken. Take down the recording. There’s no reason for it to be online anymore. He says he can’t do that. It will just draw more attention to it and people will ask questions, to which every answer would be Ava Jerome. Besides, wire service has already picked it up. It’s everywhere and there’s no going back now.

Natalia says she doesn’t know what that was, and Lucy asks if Natalia is denying that’s her voice, but Natalia says, it’s obviously her. Scotty asks if Deception doesn’t have a PR master, but Lucy says she let them go when they had to save money. Lois says, that wasn’t a good idea, but Lucy says she had no idea this would happen. Scotty says he knows a guy… but Maxie says, stop. She tells Lucy to talk to the regular PR people. She’ll coordinate with Brook and have her lock down the social media. No comments. And she wants Scotty to guard the door from Tracy, who will be there soon, because the stock is going to take a nosedive. She asks Natalia where this took place, but Natalia says she never spoke to a reporter and doesn’t remember who she said it to. Blaze wonders if it’s because she says things like that so often.  

Sonny says he knew Natalia was uncomfortable with her daughter being gay, but didn’t think she’d spew that kind of garbage. He asks Diane if it could be fake, and she says, possibly, but she doubts The Invader would run it without authentication. They’d be opening themselves up to a huge lawsuit. Sonny says, it makes no sense, but she says, he’d be surprised how easily some people hide their ugliness in polite company. He says he thought she’d be smart enough not to talk to somebody who was recording it, and Diane says, sometimes hated gets the better of people. He wonders why Alexis would run such a thing, but Diane says, Alexis didn’t. She quit this morning. Sonny says, whoever did this hurt his daughter, and that means there’s a target on their back

Diane tells Sonny to take this lesson seriously. Even things said in privacy behind closed doors run the risk of exposure. Sonny says he knows the danger, and she tells him, things said in anger can work against him in a custody fight. The court needs to see him as a reliable and stand-up parent who they can trust. He asks how he can be a good parent if he doesn’t do anything about the garbage being said about his daughter? Diane says, activists on social media are calling for Kristina to resign from the center she founded. They don’t think she should be running an outreach if she’s dating someone who’s in the closet. They’re saying she has too much internalized homophobia to be trusted. People get worked up about things they know nothing about. Sonny throws his phone against the door.

Alexis tells Kristina not to jump to the worst case, and Kristina says, people are already saying ugly things. Alexis says, Natalia robbed Blaze of coming out on her own terms. She’s not going to interfere between Blaze and her mother, but she is going after the person who made this public. Alexis leaves.  

Ava says she didn’t set out to hurt Kristina, Blaze, or herself. Adrian will keep his mouth shut and she’ll have plausible deniability. If anybody asks him to identify where he got the audio file… He says, it came via the anonymous tip line. Ava tells him, get out, and he heads for the door. She asks if he’s learned nothing, and she checks the hallway. She says, okay. Go.  

Natalia says she keeps going over it in her mind, but has no memory of saying that to anyone. Maybe her phone was tapped. Lois says, it doesn’t sound like a bad connection. It sounds like it was in person, but she doesn’t think that’s the real issue. Lucy says, it’s not about the how and why. It’s about, what the hell do we do now? Blaze says she’ll need to respond. Not so much because she’s the Face of Deception, but there’s so much more. It’s going to impact her music career. Natalia says, they’ll put together a joint statement and give it to a friendly outlet, but Blaze asks why she’d publicly associate with Natalia when the whole world heard what Natalia thinks of her. Natalia says, it wasn’t specifically about her. It was more a generalization. Blaze says, Natalia mentioned both her and Kristina, but would it matter if she’d left their names out? Which gays are disturbing and offensive to her fragile sensibilities? Do drag queens on a Pride float make her angry? Do her and Kristina holding hands make Natalia sick to her stomach? Or is the problem that any two women in love disgust her? She’s quiet now. She has nothing to say now that they’re in private. Why? The whole world has heard her words by now. She should have known something like this would happen. She talks about gay people dismissively or with pity, reducing them to how they look and talk, and who they love. They’re not real people, herself included. Lucy says, it’s ironic that the same person who locked Blaze in the closet is the same person who just outed her, and Maxie tells her that she’s not helping. Natalia says she’s the victim. She was used to damage her daughter’s career. Blaze says, Natalia hasn’t heard what she said. She let Natalia convince her to portray a straight person, and now Natalia’s words are going to destroy any hope for her future life in music. Blaze walks out.

Natalia says she’s sorry. Her daughter is emotional. Lois says, she has a right to be. Does Natalia want to go after her? Natalia says she doesn’t think it would do any good, not when Blaze is in this frame of mind. She knows her daughter. Maxie says, does she? and Scotty says he has nothing more to contribute. He’s going to leave. Maxie tells him to stay. They might need legal advice. Lucy says she thinks a lawyer should be here to finalize the last addendum to Blaze’s contract, and she rips it up. Natalia says, she can’t do that. Blaze is known everywhere as the Face of Deception. If they try to get rid of her, they risk backlash in the press and in court. Maxie says she thinks they’re within their rights to change their relationship with Blaze.

Blaze knocks at Kristina’s door, and when there’s no answer, she lets herself in. Kristina is on the sofa, looking at her phone, and Blaze asks if Kristina didn’t hear her knocking. Kristina says, sorry. She was zoned out on her phone. Blaze says she’s guessing Kristina read The Invader article. She was hoping Kristina hadn’t seen it, but then she’d be the one giving the bad news. Kristina says she’s definitely seen it. The comments are awful. Instagram is particularly brutal. It looks like she’s canceled. Blaze says she thinks they both are.

Adrian goes to the pool and asks for a margarita pitcher and the guac trio, extra salty chips. And put it on Nina Reeves’s tab. He lies on a chaise lounge and closes his eyes. Someone approaches his chair, and he says, they’re in his sun. Alexis says, it’s better than being all up in his business. Which she will be if he doesn’t agree to play ball. She had to harass his assistant until he cracked to find out where Adrian was. Adrian says, note to self, fire assistant, and tells her, whatever it is will have to wait until tomorrow. She’s intruding on his hard-earned afternoon off. She says, good, since he published that loathsome recording in The Invader, and intruded on her daughter and her girlfriend. He asks if that’s what’s snapping her brassiere (really? have we been transported to the 1950s?), and she says, it will be fun to sue him and him and The Invader into oblivion.

Natalia asks if they’re saying her daughter is no longer good enough to be the Face of Deception since she’s been outed. She can’t sell their products because she’s gay? Maxie tells her that she’s saying the exact opposite. What they can’t afford to have is someone ashamed to be gay. They have a diverse clientele that they’re proud of, a lot of whom are gay and have a large social media presence. What they can’t do is align themselves with someone who’s ashamed. They’re proud to be a gay friendly company, so they need Natalia and Blaze to either get with the program or kick rocks. Lois says, they’re all parents and love their kids. A difficult situation is evolving, but it’s less about a contract than about a mother and daughter finding their way back to each other. They should be a little careful with hurtful words. Maxie says she’s telling the truth, and Lucy says, they love Blaze, but they can’t sacrifice their reputation for her. Lois agrees, but thinks they should put the negative aside for now and work on their PR response. Give Natalia a chance to try and make peace with her daughter. Natalia says, her relationship with her daughter is none of their business, but when it comes to Blaze’s contract, if they do anything to hurt Blaze, they’ll deal with her. Natalia leaves.

Blaze says she’s so sorry. People are saying horrible things and it’s her fault. Kristina says, it’s not. It’s her mother’s fault. Blaze says, they wouldn’t be having this conversation if she’d been truthful, but Kristina says, Blaze did what she thought best. Blaze says she did what was easiest. She didn’t want to rock the boat and tried to have it both ways. Now it might cost her everything, including Kristina. She knows how much the center means to her, and if Kristina can’t forgive the damage that she and her mom caused, she understands. They can go their separate ways and no hard feelings. Kristina doesn’t have to decide now. She’ll leave and let her figure it out. Kristina says, don’t you dare. She’s not going anywhere. She’s hadn’t caused any damage in Kristina’s life. She was already planning on handing over the reins of the center. The only thing she lost was the title of undercover girlfriend. She was already out and had nothing to hide. Blaze says, there might be nothing left to salvage. What if she loses everything? She hid, and people hate liars. Kristina says, Blaze is breaking her heart. She’s beating herself up when it’s not her fault. It’s going to be okay. They’re going to be okay. They’ll get through this. She has faith in them. Does Blaze still feel the same way? Blaze says she’s sorry, but she doesn’t.

Adrian tells Alexis to do her worst and laughs. If her legal skill is on par with her ability to publish a newspaper, he’ll be just fine. He has the Bill of Rights on his side. Alexis says, even the Bill of Rights has its limits. She remembers warning him to be cautious about how deploys secret recordings. He says, if Natalia didn’t know she was being recorded that’s too bad. New York is a one-party consent state. Perhaps Alexis should consult her law books before returning to court. She says, perhaps he should seek legal counsel. Nina is going to cut the tightrope he’s walking on when she finds out. There’s reasonable expectation of privacy. Adrian says, Blaze is the Face of Deception and a famous singer. Public figures don’t get to claim privacy. She says, Blaze’s mother isn’t, and he monetized and commercialized a private citizen without consent. He left a big softball hanging left for her hit out of the park. He says he wants to consult a lawyer, and Alexis says, he has one right here. She’ll even waive the retainer. She’ll make it go away in exchange for one small thing. She wants him to name the person who supplied him with the recording.

Natalia gets in her car, crying, and breathing heavily. She listens to the recording on her phone, and wonders who she was talking to. Why the hell did they record it and send it to the media? Suddenly, the lightbulb comes on.

Maxie wonders, what’s next? and Lois thinks she should cool her appearances, but Lucy says, they need her. She’s the only Face they have left. They need to show they have nothing to hide or be embarrassed about. Scotty says, Lucy is right. They have to deal with it head on. Lucy says, this might not be a popular opinion, but they can’t afford another stumble. They can’t put out that they’re not going to associate with Blaze. Maxie says she didn’t mean that part. She just said it to prompt Natalia to sacrifice herself. She underestimated Natalia’s self-absorption. Lois suggests they take a day to think, but Lucy says, they have no time. They need to make sure the public knows that’s not how they feel, or they could be inundated with candlelight vigils and marches and be canceled on social media. Scotty asks if he should draw up a statement. Is Blaze in or out?

Blaze tells Kristina that she’s not saying they should break up, but she doesn’t see a way to move forward. Kristina says she does. She’ll guide both of them. Blaze says, it’s a huge responsibility, but Kristina says she doesn’t care. Blaze is worth it, and she loves her. She refuses to accept that Blaze’s enormous talent can’t override the ugly things being said. She’s not saying that out of love, but out of love she’ll continue to say it until Blaze believes it.

Sonny tells Diane that they’ll talk again after she comes up with a strategy, when Natalia walks in. Sonny turns his back to her, and Diane says she’ll be in touch. She leaves and Natalia says she can tell Sonny heard the recording. He says he has, and she says she knows he’s pretty upset and doesn’t have a high opinion of her. He says, obviously, and she says she’s not going to force her presence on him. She’ll go, but first, she wanted him to know where the recording came from. He says, she insulted his daughter, and she says, unfortunately, those are her words, but they were said to someone close to him who secretly recorded her. He says, who? and she says, it actually took a while for her to remember who she had that regrettable conversation with. She realized the person who edited out their part is the same person who supplied the recording to The InvaderAva Jerome.

On the phone, Ava wonders where her room service is. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, there it is now. She opens the door, and Alexis is there. Alexis says, they need to have a conversion. One that won’t be recorded.

And I laaaugh because Adrian folded like a cheap suit.

Tomorrow, Sasha wants Blaze and Kristina to benefit from her hard-won experience; Lois has a suggestion; Sonny says, there are no limits to how far Ava will go; and Carly tells Josslyn there’s a good chance she could go to prison.

🧼 All  the Soap News Fit To Print…

Blaze and Kristina’s storyline today brought tears to my eyes. It almost softened the blow of Finn’s departure. Almost.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-jacqueline-grace-lopez-shares-why-representation-matters

Life imitating art.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kin-shriner-is-recovering-from-surgery

He’s got a better perspective on his being let go than I do.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-puts-his-gh-exit-into-perspective

I’ll have what he’s having.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-chad-duell-shares-an-important-message-with-fans

So cool how they stay in touch. Soap stars are a different breed of actor.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kimberly-mccullough-and-brooklyn-rae-silzer-reunite

GH won’t be on July 4th. You get the whole day off.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-opera-soaps-holiday-schedule

🐪 No Camel For You…

Sorry. As of this posting, there was no recap for Real Housewives of Dubai. Stay tuned for it tomorrow, and in the meantime, there’s this. Discuss amongst yourselves.

https://www.realitytea.com/2024/07/02/caroline-stanbury-sergio-carrallo-might-not-make-it-rhodubai/

👠 What Happens In Jersey…

What happened.

What’s going to happen.

And what the Marge hopes will happen.

🗽 If They Can’t Make It There…

RHONY used to be my favorite of the franchise because, NYC, but I found the new cast to be mind-numbing, city or no city. Maybe the latest additions will make a difference. Or not.

🛟 Random Topics On Deck…

The perfect guest.

The feud.

And the fans.

🐕 Knowing the Drill…

It’s that time again. Actually, that time started here on Sunday night when I was wearing my chihuahua on my head after he heard the first firecracker.

https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/10-easy-tips-happy-safe-pets-july-4th

⛲️ Summer Mood: On…

Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, and entertainment news. Until then, stay safe, stay wearing sunscreen whether you think you need to or not, and stay never reducing anyone to how they look and talk, and who they love.

July 1, 2024 – Ava Releases a Bombshell Via Adrian, Newlyweds For the Ninth Time On Deck & Asbury

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Drew and Nina argue about what she needs for Paris Fashion Week, and he says, it’s not like they focus on one brand. Alexis comes in and says, Nina’s office said Nina was here, and Drew says, she’s always here. Nina suggests she wouldn’t be if he’d do his job instead of getting in the way of hers, and Drew asks if Nina has forgotten that he’s her boss. Nina tells Alexis that she’s in the middle of something, but Alexis says, it’s important. Nina says, it will have to wait. She’s busy. Or has Alexis forgotten Nina is her boss? Alexis says, not anymore.

In Maxie’s office, Scotty says, don’t be surprised if Natalia plays hardball anyway, and Lucy says, this is the fourth addendum to Blaze’s contract. Natalia brings new meaning to the term momager. She hopes Lois doesn’t screw it up. Lois walks in and says she thought that was Lucy’s job.  

Blaze finds the phone she’s been looking for, and Kristina asks if that means they can have breakfast. Blaze says she has to get to Deception before her mother gets there and she needs to pull her back. Kristina says, Natalia has Blaze’s best interests at heart, and Blaze says, that’s what Natalia thinks, but that’s not always the same thing. She leaves.

Gio sees Sonny and Avery come to the pool. Avery goes over to Josslyn, and Sonny asks if the Quartermaines are driving him crazy. Gio says, they’ve been great, and the grounds are so big, he can practice without bothering anyone. Sonny says, Gio’s practicing never bothers him, but Gio says, Sonny is biased. He has his living and work situations together, and he has new neighbors. Josslyn and Trina are moving into an apartment on the grounds.

Trina goes to see Ava at the hotel, bringing her the proofs for Harriet Nakaya. Ava says, the borders still aren’t right, and Harriet is particular. They’ll have to do it again. Trina says she’ll relay the message and asks if Ava needs anything else. Ava says she needs Trina to tell her everything Josslyn has ever told her about Sonny.

Lois says, Brook won’t be joining them, and Lucy asks, what’s more important than her job? Lois says, she’s needed elsewhere, and Maxie says she’s getting positive feedback on Lois’s department store appearances. Lois says she’s having a blast, and it’s getting her ready for her Home & Heart appearance. She was at Wyndam’s, when a woman raved to her about Blaze, and said how proud Lois must be. She thought Lois was Blaze’s mother. Can you imagine? Natalia walks in and says, no, she can’t.

Nina asks what has Alexis upset now, and Alexis thanks Nina for taking a job she didn’t love in the first place and making it a job she hates. She quits. Nina says, they have a contract, but Alexis says, on the contrary, they don’t. She never did. She and Shawn trusted each other. But if Nina wants to dispute that, it will be a cool warm up for her since she got her law license back. Drew says, congratulations, and Nina says, Alexis was born to argue, but it won’t be with her. Good luck and goodbye. She’ll inform Adrian that he’s acting Editor-in-Chief effective immediately. She leaves, and Alexis says she thinks that went well. Drew says he enjoyed it, and Alexis says she’s not happy that DeWitt will be in charge. He’s been the bane of her existence. Drew says, she reframed The Invader and elevated the paper. She should feel proud. She says she does. It’s not Camelot, but there have been some shining moments. Drew says, watching her cut Nina down to size was the most fun he’s had all week.

Sonny thanks Josslyn for looking out for Gio, and she says, of course (🍷). He says, Gio is talented and he’s a special kid, and she asks, what’s his point? He says he’s known the Cerullos his whole life. Gio is family, and he thinks it’s best if Josslyn didn’t give Gio her personal views him. He thinks it’s better to just leave the subject out of the equation. Josslyn says, it’s clear Gio puts him on a pedestal, and she didn’t share her opinions with him. She regrets trying to open Kristina’s eyes about him. It wasn’t her place, and Sonny is her father. Kristina is entitled to those illusions, and she’s not making the same mistake twice. If Gio finds out the truth, it will be because of something Sonny did.

Trina says she doesn’t keep tabs on Sonny, but Ava says, she and Josslyn are close, and she’s spent time with Dex. There’s got to be something she can use to protect herself and Avery. Sonny said she could expect a call from his attorney, and that means he must be going for full custody. Trina needs to be her eyes and ears. Listen to Josslyn and pass on anything she says about Sonny. It’s only a matter of time before he tries to revoke their shared custody. He wants to take her baby from her, and she can’t let that happen.

Trina says, sorry. Josslyn never talks about Sonny. They avoid the subject and Josslyn has never given her any details. She’s sorry, but she’s afraid the only thing she can do for Ava is cover for her at the gallery and run errands. Ava says, let her know if she thinks of anything. Every little bit helps. Trina leaves.

Alexis visits Kristina and says she walked into Drew’s office, Nina was there, and she quit. Nina claimed they had a contract, but they don’t. Kristina says she’s happy for Alexis, but sad for Nina. Alexis is an asset and invaluable to the paper. Alexis says, Nina has her pet gossip columnist and doesn’t have to worry about the pesky truth now, and Kristina says, congratulations. This calls for a celebration – mimosas, hold the champagne. Alexis says, in other words, just orange juice, and Kristina goes to the kitchen. Alexis looks at the resumés on the coffee table.

Lois says she’s sure Natalia gets people fangirling and fanboying about Blaze, when Blaze comes in. She says she’s sorry she’s late. What did she miss? Natalia says, just an amusing story from Lois, and Lois says she’s having a ball. When people find out her daughter is Blaze’s manager, they ask for her autograph. Blaze says, people ask her if Lois is her mother, and Maxie suggests they wrap things up. Lucy says, they’re fortunate to have both Blaze and Lois representing Deception. It was one of her more inspired ideas… She didn’t mean to imply she came up with it by herself, and Maxie reminds her what happened the last time she did that. Her appearance on Home & Heart led to their lowest sales ever. Not only is Lois gorgeous, but she’s warm and approachable. They’re lucky to have her. Natalia asks if they can finalize the addendum to her daughter’s contract.

Jordan tells Drew that she just got back from a conference in DC where she was subbing for Laura, and she heard internal rumblings. Is it true he’s running for McConkey’s seat? Drew says he didn’t think it would come out so soon. He was planning on July 4th. As soon as his name change goes through, he’s getting yard signs. She says, Congressman Quartermain has a nice ring to it. He’s full of surprises. He says he’s not bailing on the esplanade, and she asks if he’s running to raise his profile or does he plan to win.

Trina finds Josslyn at the pool, and tells her, don’t look up. Ava has a room overlooking the pool and just made her very uncomfortable. Josslyn asks, what happened? and Trina says, Ava was wound up. She thinks Sonny is going to file for full custody. Josslyn says, there are certain things they shouldn’t talk about, and Ava is one of them, but Trina tells her to say what she’s thinking. Josslyn says, it’s going to sound ironic, but she thinks Avery is better off with her dad. Trina says, Ava’s been supportive and loving to her and she thinks of Ava as a close friend, but the Ava she’s been seeing lately is like the one Spencer used to talk about. Josslyn says she’s sorry Trina got dragged into this, but Trina says she feels bad for Josslyn’s sister. She’s in the middle.

Adrian goes to Ava’s room, and says he’s not accustomed to being summoned. He hopes this covert visit is worth the hype. What does she have for him? Ava asks what he knows about Natalia Rameriz, and he says, she’s popstar Blaze’s mom. Ava says, she’s controlling, insufferable, hypocritical, and not politically correct. Did he get the audio file she sent him? He says he hasn’t had time to listen to it, and plays it. We hear Natalia say that she’s not a prude. What people do behind closed doors is their own business, but she thinks gay people, or whatever alphabet soup they’re calling themselves these days, are flighty and not serious about life. Kristina is going to be pregnant for nine months and just hand the baby over. It seems like Kristina and Blaze think it would be fun to have a baby as long as there’s not hard work and they don’t have to be serious about it.

Drew says he fully intends on winning the seat, and Jordan says, he has her full support. He says he appreciates her input, and she says, it comes down to one name, Chelsea Grimes. She should not be considered a serious candidate, but her numbers are up, and her campaign is picking up steam. She’s an absolute terror. She’s out for herself and will do or say anything to get power. She’ll be a distraction in congress and a waste of a seat. She has to be stopped at any cost. Drew asks if she has any advice, and she says, start his campaign, with or without yard signs.

Kristina toasts to her accomplished mother and her bright legal future ahead. What’s next? Alexis asks why Kristina is looking at resumés, and Kristina says she’s looking for a replacement to fill in for her when she goes on maternity leave. It’s overwhelming. Some candidates have master’s degrees in social work and decades of experience. She’s figuring it out as she goes and learning on the job. Alexis says, the center exists because of Kristina. She’s sorry about the delays, but that stuff happens. Kristina says, it’s ironic. The center is finally opening its doors right when she’s taking a leave of absence.

Gio asks if Trina is going in for a dip, but Trina says, Ava needed to see proofs. She shows him one of them, and he says he figured it would just say, live music. He didn’t think he’d be credited. She did this? She asks if his name is spelled correctly, and he says, it’s all good. He lucked out. He moved here and met the nicest people in the first month. She says she got him the gig at the gallery, but she can’t do a thing about the pool, and he says he assumes that means he should get back to work. He leaves, and she watches him as he goes.

Scotty suggests they get this show on the road, and Maxie says, the new ad campaign with Blaze is fantastic. And they’ve had a great response to the division of duties. Blaze and Lois each reach a different segment of their market. They’re happy to accommodate the addendum. Scotty says, the third time’s the charm, and Lucy says, it’s the fourth.

Adrian listens as Natalia says she tries to be open minded, but if her way of thinking is considered old-fashioned, so be it. Adrian asks Ava if this is legit and hasn’t been doctored, and Ava says, it’s the real deal, or rather, the real Natalia Rameriz. He can have the recording, as long as she’s assured none of it tracks back to her. He says he always protects his sources. Isn’t Natalia’s daughter the new Face of Deception, a company that’s supposed to be socially conscious?  Ava wonders if Adrian will encounter some resistance from Alexis, but he says, her timing couldn’t be more perfect. Alexis is gone as of this morning, and he’s the new Editor-in-Chief. They have an anonymous tip line, so send the file there, and stay tuned to her laptop for a smoking hot story going live today. He kisses her hand and calls the copy department as he goes out the door. He leaves, and Ava says, the pleasure’s all hers.

Nina walks into Drew’s office and says she’s so sorry. She didn’t know they were having a meeting. Is this about the docks project? She’ll come back. Jordan says, no need. She was wrapping up some things at city hall and stopped by to fact check. Drew says, Nina knows about the campaign. He promises an announcement soon. And when he’s elected, she can expect their project to move faster. Jordan says, Congressman Quartermaine. She looks forward to his yard signs and buttons. She leaves, and Nina says, Congressman Quartermaine?

Kristina tells Alexis, it’s been a lot to handle. Now her due date and the opening of the center are both in August. The timing’s not great. Alexis asks if Kristina thinks she’s not entitled to maternity leave because she’s not raising the baby, because that’s not the case. Even as a surrogate, she’s entitled to leave. Kristina says, that’s why she’s looking for a replacement, and Alexis asks, what isn’t she saying? Kristina says, she’ll be away, giving birth to a child she’s carried for nine months that was never meant to be hers.

Maxie says, what Lucy meant to say is, Natalia is diligent, but Natalia says, that’s okay. She’s not apologizing for the care she takes with her daughter’s career, and this meeting is validation that her effort has been successful. Blaze says, her mother has her best interests at heart, and Scotty says he’s drafted a new version that addresses her concerns. He thinks they’ll find it acceptable. Natalia looks at the revision and says, no. This is awful. It’s not what they agreed to.

Ava comes down to the pool, and Josslyn asks if Gio wants to help Sonny. He says, sure, and she tells him to follow her lead. She tells Avery that ice cream is being served in the Garden. She can’t take Avery because she has to watch the pool, but Gio can. Sonny tells Avery that he’s known Gio since he was smaller than her, and Ava says, it’s fine by her (like anyone asked). Gio tells Avery that he can get her extra sprinkles. He knows a guy. They leave, and Ava says she was watching from her balcony and saw them. Avery is becoming a strong swimmer. Sonny says he showed Ava the door because he didn’t want to see her face anymore. Not at his place, not here, not anywhere.

Drew asks if Nina is still harping on Fashion Week. She can have two editors and two photographers. She says, thank you, Mr. Quartermaine. She appreciates his generosity and thinks the name change definitely raises his recognition factor. He says he didn’t expect her to support him, but she says, she backed him to be put in that spot. He says, she extracted her quid pro quo quickly, and she says she told McConkey that he would be a great representative and she thinks he’ll do well in Washington. She’s all in to get him elected and is ready and willing to support him. If she knew what she was doing, she’d offer to be his campaign manager. He asks why she’s helping him.

Kristina says, reality is hitting. She’s planning maternity leave, but not as a mother, just a surrogate. She cries, and says, now that she’s experiencing it and it’s coming to an end, she’s thinking it’s exactly what Alexis and Sam warned her about. Her body and her hormones don’t know the difference. She keeps thinking, if things go according to plan, and Molly and TJ stay together and raise the baby, are they going to miss her? Will they think about her? Will they know the woman holding them isn’t the one who gave birth to them? Does it matter? She can’t stop thinking, what’s going to happen to her? What is she supposed to do? Just bounce back, work to get her body back in shape, and go on like nothing happened? Alexis says, no one expects that, and Kristina says, as it gets closer to the due date… That’s another thought. Is the due date hers, or is it really Molly and TJ’s and she’s just the person doing the labor? Alexis says, it’s definitely hers, and Kristina says she’s sorry. She’s spinning a little and knows Alexis warned her. she doesn’t want to be a disappointment. Alexis tears up, says she’s so proud of Kristina she could cry, and hugs her.  

Lucy asks, what’s the problem now? and Maxie asks, what specifically are Natalia’s concerns? Scotty says, Blaze told them that she’d do interview as long as she knew the questions ahead of time. What’s the problem? Natalia asks where video interviews enter into it, and he tells her, welcome to the 21st century. Maxie’s phone keeps going off with alerts, and Lucy says, that’s how you build followers. She should know. She has quite a few. Natalia asks if Maxie can turn her phone off, but Maxie says she gets an alert every time Deception is in the news. Lucy says, they’re probably trending. She crafted a particularly good motivational post this morning. It’s about authenticity. Maxie suggests they just continue, starting with page one, paragraph three.

Ava says she doesn’t want any trouble. She just came down to say, hello. No harm in that, right? Sonny says, as long as they understand each other, and she says she does, but maybe he doesn’t. He needs to be careful. If he’s thinking about taking her daughter from her, it will go worse for him than he can imagine.

Nina says she and Drew have managed to get along. Clearly, he’s committed to this if he’s changing his name. Maybe it will help. He says, she’s all about public service, and she says she’s desperate to have a relationship with her daughter, but she does believe in him. He’s no worse than most politicians and vastly preferred to his opponent. Stop questioning her motives. He’s going to need all the help he can get.

Alexis says, Kristina volunteered to have her sister’s baby. it was incredibly generous. She’s opening the LGBTQ – did she get that right? – center for youth, which is an incredibly generous act. She has the biggest heart. Kristina says, because she’s been loved, accepted, and supported. Her dad always made her feel important and accepted. Alexis asks why he wouldn’t. She’s so damn fabulous. She hugs Alexis and says, that’s her girl.

Josslyn watches as Sonny asks if Ava is threatening him, and Ava says, it’s not a threat; it’s a promise. (What does that even mean anyway?) Did he forget who she is and what she’s capable of? She suggests he remember quickly. Avery is her daughter, and she’ll do whatever she has to in order to make sure she stays in Avery’s life. Some of her history is questionable, but in some respects, his is worse. Can he afford the kind of trouble she can make for him?

Maxie’s phone continues to blow up, and Natalia suggests they reschedule. Scotty says he’s revised it four times; he can draft a fifth. Lucy wants to get it done now and tells Maxie to turn off her phone. Maxie looks at it and Lucy says, it must be because Deception is having so much success. Maxie sees Blaze’s picture and the headline, The Face of Her Daughter’s Deception. She scrolls down and sees Natalia’s picture along with the audio file. She says, oh my God.

Tomorrow, Maxie says, Natalia needs to get with the program or kick rocks; Ava tells someone on the phone that they can’t risk being seen together; and Sonny tells someone, that means there’s a target on their back.

Below Deck Mediterranean

The crew heads back to the boat, and Ellie says she’s feeling a vibe with Joe. Gael’s boyfriend whines to her in a text that he’s feeling hurt. Aesha says, bikinis, jacuzzi now, and Ellie says she doesn’t want to do something she regrets. In her interview, she says, you don’t get to drive a Lamborghini for nothing. You have to put in the work. Gael tells her boyfriend that she’s sorry she’s not doing more to make him comfortable. He sounds like a d*ck. Iain says he has a huge little toenail, and in Nathan’s interview, he says he’d rather spend time with Gael, but he’s talking to Iain about his f***ing toes. Joe and Bri stare at each other, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, they have f*** me eyes. It’s enough for her to say, time for bed. Everyone wanders off, and Joe asks if he and Bri are the only ones left. Bri says, they’re the last men standing. Nathan admires his own ass and tells Gael to squeeze it. That’s a hard no, and he and Iain want her to decide who has the best ass. Gael gives Nathan a strawberry. Nathan wonders if they should be nosy, and they sneak downstairs. Bri and Joe are kissing in the hot tub, and Bri takes her top off. Ellie is sleeping, and Gael’s boyfriend gets all emo. In her interview, Gael says, she knows she should put the relationship first, but she wants him to have her back and he’s pushing her away. She’s beating herself up over Nathan. Joe goes back to his bunk, and in Bri’s interview, she says, now they’ll carry on like normal, like nothing happened.

Ellie asks if Bri and Joe had sex, but Bri’s not saying. In Ellie’s interview, she says she feels snaked by Bri. Bri doesn’t give a f*** about her feelings, and it’s irritating. In Joe’s interview, he says, there’s no tension. His door is open even for Captain Sandy. News flash. Captain Sandy’s door ain’t opening for him. In the morning, Aesha tells the stews that she wants everything turned over, and Jono calls his boyfriend David. He says, the guests on the last charter didn’t like his food. He was shocked at the feedback and feels like he’s going to be fired or shouldn’t be here. He’s doubting himself. In his interview, he says, it’s a skill. Sometimes, you take it with a grain of salt, sometimes a boulder. You have to learn how to carry it. Norma texts the captain, saying, a chef will be available in two days. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, she thinks Jono knows her expectations. He has to perform. Otherwise, she’ll replace him. In Nathan’s interview, he says he likes Gael, but he’s not pushing it. He’s letting her call the shots, and if she wants to do it, they’re on the same team.

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting. The primary is Brittany Brower, a former fashion model turned stay at home mom from Tampa, Florida. The captain says, they may have seen Brittany and her friends on TV, but don’t fan out. Jono reads that they want five tins of beluga caviar, nothing gamy, and no melons except watermelon. There are also other restrictions, yet Brittany says she’ll eat anything, and they laugh. In Jono’s interview, he says, after the last charter, he was looking for less picky guests. Aesha reads that guests Marsha and Big Daddy Dean would like the captain to help them renew their vows in a silly, fun, ancient Greek themed ceremony. The captain says, no chicken and no guests floating away in a boat. Gael tells Aesha that she’s scared, and Aesha asks if she wants a cuddle. She gets in Aesha’s bunk, and says, she and her boyfriend had a fight. Aesha says, it’s hard when they’re here and it’s just a phone call, and in her interview, she says she feels for Gael. It’s intense. This thing with Gael’s boyfriend is making Gael upset and it’s too much. Bri asks Ellie if everything is okay between them, but Ellie says, not 100%. She made it clear that she wanted to pursue Joe, but Bri thought, f*** that, and did her own thing. If Bri hadn’t had Ellie’s training, she’d be in a different situation, but after that, Bri gave zero f***s about her. She broke girl code with a random guy.

Ellie says she’d never break a friendship over a random f***ing guy, and Bri says, if she’d known, she never would have done it. Ellie says, it was a snake move, but Bri says she was never snaky. Ellie says, Bri genuinely hurt her, and in Bri’s interview, she says, the last thing she wants is to be called a snake. She never does anything with – she has trouble with the word and a producer has to help her – malice. Bri says, if she’d known it would be like this, she wouldn’t have done it, and Ellie says, it’s changed the relationship completely. She’s done. She’s moving on. She walks out, and Bri call outs that she appreciates Ellie. Bri finds Joe and tells him that she f***ed up and she’s feeling sh*tty. Joe says he’s sorry, and in his interview, he says he’s got to be careful. He’s a magnet for chaos and doesn’t want to complicate things within a department. Bri decides to sleep in the crew mess, and when Nathan sees her, he says, what the f***? In his interview, he says, the charter is having a bit of drama, and he loves it. He tells Joe, and they laugh. Joe says, it’s pathetic, and tells Nathan to ask Bri to come here. Joe makes a place on the floor for her to sleep, and in his interview, he says, if he can provide comfort, so be it, but he doesn’t want it to be an ongoing thing.

The captain calls Iain to the bridge. She tells him that he needs to step it up. She wants the deck team to be happy, but they need to stop making rookie mistakes. We flash back to some of their mistakes, and captain Sandy says, they look like amateurs. In Ellie’s interview, she says she didn’t hear Bri come in last night. She has no compassion. She can sleep wherever she wants. Aesha tells the stews to make the beds and smash the cabins out. One of the guests is going to renew their vows with a fun, silly, ancient Greek themed wedding, and they also have to do a runway show with the yacht crew. She wants to not just maintain the standard, but improve it. In Iain’s interview, he says, the last charter was a nightmare. He’s almost like a motivational speaker with the deck team. Are we ready for today? He’s got to build them up. Aesha shows Captain Sandy her thumb and points out a sign of infection. She says, it feels like she still has glass in there, and the captain says she’s sending Aesha ashore to the doctor. She’ll get her car service. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, if Aesha can’t work the charter, it will be catastrophic. The last charter, the chef wasn’t the greatest and Bri is still getting her feet wet. She doesn’t want the interior to fall apart. Aesha tells the stews about her thumb, and says, if she’s not back, Ellie should do the welcome drinks. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests are coming in three hours. It’s not much time to go to a Greek hospital to get this looked at and come back.

Provisions come in, and Ellie tells the deckhands to put the alcohol on the sundeck. In Ellie’s interview, she says, what the f***? Bri is calling the shots and making decisions. She tells Bri that she’s overriding her, and it needs to stop. It would be like her giving Aesha instructions. It’s not Bri’s place and it’s disrespectful. In Bri’s interview, she says she thinks Ellie might think she’s trying to compete with her, but that’s not the case. Ellie is focused on the hierarchy. Just talk nice to her. Ellie asks Bri to throw out the rotted citrus, but Bri says, that’s not a priority for her. Aesha said to clean up the laundry. In her interview, Bri says she’ll show Ellie hierarchy, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, that Bri is feeling this empowered to speak to her this way is shocking. Bri’s job is to support her. Ellie tells Jono that she asked Bri to do the citrus, but Bri said it wasn’t a priority. She’s playing with fire. Jono says, it’s getting hot in here. Thanks for the earworm, Jono! In Joe’s interview, he says, management isn’t Iain’s strong point. Bri says she might burst into tears. There’s unnecessary drama on the yacht. Jono says, it’s crazy. Ellie is going to be spicy. Bri says she’s going to be passive/aggressive spicy, and the captain overhears. She asks what Bri means by that, and Bri says, she’ll be angry, but do the right thing. (Right.) The drama is affecting her. Captain Sandy says, they all get tired sometimes and people can say things with a sharp tongue. Bri says, not everyone likes her, and the captain says, but she’s so likeable. They laugh, and the captain says, she’ll be fine and can come to the bridge anytime. In the captain’s interview, she says she has to make sure Bri is okay. It’s charter three and the wheels are falling off. She doesn’t need details. It’s not her business until it becomes her business. Bri needs to go to Aesha.

Aesha comes back and shows Captain Sandy the glass in a little plastic bag. The captain says, she didn’t feel it? and Aesha says she was trying to ignore it. She has to keep the bandage on for two days and can’t get it wet. The captain says she caught Bri having a moment and Aesha needs to talk to her. Aesha finds Bri and asks if she wants to talk. Bri says she got overwhelmed and told the deckhands to put the alcohol on the sundeck. Ellie told her to stop calling the shots. She’s the third stew. There’s an awkward vibe and she feels like Ellie is power tripping. She’s trying to stay positive and not take it to heart. Aesha says, Ellie is here to help guide Bri, not boss her around in a way that makes her feel upset. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the charter is already intense. Don’t screw the crew if you can’t emotionally handle it. She asks if Bri wants her to speak with Ellie, and Bri says she does. The captain radios that the guests are coming in 30 minutes, and Aesha tells Ellie that Bri feels like she’s having a power trip, but Ellie says she doesn’t need to power trip. It’s a large team. She thinks Bri is playing the victim, but she’s not easily manipulated. The captain radios for the crew to meet in ten minutes, and Ellie says she’s not going to be upset and argue.

Ellie tells Aesha that Bri’s attitude is disrespectful. She wouldn’t tell Aesha what to do, and there are certain things Bri doesn’t understand. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s important that she stay neutral with the girls. She doesn’t actually know what happened, but her place as a leader is to stay professional and treat them both the same. When it’s appropriate, she’ll address it. The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy welcomes them and says, they’re happy to have them. Aesha will show them around. In her interview, Aesha says she doesn’t watch TV, so she’s the last person who would recognize the girls. Well, I watch a lot of TV, and don’t recognize anyone, except Trishelle who was on The Real World. Hardly something to fangirl over. They shove off, and in Iain’s interview, he says, the deck team is kicking ass and taking names. Guest Marsha says she used to teach modeling and Aesha wants to see a walk. Captain Sandy asks how Jono is feeling, and he says, nervous. She tells him to do what he did on the first charter. In Jono’s interview, he says, one more bad meal and he might lose his job. The guests have an Asian-y vibe, and his sushi skills are up there. It’s time to step it up get this p*ssy popping. In Gael’s interview, she says, Nathan knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t need to prove anything. On deck, he’s a nice leader to have. A sushi and tempura parade comes out. Finally, some food porn. Jono tells Aesha that she needs to talk to the stews. The interior drama is going to affect their work. She says she has no time to address it now and tells him the guests loved lunch. In Jono’s interview, he says, thank the f***ing Lord. Hallelujah. It’s time to drop anchor, and in Gael’s interview, she says, Joe is feeling the pressure, and the captain is waiting. She guesses this is where experience comes in. She helps Joe with the anchor.

Captain Sandy tells the deck team to lock it down and put the toys in the water. Joe says, sh*t. This is getting annoying. Bri text whines to her mom, who tells her to rise above. Marsha gets dressed for her wedding – for the ninth time – and Bri and Ellie decorate, creating a beautiful aisle and archway. Aesha says, it looks amazing, and everyone gets Greeked up, except for Marsha who wears a real wedding dress. She thanks Captain Sandy, who says, it’s an honor. In the captain’s interview, she says, Marsha had breast cancer and is a three-time survivor. She knows what it’s like since she had kidney cancer. She thinks when you go through things where you don’t think you’ll survive, it changes everything. She doesn’t lose sleep over stuff. She’s just grateful for another day. Marsha walks down the aisle holding a potted plant, and Captain Sandy says, for the ninth time, they’re celebrating the love between Marsha and Big Dean. They’re celebrating good health, love, and commitment to one another once again. She pronounces them husband and wife for the ninth time, and there are cheers. Marsha and Dean kiss, and Aesha says, that’s lots of tongue. In her interview, she says, that must be why they call him Big Dean. Aesha takes photos and asks if Jono can pull the dinner forward. Dean says, it’s the best wedding they’ve ever had, and Gael helps Jono shuck oysters in the galley. In Jono’s interview, he says, steak, beluga caviar, and lobster that’s going to swim on the plate. She’s going to be fresh. The guests indulge in caviar and oysters at the bar. Gael calls her boyfriend, who gripes to her, and she says she’s going to take a wee nap. They’ll speak soon. Aesha tells Marsha and Dean, happy Vow Day, and Dean says, now the honeymoon begins. Dinner is served and Brittany says her steak is dry. Aesha asks if Brittany wants her to change it, but Brittany says she’s good. In Aesha’s interview, she says she’s absolutely rooting for Jono, but Brittany’s not good.

Brittany tells Aesha that the steak isn’t good, and Aesha asks if she wants a shot of tequila, to which Brittany also says she’s good. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s a steak. Jono must have cooked hundreds of them. She tells him that the guests seem fine, but the primary said it was dry. Jono says, he’ll come up and talk to her, and in his interview, he says he doesn’t want a repeat of the last charter where the primary’s experience blanketed everyone else’s culinary joy. We flash back to that, and he says, not again. Ellie tells the captain about the steak, and the captain asks Aesha about it. Aesha says, everyone else thought it was good, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, this can’t keep happening. Jono’s presentation has improved, but this is one step away from her making a change. She texts Norma, asking if the chef is still available. The dessert is some kind of cake with a white chocolate drizzle and I’m all in. Jono tells Brittany that he’s sorry about the steak, and everyone says, dessert is so good. Marsha asks what their after-dinner activity is, and Brittany says, the fashion show. Captain Sandy asks the guests how their dinner is, and Brittany acts all happy. Marsha thanks the captain again, and Aesha tells the crew that the show starts at 10:30. They put on costumes and wigs, but Ellie is taking forever to get into her black leather BDSM outfit with thigh high boots. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests requested a fashion show, and the guests are waiting, but Ellie is taking 50 billion years to get ready. Delivering to the guests comes before your OnlyFans career. The guys go first, and Aesha tells Ellie that she’s going to have to miss out. She’s being so selfish, and Aesha is frustrated that she’s not listening. Ellie is already 20 minutes late, and struggles getting her boots on. Aesha says, this is the first time Ellie has disobeyed her and she doesn’t like it.

Ellie runs out and there are lots of cheers. She nearly falls off her six-inch heels, and Brittany says, just keep going. In Aesha’s interview, she wonders if Ellie is using the time to seriously be scouted since Marsha is a modeling agent. Iain says, they had good teachers, and Marsha says, good comment. Joe says he feels bad about the situation with Bri and Ellie. The guests go to bed, and Ellie wonders where Bri is, since she’s not in their cabin. In her interview, she says, once again, Bri is sleeping in the boys’ cabin. Bri is making it look like Ellie is being so abusive, she can’t even sleep in the same cabin.

Second day of charter. Bri complains that Ellie leaves the lights on all night, and Nathan tells Joe that he thinks she’s going to suggest a cabin change. Joe says, that’s not happening, and in his interview, he says, Bri needs to STFU and sort out her differences. He tells Nathan, it’s not his fault… is it? Nathan says, yeah, it is. Ellie asks Bri, what’s going on? and Bri says she knows she has problems. She’s sorry they affected Ellie. She’s sorry she’s not sleeping cabin. She doesn’t know if it made Ellie feel weird. Ellie tells her to do what she wants, but it’s kind of unusual. Nathan tells Aesha that Bri has been sleeping on their floor and he doesn’t know what’s going on. Bri tells Ellie that her teaching is in some ways belittling, and Ellie says, whoa. That’s a strong word. She’s out. She’s not engaging in that. Is Bri f***ing kidding her? In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri saying she’s belittling is baffling and stupid. Bri says, Ellie makes her feel insecure, and Ellie says, if she feels that way, it’s her own doing. Her victimhood needs to stop. Bri says she has every reason to feel that way, but Ellie says, do not tell her that.

Next time, a guest does the splits a la Kyle Richards; there’s no power in the windless; Captain Sandy says, it’s the worst possible time for a mistake like this; and the captain thinks they may not be able to get the anchor up.

🛀 Inaction Required…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your pets indoors on 4th of July (or whatever day your city and neighbors start blowing off fireworks); and stay not losing sleep over stuff and just being grateful for another day.