What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Terry tells Franco, the technician will make sure his head is immobile. The treatment is painless, but some people experience side-effects, like fatigue or nausea. Franco says he could stand to lose a couple of pounds. Holiday baking. She says he may lose his hair, and he says, now she’s going too far. Elizabeth says, whatever it takes, they’re doing this.

Valentin tells Peter, Franco is channeling Drew’s memories, which means they’re resurfacing. Peter says all he knows is that Franco’s tumor has returned, which makes him a potential threat. Valentin says, Peter didn’t feel like that when burst into the OR to save Franco, and Peter asks what he’s getting at. Valentin says he’s just playing with puzzle pieces to see what fits. Not long ago, Peter came to him concerned that he’d crossed Jason. Peter’s life is about to unravel, and he’s acting like he doesn’t realize it.

Anna asks Britt where her mother is, and Britt says, she’s in prison, where Anna can’t shoot her. She’s sure Anna has plenty to do other than sic Finn on her. Doesn’t she have wedding plans? Anna asks if Britt was in contact with Obrecht through a phone call or a letter, and Britt says she has a hospital to run. She has nothing to do with her mother. Anna says Britt was convinced Obrecht was guilty when she was convicted, but she told Finn she didn’t know, and thought Obrecht might be innocent. She’s wondering what changed Britt’s mind.

Josslyn puts flowers on Mike’s grave, and says, they’re for him, so he knows she loves and misses him. Carly puts flowers on Morgan’s grave, and says she’s sure his dad and Mike are with him, and she hopes they’re happy together. They’re missed so much. Say a prayer for them tomorrow. It’s Sonny’s funeral, and it’s hard to say goodbye.

Sonny answers the phone, Tan-O, Mike speaking, and Nina asks if he said it was the Tan-O. He says yeah. What can he do for her? She asks what he said his name was, and he says, Mike. She asks, Mike who? and Sonny looks puzzled.

Josslyn asks if Carly really thinks Morgan, Sonny, and Mike are together, and Carly says she does believe that. It’s the only thing that makes it bearable. What about Josslyn? What does she believe? Josslyn says, Oscar told her to look up at the night’s sky, and he’d be there, but they don’t know much about the afterlife, do they? Carly says, all they can do is hope for the best, and Josslyn says she likes thinking of them all together. She hopes someday, years from now, she and Carly will see them again. She and Carly hug.

Sonny asks if Nina would like to place a delivery order, and she says, no. She’s looking for Phyllis Caulfield. Is she there? It’s Nina Reeves calling. He tells Phyllis, and she takes the phone. Nina thanks Phyllis for taking her call, and Phyllis says she can’t tell Nina how often she thinks of her. How is she? Nina says, fine, but she has some news. She thinks she knows who has the other half of the necklace. Phyllis says, she found her daughter? and Nina says, she’s almost certain. Phyllis says, wonderful!

Elizabeth tells Finn that she was hoping to see him, and he says it’s good to see her and Franco. He asks if everything is okay, and Elizabeth says she just wanted to let him know they can’t go to the wedding. Finn says, okay, but they’ll be sorely missed. Do they want him to pass their regrets along to Maxie and Peter? Or are they the reason for not coming? Elizabeth says, obviously, and Franco says, mostly Peter. Elizabeth says they wish Finn, Anna, and Maxie well, but she can’t say the same for Peter. He published Franco’s medical records, and now people think Franco is a maniac. Finn says he understands. He hopes everything turns out all right. Elizabeth says she still can’t figure out how Peter got records he never should have had access too. In all her years there, she’s never seen it happen. Finn says, it was a security breach, and Franco says he knows who did it.   

Peter tells Valentin, he’s about to marry the mother of his child, and Valentin says that’s why Peter can’t be in denial any longer. He knows Peter arranged for Drew’s abduction, and if Franco remembers more, the memories will be like dominos tipping. Then Maxie will be forced to learn the truth about him.

Britt says she lets her guard down for one second and Finn runs to Anna like Chicken Little. Anna asks what convinced her of Obrecht’s innocence? When Obrecht left, Britt thought she was guilty. Britt says her mother didn’t leave; she was hauled off because of Anna. Anna says, semantics. Britt must have made contact with her, and Obrecht pleaded her case. Britt asks if Anna thinks she’s not capable of coming to her own conclusions, and Anna asks, based on what? Britt says she doesn’t have to answer; she has a hospital to run. Like she told Finn, she doesn’t know where Obrecht is. Anna says, that implies Obrecht is no longer in prison, and they’ve made contact. Where is Obrecht now?

Someone looks over The Last Will and Testament of Alexandra Merrick.

Phyllis says she’s prayed for this, but Nina says she’s not 100% sure she found her daughter. Before she goes further, she’d appreciate Phyllis’s input. She has pictures of her daughter’s possible adoptive father, and some other bits of information. She’d love to run them by Phyllis, and can arrange to fly Phyllis to Port Charles, whatever time works for her. Phyllis says she’d love to help, but it’s not a good time for her to go away. Can they do it online? Ava stands quietly by the door, and Nina says she wanted to talk to someone face-to-face; someone who remembered and knew her daughter as an innocent baby, who won’t judge her or her daughter. Phyllis says she hears Nina, but things there are a bit complicated. Nina says, of course (🍷). She realizes what she’s asking is very presumptuous, and an imposition. She didn’t think it through. Phyllis says, it’s okay; Nina doesn’t have to apologize. Nina says she’ll figure out something, and thanks Phyllis, telling her to enjoy her evening. Ava knocks on the door, and says she came by to see if Nina wanted to get a drink at the MetroCourt, but Nina says she thinks she’s going to avoid the MetroCourt for a while. Ava asks if Nina wants to tell her what’s going on, and Nina says, she didn’t hear? She thinks she found her daughter. Ava tells Nina that she’d say congratulations, but Nina doesn’t seem like she’s celebrating. Nina says, her daughter was Nelle Benson.

Josslyn asks if Carly has ever been to Nelle’s grave, and Carly wonders why she’s asking. Josslyn says she knows Nina put Nelle in Woodlawn. She hates the idea of Nelle being in proximity to their family, and Carly says, she does too. Nelle is buried on the other side of the cemetery. Josslyn says she knows Nina had the best intentions. She obviously believes everyone has the right to a decent burial, even people like Nelle, but no matter how far away Nelle is, it seems like their family can never escape her. Carly says she understands how Josslyn can feel that way after what Nelle did to their family. Josslyn says, she’d never wish death on anyone, but she’s glad Nelle is out of their lives. She’d be relieved if she never heard Nelle’s name again. Carly says, she will. She’s going to hear Nelle’s name over and over again, because of her and Jax.

Britt says she thought WSB agents were trained to be dispassionate, analytical, and cool-headed, but Anna’s pursuit of her mother has been personal, including the trumped up charges. Why? Anna says Obrecht poses a threat to her family, and she needs to know where Obrecht is. Britt says, if she’s missing, wouldn’t Anna’s own agency provide the answer?

Peter says, it’s been months since he told Valentin about the part he played in Drew’s abduction. Why bring it up now? Valentin says, all he knows is, if Obrecht is in town, she’s going to maintain Peter framed her for Drew’s death and the attempted murder of Franco. Peter killed the assassin, which begs the question as to why Peter needed to silence him. Peter says he should go, but Valentin says he’s trying to help Peter. If there’s any merit to Obrecht’s proof that Peter framed her, Peter’s life is going to explode. He’s going to lose Anna and Maxie. Peter says, yes. Obrecht is telling the truth. He did frame her.

Phyllis looks out the window at the rain, and Sonny asks how it’s going. Phyllis says, fine; there’s a storm tonight. He says, ever since she took the phone call, she’s been in another world. Does she want to talk? Before she says, no, she’s always checking in on him; he’s just returning the favor. She says, he might not remember who he is, but he sure knows how to use those dimples. Okay, she’ll tell him. The call was from a former patient; a woman she took care of long ago when she worked in the city. She was in a coma, and pregnant with a baby girl. Her mother told Phyllis that the patient’s husband was responsible for her coma, and she didn’t want him to know about the baby, since he was abusive. She’d arranged for a private adoption, and had Phyllis take the infant to the adoptive parents. She recently learned it was all a lie. Nina’s own mother had put her in the coma. Sonny says he’s sorry, and she says she feels terrible for her role in depriving Nina of her daughter. Sonny says Phyllis was lied to; it’s not her fault. He hasn’t known her long, but he knows she’d never hurt another living soul.

Nina tells Ava, that Jax and Carly said they were protecting her; that’s why they stayed quiet so long. Ava says, that old song, and Nina thanks her for not saying, I told you so. Ava told her that Carly and Jax had an unbreakable bond, but she was hoping to prove Ava wrong. Ava says she doesn’t know Jax, but what she knows, she doesn’t like, and she trusts Carly about as far as she can throw her. When the Corinthos clan turned against Nelle, Ava gave her a job. Nelle reminded Ava of herself, and she was pregnant at the time. Nina says, that’s right; Nelle worked at the gallery, and Ava says Nelle was motivated and competent. She was fond of Nelle until Nelle blackmailed her. Nina says she hired Nelle against Carly’s wishes too. She was engaging, and so intelligent. Nina didn’t think it was an act, but that Nelle was being the person she wanted to be. Ava says, of course (🍷) those attributes were part of who Nelle was, or who she would have been, but keep in mind what Nelle could do, and what she did.

Elizabeth asks if Franco thinks he knows how his records were accessed, and he says he knows for sure. He went to confront Peter, and Britt was accusing Peter of using her to access his files. Finn says, maybe, but he doesn’t trust them, and Elizabeth says she doesn’t either. Finn says Elizabeth’s instincts are usually good. He’s sincerely sorry about what happened, and wishes Franco good luck with the radiation. If he can do anything to help, let him know, but Franco is in good hands with Terry. He leaves, and Terry joins them. Elizabeth tells her that they need a few minutes, and Terry says, it’s not going to be a problem. The technician scheduled is refusing to treat him.   

Peter tells Valentin, he’d made a mistake hiring the hit man. He tried calling him off, but couldn’t, so he saved Franco and Andre. Valentin asks, why Peter needed them dead. Why were they a threat? Peter says, Andre wanted to recover Franco’s memories, but said the procedure would risk reinforcing Drew’s memories instead. Valentin says, then he could reveal Peter’s pivotal role in Drew’s disappearance. Peter wasn’t an innocent pawn; he was an integral player, and responsible for Drew’s death. Peter says, Obrecht is sadistic, and held him captive, and Valentin tells him to answer the question. Peter says, yes. He had Drew killed. He made arrangements for Drew’s plane to be sabotaged. Valentin says Peter is right to be afraid of Jason. He stole years of Jason’s life, and Peter is responsible for the death of Jason’s twin brother because he got too close to the truth. Peter says, yes. He did that all of that and more.

Anna tells Britt, the WSB wasn’t forthcoming about Obrecht’s whereabouts; there’s some level of secrecy about Obrecht’s release she has yet to comprehend. Britt says, they’ve shut Anna out. Wow. Interesting. Anna has always been a hot shot at the WSB; their go-to agent. What does their silence tell her? Maybe they don’t trust her anymore. That’s tough, but instead of using her for intel, why doesn’t Anna look at herself, and figure out why the WSB left her out in the cold.

The mystery person sets the will down on the desk, and picks up a flashdrive. They pick up an envelope that says, For Peter, and put it into a manila envelope, along with the drive.

Ava tells Nina, Nelle was a broken person who couldn’t be fixed. She was violent. She killed her fiancé, and tried to kill Michael. People tried to love her, but she took their love and twisted it, making something ugly out of it. Nina had to tell the court to protect an innocent child. Nina says, who protected Nelle? She was an innocent child. She was raised without love, and had an abusive father. Whatever role her mother played, she was out of the picture by the time Nelle’s father sold her kidney. She and Ava both know what it’s like to be physically and emotionally upended by their mothers. Ava says Nina’s mother was a nightmare, and Nina wonders if the drugs her mother gave her while she was pregnant with Nelle didn’t impact Nelle’s brain development and cause her psychosis. Ava says, there’s no way to know, and Nina says, because her mother gave Nelle away. If she hadn’t, Nina would have had Nelle, and maybe there was a chance she would have gotten help. Ava asks if Nina has heard a word she’s said. There was nothing Nina could have done. Nina says, it’s too late for Nelle, but it’s not too late for Wiley. She’s going to be a constant presence in his life. She failed her daughter, but she’s not failing her grandson.

Carly tells Josslyn that she and Jax wanted to spare Nina the pain of finding out her daughter was dead. Josslyn says, and grew up to be Nelle. Carly says, it’s a lot for Nina to process, and she’s furious they didn’t tell her they’d found the necklace. Josslyn says, her poor dad. He’s crazy about Nina. Can’t he make her understand? Carly says, he’s trying. Carly prays once Nina has calmed down, she realizes he was just trying to protect her because he loves her. Josslyn says, no matter how hard you try to keep your loved ones safe, sometimes you can’t.

Sonny says Phyllis has no reason to feel guilty, and she tells him, Lenny says she’s gullible. It really bugs her, but in this case, he was right. She took Madeline’s word, and handed off Nina’s baby to a total stranger. A few months ago, she was contacted by a P.I. Nina recovered, and was desperate to find her child. Nina wanted to see her, but she couldn’t tell Nina much. Now Nina thinks she found her daughter. Sonny says he saw Phyllis light up at the news, and she says, it makes her so happy. He says, so why doesn’t she want to see Nina? Is it because of him?

Terry tells Franco and Elizabeth, the technician has a cousin out west who read the article, and the article brought it back. Elizabeth says, brought what back? and Franco says, when he was the other guy, he hurt someone they care about. Terry says, the technician refuses to come near Franco. It’s unprofessional, and unacceptable, and she’s already filed a report with HR. There’s another tech on the way. Elizabeth says she’ll wait there, and Terry says, she’s got this. She’ll take good care of him. She leads Franco away.   

Elizabeth sees Britt, who says she heard about the problem with the radiation tech. Elizabeth says, no thanks to Britt.

Valentin asks, why? What did Peter hope to accomplish? Peter says, originally he wanted to beat his father at his own game. Acquire his father’s wealth and power, and leave him with nothing. He didn’t care who he used, Valentin says, Peter redeemed himself, but Peter says, the past caught up to him. He kept putting fires out, and doing damage control. Valentin says, now Franco is hearing his voice. Drew’s memories aren’t another fire he has to extinguish. Why did he put Franco’s medical records in The Invader? Peter says he wanted to discredit Franco, so anything he said would be the raving of a madman with a brain tumor. Valentin says, discredit? and Peter says Valentin wanted answers, and he gave them. It feels good to let it all out. Now Valentin has to be honest. What is he going to do with the information?

Finn runs into Anna, and says he didn’t know she was there. She says she was just rattling Britt’s cage about Obrecht, and he asks why she’s the one who looks shaken. She says Britt implied the WSB doesn’t trust her and that’s why she can’t get information. He asks if they’d do that, and she says, perhaps, because of her closeness to Peter. He says, that means they suspect Peter of something, but she says she doesn’t need them. She’s not waiting for Obrecht to strike. She’s going after Obrecht herself. He asks, when? and she says, right now.

Phyllis asks Sonny how they’re fixed for ice, and Sonny says, everything is good. He’s taking his medication, and doesn’t need her to supervise him. She tells him, the doctor said to watch how he reacts, and he says, it’s been good so far. He’s been a little down, but other than that, he’s fine and doesn’t need her to hover. She asks what if his depression gets worse, or he gets energized? He tells her to deal with her patient; it’s a day, not a week. The last thing he wants to do, is keep her from what she does best; taking care of people.

Ava tells Nina, take it from her, getting access to a Corinthos child is easier said than done. Nina says, Wiley is her family, the only part of her daughter that she has left. They can’t keep her from family. Ava says Nina needs proof, and Nina say she was just on the phone with the nurse who delivered her baby to the adoptive family. She’s going to have her ID a picture of Nelle and her father. Ava says, that’s not enough to prove Nelle is Nina’s daughter, but Nina says, it’s enough reason to have a DNA test done on Wiley. Ava says, this could be the beginning of a long ugly fight. Before Nina pursues this further, think about who Nelle was and the things she did, and ask herself, does she really want to know if Nelle was her daughter. Nina’s phone rings, and it’s Phyllis.

Elizabeth says, it’s all Britt’s fault; she gave Peter access to Franco’s medical files. Britt says she’d never do that, but Elizabeth says Britt was definitely angry when Franco saw her in Peter’s office, and Franco was under the impression she was responsible for the information being released. Britt says, there was a security breach, and as Chief of Staff, she’s ultimately responsible for what happened. Elizabeth says, how convenient. She’s taking responsibility while distancing herself. Britt says she’s truly sorry for the pain and chaos Peter caused, but she wasn’t willingly involved. She’d never wish what happened to Franco on anybody. Elizabeth asks if that’s an apology, and Britt advises her to take it before Britt takes it back. Terry comes out, and Elizabeth asks how Franco is.  

Valentin tells Peter, when everything comes out, it will destroy Anna. She may even be considered an accomplice because of her association with him. Peter asks if Valentin thinks he doesn’t know that, and Valentin says, what about Maxie? The longer this goes on, the harder she’ll fall. Peter can’t sustain this kind of damage control. He can’t kill everyone who discovers the truth. Peter says he never wanted to, and Valentin says, then just stop it. Confess, and Obrecht has no power over him. Peter says he can’t. He’s marrying Maxie in a few days, and they’re bringing a baby girl into the world. He wants to give his daughter a happy loving family life, unlike what he had. She deserves that, and he’s desperate for his mother to know she was right to believe in him and have faith in him. Valentin says, what about him? He knows the truth now. If he keeps Peter’s secret, he’s an accomplice. Why should he stay silent when he knows how bad it will hurt Anna and Maxie? Peter says he’ll make it work for them. If Valentin can’t keep his secret for him, please do it for them. Don’t break their hearts. Valentin nods.

Finn says, Anna wants to leave town now? and she says she has to find Obrecht. He says when they’d just gotten engaged, they had to deal with Alex. Now she wants to split before the wedding? She says she has no choice. If Obrecht is out there, she’s got Peter in her sights. She’s gone after Peter before. How comfortable would she feel, getting married without knowing where Obrecht is? She let her guard down with Alex, and Alex nearly killed Finn and kidnapped Maxie. She’s not letting it happen again. He says if he can’t talk her out of it, and she’s really going, he’s going with her.

Terry tells Elizabeth, the procedure is underway, and so far, so good. Elizabeth says she’ll wait for Franco to come out, and leaves. Terry says she has a sensitive matter to discuss with Britt. The technician refused to treat Franco. Britt says, she already heard from HR, and thanks Terry for reporting it. The tech has been put on suspension, and will be terminated. She can’t have the staff determining who is and isn’t worthy of treatment. Terry completely agrees.

Valentin tells Peter, Obrecht has been released from Steinmaur, and they have no idea where she is. Peter is concerned she’s going to exact revenge, and Valentin says he’ll handle Obrecht. Peter says he needs Valentin’s word that he’ll keep what Peter told him to himself. Can he count on Valentin to do what he promised? Valentin says he’ll do whatever is in his power to make sure no pain is inflicted on those they love the most. He leaves, and Peter thinks about that. I would too, since Valentin didn’t exactly say he’d keep the secret.

 Anna says Finn doesn’t have to come; he’s still recuperating. He says he was cleared to be at work, and she asks, what about Violet? He says Violet will be upset if anything happens to Anna, so for Violet’s sake, he’s going to watch Anna’s back. His father has been begging to spend time with Violet, so he’ll love to stay with her. They have to make this quick; what else has she got? She says she doesn’t know what she’ll encounter, and he says he can take care of himself. He suggests they not waste time arguing. The faster they handle Obrecht, the better, and he’s not keen on surprises. Anna says, not after her sister. She’s not taking any chances. Obrecht is no Alex, but she’s every bit as lethal.

We see the return address of D. Merrick V. on the envelope.

Ava asks if Nina wants to hear her advice, and Nina says, go ahead, but there’s no guarantee she’ll take it. Ava tells her, think long and hard about meeting Phyllis. If she can’t confirm Nelle is Nina’s daughter, how is she going to feel? And if she can, what does that mean going forward? How is Nina going to grapple with the missed chances in Nelle’s life? Nina says she has to pursue this. In her heart, she knows Nelle is her daughter. Nelle had a child, and what Nina lost with Nelle, she can make up for with Wiley.

Josslyn tells Carly, she was thinking about how people lie or keep secrets in the name of protecting the people they love. The lines feel blurred; they’re actually protecting themselves. Like how Jordan lied about Trina’s father. Trina is struggling, and she understands why. Carly says Josslyn is right. They set out to protect someone, but do a fair amount of protecting themselves. Sonny is a perfect example. He’d do anything to protect the people he loves, but he’s also protecting himself from watching them get hurt. Josslyn says she’s sorry Sonny is gone. She knows how much Carly loved him, and she did too. Carly thanks her for saying that. Sonny loved her so much. Carly knows it doesn’t feel like it now, but knowing they have that love, and remembering how much he meant to them, will help them go on. They leave the cemetery.

Phyllis tells Sonny, it’s all set. She’s going to Port Charles. She hopes she can confirm her patient found her daughter. Sonny is glad, and she thanks him for convincing her. He’s glad he helped, and says, maybe at some point, she can help him figure out who he is. She says, if Nina could find her daughter after all these years, there’s plenty of hope for him.

Tomorrow, Nina meets with Phyllis, Jax says the odds are in Carly’s favor, and Sonny tells Lenny to get off his case.

🕶 Alexandra Merrick…

Also known as, Anna’s twin Alex Devane.

https://www.soapoperanews.net/2019/03/characters-of-past-ghamcs-alex-devane.html

Below Deck

Five Islands Harbour, Antigua. We backtrack to Daniel (finally a name) telling James and Ashling that it’s their vacation, not his. He’ll go downstairs, and leave them alone. He leaves, mumbling that he’s being given a bedtime, and they’re limiting his alcohol. In Ashling’s interview, she says, he was beyond wasted. As soon as you cross the line of safety, you’re out. She could get in trouble with Francesca, the captain, and possibly Daniel’s parents. Daniel tells David, the crew’s whack, bro. James says Ashling is adorable, and they call it a night.

March 12 2020. Rachel starts the day by cursing out the toaster. In Elizabeth’s interview, she says, yesterday was the worst day ever. She was almost fired, and James didn’t acknowledge her birthday. A stranger would be willing to give her a kiss. Not that she wants a stranger to kiss her. She’s just saying. The guests start to get up, and Francesca tells Izzy that she feels the need to be there for service. She doesn’t trust Elizabeth. In Rachel’s interview, she says, sh*t rolls downhill, and she knows where it’s coming from. We flash back to the mahi mahi issue, and Rachel bitches that she has to troubleshoot when the chief stew is supposed to do that. She tells Elizabeth that she feels like she’s in kindergarten.

Izzy gives Rob a short list of chores, and Eddie goes to the bridge. He asks Captain Lee how it’s going, and the captain says he pulled up the news. There are 938 cases [of covid] in the US. Eddie says, that exploded, and Captain Lee says, and 29 deaths. Some people get it, and don’t know they have it. In his interview, Captain Lee says, things are getting serious. Everything on the news is about corona, and he can’t wrap his head around it. They’re lucky there are no cases on the island, but it’s scary stuff. Izzy tells herself to smile through the pain. Rachel says, ask for pickled quail eggs, you shall have quail eggs. Jackie tries to get Rob to do a yoga pose, and he says he has to find inner peace.

James asks how Elizabeth is, joking that they haven’t talked in so long, he forgot her name. In his interview, he says it was Elizabeth’s birthday, and he didn’t even give her a kiss. At 30, you wonder where your life is going. At 26, he’s in the prime of his life. I hate to tell him, but technically, as a man, he passed that nearly ten years ago. A producer asks why James doesn’t tell Elizabeth that this isn’t going anywhere. He says, she’s smart enough to know what’s going on. Surely. The producer says, don’t call her Shirley. Not really, but it was the perfect opportunity. Izzy tells Rob, she could put Jackie’s bra on her head, and it would be a perfect fit.

Daniel tells a couple of the adult guests (not his parents) that he drank half a bottle of Hennessey when he was cut off. In the crew mess, Ashling tells Elizabeth that he was blackout drunk, and wanted to get in the hot tub. Daniel says, he was told no, and Francesca overhears. He says they told him the hot tub was draining, but he went upstairs and it wasn’t. Francesca asks who told him that? and he says, Ashling and James. He was made to feel not welcome. She says she’s so sorry. Ashling tells Elizabeth, he probably won’t remember anything.

Daniel tells Francesca that he was told it would be better for all of them if he went to bed. She asks if he was really told that, and he says he was, but she doesn’t think so. Ashling tells Elizabeth, Daniel is a spoiled brat, while Daniel tells Francesca that he was made to feel not welcome. He wanted to stay up, and he was upset. The crew members said they couldn’t go to bed if he was still there. Francesca asks Ashling, what happened? and Ashling says, he was wasted. Francesca tells her he claimed they told him that he should go to bed; did they? Ashling says, they took the alcohol away because Daniel was plastered, and wanted to jump on the tender. They almost had Delores 2.0. We flash back to Delores jumping into the water, and Ashling says she’s surprised he remembered. Francesca says he didn’t tell her anything about the tender. Yeah, like that would happen. In her interview, Francesca says, now that she’s heard the story, the law would have definitely been on their side. She trusts Ashling if she thought he had too much to drink, and it became a safety issue. She’s on Ashling’s side, and gives her 100% backing.

Izzy and Rob inflate the slide, while Francesca takes breakfast orders. Daniel whines to his parents about being forced to go to bed, but dad David says, good. He should be thinking about work, not play; that was smart. In Ashling’s interview, she says, thank God. Francesca asks Ashling to go on the excursion, and in her interview, Francesca says, her expectation of Elizabeth is zero. She can’t wait to say she’s letting Elizabeth go. Breakfast is served, and Francesca tells the guests they’re going to be swimming with stingrays, and going to a private island, where they’ll set up for lunch. Rachel tells Francesca that she needs condiments, and what to pack for the picnic. Francesca  tells Elizabeth that she’s going to stay on the boat, and in Elizabeth’s interview, she says, surprise, surprise. It’s pure punishment, clearly. One of the guests says their Japan trip and European trip was canceled. One of the guests thinks it’s the democrats blowing it out of proportion because they want to mess up the election for Trump. (I look into my fictitious camera blankly.) Rachel wants ice packs, but can’t seem to get them, and says she’ll do what she can to see the food doesn’t rot. In Eddie’s interview, he says, Rachel isn’t happy with the interior. Hopefully, she doesn’t stab anyone. She’s she type of person who would. Rachel tells Elizabeth, this bitch can make it work. She’s effing over this sh*t.

Eddie drives the guests on the tender to Jolly Harbour. On the boat, James tells Elizabeth, it’s just them, and in the taxi, Francesca asks Rob if he thinks Elizabeth and James will sleep in another guest cabin. Elizabeth asks if James missed her last night. He nods, looking pained, and she says it was so hard not to celebrate her birthday. The day started wrong. In his interview, James says he doesn’t want to tell her that it’s not going anywhere. It may hurt her feelings, so he’d rather keep it going. Avoid and run away. As long as the cabin thing doesn’t come back to bite him.

In the taxi, Daniel says he wants to go back to the boat. In Ashling’s interview, she says, ugh. Here we go. Captain Lee notices a ton of dishes in the galley sink, and in his interview, he says, is she sh*tting him? Why can’t Elizabeth deliver.? There are things she should know. Maybe her energy broken again. He politely asks if Elizabeth will do him a favor, and knock out the pots and pans, so the galley is clean when Rachel comes back. Eddie tells the captain, time flies when you’re in hell, and they laugh. Daniel says he needs a lot of drinks of liquor, and Francesca tells him, after lunch. In Elizabeth’s interview, she says, she’s stressed about Francesca, and James is being weird. With her ex, everything happened fast, because her head was in the clouds. She learned the hard way. Maybe she should pull back. She’s feeling pretty rough right now.

The guests are taken to a stingray habitat. On the boat, Elizabeth asks the captain if she can use the slide, and he says, as long as her stuff is done. At the habitat, the guide says, they have about an acre and a half. The rope is only on the surface, so the stingrays come and go as they please, and leave when they’re ready. Jackie tells her sons that they’re scaring the stingrays away, since they’re acting like a-holes as always. The stingrays are very cool, and I want one. On Laviscount Island, Izzy and Ron set up for lunch. Elizabeth uses the slide a few times, then stays in the water. Eddie tells Elizabeth that the current is strong, and asks if she’s a mermaid now. Elizabeth says she’s working out, and Eddie tells James that she’s weird. In Eddie’s interview, he says Elizabeth will probably name her first born something like Moonbeam or Star Child. Or Crystal Good Vibes. Crystal will be a stripper. Izzy tells Rob that she has to inflate Jackie’s Versace innertube, and he says she’ll never miss it if she doesn’t see it, but Izzy says she kept talking about it. In Izzy’s interview, she says, when a guest specifically asks for something, it’s a priority. She tries to inflate the innertube with a pump, and says, so extra. She tells Rob that she can’t get it. Rob says, just tell her it’s a knock off, and it doesn’t work. He helps Izzy, and gets it inflated.

Rachel asks if Francesca brought condiments, but that’s a no. Because she’s too stupid to understand they go with hot dogs. Rachel says she thought they’d bring the condiments; she only brought specialty stuff. In Francesca’s interview, she says, Rachel can’t admit when she’s wrong. She’s been walking on eggshells, since she doesn’t want Rachel to leave, but f*** you. She’s over it. Um… Rachel did tell her to bring condiments, so who can’t admit what? I really don’t like Francesca at all. I only marginally liked her at the beginning, but now I’m at zero.

Jackie wants to check out the tortoises on the island. In Rachel’s interview, she says, she told Francesca to bring condiments. We flash back to that, and Francesca even repeats what Rachel said back to her. Rachel says, not only does the lack of communication f*** her, now it’s super annoying. Elizabeth goes back to work, while on the island, we see giant tortoises and baby tortoises. The guide says they also have iguanas. Izzy goes to the snack bar, and asks if they can spare some ketchup. Jackie asks if the tortoises bite, but the guide says they’re very friendly and social with each other. Jackie says she wants a tortoise. In Izzy’s interview, she says the galley and interior need to communicate more, so sh*t like this doesn’t happen. Now they have ketchup. In a Homer Simpson moment, David says, hot dogs… mmm… good. Francesca tells Ashling that Rachel said she was going to make condiments, and now she’s shifting the blame. In Ashling’s  interview, she says she doesn’t know who’s wrong, but the tension is intense. It’s really awkward. The guests head back. While cleaning up, Ashling burps, and Rachel says, it’s the most uncouth thing she’s ever heard Ashling do; she’s very proud. Ashling burps even louder.

Captain Lee radios Elizabeth to have cold towels ready for the guests, and Elizabeth greets them with a tray of towels. Rob tells James that he thinks the beach day went according to plan, but Izzy micromanaged a little bit. Francesca tells the captain it was a success, and the lunch was fabulous. The guests use the water toys, and Jackie takes pictures. Rachel discusses dinner with Francesca.

Izzy wants a quick talk with Eddie, and tells him that Rob is being passive/aggressive. He’s been saying it’s a dictatorship, and got snarky when they were bringing in a jet ski; he wouldn’t get off. She had a conversation with him, and asked if he was offended that she’s the lead deckhand, but he said he didn’t care. He said, the title didn’t mean anything. We flash back to Rob saying she didn’t get promoted to captain, just lead shammy. She asks Eddie how to handle it, and Eddie says lead deckhand does mean something. He tells her to let Rob know that if he keeps up the attitude, and keeps coming at her, either get TF off, or say what he feels. If it continues, let him know and he’ll get involved. In his interview, he says, for women in the industry, respect isn’t as easily earned. Izzy is an extension of him, and if they don’t take it seriously, he’ll give them something to take seriously. He won’t fire them, but he can make their lives a living hell.

David tells Ashling that they’d like to invite the captain to dinner. Ashling tells Francesca, who asks the captain. He says, it’s his pleasure, and Francesca suggests to Ashling that they go all out, and use candles. Rachel asks if anyone is available to make holes in coconuts. Surprisingly, not one person makes a joke, but Rob says he has a license for that, and will be right there. The table looks very pretty, with candles in lanterns as part of the centerpieces. Jackie wears a sash and tiara, and gives the stews tiaras. She goes to the galley to give one to Rachel, telling her that she’s a princess. The captain sits down to dinner with the guests, and in Rachel’s interview, she says, the Queen might be spicey, but David is a simple eater. (However, David also receives a tiara.) She’s doing Thai versus American steakhouse; family style, as long Francesca doesn’t f*** it up. David tells Captain Lee that his staff is incredible. Jackie says she wants to steal them, and the captain asks if she can until he’s done with them.

Rob and James chat on deck, and Rob says, just a couple of guys polishing rails. At the table, one of David’s sons says he wrecked a Corvette when he was a baby. Captain Lee says, not many people can make that claim. Elizabeth hugs James, and says she’s been wanting more than a hug. James says, work has been stepping up, and it’s hard to find time. Elizabeth says she wants to ask him about his feelings. In her interview, she says she knows he has his guard up, and it’s scary. She wants to know how he feels. She needs to hear from him because she’s feeling things. James asks if she believes in long distance relationships, and she says, no. He says, there you go, and she asks if he believes in crazy situations. She’s open to travel and having new adventures; it’s how she rolls. In James’s interview, he says, he’s literally in a trap with this conversation. Talking about feelings makes him want to jump off a cliff. Elizabeth says, maybe they can travel somewhere together, then they’ll end up hating each other and saying goodbye.

David says, Disney and Universal are shutting down. In the crew mess, Elizabeth tells James that her schedule is pretty open, and in Ashling’s interview, she says, are they kidding her? Elizabeth needs to choose work first, over playing with her boy. Get your sh*t together. Elizabeth asks if James wants to talk later, but he says he’ll be hiding somewhere. A palate cleanser of coconut water is served to the guests. Francesca asks Elizabeth for a hand in the pantry. Elizabeth asks if she should finish the cabins first, and Francesca says, yes, but she’s obviously irritated. I’m not sure why. James goes to the pantry, and starts washing dishes. Elizabeth joins him, and Francesca says, clear the pantry first, then the galley. Daniel announces that more people have died from coconuts falling on their heads than shark attacks. Elizabeth asks James to tell her what they are, and James says, or they’re not. Is that the answer she’s looking for? She says, not at all. Francesca tells Ashling that Elizabeth and James are chatting in the pantry, and James tells Elizabeth that he doesn’t have this conversation until three or four months in. Elizabeth says she needs to know his intentions. Francesca bursts in, and tells Elizabeth, go to bed. She leaves again, and Elizabeth tells James that if he’s into her, act into her. He says he doesn’t want to get in trouble, and like a boomerang, Francesca is back, and says, stop talking, and go to bed. She tells James, finish the job. In her interview, Francesca says, how many times does she have to tell them to get their work on? She’s done. Things are changing around here. Francesca tells James, finish the pantry now. Downstairs, the captain thanks the guests for another delightful evening. David thanks Captain Lee for joining them. Another guest says they love spending time with him.

In the morning, Elizabeth sets the table, but true to form, Francesca points out that they only use one fork in the morning. Elizabeth says she doesn’t usually do mornings, and didn’t know. She asks if Francesca wants to keep the extras there, but Francesca has her back to Elizabeth and ignores her. Elizabeth nods and leaves. In the galley, Rachel and Izzy arrange something for Elizabeth’s belated birthday. Izzy says, no one deserves a crap birthday. Rachel pushes the French toast for breakfast, and one of the guests says it’s the best French toast they’ve ever had. Daniel whines that a stew usually packs for him, as he shoves stuff into his suitcase. The boat docks.

The captain radios the crew to get into their whites and meet on the aft deck. Jackie tells Rachel that she gained five pounds. It was the best vacation they’ve ever had. David tells Captain Lee that his kids want him to buy the yacht if he comes with it. The captain says, if they buy it, he’s there. David gives them the tip envelope, and they leave. James says, another happy customer. The captain tells them to be in the crew mess in five.

At the tip meeting, Captain Lee says, they have number seven in the books. It was a tough start, but they performed well. The tip is… I swear Captain Lee says, $18,500 a piece, but I think he meant total, since they’re not jumping up and down and ditching the final charter. He tells them, now isn’t the time to toss in the towel. Rachel and Francesca need to go over things communication-wise. He doesn’t want to have a repeat of day one. We flash back to the mahi mahi debacle again, and the captain says he wants to see Francesca on the bridge. Everyone else, get back to work.

James and Rob have a contest to see who can hold their breath the longest. Rachel tells Elizabeth, Francesca f***ed up on service. Francesca says, it’s the last day for Elizabeth. James wins the contest, and on the bridge, Captain Lee suggests he and Francesca talk about the elephant in the room. Where is her head at? Francesca says, there are too many slip-ups, and the captain says he has someone lined up, but can’t 100% guarantee they’ll get there because of travel restrictions due to the health issue. The may have to do charter eight down one. How does she feel about it? Francesca says she has no choice, and Captain Lee calls Elizabeth to the wheelhouse. James says, someone’s in trouble, but Izzy says, no way.

The captain says Francesca wants to talk to Elizabeth, and Francesca says she’s been putting in energy and checking up on Elizabeth every charter. Her sleeping in the guest cabin was the final straw. She’s come to the decision to let Elizabeth go. Elizabeth says, what?

Next time, the Finale – Rachel has an issue with service, the captain tells Rachel to stick it out, Elizabeth tries to talk to Francesca, Izzy says Rob has a PhD in passive aggressiveness, Elizabeth says she believes in karma, the virus gets worse, and Captain Lee says they have a situation.

📣 Just my opinion, but I don’t see what Elizabeth has done that’s all that bad, besides sleeping in the guest cabin. And I might point out, he got called on the carpet, but then it was forgotten about. They have one more charter, and frankly, I think it’s despicable that Francesca is firing her at this point, especially since they know places are being starting to be shut down because of the virus. What if she gets stuck in freaking Thailand? Francesca has been gunning for Elizabeth since nearly the beginning, treats her badly, and this is obviously a personal issue. And Ashling is her phony lapdog. Like Elizabeth with the stranger’s kiss, just saying.

📌 That’s a Fact…

One in four cowboys was Black, despite the stories told in popular books and movies. In fact, it’s believed that the real Lone Ranger was inspired by an African American man named Bass Reeves. Reeves had been born a slave but escaped West during the Civil War where he lived in what was then known as Indian Territory. He eventually became a Deputy U.S. Marshal, was a master of disguise, an expert marksman, had a Native American companion, and rode a silver horse. His story was not unique, however.

In the 19th century, the Wild West drew enslaved Blacks with the hope of freedom and wages. When the Civil War ended, freedmen came West with the hope of a better life where the demand for skilled labor was high. These African Americans made up at least a quarter of the legendary cowboys who lived dangerous lives facing weather, rattlesnakes, and outlaws while they slept under the stars driving cattle herds to market. While there was little formal segregation in frontier towns and a great deal of personal freedom, Black cowboys were often expected to do more of the work and the roughest jobs compared to their white counterparts. Loyalty did develop between the cowboys on a drive, but the Black cowboys were typically responsible for breaking the horses and being the first ones to cross flooded streams during cattle drives. In fact, it is believed that the term cowboy originated as a derogatory term used to describe Black cowhands.

– from www.pbs.org/black-culture

🦅 Gonna Fly Now…

I have to get ready for work tomorrow, writing for https://mupoentertainment.com/ . Give us a click. You can find me under the magazine section. And whether you click or not, stay safe, stay united with humanity, and stay doing what you do best, whether it’s taking care of people, or something else.