What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Josslyn comes into the living room where Bobbie and Carly are sitting. Carly says, one, two, three… and yell, happy birthday! Josslyn takes her earbuds out, and asks if they said something. Bobbie tells her, they said, happy birthday, and Josslyn says, almost a clean getaway. Carly says she can’t believe her baby is 18, and hugs her. Bobbie says she can’t believe it either. Her granddaughter has grown into a beautiful young woman. Josslyn thanks her, and asks if she smells pancakes. Carly says they can be turned into birthday pancakes if Josslyn goes to the kitchen. Josslyn says she’d love to, but she’s meeting Trina at the gallery. They’re having an exhibit, and they get extra credit if they write a report about it. Carly asks if she’ll be home early, and Josslyn promises to be there for whatever birthday dinner she’s cooking up. Carly says Josslyn forgot. Today is her first election day.

The gallery is presenting a celebration of 100 years of women’s suffrage. Trina checks out the displays, and says, wow. She sees Portia and says, Ava told her the Historical Society was putting up and exhibit on women’s suffrage, but she didn’t expect all this. Jordan walks over, and says she saw Ava at the polls. Portia is glad she went earlier, and suggests Trina go now. Jordan says, that’s right; Trina is 18. She remembers how excited TJ was about his first election, and asks if Trina is excited. Trina says she’s especially excited to be voting down ballot. She thinks it’s important to elect the right people who will select their public officials. Like the Police Commissioner for example.

Carly says Josslyn is voting, right? and Josslyn says if she has time .Carly asks what she means, and Bobbie says she’s surprised at Josslyn’s cavalier attitude. She’s always been civic minded. Carly says Josslyn has helped with the food bank and coat drive, and she and Oscar organized a dance to support their transgender friends who were being bullied. Josslyn says, when she makes a difference. She’s one vote. Does it really matter? Carly says she understands Josslyn being overwhelmed with what’s going on in the world today, but she still has a responsibility to do her civic duty and vote. Every vote matters. She leaves to get the polling information, and Josslyn says she’s sorry she disappointed Bobbie. Bobbie says, she’s just shocked, and bets Josslyn’s great-great grandmother would be too. Beatrice Eckert. She was a suffragist and played a vital role in women getting and keeping their right to vote in New York state. Josslyn asks what she means by keeping. Wasn’t it the law? Bobbie says, yes, but 1920 was the first time women voted in a Presidential election, but not everyone was happy about it. There were anti-suffragist contingents led by people who thought a woman’s place was in the home and out of politics. A lot of them were women. Josslyn asks if they didn’t realize that the suffragists were fighting for them too, and Bobbie says, they wanted things to stay the same. During the 1920 election, she wouldn’t believe the pushback to keep women from voting. Who knows what would have happened in Port Charles if Beatrice hadn’t been there to rally the women to vote. Carly comes back in, and says, talk about someone who made a difference. She gives Josslyn the information, and wonders what Beatrice would think about Josslyn being too busy to vote. Josslyn says, message received. She’ll find the time. Josslyn leaves, and Bobbie says, sadly, she has the feeling a lot of young people feel the same way; disenchanted and ambivalent. Carly says she didn’t think Josslyn was one of them, and hopes she got through.   

At the gallery, Lucy unpacks a box, and Monica tells her the exhibit is fine the way it is. Lucy says, it’s supposed to be historically accurate. She takes out some candles, saying, she hates the electric candles. She’s going to put some of these around. They’re from the museum, and she’s sure it’s fine. Monica says she’s sure Ava will be comforted to hear her gallery burned down due to historically accurate candles.

Trina is looking at the exhibit, when Josslyn comes in. Trina says, hi there, birthday girl. Congratulations on the big 1-8. Josslyn says she had no idea it would be this cool. Trina picks up a group photo, and tells Josslyn, check this out. She looks just like Josslyn’s mom; Beatrice Eckert. Josslyn says, that’s her; her great-great grandma. Her grandma was telling her about Beatrice’s part in the women’s suffrage movement in Port Charles. Trina says she had a great-great aunt who was part of an African America sorority, who fought for women’s rights back in the day. Josslyn says she guesses it made a difference back then, and Trina says, don’t joke. People put their lives on the line for the right to vote. Those women, legendary civil rights leaders, and ordinary citizens fought long and hard for their right to vote. She’s not letting them down, especially now. Josslyn asks when Trina got so political, and Trina says it’s one of those moments when Josslyn needs to come out of her bubble. Josslyn says, it feels like nothing changes, but Trina says, not voting guarantees things won’t change. She walks up to a voting booth, and wonders how they felt stepping into it. They must have felt so empowered, knowing they’d won the right to vote. She and Josslyn go into the booth, and Lucy takes out a candle that says TIME on the bottom. Josslyn says, it’s kind of rinky-dink, and Trina says, but powerful. Josslyn calls her a nerd, and Trina says, takes one to know one. Josslyn says, just them and the machine, and Trina says, making their choices, and making their voices heard. They hit the lever that opens the curtain, and…

Josslyn and Trina are in old-timey clothes outside, and Josslyn says, what the…? Trina says, where are we?

Josslyn wonders if the booth was some kind of virtual exhibit, and Trina tells her look at what she’s wearing. Look at what I’m wearing. Josslyn says, this is way too creepy. People can’t just go back in time. She pinches Trina, who says, ow! What was that for? and Josslyn says, this is real. Carly/Beatrice comes by, and asks if they need help. Josslyn says, mom. Beatrice says, sorry? and Josslyn says Beatrice looks a lot like her mom, but she can’t be. Beatrice says they look confused. Do they need help? Trina says they have no idea what’s happening, and Josslyn says, or where they are. Beatrice says, Wellington Square in Port Charles, New York. They do know where that is, correct? Trina says, it’s not like the Port Charles they know. They see a poster that says Vote November 2, 1920.  Josslyn says, the poster… the date, and Beatrice says, it’s election day. Josslyn says, in 1920, and Beatrice asks if they’ve had an accident. Perhaps she should take them to a doctor. Trina says they’re fine, and pulls Josslyn aside, and says, no more questions. She’s looking at them funny. Josslyn says, it’s insane. It can’t be 1920. Trina says, whatever’s happening, they need to pull it together quick, or Beatrice will think they’re crazy, and send them to the hospital. Josslyn says, and mental hospitals in the 1920s were hideous. Beatrice calls to another woman, saying, Dr. Johnson, a moment? Portia/Dr. Johnson comes over, and Beatrice says, these young ladies seem disoriented. Perhaps she could examine them. Dr. Johnson says, of course (🍷) she can. She introduces herself as Dr. Priscilla Johnson, and Josslyn introduces herself and Trina. Priscilla says it’s lovely to meet them both. She’ll start by taking a pulse. Trina says, she’s still a doctor, and Priscilla says, rest assured, she is. Josslyn says Beatrice is Beatrice Eckert, the suffragette. Beatrice says she is and she isn’t. She’s Beatrice Eckert, the suffragist. Suffragette is a petty term meant to diminish the movement, coined by a petty man who didn’t like what they were doing. Sadly, his followers adapted it. Josslyn stands corrected, and Priscilla says, now her. She says Josslyn is a pretty name, and asks if it’s her mother’s name, but Josslyn says, her mother’s name is… Caroline. She looks at Beatrice, and Priscilla says, another beautiful name. Both of them have an elevated pulse, but it’s nothing serious. Have they eaten today? Josslyn says, just a granola bar, and Trina says she had a muffin and a latte. Beatrice says, give them a moment, and steps aside with Priscilla. Josslyn tells Trina, that woman is Beatrice Eckert, her great-great grandmother. That’s why she looks like her mom. Trina says, whatever is happening, they have to be careful. They don’t want to mess with the space/time continuum. Josslyn says she got that from a movie, but Trina says, it’s all she has to go on. They’re not supposed to be there, and if they’re not careful, they could screw up the future. Josslyn says Trina is scaring her, and Trina says, there’s a lot riding on this election, and they don’t want to effect it, or the Port Charles they know might be changed forever.

Josslyn says Beatrice really doesn’t need stay with her. She knows Beatrice is extremely busy; a suffragist on election day. Beatrice says, a very historic election day. It’s the first Presidential election where women will finally be able to give voice in how the country is run. What about Josslyn? Is she visiting family? Josslyn says she seems to be. Trina asks Beatrice if she’s excited to vote for the first time, but Beatrice says, it’s her third time voting. Is Trina not from New York? The state granted women voting rights in 1917. Trina says she just thought there might be problems for African Americans. Priscilla says she’s not familiar with that term, and Trina says, right; they’re negroes. Priscilla asks if she’s sure she’s well, and Trina promises she’s fine. She’s so impressed Priscilla is a doctor. It’s something she should be proud of. Priscilla thanks her, and says her mother always told her, when one path closes, go out and trailblaze another. She was one of the first few women to go to Howard Medical School. Her sister formed the first suffragist movement in Chicago at a sorority. She asks if Trina is planning on going to college, and Trina says she is. Priscilla says, that’s wonderful. They must all strive to get ahead. Trina says, it still must be difficult for her, and Priscilla says, they haven’t always been embraced by society, or by the suffrage movement. She asks if Trina is familiar with the march in Washington. It was more like a battle. They were attacked by spectators, and the few police that were there, stood by and let it happen. They were hospitalized and jailed, but still continued to march forward. Their struggle as women of color is tied to their struggle as people. Trina says, the struggle is real, and Priscilla says, all too true. Some people still can’t vote because they don’t have the money for the registration fee. Trina says, she heard about that. Extra poll taxes and literacy tests. It’s voter suppression, and it’s bogus. Priscilla says, yes; bogus. The 15^th and 19^th amendments are on the books, but sadly, that doesn’t mean it changes people’s hearts and minds. But it doesn’t mean stop fighting, does it? Trina says, no ma’am, and Priscilla says she needs to get off to the women’s polling station. Trina says, they have a separate place for women? and Priscilla says the town council thought it was more seemly if the women voted separately from the men. Trina says, bogus. Josslyn tells Beatrice, it’s a lot to take in, and Beatrice says, they’ve come a long way, and they’re still making progress. Maybe one day there will even be a woman elected President. Josslyn says, wouldn’t that be something? and Beatrice says here’s someone who helped show them the way. She calls to Alice, and Anna/Alice comes over to her, asking Beatrice if she’s excited for this day. Josslyn says she’s British. She can’t vote in their election, but Alice says she’s there to celebrate with her American sisters. Beatrice thanks her for her unwavering assistance, but Alice says, it’s states like New York that led the way. Josslyn says she thought women could vote in England in 1918, and Alice says, only those 30 years of age and older, a matter she’s going to attend to on her way home. Elizabeth/Eliza joins them, and says they have a problem. It seems no women will be voting today.

Jordan/Josephine says, the polling place is closed, and Alice says, that’s preposterous. They had everything ready to go yesterday. Josephine says, the building has been padlocked shut, and Beatrice says, this is outrageous. Josslyn pulls Trina aside, and says, something isn’t right. They know these women voted in 1920. Is this happening because of them? Alice says, it’s another ploy keeping them from their right to vote, and Priscilla says, it’s voter suppression. Isn’t that what Trina called it? Alice says she’s going there now, and Josephine says she’ll go with her; perhaps she can find a crowbar. Beatrice tells them to be careful. Josslyn asks if this is out of the norm. Who would do something like this? Britt/Bertha arrives, and says, she would, and Eliza says, Bertha Halifax, what did you do? Bertha says, her job. She told her boss the mortgage was in arrears. The bank foreclosed, which it has every right to do. She appreciates rights, doesn’t she? Eliza says Bertha’s boss owns the bank, and has tried to get the rights of women to vote repealed several times. To no avail. Beatrice says it’s just another attempt to stop them, but they won’t be stopped. They’ll never give up. Bertha says they won’t be voting in Port Charles today, and Josslyn asks why she won’t help them. They’re fighting for her rights too. Bertha asks who she is, then says, no matter, and leaves. Ava/Ada approaches them, and says, finally, some good news. Maybe people can finally put this women’s rights upheaval to rest. Trina says she can’t possibly believe that, and Josslyn says, Ava always says ignorant things. Even here. Ada asks, who are these rude women? and Beatrice says, they’re new in town. Ada says she’ll have them know she’s Ada Hook. Her family came over on the Mayflower. Beatrice says, no one cares. They’re all here now. They’re all American citizens with the right to vote. How can she think it’s beneath her? It’s women like her standing in the way of fairness and equality. Ada says, it’s women like Beatrice slumming in politics, who are demeaning decent women everywhere. She should be ashamed. Beatrice says, it’s Ada’s fault she’s stuck in a loveless marriage. Don’t blame the rest of them because she’s unhappy. Ada stomps toward Beatrice, who pushes her back, and Ada falls on her behind. She says Beatrice will pay for this, and Beatrice tells her, take her best shot.

Obrecht/Miss Oberlay locks Beatrice in a cell, and says, arrested again. How many times does this make? Beatrice says she’ll be out of there in a matter of hours. She’d like to skip the formalities; she has important business to attend to. Oberlay says, that’s for a judge to decide. The courts are backed up, and there’s no telling when she’ll get a hearing. Beatrice says, but it’s election day. Oberlay says, not for her.

Back outside, Josslyn says, this is a disaster, and Trina says, completely. Alexis/Lexi asks if they’re unwell. Have they been laid low by the evils of drink? Josslyn says, no; they haven’t been drinking, and Lexi says she’s pleased to hear that. She introduces herself as Lexi Brighton, head of the Port Charles chapter of the Women’s Temperance Union. She asks why they’re sitting slumped over, and Trina says Beatrice has been arrested and they need to get her out. Lexi says she was wondering why the polling place was locked, and Josslyn says, the bank foreclosed on the building overnight, and Beatrice got in a fight with Ada. Ada had Beatrice arrested, and now they can’t get her out. Trina says, and it’s election day. The clock is literally ticking. Lexi tells them, say no more. She’s worked with some elected officials. She might know someone who can help.

A small crowd gathers, and Lexi says, it’s Assemblywoman, Mary Butler. Trina says, impressive, and they join the crowd. Terry/Tilly says, the assemblywoman doesn’t have time to speak to any more constituents, but Lexi gets her attention, and says, she’s sure Mary can find the time. Tilly says Mary is supposed to be at the women’s polling center at noon, and Lexi says, there won’t be a polling center if these ladies don’t speak to Mary. Monica/Mary asks what this is about, and Lexi says, these lovely ladies will explain it to her. Mary tells Tilly that she’ll make the time, and asks them to sit.

Josslyn tells Mary, now Beatrice is locked up, and so is the polling center. Mary understands why they came to her. She’s well-known at the local jail. Her no account husband has had run-ins with the law many times. He finally ran off for good, thank the lucky stars. She has a fortuitous acquaintance with the Police Commissioner. She tells Tilly that she needs to talk to Commissioner Cromwell.

Josslyn and Trina go back to Beatrice’s cell, and Josslyn tells her that she’s being released. Beatrice asks how they managed it, and Oberlay says, corruption. All this talk of voting, as if anything will change. Powerful people will always have the last say. Ada comes in, and says she wants the satisfaction of seeing Beatrice in the hoosgow with her own eyes. Trina says, Mrs. Hooker? and Ada says, it’s Hook. Trina says she’s sorry for starting the altercation between Ada and Beatrice, but Ada’s fall was an accident. Ada says, people laughed. She has a reputation to consider. Trina says, a great woman can survive a few snickers. Today is more important than her squabble with Beatrice. Ada asks if Trina believes in all that voting nonsense, and Trina says, absolutely. They need to have their voices heard. Ada says, women should stay out of politics. Her husband will vote for them both. Trina asks if she trusts her husband completely. He’s never lied to her, or told her what she wanted to hear? Ada calls her insolent, and Trina says she just can’t believe a strong smart woman like Ada would sit back and let someone else run her life. Ada says no one runs her life, and Trina asks, then why is she throwing away her vote?

Beatrice, now out of her cell, tells Josslyn that they need to get to the polling place. Oberlay says they’d better hurry, and quit cluttering up the halls. Ada comes out, and Oberlay asks if Ada is there to make sure Beatrice doesn’t escape justice. Ada says, no. Trina helped her realize that there are some things more important than petty personal squabbles. She tells Trina that she expects great things from her. Beatrice thanks Ada, and Oberlay tells them to go. Schnell.

At the polling place, Bertha hammers a foreclosure sign to the door. She tells the crowd, no voting today. Go home to their husbands and children. Their kitchens await. Alice tells them not to listen. Stay to vote. The door will be opened if they have to storm it themselves. Bertha asks if they want to end up in jail like Beatrice. Think of their families. Beatrice gets on a literal soapbox, and says, yes. Think of their families. Think of their daughters, who need their example. Think of their mothers and grandmothers. She’s Beatrice Eckert, the suffragist, their friend and neighbor. Three years ago, they were able to secure voting rights in their state. It’s a proud moment, made even prouder by the 19^th amendment. Now women all over the state get to cast their vote for the next President of the United States. There will be detractors, people who want to silence them because of their fear, or complacency with the status quo, but they needn’t be afraid or daunted. They don’t want to take anything from them. They want to include everyone in the promise America has to offer. Ada has joined the crowd, and everyone is enthusiastic. Bertha says, women don’t belong in politics, but Beatrice says, women belong everywhere. In kitchens, hospitals, and classrooms, and in voting booths. They’re going to vote today, and in every election to come. The future in America is brighter because of them. Who’s with her? Everyone chants, yes! but Bertha says they can’t get in. Josephine picks up a hammer, and says they won’t be denied  their rights as citizens, and breaks the lock. They all go inside.

Trina sees Ada, and says, she’s here. Ada says she wanted to see if Beatrice could pull it off. Since she’s there, she might as well vote. She doesn’t need a man to speak for her. It was a pleasure meeting her, Trina…. Trina says, Robinson, and Ada says, a name destined for greatness. Josslyn says Beatrice did it, but Beatrice says, they all did it. They all made sacrifices and suffered persecution, but look around. Generations to come will reap the benefits of their suffering. Josslyn says she understands now. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a privilege. It’s the least and most they can do as citizens. Beatrice calls Josslyn her fellow suffragist.

Oberlay comes in, and asks Josslyn and Trina what they’re gawking at. She’s exercising her right to vote, and they better hope they never end up in her jail. She has her eye on them. She closes the curtain, and Trina tells Josslyn, she doesn’t understand why they’re still there. They fixed everything. Beatrice made her speech, and women are voting. Josslyn says, that’s it. They were in a voting booth before they got here. Trina says she’s right. Maybe if they pull the lever again… Beatrice comes out of a booth, and says she did it; she casted her vote. She asks what Josslyn and Trina are still doing there. Clearly they’re not 21, and not registered there. Josslyn says they were just taking a look inside. That warden lady was just here. Beatrice says, Miss Oberlay? Excellent. Trina says, but she might vote the wrong way, but Beatrice says, there is no wrong way. She wants every woman, every citizen to vote, even people she doesn’t agree with. Josslyn says it’s been a great honor to meet her. She’ll try to follow her example and encourage those around her to stay involved, so they can have the government they want. Beatrice says, the honor is hers. She sees great things in Josslyn’s future. Alice calls to her, and Beatrice says she has to go.

A booth is open, and there’s no one around, and Trina says now’s their chance. They go inside, closing the curtain, and Trina says, let’s do this. Josslyn says, please let this work. They pull the lever, and the curtain opens to the gallery.

Trina says they did it, and Josslyn says, thank God. Lucy asks if they blew out her candle, and picks it up. She says, time? Oh boy, wrong candle. Very wrong. No, no, no. Oh dear. She asks how they’re feeling. Do they feel okay? Josslyn says she doesn’t know. Something strange happened. Trina says, beyond strange. Lucy says she lit the wrong candle. It’s a special candle that doesn’t have normal properties. It has special properties, and has to be handled carefully, which she didn’t. Sometimes it allows you to open your inner eye, and see things that… aren’t usual. Josslyn asks if she means things that aren’t there, and Lucy says, it’s possible. She takes the box, and says she’s just going to go carry on. Josslyn asks Trina if they had a weird psychedelic trip because Lucy lit a weird candle. Trina says, it makes more sense than time travel. Time travel isn’t real… right? Josslyn says, totally, and Trina says she thinks the election just got in their heads, and they went back to the first election where women could vote. Josslyn says, whatever it was, it was awesome, and Trina says they’re going to slay their history project. Josslyn says, first, they have something more important to do. Vote.

Terry and Elizabeth see Britt outside the polling place, and Elizabeth says, don’t worry. They took an early lunch, and got in and out. She hopes Britt doesn’t experience any delays herself, and Terry says, it’s picking up again. Bobbie and Carly get there in time to see Josslyn and Trina come out. Everyone applauds, and they bow. Trina sees Ava, and asks if she voted. Ava says, of course (🍷). Did Trina really think she wouldn’t? Trina says, no. She knows what kind of woman Ava is. Carly asks Josslyn how it felt voting for the first time, and Josslyn says, very gratifying, empowering, and humbling. Carly says, nice, and Josslyn says she thought about Beatrice, and her, and grandma, and how all the women had done so much for their generation. She wasn’t about to let them down. Carly says Josslyn is so grown up. But she still has a curfew. Bobbie tells her, congratulations. She’s just done something women in their family have been doing for 100 years. Josslyn says, 103 years. Women in New York state have been voting since 1917. Carly says she got a lot out of the research paper, and Josslyn smiles at Trina. She says, you have no idea.

We see the gallery displays, and hear the women from the past talking. Lucy comes in and stops at a group photo of the suffragists, and does a doubletake. She keeps moving, and we see Josslyn and Trina in the photo. We hear Josslyn say she understands now. It’s not just a right. It’s a privilege, and the least, and most, we can do as citizens.

I gotta say, I loved this. When it started, I thought it might be boring, but I was surprised at how good it was. And it spurred me to vote early. I also wondered, was that a left over candle from the Superstition arc in Port Charles? A friend noticed it also said Barrington on the box.

Tomorrow, Sonny wants to know why Ryan is reaching out to Ava, TJ says he needs Jordan’s help with police business, and Portia asks why Cyrus doesn’t just fire her for insubordination.

Below Deck

This was tough because it was a new crew, and two of the guys looked the same. One also wasn’t on any online cast list. You’ll see why later.

Eddie is back as bosun, but he’s the only familiar face. Besides Captain Lee. And the boat. My Seanna is back. Chef Rachel said she was laser focused on her work, but out of the galley, she’s not quiet. New chief stew Francesca said she thrives on attention to detail, but sometimes thinks they don’t pay her enough for this crap. Deckhand James is an admitted player; deckhand Avery a Jack of all trades, who’d done just about every job on a boat, including interior and driving it; and deckhand Shane is from SoCal and a surfer. He said when people meet him, they expect a stoner, but they’re wrong. He’s an environmentalist, who believes the body is a temple, and the earth is our temple as people. As for the interior, stew Elizabeth likes to get in touch with her mystical side using meditation, yoga, and crystals; stew Izzy (Isabel) said she was the walking definition of too much information, and no topic was taboo for her.

Antigua. February 11, 2020. Eddie tells us that he’s been in Baltimore, where he runs a harbor tug, and docks massive ships. He’s getting away for the winter, and going back to yachting. He gets to the My Seanna, and hunts for Captain Lee, but the boat seems empty. He thinks something must be wrong, and calls the captain. Captain Lee says he’s at the hospital. He’s embarrassed to say it, but he fell in the shower and busted some ribs. He might need surgery, and the season might be over before it starts for him. He tells Eddie to get familiar with the boat. The first charter starts tomorrow at noon. In Eddie’s interview, he says Captain Lee has been his mentor since the day they met, and it’s terrifying for him. If the captain doesn’t show up, the charter won’t be happening, so it’s very concerning

Francesca arrives next, and checks the boat out. She meets Eddie, and in her interview, says she takes her job too seriously sometimes. She wants to think like a guest. Attention to detail is everything, and she likes everything meticulously placed. Eddie explains that Captain Lee is at the hospital. Avery is next, then Elizabeth, and James. As Eddie goes about his duties, he says, come back and work on the yacht, Eddie. It will be fun, they said. He thinks he feels an aneurysm coming on. In James’s interview, he says he wouldn’t kick Francesca out of bed. Alrighty then, but is he detail oriented? Shane thinks the boat is gnarly, and in Avery’s interview, he says he was on a rocky road in a dark place, and found yachting by accident.

Francesca and Eddie meet with their respective teams. Eddie tells the deckhands, they have to unf*** stuff today. In his interview, he says he’s trying to stay composed and professional, but deep down, he’s panicking. The first charter is less than 24 hours away, and there’s a lot on the line.

In her interview, Izzy says she’s been around boats her whole life. She was too cheap to pay for a holiday, so she started working on boats. As long as she’s working, and living life to the fullest, she’s up for a challenge. Shane intrudes on the interior meeting, and Francesca wonders why he’s there before he wanders off again. In Shane’s interview, he says he’s new to yachting, and has less than a year under his belt. He’s been on boats his whole life, but never vessels over 150 feet. Eddie hunts for Shane, and tells him that they’re bunking together. Shane says he’s from a white glove world, and Eddie says if he doesn’t know what to do, ask. His only problem is if someone says they know how to do something, and they don’t. In his interview, Eddie says he thinks he’s going to be screwed with this one. He tells Shane, just absorb.

Francesca tells the stews to get the cabins guest ready, and familiarize themselves with where things are. In Francesca’s interview, she says she tries to find balance between being patient, and being a hard-on. That’s how she rolls. Elizabeth says she’s used to working with militant chief stews, and thinks Francesca has pure intentions, In Eddie’s interview, he says Avery seems knowledgeable and organized. With a new crew and the captain injured, he’s got a lot to do to get ready, and needs someone he can depend on. Elizabeth struggles with making beds, and Izzy gets hit in the face with bidet water. James asks about the girls on the boat. In his interview, he says he doesn’t think yachting is much of a career, He just wants to get some sun, party, and flirt.

Chef Rachel arrives, and says she had her purse stolen. She was in a store, and left her purse in the cart (you all know not to do that, right?), and it was stolen. It was upsetting and overwhelming, and she’s not in the state she should be in mentally, and it sucks. The deckhands wash down and clean up. Francesca asks Elizabeth to do laundry detail. In Rachel’s interview, she says, normally, she’d reorganize the galley, but she needs to hit the ground running, suck it up, and get it done with a smile. Provisions come in, and Eddie tries calling Captain Lee again.

Captain Lee finally makes it to the boat, and everyone is like, yay! He tells Eddie, no hugs. In his interview, the captain says his ribs are killing him, but only when he moves and breathes. Other than that, it’s fine. He’s glad he didn’t damage any vital organs, but feels like he’s been wrapped up in a bedsheet and beaten with a bat. Suck it up, creampuff. He radios for everyone to come to the Sky Lounge. He apologizes for leaving them high and dry, but it couldn’t be helped; it’s under control now. He introduces Mario and Zack, the engineers, and first officer John. He gives the crew his rules – don’t embarrass the boat or themselves. In his interview, he says he doesn’t want a repeat of last season. No physical intimidation. We flash back to drunk Ashton. He says, they got away with it last year. If they don’t respect each other this season, they’re gone. We flash back to the captain slamming the door after he tells Kate and Ashton not to be slamming doors. He tells the crew, if anyone thinks he won’t fire someone mid-charter, they don’t know him. In Izzy’s interview, he says he’s like a sweet grandpa who will spank you if you do something wrong. Captain Lee says a quick way to get a one-way ticket is to be without a radio.

The captain meets with Francesca, and tells her that he doesn’t like to micromanage. He asks her to go to whoever is having the issue first, and try to resolve it. If she can’t, bring him a straight, unbiased version. He tells her, laundry is his pet peeve. There’s the bar, and his bar, which is way the f*** up there. In his interview, he says he’s had the same chief stew for the last six years, and we flash back to Kate. He says, it  takes a long time to develop the level of trust he and Kate shared. Francesca has huge shoes to fill. Francesca tells him that she wants the guests to have one-of-a-kind, unique experiences. In the captain’s interview, he says Francesca seems competent, and seems to know her stuff, but she has a lot on her plate. He explains how he wants the crease in the front of his pants, not on the side, and in his interview, he says Francesca doesn’t know what a d*ck he can be. Francesca gives Elizabeth the skinny on the captain’s pants.

It’s time for the first preference sheet meeting, and the captain radios Eddie, Francesca, and Rachel. He tells them he’s had Charley on board before. He’s a fun guy, with a propensity for living on the edge. We flash back to Charley being kind of an a-hole. Charley is bringing his boyfriend Carlos, and a couple of friends. The captain says the menu will include vegan and keto, and they want an international themed dinner the first night. In Rachel’s interview, she says when she’s not doing yachting, she’s a private Ayurvedic chef. She studied in India for three years. She’s got this. Captain Lee says they want a neon carnival themed party on the second day, which is also guest Lexy’s birthday. He says, Charley knows what to expect. Never let him see you sweat. In his interview, Captain Lee says, Charley is a handful. He demands a lot, and doesn’t mind paying for it, but to get to the pot at the end of the rainbow, you’ve got to create the rainbow. The crew calls it a night.

Shane says he likes to meditate when he wakes up. It sets the precedent for the entire day. Izzy is tasked with the captain’s breakfast, but Francesca thinks a snail could make breakfast faster, and it doesn’t even have hands. She doesn’t think it does anyway. Eddie tells the captain, Avery is solid, but Shane has green growing pains. The captain says he was doing good until he rolled over. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, last season, he had no bosun he could count on and depend on . We flash back to several inferior bosuns, and the captain says, when you have a new crew, you’ve got to have a stabilizing factor. Eddie brings that to the table. Elizabeth radios James to come and get a bag of garbage. He comes down wearing shorter than short shorts. In Elizabeth’s interview, she says she hopes this is the first yacht she doesn’t fall in love on. It’s a half hour to charter, and Avery says, it’s a never ending battle to clean things that will never be clean. Eddie tells them, it’s showtime.

Charley and friends arrive, and the captain welcomes them. He tells them Francesca will give them the grand tour, and they’ll get started. Charley says, it’s good to be home. He points out a bathroom where one of his friends may have passed out, and tells his party, don’t do that. The luggage is brought on board, and the railings come in. A guest flirts with James. Apparently, she and Elizabeth are seeing something I don’t. In his interview, Eddie says, docking and undocking are a spectator sport. People love to watch. All  the lines are clear, and they head out. The guests want espresso martinis, and Izzy begs the espresso machine to work. Francesca wonders how long it takes to make espressos, and says, Izzy is so slow. They have two machines; use them both. She brings up some vegan delights appetizers to the guests, and in her interview, says, being chief stew is all about problem solving. She helps make espresso shots for the martinis. Carlos loves it, so all is well.

Francesca asks Elizabeth to unpack the master, and shows Izzy how to make the martini. She just needs it to happen. Looking at all the stuff Charley brought, Elizabeth says it’s a lot of sh*t for three days. Anchor is dropped at Morris Bay. Charley tells his guests, until the crew figures out what’s going on, what do they need? He takes orders for an espresso martini, an Aperol spritz, and sunscreen. He gets behind bar, and tells Izzy that he’s helping out. Izzy is like, no, and he tells her to get the sunscreen, and he’ll make the drinks. Izzy tells Francesca, the primary senses everyone is overwhelmed, and is making drinks. Francesca says they need to step up their game. In Izzy’s interview, she says she’s questioning her decision to work there. Why did she do this to herself? Francesca tells Charley that she’ll take care of it; it’s her domain. Carlos says, the crew needs to step it up. In Francesca’s interview, she says they’re supposed to be 7 star service. Charley tells her, call today a learning curve, and call tomorrow, get it right. He understands for 24 hours.

Eddie wants to sit and cry. Francesca asks Elizabeth to take over bartending. In her interview, Francesca says Elizabeth is adapting, and doing what she’s told. Thank God, since Izzy isn’t happening. Francesca says she comes from a large yacht, and had stews with experience. With the guests full-on, she needs stews who know what they’re doing. She confers with Rachel about dinner. The captain asks Izzy how it’s going, and she says she’s a little overwhelmed. In his interview, he says that’s not what he wants to hear. James checks out guest Lexy, and says he likes older chicks, and the birthday girl is hot. In Rachel’s interview, she says, food is multi-dimensional. There’s the visual, the scent, the texture, and the taste. She loves it. It’s like a fun puzzle she puts together. She apologizes for being a nerd.

Shane replaces the plastic bar straws with paper ones that have a nautical theme. He says he always brings his own straws. We have one planet, and if we destroy the earth where will humans go? The moon? Charley loves the table setting, and Francesca starts to bring out the food. The guests think it looks incredible. Rachel brings up a dish, and the deckhands put the jet skis in the water. There’s silence while the guests eat, and Charley says them being quiet is a good sign. He loves the avocado reduction, and declares it could double as a facial mask. Eddie says he and Avery are two peas in a pod, and killing it. The guests go out on the jet skis, and circle around the boat. Captain Lee asks Francesca if things are smoothing out. She says, as much as they can. Izzy is doing what she can, but she needs training. The captain says, this isn’t where one should be learning, and Francesca says, it just makes things worse. Avery gets a text from his mother that his grandmother is getting worse, and they’re not sure how much time she has. Avery asks what he should do, and his mother says, it’s up to him. He cries.

Some of the guests start pushing each other into the water from the boat, while Charley is still out on the jet ski. The captain says it’s making him nervous; it’s too dangerous. Eddie tells them, too close; there are people in the water. Charley and whoever he’s riding with fall off. Avery asks Captain Lee if he has a second, and tells the captain that he has bad news about his grandma. He has to leave as soon as possible. The captain says he’s sorry to hear it, and Avery says, they thought it was the flu, but he guesses it wasn’t. And you know what we’re all thinking. He says he’s sorry. It’s the last thing he wants to do. Captain Lee says he understands; family first, always. Not a problem. Avery leaves, and the captain is like, ugh, sitting with his head in his hands.   

Eddie says, the guests are an absolute sh*t show. Charley says they failed the jet ski experiment. The captain asks to talk to Eddie, and Francesca brings the guests snacks. Captain Lee tells Eddie, they just lost a guy. Avery’s grandma is dying, and might not make it through the night. Get him packed and out. Eddie says, it’s an f-ing mess. He asks Avery, what’s happening? and Avery says this is the last thing he wants to do, but Eddie says, don’t worry about them. Go and be with his family. In Avery’s interview, he says, he feels bad leaving, but he feels he has to. He thanks Captain Lee, who says he’s so sorry. The captain hugs Avery, and tells him to take care of himself. Stay strong. Eddie says his best deckhand has to leave for a family emergency. They’re a man down, they have thirsty, high maintenance charter guests, and a new crew. The future doesn’t look bright. They’re screwed. In Avery’s interview, he says the last thing he wants to do is leave, but it’s a decision he had to make. He can’t imagine doing anything different. No matter what’s going on, he’s going to make sure his career is successful. He wants to be just like Captain Lee.  

Eddie says, day one.

This season, Captain Lee says, Antigua has a beach for every day of the year – how incredible is that? Hot tub hijinks; sushi on a nakey woman; Captain Lee says, there’s no crying in yachting; caviar isn’t delivered when the guests specifically requested it; Francesca says, Rachel is a time bomb; James wants to get to know Elizabeth; Shane doesn’t answer his radio, and consistently doesn’t wear a shirt, annoying the captain; Francesca calls out Elizabeth; the Corona virus begins; Captain Lee says, the effing world is going to hell in an effing handbasket; Rachel says she’s out; Eddie says he needs help; and the captain says, let the firings begin.

🛥 Meet the New Cast…

Avery not included.

https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck/about

😔 Idol Gone Too Soon…

The best I can say is, at least it wasn’t suicide or covid.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/us/nikki-mckibbin-american-idol-death-trnd/index.html

🌪 Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On…

And it doesn’t just kill people.

https://nypost.com/2020/10/30/how-covid-shook-up-tv-casts-from-9-1-1-lone-star-to-witcher/

🎸 If You’ve Ever Wondered Why…

An explanation of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame snubs.

https://pagesix.com/article/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-snubs/

🎃 2020 Costume Parade…

Celebrity Halloween costumes.

https://www.essence.com/beauty/our-favorite-celebrity-halloween-costume-2020/

More celebrity Halloween costumes.

https://pagesix.com/slideshow/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes/

If you can’t get enough of celebrity Halloween costumes.

https://people.com/celebrity/star-tracks-sunday-november-1-2020/

Kelly and Mark in Halloween costumes.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1204067/why-kelly-ripa-censored-her-and-mark-consuelos-halloween-photos

And Heidi’s Halloween effort for this miserable year.

https://www.today.com/popculture/heidi-klum-debuts-sinister-short-film-about-halloween-2020-t196830

📇 Another Monday Shredded…

It’s officially election day for the Big Kahuna, so if you haven’t done it yet, get out there and vote. Just don’t touch anything while you’re there. And don’t forget to stay safe, stay peaceful, and stay knowing it’s not a right, it’s a privilege.