Tag Archives: Bravo

September 25, 2020 – On the Pennsylvania Side Of the River, MLB Preempt, Missing Link, Stars Dance, 9 Years Ago, Stolen and Found, a Return, More Emmy, NYC Explains Or Not, Possible Wife, Real Deal, One More Than a Dozen Quotes & Another Part of PA

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Alexis and Valentin arrive at Neil’s memorial, and Alexis says she appreciates Valentin bringing her, but she’ll get a car back. He says he drove her there himself, and he’ll drive her home. She wonders when he got so chivalrous, and he says he’s leveling the playing field. She was good to him when he needed it. They go inside, and she sees a photo of Neil.

On her phone at the hospital, Sasha says she needs to make a purchase. The usual. She asks them to meet her at GH, and text when they’re outside. Chase startles her.

Brook gets that it’s a shock to find out Olivia is in Monte Carlo, and Ned says, in the honeymoon suit at a glamorous hotel, with ex-spy Robert Scorpio. She says he sounds insecure and jealous. She thought he and Olivia were solid. Did something happen? He says, ELQ happened. Olivia hasn’t been happy since he took over the company, then Robert was able to get her in to see Dante. She might have had a hard time leaving him. It’s not her fault; they’ll work it out. He just wants her home safe and sound. The same goes for Brook. Can he convince her to come home? She says she doesn’t think it’s a good idea for either of them right now, but she’ll do what she said. She’ll let him know where she lands. He thanks her for trying to make him feel better about Olivia. Brook says, don’t tell Olivia that she said so, but Olivia is smart. She wouldn’t blow things up like that. He tells her, call him if she needs anything at all. She says, okay, and he says, maybe there’s hope for them yet. She says, maybe.

On a private plane with Robert and Ethan, Olivia says, well, it’s official. Her phone is nowhere to be found. She left it in Monte Carlo. Ethan says there’s no Wi-Fi anyway; it’s intentional. Robert says, the Bureau likes to get a head start on spinning the story. The casino bust is a way for them to control the narrative. Ethan says his mother is dead, buried in a shallow grave. How are they going to control the narrative for that? Olivia says she’s so sorry. Holly probably would have been saved if not for her.

Josslyn and Cameron are at the Bistro. Which, by the way, suddenly has an identifying name. I’ve been calling it the café for years now. Cameron says they just saw each other. Why did she text him to meet her? She says she’s fine. She didn’t feel like being at home. Cameron asks, why not? and she says, Mike just died and her mom is acting upbeat about homecoming. Josslyn knows it’s for her sake, but figured if she wasn’t around, they could be honest about how they’re feeling. Cameron totally gets it. It’s strange at his house too. There’s tension, and his parents are pretending there isn’t.

Scotty tells Franco and Elizabeth that he met with Ava and Nikolas. Elizabeth asks, what happened? and Scotty takes out the phone, pointing to the pictures. He says he showed them boom… boom. Franco says the photos have remarkable composition, but he doesn’t like to look at a picture of Elizabeth with that other dude. Elizabeth says she doesn’t like to see him and Ava either. Scotty says, the make-out sessions were their idea. He thought it was hairbrained at first. However, the two of them are masterminds, and it worked out great. They’ve got Ava and Nikolas right where they want them – scared, and ready to pay. They all smile at each other.

Robert asks what Olivia is talking about, and she says Holly would be alive, but they didn’t get there in time. Robert took her to Geneva first, and it was a waste of time to try and see Dante. Ethan asks if the call didn’t come after Holly’s memorial, and Robert says he didn’t want to go to the memorial. He only went because Olivia badgered him into it. If she hadn’t, he would have been in Port Charles when Holly called. He would have had no time to get to Monte Carlo. Ethan says, and Winston would have covered his track. They wouldn’t have gotten answers, but because of Olivia, they did. Robert says, he can only speak for himself, but he’s sure Ethan feels the same. He’s more than grateful.

Chase apologizes, saying he didn’t realize Sasha was on the phone. She says, no problem; what’s up? He asks if she’s heard about Nelle. She asks if Nelle was captured, but Chase says her body was recovered. She’s dead. Sasha asks, how? and he says, her body was found on the Pennsylvania side of the river (🍷 – a new drinking game phrase for today). She asks if he’s sure, and he says the body was positively ID’d, but he’s there to get more details. She asks if Michael knows, and how he’s taking it. She guesses he must be relieved, for himself and Wiley. She’s sorry she feels this way, but she’s thankful they’re free from Nelle’s constant torment. Wiley is truly safe. She clutches her stomach a little, and he asks if she’s okay. She says she’s fine. It’s the finality of everything. It’s finally over, and it’s too late.

Scotty says they should have seen the look on Nikolas’s face when Nikolas saw it was him; like he’d seen a ghost. To be honest, Ava felt like he’d betrayed her. Franco says, if anything, she betrayed Scotty, since he’s Scotty’s son. Where’s Ava’s loyalty to Franco, and respect for his marriage? Elizabeth says Ava and Nikolas are both just as bad, using them as pawns in their chess game. All Nikolas cares about is the infidelity clause and post-nuptial agreement.

Cameron tells Josslyn, he walked in on a conversation where his parents were discussing the bills, and they froze up. They always change the subject. How interested in his soccer practice can they be? Josslyn says she knows what he means; it’s awful the way they find a way to cover, and make like everything is all right. He says he knows his parents took out a loan when the pipe burst. Britt Westbourne is Chief of Staff, and she hates his mom, so Britt cut her hours back. Franco thinks he’s going to be fired. For no reason. She says, like Monica and Bobbie were fired. Michael thinks they should sue. He doesn’t think that’s an option for his mom or Franco. He’s looking for after school jobs. He has to help out with the expenses.

Valentin asks if Neil had any immediate family, and Alexis says, he had a brother in New Jersey. She sees a man sitting down, and says, that must be him. Valentin says, why doesn’t she pay her respects? She goes over to the man, and asks if he’s Neil’s brother. He says he’s proud to say he is. She says she’s terribly sorry for his loss, and he thanks her. He asks if she worked with his brother. Valentin introduces himself, and Alexis does the same. She says, she and Neil… and Brendan (we find out his name in the course of conversation) says he knows who she is.

Alexis says, of course (🍷). He was probably told about the circumstances of Neil’s death. He says he was, and Neil used to talk about her. That surprised him, since Neil never mentioned his personal life. He didn’t have much of one. He dated, but never seriously. He kept saying he had finally met his match. Alexis says they had a special connection. He says, Neil was a wonderful, caring person, who spent his entire life helping others. She says she was extraordinarily lucky to know him. He says, she was, and he wishes to God Neil had never met her.

Olivia tells Robert, it’s ironic. She always loved spy movies. They were so glamourous and exciting. But when you really see what goes on, it’s not that glamorous anymore, is it? She starts to cry, and says, sorry. She gets up and goes (presumably) to the bathroom. Ethan asks what the story is between them, and Robert stammers a little. He says, him and Olivia? Ethan says, no, the other bombshell on the plane. Robert says, a couple of years back, he was a fugitive, and he… well, she… she’s married. Ethan says it never stopped Robert before, and Robert calls him Mr. Leap Before You Look. Ethan says, life is short. You’ve got to cut loose. Why wait in line? You should take all the chances you can, and a few more. Play the cards your dealt, and bluff if you have to. At least you know you lived. Robert says, for a moment, Ethan reminded him of Holly.

Chase tells Sasha, it’s not too late. They got exactly what they wanted. Not for Nelle to die necessarily, but be out of Wiley’s life. Michael and Willow don’t have to be married anymore. She asks, what if they don’t want to divorce? and he asks if she’s talking about the kiss. It’s natural that it would happen. They both love Wiley, but that doesn’t mean they have feelings for one another. One kiss doesn’t make a romance. She says neither one of them would take a kiss casually; that’s not who they are. As much as they’re hurt, she and Chase have to accept the truth. The kiss was a turning point.   

Josslyn asks what kind of job Cameron is going to get that doesn’t interfere with school, homework, and soccer. He says all he knows is, he has to do something. They might be able to fool Jake and Aiden, but they can’t fool him. He sees how stressed they are about being able to afford college for him. She asks, what about a scholarship? and he says, soccer scholarships are mostly partial – if he gets one at all. Josslyn thinks he should get tons of offers, since he’s all-around amazing.

Elizabeth says, no party over what Ava and Nikolas did, especially Nikolas. She got her friend back, and watched him sinking lower and lower. Scotty says, he’s a Cassadine, but she says, he’s better than this. Now look at them, stooping to blackmail. Scotty says, they asked for it. Franco says, think about it. It could be the thing that keeps them afloat. Scotty says, it was a drop in the bucket. Nikolas and Ava were lowballing them. The reality is, they could probably get enough to pay off their mortgage, put Cameron through college, and have a cushion. Elizabeth asks Scotty what he’s done.

Cameron says Josslyn always knows how to make him feel better. She says, same. They’ve been through a lot together. He says, true that, and she says she hated house arrest. She was so lost without him and Trina; she felt left out. He says he missed her too. She says she knows he and Trina got closer during that time, with the whole kiss that happened. The important thing is, they got through it. It’s cool how they’re going to homecoming as a group. None of that date pressure. Everything’s back to normal, which is great, right? He says, yeah, totally.

Chase asks Sasha if she doesn’t see it. Everything has changed. Nelle is dead, and they’re free to tell the truth. She says, then what? Michael and Willow will realize she and Chase lied because they love them, and thank them for manipulating them for their own good? Now it’s over, and they can just pick up where they left off? He says he knows it sounds crazy, and she says, because it is. Stop living in a fantasy world. He says she’s acting like she wants Michael and Willow to hate them, and she says she didn’t mean to come at him. She’s not sleeping well. Launching Deception is a 24/7 job. He says, no doubt. He doesn’t think that’s all that’s going on.

Scotty says, when he saw the desperation on their faces, he knew Nikolas and Ava would pay, so he asked for $125K. Franco says, they agreed on $50K, and Scotty says, that’s not what he meant. He asked for $125K from each of them. Franco says, $250,000? What’s wrong with him? Elizabeth says, it’s a quarter of a million dollars; that’s extortion. Scotty says, what’s done is done. You don’t go back after a shakedown, and say, oops, I changed my mind. Even if they negotiate, they’ll come out ahead. Franco says there’s so much they could do. He and Scotty shake hands, and Franco says he’s got to hand it to Scotty. Bummer Elizabeth says she can’t believe what she’s hearing. It’s got to stop right now.

Robert says, Holly didn’t raise Ethan, but he’s just like her. Ethan says, coming from Robert, that’s a high compliment. Robert says he appreciated Ethan’s help at the casino. He doesn’t think he could have taken Winston down without him. Ethan says, actually, Olivia took him down, clobbering him with the Uzi. They laugh, and Robert says Ethan played a big part. Ethan says he wanted answers, and owed Robert one. Robert dropped everything to help them, leaving Port Charles and Anna behind to get them out of a jam. Robert says he got something out of it too; he reconnected to Holly. Too bad they couldn’t make it last, but they had a great time. Ethan says he didn’t hang around much after that because of his guilt. Robert says, about what? and Ethan says, about letting Robert think he was Robert’s son.

Valentin says he realizes the difficult circumstances, but Brendan’s words are uncalled for. Brendan doesn’t think so, and Alexis says, let him speak. He obviously has something say. Brendan says he wasn’t sure he’d get the opportunity to talk to her. He didn’t know if she’d dare show up. From what he can see, she caused more sorrow than joy. Neil took it hard when they broke up, and he couldn’t pursue her. He was moving on, then he bumped into her at the opera – the one night that ended his career, the one thing that kept him going after his daughter died. His practice helped others, and it drove Neil to despair. She dismantled his life and Neil took what was left, and threw it away on a drug overdose.

Josslyn tells Cameron, she’s seen the Crimson wardrobe vault – it’s the 8th wonder of the world. Cameron must be anointed to be allowed access, Cameron says it was complicated. Nina is all about the fit and the cut, and all the accessories; a shirt, the collar, a tie, cufflinks. She asks if he found anything he liked. She thinks it will pay off. He says he plans on looking smoking hot, and she says she bets he will.

Scotty says Elizabeth wants to torpedo their plan. Ava and Nikolas are the ones acting like bad guys, and messing with his family. He takes family seriously, and thought she would too. Franco says he thought what her friend did was unacceptable. He wants them to feel what’s it’s like to be used and tricked. Scotty says, if not, they can feel it in their wallets. Elizabeth says, blackmail is a crime, and she wants no part of it. Franco shouldn’t either. Scotty asks if she thinks they’re going to the cops. Franco says, come on. Technically, it’s not blackmail until money exchanges hands. They don’t know if Ava and Nikolas are going to pay at all, so maybe wait see what happens. She says, okay. When are they meeting with Scotty? Scotty says he gave them 24 hours. They’ll never know Franco and Elizabeth had anything to do with this; it’s all on him. Franco says he appreciates everything Scotty had done for them, and says, Elizabeth? She says she knows Scotty’s heart is in the right place, and she appreciates that he’s overprotective of his family, even if they don’t agree on his methods. He says, no one messes with his family. Not on his watch.

Robert says, all the same, what are the odds he and Ethan would be stuck on the same plane? Get it over with. Ethan says Robert thought Robin was dead, and Holly told him Ethan was his son, so Robert would feel obligated to save him. Robert says Ethan’s real father had a big hand it; it’s a convoluted Spencer special. Holly lied to give him hope, but without Holly and hope, he doesn’t know if he would have survived. She was almost always right. Ethan says, and she never let them forget it. Robert says, that’s for damn sure. They drink.

Chase says Sasha is trying to hide her feelings, but he can tell she’s struggling. She’s trying to convince him, but giving up Michael is too painful to admit. She says she wishes she could, and he says, she buried herself in her work, so she doesn’t have to face what’s going on. She says she never expected life to turn into this, and he says the two of them are in it together. He’s here for her anytime she wants to call, and she knows he’ll understand. She thanks him for being a good friend. Brook appears, and says, hey, roomie. Sasha says she’s on her way out, but Brook tells her, don’t jump to conclusions. She’s just crashing at Chase’s place. He’s being a sweetheart, but nothing is going on. Sasha says, nothing is going on with her and Chase either. Chase says there’s something Brook should know; Nelle is dead. Her body was recovered on the Pennsylvania side of the river (🍷). He’s going to the morgue to follow up. Brook says she should be sorry for the loss of any human life, but all she feels is relief. Chase says, him too, and he moves along. Brook says, wow. Nelle is dead. (I expect her to say, and her body was recovered on the Pennsylvania side of the river, but she doesn’t.) Sasha asks if she’s okay, and Brook says she’s just processing. Sasha doesn’t blame her, and says Brook has been through a lot. Brook says she’s on the mend, and stronger every day. Sasha says she’s glad to hear it. They need her voice for Deception. When is she recording a new song?

Valentin says, Neil was a grown man; he made his own decisions. What happened was tragic, but don’t put it on Alexis. Alexis says Brendan has a right to feel the way he does, and Brendan says, the memorial is a celebration of Neil’s life. She stripped him of everything worth living for. He doesn’t want the memorial tainted with her presence, and tells her that she’s not welcome. Alexis runs out crying. Well, he’s not making a very good first impression.

Chase orders some food to go at The Floating Rib. Valentin and Alexis walk in, and Valentin suggests she get something to eat. She says she doesn’t have much of an appetite, and he says, Neil’s brother was out of line. He’s grieving, and needs someone to take it out on. He chose her. She says Branden used words that she can’t unhear, and watches as a drink is poured.

On the phone, Josslyn says she’s glad Carly called, instead of waiting until she got home. She’s with Cameron, but she’ll see Carly soon. She loves her. Cameron says he heard her say Nelle was dead. Is she really gone? Josslyn says her mom told her they found the body on the Pennsylvania side of the river. (🍷) He asks, what happened? and she says, it’s too early to say exactly how Nelle died. He says, after everything that happened, it’s really over. Nelle is gone.  

Alexis tells Valentin, she can’t be angry with Neil’s brother. He didn’t know how their relationship was. Ned comes in, and orders a double scotch, neat, at the bar. Chase asks if he’s okay, and he says, just great, throwing back his drink. He doesn’t know whether to be annoyed with Chase or grateful that he’s letting Brook stay. If he hadn’t, it might be easier to convince her to come home.  Chase says he tried to give her options. At their table, Valentin says, Brendan is furious that Neil threw his life away, and is looking for someone to blame. She’s an easy target. Ned tells Chase, women like to have options, loud enough for Valentin to hear, and looks pointedly at Valentin.

Ethan says, all the stories he heard of their adventures together; Holly loved Robert, in her way. Robert says he loved Holly. That’s all he wants to say about it. He’s sorry she wasn’t a conventional mother. Ethan says conventions are overrated. They were perfect partners in crime. They could go a month not seeing each other, then she’d then send up a flare, and he’d come on the run. The cons were just an excuse. She really wanted to spend time together. Robert said she knew she could trust him, and Ethan says he doesn’t know how to get over it, but it helps knowing there’s someone else out there who remembers her too. Olivia comes back, and says, sorry for making a scene. How did the two of them manage without her? Robert says they buried a few hatchets, and Olivia asks when they’re landing. Robert tells her, he’ll check with the pilot, and goes up front. Olivia tells Ethan, when they get there, she’s putting him up at the MetroCourt; no argument. He says he appreciates it, but as soon as they touch down, he has a date in Antigua. She asks, what it would hurt to stick around Port Charles?

Sasha says she has to go, but she wants to see Brook in the recording studio asap. Geez, Brook practically just got off the operating table for an injury to her vocal chords. I know Sasha is high, but come on. Brook says she’s going to have to extend that timeline, and Sasha says Deception gained momentum from the Nurses Ball telethon. Brook says, her doctors haven’t cleared her for singing, and Sasha says, sorry. She’s just excited. She’s a partner, and brand ambassador. The projections are through the roof. It’s going to be a huge success, and she wants Brook to be a part of that. Brook says she does too. She’d love to be involved in the business aspect. Sasha says she didn’t think Brook was interested in that, but Brook says, sure she would. She’s always wanted to be part of a winning team. Sasha says Brook doesn’t have to prove her worth. They just want her voice; it’s more than enough.

Franco tells Elizabeth, it’s just a threat. They’ll destroy the picture, whether or not they pay. She says, okay, but he says she’s still angry. She thinks they deserved a scare. Marriage means nothing to them, and everything to her. She doesn’t take what they tried to do lightly. Franco says, they were just trying; no real damage was done. She says, right, and he says, checking in. Around the time of the party, things were rocky. Elizabeth says, she’s glad she overheard Ava and Nina talking about Ava’s post-nup and wanting Nikolas to cheat. She finally understood what was going on. Franco says they feel solid. Does she think they’re better than ever? Elizabeth says, yeah. They never lost faith in each other. It doesn’t matter what happens with Ava and Nikolas. Clearly, they’re the winners. They hug.

Cameron asks if Josslyn is okay. How does she feel about things, honestly? She says, conflicted. She can’t tell him how much she’d wished Nelle would disappear and not come back. Nelle deliberately set out to ruin her mom’s life, and manipulated her to go against her mom, and she let Nelle do it. She should hate Nelle, but despite all she did, she’s the reason Wiley exists, and she can’t regret Wiley. So being glad Nelle is dead is harsh, but she’s relieved that Nelle will never hurt them again. Does that make her a horrible person? He says, no, but it does add another thing to deal with. Josslyn says she should get going. She needs to start getting ready for homecoming if she’s going to keep up with him. Cameron says she always looks beautiful, and Josslyn says she should probably go.

Brook tells Sasha, she has a follow-up appointment with her surgeon, and Sasha says, her too. She means an appointment. She tells Brook, hurry up and get well. She can’t wait work with Brook. Sasha leaves, and Brook says she has to figure out how to be the voice of Deception without a voice.

Chase tells Ned that he doesn’t think Brook would be this angry if she didn’t love him. At the table, Valentin tells Alexis, she wants to blame herself, but she’s not the reason Neil did drugs. Chase tells Ned, Brook couldn’t be indifferent if she wanted to, and Ned thanks him for trying. He walks over to the table, and asks if he can have a word with Valentin. Valentin says he’s a little busy, and Alexis says she’d consider it a favor. Valentin says, okay, as a favor. He and Ned go outside, and Alexis joneses after the alcoholic drinks.

Ethan says, Port Charles hasn’t been his home in years, but Olivia says, Robert is there, and they’re both grieving Holly. They can help each other. Robert says they don’t have to be in the same city. If Ethan is in a tight spot, he’ll be there, like his mother would have. Ethan says, it goes both ways, and Olivia asks if he’s absolutely sure. Ethan says he has a score to settle, and Olivia hopes when he’s ready to settle down, Port Charles is the first place he thinks of. He says he’ll keep it in mind.

Valentin tells Ned, if he wants to talk about ELQ, call his office. Ned calls him a smug bastard, saying Valentin preyed on his daughter when she was vulnerable. He’s not letting Valentin do the same to Alexis. Valentin says Ned is drunk, and starts to walk away, but Ned grabs him and punches him.

Alexis orders a double vodka.

On… whatever day it’s on next (see below), Portia tells Curtis that he shouldn’t be asking questions, Robert asks Peter if he was missed, and Olivia tells Lulu about seeing Dante.

⚾️ What the What…?

For baseball? Really?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-preempted-for-three-days

📺 In Case You Missed It…

I have no idea what this is about, but apparently some people missed the September 23rd episode of GH. If this is you, here you go.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/watch-september-23-episode-general-hospital-in-full

🧼 Better Than a Foam Party…

Former soap stars cut the rug.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-alums-on-dancing-with-the-stars-week-two-recap

🌠 Rubbing It In…

We come together to mourn the passing of a soap kids once scheduled their college classes around.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/all-my-children/all-my-children-final-episode-anniversary

💍 I See a Ring In Someone’s Future…

This was one of the few parts in RHOBH Secrets Revealed that I thought was worth watching. And Sutton’s birthday party. I could watch that all day.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/24/kyle-richards-saw-stolen-ring-on-photo-of-psychics-hand/

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/25/tiktok-user-says-woman-wearing-kyle-richards-stolen-ring-is-her-grandma/

👨🏼‍🌾 The Simple Life…

I liked this show, and liked the idea of a family living off the media grid, social and otherwise. It looks like the kids will be branching out some this season. You can take a trip to Plathville on November 10th.

https://people.com/tv/tlc-welcome-to-plathville-returning-for-season-2/

📝 Because I Like a List…

Another take on Emmy’s best and worst moments.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/emmys-awards-2020-best-and-worst-moments/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

🗽 Reunion Rehash…

Tinsley and Dorinda explained.

https://www.thelist.com/247833/the-truth-about-tinsley-mortimer-and-dorinda-medleys-relationship/

Dorinda makes excuses explains.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1191191/heres-how-dorinda-medley-explains-her-rhony-finale-blow-up-over-tinsley-mortimer

Dorinda makes excuses admits a wrong move.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-dorinda-medley-admits-she-shouldve-taken-this-season-off/

Tinsley makes excuses for being really weird explains.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/18/tinsley-mortimer-explains-why-she-made-out-with-sister-dabney-mercer/

Tinsley really does explain.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-reunion-tinsley-mortimer-explains-fallout-with-dorinda-medley/

🧩 Another Puzzle Piece…

So Kathy wants on the show. Another reason Kyle might have to claim Brandi never lies. I’m telling you, that was a set-up.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/17/kathy-hilton-reportedly-in-talks-to-join-rhobh/

🥋 Just In Case You Were Wondering…

Wax off this.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-real-martial-arts-behind-cobra-kai-and-the-karate-kid/

🏌️‍♀️ Quotes of the Week

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe. – Albert Einstein  (I question as to whether he really said that, but it’s a good one.)

Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself. – Roy T. Bennett

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

Aggressive is protecting your rights, but hurting others. Assertive is protecting your rights and not hurting others. – Dr. Phil  (Fat blipping chance a huge percentage of the world will ever get that.)

Everything’s funny eventually. Sometimes it takes a while but the day will come when you’re able to laugh about anything. – David Sedaris

Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. – David Ogden Stiers  (Ha-ha! Good thing we have friends.)

People dress up for funerals. Why not dress up to celebrate that you’re alive?Gay Talese

I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to forget the rest. – Venus Williams

Live your vision and demand your success. – Steve Maraboli

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua J. Marine  (Seriously though, I’d like a break from both.)

This one matches our curtains. – Eric helping Larissa choose lingerie, 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. – Dale Carnegie

And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about. – Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

👷🏽‍♀️ You Know the Drill…

It’s that time again. Those two days that may or may not have taken on a whole new meaning for you. As the Dowager Countess said, what’s a weekend? I say it too, but it’s because I never get one. I’ve questioned the validity of the word vacation for quite a while too. Regardless of how you view them, make the next two days different. Listen to music you’ve never heard before, gather some fall leaves to press or the last bloom of the summer. Get outside, and get outside your head. And while you’re at it, stay safe, stay appreciative, and stay away from the Pennsylvania side of the river. I hear they find bodies there.

September 24, 2020 – The News About Nelle Spreads, NYC’s Reunion Ends On a Socially Distant High Note, Leah Gets Her Due, a New Kind Of Chat & Sweet

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Franco tells Elizabeth to hold on as she jets to the elevator. He says, money problems shouldn’t get between them, but she says, money’s not the problem. He says, she’s right. People are the problem, but they found a solution. She says he found a solution. One that could cause more problems, and he knows that. She gets in the elevator and the doors close.

Ava goes to the pier. She looks around and says, all right. She’s here; where are they? She hears someone behind her, and whips around, pointing a gun. It’s Scotty, who tells her, be careful with that heater. She says she’s meeting someone there, and it would be better for her if she’s alone when they got there. He asks if she’s going to plug them, and she says, it’s a very sensitive business transaction. He says he might be of some service, and she says it’s kind of him, but he needs to go. He says he has a transaction for her – $125K for a picture he has of her and Franco making out, before it finds its way to Nikolas.

Nikolas and Martin sit at a table at the MetroCourt. Martin says he was curious when he got Nikolas’s call. How may he be of assistance? Nikolas says, first – he slides an envelope over to Martin – consider that his retainer. Martin says, he would, but if it’s related to Valentin, his hands are tied. Nikolas says, no; there’s no conflict of interest. Martin asks why Nikolas requires his legal expertise, and Nikolas says, for a post-nuptial agreement.

Ned tells Brook, if she’s not coming home he’d like one consideration. She says, forget it, and he says, just one. Then he’ll leave. She says, fine, and he asks her to let him know where she’s staying when she leaves Chase’s place. She says she’ll  send him a change of address card. Ned’s phone rings, and he says, she did what? No. He’ll have his assistant get in touch. Brook asks, what is it? and he says, a motel in Monaco seems to think he and Olivia are there on their honeymoon.

Willow and Michael go into the hospital. Michael tells her they have to find Epiphany. If anyone knows how Cyrus’s new regime is affecting the hospital, it’s her. Elizabeth says she’s sorry hear about Michael’s grandfather passing, and he thanks her for visiting Mike. She says, Mike was a special man. She’s going to miss him. Sasha runs up, and says, Mike died? She almost hugs Michael, but backs up, saying, sorry for his loss.

On his phone, Jason thanks someone for the update. Sonny asks, what is it? and he says, they are their guy at the PCPD confirmed Nelle is dead. They found her body. Sonny says, finally. May she rot in hell.

Sasha tells Michael to give his parents her sympathies about Mike. He says, they’ll appreciate that. Willow asks him to go see if he can find Epiphany; she’ll stay right there. He says, okay. He’ll only be a minute. Sasha tells Willow that she should get going, but Willow asks her to wait.

Ava says Scotty has got to be kidding. He says he’s very serious, and she says, he’s been spying on her? He says, that’s one way to look at it, or look at it like… Yeah, he’s been spying on her. Ava says she knows how it looks, and he says, so does he. He’s got a picture. She says she was in a vulnerable space. Franco seemed supportive, and the kiss just happened. He says he knows. He hears that in divorce court a lot. She tells him, erase his lapse in judgement, and she’ll forgive his.

Nikolas explains to Martin, Ava will get 90% of his assets, with 10% going in trust for his son if he’s unfaithful. If she’s unfaithful, she gets nothing. Martin says, as long as the agreement clearly defines what constitutes infidelity, then the situation is straightforward, but Nikolas says, suppose it isn’t defined? Martin says, then it’s a veritable minefield of complications, any of which could trigger Nikolas into losing his fortune.

Scotty tells Ava, he’s had no lapse in judgment, and she says, what?! They’re supposed to be friends; she relies on him. He ask when was the last time she called him? and she asks when was the last time he called her. He says he tried every night, wanting to go out, have martinis, and have fun, but she got busy with her new husband. She says, now he’s punishing her for marrying Nikolas. He says, he’s not punishing her for being a bad friend, but she didn’t even let him do the post-nup. She says she wanted to. She almost did, but she didn’t want to put him in an awkward situation. So she went with Dingleberry and Dingleberry (okay, I didn’t catch it). He says, those guys are all bozos, but she says, those bozos did a good job. Delete the photo. She says he knows the only reason she married Nikolas was to punish him. Scotty says, and clean him out. She says, eventually, but right now she’s enjoying the glamorous life, using the Cassadine coffers. He says the money he’s trying to get is peanuts; what’s the big deal? She’ll get the Cassadine money, unless the photo hits social media. She says he’s not going do that, and he asks, why? She says, because Franco is his son. Even if he hurts her, she knows he wouldn’t want to hurt Franco. He tells her, says you.

Sonny asks Jason if they’re sure, and Jason says, the body was found on the Pennsylvania side of the river. Their guy is handling the paperwork and arranging transport of the body. Sonny asks if they know how she died, and Jason says, he didn’t want say before the autopsy. He’s sure they’ll know soon. Sonny says, Carly must be relieved. After all this time, and the damage Nelle has done, it’s hard to believe they’ll never have to worry about her again. Jason asks if Carly is sure she’s okay, and Carly says she’s just shocked. It’s over. Sonny says, Nelle stalked Carly and tried to dismantle her life. Now she’s dead. Carly should be jumping up and down.

Sonny says, Carly wanted to tell him and Jason something, then Nelle’s death was confirmed. Now she seems more worried. What’s going on? She says, okay. They need to understand why she didn’t say anything. Mike was dying and she didn’t want anything to interfere with his last few days, least of all, Nelle. Sonny asks if she lied about what happened at the cabin, and she says, no, but there was more. He asks, what’s the rest? Did she kill Nelle?

Ned tells Brook, the hotel thinks Olivia left her stuff behind in their honeymoon suite in Monte Carlo. Olivia’s credit card must have been hacked or stolen. He’ll call the bank and report it. Brook says she wouldn’t, but Ned says, Olivia is in Geneva to meet Dante, not Monte Carlo. It’s crazy. She says, not as crazy as he thinks.

Sasha tells Willow, she’s sorry. It was just force of habit. Willow says she knows; it’s okay. Sasha wanted to comfort and support Michael in his time of grief. Sasha says she has no right, after what she and Chase did, and Willow says she hasn’t forgotten or forgiven. Sasha says she didn’t think Willow had, but Willow says, that’s neither here nor there. The point is, she saw how difficult it was for Sasha. Sasha says, and inappropriate for her to comfort Willow’s husband. Willow says, Sasha is still in love with Michael, isn’t she?

Martin says, the old definition of infidelity was to stray outside the marriage sexually. Nikolas says, and now? Martin says, currently, emotional intimacy is just as sacred as physical intimacy, and Nikolas says, so all he has to do is have sexual or romantic feelings to be considered unfaithful? Martin says, it’s not quite that simple, but if his spouse has proof that he behaved in a manner that compromised either the emotional or physical integrity of their agreement, they might have a cogent argument for infidelity. Nikolas says, but there has to be proof? and Martin says, exactly. In the absence of proof, there’s no accusation that can be sustained. He’d be in the clear.

Ava says, no way is Scotty blowing up Franco’s life and marriage for a few bucks. That’s what would happen if he released the photo. He won’t get any money, but he’ll get an unhappy son. It was a mistake; a slip-up. He says, sure, Elizabeth would be livid, but she’ll blame Ava. She already thinks Ava exploited Franco’s past, and she’s going to protect her territory. Ava says, that’s not the way she sees it; the portrait was an opportunity for Franco. Scotty says, maybe if he posts the photo, Franco will come to his senses. So the options are, post, don’t post. She says she’s not as heartless as he describes. She and Franco had something wonderful once. How does Scotty know she’s not in love with him?

Elizabeth asks if she can do something for Michael, and he says he’d like to talk to Epiphany, but she’s no longer on the schedule. Elizabeth says she’s been moved to administration now, and Michael asks, why? She says, what can she say? Their new Chief of Staff, Britt Westbourne, gets her marching orders from Cyrus. Michael asks what other changes were made, and Elizabeth says her hours were cut. He says, sorry, and she says she’s there for the time being. Is there something she can do for him? He says, Wiley is due for surgery. Given its current state, is GH still the best hospital for him? She says she still loves the place, and the staff and doctors, but as a parent, she understands his concern. Given everything that’s going on, she thinks he should look at other options. He guesses he should do some research, and she says he didn’t hear it from her, but Mercy’s cardiac unit is on the rise. He thanks her.

Scotty tells Ava, she likes to play all her cray 8s, but she says she’s not playing cards. This is her life. He says, okay. Say she’s in love with Franco. He’ll put it out there to the world, and let everybody know. All it takes is one tap. She says he’ll do nothing of the sort, and he says, now there’s his girl. She says he knows what Nikolas did to her. She ended up in an asylum because of him, and now Scotty wants to spoil her revenge? Why? He says she did it for the money, her marriage went to hell, then she went after Franco to scratch a few itches. That’s why she’s going to pay. Ava says they have a rare thing here and now. Most friends disappear or fade away. Knowing the exact time of death, the exact moment a friendship ends is a rarity. He says, well then let him mark the exact time of death. She’s got 24 hours to pay up. Got it?

Nikolas sees Julian at the MetroCourt bar, and asks if he’s spoken to Ava since her trip to Sonny’s cabin. He says, no, and asks if something happened. Nikolas flashes back to him and Ava in the cabin, and says, not that he’s aware of. Julian says, but Nikolas hasn’t heard from her and doesn’t know where she is? Nikolas says, she’s a strong, independent woman, and makes her own schedule. He’s not concerned. Julian says they both know Nikolas doesn’t care, and Nikolas tells Julian, he didn’t say that. Julian says, everybody knows; he approves. Nikolas says he’d rather Ava be in a loveless marriage than with someone who makes her happy? Julian says, their family doesn’t do happiness. He tells Nikolas, he’s got his own problems to deal with, and leaves.

Sasha tells Willow, she’ll always care for Michael, but she’s not acting on it. She heard Mike died, and knowing how much he meant to Michael, it was an impulse. Willow says, a good impulse, but just so Sasha knows, Michael hasn’t had to grieve alone. He’s had his family – both of them – and Wiley. Sasha says, and Willow. Willow says, yes, and Sasha says, good. She’s glad Michael’s had all sorts of people to lean on. He needs that. He needs Willow. She got one thing right, about how much they all need each other.

Carly tells Sonny, no; she didn’t kill Nelle. It’s more complicated than that. Jason tells her to take them through it, step by step. She says she found Michael and Wiley in the cabin. Jax was there, outside, calling the police. That’s when Michael told her that Nelle took off. Jason says, and Carly ran after her, and caught up with her in the clearing. They fought, and Nelle got away. Carly says, Nelle ran, and a few minutes later, she heard Nelle screaming. She followed Nelle’s voice, and ran to the cliff. Nelle was screaming and begging for Carly to help her, but she hesitated; she thought it was some kind of trick. Nelle kept screaming and begging for help. She looked over the edge, and Nelle was dangling. She tried to help. She had Nelle’s hand in her hand, but Nelle slipped. Jason says, it’s not Carly’s fault, and Carly says, maybe not, but if she’d gotten there sooner, she could have done something. The doorbell rings, and Jason answers. It’s Chase, who says he’s there on police business. Can he come in?

Ned tells Brook, what if Olivia got her purse stolen, with her wallet, passport, and phone in it? That would explain why she hasn’t called him back. Brook flashes back to listening to the message Olivia left about staying overseas with Robert for a few mores days. She remembers deleting the message, and saying, let Ned worry about not hearing from her. Ned says, she could be stranded with no ID or passport. He’s going to call Interpol; no, he’s calling the WSB. She tells him, don’t; that didn’t happen. He asks how she knows, and she says she did something impulsive. It was after Dr. Robinson told her that she’d have a long recovery time. Does he remember when he left his phone in her room? There was a voicemail. He insists there wasn’t, and she says that’s because she deleted it. He asks why she did that, and she says she doesn’t know. She guesses she was upset about Olivia running all over Europe with Robert while she was laid up. He asks what she means, running all over Europe? Tell him what his wife said. Brook says, Olivia said she and Robert would be a few days in Monte Carlo. She didn’t leave any details. Ned says he thinks he’ll call the hotel back.

Chase comes into the living room, and says he just explained to Jason that he’s there on police business. Sonny thanks him for bringing Brook to Turning Woods; it meant a lot. (Nice deflection and mood setting.) Chase says he was glad to help, and he’s sorry for their loss. Carly asks what they can do for him, and he says he wanted to tell them in person that Nelle’s body was recovered on the Pennsylvania side of the river. It’s now in the Port Charles morgue. Sonny asks if he’s sure it’s her; was there a positive ID? Jason asks how she died, and Chase says her body was on the riverbank. Apparently, she drowned, but a full autopsy is being conducted. He thought they should know, after what Nelle put their family through. Since Carly was the last person to see Nelle, he was wondering if he could ask a few questions.

Julian meets with Martin, and says he wants to annul his marriage to Nelle, and Martin recommends consulting a lawyer. Julian asks if that’s not what he’s doing, and Martin says he has to get his own lawyer. He can’t handle the case. He’s no longer Nelle’s attorney, but it’s still a conflict of interest. If Julian wants to annul his marriage to the charming Mrs. Benson-Jerome, he’ll have to find another attorney. Perhaps he could hire a new lawyer on Nelle’s behalf, but when he does, do him a favor. Nelle left an important document in his care, and it needs to be transferred to her new representation. Martin’s phone rings, and he says he no longer represents Mrs. Benson-Jerome. He sees. He thanks them for calling. He tells Julian, it would appear his marital woes resolved themselves. Julian asks, how’s that? and Martin says, congratulations. He’s now a widower.

Willow tells Sasha, regardless of what went wrong, they’re four adults, who all want Wiley to be happy. Sasha says, and safe from Nelle. She heard Michael got sole custody, and Willow says, he did, and he’s arranging for her to adopt Wiley. She’ll legally and officially be Wiley’s mom. Sasha says, that’s great. It couldn’t have turned out better. Michael comes back, and asks if everything is okay. Sasha excuses herself, saying she has to go. Again, condolences on his grandfather. She leaves, and Michael asks Willow if that was as uncomfortable as he thinks it was. She says, the whole situation is still a little raw. It probably didn’t help that she told Sasha that he’d asked her to adopt Wiley.

Sonny tells Chase, what happened was terrible, and they’re still reeling over the news. Can he do this some other time? Carly says she gave Valerie her statement at the cabin, but Chase says, now that there’s a body, he has to do follow-up questions. She asks what he needs to know, and he asks her to summarize the events of the evening, starting with going after Nelle. Carly says she caught up to Nelle in the clearing, about a half-mile from the cabin. They fought, Nelle scratched her, she fell, and Nelle took off. Jason says they’ve been up for days with Mike, and asks if Chase can do this later. Chase says he’ll reach out if he has more questions. Sonny says he appreciates it, and Chase says, it’s nice to close the case.

Sasha asks Elizabeth if she has a second. She was hoping for help with a referral. She’s not feeling well; she has insomnia and everything that comes with it. She was wondering if she could get a prescription for something to help her sleep. Elizabeth says Doc is a great psychiatrist, but Sasha says, it’s not a therapy issue. She’s just having trouble sleeping. Elizabeth says she can refer Sasha to a GP, but prescriptions aren’t as easy to come by as they used to be because of people abusing them. Sasha says she can imagine, but all she needs are one or two good night’s sleep. Elizabeth tells her to be careful when she uses them, and Sasha says, don’t worry. She’s always careful about what she puts in her body.

Julian says, Nelle is dead? and Martin says that was the police notifying him. Apparently he’s still Nelle’s counsel of record. Julian asks how it happened, and Martin tells him, being Nelle’s next of kin, the police will supply him with the details. The body is awaiting autopsy. Julian casually says, what about the document Martin mentioned? and Martin guesses the legally responsible way to handle it is how the deceased intended. Julian asks if there’s anything he can do to take it off Martin’s hands, but Martin says, no. He’s afraid everything is on hold until the death certificate has been filed. He excuses himself, telling Julian, his dance card is suddenly quite full.

Nikolas waits for the elevator. He remembers meeting Scotty at the pier. He tells Scotty, people he cares about are going to get hurt, and Scotty says, collateral damage. Nikolas says Franco is his own son, and what about Ava? They’re supposed to be friends. Scotty says, don’t pretend to care. Part of him hopes Nikolas doesn’t pay, and everyone will see exactly who he really is, but in the meantime, he’d really prefer the money. Nikolas gets in the elevator.

At the hospital, Franco asks Elizabeth if she’s ready, and she says, as she’ll ever be. They get in elevator, and meet Scotty in an office. Scotty says, so…? and Franco says he wanted see them.

Ned tells Brook, so it was her. The hotel sent a copy of the room receipt. It’s definitely Olivia’s signature. The housekeeper found Olivia’s phone in the room, and they called him because he’s the emergency contact. Brook is sure Olivia had a reason to be going to Monte Carlo, and he asks where her certainty was when she deleted the message. He apologizes, saying, he doesn’t mean to come down on her. He doesn’t know what Olivia was thinking. He can’t call her, and doesn’t have Robert’s contact information. Brook suggests checking with Anna, and he guesses he can do that. Brook says she doesn’t think Olivia left a message to cover her tracks; she has to be on the up and up. He says, all he knows is, she checked into the honeymoon suite at a five-star hotel in Monte Carlo, and left her phone there. Now God knows where she is. What the hell has Robert gotten his wife into?

Willow asks if she shouldn’t have told Sasha, but Michael says, of course (🍷) she should. She’s going to be Wiley’s legal mother, but in the meantime, they have to deal with Wiley’s heart surgery. They need to find a GP. He spoke to Elizabeth, and she confirmed his suspicions. Even though his family has a long history with GH, he thinks it’s best they explore surgical care at other hospitals. She says she’s sorry. She knows how much the place means to him. He says it always will, but as Wiley’s parents, they have to make the right choice for their son. Chase comes by, and says he’s glad he ran into them. Nelle’s body was found earlier. Michael asks if he’s sure, and Chase says, it’s been positively ID’d. He’s headed to the morgue to confirm it. Michael thanks him for letting them know. Chase moves on, and Willow says, it really is over. Wiley is safe. Michael says, they’re safe. Nelle is never going to try to mess with their lives again.

On the phone, Sasha says she needs to make a purchase. The usual.

Scotty tells Franco and Elizabeth, he met with Ava and Nikolas, and showed them these. He holds up his phone, and says, boom, boom.

Nikolas sees Ava, and she asks if he had a nice lunch at the MetroCourt. He says he didn’t eat, and Ava says, ah. He says, what? and she says, nothing. Just ah. He asks if everything is all right, and she says, just fine. Why wouldn’t it be?

Carly tells Sonny and Jason, she messed up. She changed her story. She told Chase that she fell, but when she gave her statement, she said Nelle pushed her. It’s a huge difference, and they’re going to notice. Sonny says, it happened quickly, and Jason says, a change in detail isn’t unusual. It would be more suspicious if she told the same story, word for word over and over. She says, what about the follow-up? and Jason says, Diane will be there. The important thing is, Nelle is dead, and no one else saw anything. Carly says, except for Jax. I see Sonny’s face, and l laugh.

Tomorrow, Ned asks if he can convince Brook to come home, Scotty says they’ve got Ava and Nikolas exactly where they want them, Valentin tells Alexis that he’s leveling the playing field, and Sasha tells Chase that the kiss was the turning point.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part Three

We flash back on this season of Ramona’s eternal apology tour; Sonja wanting to catch a d*ck; LuAnn wrangling Ramona, and trying to get everyone moving or sitting or whatever; Dorinda’s overuse of the phrases here’s the thing and can you imagine; and Leah smelling things. LuAnn says, who knew Leah was a sniffer? Dorinda asks if Leah knew that about herself, and we see a clip of Leah sniffing her own armpit. Andy asks if she was stunned by her habit of smelling things, and she says she had no idea. She tends to learn by touching things. Viewer Donnie in Ann Arbor says the way Dorinda speaks is almost a European thing. He wonders if she picked up phrasing in England or it was her mom’s influence. She says, here’s the thing… and everyone laughs. Andy says LuAnn seemed to keep the ladies on track and maintained decorum. Does she see herself as the peacekeeper mom? LuAnn says it took work. He asks what Sonja’s fascination was with catching d*ck, and she says, the law of attraction. If you say it enough, it appears. That’s why she was eating so much; she wasn’t getting any d*ck. A viewer says, d*ck pics reared their ugly heads (sigh), and excluding Leah, who in the group received the most? They all say, Ramona, then LuAnn says, Sonja. We flash back to Sonja saying the only one she’s ever gotten was a wrong number. She says, they tried to backtrack the number because she liked the décor.

Andy says Ramona has been known as the Singer stinger and apologizer, but this season the women wondered if Ramona could be called a good friend. We flash back to Ramona being an a-hole and ditching everyone every chance she got to scout a place for men. We see LuAnn’s interview where she said Ramona was the winner of the worst hostess award. We revisit Ramona fat shaming Sonja, and forcing her 50/60/70 girlfriends to get her a pocketbook via $100 donations, and Leah saying, at least it’s a real Gucci bag. Ramona insists her bags are real, and Leah says, no; they’re not. A viewer says Ramona is different in the Hamptons. It seems like her sole reason for being there is to see and be seen. Sonja says, amen, and Ramona says she’s popular and has a lot of parties. Viewer Bryan from Chattanooga says we know Ramona is a double-booker, but leaving her own party is nuts. She suffers desperately from FOMO. Ramona says she didn’t want leave, but she knew the group was going to crash. Sonja says, Ramona is horny. Alrighty then. Can we go home now? Andy says Ramona bringing up how many friends she has seemed to be a trigger for Sonja. Sonja feels a lot of Ramona’s friends are really hers, and tries to talk, but Ramona won’t let her. Sonja gets up, and tells Ramona, S-T-F-U, actually saying the letters. Ramona says she sees them all the time, and Sonja doesn’t see anybody. Sonja says they don’t care about Ramona, and they’re using her. Ramona says she loves them and they hang out all the time. Sonja asks, where are these people going to be when it’s you and me, and two for one at Burger Heaven?

Andy asks Dorinda what’s wrong with a 63 year old throwing themselves a birthday party? and Dorinda says, it doesn’t seem sincere. She just met some of them like Maria. We flash back to Ramona talking to somebody named Maria, who was apparently totally forgettable. Ramona says Maria is at her house every day. I can’t imagine anyone having that little to do, so I translate that as, we text once in a while. Dorinda thinks it comes off as insincere, and Sonja says she’s social climbing. Ramona says she’s so wrong, and Andy asks if Leah can spot a Gucci fake. I wonder how we got back here again, and we flash back to Ramona and her fake-ass bag. Ramona insists her bags are all real, and Sonja says, Chinatown. Side story. I have a couple of fakes that I bought just because I liked the bags. They must be good ones because someone I went out with actually thought I owned I Louis Vuitton bag. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I just looked at them like they were nuts. Like I’d sink that kind of money into a purse, even if I had it. Leah says Ramona acted like she’d never seen a bag before; it was weird. We go back to Ramona’s birthday where she’s going apesh*t over the bag she orchestrated her friends into giving to her. Ramona says she loves presents, and she was excited. A viewer asks why she would call a close friend heavy, and thinks what she said to Sonja was rude and uncalled for. Ramona says her girlfriends tell her when she’s getting porky, and all she said was Sonja needed to lose a little weight. Sonja says that’s when she ate more. She’d stopped having sex with her Netffix and chill guy. Maybe she should get a friend with more compassion. A viewer says Dorinda gave Elyse grief for defending Ramona, when Sonja has defended Ramona for years. Dorinda explains that Elyse was coming to her and Leah, saying Ramona was being a terrible friend. She would flip-flop. We see clips of Elyse saying Ramona shuts her down in front of the group, and, Ramonaville is filled with one-way streets. Dorinda wonders why Ramona fell out with Elyse, and Ramona says, Elyse is a black widow, which makes no sense, since isn’t that someone who marries a guy and then kills him? Is there something I don’t know? Ramona says she should never have trusted Elyse and brought her on the show. Elyse had said she had Ramona’s back and betrayed her. She’s not being very specific, and I’m sure whatever it is, she’s making it sound more dramatic than it was. Andy says Ramona wanted blind loyalty, and suggests Elyse was the Barb K. of  the season. He asks if Barb and LuAnn are still friends, but LuAnn says they’re not friends anymore. Andy says it was a long friendship, and LuAnn says it was Barb’s doing. We see some clips with Barb, and I want to know more about this falling out, but they move on. Viewer Valerie from Chicago says, Ramona was accused of being a friend when it was convenient. It seems like it’s Ramona’s world, and everyone else is just living in it. Ramona says she wants friends who are happy and positive, but Dorinda says, that’s not what friendships are about; those are superficial acquaintances. If she’s going through something traumatic, she wants friend who can shepherd her and journey with her. Andy asks how they’re feeling about Ramona after this season, and Sonja says Ramona is family, and she loves her. Leah says she’ll never ruin Ramona’s backyard again, and Ramona says she wants to see Leah naked though. I’m not sure what to make of that.

Andy welcomes us back, when I didn’t even leave to go to the bathroom. He says they’re freshly sanitized, and ready for more. Sonja by Sonja Morgan had a promising deal with a major retailer that was a dream, but her townhouse continued to be an expensive nightmare. We flash back to Sonja’s runway show, and Sonja dealing with the townhouse. Sonja says she hides when she’s going through something. We see Sonja going over the zero sales from the show, and getting her Century 21 deal. Andy congratulates her, and she says she’s still pinching herself. It was a long haul, but it feels good from where she’s sitting. Ramona – who just can’t help herself – says she was in the fashion business for two years (wow – that long?), and Sonja being front and center in two retail stores says it all. LuAnn says she’s proud of Sonja, and even bought a dress. Sonja says LuAnn has been there every step of the way. Andy says, it’s cool. They’ve been sitting here for so many years with Sonja planning. Her toaster never came to fruition. We flash back to a million years ago, when Sonja talked about having a signature toaster oven. Andy says the women had been all over her for various things. Bethenny called her out for being a cheater brand, and she was called out for products that never launched. Now here she is in a store, and it must feel satisfying. She says it is, and her daughter is proud of her. She’s told her daughter, there are no mistakes, but experiences. She made connections in business along the way. Andy asks how the pandemic has affected things, and she says online sales are up 117%, and she’s sold out. It’s tough for retail. Funny. Doesn’t sound like it. Leah says the cashmere suit Sonja wanted her to wear – we flash back to that – and anything that looks like that, is selling out. No one is wearing dresses. Andy asks what the price on the townhouse is now, and Sonja says she’s dropping it to $8.5 million. Leah has one request. She wants to see it before Sonja sells it. Andy asks if Sonja has any male prospects, and she says she’s not getting laid. She’s been focusing on her daughter, but now Sophie is in an Ivy League school. It’s time for her mama to get something. Leah says Sonja looks hot, and Sonja says she needs to lose another five pounds. Andy says he doesn’t know about that.

Andy tells us, a wise woman once said she made it nice. This season, her temper rose, and nice was not always on the table. We flash back to Dorinda talking about Bluestone Manor being flooded; Dorinda telling Sonja that there’s nothing carefree about her anymore, and that she’s afraid John can’t take care of her; Dorinda telling Ramona that she has schadenfreude; rubbing LuAnn’s mugshot in her face; and killing the messenger when LuAnn told her what Ramona said, at her insistence. We revisit LuAnn’s interview, where she said Dorinda deflects and it’s your fault; and Sonja’s interview, where she said Dorinda was in pain, and projecting it rather than feeling it. Then comes the pièce de resistance, Dorinda flipping out over Leah saying Tinsley’s name at the Christmas party. Viewer Jack from Minneapolis points out, at the beginning of the season, Dorinda said there was nothing carefree about her, and she wasn’t nice to anybody anymore; then proved it. He asks if she ended in a better place than she started. Dorinda says she was more overwhelmed than she’s ever been, but she didn’t reach out for help. She was dealing with the house, and John, then broke a rib. She couldn’t catch a break. She was angry about what was happening, and projected it. She felt she couldn’t cope, and was at her wit’s end. It made her sad, and she was most upset about Ramona. She knows Ramona so well. She had a right to be angry, and was struggling. She felt Ramona made it worse. She never called Dorinda once, or took her out after the show ended. She just reminded Dorinda how much she didn’t like John. Ramona whips out a pile of papers, and says she texted Dorinda. Dorinda says she got through it, and moved on, but Ramona wanted it to continue. She needed Ramona to pull her aside, not hammer at her inf front of people. LuAnn says she tried to talk to Dorinda, but Dorinda wasn’t open to it. We flash back to Dorinda not having LuAnn’s advice, and she says she does feel bad about LuAnn, who was coming from a good place. She’s sorry. It was like Ramona was just waiting to jump on her. Leah thinks so too, and says when Dorinda and John broke up, she noticed Dorinda was in pain, and not admitting it. They’d been together for so long. Dorinda says, it was terrible, and Leah says, they didn’t get to see that. Andy says Dorinda held Tinsley to the standard that she needed to do everything on the show. Dorinda says she did show everything. She wanted Ramona to call her up, and ask if she was okay; say, I love you, and, I’m here for you. Ramona says, when Tinsley left, she turned into Dorinda’s punching bag. Ramona says Dorinda came to her home for cocktails and conversation, and said hurtful things. Dorinda wants to put people down. Dorinda says Ramona doesn’t know how to let it go. Sorry. Ramona says the next day, Dorinda made her an old-fashioned playlist. Sonja says, Dorinda was hurt, and Ramona starts to read from the texts, but Dorinda isn’t having it. Andy tells Dorinda to let Ramona read them (no surprise), and Dorinda says it’s one-sided. She used them to get a free party. She uses people. Ramona throws the papers in the air, and says she loves Dorinda. Why is she doing this?

Sonja says Ramona does use people, and Ramona asks again why Dorinda is doing this. Dorinda tells her, don’t throw things. It’s low class. How anyone on any of the shows in the franchise can say anything is low class, is beyond me. Every single one of them has done something low class. Except for LVP. Who can do no wrong. Andy asks LuAnn what she has to say about the trip to the Berkshires. LuAnn says they all drank too much, and said hurtful things. But how Sonja was behaving didn’t give Dorinda an excuse to say what she did. Sonja says she brought it up again in Mexico. LuAnn says she knows Dorinda didn’t mean it. She hopes Dorinda recognized she was being hurtful. When she was on Watch What Happens Live, Andy asked if Dorinda regretted what she’d said to LuAnn, and she said no. LuAnn says she thought Dorinda had no remorse for the way she’d behave. She doesn’t look at herself. If LuAnn had done that, she would have thought, oh my God, I can’t believe I said that. Dorinda says she was wrong, and definitely wants to go back to where they were when they met. LuAnn says she must have been harboring those thoughts, and Dorinda says she wants to work on it. LuAnn says work on the fact she’s holding resentments. Andy picks up Ramona’s sheaf of papers, and Ramona says he can read them later, then laughs like a hyena. Andy says, Dorinda obviously brought up all these things, like LuAnn’s mugshot, probation, Jovani. Dorinda says she’ll never stop saying Jovani, and she doesn’t need a lecture from LuAnn when it’s between her and Ramona. LuAnn says it doesn’t feel like means it. She shouldn’t have said those things. How can she see the show, and not say, holy sh*t, I need to change? To her credit, Dorinda takes it like a man, and says she does feel that way. Andy asks about the Mexico trip, and says, Leah was fried. Dorinda says, Leah had her back. Leah says she’s not making an excuse for bad behavior, but she’d rather deal with anger issues than someone who just says horrific things like Ramona does. She doesn’t think Dorinda hit below the belt. I’m guessing she’s talking specifically about what she’s said about Ramona. LuAnn can’t say Dorinda doesn’t hit below the belt, especially with what Dorinda said to her. Dorinda agrees.

A viewer from Richmond, Virginia says there wasn’t a single sincere apology from Dorinda. What’s her theory on why she’s as defensive as she is? Dorinda says she was in a lot pain, and felt wounded, weak, and vulnerable. Ramona says, all she wanted to say… and Dorinda says Ramona’s not listening. She couldn’t. She was in a damaged place, and needed someone. She literally should have taken off last season; she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Andy says the anger intervention lunch in Mexico was a bust, and Dorinda says, it was ridiculous. Andy says it didn’t seem like they picked the right moment. We flash back to when Dorinda was on the phone with Hannah. Leah says, even though she thought it was overboard for Dorinda to tell her and Sonja to get off their laptops, it wasn’t the same as Dorinda talking to her daughter. It didn’t add up. Dorinda says they made a bigger thing out of it. Andy says, it’s ironic how it ended, given that Leah and Dorinda are pals. Leah says, yeah, and he asks what was going through her mind, and she says she was kind of shocked, and bummed. She was about to give them props, tell them she loved and appreciated them, and had a great time. Her saying Tinsley set it off, but Dorinda called her the next day. She was upset about it and apologized. Andy wonders why the mere mention of Tinsley’s name caused such a reaction, and Dorinda says she thought it wasn’t authentic; Tinsley wasn’t there. They’d done great as a group after Tinsley left, and she was surprised they were going back to that. Leah says Tinley was an important person to her in terms of them. Dorinda says, that’s why she called the next day. Leah tells her, it’s okay to be wrong. Dorinda says she feels bad about LuAnn, and Leah, but she and Ramona can’t reconcile things. It’s a 20 year friendship. If Ramona wants continue, she can’t rehash everything. They need to build their friendship again, if it’s important to her. Ramona says she’ll always love Dorinda, and Dorinda’s not sure Ramona always does, but she tries. If that’s what Ramona wants, they’ll do it. They elbow bump – otherwise known as the new hug. Andy says they’re in a great place, so he’s going to leave it there. Dorinda says, by the grace of God she got through it, and hopes she’s moving to a better place.

Andy says, it’s another one for the books, and the months followed were stranger than fiction. They’ve all had time to reflect, and he wants to know which moments they’d like to socially distance themselves from, and which Housewife do they look forward to hugging most? Ramona is first, and she says she wants to distance herself from when she talked about Leah’s mental issues. She should have gone directly to her. She wants to hug Dorinda. Dorinda says, obviously what she said to LuAnn. She hurt LuAnn when she was in a vulnerable place. She’s going to work on it. She feels the hugging question is unfair. She’s looking forward to hugging everyone. She’s a big hugger; it’s like food to her. LuAnn says she’d like to socially distance herself form the night in the Berkshires; it was ugly behavior toward Sonja. She agrees with Dorinda, and would love to hug everybody. Sonja says she’s made it clear she wants to socially distance from not having control and being present when she’s drinking. She’s grateful to have the show to show her how she was behaving, and she’s grateful to Ramona for telling she needed to look into some things. Ramona is her girl. She says, Dorinda called her all the time, but even though she didn’t want Dorinda to know what she was trying to handle, Dorinda would share what was going on with her. Sonja felt like she wasn’t alone, and owes Dorinda big time. Dorinda says she did something right. Leah says she wants to distance herself from the entire state of Rhode Island, and wants to hug Ramona. Her mommy issues are apparently still alive. Ramona says she wants to be more of a friend than a mommy, and Leah says, it feels like that will work. Ramona says, it will. Andy thanks everyone for an incredible season. He’s looking forward to getting close enough to toast, and can’t wait to hug them all.

They take a socially distant selfie, and Sonja asks Ramona, can we go to the speakeasy after this? I guess that’s the grown-up version of getting ice cream.

🤸‍♀️ Go Leah… Go Leah…

She got her raise, but whether Ramona will get to see her naked next season, remains to be seen.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/23/leah-mcsweeney-bumped-to-10k-per-episode-for-2nd-year-on-rhony/

📅 Mark Your Calendar…

A new show is premiering on Bravo, this Sunday, September 27th at 10:30 pm, and it looks like fun.

https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-andy-cohen-late-night-bravos-chat-room-reality-stars-20200921-5thj4zqqojg6zojd3uaabnjeoe-story.html

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/bravos-chat-room-cast-premiere-date-announced

🦄 Sweet Dreams Be Yours…

I don’t know if the world has quite gone to hell in a handbasket yet, but it’s certainly on fire, both literally and figuratively. It’s your job to rise above it, and stay safe, stay funky, and stay socially distant from Ramona.

September 23, 2020 – A Demand To Meet At the Pier, Beverly Hills Reveals Nothing, More Than You Need To Know About Emmy, a Baby, Bye Fenicia, Silent Spin, a Feud, Good Riddance To Bad Stirrer, We Loved Him Too & Some Cake

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Chase comes home, and Brook says, back so soon from solving crimes? He says he’s taking a shower, then going back out. Brook is painting her toenails, and asks if he could get her some fresh coffee.

Ned sees Julian at the MetroCourt, and Julian asks what he can do for him. Ned says, not for him; for Julian’s son Leo. Leo is wondering when Julian’s next visit will be. Julian says, tell Leo, soon, and Ned says, that sounds vague. Doesn’t he normally schedule it with Olivia? Julian says he does; he’ll give her a call. Ned asks when was the last time Julian heard from Olivia? and Julian asks if she’s missing. Ned says, no, she’s in Geneva to visit Dante. Julian asks Ned to wish her luck, and tell her that he hopes it goes well. Ned says he can do that, or Julian could call. Julian says he’s not sure what’s going on, and doesn’t care, but if Ned wants to know how Olivia is, he should speak to her. Ned says, if only it was that simple, and Julian asks what he means. Ned tells him, never mind, and Julian says he’s as helpful as ever.

Sitting outside Kelly’s, TJ tells Molly, he forgot about Neil’s death. It was so sudden, it knocked everyone for a loop. She says, especially her mom; he died in her bed, and she didn’t even know he had a drug problem. She’s not going to be able to host their commitment ceremony. They’ll need a new venue. He says they might have to postpone it, and she says, it seems inevitable. Stella approaches and says, the problem with their generation is they give in too easy. If they want a ceremony, she’ll get the job done.

Lulu tells Nikolas, she could be wrong, but it sounds like he’s falling for his wife. His phone dings, and he sees the photo of him kissing Elizabeth. Underneath, it says, I know what you did, and he says, what the hell? She asks if it’s bad news, and he reads, Meet me at the docks ASAP. It’s going to cost you big.

Nina says, Ava is falling for Nikolas. Ava’s phone dings, and she sees the photo of her and Franco kissing. Underneath, it says, I know what you did. Nina asks if she’s okay. What did the message say? Ava reads, Meet me at the docks in an hour. It’s going to cost you big.

At a booth in The Floating Rib, Bobbie and Scotty sit with martinis, while Scotty concentrates on shelling nuts. Bobbie tells him, the hardest part is physically being away from the building. She knows details will be missed, or not taken care of as good as they could be. It’s not like the nurses won’t do their jobs without her, but they won’t do it as well. You’d think she’d enjoy her time off. She has ten different household projects she’s been dreaming about, but it doesn’t give her the same sense of fulfillment she had at GH. She sees he’s not paying attention, and says maybe she’ll go back to her old job of giving the girlfriend experience (i.e. – being a hooker). At least she’ll get companionship out of it. She says he hasn’t been listening to a word she said. He says she just told him she’s going back to her former profession, and she tells him that she was pushed to desperate measures. Tell her why he’s so preoccupied.

Sonny asks if Avery is okay, and she says she’s hungry. Sonny suggests they go get a snack. He sees the half-heart necklace on the ground, and picks it up. He says she dropped this, and she says it’s hers. He asks if mommy gave it to her, and she says she thought she’d keep it for good luck. He says, now what? It’s not good?

Carly tells Jax, she hopes anything incriminating stays gone, along with Nelle. Jason comes in, and she says she’s glad he’s there. Sonny is on the back patio talking to Avery about Mike, and Jax came to check on Josslyn. Jason asks how she’s doing, and Jax says she’s sad about Mike, but she’s doing okay. Carly says Josslyn is shopping for a homecoming dress as they speak. Jax says he and Carly will talk later. Just keep in mind what he said before. He says goodbye to Jason, and leaves. Carly tells Jason, she did something he’s not going to like.

Chase asks if Brook has given any more thought as to what she might do. She says, about what? and he says he has a one-bedroom, one bathroom apartment. She can’t be comfortable. She says she can see moving some furniture around to make more space, and he says, maybe there’s someone else she could stay with. She says he’s kicking her out, but he tells her that he didn’t say that. She says he strongly hinted, and in case he forgot, he invited her. Sorry for the inconvenience; she’ll go. He says he didn’t ask her to leave, but she says she doesn’t stay where she’s not wanted. That’s how she ended up there in the first place. He says he’s not kicking her out, but it was supposed to be temporary. They barely know one another. She says, aside from three arrests. He asks if there isn’t a close friend or family member she’d rather live with, and she says she’d rather live under a rock than crawl back to her family.

Julian asks how Brook is, and Ned says, her spirit is unbroken. Julian asks, how about her vocal chords? and Ned says she’s not using them to speak to him. Julian understands, and says he hopes it works out. For what it’s worth, he’s sorry Brook crossed paths with Nelle. Ned says they’re all sorry for the chaos Nelle left in her wake. Julian says, for sure; now she’s a fugitive on the run. Ned thinks it would be a good time to sever ties, and Julian says he plans on it.

Lulu asks Nikolas if it’s something about Spencer, but he says it’s just a business situation he needs to handle. She ask if he’s sure it’s not more about Ava than business. The way he’s acting, it seems like it. He says, a little bit of both, and tells her that they’ll talk later.

Ava says, you know that kiss she told Nina about? and shows Nina the picture. Somebody saw her, and she wonders how it happened. Nina says someone has been following her, but Ava says she was at the gallery. It’s not like she and Franco were making spectacles of themselves. No one was there. At least that’s what she thought. Nina says she was preoccupied with Franco, but Ava says, just for a moment. It wasn’t like her and Nikolas at the cabin.

TJ wonders how Stella manages to show up when she’s needed most. She’s like one of the Avengers; the psychic social worker. Stella says, too much flying. He says with Mike passing, he knows the family was grateful to her. She says she was glad to be there; Mike was a good man. She heard about their commitment ceremony, and Molly says she’ll let TJ fill Stella in, while she grabs a half ice tea, half lemonade. She knows it’s Stella’s favorite. Stella tells TJ to hang onto Molly.

Sonny tells Avery, he thinks the necklace is still good luck. Like how her grandpa is with her always in her heart. She says, but it’s only half, and he says, maybe the other half is out there somewhere. Even if it isn’t, it’s still pretty. He tells her, let’s get a snack, and they go inside.

Scotty tells Bobbie, for cryin’ out loud, he’s not preoccupied; calm down. He’s just thinking about the payoff she’ll get from the hospital for wrongful termination. Bobbie says she doesn’t want a payoff; she wants her job back. But it’s not going to happen as long as Cyrus is Chairman of the Board. Scotty says, okay then, find another job. Bobbie says she had some interest from Mercy, but he laughs and says, that rusty old hospital? The future is in telemedicine. A start-up company would love an experienced nurse. She can get in on the bottom floor, get equity, and when it becomes an IPO, the sky’s the limit. She says, it’s something to explore, and Scotty’s phone dings. He says, ugh. He has to work.

Jason asks Carly if what she needs to tell him is time sensitive. Does he need to do something? She says, no; it already happened. She’s doing potential damage control. He asks if it involves Jax, and she says it does. He says, and Jax doesn’t want him to know? She says Jax doesn’t want him or Sonny to know.

Brook tells Chase to go ahead and call her dramatic, and he says, isn’t she? She asks if it isn’t the ultimate betrayal, being abandoned by her family. They threw her into the street. He says he saw her dad’s face outside her hospital room, and Monica and Michael’s. No family is perfect, but it’s clear her family loves her and wants to help. She says she knows they love her. Staying there isn’t about what they did to her, but what she did to them.

TJ sees Stella looking at him, and says, what? and Stella says she’s just checking his beautiful face. When Curtis said he’d been beaten, it nearly killed her. How is he doing, really? He says, a few more PT sessions, and he’ll be good as new. She says she was sure he was off licking his wounds after Molly turned down his proposal, but that wasn’t the case. No one expected him to be abducted, least of all him. A person doesn’t go through hell and not carry some of it back with them. How is he really? The truth.

Carly says she knows what Jason is thinking. She didn’t sleep with Jax. He says he didn’t think so, but what’s going on? The doorbell rings, and she tells him, wait. He says he’s not going anywhere. It’s Lulu, and Carly invites her in. Carly says she’s sorry. She’s been meaning to call and thank Lulu and her mother for the donation to Alzheimer’s research. It was generous of them. Lulu says she was thinking about how Mike lent a sympathetic ear when she was a teen. Sonny joins them, and Lulu says she wanted to tell him how sorry she was, and see how he’s doing. He says Mike’s passing was peaceful, but he couldn’t have done it without the support of the family. She says she’s sorry Dante wasn’t there. She knows he’d love the chance to be supportive as well.

Nina wonders if Nikolas took the picture, but Ava says he went to the cabin to catch her cheating. There would have been no point if he’d taken it. And there was nothing going on with her and Franco, contrary to the proof. She asks how she could be so sloppy, and Nina asks what she’s going to do. Ava says they want big money, but she doesn’t have that yet. It could put her fidelity in question, and it’s the ammunition Nikolas needs to divorce her without her getting a dime.

Nikolas goes to the pier, and says, whatever Ava paid to get them to take the picture, he’ll pay much more. He looks up the stairs and says, you’ve got to be kidding.

Brook tells Chase, believe it or not, she gets why her dad threw her out. From his perspective, she betrayed the family when she sold her stock; never mind the other Quartermaines who did. She should have known better, and should have said something. That’s on her. Chase says, none of that mattered when she was fighting for her life and almost died. She asks if he thinks bygones should be bygones. If she didn’t have the power now, her dad wouldn’t be begging her to come home. He traded anger for pity. He’s not sorry; he feels sorry for her. It’s the one thing she can’t bear to live with. She tells Chase, it’s his space, and he wants her gone, and she will be, but she’s not going home. Chase’s phone rings, and he asks if they’re sure. He’s on his way. Brook asks if it’s a killing spree, a bank robbery, or another one of Lulu’s epic pouts. He says he understands where she’s coming from, but he thinks she’s underestimating her family. She can stay there as long as she needs to. He opens the door, and Ned is there. He says he understands his daughter is there, and Chase says, she’s all his. He leaves, and Ned comes in. He says, Brook, sweetheart, we need to talk. She says, we absolutely do not.

TJ asks if Stella can’t just enjoy the visit, and not have to use her social worker superpowers on him. She tells him, start talking, and he says, yes. The abduction was terrifying and painful; all of it. He doesn’t know who they were or what they wanted. The police have no leads, and all he can do is focus on his career and his life with Molly. She says she wants what’s best for him, and wants him to grab what he can from life, but there are no shortcuts to healing. He says he wakes up from the nightmares, and feels like he’s still tied up. He doesn’t know if he’s going to live or die. The thing that got him through it was thinking of Molly, and knowing she was waiting. Molly listens from the doorway.

Nina asks if Ava has any idea who would blackmail her like that. Ava says, in general, she can think of plenty of people, but this? No one who would care. It’s not like Nikolas has a lot of people rooting for him. Nina says, maybe Nikolas hired a P.I., and Ava says, maybe a P.I. wants to shake her down. Even if she’s right, that doesn’t solve the problem of the picture. Whoever took it has proof of her indiscretion with Franco, and she has to decide what to do about it.

Nikolas tells the mystery person that he’s not handing over that kind of money. He needs 24 hours. If they do anything with the photo before then, they’re done.

On the patio, Lulu and Sonny look at pictures. Lulu says, Mike with Ruby, were they a thing? Sonny says his dad only wished. She was immune to Mike’s flirting. Lulu says, she must have had an iron will. She doesn’t know how Ruby resisted his charms. Sonny says, Mike was everyone confidant and friend. Everyone adored Mike, except him.

Carly says she’ll tell Jason what happened, and he can tell her what he thinks. Something serious happened. Jason says, and Jax knows, and doesn’t want her to tell Sonny. She says she couldn’t, and she doesn’t feel she can tell him now. I tell her, well, for God’s sake, tell Jason before he has apoplexy. He looks like his head is going to explode.

Molly tells Stella, you’d think a dining room table is the last thing they’d need, but you’d be wrong. They’re students, and spend half their lives there. TJ’s phone rings, and he steps away to take the call. Stella says she’s glad she and Molly can spend some time alone. So much has happened. How is Molly holding up? Molly says, okay. TJ was the worst of it. Stella says, Lord knows it must have gone through her mind that TJ walked out on their commitment, especially after she refused his proposal. Molly says, he wasn’t taking her calls, and Jordan told her that he didn’t want to talk to her; that she should be responsible for her own actions. She got more and more desperate, until she finally… Stella says, what? but Molly says she doesn’t want to say. Stella says she thinks she understands. She’ll say it for Molly. She finally lost faith in TJ.

Ava says she’ll tell Nina one thing, she’s not losing her claim for one picture of her and Franco. She gets up, and Nina says she’s not thinking of going by herself? Why don’t she and Jax go with her? Ava says she can handle it, and jets. Jax comes over, and asks, what’s going on with Ava? Does he want to know? Nina says, no. It’s just a reminder of how glad she is to have a relationship with him. No games and no secrets.

Carly tells Jason, Sonny just lost Mike. Like he doesn’t know. She says, he needs time to grieve. She can’t put it on him unless Jason thinks she should. He says, obviously she’s trying to protect Sonny, and she says, that’s all she’s doing. She just wants to protect Sonny.

Sonny tells Lulu, he held on to so much anger, and couldn’t let it go. She says, he had a right to his anger. However wonderful Mike was to the rest of them, he left Sonny when he was a little boy. She wouldn’t want that for Rocco, hating Dante. It’s not the same struggle, but Sonny made peace with Mike’s gambling being a disease. Once he understood that, is when he started to forgive. It happened the way it was supposed to.

Bobbie signs the receipt, and Scotty returns to the table. He says his clients think his time has no value. Where were they? She says, nowhere, and he asks if she’s mad. She says she’s mad and disappointed. Scotty says she’s right, and he’ll make it up to her, but she says she’s not mad and disappointed at him. He suggests they enjoy their cocktails then. She says he’s being who he is – himself, a self-absorbed schemer. He has good intentions, but a terrible follow-through. He says, that’s harsh, and she says she adores him. He’s the sweetest guy when he gets out of his own way, which is never. He’s a good friend, but a lousy boyfriend. The person she’s mad and disappointed at is herself, for going down the same road again, knowing how it ends again. What scares her is one day she’ll lose his friendship, and it will break her heart. For both their sakes, she’s calling it quits. Aww.

Ava waits for the elevator, and Nikolas comes out of it. She says he’s not following her or having her followed, is he? He says he didn’t know where she was. She says she hopes not. They both saw how his jealousy ended last night. He says he thinks they need to talk – about us.

Brook asks Ned if something is the matter, and he says, it’s a nice apartment… She says, but… and he says this can’t be how she wants to live, sleeping on a couch in someone else’s living room. She says, you don’t know until you’ve tried it, and he says doesn’t she want to go home? They can work through their issues. She says, why do that? and he says she’s been through a trauma. Not just the attack, but how he treated her, his daughter. She’ll always be his daughter, and he wants to take care of her. She says, that never works out. No matter how good the intentions, they inevitably disappear. They get angry, and end up hurting each other, like they always do. He says, it doesn’t have to be that way. They can be better. She says, even if that’s true, it’s not a good time to try it. Doesn’t he have a big enough mess to clean up?

Scotty says, don’t do this, but Bobbie says, it’s already done. He says they can undo it. They can talk about anything she wants. She thanks him for teaching her a valuable lesson. The next time she has a setback, she’ll face it, and not fall back on a sort of romance to feel safe. It’s good – he makes her laugh a lot – until she finds out he’s cheating. He says he doesn’t always, and she says he can’t if they’re not together. Good luck with his client. He thanks her for the drink, and she says she put it on his tab. He looks at the tab, and does a spit-take, and Bobbie says, the next time they meet for drinks as friends, he’ll know not to keep her hanging.

Stella says, how would Molly know? It’s not like she’s had experience. She never had a serious relationship other than TJ, and no history with other men. She’s not trying to embarrass Molly; she’s putting herself in Molly’s shoes. She might have questioned the relationship, if she’d thought he walked out after their first disagreement. Molly says, Stella doesn’t blame her? and Stella says, for doubting? If Molly had said she never wavered, Stella would have known Molly was lying to her and herself. She’s glad she’s come to know and love Molly. It’s no sin to doubt. Better to doubt than to deceive.

Ava tells Nikolas, they should stick to the plan. They’ll rendezvous at Windymere, and see what happens. She gets in the elevator.

Nina asks Jax how Josslyn is, and he says, okay. She’s sad about Mike, of course (🍷), but she’s carrying on. He felt it had less to do with that, than a lesson of the heart. Sometimes he just has to listen. Nina says, do her a favor, and share some of his parental wisdom. She wants to be that kind of a parent if she finds her child one day.

Lulu says, when Mike was diagnosed, Sonny brought Mike home to live with him. Think of what’s happened in the two and a half years Mike has been there. Sonny recreated Luke’s Club; it was a gift. Even though Mike’s memory was fading he could feel it in his heart. Sonny never failed be present. All Mike wanted was to find his way back to Sonny, and Sonny gave that to him. He gave Mike the one thing that made him happy – a family.

Carly says she wants to tell Sonny, and Jason says, do what she needs, but it’s not fair. She should give Sonny a chance to be there for her. She’d hate if Sonny did that to her. She says he’s right. She needs to tell him. She needs to tell them both.

Ned says Brook can’t expect him to walk away, and leave things the way they are. She says, why not? She’s still the same daughter, and it’s not enough for him. He could give her all the I’m sorries in the world right now. He says it’s not too late, and she tells him not to hold his breath. He says there’s unfinished business between them. Fighting with his daughter, another Quartermain trait they’d be better off without. She says, it’s a shame that’s who they are.

Lulu and Sonny come in, and Lulu says Jason should have seen the pictures her mom sent. There’s one of Jason and Mike, when Jason was a valet at the club. Carly says she’d like to see that. Sonny says he’ll walk Lulu out. At the door, he says her mom did a world of good, sending the pictures. She thanks him for sharing them with her. She’s keeping him in her prayers, and Mike too. I don’t think Mike looked like he needed prayers when he went off with Courtney, but okay; it’s nice of Lulu. Sonny thanks her, and goes back to join Carly and Jason. He says, what? and Carly says, something happened and she needs to tell them both. Jason’s phone rings, and he says, it could be important.

TJ comes back, and Stella says Molly was giving her pearls of wisdom on their not-married commitment ceremony. TJ says, all that matters is he’s sharing his life with Molly. He hopes Stella isn’t disappointed. She says, two of her favorite people, vowing to cherish and love each other; it’s icing on the cake. There will be cake, right?

Ava goes to the pier, and says, all right she’s there. Where are they? She feels someone behind her, and turns around, pointing a gun at them.

Nikolas looks at the picture of him and Elizabeth. He deletes it.

Jax says he doesn’t know how big Mike’s funeral might be. He’ll ask Carly if he should go. Nina asks if he thinks Nelle might show up. Forget she said that. Nelle is probably halfway across the country by now. Has Carly heard anything from the police; do they have any leads? He says, no more than he does, and he doesn’t know any more

Jason thanks the caller. He tells Sonny, it’s an update from their guy at the PCPD. They can confirm Nelle is dead. They’ve found the body.

Tomorrow, Chase tells Jason that he’s come on police business, Willow asks Sasha if she’s still in love with Michael, Ava asks if she’s being blackmailed, and Carly says she didn’t lie; she just didn’t tell them everything.

💎 Shortest RHOBH Recap Yet…

Even though Kyle said, the Secrets Revealed show was, the sh*t you thought you got away with, there were neither any secrets nor any revelations. Except for one. I finally found out that Dorit’s Gucci ice cubes were ice cubes shaped like the Gucci logo. As I’ve said, it’s either nice, peaceful stuff that didn’t make the cut since it was too low-key, or stuff that was a real snooze.

There were some nice moments between Garcelle and Denise, where they talked about acting and family life. We saw a little more of their NYC trip, and Erika told us, New York City in the 80s is where it was at. We agree on this. However, when getting a hot dog, not one of them knew what sauerkraut was. Since Teddi is supposed to know about nutrition (see more on that in links below), I’m surprised she doesn’t know it’s fermented cabbage. And WTF? A Nathan’s hot dog without sauerkraut from the hot dog cart? Go back to Beverly Hills, the lot of you. There was also ax throwing and drinking canned wine at a dive bar. In her interview, Denise remarked that the women were a little out of place. Okay, Denise can stay.

Kyle told us that she wants Farrah engaged to boyfriend Alex asap, because she wants to be a young grandmother. Her mom had five grandchildren by her age. In one of the things I would have liked to see during the season, Kyle had discovered a picture online of a women wearing one of the rings she’d had stolen. (Some time back, there was a break-in at Kyle’s house, where all her bags and jewelry were taken.) She and Teddi played amateur detective, and went on a hunt to find the woman, who was a psychic with very distinctive nails.

Garcelle’s new house just missed the fires, and she managed to move in before quarantine.

The secret behind Bravo, Bravo, Bravo – which is no secret if you’ve watched Bravo, Bravo, Bravo for any length of time, time, time – was that if the phrase was said, the footage wouldn’t be aired. Apparently, this information came from Kyle, who said, it was a misunderstanding of an old joke. LisaR, who couldn’t stand being left out, said the information probably came from her.

In another scene I would have liked to have seen, we attended Sutton’s 48th birthday party, where the cake was displayed inside a giant birdcage adorned with flowers. It was also on a swing, which Sutton sat on after the cake was removed. I think. She was a bit tipsy. Jennifer Tilly was a guest, and we found out that instead of a tiara that year, Dolce and Gabbana sent Sutton a toaster. TBH, it was a pretty cool toaster.

They ended the show with a clip from the reunion, where Sutton said, quarantine was so bad, she’d go to Rome with them again tomorrow.

🏆 Better Late Than Never…

A rundown on the Emmys. Schitt’s Creek gets a paddle.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1188087/2020-emmys-winners-the-complete-list

Who wore it best.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/31482/emmys-2020-best-dressed-stars

And not.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/emmys-2019-worst-dressed-red-carpet/

The ups. The downs. The WTFs.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/emmys-awards-2020-best-and-worst-moments/

Mrs. Maisel and her dog.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1189911/rachel-brosnahan-and-dog-winston-are-color-coordinated-for-the-2020-emmys-and-for-a-marvelous-cause

More celebs with their dogs.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/these-celebs-brought-their-dogs-as-dates-to-the-virtual-2020-emmys/ar-BB19eVNp

The night’s biggest mistake. Maybe.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/emmys-accidentally-gave-award-jason-223600470.html

👶🏻 They Didn’t Start the Fire…

Lala and Randall make an announcement.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/19/lala-kent-and-randall-emmett-reveal-gender-of-their-first-child-together/

✌🏽 It’s Double Official…

NeNe is bye-bye.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/nene-leakes-real-housewives-of-atlanta-season-13/

🏍 The Spin On Carol and Daryl…

The scripts must be mighty thin, since neither one of them talks very much.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/everything-we-know-about-the-walking-dead-carol-daryl-spin-off/

🤼 Rivalry At the WWE…

I loved Roddy Piper.

https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-edge-wanted-john-cena-rivlary-hulk-hogan-roddy-piper-wwe-untold/

🙋🏽‍♀️ Best News All Week…

Teddi is out at RHOBH, but not for being a full-fledged mean girl after being merely a follower last season. She’s finally had to take accountability for her lousy fitness program.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/22/teddi-mellencamp-confirms-rhobh-exit/

🏈 He Was Third…

And he wanted us to love Brian Piccolo. Show of hands who didn’t cry at the end of Brian’s Song? Yeah. I didn’t think so.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29951448/chicago-bears-hall-fame-running-back-gale-sayers-dies-age-77

🌃 Bonsoir…

Can it be? Can I truly get to bed before almost sunrise? I’m going to do my best, and you do yours by making it your business to stay safe, stay progressing, and stay being the icing on the cake.

⚠️ Warning: Bleeped Bad Words Ahead

September 10, 2020 – Coming To the End, a Huge Reveal About Dorinda & Hair

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Nikolas meets Elizabeth in the park. He says he came as quickly as he could. Her message sounded urgent. She says his screwed up fake marriage is screwing up her real one.

At the gallery, Franco talks to Ava about the portrait. She thinks maybe they should cut their losses. Being mistress of Windymere isn’t as fun as she thought it would be. He says he has to ask. Is she unhappy with his work? She tells him, don’t be crazy. She loves his paintings. He says he has an idea for a new portrait. He could make it less ostentatious. Make it more casual, and less static, more real. He admits he has no idea how to capture her free spirit and energy. When he thinks of her, he sees her in motion. Ava wonders why he stopped talking; she was starting to get excited about another portrait. He says he didn’t think it through, and can’t do that to Elizabeth.

Chipping Campden, England. Robert thanks Olivia for waiting, and she tells him to take his time. He says something doesn’t feel right about having a memorial. Prayers and condolences, what’s that got to do with Holly? Her lust for life, her taste for adventure, and incredible sense of humor. There’s no body, so what is he doing at a memorial? Olivia says, a memorial is as much for the living as the dead. It’s a chance for people to gather and reflect on the person they love, and remember what that person meant to them. Robert sighs, and says, oh, sweetheart. How could I ever forget you?

In the park, Josslyn says, too bad Trina couldn’t hang out with them. It’s been forever since all four of them were together. Dev asks if that’s not what homecoming is for; the four of them going as friends. Cameron says, before they know it, they’ll all be going to college, and going their separate ways. Dev says, that’s not for a couple of months; they still have time. Josslyn can’t imagine not seeing Cameron – not seeing all three of them. Cameron says they have the best times when they’re together.

Nina and Jax walk up to an apartment in NYC, and Nina says, it’s all really fast. Jax says they found the jeweler who fashioned the clasp. Maybe he’s the one who separated the original piece. She says, he hasn’t returned her calls, and he’ll think she’s some kind of nut. Jax says they’ll find out soon enough. Nina’s phone dings, and she says, it’s a bulletin from The Invader. Have you seen this woman? She tells Jax that she gets an alert whenever Nelle’s name is mentioned. They should keep an eye open for her. She can’t vanish into thin air, and could be anywhere. Even there. Jax pretends to agree.

At Turning Woods, Carly looks at the same bulletin and remembers yelling to Nelle to take her hand. Ned comes in and startles her.

Sonny tells Mike, he’ll be right back. He tries to compose himself in the hallway, and Stella comes along. He says he’s so happy to see her, and she says that’s exactly why she’s there.

Carly tells Ned, he startled her, and he says, sorry. She says she was lost in thought, and he asks if it was because of Mike. She says Sonny is spending most of his time there, and she’s all about supporting him. She was about to text Olivia regarding some hotel business, and asks if she’s with Ned. He says he’s there to update Sonny. He needs to know where Olivia is and what she’s up to.

Robert tells Olivia, the thing about Holly is she thought you lived life to the fullest, or survived at the other end. It was one adventure after another. We flash back to Holly and Robert when we were all practically children. Holly tells him, everything about him is new and exciting. They have their whole lives ahead of them. They toast, to us. Robert tells Olivia, what else can he say about Holly? She truly was one of a kind.

Stella asks Sonny how Mike is doing; be straight with her. Sonny says she knows he always is. She doesn’t let him be any way else. He says, it’s hard not knowing how long Mike will hold on. The nurses say days or hours. Stella says, once they stop eating, it’s only a matter of time. Sonny says he knows that in his head, but yesterday, Mike woke up and knew who he was, and spoke to him. Stella says, that’s the way the disease works. There’s a run of bad days, and still have a good moment. Sonny says he was talking about horse racing, and Mike perked up. He got permission to take Mike to the track. Stella says, what?! and Sonny says he took Mike to the stables. There was a horse there, and Mike looked like a little boy. Stella says, sometimes, when a person is close to passing, they have one final burst of energy. She’s always thought it was God’s gift, so the person can say goodbye to their loved ones. Sonny says he’ll never forget Mike’s smile. He was so happy, enjoying himself. She says it sounds like Sonny benefited from the break in the situation. She asks if she can see Mike, and he says Mike would love that. She goes into Mike’s room, and says, hello. She sits next to the bed.

Nina tells Jax, no. They shouldn’t do this. He’s retired, and they shouldn’t bother him. Jax says it’s her nerves talking, but she says, actually, it’s reality. If she doesn’t talk to him, she still has hope. Jax says he could give her a clue to find her child, but she says if he doesn’t, it’s the end of their leads. They have nowhere else to look. Jax says, whatever they find, or not, he’s here with her. She says, okay, and knocks on the door.

Josslyn says she’s heading to Turning Woods to visit Mike. She wants to say hi, even though he won’t realize she’s there. Cameron says if she needs anyone to talk to, she can talk to him – always. She thanks him, and says he’s the best. She leaves, and Cameron tells Dev that he thinks Josslyn might like him as more than a friend.

Franco says the time he’s spent with Ava is an issue, and Ava asks, why? Artists have had patrons for centuries. That’s how the art world works. He says before the unveiling, Ava did publicity that focused on his past, in particular Francophenia. Elizabeth isn’t a fan. Ava thinks Elizabeth should get over herself. What kind of wife doesn’t support her husband’s passion?

Elizabeth says Nikolas and Ava are making each other miserable, and Ava is clearly using it as an excuse to run to Franco. She says, Nikolas told her not to trust him, and Nikolas asks if she feels that way. Nothing will happen unless Franco is a part of it. Is this really just about Ava, or does she doubt her husband?

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, she loves Franco and knows he loves her. He says, that doesn’t answer his question. Does she have any doubts? She says, all couples fight, and some of theirs have been about Ava and him. Nikolas asks what he did, and she says Franco has always been insecure about their the history they share; how long she’s known Nikolas, and how well she knows him. Franco also knows she’s forgiven him. Nikolas says, she forgave him? and Elizabeth says he let everyone think he was dead for so long, but now that he’s back, she realizes how much she missed him. He says, they’ve been to hell and back, and their bond is something that will never go away, even if Franco wishes it would. She says she loves Franco, but he doesn’t pick her friends. Nikolas thanks her for giving him another chance. He won’t let her down this time; he missed her so much.

Franco tells Ava, when he was a bad boy artist genius of sorts, he was single. He wasn’t married and didn’t have three boys to raise. Now he has to take into account any publicity he gets might have a negative impact on his family. She asks if it ever occurred to him that Elizabeth’s failed dream to become an artist might affect if she honestly wants him to be a success. Franco says she’s wrong about that. Elizabeth wants him to have a great life. She says, as an art therapist, not as a painter whose work is sought after. She doesn’t think it’s fair that he should have to downsize his dream to fit Elizabeth’s soccer mom ideal.

Nina knocks on the door again, and a man answers. He says, sorry; he was on the treadmill. Jax asks if he’s Abraham Dokken, and he says he is. He retired five years ago, but he’d be happy to refer them to another jeweler. Nina says they’re not looking for a repair, but they were hoping he could identify a necklace. She shows him the half-heart, and asks if he made it. He looks it over, and says it’s his clasp for sure. He couldn’t tell her if he made the piece. He made hundreds of heart pendants – they’re big sellers around Valentine’s Day – but they’re usually a whole heart. Nina says, it was a whole heart originally, but was split to make two necklaces. Does that sound familiar?

Stella says Sonny told her about taking Mike to the race track, and how he got to bet on a horse. It must have been quite a time. She tells Mike, his son loves him very much; lots of people love him. Mike looks at her, and she says, hello there. She’s so glad to have a chance to sit with him again. It’s like old times. All they need is a deck of cards. She tells him, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Everything is going to be all right.

Sonny asks Ned how Brook is, and Ned says, she’s still at GH. Sonny asks about her voice, and Ned says, she has to make more progress before they can get a complete overall diagnosis. Sonny says, Brook is strong and resilient, and won’t let anything or anybody keep her down. Ned couldn’t agree more. Ned asks about Mike, and Sonny says Stella is with his dad. Carly leaves to go see her, and Sonny says Ned never told him why he’s there. Ned says Sonny has a lot on his plate, and it can wait, but Sonny says he needs a distraction. Ned asks if Sonny has heard from Olivia lately, and Sonny says, no; is she okay? Ned hopes so. She’s in Geneva with Robert. Sonny says, because? and Ned says, Robert said he could get her in to see Dante.

Robert thanks Olivia for indulging in his nostalgia, and she says his life with Holly is the stuff spy novels are made of. She hopes it eased some of his grief a little. He says, who needs a memorial when he can sit with her, and she can listen to him ramble on? She thanks him, and he says, it means a lot. He says, there’s got to be a decent restaurant around. They need to find it, and buy the best, most expensive bottle of champagne on the menu and toast to Holly. Olivia likes the way he thinks, and happens to have a spectacular travel app. She walks off, looking at her phone, and Robert sighs again. He says he doesn’t know whether Holly is out there, but if she’s not, he’s sure going to miss her. His phone rings, and he sees the caller’s name and number are blocked. He answers, and there’s a lot of static, but he hears, help… need you. He says, Holly?

Nina asks if Abraham remembers dividing the necklace, and he says he does. It was an usual request. Most people buy two matching necklaces; it’s less expensive, but she insisted money was not an issue. Nina asks if he remembers the woman, and he says he’s good with faces. Customers like it if you remember them, and it keeps them coming back. She shows him Madeline’s picture, but he says, she doesn’t look familiar at all. Nina asks if he at least remembers the time frame. He says he’s been in business for forty years, and can’t answer that off the top of his head, but he’s kept receipts. Does she have a rough time frame? Nina says, it would have been in 1991, and he says he’ll take a look. She thanks him, and he goes to look at his records.

Elizabeth says she, Nikolas, Emily, and Lucky shared an important part of their lives. Even though Nikolas infuriates her sometimes, she doesn’t want to lose their connection. He says he hates that he’s the source of conflict in her marriage, but she says Franco has always had a jealous streak, and Nikolas is intimidating. He’s a prince; they’re few and far between. Nikolas says Franco would have liked it better if he never came back, and Elizabeth asks if he’s making an undeserving accusation about him?

Ava says if Franco’s wife feels inferior she probably shouldn’t have married him. Franco says he’ll give Ava this much. She’s been supportive, and always made him feel like he could succeed. She says, his success has made her money, but he says, if she wants to be the heartless ice queen of Port Charles everyone thinks she is, he still knows how passionate she is, and how she’d do anything support the people she loves.

Carly sees Stella, and they hug. Stella asks how Carly is doing, and Carly says, okay, but Sonny is having a hard time. Josslyn arrives, and Carly says she thought Josslyn was hanging out with her friends. Josslyn says she couldn’t relax and enjoy herself. She kept thinking about her grandpa, and wanted to be near him. She realizes he doesn’t know she’ll be there, but Stella says, don’t be so sure. Even if he’s not responsive, he knows. Carly says she’s glad Josslyn is there, and Mike will be too.

Sonny asks how Olivia managed to see Dante, and Ned says, Robert pulled some strings at the Bureau. He knows the interim director. Olivia would have asked Sonny to join her, but she knows he can’t leave Mike. Sonny says he hates missing a chance to see his son, but she’s right; he can’t  leave his dad. Did she say how Dante is doing, or give any indication when he might come home? Ned doesn’t know. She hasn’t made too much contact other than telling him that she arrived safely. Sonny tells him to call when she finds out. Ned says, with Brook in the hospital, and the situation with Mike, it wasn’t a great time for her to run to Europe.

Robert says, tell him where she is. The call cuts off, and he says, dammit. He makes a call, and says he needs something quickly. He just took a call, and it was a bad line. He needs it to be traced. It’s a blocked number, and he needs it asap. It would be a real favor; he owes them. Olivia comes back, and Robert tells her that he took a phone call from a blocked number. There was a horrible connection, and here’s the part that’s a bit nuts. Holly was on the other end asking for help. She asks, how can that be? and he says it was pretty garbled, and he does have Holly on his mind. She says, it probably just sounded like Holly, but he says he’d know her voice anywhere. She doesn’t believe him, does she?

Elizabeth asks what exactly is Nikolas saying? He says, it doesn’t matter. She tells him, ever since Ava dredged up Franco’s past, the past he’s tried hard to overcome, there’s been distance between them. She’s never been so alone when in the same room with someone. Nikolas promises she’ll never be alone, no matter what happens with Franco.

Franco says when Ava lost Kiki, she lost faith in herself, but look at her now in this ridiculous sham of a marriage. She tells him, don’t worry; she went into it with her eyes wide open. Some people would say they both deserve what they got. Franco says she deserves way better, and she says he’s sweet to say that. He says he’s saying it because it’s true. He wants her to have a good life too. She deserves to be with someone who believes in her.

Olivia tells Robert, she never said that, but he might have heard Holly because he wanted to hear her. He says, it was definitely her voice. He doesn’t mean to say she’s alive; it could have been a recording, but who would do that to him? If it’s not Holly herself, it’s someone who wants him to believe it’s Holly. He has to find out where it came from. Olivia asks if he really thinks the call was from Holly, and he says he thinks Holly is alive.

Sonny tells Ned, if his dad’s Alzheimer’s taught him anything, it’s that you can’t waste time where the people you love are concerned. If Olivia has the chance to see her son, she should 100% take it. He can’t go because of his dad. Ned says he’s afraid Olivia flew halfway across the world, when Dante might reject the idea. She’s setting herself up for heartbreak. Sonny says Ned knows enough to know no one can stop Olivia from doing what she wants. Ned says he absolutely knows that. He’s sorry to hear Sonny’s father isn’t dong well, and Sonny thanks him, and says he’s trying to make the most of the time they have left.

Josslyn goes into Mike’s room, and tells him that she loves him. She wonders what he’s thinking about, and asks if Mike is still there in his head. Stella says you can never be sure, but she’d like to believe he is. There are moments Mike focuses, and looks at them like he sees them, and she believes he has. Sonny comes back, and tells Mike that his family is there, including Stella. Mike stirs, and has a hard time breathing. Josslyn says she’ll get the nurse, and Sonny tells Mike that they’re getting him some help.

Abraham comes back with the receipt, and tells Nina, he found it. In September 1991, an alteration to a heart pendant to make two matching necklaces. Jax says Nina is a step closer.

Ava tells Franco, according to Nikolas, she’s a conniving wife; amoral, shallow, greedy, the list goes on. Does he really see good in her? He says he does. She’s her own worst enemy, but who doesn’t do that sometimes. He, for one, tries to live up to Elizabeth’s… everybody’s high expectations. Ava thinks he’s good the way he is.

Elizabeth asks if Nikolas means it; that he’ll always be there for her. Nikolas says he’s let her down, but she makes him want to be a better man. Ava doesn’t bring that side out of him. She says she can’t believe her marriage is on the rocks again. Nikolas says because of her generous heart, she gave Franco a chance. If he can’t live up to her expectations, it’s not her fault. She says she doesn’t understand how it fell apart so quickly, but he says, maybe it’s for the best. The way he sees it, she and the boys are better off without Franco in their lives. She says she feels like a failure.

Robert tells Olivia, his Bureau source should at least be able to tell him the location of the call. She says, then what? and he says, if there’s the slightest possibility Holly is alive, he’s got to know. If someone is using a recording of her voice, he’s got to know that too. She says she completely understands. She flew there because of the slimmest chance she could take to Dante. She had to try. Now Robert has to try to find out for himself. His phone rings, and he says it’s his source. He asks if they were able to trace the call.

The nurse comes out, and Sonny asks, what’s going on? She says his father has pneumonia. It’s common when a patient can’t swallow. They’re putting him on oxygen. Still by Mike’s bedside, Stella tells him that his family is waiting outside. She knows he’s tired, but hang on a little longer. They want to say goodbye.

Robert tells Olivia, they were able to trace the call to Monte Carlo, and she says, as in the Monte Carlo in Monaco? He says, that’s the one. She says he doesn’t seem happy, and he says he called in a favor. The WSB doesn’t waste resources looking for dead people. Monte Carlo’s not all that big. If Holly is there, there’s a good chance he can find her. He’ll get Olivia a ticket back to Port Charles. She says, no he’s not; she’s going with him. He says he’s grateful she was there for the memorial, but now it’s time for her to go home, and be with her family. He’ll be fine.

Nina says she can’t believe this is happening, and starts to cry. Abraham asks if she’s okay, and she says, more than okay. This is incredible news; these are happy tears. She takes the receipt, and Jax thanks Abraham. Abraham tells Nina, good luck with whatever she’s looking for. Now, if they don’t mind, his stories are coming on. (Think he watches GH?) They thank him again, and leave. In the hallway, Nina tells Jax, the customer is Phyllis Caulfield. He asks if she recognizes the name, and she says she does.

Olivia leaves a voicemail for Ned, telling him there have been developments in the situation. She can’t talk, but promises to tell him everything as soon as she can, in person. Robert asks if she made a reservation to go back to Port Charles, but she says, no. She’s coming to Monte Carlo with him. End of story.

Nikolas turns Elizabeth’s face to him, and moves in for a kiss. As he kisses her, someone takes a photo.

Franco kisses Ava, and someone takes a photo.

Stella comes out, and Carly says the nurse told them it’s pneumonia. She asks if the oxygen is helping, and Stella says, a little bit, but he’s having a hard time still. Sonny says, it’s the end, isn’t it? and Stella says, yes. It’s time for everyone to say goodbye to Mike.

Tomorrow, Dev tells Cameron to pick one and set the other free, Nikolas asks if Elizabeth is looking for a way out of her marriage, and Carly says Mike made his family’s life better just by being there.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part One

Andy tells us, at long last it’s an in person reunion with The Real Housewives of New York City. He asks Tinsley how she feels, and she says she’s in a happy mood. Maybe she needs some resolutions, but she doesn’t care. Everyone fusses with their masks, and Andy says they only need them when they get up. Several of them have cool masks. Sonja’s has fringe, and LuAnn’s is a smile. LuAnn says, it’s a good start for today.

Andy says, season 12’s reunion is like a fever dream. They’re in a warehouse surrounded by relics of NYC reunions past. What makes it more monumental is, it’s the first time since March they’re having an in person reunion. He assures us it’s at a safe and socially distanced. He tells them that they look radiant, and asks if Leah is ready for her first reunion. Leah says she’s so ready. She’s wearing her sheer black number that she wore to Ramona’s party, and Andy asks if she wore it to piss Ramona off. He makes her stand up to show the dress off. Dorinda says she’s excited, and Andy tells Ramona it’s the best she’s ever looked. He asks how she’s feeling, and in true Ramona pretend-I-feel-nothing fashion, she says, it’s just another day. He asks how LuAnn is, and she says, Lu and improved, which is getting old. Andy says he loves Sonja’s new haircut, and something else is different. She tells him about her face lift, and says she was inspired by Ellen Barkin. Andy says, last, but not least, their princess from Chicago, Tinsley. Tinsley says it feels strange, but it’s a nice closing for her chapter in New York.

Andy says, before they unpack season 12, he wonders how quarantine affected the women, and asks if they were outside the city. Leah says, for the first five weeks, she was in Long Island, but since then, she’s been in the city. He says, Ramona garnered the most attention. She was in Florida hunkered down with her ex-husband and daughter Avery. Ramona says Avery suggested it, and it was a great experience; they became a family again. Andy asks if there were any moments she thought there would be another shot with Mario, but she says she loves him as a person; she’s not in love with him. Andy says Sonja was trapped at a spa in Palm Springs, and Sonja says she had to reel it in after the show; she was going off the rails. She did colonics for three weeks, and explains some things we didn’t need to know about that. Andy asks how LuAnn is keeping busy with no cabaret, and she says she’s still working on her shows, and working on a book. She’s been busy. He says the burning question is how everyone has been coping since the pandemic. Leah said she was disgusted with her castmates with their families, living it up in Florida. We see her Instagram story, and she says, they’re not taking this sh*t seriously, and laughing. It’s despicable and déclassé. She gives the finger; two of them actually. He asks who she’s referring to, like we don’t know, and Ramona says it’s her, but Leah has it wrong; she’s been cautious. Leah says Ramona has a total lack of awareness. People are dying who can’t say goodbye to their families, and she’s posting about her workouts, and doesn’t care if she’s not masked. She has a lack of empathy, when people are suffering in our country and the world. We see Ramona’s Instagram, where she and Avery are demonstrating Turtle Time. Ramona insists that she was up at 4 am, reading the day’s horrific news. It was scary, and they were living every day as best they could with what they had. And she donated to charity. We hear the sound of one hand clapping. Ramona says people told her that she was an inspiration. Was she supposed to cry all day? Leah says, it’s about acknowledging the situation. Ramona also lied about donating blood. Ramona insists she did. In February she had Lyme disease, but they weren’t testing for Covid yet. She went to Aspen and got better, then went to Florida. She’d been in quarantine for eight weeks, when the Boca Beach Club opened up for going to the beach and playing tennis. She was tested, and found out she had antibodies. The doctor said, when she had Lyme disease, she also had Covid. Sonja says she’s a walking petri dish, and Ramona says she was allowed to come back. Leah behaved low brow, giving her the finger. Andy says a lot of people got upset that she went to a party where Donald Trump, Jr. was, and then his girlfriend tested positive. Ramona insists she stayed six feet from everyone, and left after an hour. Dorinda says, it’s not very responsible, and Ramona says, she doesn’t have the virus. She keeps repeating it, like somebody wound her up. Leah says, God knows how many people Ramona gave it to, and Dorinda says, Ramona is un-virusable. Ramona says she had it in February, and Andy says, you can get it again. He’s scared of getting it again. Sonja says, you can also spread it, and Dorinda says, Ramona was at a speakeasy with no mask; Breakers with Harry Dubin. We can never get through an NYC reunion without Harry’s name being mentioned at least once. Leah says, people are dying, and Dorinda says, people are out of work. Leah says, Ramona doesn’t give a sh*t. It’s not about wearing a mask, you effing idiot. She was showing herself dancing. Everyone is talking over each other, and Andy yells, shut up! He asks if Tinsley isn’t glad she came. He says he has one comment, and Ramona says the discussion is over. He says she was putting it out there that she wasn’t compliant. We see a picture of Ramona and another woman, arms around each other, not wearing masks. Ramona says she was in Florida with a friend at a restaurant, and they took a picture. They were allowed to do that.

Andy says it’s been a crazy year so far, and they have so much to get into with the actual season. With an unapologetic sense and an aversion to tiki torches, new housewife Leah proved a force be reckoned with. We flash back to Leah throughout the season, and Andy says in the feedback they received, everyone thought Leah hit the ground running. When Sarah Paulson was asked to rate Leah’s freshman season from 1 to 10, she gave it a 25. John Oliver was asked if he thought her season was good, he said he wasn’t sure, but never laughed harder than during the episode when she trashed Ramona’s house. Leah says, it’s nice to hear, and a nice welcome. When it aired, the pandemic had started, and they were in lockdown. If thinks if she’d gotten negative feedback, it would have been debilitating. LuAnn says, Leah is a tough New Yorker. She came on as a younger mom and businesswoman. She was vulnerable, and LuAnn instinctually liked her. Sonja says when you have a conversation with Leah, she actually listens and doesn’t judge. Dorinda says Leah gave it a different angle, coming from Downtown. She was confident, and able to handle the initiation. LuAnn says, tiki torches will never look the same, and Ramona says she has them stored behind her garage now. Andy asks if anything has changed for Leah, and she says she stopped drinking, but not much else.

Andy asks Tinsley about her take, and Tinsley says she joined at a low point in her life. She was weaker, and not confident. She loved that Leah didn’t hold back and was super confident; they connected right away. She has a hard time with the others listening to her, and it was nice having someone who actually did. Andy says a viewer asks, what’s up with Leah’s age shaming, and saying she’s the only one with a period? Instead of making fun, she should be seeking wisdom from the women. Leah says she respects them, and doesn’t think she age shames. Dorinda says Leah does look to them for advice; she calls about Kiki all the time. Andy says Ramona, Sonja, and Dorinda shamed Leah and judged her for her tattoos; it wasn’t very welcoming. Leah says she wasn’t uncomfortable about it, and Ramona says she’s not used to tattoos. Leah says the only comment she felt icky about was Sonja saying she’d never have sex with her because of it. We see a clip of Sonja saying Leah’s tattoos are a deal breaker, and Leah says, for some reason, it made her extra offended. Sonja says it was joke because there was sexual tension between them. Betsy from North Carolina wants Leah to elaborate on her vagina wings, and asks if it really flies. Leah says, it’s a crazy story. When she was 17, she did some hallucinogenics, and went into another dimension of the universe. She had purple wings, and when she came to, she wanted them tattooed on her. Her back was too obvious, so she got them on her p*ssy. Dorinda asks, what happens when men see it? and Leah says, they love it. Dorinda marvels at that, and Andy asks about Leah’s family watching the show. She says her father has the biggest crush on Sonja, and Sonja says, he’s an amazing artist. Leah says her mother wasn’t thrilled that she was buck naked, and talking about peeing on a prince – obviously; she’s Leah’s mother. Leah says her daughter hasn’t seen the show, and Andy asks, what about Rob? Leah says she thinks he gets jealous, and turned into a Guido. Andy asks if her mom is really a shrink, and Leah says, don’t judge her mom by her; she’s good at her job. Andy says she wasn’t drinking before the show started, and asks if she was worried about starting again. Leah says, a little, since it was being filmed and she knew it could go wrong. She hadn’t had one sip of alcohol in a decade. LuAnn says they drove her to drink, and Leah says she’s happy she got to spend 9 months drinking with the funniest bitches ever. She has no regrets.

Andy says, on that note, there were a lot of layers in drinking this season, with no exception. We flash back to many drunken antics, and he says, Joe from Ohio says the season was tough to watch with the drinking. He asks if anyone wishes the sloppiness had been addressed more, and Andy wonders if seeing the show in quarantine altered their behavior. Dorinda says, of course. When the season ended, they all stopped drinking, but she’s not like Ramona, who goes out every night. Leah says being shamed in Newport bothered her. Everyone was out of control wasted except Tinsley. She was new to the group, and dealing with sh*t. She’d had a bad night, and Ramona made her feel terrible about herself. Dorinda says Ramona does everything to deflect from her own behavior, and Ramona calls her a liar. She says Dorinda is disgusting, and should go to church.

Okay, time to break out the cookies. Andy asks why Leah decided to stop drinking, and Leah says when the pandemic started, and  they were in quarantine, she needed to be at the top of her game for her daughter. There was no way she could use alcohol in a happy, fun way. A viewer asks if LuAnn’s first sip of vodka on the show was really her first sip since getting off probation, and LuAnn says it was. She felt like she hit the reset button, and thought she’d try it, but she’s reeled it in and stopped drinking since the season ended. She doesn’t want to label herself though, or put pressure on herself, but she does have to watch herself, and she’s very aware. Briana from Nashville asks if LuAnn’s outburst (about Sonja) gave anyone pause, and LuAnn says she gave herself pause. She had to evaluate her use of alcohol. Andy tells them, viewers said no one else is as mean as Dorinda, and wonders why they defended her. Dorinda says Ramona said what she did as a zinger, and Ramona says she was petrified. Andy tells Ramona to let Dorinda finish, and asks why Dorinda gets defensive when her drinking is brought up. Dorinda says she’s sensitive about it. Ramona was accusatory, when Dorinda tries not to point out anyone else’s drinking or Ramona sleeping with people. LuAnn says Dorinda doesn’t like to be told about it, and she gets it, but she was just looking out for a friend. Dorinda says LuAnn does look out for her, but Ramona does it to be harmful. She says she’s for women, but she’s not. Andy says they’re talking about Dorinda, and Ramona says Dorinda is deflecting. I tell Ramona, STFU. Dorinda says it makes her uncomfortable that Ramona talks in front of the group, while LuAnn took her aside. She doesn’t know what else to say. It makes her uncomfortable. Andy says when she watched it back in quarantine, could she see it was about her relationship with alcohol, and not personal? Ramona won’t shut up, babbling about how Dorinda lies and won’t admit it. Dorinda says, it’s stress relief. She has no outlet to express herself, and uses alcohol, and it doesn’t turn out well. LuAnn says they’ve all had their days, but seen themselves, and realized they need to do something about it. Andy says they’ve all expressed concern with Sonja’s drinking, and Ramona says she knew it had to be an interaction with medicine. LuAnn says Sonja used to end the evening like that, but then it started happening at the beginning. Andy says, rosé and Coke? and Sonja says she was looking for any solution. Andy says, it sounds like a problem, and Sonja says she was shocked when she saw herself, showing up at LuAnn’s Halloween party. She’d been on a diarrhetic, and was also on it when she fell under the table after yelling at Bethenny. We flash back to that, and Sonja says she didn’t like the example she was setting for her young viewers. It slowed her motor skills, and it was the pills. Dorinda says she’s taken it for years, since menopause.

Andy says, Tinsley finally found her fairytale ending with Scott, trading hotel life and Housewives for her happily ever after. We flash back down Tinsley Memory Lane, and Andy says, to clarify, they’re still together? Tinsley says, they’re still together, thank God, and they’re getting married. Everything’s good. She shows off her ring, which is quite a sparkler. She says it’s weird sitting there, and Ramona corrects Tinsley about her own feelings, and says, it’s surreal. Tinsley says she got everything she wanted, and she’s going to Chicago to see Scott tomorrow, and be a family again. Andy asks if the one thing that was holding them back as a couple was her being in New York, and him in Chicago. She says, it was a big issue, and Ramona says she persevered; she gives Tinsley credit. Tinsley thinks her being with Bruce was trying to make a jab at Scott, showing him that she was in Chicago with someone else. Ramona says, it worked, and LuAnn says, the pandemic made Tinsley a solid housewife. Tinsley says she wanted to show Scott that she was this person too. He’d never seen her in a normal situation at home. When they’d get back together, they were always traveling. She adds that she’s never going to complain about traveling again, and Andy says he doesn’t think anyone will. A viewer says, it’s ironic that Tinsley had to leave the Housewives to be the only real housewife. Tinsley says she wants to do a lot of things. She’s been working with PETA and Paws Chicago, a no-kill shelter. Andy asks how she feels watching it back, seeing what everyone was saying, and who was supportive. She says, few people were supportive. Leah was, and later, Ramona and LuAnn, who’d been falling under Dorinda’s spell. Leah says she never heard anyone asking about Tinsley’s relationship, and LuAnn says they were doubtful, since Tinsley and Scott had broken up so many times. Tinsley says she felt embarrassed and humiliated, crying so many times about it. Sonja says they were happy for her, but became protective, and Tinsley says she couldn’t talk about wanting babies, or they’d be like, this again? Sonja says she brought it up all the time on the show, but Tinsley says it’s not a show, it’s her life. Andy asks if Scott made her choose between him and the show, but she says he never did. The show was still an issue, and she knew when they got back together, she had a decision to make. Dorinda says the show was how she met him, and Tinsley should say thank you. They talk at the same time, and Tinsley says, of course he let her finish the season, but she chose him over them. She didn’t want him to be in the mix, knowing it could be toxic for their relationship. Andy asks Ramona, if she dated a guy who didn’t want her to be on the show, would she quit? Ramona says, if he put a ring on it, and LuAnn says, her too. Tinsley says she proved how much she loved him, while Sonja puts hand sanitizer on her legs. Andy is like, what are you doing? and she says she needs some shine. Tinsley says, if she had to show how much she loved him by leaving, she was going to do it.

After a commercial break, Andy welcomes us back, even though we’re not the ones who went anywhere. He says, Tinsley wasn’t comfortable sharing all of her details, but Dorinda had no qualms about sharing her distain for Tinsley. We flash back to Dorinda being nasty to Tinsley, ending with her turkey baster comment. Tinsley looks pretty upset, and Dorinda pastes a smile on her face. Andy says he’s assuming they haven’t spoken since then, and Dorinda says Tinsley has only spoken to Leah. Tinsley says she and Dorinda were friends at one point. Her turkey baster comment was vile, especially when there are women who can’t get pregnant. Dorinda says she’s sorry she shamed Tinsley, and Tinsley says she was shamed for wanting a child and not having one. Dorinda is surprised she’s not already pregnant. She repeats that she’s sorry, and says, it was a bad joke. Tinsley says, it’s not a joke, and Andy says viewers thought it was mean. Tinsley says it will never go away, and a viewer asks what Dorinda’s issue is with Tinsley. Dorinda says she believes only half of what she hears, and all she sees, which is a variation on an old Navy saying – believe only half of what you see, and nothing you hear. She says a lot of stuff went on that no one saw, and Tinsley says after she and Scott broke up, she and Dorinda got in a horrific fight that wasn’t on camera.

Separating this paragraph because it’s such a good reveal, and explains a lot. Tinsley says she told Dorinda that Scott had given John money she didn’t know about. Dorinda took it as a betrayal, and took her anger at John out on Tinsley. The producers didn’t want her to stay in the house; they were worried for her safety. Dorinda says she never got involved in John’s finances, because once again, a Housewife has forgotten the cameras see all. In some unseen footage, we see Dorinda on the phone with John, screaming at him not to use her friends to ask for money, and telling him not to talk to Scott. Scott is not his friend. When she says not to do something, he’d better listen. LuAnn says she remembers that call. Tinsley says she hasn’t done anything to Dorinda, and Dorinda says she hates Tinsley’s life. Tinsley says, Dorinda is obsessed with her life.

Wowee, wow, wow.

Next time – The Reunion – Part Two – Dorinda is asked if she’s seeing someone, Leah makes fun of Ramona, Ramona’s comment about Leah being bi-polar is discussed, and Leah says she doesn’t think Dorinda hits below the belt. Is Leah sure she quit drinking?

🤸🏽 Hair Reborn…

Finally, my head has felt the freedom that is a color and cut. And with that, I bid you adieu until my next post, where I will pour you some tea, and we can laugh about how rich folks have to be just like us. For the most part. Okay, they still have it better, but we can laugh anyway. Until then, stay safe, stay amused, and stay not giving John any money.

September 9, 2020 – Ava Sounds the Alarm, Brandi’s Not Here, After the Dreck, Salt Lake Date, Graceful Exit, Dead News & Creeping

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Carly tells Bobbie, she should sue. Diane would gladly take the case. Bobbie says, another lawsuit would only hurt the hospital, and Carly says the hospital fired her. Bobbie says, Cyrus fired her, but Carly says, they both know he had help. They look over to see Valentin sitting with Martin.

Valentin thinks Martin should have a shot. After the antics of his last client, he could use one. Martin says he’s sure he doesn’t know what Valentin means, and Valentin wonders if Nelle’s latest disappearing act is for real.

Sam tells Jason, her actions caused Bobbie and Monica to be fired, but Jason thinks it’s reaching just a little bit. She says, is it? She gave Valentin consent to vote Danny and Scout’s proxy. He says, and she was assigned a new parole officer. She says, so he was able to move back in, and that’s great, but it left the hospital open for Cyrus’s control. He thinks it’s her fault, doesn’t he?

Alexis looks at the syringe, now sitting in a plastic bag. Julian says, the police are on their way to pick up the evidence. She says she’s not sure why, since it was accidental. He says, maybe he should take it, and reaches for it, but Alexis snatches it up. He says because of the prevalence of opioid deaths, the police are treating all drug induced OD’s as homicides.

Jordan asks why Cyrus murdered Neil, and he says, I beg your pardon? She says, it’s a simple question, and she’s not wearing a wire. He can speak freely. Why did he kill Neil? He says, all right; he’ll play along. Who’s Neil? She says he died of an OD, with no prior history of drug use, and he says, by definition, addicts are good at hiding their addiction. She says, like Bob and Mark? and he says, how hypocritical of them. They planted the evidence that framed him for being a drug lord, when they were sampling the wares. He can’t thank her enough for exposing their corruption. She says she doesn’t know what game he’s playing, but what’s the connection between him and Neil?

Josslyn, Cameron, and Trina go to Charlie’s. Trina goes over to say hello to Ava at the bar, and Josslyn says she’s been meaning to tell Cameron that she knows. He says, okay… She says now that she knows, they don’t have to be weird. She and Trina talked through everything, and she’s totally cool with it.

Alexis asks Julian if she’s supposed to believe Neil was a user all this time, when she had no idea. Not when he was her therapist, not when they were stumbling through their relationship, not even when he was in her own bed, but apparently, he was. There was the bloodwork, a puncture wound, and now Julian found the syringe under her bed. Julian suggests he hang on to it until the police get there, and Alexis says she was so certain that she was making a better choice. It turns out she was just falling for a better liar.

Valentin doesn’t suppose part of Martin’s service was to hustle Nelle off to an undisclosed location. Martin says, no, and Valentin wonders if he’s not saying anything because of professional ethics, or because Nelle owes him money.

Carly says, when Valentin took over, his first act was to bail on the hospital, opening the door to Cyrus. His second act was to fire Michael. Bobbie says, and now he’s having a drink in Carly’s restaurant. She doesn’t think so. Bobbie stomps over to Valentin’s table, and says she had the misfortune to marry his brother Stephan. He was bad, but Valentin is infinitely worse, handing the hospital over to the likes of Cyrus. He says, sorry, and she says she wants to smack the smirk off his face. Carly says she’s right behind Bobbie, and Brick walks in. He says, no doubt. It looks like he got there just in time.

Alexis tells Julian, she didn’t know Neil was an addict, but she’s good at spotting other addicts, since she is one. It’s like a funhouse, with everyone distorted in their own unique way. Julian says she doesn’t know for sure Neil was an addict. He could have been a recreational user; those people exist. Or he could have been a high-functioning addict. Plenty of successful people are. Alexis says she doesn’t know anything right now. She’s going to drive herself crazy, going over every detail of what Neil did or didn’t do. Julian says, from what he’s seen, Neil was a complicated guy dealing with a lot, including his emotions and feelings for her. Alexis gives him a look.

Ava says Trina has been holding out on her. She’s so talented. Her performance with her friends at the Nurses Ball was spectacular. Trina asks if Ava and Nikolas had a good time, and Ava says she knows what Trina is doing. Trina doesn’t have to look out for her. She and Nikolas know where they stand with each other.

Cameron asks Josslyn what everything she’s talking about, and Josslyn says, don’t worry. Trina says it’s not a big deal. He says, good to know, and she says she doesn’t want him to feel he has to keep it secret. Portia walks in, and Trina tells Ava that her counselor said she could get additional credit for working at the gallery, so she can give Ava ten extra hours. Ava appreciates her enthusiasm, but thinks Trina should speak to her mother. She might have other plans. Portia asks, does Trina mind if she and Ava take a moment to catch up? Trina asks if Portia promises to be nice, and Portia asks if Trina promises to be nice to Curtis. Train tells her, try not to break anything too expensive. Ava tells Portia, if this is about Trina asking for more hours, she said Trina needed to clear it with her first. Portia says she’ll bring that up later, but first, they need to talk.

Cyrus tells Jordan, he’s not aware of any connection between him and Neil. The first time he’s heard Neil’s name is when she said it just now. She says his innocent act is wasted on her, since he kidnapped her son, and made her turn a blind eye to his drug shipment getting through. He says he’s never kidnapped anyone in his life, and no one can make her do anything. She’s always had the power to make her own choices. She says, Neil died under similar circumstances to Mark and Bob; the same pattern. Cyrus says, people die all the time. That doesn’t mean he had a hand in it. She says, unless they were his drugs. Then he’s legally responsible. He says she exonerated him. Although now, she comes to him late at night, hurling accusations and innuendos, reviving a vendetta against an innocent man.

Jason says it sounds like Sam wants him to be angry with her, but she says she wants him to tell the truth. He asks when he’s lied to her, and she says, never. He doesn’t say anything, and she says, ELQ was supposed to bail out the hospital. She should have known Valentin was up to something. All she cared about was getting a new parole officer, and getting to spend time with him. He says she’s only responsible for the proxy she signed over to Valentin. Valentin took control of the majority, and it was his decision not to help GH. Those were his actions, not hers. She says, it was selfish. She got what she wanted, and because of her actions, people she cares about are paying for it.

Julian tells Alexis, he knows more than most people that it’s complicated to lead a double life. Neil was confused, and he may have been confused about a number of things, but he knows that Neil genuinely cared for her. She says, dying in her bed was a funny way to show it, and he tells her, she has no idea how many secrets Neil might have been keeping, but anyone could tell his feelings for her were genuine. She says he should go. She appreciates him coming by, but can’t have him there to turn to. He says, that’s different. If she needs anything, let him know. For what it’s worth, he’s sorry it happened. It was nice to see her happy again.

Trina sits back down, and Josslyn says she told Cameron what they talked about, so they’re all on the same page. No more secrets. Trina says she’s glad to hear it, and Cameron says, excellent.

Ava tells Portia, with all due respect, she’s already apologized for overstepping with Trina. Portia says, she did, and Ava says she’s not sure what more she can do. Portia says she realized she came on strong, and made assumptions about Ava’s motivations. Ava says, as a mother, in protecting one’s child, you can never be too careful; she understands. Portia says, whatever Ava’s motivation in helping Trina, she realizes it came from a genuine place, and thanks her. Trina’s work at the gallery is grounding, and she realizes it’s even more important now, in the wake of her father’s death. She believes Ava when she says her intentions were honorable. Ava says she appreciates that, and Portia says, but she doesn’t believe Ava has led an honorable life. She won’t prevent Trina from working at the gallery, but won’t be taking her eyes off Trina either.

Cyrus says Jordan exonerating him doesn’t seem that long ago He doesn’t think he dreamed it or imagined it. She says he threatened to kill her son unless she did what he wanted, and he says, what imagination she has. He’s making a fresh start, and exploring the possibilities available to a free man. He tells her, thank you, waits, then says, say you’re welcome. She says he’s made himself welcome enough. He doesn’t need to hear her say it. Since he’s an innocent man leading an innocent life, he doesn’t require the police commissioner. She’s met the terms of their extremely one-sided agreement, and they’re done. He tells her, don’t be so sure.

Sam asks if Jason is telling her that he’s okay with what she did. Jason says he hates that Monica and Bobbie lost their jobs; it’s awful and unfortunate, but it’s not permanent. She asks how he’s so sure, and he says, Cyrus is testing the truce already. When he breaks it, he’s gone. She says, what about Valentin? and he says, the Quartermaines have lost control of ELQ before. They’ll get it back. Michael is smart, with a cool head, and he’s not distracted by the custody case anymore. She says, it really doesn’t bother him that her actions are what set things in motion?

Jason says, it’s not like Valentin gave Sam a choice. He knows she acted in good faith. It’s done. It’s over. She can’t change it. Let’s just move on. Her phone rings, and she says, it’s Julian. He has the worst timing. She tells Julian that she’s in the middle of something. What does he want? He says he was at her mother’s. He just left, and Neil’s OD is hitting her hard. He found a syringe under her bed. They both know he’s not the right person to be with her mother, but Alexis shouldn’t be alone. Sam says she’ll be right over, and thanks him. She tells Jason what happened, and he says he’ll go with her.

Officer Gonzalez comes downstairs, and tells Alexis, there was no other paraphernalia, but forensics wants to look around. Alexis says she’s not going to be sleeping up there anytime soon, and Officer Gonzalez says if they have any more questions, they’ll contact her. Alexis says she’s fresh out of answers.

Cyrus says he appreciates Jordan’s faith in him adjusting to life outside, but it takes time, especially after such a long stretch. She tells him not to sell himself short. Clearly her services are no longer required. He says she’s gone from callous pessimist to wide-eyed optimist. She needs to split the difference, and become a pragmatist. An old friend might come in handy. Isn’t that what she was thinking when she invited Taggert back to town, or did she feel it was a mistake? Another hasty decision. Look at the damage that was done to that poor man.

Martin says, amusing as it might be to watch them deck his client, he’d be compelled to call the cops. Carly tells Bobbie, they’ll leave Valentin alone, and invites Brick to have a drink. Valentin says, good idea, and she says no one asked him. Bobbie tells Carly that Scotty is taking her out to dinner, and leaves. Martin tells Valentin, let it go, but Valentin says Bobbie is wrong. He’s nothing like Stephan, who was consumed with ghosts. Martin asks if Valentin’s ghosts are under control, and Valentin says he doesn’t believe in ghosts. Martin says he’d like to know why Julian was looking for him; does he miss his wife? Valentin says, Julian is looking to get out of a marriage of crippling inconvenience, which leads him to wonder what leverage Nelle had to get Julian to marry her in the first place. He had the impression the leverage was in Martin’s possession. Is it?

Ava says, normally if someone spoke to her like that, she’d tell them to go to hell. She’d say they don’t know about her, or what been through in her dishonorable life. Portia asks if that’s what Ava is telling her, but Ava says, on the contrary. If she was in Portia’s shoes, and her daughter was working for a woman with her… colorful past, she’d be… Portia says, cautious? and Ava says, livid. She’d never take her eyes off her daughter. As a mother, there’s nothing more important than a child’s safety or happiness. Trina is determined to work extra hours, but Portia should feel free to say no. Portia wonders if Ava is asking her to turn Trina down, but Ava says, no, but don’t feel obligated. Portia says, seven days is a big ask, and Ava says, if they start to drive each other crazy, she’ll send Trina on an errand. Portia says, when Trina returns with coffee in five minutes, what then? and Ava says she’ll send Trina to Tokyo to pick up on what’s trendy. That will take longer. Portia says, Ava is kidding, right? She does have a couple of requests. She asks Ava to keep an eye on Trina, and if she’s there to work, make her work. Ava says, of course (🍷). As if she could stop Trina. The gallery might seem like a placid boutique, but there’s a lot to do. She tells Portia, feel free to pop in and check up on Trina. Portia is sure it won’t be necessary, and Ava says, yet she has the feeling Portia will. Portia says, at least once a week. Maybe more. Ava says she’s always welcome, and Portia thanks her. Trina asks if everything is okay, and Portia says she’s giving Trina permission to work extra hours.

Julian comes in, and Ava says she hears congratulations are in order. He asks, for what? and she says she heard his wife – who makes her look like Mother Teresa – is gone. Why is he in a foul mood? He should be celebrating the end of his hellish marriage. He says his hellish marriage is far from being over. She asks what Nelle did now, and he says she claimed to have left a letter detailing his role in Wiley’s kidnapping with her lawyer. Until he gets the letter, he’s on borrowed time. She says Julian should have let her kill Nelle when she offered.

Sam says she thought Alexis was going to stay at their place, but Alexis says she couldn’t. Sam says Julian called her; she’s so sorry, Alexis wonders how she couldn’t know, and Sam tells her, don’t blame herself. Alexis asks how someone who presents themselves as a decent, wonderful person could do something like that? How could he?  

Martin says his hypothetical sometimes client – he’s not naming names… Valentin says, Nelle, and Martin says, it’s hypothetical. Valentin suggests Medea, and Martin says, Medea it is. Medea has left some loose ends, providing actual proof of her departure is permanent. Martin doesn’t know what Valentin’s interest is, so why should he share secrets? Valentin says, Nelle is currently a friendless fugitive wanted for murder and attempted kidnapping, and wonders if Martin’s ability to keep secrets is based on the size of the retainer. Martin says he’ll take care Nelle’s affairs in any way he pleases, and Valentin says, just make sure his take precedence.

Carly asks if Sonny called Brick, but Brick says he was on his way to another assignment. He had time to stop by and say hello to Sonny. She asks if Sonny knows he’s in town, and he says he was at Turning Woods earlier. She says then he knows what’s going on with Mike, and he says, sadly, he does.

Julian tells Ava that Nelle left the letter with her attorney Martin, and Ava says, ugh. That man is a reptile in a linen suit. If Nelle left the letter with him, and it incriminates Julian, Martin will absolutely use it for his own gain. He says that’s why she’s going with him to help find it.

Trian asks Portia if she can stay longer, and Josslyn says her driver will drop Trina off. Portia tells Trina to text when she’s on her way, and not after Curfew. Trina says, definitely.

Cyrus says Jordan saw how Taggert’s poor family suffered. First, by his violent death, and then when she revealed how honorable Taggert was anything but. The shame rained down on that man’s family… But fortunately, families are resilient. Take hers for instance. She tells him, stay away from her family, and he says, or what? She says she doesn’t know. Neither of them know what she might be capable of. She doesn’t want to find out; does he? He says he’s sure it won’t come to that. Isn’t the motto of every police force to serve and protect? That’s what’s going to happen between them. She says, in serving, she’ll also protect him? and he says, that’s everybody’s job on the force, right? He tells her, goodnight. Oh, and if she ever decides to drop by for another late night chat, ask herself if it’s worth his trouble. She walks out.

Jordan runs into Portia outside of Charlie’s, and asks how Trina is. Portia says, fine. She’s loving her job, her friends, and school, so Portia can’t complain. Nothing will take away losing her father, but it does give her the structure she needs to heal and work through it. Jordan asks if there’s anything she can do, but Portia says nothing short of clearing Taggert’s name will satisfy Trina. Jordan wishes that were possible, and Portia says, there is one thing she’d like to clear the air about. She knows Curtis told Jordan about their conversation. Jordan says he did, and Portia says she wanted Jordan to know, woman to woman, she shouldn’t have brought up something that was clearly in the past. She has no designs on Jordan’s husband. Jordan laughs, and says she appreciates Portia making that clear.

Julian messes with the lock on Martin’s office door, and says Ava knows what to do, right? She says, if she sees something, text something, and tells him to make sure he notices. She asks if he has a secret spy code, and he says he doesn’t think that would make him look more innocent. She asks if he’s sure there’s no alarm, he says he’s not. He gets the door open, and she says, hurry up. He goes into the office.

Alexis says when she was lying next to Neil, and they were planning their future, he was waiting for her to fall asleep so he could shoot up. Jason says she doesn’t know what Neil was thinking, and Sam says, Jason is right. She doesn’t know what was going through Neil’s mind at the time. Alexis agrees, and says, Neil was a multitasker. He could have been planning his life and thinking about shooting up at the same time. Sam says Alexis sounds morbid, and she doesn’t want Alexis to be by herself. She suggests Alexis come home with them, but Alexis doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Jason says, Danny and Scout love having her there, and she’d be close to Sam, but Alexis says she has a lot of feelings right now, and they’re not pretty. She doesn’t want to have them in front of her grandchildren. Sam says she’ll stay there, but Alexis says, no. Jason just got home, and Sam should be home with her family. Sam doesn’t feel good leaving Alexis, but Alexis says she needs privacy. Sam says if she starts feeling depressed, or more depressed, call. Or call if she feels like drinking. Alexis says, yes to all of it, and thanks them for coming by. She and Sam hug.

While Josslyn is away from the table, Cameron says he can’t believe Trina told Josslyn about… you know. She says she didn’t want it to be a deep, dark secret. Now that it’s out in the open, it’s no big deal. He says he doesn’t want everyone talking, and she says, Josslyn isn’t everyone, and only three people know. He says, you know what they say about three people keeping a secret. In order for them to do it, two of them have to be… She says, what? and he says, never mind. Josslyn comes back, and says she has the best idea about the three of them.

Julian rifles through Martin’s files. Ava hears Martin telling Valentin that he is billing him for this. She texts, GET OUT NOW!!! three times. They get close to the door, and Ava tries to send another message, but it says communication failure. Martin puts his key in the lock, and Julian realizes they’re coming in.

Carly tells Brick, Sonny gave Mike one last afternoon at the track. It was good for him to be around the horses, and it was special to Sonny. Brick says he always admired Sonny, but seeing him care for Mike, being there for him, he admires Sonny even more. Carly says Brick was the one who helped Sonny step up for Mike. It was like using a Lamborghini as a golf cart. He says he was honored to help, but if he looks better to her, that’s even better. She says, it’s not fair. He comes there, flirts with her, and takes off on another mission. He asks if she’s telling him to stop, and she says, not a chance. They clink glasses.

Julian hides, and the fire alarm goes off. We see Ava has pulled it, like we didn’t guess that. Martin says, what the hell…?

Josslyn says, it’s almost homecoming, and suggests they all go together. Cameron says, the three of them? and Josslyn says, the four of them. They can’t forget Dev. Cameron and Trina say, sure they can, and Josslyn says they can still dress up and have fun, but no romantic drama. And they won’t have to worry about who they’ll kiss at the end of the night. Trina says, good idea, and Cameron says, he’s in.

Jordan tells Portia, forget she brought up the past. It’s better for them to move on with no tiptoeing around things. Their only worry is that Trina is still blaming Curtis for Tagger’s death. Portia says she keeps telling Trina that she’s dishonoring her father’s wishes, but does she listen? Jordan says, she’s more stubborn than Taggert is. Portia says, was. She still does that too; talk like he’s still there. Trina is young and headstrong, but one day she’ll realize there are few men with as much integrity as Curtis. Jordan says that’s kind of her to say, and Portia says, of course (🍷) Jordan and Curtis are lucky to have found each other.

Julian asks Ava, what happened? She says she had no reception, so she pulled the alarm. Why should he be the only one committing a felony? Julian says, if Martin has the letter, it’s not in his office.

In Martin’s office, Valentin says, someone was looking for something, and Martin says, obviously. The lookout probably pulled the fire alarm. In any case – he pulls the ELQ folder out of a drawer, and takes another from his briefcase – here’s everything Valentin needs to sign. Just put his John Hancock there. Valentin says Martin had it right there? and Martin says, except the final revision of the offer in question. He would have brought that too, but he didn’t know he’d be seeing Valentin. He makes a practice never to be apart from his most sensitive documents. We see Nelle’s letter in his briefcase.

On the phone, Cyrus asks Walker where they are on the new Chief of Staff. He can’t wait to meet them in person. He tells Walker that Neil OD’d, and wonders where he got the drugs that killed him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Neil had been Cyrus’s therapist, since Cyrus is so au currant.

Alexis looks at a glass of water, but sees a shot. She says, one day at a time, and takes a sip.

Sam tells Jason that she thought she was doing the right thing. To her, there was nothing more important than them being together. She was wrong, and she’s sorry for what it cost. Jason tells her, like he said, it’s over.

Tomorrow, Ava tells Franco that they should cut their losses, Elizabeth tells Nikolas that his fake screwed up marriage is screwing up her real one, and Nina speaks to the jewelry designer.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – The Reunion – Part Two (Home Edition)

Ugh. Even in the preview I hate the stupid faces they make. Denise eats chips. I get my vanilla wafers ready.

Andy says, this season Kyle was under attack for calling the women a group of fake-ass bitches. It made the group wonder if it takes one to know one. We flash back to Kyle being insulting, interrupting everyone, and being a moron in general. In one clip, she says she’s not friends with a-holes. I beg to differ. Andy asks why she thinks everyone came after her, and she says when she left L.A. to do her clothing line, then went to North Carolina for Halloween, she’d been going back and forth, and was tired. She felt like everyone was coming at her, and not being honest. Which answered the question not at all. Adam from Baltimore asks Dorit why she told everyone she had a life when she was late for Teddi’s retreat. It sounded self-centered and condescending, and she pissed Erika off. Erika admits to being pretty drunk, and we flash back to that. Yep. She was. Erika says they all have busy lives, and Dorit says Teddi claimed it made no difference what time they got there, yet she was attacked. Kyle says that’s extreme, but Dorit says she didn’t feel welcome, and had to defend herself. She didn’t mean the rest of them didn’t have lives. Kyle says she felt like Dorit was showing up to show off her outfit more than to support Teddi. Dorit says beforehand, she was taking pictures to promote her business. Teddi says everyone else keeps bringing it up; she had nothing to do with it. She didn’t think Kyle was defending her, just pointing out the obvious. A viewer asks how Teddi felt when Erika said she didn’t feel like being there. Teddi says she had to move on from it, and while they’re on the Teddi subject, Dorit doesn’t know why Kyle can’t acknowledge her friendship with Teddi is different from her friendship with the rest of them. Maybe it’s true. She says this like it’s tabloid fodder, and none of us have ever had a friend we’re closer to than our other friends. Kyle says, of course it is. Teddi is a better friend to her. It makes sense; they have more in common. Dorit is glad Kyle is finally admitting it. Seriously, are these women that bored? Kyle says Dorit acts like it’s a crime. She’s slept in the same bed with her friends and sisters her whole life; it’s not weird. Stirring the pot, even though there isn’t much to stir, Andy points out that Kyle insulted Erika by suggesting Erika didn’t have close friends. Kyle tries to cover her ass by saying she meant friends close enough to sleep in the same bed. Just an aside, while I wouldn’t mind sharing if necessary, being an adult, I’d rather have my own bed if it’s an option. Erika says they have different lives, and not everyone has that type of relationship. Just because they don’t have the same experience doesn’t make it wrong or bad.

Dorit wants to address the astrology party, where Kyle said she wasn’t as good a friend as she’d thought. Kyle says she was just frustrated and apologizes, but Dorit doesn’t listen and asks Kyle to justify telling her that. Kyle repeats that she apologized and explained, but Dorit says she hasn’t explained. Kyle says Dorit wanted to take credit for her fashion show, and her hiring Wilson Philips for her party. No surprise, Kyle won’t let Dorit respond, and just keeps babbling. Kyle says she never spoke against Dorit, yet Dorit threw her business under the bus, saying Kyle didn’t know what she was doing. There’s a break, and I realize I’m holding my breath.

Kyle says she was shocked, and we revisit Kyle freaking out when she checked out her line before the fashion show. We see Dorit’s interview, where she wondered how Kyle couldn’t have seen the pieces beforehand, and if she just woke up and said she’d throw a show together and be a success. No need for experience or know-how. Kyle says, of course she was freaking out; Dorit said she didn’t know what she was doing. Kyle once again refuses to let Dorit talk, and says Dorit came to her house and she felt like they were friends for life. Then Dorit made fun of her in her interview. She thought they were better friends than that. Dorit says she never slammed Kyle’s designs. She poked fun at Kyle for not being prepared, and she thought Kyle should have been. Garcelle says Kyle got more upset at her saying she’d felt glazed over than she did over Dorit hurting her business. She didn’t seem that mad. Dorit says Kyle just blamed her, but never spoke to her directly. Instead she went to Twitter and the press. Kyle says she was upset, thinking Dorit had slammed her business. Dorit says Kyle told everyone her fashion show was in a warehouse, and Kyle says she had to fight back. She wasn’t going to sit there like a moron. No comment. Too easy. Dorit asks why Kyle didn’t text her, and Kyle asks why Dorit said it in the first place. Andy wants to move forward, and Dorit says she’s very sorry, and wishes Kyle success. She adds she’s always there if Kyle needs anything, and Kyle says she appreciates it. I see why they had to focus on the whole Denise/Brandi thing this season. Apparently, they didn’t have a show without it. Wake me when it’s over.

Andy says, moving on. He asks why Kyle thinks Denise is a fake-ass bitch, and Kyle says Denise claims she doesn’t care about the glam thing, but then defended Dorit. She felt like everyone was putting on an act, and not being genuine, but she was singled out. Bob in Syosset says Denise is the sexiest women alive, and asks how she felt when Kyle called her a ragamuffin. Denise says she was surprised, but wondered if could trademark it somehow, like Ragamuffin Clothing. I actually like that idea. Kyle says, when she was a kid, if she left the house looking messy, her mom said, don’t run around like a ragamuffin. Andy asks if Denise was offended, but Denise says she didn’t care. No pot stirring for you there, Andy. Kyle says she apologized, and Denise says, after the backlash on social media. Denise says she was defending Dorit about being glam when Kyle got upset. It was like, how dare Denise defend her when she looks like a ragamuffin? Either they’re not glam enough or too glam. Andy asks, where’s the middle ground?  

Dorit’s phone keeps repeating low battery over and over, and everyone is like WTF? Andy says Caleb in Topeka asks how Lois is, and LisaR says she misses Lois. She hasn’t seen her in five months. Lois is in assisted living though, and doing great. Andy says LisaR loves the spotlight, like this is news. Her daughter opened up about her anxiety on social media, and she was judged as a mother. He supposes it was attention she could do without. We flash back to everything Amelia, and Andy asks if LisaR thought about what she does on Instagram. She says, as a mother, she’s always aware. Garcelle tells LisaR, what she said wasn’t about shaming; it was just a reality check. Andy asks Teddi if she relates to the issue, and Teddi says as parents, they’re already coping with the struggle, and already feel guilty, so it shouldn’t be made part of a light conversation. Garcelle says she wasn’t being flippant, but Teddi says she said it in front of all of them; it was a low blow. Garcelle has no response. I’m not surprised, since this is stupid even for Teddi. Andy says, Sutton said LisaR’s dancing on Instagram was weird, and Sutton says, that’s not a bad thing. Dorit says, it had a negative connotation. I see she’s been reading again, and is using big words. Sutton says Dorit is making it into something bigger than it is, and LisaR says, it is weird. Dorit says if her daughter didn’t like her doing it, would LisaR continue, and LisaR says, of course not. She’d never do anything to hurt her kids. Andy asks if there’s an update on Amelia’s $6000 a month apartment, and LisaR says, $5700, but who’s counting,? and explains it’s all Amelia’s money from modeling. She’s doing well (apparently), and some days aren’t as much of a struggle, but she’ll always have issues. Charlotte from Birmingham says Denise looked horrified when LisaR said she’d taught her daughters the right way to do a BJ in her book. Did she think LisaR went too far? Denise says she doesn’t think they should judge each other (mic drop). Erika says, it was a lovely bomb LisaR’s daughters dropped on her in Tokyo, and we flash back to that. LisaR says her daughters could care less about reading any book, but one of their friends brought it out. Andy mentions LisaR’s latest nakey picture, and LisaR admits that she loves attention and pushes boundaries, like we didn’t know, and Kyle says, nobody owns it better. I choke on a cookie.

Garcelle asks if anyone is drinking yet. Jordan from Austin asks how Teddi’s baby is, and Teddi explains about how the baby’s head wasn’t formed right in utero, and she needs neurosurgery. She says, everyone says she’ll be fine, but Teddi is obviously distressed about it. Not that I blame her. I might not like Teddi, but wouldn’t wish that on anyone. FYI, baby Dove had the surgery since then, and everything turned out fine. Andy says Teddi’s pregnancy seemed to be an afterthought to the women. We flash back to Teddi’s interview where she says, apparently, she’s proceeding in this friend group as though she’s not pregnant. They talk about the name Dove, which Teddi wanted, but Edwin wouldn’t agree, until she pitched it by telling him that it was an emoji. Erika says, while Teddi ate a lot of Tums, she never used her pregnancy as an excuse for anything. Erika was freaked out more than Teddi was. Andy points out that the bunny is behind him, having made the trip to the Hamptons. Kyle says, it went to Bravocon and Watch What Happens Live in L.A. The bunny gets around. Andy says, the bunny is legendary, and asks if it’s LisaR’s go-to baby gift. LisaR says it is, and even though she acts like she’s not still upset about Kim giving it back to her, I think she is. She says the company went out of business though, so now she’ll have to get a different bunny. Zzzzzzz… What I said before about Denise. They talk about Teddi’s daughter Slate, and how she severed the tip of her finger when a door closed on it. Teddi says she put it on ice, and when she called 911, the first thing they told her was not to put it on ice. Good to know. She says she took it off, wrapped it in gauze, and put it in a Ziplock bag. She called several people, and Dr. Nassif met her at the ER. Andy asks if Teddi was as boring as Sutton thought she’d be, but Sutton doesn’t take the bait, and says she doesn’t think Teddi is boring.

Here it comes, in 3… 2… 1…

Andy says, Brandi dropped a bombshell that was like throwing a glass of wine at Denise. I guess he couldn’t come up with anything more clever, having pandemic brain. He says, the truth is everybody and anybody’s guess, and we flash back to all the Brandi bullsh*t. I shove cookies in my mouth. My husband decides to sit down and watch for a moment, and I tell him not to talk, and expect me to yell at the TV. Denise doesn’t even flinch as we stroll down Brandi’s Memory Lane. Andy says Denise claimed she barely knows Brandi, but Brandi showed the women a year’s worth of texts. There seemed to be a deeper connection. He asks if she has an explanation, and she says for every ten texts Brandi sent, she had one response. He asks if Denise has contacted Brandi, but Denise says she never did. Brandi was an acquaintance, and Denise was always nice to her. LisaR asks why Denise didn’t call Brandi from Rome, and Denise says Brandi isn’t a friend of hers. LisaR says Denise can’t keep lying, and Denise says LisaR can’t keep playing the same card in this game. She’s not friends with Brandi. Kyle says, not now. Andy says when Denise was asked about Brandi at Bravocon, she’d said they were friendly. We see a clip of Denise saying just that, and Denise says she had no reason to say anything negative. Andy is trying to discredit this, and it’s not cool. Andy says Denise called Brandi a friend. Will someone get that man a dictionary? Being friendly toward someone and being their friend are two different things. Denise says she didn’t, and they never socialized. With the exception of Garcelle, every single one of these twats twits asks, where is Brandi? and LisaR says, this is bullsh*t. Yes, it certainly is, and she heads the bull herd.

LisaR says Denise isn’t being upfront, and runs from the truth. Garcelle says LisaR didn’t like that Denise didn’t give her a satisfactory answer. Erika asks if Denise stopped Brandi from being at the reunion, and I say, she’s not on the show. Denise says, Brandi’s not on their show, and my husband marvels at my ESP abilities. Andy says there was a meeting, and they didn’t feel Brandi had anything else to add. After Brandi said she licked bleepity-bleep-bleep, there was nowhere else to go. They’d heard enough. What more was there to add? Denise says, they don’t know about the stuff Brandi sent her; it was so inappropriate. It was harassment. Dorit says if she was in this situation, she wouldn’t want to be around Brandi, and LisaR says Denise shouldn’t have done it. Denise says, done what? and LisaR says what she did with Brandi. Dorit says she believes Denise, but the problem is Denise giving them little bits, like when she said Brandi claimed to have slept with someone in the group. We flash back to that, and Kyle says it wasn’t her. I wonder why Kyle keeps assuming it was her, and again think if it’s anyone, it’s Kim. Andy asks why Denise wouldn’t say who it was, and Denise says, it’s not just one person. Brandi said there was one in the group, but also someone on the outside, who the group knows. She’s not saying who it is, and everyone – again minus Garcelle, since she’s actually a decent human – goes, say it! say it! like they’re five. Denise says it has nothing to do with her, and she doesn’t care what people think. She doesn’t give a sh*t. Kyle says, you can’t have a friendship without honesty. Andy asks, what about Denise talking sh*t about the women? and Denise says Brandi called her after she did Teddi’s podcast, and Denise said she thought Teddi was a sh*t stirrer. She never called Erika a cold bitch, but said Erika was condescending. She brought up LisaR, and Brandi asked why Denise’s friend had turned on her, and that was pretty much all she said. Teddi brings up how, in Denise’s interview, she said she’d called Teddi way worse things. Either say it and own up to it, or lie. Denise says, likewise, and beating a dead horse until it’s dead a second time, Andy asks what’s the worst thing Denise said about Teddi? Denise repeats, that Teddi is a sh*t stirrer, and LisaR says, after Rome, she said she didn’t like Teddi. Denise says the women are vicious, and LisaR says she thinks the cover-up is worse than the crime. Like this is some kind of high espionage and not a load of nonsense.

Next time, more rubbish. The cease and desist is discussed, Denise says don’t ask her husband questions they don’t want the answers to, and Denise is asked if she’s willing to show the text messages.

🎃 After this show, I had to watch Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Medea Halloween just to cleanse my mind. I was surprised to see the dude who played Brady in Too Close to Home in a blink-and-you-miss-him part.

👠 The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City debuts on November 11th. It looks promising, and I hope it’s not just another mean girl fest.

🙋🏻 She’s Gone, Girl…

Apparently, Denise has had enough. Will Garcelle honor her end of the pact?

https://people.com/tv/denise-richards-is-leaving-rhobh/

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/rhobh-denise-richards-leaving-housewives-beverly-hills.html/

The wise and powerful LVP wants to give Denise an audience.

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/rhobh-lisa-vanderpump-wants-to-talk-denise-richards-rough-time.html/

⚰️ Let’s Talk About Dead, Baby…

Releasing the Dead.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-season-11-finale-end-release-date/

Spinning the Dead off. Please, they picked the two people who have the least dialogue? If anyone deserves a spin-off, it’s Ezekiel, Eugene, and Princess.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-daryl-and-carol-spinoff/

The text heard round the graveyard.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-origin-of-the-zombie-outbreak/

✂️ Cutting Out…

For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m getting a haircut tomorrow. I haven’t been this excited about something since I got my last haircut, and thought someone would actually see it. Until RHONY reunites, stay safe, stay bold, and stay owning it better than LisaR.

September 7, 2020 – Rerunning Violet’s Party, Ibiza on Deck, Reunion For a Cause, New York’s Brunch, the OC’s Return, and a Hurry

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH was from April 14th, 2020. If it was Friends, it would be called The One Where Violet Has a Birthday Party.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Jess comes out of the water, and says her heart is palpitating bad. She sits, and Alex goes to get her some water. The brood of vipers Malia tells her to take deep breaths, and suggests a hot shower. Jess stands under the guest shower on deck, and Malia calls Captain Sandy, saying, there’s a medical issue with Jess; she’s having heart palpitations. The captain tells Malia to have Jess come see her. Rob asks if Jess is okay, and she asks if he’ll walk with her to the shower. he tells her everything is going to be okay.

At the O Beach closing party in Ibiza, Michelle straddles Aesha, pouring something from a plastic cup into Aesha’s mouth. In her interview, Aesha says Michelle has been trying to do everything to get alcohol in her. She’s not resisting much, but Michelle is strong.

Tom asks, what’s wrong with Jess? and Bugs says, she’s not feeling well. Rob tells Jess, clearly what he said made her anxious, and she’s putting on a show. A-hole. Jess gets dressed, and Captain Sandy calls her to the bridge to check things out. Jess tells her about the heart palpitations, and says that it freaked her out. She’s never had that before, but feels better now. The captain takes Jess’s blood pressure, and says she takes her own every day. She tells Jess, it’s 154/102. She’s not sure about the numbers, so she texts a friend who’s a cardiologist. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says she had that issue, and the end result was a heart attack. She says, as captain, she wants to stay on this, and make sure Jess is okay. Jess says heart disease runs in her family, and the captain says, hers too; both of her parents died from heart attacks. In her interview, Captain Sandy says she was in a cycle class when it happened. She gets a text back, and her friend says Jess’s blood pressure is not that bad. Jess says she feels fine now. She thinks riding the jet ski was too much, and Captain Sand tells her to go and rest. Alex asks if Jess is feeling better. In Jess’s interview, she says the relationship is taking a physical toll on her. Her worst fear is to be completely vulnerable, fall in love, and have it deteriorate. She tells Rob that she’s going to lie down.

In Ibiza, acrobats fling themselves in the air, while dancing girls with headdresses shimmy through the crowd. Michelle puts her crotch in Johnny’s face, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, Johnny is f***ed. Back at the boat, Bugs puts up string lights, and decorates the table for the Great Gatsby themed dinner. She asks if Captain Sandy is joining the guests, and the captain says she is. Aesha radios, saying the guests are ready to come back, and Bugs tells Malia, who bangs her head on the ceiling getting out of her bunk. No surprise, I laugh. Bugs attaches sparkly suspenders to Alex’s pants, and discusses the menu with Tom. Alex picks up the guests, and Michelle says they need to make their way back to Great Gatsby. Johnny makes an attempt to bat at some balls Alex is throwing, and strikes out twice, but gets a hit on the third try. In his interview, Alex says Johnny is in a good state of mind. He’s wasted. Johnny says he’s the best two strike hitter in baseball.

The crew gets ready, the deckhands and Malia in sparkly suspenders with bowler hats, and the stews in flapper outfits. Bugs tells Jess that she doesn’t have to be on service, but Jess says, it’s okay. Alex takes a picture of Bugs, and tells her the table looks great. The guests get ready.

Tom puts an apron on Malia that has a picture of cats and says Mallorca on it. Why? Michelle says, the tablescape is out of this world, and Johnny toasts in Spanish, saying, health, love, money; long time the tree of fruit. He announces that kids are easier than dogs, since you can’t take dogs everywhere like you can with kids. Um… never mind. In Tom’s interview, he says, in the galley, you try to do everything right, so if the guests don’t like it, it’s hard because you’ve invested yourself. You want to wow people, and that’s what hurts. Bugs brings Johnny’s steak back to be cooked a little more, and I guess Tom must be hurting. Upon return though, Johnny pronounces it perfect. Michelle says the food is fabulous, and even Captain Sandy says it’s delicious. The captain asks if the food is hot, and Johnny squeezes Michelle’s boob. I’m not sure what that means. Is that a yes? Malia tells Rob that he can turn in early and get an extra hour. Jess says she’s on early shift too, and they cuddle. Jess is worried about how much things have been changing in the last few days. He says he’s sorry about today, and she says, her too. Aesha calls Bugs a sh*t stain, and says it’s a term of endearment, but Bugs isn’t so sure. In Aesha’s interview, she says she doesn’t see bantering much with this group. Johnny, Michelle, and Adena (the one who got drunk and hurt herself last week) dance on the couches. Michelle yells, Ibiza! for no particular reason. Aesha says, they’re so fun, and the guests toddle off to bed at around 2:30 am. Johnny lingers on deck, and finally goes to the cabin. He tells Michelle, they do need not to have more babies [sic].

The early shift is up at 7 am, except for Rob. Jess tells him, it’s 7:20, and he ends up being 23 minutes late. He asks if Alex is pissed off, and apologizes, but Alex says it’s okay. In Rob’s interview, he says, it’s not okay, because it transfers to someone else’s hours of rest time. Malia sees Jess and Rob kissing, but keeps walking. Jess does the breakfast table, and Malia grumbles, the boat looks like sh*t. Rob gets coffee, and Malia radios him, saying, seriously? What the hell? She tells him that she doesn’t want to come out and see him and Jess kissing when things aren’t done. The boat looks like absolute sh*t, and he’s asking for coffee.

Malia rants that the morning is the most critical time, so they can prep the area before the guests get up. She points out various chores on a list hanging up, and says the morning people have to bust ass. In Rob’s interview, he says he knows better, but got totally lost in his romance with Jess. He’s not thinking clearly. Tom cooks breakfast, and Bugs tells Jess that the table is pretty. Jess says she’s feeling better, and Bugs says the laundry is looking great too. In Bugs’s interview, she says, the more time you invest in someone, the better they do. She’s happy she’s taken the time with Jess. She tells Jess that she’s doing really, really well. In his interview, Rob says, there’s a lot of sh*t with him and Jess, and it’s affecting his work. It’s not okay. Bugs tells Captain Sandy that Jess is doing great this charter.

The captain calls Jess to the bridge, and says she sees her clothes hanging in her closet. She thanks Jess, and tells her that Bugs says she’s killing it. Jess thinks she was never allowed the time to do her job effectively, and now she’s realizing it. in her interview, she says a compliment from Bugs and Captain Sandy. Did she die today? She tells Malia that the captain called her up for a compliment. Rob hears, and asks if it’s her first one, and congratulates her. Jess admits the structure is better, and in her interview, says she’s doing better at her job, but her relationship is getting worse. Alex asks Bugs for coffee, and she says, a special treat for a special boy. Johnny says he slept too good on the boat. The guests are just getting to breakfast, and it’s an hour before they disembark.

Jess asks Rob if he’s in his head, and he says he doesn’t want to think too much anymore with them. They should understand one another. Jess says she won’t ask anymore, so don’t think she’s ignoring him. The guests pack, and the captain gets ready to dock. Rob keeps missing throwing the stern line out. In Malia’s interview, she says, it’s like amateur hour. Losing the stern line is a disaster.

In her interview, Malia says they’re docking terribly, and are going to look like absolute fools. Malia tells Rob to do it quickly, and in her interview, she says, Rob is killing her. She tells him, it’s not locked off, and he finally gets it. Malia tells Bugs, she’s about to lose her effing mind. Rob says, everyone is allowed to make mistakes; it’s a bit rude. Malia tells Alex, from now on, she needs him on whichever side is critical.

It’s time for the guests to say goodbye. Johnny says, it was incredible, and Michelle says the food and service were amazing. The last charter was good, but this was way better. Johnny gives the captain the tip envelope, and the guests leave. Captain Sandy tells the crew to get out of their whites, and into their reds. Malia wants to talk to Rob, and tells him that the stern is super critical when they’re coming in. Once is a mistake, but he did it three times. Then they had to hustle, correcting the time he took with the line. In his interview, Rob says he’s trying to be present in the situation with both Jess and the boat, and needs to compartmentalize better. While they’re cleaning the cabins, Jess asks what happened with Aesha’s last relationship? and Aesha says, it was the same situation as Jess is in. It had been years since she’d had a boyfriend. We flash back to her and Jack, and she tells Jess, when they got back, Jack went back to his ex. Jess asks if they were at the I love you stage, but Aesha says they weren’t even at the sex stage. In Jess’s interview, she says that’s probably why Aesha doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Captain Sandy tells the crew, well done. Having Aesha on board is like a breath of fresh air. She tells Jess that the laundry situation is better, and thanks her. She says the food was so good, she was blown away, and tells them, cheers. The tip was $18,000, or 1500 euros per person. They clink glasses, and Bugs thanks Tom for a great charter. Aesha poses the question to Jess, if she fell in love, and found out the guy had a micro-penis, would she still love him? Is she trying to tell us something about Jack? Jess says, of course. Rob asks Aesha if the main export of Tunisia is sarcasm, but she says she thinks it’s sheep, or wool, or something to do with farming. Jess tries to get Rob’s attention, but he’s too busy talking sheep or whatever, so she asks if Alex wants to go shopping on shore. In Alex’s interview, he wonders if Jess is jealous. Jess asks why Rob isn’t talking to her, and he says she was having a conversation with Alex. She says, he was having one with Aesha.

Jess asks if she can talk to Rob, and they go outside. She asks if he’s looking for things to get upset about at this point, and he says sorry he was caught up in conversation and so involved. He wonders if she feels threatened, and she tells him not to get mad. She was trying to figure out how to get him some clothes, and he was ignoring her. He says, sorry he wasn’t seeing that. He was in a conversation, and there was a time crunch. She asks, WTF is this? and he says he was in a surface conversation, detaching from everything that was happening. She says she doesn’t want to bring drama into his life, and she’s sorry she’s not bringing him detached fun conversation. Geez, how old are we? It shouldn’t be this hard, or dramatic.

Alex and Bugs go shopping in Old Port Ibiza. On the boat, Rob says Jess feels like arguing, and he doesn’t want to. She says sorry she’s not bringing fun conversation to his life. Malia and Tom fool around, and he asks if she wants to have a sunset drink. Alex tries on a shirt, and Bugs says she might have to date him if he wears it. On deck, Aesha calls her brother Jared, and tells him, most of the crew are Americans. They’re lovely, but last year, there was good banter. We flash back to that, and she says, this crew is harder to get going so far. Jared tells her, give it time, and she says they’re going out drinking. He tells her to have fun. The crew gets ready to go out.

Rob tells Jess that they need to try to get better at communicating, so this doesn’t happen. In his interview, he says he thinks there’s jealousy because he was having playful conversation with someone, but it doesn’t mean anything. They apologize to each other, and Rob asks if they’re good. Malia and Tom watch the sunset, and Tom says he thinks the more prepared he is, the more ready he is for the next trip. That makes it easier, or the standard of food goes up. The last boat he worked on had three chefs; it’s a big difference. In his interview, he says he’s never had so much stress. Being the sole chef makes it three times harder. Alex tells Bugs, he wants to have a good night, and Bugs says they have to. Bugs puts glitter around her eyes.

Bugs, says, Ibiza, baby, and Aesha says she’s excited to go out. In Aesha’s interview, she says she was told she had a good time in Ibiza, but doesn’t know for sure. They go to a restaurant, and Bugs tells Alex that she’s the boss. He says, no, and Malia says, let’s get f***ed up. They order, and a mime comes by, doing some kind of illusions with a ball. In her interview, Aesha wonders how he’s doing that. The ball is literally floating. WTF? The crew applauds, and Jess asks Alex if he remembers when they worked together, and she was talking about the sexy South African who was with another guy. She thinks it was Rob, and says, it’s crazy. Rob, who seems to have lost all sense of humor and whimsy, says he’s there now, and she says, sorry. She’s just piecing it together, and realized she had a conversation about him before she knew him. In his interview, Rob says she can’t expect him to remember everything. He’s not an elephant. She asks Rob to respect it a little, and he says he does; he’s here. In her interview, Aesha says it’s the stupidest sh*t she’s ever heard. If they’re fighting this early, no way is it going to last. It is really stupid. I’m not even sure what it is they’re fighting about exactly. I look in my bag of vanilla wafers, and decide if a cookie is broken, it doesn’t count.

Jess asks if he can respect that (what? what is he supposed to respect? I’m not getting this), and he says, he does; he’s there. She asks if they can stop arguing, and he says he’s not; he’s there. She asks him to stop making her feel like this, and I want them both to stop making me feel like changing the channel. In Jess’s interview, she says, stuff happened before she got there, and he’s missing her point. Bugs announces that she’s putting face paint on everyone, and puts glitter on them. They move on to more serious drinking. In the taxi, Malia tells Tom that she doesn’t know if Rob and Jess are the best match, and he says, they’re the worst match. Rob is spiritual. Malia says, Jess is sweet, but the background on her phone is herself. That’s rich, coming from someone so completely self-centered. Tom says, Rob’s is probably spring flowers or something. They get to a club, and Rob tells Alex that Jess is acting weird. Is it me? Rob seems like the one who’s acting weird.

Rob says he can’t do anything right, and Tom asks what the actual problem is. He says he doesn’t know, and Tom suggests he have some beers and chill out. Jess is circumspect, and goes off by herself, while everyone else gets crazy. Rob sticks a beer can to Aesha’s hand. In her interview, Jess says she’s annoyed. Now she has to watch Rob flirt with Aesha. What the hell? Alex tells Bugs that he’s really into her. He’s never met a girl who made him nervous. She asks why he’s nervous, but he can’t explain. She’s the first thing he thinks of in the morning, and the last thing at night. They’re both effing weirdos. They kiss, and everyone starts dancing. In his interview, Alex says, buh-bye, friend zone.

Rob says he doesn’t like how Jess is being hot and cold. Jess thinks he’s done, and just looking for an excuse. In Malia’s interview, she says, it sucks to go out with them. It changes the mood. Rob tells Jess that he changed his ticket to go to Bali, and to stop being hot and cold; she keeps doing this to him. In his interview, Rob says he feels broken, and I roll my eyes so hard, my sister in Ohio can feel it. He asks if Jess is mad, and she asks him to get out of her face. She’s done. He says, for f***’s sake, and tells Alex, I’m an idiot, bru. No argument from me.

Next time, a guest wants cucumbers when Tom is busy giving his cucumber to Malia, Tom gets nasty with Aesha for no reason, Alex tells Rob and Jess that they have to figure out if it was real or a moment that went too far, Rob says maybe he and Jess aren’t meant to be, and the boat loses power before docking.

👠 Vicki and Her Men…

On September 17th, One Life to Live’s Erika Slezak (Vicki), Jerry verDorn (Clint), and Mark Derwin (Ben) will be having a special reunion to raise money for autism.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/one-life-to-live/one-life-to-live-reunion-raising-money-for-autism

🗽 New York New York…

I had no idea Tiffany Pollard had a chat show. It was digital, but now you can catch it on VH1. I think she’s a lot of fun.

http://www.vh1.com/shows/brunch-with-tiffany

🍊 Uno Amiga This Time…

The Real Housewives of Orange County will be back on October 10th.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county

🚴 Rushing As Usual…

It’s Monday night crunch time, while I get tomorrow’s article ready for https://mupoentertainment.com/theresa-krakauskas/, so bidding you a quick goodnight. Hope your Labor Day weekend included some fun, such as it is these days. Until next we meet, stay safe, stay keeping your boundaries, and stay not being an idiot. Or at least making sense.

August 31, 2020 – Michael Gets Closer To Willow, a Repeat Guest On Deck, Bravo Wavers, Who Won an Award, Who Wore It Well, Gaga Masked, Another Season Of Darkness, Farewell Black Panther, and Gil’s Moon

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Valentin sees Nina outside Kelly’s, and asks if she’s all right. He asks what he can do.

Valerie says if Carly is up for it, she has questions. Carly says she is, and Valerie says she tore out after Nelle. What happened? Did she find Nelle? Carly points to the scratches on her face, and says she got them from Nelle, so yeah, she found Nelle. Valerie says she’s lucky she wasn’t hurt worse; they know how dangerous Nelle gets when she feels cornered. Carly says, she was vicious, and flashes back to telling Jax that Nelle was begging and pleading, and could barely hang on. She grabbed Nelle’s hand, but Nelle slipped. Valerie asks, what happened next?

At Turning Woods, Sonny hesitates before going into Mike’s room. Mike lies in bed with his earbuds in. Sonny says he took a chance that Mike would be awake, and he’s glad he did. He asks if he can turn off the music, and takes out Mike’s earbuds. He listens, and says, Ella. It’s one of the songs Brook sang when she came to visit him. It was nice of her to come and visit; she’s a good kid. She’s going to be fine. When she’s feeling better, she’ll come and sing some more songs.

On the phone, Michael tells Ned, if Brook wakes up, tell her Wiley is home safe because of her. He and Willow owe Brook forever. They’re just a call away if she needs anything. Willow asks why Michael is thanking Brook, and he says, Brook told him how to find Wiley.

Jason calls Sam, and says he’s sorry it took him so long to check in. She asks if he feels okay, and if he has a headache, but he says he’s fine. She says she’s not surprised that he checked out of the hospital without telling her. She’s not happy about it, but she knows why he had to. She’s glad Wiley is safe. He says, according to Sonny, Nelle was hiding with Wiley in the cabin. She says she thought he was there, but he says, no. He got sidetracked.

Neil tells Alexis, she’d said they couldn’t be friends. He wants to know if she still feels that way, or does she want to see him as much as he wants to see her?

Sonny tells Mike that Wiley is with Michael, and doing great. That’s why he came. Michael is a great dad, and he wanted to see his dad. He takes Mike’s hand. I’m like, oh no. I don’t have time to cry today.

Neil says he tried to respect Alexis’s wishes, but it was too hard to see after what they’d lost. He’s sorry he had a hand in making her feel that way. He was even grateful that she’d lied, so he understands why she didn’t want to tell him that she was disbarred. She says she didn’t tell him because of her pride. She couldn’t bear it. Neil says, as much as he regrets how it turned out, he misses her, and hopes she misses him.

Sam asks Jason what could possibly be more important than getting Wiley away from Nelle? He says he’ll explain later at home, and she says he’s coming home? He says, if she wants him, and she asks if that’s a trick question. Of course (🍷) she does. Danny and Scout will be over the moon. He says he’ll grab some things from his apartment, and be right over. She say she can’t wait, and he says, him too.

Valentin asks what brings Nina out so late, and she says she’s waiting for news, and didn’t want to be home. He asks if she’s thinking about her child, and she says she’s always thinking about her child. She thought she’d had a daughter because of Sasha, but she really doesn’t know. She doesn’t even know if her child is alive. It’s the thing that hurts the most. He says he hates what he did to add to her pain. Sam comes out of Kelly’s, and says she has a few things she needs to say to Valentin. He suggests she call his office, and have his assistant make an appointment. Nina says be her guest, and Sam says Valentin left out some details when he bargained for her children’s ELQ proxies. He didn’t tell her that he’d refuse to help the hospital, and leave them wide open to a drug trafficker.

Sonny tells Mike that his kids are the best part of his life. He hasn’t been perfect. He wishes he was, but he’s lucky they don’t judge him like he judged Mike. He knows he was very unfair. They didn’t spend a lot of time together when he was young, and that’s on Mike, but as Sonny got older, the time not spent together is on him. He hopes Mike knows that he’s happier than words can say about the time they’ve spent together. He knows it’s coming to an end… Mike squeezes his hand, and Sonny asks him to squeeze it again. Mike looks at him sadly, and looks away, a tear on his cheek.

Michael tells Willow, Nelle had a GPS tracker on Wiley, and Willow asks, how? When did she have a chance? Michael says, it was in Mr. Hopsicle. They heard the fuss Nelle was making about the toy when she was last there. Willow says, and they told her Wiley never went anywhere without it. He says, Nelle had an app on her phone, and the police confiscated the phone when she transferred cars. Chase let him try and unlock it. It took a few tries, but he wouldn’t have known about it at all without Brook. She couldn’t talk, but she was able to tell him about the tracker, and he followed Nelle to the cabin where she was hiding out. If not for Brook, he couldn’t have stopped Nelle, and Wiley wouldn’t be home. Wiley and Nelle would be long gone. Willow says she always liked Brook. Now she likes Brook so much more. Michael says they owe everything to Brook, but Willow says, not quite. He rescued Wiley.

Carly tells Valerie, when she caught up to Nelle, she tried to talk Nelle into turning herself in. Nelle refused, and Carly grabbed her. They had a fight, and Nelle got the better of her. Valerie asks, how? and Carly says, Nelle threw her off balance, and she fell hard. By the time she looked up, Nelle was gone.

Valentin tells Sam, the terms were clear, and he kept his part of the bargain. She says he didn’t tell her that he was going to fire Michael as CEO. He says she wanted a sympathetic parole officer, and he got her one. She says he told her it was a good business move, but it was also about punishing Michael for protecting Sasha. Nina asks how Michael protected Sasha, and Sam says, when Sasha was posing as Nina’s real daughter, she talked about pressing fraud charges. Didn’t she think it was strange that Valentin talked her out of it? Michael knew Valentin had recruited Sasha to pose as her daughter, and told Valentin that he’d come forward with the information. So Valentin took over ELQ to punish Michael. His goal was revenge. Valentin says his goal was always to make ELQ more of a success, and more profitable, and Sam says, then he should left it under Michael’s leadership. Valentin says, Michael has his mind on other things. His son Wiley is safe, and they’ll all be happy. Nina says their prayers have been answered, and Sam says, exactly, and walks away. Nina asks how Valentin arranged for Sam to get a sympathetic parole officer, and he says he got lucky; someone owed him a favor. Now Sam can see who she wants, including Jason, without the threat of going back to Pentenville. Nina says she understands why Sam would take the deal, and he says, most people do what they have to, to be with the person they love.

Neil asks if Alexis thinks they can be friends again. He’d like it very much. She says she doesn’t think that’s what she’d like, and he says he appreciates her honesty. He starts to leave, and she says, let her finish. She’s spent a lot of time thinking; actually, it’s all she’s been doing. Taking stock of where she’s been and where she wants to go. She misses him. They made a crucial error in judgment, focusing on what they’d lost, and not what they’d found with each other. She doesn’t want to be friends. She wants to be a whole lot more.

Willow and Michael come downstairs, and Willow wonders how long they’ll keep checking Wiley every twenty minutes. Michael says maybe they should try every hour, then twice a night, like training for a marathon. Start small, and work their way up. Willow says she knows he’s safe, but she’s not sure her body knows the danger is over. Michael says he knows the feeling. I’ll bet. He tells her that he could use a distraction. Does she want to watch the movie? She has a different idea, and suggests they talk. He says it sounds like she wants to talk about something specific, and she says she does.

Valerie asks, by gone, does Carly mean Nelle ran away? Carly says, it happened so fast, and Valerie says, it’s all right; take her time. Jax asks if Carly wants a  drink, but she says, no. Nelle shoved her to the ground, and she fell hard. When she got back up, Nelle was nowhere to be found. She must have run. Valerie asks if Carly saw what direction Nelle went in, but Carly says, no. She was so turned around… Jax says, when he found Carly, she was in the clearing, trying to get her bearings. Valerie says she’s Carly’s cousin. They’re family, and she knows how relentless Nelle has been trying to wreck Carly’s life, but she’s also a cop, and has to ask. When Carly fought with Nelle, did Carly hurt her?

Willow tells Michael that she made a big mistake that she doesn’t want to make again. When she decided to stay home, and not go to the PCPD, she should have been with him. Waiting and fearing the worst was torture. He says he’s sorry she had to go through that, and she says, other people felt the same way. She had a string of visitors; Nina, Jax, Lulu, even Sasha came by. There was some underlying tension, but it was a kind gesture. They used to be close. Sasha saw Nina, and made a graceful exit. Michael is glad it didn’t add any stress, but Willow says she made her own stress. Her point is that she never wants to split up again. He’s the only person who knew what she was going through. He says, and vice versa, and she says she wishes she’d been there. Despite the strange circumstances of them becoming husband and wife, she realized they’re stronger together.

Sonny says when Mike squeezed his hand, and looked at him, Mike knew he was his son, right? Can Mike stay with him a little longer? They had a moment, and that’s enough for him.

Jax tells Valerie, Carly already told her that Nelle knocked her down and was gone. An injured person wouldn’t have run off. Valerie asks if Nelle had a black eye or cut lip. Any information, however small, will help. Carly says Nelle might have some scratches, but no black eye or split lip that she recalls. Jax asks if he can take Carly home now, and Valerie says he can. She’ll need Carly’s official statement, but can get it tomorrow. It’s not just another case. The thought of Nelle looming constantly over them, being a never ending threat to Michael, Willow, and Carly, is something they don’t deserve, especially Wiley. Carly’s family needs closure, and she promises she won’t stop until she finds Nelle, and brings her to justice. Carly and Jax leave, and outside, Carly leans against the side of the cabin.

Willow says when she and Michael got married, they agreed to raise and protect Wiley as a team. She should have been with him. Michael says he agrees they’re a team, but 100% disagrees that Willow should have been there. Willow asks, why not? and he says Nelle already knocked her out once, and slashed Brook’s throat. If Nelle had hit Willow with that vase… She asks, why is she just hearing this now?

Nina says she’d thought Valentin was remorseful, and that’s why he helped Sasha. But the only reason was because Michael was blackmailing him. He says he wanted to protect their relationship and love, and she knows he goes to extremes. He went the extra measure to get her child back. Would Jax do the same thing?

Alexis says it’s clear she and Neil mean something to each other, but were too stupid to move forward like normal people. They did have professional issues and boundaries, but right now there’s no excuse to keep their distance. If he still wants to see where this can go… He says he wants that very much, and she says, so does she, very much. Neil says now that they’ve agreed, they don’t have to rush. They can take it as slow as she wants. She tells him, who said anything about slow?

Sonny says Mike looks like he lost a little weight, and that’s fine, but he doesn’t want Mike to be uncomfortable. He wants Mike to stay around forever, but if Mike wants to rest, if he wants to go, that’s up to him. He doesn’t want Mike sticking around for him. He’ll be fine, and the family will be fine. Mike needs to do what he needs to do. He deserves that.

Neil says, define not slow, and Alexis says she has all the free time in the world, and nothing but options. He says he knows the feeling. When he dropped off his patient files to Doc, he head a voice in his head saying, Bye, Doctor Bern. He started thinking that the last time he felt good about anything, was when he was with her. That’s why he ended up at her front door. He’d been thinking about their night together; it was amazing. She says, it was. One brief moment was all they got, then all hell broke loose. He says they can have a lot of moments, and should enjoy them. A carpe diem kind of thing. She says she loves when he speaks Latin. He should probably kiss her.

Jax tells Carly, she did the right thing. There was no need to volunteer that Nelle went over the cliff. She says she wanted to explain why she hesitated, and why she didn’t save Nelle, but Jax says Nelle might have pulled her over, and they would have both died. Knowing that, Carly still tried to save her. Carly says, too little too late, and he says, an ambitious DA would love the chance to try Sonny’s wife for murder. She says he doesn’t have to convince her again; she made up her mind. He says she can’t tell Michael and Willow either, but she says they’ll always be looking over their shoulders. He says if it’s found out, they’ll be accessories after the fact, and she says she can’t keep something that big from her husband.

Nina tells Valentin that Jax didn’t go behind her back looking for her child. They’re looking together. He says he thought she gave up to save herself further disappointment, but she says she changed her mind. Jax has a new lead. Valentin says, impossible,

Jason arrives home, and tells Sam that he was mentally prepared not to live there, and now reality has to sink in. She says Danny and Scout are sleeping, or she would get them. She has a question. What’s more important than finding Wiley? He says, right now, nothing. He had Spinelli track Nelle’s cell phone to Pier 55, but there was no sign of them. It was a dead end, but he walked into another situation. She asks what he means by situation, and he says, Taggert is alive.

Willow examines Michael head, and puts ice on it, saying, she didn’t break the skin. She asks him to let her see his eyes, and he asks if she’s okay. She says it was one of the worst nights of their lives, but it’s over. Wiley is safe; they all are. If anything bad had happened…  He says, it didn’t. He’s okay. He smooths her hair, and then kisses her.

Nina asks Valentin why it’s impossible. They both know Valentin has lied over and over and over again. He says he exhausted every avenue and got nowhere. The most likely scenario is that her child died at birth. He’s sorry. She says, don’t be. Maybe he didn’t think of everything. Jax has a lead with the jeweler who separated the necklace for her mother. His associate is looking into it. Valentin says she’s hanging on to hope, and she says, it’s better than hanging onto them. Time and again he’s proven she can’t trust him. How does she know he hasn’t already found her child and hasn’t told her?

Jason explains to Sam that he brought Taggert to a safe house where Epiphany patched him up. She asks if Taggert is going to kill Cyrus, but Jason says, Taggert knew the only chance he had of reuniting with his daughter was to leave town, and let other people handle Cyrus. Danny stands at the top of the stairs, and asks if his dad is home. Jason says, sure am, and Danny asks if it’s just a visit or… Jason says he’s home to stay, and they hug.

Alexis lotions up for bed, and Neil asks how her wrist is. She tells him to stop worrying about her, but he says he enjoys worrying. She admits she doesn’t like a fuss, but when he does it, it’s sexy. She asks if he’s spending the night, and he says, absolutely. Tomorrow morning, they start new lives. He thinks he’d like to be a chef. She says she’s always wanted a personal chef, and asks if he has any specialties, but he says he’s pretty basic. He’s upping his game now. Does she have a secret fantasy job? She says, professional poker player, and he says he didn’t see that coming. She says, there’s a lot of overlap with attorney. She has to read people and look for tells, and crush people without breaking a sweat. Another dream dies. She doesn’t know about the future, but she’s glad he’s there. He says, him too.

Michael says, Willow… The doorbell rings, and he goes to the door. Valerie apologizes that it’s so late, but she wanted ask about Wiley. Willow says, he’s fine; he’s upstairs. Michael says the didn’t expect to see her tonight, and she says she has an update on Nelle.

Danny tells Jason about his video game, and suggests Jason see it now, but Jason suggests they wait until tomorrow. Danny needs to wind down, and not wake up his sister. Danny says, there’s no way he’ll fall asleep, and Sam says, it’s a special night. Danny can be up a little longer. Danny says he missed Jason, and Scout missed him like crazy. It will be better when they wake up with him there. Right, mom? Sam says, right, and they have a three-way hug.

Sonny looks out the window, and Carly comes in. She asks if Mike is just sleeping. Is he okay? Sonny says he’s asking her the same question. Why did she go after Nelle? She says she’s fine, and asks if Mike has been asleep the whole time. Sonny says Mike woke up and looked him. Mike squeezed his hand; it was amazing. She says she’s so happy he had that, and Sonny says, then Mike went back again. Carly says they had that moment, and he says he doesn’t think his dad will last much longer, so he told Mike to do what he’s got to do. If he needs to rest, they’ll be fine. Carly knows how hard it was, and she’s so proud of him. Sonny asks, what happened to Nelle? Is she in jail? Carly says, she got away.

Valentin swears he’d never keep Nina from her child, and asks why she’s continuing the search, when she doesn’t want to be disappointed again. She says, maybe she won’t be. Maybe Jax succeeded where the great Valentin Cassadine failed. Jax comes along, and tells them, Wiley is fine at home. Nina asks, what happened with Nelle? and he says, unfortunately, she got away. Valentin says he’s going to go, and tells Nina, be careful. When he’s gone, Jax asks what that was about, and Nina says, nothing. He tried to discourage her from searching for her child, but she didn’t listen. She knows the necklace is the key to finding her child.

The cops look through the woods. We see the other half of the necklace on the ground.

Valerie says, the search is ongoing. Nelle is on foot, so she expects it will end soon. Willow says she’s going to check on Wiley, and Valerie says she sent a PCPD squad car to watch the house, on the slim chance Nelle tries to come back. She asks if Sonny’s people are also on the lookout, and Michael says, they are. She says she’ll get out of his way, and he thanks her for the update. He’s glad she’s working the case. She says, her too, and tells him, goodnight. Willow comes down, and they gaze at each other. Michael smiles.

It’s dawn, and Alexis brings coffee into the bedroom. She says, take it in, take it in; she’s so happy. She tells Neil, she made coffee, but doesn’t know if he likes it first thing in the morning, or if he likes a shower, or if he’d like another foot rub. She touches his foot, and says, it’s cold. I say, nooo! She tries to wake him, but nothing. No, no, no. They cannot do this to me. I mean, Alexis.

Tomorrow, Nina says she has the key meant to unlock a secret, Willow says she didn’t know how easy it would be to kiss Michael, Jax asks if Carly was hoping Nelle survived, and Sonny asks if that’s what his dad wants.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Aesha is back. She hugs Captain Sandy and snakeface Malia, and meets the rest of the crew. In her interview, she says she wants to get praise from Captain Sandy this season. We flash back to the captain saying she did a fabulous job. Aesha is her same bubbly self, and in her interview, she says, it’s awkward. Hannah isn’t there, and no one wants to tell her what’s actually going on. They pull out when it’s still dark, and head for Ibiza. Captain Sandy says, at 7 am, it’s smooth sailing. She couldn’t ask for a better time to go. Bugs shows Aesha around, and tells her about going to Ibiza. In Aesha’s interview, she says she was there a month ago. It’s known as the party capital of the Mediterranean. She’s so excited. She says she remembers the Damons, and they were super down to earth; Michelle is fun. We flash back, and yeah, I was right. Michelle is the one who caused trouble with the yacht parked next door. Aesha says, they’re not like snobby rich people at all. The crew gets ready.

Malia asks Rob if he’s all right. In his interview, he says he’d die happy not going to Ibiza. It’s a trigger. When he was younger, he knew if he went there, he wouldn’t come back. He decides he’s over-thinking it. Aesha asks Bugs, what’s going on? and Bugs says, the second stew left, so she came in to help. The chef left, and by an amazing coincidence Tom, who’s dating Malia, was visiting at the time. She’s vague about Hannah, just saying she left, so they had to run the last charter with just two interior crew members. In Aesha’s interview, she says she and Hannah are close, and she knows Hannah’s history with Bugs. But so far, Bugs has treated her with kindness, so there’s no reason to be bitch. Aesha tells Bugs that she wants to bring some energy, and Bugs says that’s what they need.

In Tom’s interview, he says Johnny being a baseball player makes him nervous. He’s got no idea what baseball is about, but thinks it’s like fast paced cricket. Aesha asks if Jess and Rob are romantically intertwined. She thinks it’s cute. We flash back to Aesha and Jack. In Jess’s interview, she says Rob and his ex were supposed to see each other in London when they got back. She found out by seeing the ex’s Instagram stories. She was like, get f***ed. Aesha suggests they have a cheeky pound before the guests arrive. She has their backs.

Bugs has a meeting with the stews, and says she’s excited to have Aesha. She has a ton of experience, and she’s very helpful. Bugs says Jess has gone through a couple of second stews. In her interview, Jess thinks Aesha is great, but why wasn’t she moved up? Bugs tells Jess that she’s on laundry. Bugs says, let’s show Captain Sandy how well it can be done, and says she’ll be up with Jess to set the table, since Jess is creative with table settings. Aesha thinks they’re a good team.

Balearic islands, Ibiza, Spain. In Malia’s interview, she says they’re docking in a tight spot, and have quite the audience. A crowd forms on the dock, and Captain Sandy says she feels like she needs a rearview mirror. Isn’t that supposed to be Malia? The captain curses the boat, or something, saying, this effing thing. Malia tells Rob that he’s on the lines, and they need to be quick. They dock, and the captain says, well done; nice work. Alex says, it was a tight squeeze, but they made it work. Tom says Malia killed it, and Aesha has a good feeling about the team. Tom says he has to google baseball. Bugs pours the champagne, and the crew lines up. Captain Sandy welcomes Johnny and Michelle back. In Alex’s interview, he says Johnny is their man from Boston. He hated Johnny when he went to the Yankees and got a haircut, but Johnny will always have a place in his heart. The captain says she’s glad they came back, so they can make it right, especially in the food department. Bugs does the tour, and Malia says, all crew on deck. The stern lines are released.

Aesha realizes she had Michelle mixed up with the Queen of Versailles, and we flash back to that. Guest Adena falls, and smashes her champagne glass. Bugs flies over to pick up the shards, and Aesha tells Malia they need the first aid kit; there’s a lot of blood. Adena wonders if it’s going to hurt, and Malia say she doesn’t think Adena can feel anything. Adena whines that it hurts. In Malia’s interview, she says as soon as they were off the dock, a guest was drunk, fell, and cut herself. This is Ibiza; she’s not going to last. In Bugs’s interview, she says, Aesha is ticking the boxes that a good stew should check off. She doesn’t want to jinx it, but it seems to be working. Aesha asks if Adena wants a plastic glass, and Johnny says she broke two at their wedding. Tom makes lobster on skewers, and I shove a vanilla wafer in my mouth. Anchor is dropped. In Tom’s interview, he says if a guest didn’t have a good previous experience, he has to be perfect.

Bugs sets a baseball themed table, while Alex and Rob set up the slide. Jess does laundry, and I wonder how many times I’ve typed that. Johnny says, the food is so much better this time, and we flash back to last time. Bugs tells Alex she’s an umpire, and he asks if that’s because he strikes out. Johnny says, it’s the best food they’ve had since they came to Spain. Tom tells Bugs, he learned it’s a white ball, so he’s doing a white chocolate parfait. It looks like a baseball, and the guests are all, oooh. Johnny tells Aesha to let the chef know they love it. Aesha tells Tom, and says, it’s so exciting. The slide is set up, but Malia tells the guests there are jellyfish in the water. Johnny says the slide is there, so they have to use it. Malia says she’ll put some of the crew in the water to watch, and Alex says he’ll protect them. Rob is on his phone, frowning, and Jess asks, what’s wrong? In his interview, he says his ex reached out, and she’s going through a lot, but he doesn’t know how to explain it to Jess. Alex gets in the water, and Johnny says, at least there’s one real man on the boat. Malia goes in, and Michelle and the other women screech that they see jellyfish.

Malia says Alex’s balls are about to get lit up, and he says, that’s okay; he’s already peeing on himself. FYI, that is not a real solution to a jellyfish sting. The guests use the slide, and paddleboards. Adena snores on deck. In Jess’s interview, she says she didn’t want to admit it, but since Bugs took over, they’ve had direction, and she thinks everything is running smoother. Some of the guests get in the hot tub, and Adena wakes up, asking where they are. She toddles out, asking, what happened? and says she just woke up. It was the best sleep she ever had. Mine was when I was under anesthesia. Aesha takes a picture of the group, and says they’re like a weird Brady Bunch. In Bugs’s interview, she says give her a theme, and she’ll run with it. She, Jess, and Aesha put on brightly colored tutus, and she says, it’s a funky neon party. What better way to add to it, than have the people who are serving be in funky neon too? A theme is a dream. Ron comes into the crew mess, and the captain asks if he’s okay. He says he’s checked out, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says she’s never seen anyone not even fake it in front of their captain. Rob seems out of it.

Malia tells Tom that Rob told her and the captain that he checked out. Captain Sandy is honestly worried for him to be on tonight. The guests dress in neon, and Bugs puts neon paint on their faces. I could think of a better theme than this. Seriously, WTH? Michelle says, the table is festive, and they toast to nothing in particular. Malia helps plate the food, and Michelle asks, who’s getting pregnant tonight? Dinner is served, and Captain Sandy questions Johnny about how hot his food is. He thinks it’s not super hot, but more warm. She says she wants it hot, and tells Tom that it was warm. He’s got to figure it out. Tom says, effing hell, and she suggests he put a bowl over Johnny’s plate. Malia brings it upstairs, and Bugs takes it from her. In Tom’s interview, he says if they say it’s warm and not hot, and it comes back, he’s going to lose his sh*t. Bugs drops the bowl, and half the food lands in it. Malia says, Tom is going to freak, and I laugh.

Malia tells Tom, but he says he’s not stressing out. The whole thing is crazy; it’s lucky he’s prepared. He makes a fresh plate in five seconds, and Bugs asks if Johnny is happy. The guests all say it’s delicious and amazing. Bugs tells Tom, they’re loving it, and the captain says, good recovery; Johnny said it was hot. Aesha brings up fireball and Jameson shots, and the guests repair to the cigar room. Guest Shanna suggests Michelle is wearing Spanx, and Michelle denies it, showing off her thong. Aesha tells Bugs, Michelle and the other girl are having a fight. When they get drunk, the claws come out. Michelle tells Shanna that her voice is annoying. Shanna stomps off, and Michelle tells Johnny that she called Shanna out, and now she’s having a hissy fit. Whatever dude Shanna is with, informs her, saying a woman is wearing Spanx is not a compliment. Bugs says, good times… Shanna approaches Michelle, and says she’s sorry. She made an a-hole comment. She loves Michelle. I think, especially since they’re paying for the trip. Michelle says she loves Shanna too. Alex tells Bugs that she’s killing it.

Formentera, Spain; second day of charter. Jess asks who’s on Rob’s phone, and he says it might sound strange, but his ex reached out, and he’s communicating with her. He asks if Jess is mad, and she says she’s not okay with it. He says, it’s not a personal thing, and she says, okay, and starts to leave. He says, don’t disappear, and in Jess’s interview, she says, she’s trusting him, but there are red flags as to why she shouldn’t. The boat gets to Cap Blanc, Alicante, and Bugs calls to confirm a VIP table at 3 pm. Anchor is dropped, and Malia radios the deckhands that there’s an end of season party, and to have the tender ready to go at 2 o’clock. Rob tells Alex that Jess is blowing things out of proportion, and he asked her not to make it about herself, because he’s an absolute moron. Alex says he should ask, what if he hadn’t told her? Tell her to be a grown up, and not give him sh*t. Rob says he has no control over who texts him, but it’s his choice to reply. She shouldn’t make him feel like he did something wrong. He just changed his flight, but maybe he needs to take a step back and see if he’s ready to spend time in Bali. Alex tells Jess not to let sh*t bother her. He sees both sides. Jess says the ex is invading both sides of their space. Alex suggests she be more understanding, and she says she gets it, but in her head gives him the finger. In her interview, she says, this is negative sh*t she has to deal with. Block the bitch.

Johnny asks Bugs if she’ll put makeup on them, and she says they need flair. Bugs says she’s sending Aesha to shore for the closing party. Rob says he’s going to take a nap, and asks how Jess feels. Jess says she has questions, and he says he can’t control his ex reaching out. I don’t know if I want to smack him more for saying reaching out every other sentence, or for allowing his ex to manipulate him at Jess’s expense. He says, she caught feelings, and thinks they should try to keep going. She’s pushing to create drama. Jess says she thinks so too, and can’t pretend it’s normal. He tells her that he feels empathetic, and she says, the old Jess would beat the sh*t out of her. In Jess’s interview, she says, demon Jess will emerge if pushed. She and her ex got in a fight, and she kind of destroyed his house. Bugs asks why Jess is rubbing her tummy, because we’re five, and Jess says, it hurts. Michelle and Bugs put makeup on everyone. WTF?

The guests are taken to shore, and it looks like a combination of Mardi Gras and the old MTV beach house in the 90s. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s like a real life acid trip; a real life drunken circus in a dream. It’s amazing. Captain Sandy tells the crew left on board to play on the water toys, and they use the slide, jet skis, and paddleboat. Alex takes Bugs on a jet ski, and says he can’t get her off of his mind. He’s happy on board; the dynamic has changed. He likes being around her. She’s the sh*t. She thanks him.

The party on shore looks way too crowded to be fun, but Aesha says, it’s the best trip ever. It reminds me of Times Square on New Year’s Eve. I had a roommate who went, and she hated it. When the crowd moved you moved, and she got beer spilled on her, as well as peed on. I never had the desire to go, and desired it even less once she told me that. Jess comes out of the water, clutching her chest, and says she needs to sit. Alex goes to get her water. In Malia’s interview she says, seeing Jess grab her heart is terrifying. She tells Jess to breathe.

Next time, Johnny acts like an a-hole, Rob makes the same mistake a third time, Jess calls Rob out for flirting in a bar, and Alex kisses Bugs and says, bye-bye friend zone.

🪀 Bravo Yo-Yo…

Oh, so now Bravo is open to bringing Dorinda back? Blowback anyone?

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/29/bravo-is-open-to-bringing-dorinda-medley-back-to-rhony/

👨🏽‍🚀 Winning…

This year’s Moonman recipients

http://www.mtv.com/news/3169506/vmas-winners-list-2020/

👗 WTF Indeed…

The winners and losers of fashion.

https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/fashion/the-best-worst-and-most-wtf-looks-at-the-2018-vmas

👠 The Real Winner…

Lady Gaga gives us mask goals. Did we expect any less from Her Royal Coolness?

https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/fashion/lady-gaga-served-up-all-the-mask-goals-at-the-vmas-last-night

🌪 Darkness To Come…

I hope that monkey comes to a nasty end. I hate that monkey.

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199877/odds-ends-see-lin-manuel-miranda-in-the-trailer-for-season-two-of-his-dark-materials-more/

😥 Gone Too Soon…

Farewell to a talent, an inspiration, and a man with integrity.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-08-28/chadwick-boseman-dies-reactions-tributes

I’m a huge fan of Denzel. I used to cash his check when I was a teller back in the day. FYI, he’s not only a beautiful person, he has beautiful handwriting.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-08-31/chadwick-boseman-death-denzel-washington-tribute

🦑 And In Closing…

I caught Lovecraft Country a couple of weekends ago, and highly recommend it. It’s a story with many levels, dealing with both traditional and real life horror. The acting is phenomenal, the sets and effects are incredible, and even the soundtrack is brilliant. It’s on its third episode on HBO and HBO Max, and also On Demand. Whether you’re a fan of horror and/or despise social injustice, this is a genre-shattering series for you. Until next time, stay safe, stay staunch, and stay away from the Cthulhu.

August 27, 2020 – Michael Finds Wiley, Two Parties For the Price Of One, Was She Or Wasn’t She, Take Cover & Soon

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

On the phone, Jordan says to keep her posted. Curtis comes by, and asks if it’s about Wiley’s kidnapping. Is there any news? She says, not yet, but she’s got all her resources on finding him. She asks if Curtis has something on his mind, and he says he does – Taggert.

Sonny asks how the hell Taggert is alive in the first place? Taggert says, long story, and Sonny says he’s got other things going on, so make it brief. Why is he back? Taggert says it was the only way he could protect his family, and make sure he’s the only one who has to die.

At Kelly’s, Josslyn tells Trina that it was a fun performance. She’s not bragging, but she thinks they nailed it. Trina says, totally. She wonders why Cameron didn’t come with them, and Josslyn says maybe he’s tired. Is she… Trina says, what? and Josslyn asks if she thinks Cameron acts weird around her.

Ned sits by Brook’s bedside. Brook dreams about Nelle slashing her, and wakes with a start. Ned tells her that she was dreaming, but it’s okay. He’s right there. The doctors are working on a treatment plan for her, and everything is going to be okay.

Michael calls Carly, and she asks where he is. He says he had a lead on Nelle. She’s in the mountain cabin. Call the police, and let them know. He hangs up, and Carly tells Jax, Michael found Nelle.

Nelle rants, asking herself, why did she tell Julian to bring the kangaroo? Why did she tell him to bring the stupid tracker? It’s all falling apart. She tells Wiley, Mommy will not let that happen.

Curtis tells Jordan, objectively, he did everything he could to save Trina. He went along like Taggert asked him to, and got her out. Jordan says, he saved her life, but he says he can’t help thinking, what if he’d called for backup? What if he’d pushed Trina out the door, and stayed behind? It might have played out a million different ways. He knows what she’s going to say, and he gets it. It’s no good to play the what-if game, but Trina is a teenager grieving her dad. He can say over and over that Trina’s anger and irritation is just her looking for a place to put her grief – and it is – but part of him feels like she’s not entirely wrong. One different decision, and Taggert would be alive.

Sonny says Taggert’s daughter is grieving him, and Taggert says, doesn’t Sonny think he knows that? What the hell was he supposed to do? As long as he was around, Cyrus could take revenge on his daughter. Jason says, like he’s using TJ to get to Jordan, and Taggert says, at least she gets to be alive and be with her son. Sonny asks if Taggert understands how dangerous Cyrus is, and Taggert says, more than anyone. Sonny says, but he’s dead. He’s the last person they’d suspect. Why not take Cyrus out and save everyone the trouble?

Portia says Brook’s vitals are strong. She’s suffered a major trauma, but her prognosis is excellent. It’s just a matter of taking the time to heal. They don’t know the extent of her vocal chord damage (yes, you can spell chord that way in this case). There’s no way to tell. Ned asks what they need to do, and Portia tells Brook not to strain herself. Don’t try to talk under any circumstances. Brook remembers telling Michael about the tracker. This time, she sounded clearer, and said there was a tracker on Wiley, when I thought she’d said, a tracker in the wallaby. But on Wiley, in the wallaby, same thing. I actually like wallaby better.

Michael gets to the cabin, and opens the door. It’s dark inside, and Nelle is waiting. She hits him over the head, and he drops.

But after the commercial, he’s back up. They struggle, and he asks where his son is.

Taggert says, if Cyrus dies, Sonny and Jason will be blamed. Sonny says, and they’re innocent. Taggert says, for once, and Jason says, Sonny is right. Cyrus is a threat to Taggert’s daughter, and the only way to keep her safe is to eliminate him. Cyrus thinks he’s dead; he’ll never see it coming. Taggert says, it would work if he hadn’t gone to Jordan. Sonny asks why the hell he did that, and Taggert says Jordan was the only reason he could fake his death. His daughter is still alive; it was a trade-off. He lives his life underground for Trina. He knows he and Sonny disagree on a lot, but they’re on the same page about the people they love. Sonny says, family first, always. Taggert says Jordan is already drowning. He doesn’t want to add to her burden. He’s not doing it.

Jordan says Curtis is blaming himself for something he had no control over. Taggert knew how dangerous Cyrus was, and Trina was in jeopardy. She wishes she could have called in a SWAT team, but in Taggert’s professional opinion, that would have gotten his daughter killed. Taggert thought the best course of action was to invite Curtis in. The bottom line is – his daughter, his decision. She knows Trina doesn’t understand, and given time, she has reason to believe Trina will, and hopefully Portia will get her there. Curtis says, that might be tough. Portia is dealing with guilt over the way her and Taggert’s marriage ended. They were talking, and she said it was because of him. Like he told Jordan, as soon as he found out she was married, he broke it off. Portia never told Taggert, but the marriage crumbled anyway. Jordan asks how Curtis feels about that, and he says, blindsided, but Portia made it clear that it was ancient history. It’s done and over with. He’s telling Jordan because he doesn’t want any secrets between them.

Josslyn says, it’s not even Cameron. Dev brought it up that Cameron liked her. Trina asks if she means like like, and Josslyn says she doesn’t think so. He didn’t act weird during rehearsal, or their water fight backstage. Trina says she thinks Lucy is still mad about that, and Josslyn says Cameron is still giving her a hard time like usual. Everything is the same. She looks at Trina, and says, huh. Trina asks what that means, and Josslyn says, now that she thinks about it, the only person Cameron acts different around is Trina.

Michael asks Nelle where their son is. She says now he’s their son? He wasn’t their son in the courtroom, or when Michael brought out that ridiculous Willow. Nelle says she’s a strong capable mother, and Michael asks if she hears herself. She says, Willow doesn’t deserve their son, and neither does he after taking her side. Michael says, Nelle thinks she’s a good mother? He’ll give her a chance to prove it. Tell him where Wiley is, and he gives her his word that he’ll find a way to keep her in Wiley’s life.

Brook flashes back to Ned telling her, when he needed her most, she chose Valentin over him. He tried to buy out her contract. She says, Valentin was successful. Ned told her to grow up, and stop asking him to come to her rescue. Well, guess what? She’s all grown up, and came to her own rescue, like any good Quartermaine. How does he like her now? He tells her, get out. She’s no longer welcome.

Ned tells Olivia, when he was young, he had a front row seat to the battles between his mother and grandfather. Olivia says, they were epic. He says he witnessed Tracy withhold Edward’s heart medication, which set the standard. Tracy messed up worse than Brook, and he’s never forgotten how his grandfather spoke to her; so harsh and unforgiving. It just made her act worse. He was young at the time, but he remembers thinking it didn’t have to be this way. They could just get along. Deep down, they loved each other. He looks into Brook’s room, and says, if someone had told him he would ever make the mistake his grandfather made, he would have sworn there was no way.

Trina asks, since when does Josslyn pay attention to what Dev says? Josslyn says she doesn’t know that he’s wrong. Trina tells Josslyn this is a conversation she should be having with Cameron, and Josslyn asks what she’s supposed to say? Word on the street is that he likes her? Trina tells Josslyn that she would never say word on the street, and Josslyn says, true, but what if she asks, and he doesn’t? What if he’s shocked she’d even mention it? How humiliating would that be? They couldn’t be friends anymore. It would be super awkward. Can she imagine? Trina says, actually, she can.

Sonny says he respects Taggert looking out for Jordan, and Taggert says, if he kills Cyrus, he’s a murderer. He’ll have to stay dead; no coming back. Sonny asks if Taggert expects him to eliminate Cyrus, and Taggert says, not personally. That’s the challenging part. The law is always around, Sonny is in public, and there are witnesses when his enemies go down, but Jason is another story. He tells Jason, disappear Cyrus. No one deserves it more. Taggert knows Sonny. He takes his time, and makes sure there’s nothing to trace it back. Do all that, but remember he’s waiting. If it works, maybe he’ll get the chance to see his daughter again. Hold her again. Protect her, and talk to her. He’s given up a lot, but he’s not giving that up.

Nelle says she wants to believe Michael. He says she can, but she says even if he means it, be honest. He can’t let her in Wiley’s life; his mom won’t let him. Carly runs his life, and that’s a fact. Carly never wanted him to love her. She didn’t want him to be happy with her, and certainly didn’t want her to have his child. And at every single turn, Michael gave in to her. Their relationship, or lack thereof, is on Carly, but it’s his fault too. He said he loved her, then never stood up for her. If he’d believed in her, and fought for her, just think where they’d be. He says he can’t change how she sees it in her head, but lead him to Wiley, or he’ll let his father handle it. She says, it must be nice. He gets to be Mr. Wonderful, and his hands stay nice and clean. She’s done the dirty work, getting her hands dirty, while his gangster father takes care of everything. He says maybe she’s right. He’s had everything done for him, and he’s the world’s biggest hypocrite, but he has resources, both inside and outside the law. She tried to kill Brook, and kidnapped Wiley. It’s serious, and there’s no way she’s spinning it. She’ll go back to Pentenville, and where she’ll be within his father’s reach. She’s done, unless he intervenes. So tell him… He hears Wiley, and says, it’s okay; he’s there. He goes into the bedroom, and she says, screw him. By the time the cops get there… She runs out the door.

Michael goes to Wiley, and says, it’s okay. She’s gone. He tricked her into running away. Wiley is safe, and she’ll never touch him again.

Brook flashes back to Ned slamming the door behind her. Ned tells Olivia, don’t get him wrong – he loved them – but he promised never to put business before family like his grandfather did. He was so focused on the damage at ELQ, he lashed out at Brook. He can see that clearly now. Life is funny like that. Brook did something stupid, and Valentin took advantage. It’s what businessmen do. Of course (🍷) he outmaneuvered her; it’s his specialty. Why is it that we only understand our unbelievably stupid behavior when it’s too late? Olivia says, it’s not too late. His daughter is getting better now. It was a terrible thing, but the silver lining is, he got his priorities straight. He says, it took long enough. The hard reality is, he’s no better than Edward. She says, but he can do what Edward never did with Tracy. He can actually learn from his mistakes. It’s awesome and spectacular, and all that really matters. He says he’s so grateful to have that chance, and looks in on Brook again.

Trina tells Josslyn, when she and Cameron were kidnapped, it was a crazy, scary, emotional thing. Afterwards, it felt like they understood each other in a way other people couldn’t. Josslyn says, it makes sense. They went through a trauma together. Trina says, it bonds people. So when they came over to study, and they were out on the terrace and Josslyn went back in… Josslyn says, yeah? Trina says, she and Cameron kissed.

Taggert tells Sonny, he has to disappear. He doesn’t have any option. He’s asking one more time. He needs Sonny to look after his daughter; protect her and take care of her. Sonny says, for the record, he admires Taggert for taking a stand against Cyrus. He’ll protect Trina as much as he can.

Michael tells Wiley, tomorrow, when he wakes up. he’ll be in his own bed, and this will feel like a bad dream. He’s so sorry. He let it go too far. He knew who Nelle was, and should have stopped it sooner. Carly and Jax run in, and Carly calls to Michael. Michael comes out, and she asks where Wiley is, and he says, Wiley is okay. He’s sleeping. They hug, and Jax asks, what about Nelle? Michael says they were arguing, and he heard Wiley crying. He went to Wiley, and assumes Nelle ran. The police will track her down. Carly says she needs to let Sonny know he’s okay, but her phone is getting no reception. Jax says he has a satellite phone in the car, and leaves. Carly asks if Michael is sure Wiley is okay. Michael says, he woke Wiley up for a minute. He smiled and went back to sleep. Carly says, this can’t happen again. Nelle has to be stopped.

Jax calls Jordan, and explains where they are. He says, Wiley and Michael are safe, but Nelle is still at large.

Carly tells Michael to look after Wiley. He asks where she’s going, and she says she’s going after Nelle. The police won’t be there in time. If she thought Nelle would leave, and start a new life, she’d let Nelle go. But she’s obsessed and won’t let go. For Wiley’s sake, Nelle has to be locked up. She’s going after her.

Nelle is walking through the woods, and stops. Carly comes up behind her, and asks if she’s having trouble finding the road. Nelle isn’t surprised mommy came to Michael’s rescue, but Carly said she didn’t. He found her on his own, but this is between them. Nelle is done. It ends right here.

Jordan says she’s relieved to know that little boy is safe. Curtis says he is too. He knows she has work to do, so he’s going to get out of her hair. She’s glad he came to check in, and he says he is too. He says she knows he loves her, and she says she loves him more.

Sonny says he has more to deal with than Cyrus. He’s thinking Cyrus should have been taken out when he got out. Jason says it takes planning, but even if Cyrus has an accident that’s no accident, they’ll be suspected. Sonny’s phone rings, and it’s Jordan. She says she wanted him to know that Wiley was rescued. Sonny asks where he is, and Jordan says, apparently, Michael chased him and Nelle to their cabin in the mountains. Jax called to tell her. Sonny asks, where’s Nelle? and she says, still missing. She has a dragnet in place. Sonny thanks her, and tells Jason, Wiley is safe. Jason says, that’s great news, and Sonny says, it’s one less reason to wait. His dad doesn’t have much time… Taggert says, and he doesn’t want to waste it. Sonny says, even though they want him gone, Cyrus deals with heavy hitters. If they take him out, there will be someone to replace him. He has to fail, so his associates lose money, cut their losses, and leave Port Charles. Taggert says, makes sense, and Sonny says, no more surprises. He wants answers. Jason says he’ll get them, and leaves.

Josslyn tells Trina, okay. That was not what she expected. So she and Cameron… Trina says, back up. There is no her and Cameron. She flipped out. Her dad had just died, and there was nothing she could do. Josslyn says, so what it was, was a mistake, but Trina says, that makes it sound bigger than it was. They were scared, and comforted each other. Josslyn says, makes sense. She guesses after what happened, it was  reaction to trauma. Trina says, totally, but she thinks sometimes Cameron feels like he did something wrong. Like he crossed a line. She doesn’t see it that way. Josslyn says, but if Trina liked Cameron, she’d tell her, right?

Jax tells Michael that he spoke to Jordan. The police are no more than ten minutes away. He asks where Carly is, and Michael says, she went after Nelle. Jax says, what?! Why didn’t he stop her? Carly should have waited. Michael says, Nelle had too much of a head start.

Carly tells Nelle, attempted murder and kidnapping. Brook ID’d her, and she’s going to prison for the rest of her life. Nelle says Carly must be happy to be right about her. She’s trash, crazy, a psycho. It must be like Christmas for Carly, but Carly pushed her. She was supposed to be Nelle’s sister. She was supposed to love her, and be there for her, and teach her, but she did none of those things. Instead, she screwed Nelle over, and drove to the only option she had to be with her son. She didn’t set out to attack Brook, or any of it. She just wanted a piece of what Carly had. Carly says, Nelle had that. She tried over and over. When Nelle first got there, Carly opened her life to her. She would have given Nelle everything. She kept trying to find reasons to believe Nelle. She didn’t want this, but Nelle kept testing and pushing her, until anything good was destroyed, because Nelle can’t let herself be happy. She won’t accept kindness or love. She pushes anything good away. Carly wants to believe that somewhere inside, Nelle loves Wiley, and wants him to have the best life; the life she never had. So take responsibility, and turn herself in. Let this be over. For once in her life, do the right thing for herself.

Sonny calls Olivia to tell her that Wiley is safe, and Olivia tells him, give that baby a hug. Olivia tells Ned and Brook that Wiley was found, and will be okay. Ned tells Brook, he doesn’t know how, but she did it. Brook smiles.

Trina tells Josslyn, they’ve wasted enough time talking about Cameron. They had a blast, and will never let a stupid boy come between them. They pinky swear, and Portia comes in with Curtis. She says, it must be serious, and asks if they’re celebrating their performance. Trina says they are, and Curtis says, the telethon was a huge success. The two of them and Cameron made it possible. Josslyn thanks him, and says, it was a lot of fun. Trina and Josslyn’s phones ding, and Trina says, Cameron is joking, right? He was the lead, and they were his back-up? Josslyn says, if they’re being honest, Cameron is talented. Trina says, the best part is, he has no idea. Josslyn says, don’t tell him, and Trina says, are you kidding? He already has an ego the size of New York. Curtis tells Portia, it’s good to see Trina smile. Portia asks, what’s so funny? and Trina tells her, Cameron is saying they were his back-up, and they should take their gig on the road. Taggert looks in the window, hiding his face with his hood. Which isn’t too obvious.

On the phone, Jordan says, they found the child. She’s informed the local law enforcement. Let her know when they arrive. Jason walks into her office, and she tells him that he can’t just barge in. He says he saw a friend of hers, and she has a lot of explaining to do.

Nelle says, give herself up for Wiley? Carly is a hypocritical bitch. It would make it easier on her. If Carly wants her to give up, come and get her. She runs, but Carly tackles her. They struggle, but Nelle gets the better of Carly, and takes off. Carly hears a scream.

Michael tells Wiley, they’ll get home, but first they have to wait for the police. He can’t believe how Wiley can sleep through all this. He says, sometimes thing happen in life that we don’t understand; that we can’t fathom. People make bad choices, and do wrong things, but few people are actually evil. Wiley’s mom isn’t evil.

Nelle begs Carly to help her. She says, please. She can’t hold on much longer. Oh my God, please. She’s going to fall. Carly finds Nelle hanging from the side of a cliff, and says, grab her hand. Nelle does, but doesn’t get a good enough grip, and falls.

Tomorrow, Curtis tells Portia that he can’t ignore dishonesty, Jason tells Jordan that Cyrus wants to get rid of him to clear a path to Sonny, and Dante attacks the doctor.

The Real Housewives of New York City

I’m sure you’ve heard the news about Dorinda. We’ll get to that afterwards.

Sarah calla Leah, who says she’s getting ready for her party. There’s a lot of pressure. She’s celebrating her brand, and their mom is coming. She’s going to be staring at her and Sarah with binoculars. Maybe they should slip something in her drink.

Dorinda calls LuAnn, and asks if she got the invite to Dorinda’s birthday party. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, the party is at the Russian Samovar (a place I have always wanted to go). She tells LuAnn to bring her happy birthday voice. She settles on to the couch, and says, nothing is better than a nap under the Christmas tree.

Sonja confers with her assistant Destiny. She says she needs to text her old assistant Raquel. She needs help with the townhouse, and flew Raquel in. All the packages for the townhouse were going there, and it was a schlep. In her interview, she says, Sonja By Sonja Morgan is a success story, but redoing her home simultaneously has been a lot. She tells Destiny she needs a sample for the staircase she’s redoing, and needs to check with the broker. Where are the renters? She’s put the house on the market as well. In her interview, she says it’s a daily drain on her emotions and time, and will be one less thing to worry about. It would be great for her. She puts down wee-wee pads for Marley, tucking one under the table for when he poops, because he gets embarrassed. I believe this, since I actually have a dog that likes privacy too. She tells Destiny, it’s an effort for him, like Elvis.

Ramona gets her outfit together while conferring with her dog Coco. LuAnn comes by, and in Ramona’s interview, she says she wants to support Leah. After Mexico, they were in a  good place .She even bought some of Leah’s items and paid retail, so she’s definitely supportive. She tells LuAnn she got sushi for them. The Mexico trip knocked her for a loop. She thought LuAnn was talking to Dorinda about them as a group, and LuAnn says she couldn’t, since the text Ramona sent got her going. Ramona says, she blows up, and LuAnn says Dorinda barely gave her a hug. it feels unsettled. It was a great trip, but nothing was resolved. We flash back to LuAnn trying to talk to Dorinda, and LuAnn says, it’s like a bad taste in her mouth. She feels like she was sucker punched. She tells Ramona, Dorinda said she was sorry, but there was no warmth or compassion, nothing. Ramona says, something deep inside is bothering Dorinda, but if Dorinda doesn’t get to the root of it, she can’t be around it. They can’t fix it for her. LuAnn wants to give Ramona a heads up, and says, Leah invited Elyse to her party. We see a clip where Leah tells Dorinda that Ramona said she’s not allowed to invite Elyse. That’s crazy. LuAnn asks what happened between Ramona and Elyse, and Ramona says she has to go to the bathroom. In her interview, LuAnn says she hasn’t seen Ramona get up that fast to go to the bathroom since Mexico. And she didn’t make it. Ramona says, Elyse isn’t a girl’s girl, and LuAnn says she’s had Elyse’s number from the beginning, and it’s not 212 (the area code for Manhattan). In Ramona’s interview, she says the trouble started when she brought Elyse into their friend group. She was always about the other girls. She’s like a friend jumper. Ramona tells LuAnn that she thinks Elyse is manipulative, not genuine, and disgusts her. LuAnn says, there you go. It’s a list.

It’s the 15th anniversary party for Married to the Mob, and Leah arrives with Sarah. Leah complains about not having palm trees, but Sarah thinks it’s a great space. Leah is excited to have her friends and family in one place to celebrate, but she’s nervous about Ramona, Dorinda, and the rest of the group coming. Her brand is streetwear, and her friends in the community know what they’re getting, but she thinks the Housewives will want caviar served, and that’s not happening. In Dorinda’s interview, she says it was like going down into a dungeon. It was some kind of hip-hop thing, with everyone dressed in what looked like pajamas. She tells Leah she must have missed the dress code. They look like they’re going to work out class. Once you start dressing up, it’s hard to wear sweats. In Leah’s interview, she says, maybe Dorinda never saw the website, but she’s in business because of sweat pants and T-shirts. Dorinda insists she’s really gangster despite what she’s wearing. Elyse comes in, and Dorinda says they look like they came from the office.

Elyse says she hasn’t heard from Ramona. She doesn’t think they’re friends anymore. Dorinda says, for some reason something turned, and Ramona doesn’t trust Elyse. Leah says Ramona said she shouldn’t invite her, and Elyse says, that’s definitely not friend if Ramona is trying to neutralize her. Leah says she would never tell Ramona who to invite to her party. In her interview, Leah says Ramona told her that she was not allowed to invite Elyse, which obviously is complete bullsh*t. Elyse says, if there’s a problem, friends talk about it. Bunny comes in, and in Leah’s interview, she says Dorinda’s mom is like her mom. They both go to church. She introduces Dorinda, and says Dorinda said Bunny was like her mom. We see a clip of Leah meeting Dorinda’s mom, and in her interview, Dorinda says their moms love them for who they are, and let them be. That creates confident women. She thinks they should go to church together. Leah tells her friends, if Bunny asks, she’s drinking Pellegrino. Hint: It’s not Pellegrino.

LuAnn comes in, and Leah hollers, viva la diva! LuAnn says, very cool, and Dorinda says they’re the only ones dressed up. Leah says, what about her? and Dorinda says she looks hot, but these people need to go home and get dressed. Leah tells her, quiet; these people are her friends. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, it’s streetwear. She doesn’t know what Dorinda expected. Sonja comes down the stairs, telling a guy, don’t be scared; she doesn’t bite. She yells, where does she start? Hot guys! She plops in the middle of a bunch of dudes, and Leah says she’s got to say hi to Sonja. Sonja tells a random guy that she never gets invited to parties with hot guys. In Sonja’s interview, she says she loves this group. The men look like they’re over twenty… four? She tells Leah that she just landed there. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s not engaging in BS. She’s lived her life, and knows how she is. At this stage of her life, she wants to surround herself with people she enjoys, who respect her and who she respects. She tells Leah that she wore sparkly for her, and Leah introduces Ramona to her mom. Ramona says she feels like she knows Bunny. She feels like Leah is her daughter too; she gets frustrated. Bunny says they need to have a conversation. Ramona says she loves Bunny. Elyse joins them, and Ramona pretends like she’s not there. Elyse asks if Ramona isn’t talking to her, and Ramona says she doesn’t know who Elyse is. She walks away, and Elyse tries to grab her arm. Ramona shakes her off, and Elyse says she’s duplicitous. Ramona calls Elyse sick and evil, and trots back up the stairs to the street. Leah calls to her not to leave.

Leah tells Ramona, please stay; it’s just her. Ramona won’t even turn around and keeps going. In Leah’s interview, she says Romana didn’t even look back, and just prances out. She wonders wtf happened, and says, Ramona is off to an Upper East Side bar to pick up men, which is where she really wants to be. Elyse says she’s so done with Ramona, and in her interview, she says she never thought she’d resent or be as angry with Ramona as she is. She doesn’t know where go from here. She asks Dorinda, who’s had Ramona’s back the most? and Dorinda says she accused Elyse of having Stockholm disease. Stockhouse syndrome. Balloons pop, and LuAnn say she loves this party. A guy tells Sonja that he had Captain Morgan last night, and she says he has Lady Morgan right now. Sonja tells Leah that she likes Leah’s friends more than her own. In her interview, she says, there’s a good mix of people; fashion, artists, rappers. This party is real. LuAnn thinks Bunny looks like Mother Earth. She’s right.

Leah takes the mic, and thanks everyone for coming. All of the people in the room. They mean so much. Married to the Mob is her brand – everyone cheers – that she started 22 years ago. Rob saved her life in so many ways. If they hadn’t met, she wouldn’t have started the brand. He also gave her their daughter Kiki. She wants to acknowledge Sarah, whose life coach asked her why she didn’t buy stock in Leah’s company. She’s giving Sarah 15 % of her brand. She says, thanks, bitch. I love you. Sonja says she’s going marry Sarah. Leah says her mom wants to say a couple of words. She’d be nothing without Bunny. Bunny says her husband couldn’t be there because he’s not feeling well. She’s never seen anyone work as hard as Leah. She marches to her own drum, and was reading Vogue at nine years old. Bunny has never read Vogue in her life. If Leah had asked if she should start a business, Bunny would have said, get a job. Thank God Leah followed her dream. She loves her. She tells Leah, congratulations, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s relishing this moment, knowing her parents are proud. Hopefully Bunny will give a toast in front of the family at dinner on Sunday.

Dorinda toasts to a badass bitch. Leah is a great mom, and a great friend. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Leah was so young when she started her company. She was a baby 15 years ago. Leah says her heart is bursting. These are great people she’s known for a long time, and her new friends, who are genuinely proud of her.

LuAnn calls Ramona from a restaurant, and asks, what happened? Why did she leave? Ramona says she doesn’t like negative energy. She doesn’t want to be around negative people. She had a lovely talk with Bunny. She wasn’t what Ramona expected. LuAnn says, she was very granola looking. Obviously, Ramona didn’t bond with Elyse. Ramona says Elyse asked if she wasn’t going to talk to her; very aggressive. Elyse went nuts, and grabbed her arm. LuAnn says Ramona should have stayed, and Ramona says, whatever. She’s not doing that. In her interview, Ramona says Elise is manipulative, and doesn’t make her feel good. Luann says she’s having coffee while she’s waiting for the writer who’s doing her book. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been through so much – horses, therapy, rehab, being arrested – she wants to write a book, and needs some help. Writer Sheryl comes in, and LuAnn introduces her to Ramona on the phone. Ramona tells Sheryl to write a bestseller. Sheryl says she’s on it. LuAnn says, she has a lot of story. Her life hasn’t been easy. She wasn’t privileged. Sheryl says she was surprised that boys said she was pretty, but chubby. LuAnn says, and taller than them. She used to saw the heels off her shoes. Sheryl says she shopped at Payless, and LuAnn says, there were seven children; life wasn’t easy. Sheryl says, the stuff about her dad, and LuAnn says he was important to her. Going through what she went through, she understands his struggle. Ramona is still on the phone because she can’t figure out how to hang up. LuAnn suggests she power off the phone. Ramona says LuAnn is an inspiration. Sheryl says, when LuAnn described being in the jail cell, and it was the first moment. When she was connecting with her dad for the first time, and understood what he went through; it was a shame. LuAnn says, it was ten years of craziness. He was a drinker, and when she got arrested, she looked at her ankles and thought, oh my God. Now she could start to understand his pain and struggle. In her interview, she says her father was her everything; he was her rock. He struggled with alcohol, eventually stopped, and AA saved his life. Now she understands so much more than she did as a young adult. His struggles were real. She’s had the same struggles. He’s not there today, but she is. She’s coming full circle, and if everything hadn’t happened, she’d never be doing this. She had to figure out how to believe in herself again, and get back in the driver’s seat. She repaired herself in a certain way, and there’s plenty to be done, but this will fix something. She thanks Sheryl, who says, it’s a New York Times best seller in the making.

Dorinda calls her sister Melissa from her bed, and says she’s so high up, it looks like she’s in no man’s land because of the fog outside. Does Melissa have something to say to her? Melissa says, happy birthday, and Dorinda says she’s calling about the party tonight. In her interview, she says she’s looking forward to it. It’s all people she’s known for ten or twenty years, not someone she met at CVS a few days ago. Ramona collects friends the way people collect leaves in the fall. She tells Melissa that she’s having the party at the Russian Samovar. It’s really Russian, and an old-fashioned fun bar. In her interview, she says, it’s one of the best places; old New York. You start off at the supper table, and end up drinking with the chef at 2 am. She tells Melissa that she invited John, and Melissa asks what she last talked to him. Dorinda says he stopped by church when she was there. It was sad, but things are better now. She asks if she doesn’t seem calmer, and Melissa says she’s more peaceful. Dorinda says she and John are friends now; he’s part of the family, and that’s how she wants it to be. Melissa says they’ve been through a lot together, and Dorinda says, they have fun. She loves him on some level, and always will. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, it would be mean, cruel, and unkind to cut him out. Just because their relationship is in a different place, doesn’t mean she should dispose of a person who’s been part of her life for seven years. Melissa says, be careful tonight, and Dorinda says she’s not being careful, and tells Melissa to call tomorrow, and see who she ended up with. Just kidding.

Sonja picks up LuAnn, and LuAnn asks what she thought of Leah’s party. Sonja says she had a blast. Those people are real. LuAnn asks what she thought about Ramona with Elyse, and Sonja asks, what happened? LuAnn says Ramona went on about how Elyse had done this and that, and how she was going to tell Elyse about everything. Sonja says, and Ramona hightailed out of there. LuAnn says, Ramona came in guns blazing, but didn’t say a word. Like she didn’t say anything to Dorinda in Mexico. Ramona does that; she retreats. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s not a retreater. She sticks around and confronts the issue head on. When the going gets tough, Ramona runs.

The Russian Samovar is the coolest place. Hannah mentions she’s been there once before. Sonja says, the vodka is flavored and so good. In Sonja’s interview, she says LuAnn is drinking again. Let’s get this train going again. Leah comes in, and Sonja says Leah’s party was real. Leah asks, for Sonja’s drag queen party, does she have to bring a drag queen or dress like one? Sonja says, whatever she wants to do, and Leah says she’s wearing big hair. In her interview, Sonja says she’s has drag queen Bingo nights to raise money for the LGBTQ community. There’s something about drag queens; they’re more theatrical. More guests arrive, and they toast to 2020, LuAnn asking, how crazy is that? Dorinda comes in, and tells everyone, happy birthday. They’re like, wait a minute… In Dorinda’s interview, She says she’s looking forward to tonight; a table filled with people she loves, who she knows will love each other. John joins the party, and in her interview, Dorinda says, it’s not about the food; it’s about the music, the people, and the atmosphere. It’s a great place to let all things go. It’s her birthday. She announces that she loves a dinner party in honor of her. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s shocked to see John. It doesn’t make sense. Dorinda is sending him the wrong messages. He didn’t want it to end. Is she giving him a carrot? Ramona doesn’t like it. Oh, well, by all means, banish him then. What the hell? Leah approaches Ramona. In Leah’s interview, she says, Ramona called to apologize. Little does Ramona know, she doesn’t care. We see a clip of Ramona saying she’s proud of Leah – congratulations. She was happy she met Leah’s mom. She was much smarter; not like Ramona thought she was. In her interview, Leah says, Ramona doesn’t mean to be one of the rudest people in the world. She has no awareness of how socially awkward she is. Even when she tries to compliment you, she disses you.

Dorinda says she’s 55, she can’t wait too long, and LuAnn says, 55 never looked so beautiful. Dorinda says, every face there means so much to her. They’ve laughed and cried with her, and she’s blessed to call all of them friends. The best present is in front of her. LuAnn says she loves Dorinda, and Sonja tells Dorinda to stop worrying about them, and enjoy herself. Dorinda says Sonja has too many apps open on her phone; her phone is dying. LuAnn tells them to get off their phones, reminding Dorinda of how she got on their cases about that in Mexico. We flash back to that, and LuAnn tells Dorinda, it’s not her problem. Dorinda says she’s closing the apps for Sonja, and Ramona tells Dorinda, don’t raise her voice because – wait for it – it’s her birthday. Nothing has ever made less sense coming from Ramona, and that’s saying a lot. LuAnn says Dorinda is yelling at her. In Dorinda’s interview, she says LuAnn rides her hard. LuAnn watches her closely, but it’s her party. She’ll phone if she wants to. She tells LuAnn to stay out of it.

Dorinda says her phone is turned off, and in her bag, which is what you do at a dinner party. Ramona babbles, and tells Dorinda to chill. In Ramona’s interview, she says, even at Dorinda’s own party, she’s snapping at someone. Ramona tells a random guy, it’s not healthy emotionally. They’ve been trying to figure out how to help, but Dorinda doesn’t want to recognize the problem. This is beyond socially awkward, and not what you do at someone’s birthday party. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Ramona has nothing going on in her life, so this is what Ramona is stuck on. It’s kind of sad. John wants to make a toast, and Dorinda tells him to keep it short. He says everyone there are all dear friends, family, and loved ones, and they’re fortunate to be so close for so many years. They’ll have a special bond for a lifetime. Dorinda says he’ll always have a seat at her table, no matter what. He’s in her family. In her interview, Dorinda says she’s proud that John had the confidence to give a toast, and it was sincere. It shows she did it. It’s what she wanted to achieve tonight, and she feels positive.

LuAnn takes the mic, and says she and Dorinda met on the dance floor of a bar mitzvah. Huh? What? Really? In Leah’s interview, she says, LuAnn will always find a mic, no matter where they are. LuAnn says they had a connection, and danced the night away. They never lost the embrace, and they’ve been friends ever since. She relates to Dorinda, and supports and loves her. In Ramona’s interview, she says, LuAnn is going on forever. I tell Ramona, STFU. In Sonja’s interview, she wonders if they’re going down Memory Lane with LuAnn at Dorinda’s party. Ramona, who can never contain herself, tells LuAnn that she’s ruining the party; it’s about Dorinda, not her. This is not a cabaret show. LuAnn says if it makes Ramona feel better, she’s winding it up. I wonder how everyone allows Ramona to dictate what should happen at their parties. LuAnn sings Happy Birthday, and in Leah’s interview, she says, it’s a sh*t show. LuAnn gets up, and in Dorinda’s interview, she says, it never fails. LuAnn is so on cue. Dorinda thinks she pops out at birthday parties all over NYC, at clambakes, car washes… It’s like something out of a Saturday Night Live skit. I’m sure all of them are right, but Dorinda did tell LuAnn to bring her happy birthday voice, so… They all sing and I’m sad. In her interview, Dorinda says a little bit of vodka, a red room, great music, her girls from New York. They all like each other. It’s the ultimate reason they’ve been together for so long . She and John dance, and John complains about having to sit hear Ramona. He says he needs a shot.

Next time, LuAnn goes to the recording studio, drag queen Bingo happens, and LuAnn says happy-effing-holidays.

🏯 Goodbye, Bluestone Manor…

And all holidays Dorinda. Since sources conflict as to whether she was fired or she decided to go, maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If she was fired, especially for drinking, it would be pretty hypocritical, since Bravo keeps the booze free and always available. For sure Dorinda has issues, and they aren’t excuses, but everyone deserves a chance. I had to fire someone as a friend for being a mean drunk, so I can get it, but I hadn’t exploited displayed her issues on TV for all to see. Or give her free liquor. Take your pick of sides.

https://people.com/tv/dorinda-medley-leaving-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/

https://www.realitytea.com/2020/08/26/dorinda-medley-fired/

https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2020/08/dorinda-medley-fired-from-real-housewives-for-being-a-mean-drunk/

https://www.realitytea.com/2020/08/26/carole-radziwill-dorinda-medley-real/

😱 Hold Your Nose & Close Your Eyes…

Everything you wanted to know about the RHOBH upcoming Reunion. Or not. And while I’m on the subject, what’s up with Kyle’s hair? No, just no.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-10-reunion-preview

https://decider.com/2020/08/27/rhobh-reunion-preview-denise-richards-storms-out/

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-10-reunion-trailer/

🚵🏾‍♀️ It’s Coming…

More tea and big houses tomorrow, but for now, stay safe, stay passionate about something, and stay away from the edges of cliffs.

August 24, 2020 – Someone Surprises Julian, Tom & Malia Deserve Each Other, New Old Stew, Tardy Road Trip, Freebie Treks & Impromptu Wind

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Brando says he owes Sonny one. Sonny told him not to miss the Nurses Ball. Sonny bets Brando didn’t think he’d be answering phones, but Brando said he enjoyed it, especially the sense of community. Sonny gets a call from Turning Woods, and Brando says he hopes Mike is okay.

Sam visits Jason at the hospital, and he asks, how was the telethon? She says, musically, it was a major success, but the best part of the night is seeing him there. She was sure the second she turned her back on him, he’d make a great escape. He says he promised to stay unless there was a big emergency. Sam says, no emergency.

Jax and Nina go to the MetroCourt, and Jax says they deserve a drink after their dance. She says it was fun dancing with him, and he says she was incredible. She says that’s because she had a dynamite partner. In between basking in the spotlight, she realized that finally her life is on track. She has a job she loves, peace in her heart, and a refreshingly healthy relationship with a good man. He says he’s not saying, I told you so. Carly approaches their table, and asks if they’re recuperating or savoring their onstage triumph. Jax says, both, and Carly says she’ll have a server come over to take their orders. They deserve a drink.

At the hospital, Ned wonders why they’re not being told anything, and Olivia says they’re focused on saving Brook’s life. He says he’s going to call Monica, and ask her to pull rank. Olivia says she understands it’s painful, but it’s not about him. It’s about the doctors and nurses doing their work. Let them. Chase comes in, and tells them that he just came back from the crime scene. They’re questioning everyone who was backstage, and gathering security footage. He asks if Brook had any enemies. Was anyone angry with her? Ned says, other than him?

Nelle asks Julian what the hell he’s doing, and he says he’s not letting her take Wiley. He’s done with this. Nelle says if he wants to help Wiley, leave with her tonight. She has money… He says, it’s over. He should have put an end to it a long, long time ago.

Willow says, Wiley’s not in his room, and Michael asks if Monica brough him downstairs at any point. Monica says she heard Wiley on the monitor, but no; she didn’t go upstairs. Willow says Wiley is just big enough to have gotten out on his own, and Michael suggests they start searching the rooms, but sees a cloth on the ground. He sniffs it and says, it’s soaked in some kind of chemical. Monica smells it, and says, it’s chloroform. Michael and Willow look at each other.

Carly tells Jax and Nina, everything is on the house tonight, and Jax says they appreciate it. Carly tells Nina, she’s already said that Nina’s testimony was crucial in Michael and Willow getting custody of Wiley, and Nina asks how Wiley is doing. Carly says, it’s like the three of them have been together all along. It’s so much lighter. They hadn’t realize Nelle was like a heavy weight hanging over everything. She’s manipulative and broken, and would have inflicted that on Wiley, doing indefinite damage. All’s well that ends well. Nina says, as long as Wiley is happy, and Carly tells them to enjoy. Nina asks Jax not to hate her for what she’s about to say, and Jax says he might not agree with her, but he’d never hate her. She says, when Carly said, all’s well that ends well, she couldn’t help thinking that she doubts Nelle feels that way.

Sam tells Jason that Josslyn was the highlight, and there was a beautiful closing number. She asks how he’s doing, and he says he went for a walk. She says, scouting escape routes? but he says he was told to start moving around, and he fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed. She says, good. She wants him healed. She has some major plans for when he’s fully recovered. Jason’s phone rings, and he answers it. He frowns, and says, correct. All right. He appreciates the call. She asks who that was, and he says, the PCPD. They got the preliminary report about his accident. It turns out it was the stabilizer after all. Sam says, the part Brando installed.

On the phone, Sonny says he understands, and Brando tells Carly, it’s Turning Woods. She asks, what’s going on? and Sonny says Mike’s caregiver showed him a video from the 2018 Nurses Ball when they sang Summer Wind. His dad was smiling all the way through. Brando says, Sonny sang with Mike? and Carly says, it was an impromptu number. He should have seen it. Sonny says, it’s on the Nurses Ball website, and Brando says he definitely wants to see that, and Sonny laughs.

Chase asks why Ned was at odds with his daughter, and Ned says there was tension because she’d sold her ELQ shares. Who is he kidding? He called her a traitor, and kicked her out. Chase asks if that’s when he saw Brook last, and Olivia says they understand he’s just doing his job, but… Ned says he didn’t attack his own daughter. Everyone can testify they were at the Ball the whole time. Chase says he’s just trying to establish a timeline; Brook’s movements and state of mind. Any detail will help. Olivia says Brook had recently been with her ex-manager, Linc Brown; he operates out of NYC, and he’s a total sleazebag. He wouldn’t let Brook out of her contract, and sexually harassed her. When she resisted, he killed her career. She was trying to get away from him, which is why she sold her shares. Chase says, it’s a good lead, and Olivia asks if he thinks someone was plotting to do something to Brook at the Nurses Ball. Chase doesn’t think so, and she says she thinks it’s more likely that Brook walked in on something she shouldn’t have. Chase says, she’s strong and resilient, and she’ll pull through. They’re going to investigate every lead. He leaves, and Olivia tells Ned, he’s right; Brook is strong. She’s got the Quartermaine fight, and that spirit is going to pull her through.

Officer Sanchez asks Chase if they’re starting with Brook’s manager. He says, it’s their best lead, but Olivia might be on to something. This came out of nowhere. It wasn’t calculated, and there were too many people. It was too risky. It seems like a crime of passion or desperation.

Nelle says Julian doesn’t have to do this, but he says she went too far. He drugged Monica, and kidnapped Wiley. What was he thinking? He’s not handing Wiley over to her. She says she has the document that Martin will open in the event of her death. It details everything. How he helped Brad and rigged Brad’s car. He says he’s not going to roll over, and she says, Sonny will kill him.

Willow tells Monica, she needs to rest, and Michael asks if she doesn’t remember anything; a face or a voice? She says she heard an alert on her phone. She’d left it in the foyer, and went to get it. When she came in, she heard Wiley on the monitor, but she didn’t go upstairs. Michael calls the police, and says his child was kidnapped. A toddler, blond with blue eyes; his name is Wiley, and he was abducted from 66 Harbor View Road. He needs the police there, and a missing child alert issued immediately.

Officer Sanchez tells Ned and Olivia, so far, there are no eyewitnesses, but they’re going over the security footage. Chase says he has to go; another case requires his immediate attention. Officer Sanchez will stay there, and he’ll check in later. Portia comes out and says she has an update on Brook.

Sam says Jason didn’t ask Brando to put in the part; he volunteered. Jason says it could have been a faulty part from the manufacturer, but Sam says, that’s not a mistake a mechanic would make. He says, it depends on the defect, but she insists Brando sabotaged the bike. He says Brando has been open with him and Sonny, and admitted Cyrus came into the garage. She says, maybe he knew they’d figure it out eventually, but Jason asks, how? Cyrus wasn’t going to call him. Sonny gave Brando a pass for right now. Sam says she questioned him too; more like confronted him. He denied it of course (🍷), and was sweet to Molly and TJ, so she was all right with it, but it’s not over. He says they don’t need to decide tonight. Brando knows better than to disappear. Sonny would hunt him down if he had to. Sam says, not if she got to him first.

Brando watches Sonny and Mike’s performance, and tells Sonny, that was good. They were both loving it. Sonny says there was a problem with an act, and the stage was empty. Before he knew it, his dad was on stage singing, and then forgot the words. Carly says Sonny jumped on stage, and it was natural, like it was choreographed. Brando thanks Sonny for showing him. Carly’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Michael. Michael tells her about Wiley being kidnapped. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he found Monica unconscious, and a rag soaked in chloroform. The police are on their way. She says, you know it was Nelle, and he says he knows.

Julian tells Nelle that Wiley is in his car, where he’s fast asleep. It’s locked, so she can’t get to him. She says, put down  the gun, and hand her the keys, but he says, try to keep up. He’s done taking orders from her. He doesn’t care if Sonny kills him or not. She won’t be able to destroy Wiley’s life, and that’s the important part. She says this will scar Wiley for life, knowing his mother was murdered, but he says that’s what he’s trying to prevent; her scarring Wiley for life. Somebody has to stop her. Taggert comes out of nowhere, and knocks the gun out of Julian’s hand. I just shake my head.

Portia tells Ned and Olivia, to be honest, Brook has a long way to go before she’s out of the woods. She’s going through an extremely difficult procedure, and is in critical condition. Ned asks what she’s saying. His daughter’s not going to die, is she?

Sam says Jason could have died, and he says he knows, but he didn’t. He’s going to make a full recovery. If Brando had anything to do with the crash, he and Sonny will handle it; stay out of it. She asks if he thinks she’s wrong or blames her for Michael losing his job at ELQ. He says he wishes she’d made a different decision, but she did what she thought was right, and Sam says they’ll have to agree to disagree about Valentin, but Brando is another story. He says he understands her concern, and trusts her instincts, and she says she’s not buying Brando’s nice thing. He says he’ll keep that in mind, and she says, it’s getting late. The kids will want know about the Nurses Ball, and how daddy is doing. He says, tell them he loves them, and will be home as soon as he can. She says she can’t wait.

Monica says she had no idea anyone was in the house, and Michael says, it’s not her fault. Chase is there, and asks if Nelle had the keys. Michael says, not to the main house, but she could have stolen one. He should have changed the locks, but so much was happening. Chase says officers are checking the last place she was staying, and they have her car description and license plate number issued in a bulletin. Michael says, Nelle will anticipate that, and Chase says he’s reached out to the FBI, and they’ve expanded the search. She was supposed to perform at the Nurses Ball. Epiphany was upset that Nelle would be up there, pretending to care about the hospital she was suing. He asks if she ever went on, but Michael says, no. It was probably a diversion. While everyone was focused on the Ball, no one knew what she was doing. Chase asks Monica if she knows how long she was out, and she says she was watching telethon, but it wasn’t over. Chase says Nelle had at least an hour head start. Wiley could be anywhere.

Julian throws Taggert off of him, grabs the gun. Taggert is on the ground, knocked out, and Julian looks around, but Nelle is gone. He throws the gun in the river. Why? He says, sorry, guy, and leaves.

Carly tells Sonny, when Michael and Willow got home, they found Monica unconscious, and no sign of Wiley. Michael found a rag with chloroform on the ground. Sonny says, son of a bitch, and Carly says, it had to be Nelle. She’s had enough time to put distance between her and Wiley, and Port Charles. Brando says, they don’t think she’d hurt her own son? and Sonny says, she’s psycho but won’t hurt her only leverage. Carly decides to go to the Quartermaines, and tells Sonny, do what he can. Sonny asks her to tell Michael that his heart is with him. They’ll get Wiley back. Carly says, do whatever takes, and Sonny agrees. Brando says Jason is usually Sonny’s backup, so if Sonny needs him, he’s in. Carly tells Jax and Nina that Wiley was kidnapped, and Nina asks if it was Nelle. Carly says, it couldn’t be anyone else. She tells Jax, Josslyn is with Trina, and there’s nothing she can do right now, but tomorrow, if they still don’t know anything, she might need his help. She leaves, and Nina says, oh my God. She’s so sorry. Jax says, it’s Nelle’s fault, and the authorities for letting her out on parole. Nina says she should have realized what Nelle is capable of, and warned someone. She knows how Nelle thinks.

Ned asks Portia if he can see Brook after her surgery. He has to speak to her, and she needs to hear his voice. Portia says Brook was barely alive when she was brought to them. They had to do a lot of work to get her blood pressure back, so she could withstand the surgery. She has her best surgeons working on Brook, but unfortunately, that’s all they know for now. She goes back in, and Ned cries. He says, my little girl, and Olivia holds him.

Julian goes to Charlie’s, and his phone dings. He sees a missing child alert for Wiley, and says, dammit. Sonny comes in, and says he has a problem, adding, Julian does too. His wife kidnapped Sonny’s grandson. Julian says, she’s not here, and Sonny says he’s not surprised. He came looking for Julian. Julian says he had nothing to do with it. They both know Nelle is crazy. Sonny says Julian didn’t seem shocked; why? They’re not meeting up later, are they? Instead of saying he just saw the alert, like a normal guilty person would, Julian says, nope. He’s not surprised Nelle took Wiley because she’s desperate. Michael said she lost it in court. Sonny says, quit stalling, and tell him now where Nelle is with his grandson. Julian says he doesn’t know; he swears. Brando comes out from the back, and says, no sign of Nelle or Wiley, but he found this. He shows Sonny a packed duffel bag, and says, someone is planning on taking a trip. Sonny says, going someplace, Jules? No one ever called Julian Jules before, and suddenly it’s a thing?

Carly asks how Michael is holding up, and he says he keeps telling himself that he won’t do Wiley any good if he loses it. Chase comes in, and says they found nothing at Nelle’s apartment. Carly says, she has money from the sale of her ELQ shares; so she can get pretty far. Chase says they know that and are staking out the airports, including private jets, and the busses and train stations. Nelle is smart, but her resources are limited; theirs aren’t. Willow comes downstairs, and says she can’t find Wiley’s kangaroo. Michael explains, it’s his comfort toy, and Carly asks if Nelle knew that. Willow says they talked about it the last time Nelle was there. Michael says Wiley was having his nap, and Nelle took off without seeing him, which was suspicious. She’s more likely to hang around and make everyone uncomfortable. Willow wonders if Nelle was planning on taking Wiley even then, and Carly says, absolutely. That’s even more proof that it was Nelle, if she took his favorite toy.

In the car, Nelle tells Wiley, it was crazy back there. She thought Julian was going to kill her. One more person who betrayed her, but she got him. The man at the dock was a stroke of luck. He saved mommy’s life. At the expense of his own, but no good deed goes unpunished.

Taggert lies unconscious on the pier.

Olivia asks if Ned wants to spend time in the chapel, but he says, later. He wants to be there if Brook wakes up. He wonders how long it’s been, but Olivia says, not long. Dr. Robinson said it’s a delicate operation; give it time. She thinks right now they have to accept that no news is good news. Ned says she’s being great. When she should be saying, I told you so. She asked him to speak to Brook and forgive her, but he wouldn’t listen. In typical Quartermaine fashion, he put the company ahead of his daughter, and shut down. He threw her out of the house; out of the family. He let her believe he didn’t care or love her anymore. If she dies, the last memory she’ll have of him is when he slammed door in her face.

Carly calls Jason, and tells him that Wiley has been kidnapped. He says, tell him everything, but she says, there’s not much to tell. Monica was downstairs, and Wiley was upstairs in the nursery. Michael and Willow came home to find Monica unconscious, and no sign of Wiley. He asks if Monica is okay, and she says, Monica was knocked out by chloroform. Michael called after he found the rag. He asks if the cops are there, and she says, yeah; they’re following procedure, but Nelle is crazy and motivated. She knows there will be alerts at the border crossings, so maybe she’s going to NYC or Philadelphia, where she can blend in. She’ll be driving, so they’re looking for her car, but someone may be helping her. He asks where Sonny is, and she says, following another lead. She doesn’t know what, but he said he’d call if he finds anything. Jason says, anything else? and Carly says Wiley’s stuffed kangaroo is missing; Nelle knew enough to take it. He says, that’s the kind of detail that could make a difference. He tells her to stay there with Michael, and he’ll call when he knows something. She asks if he’s sure he’s okay enough to help, and he says she wouldn’t have called if she didn’t think he was, and she knows it. He hangs up, and calls Spinelli.

Sonny says, just when he started to believe Julian, they find a packed duffel bag. Not good. Julian says it’s stuff he was donating to the Waterfront clothing drive. Sonny asks where he was tonight, and Julian says they were in the same place, the Nurses Ball. Sonny says he didn’t see Julian much; did he leave early with Wiley? Monica was knocked out with chloroform. Does he know anything about it? Julian says he doesn’t know what Nelle did. Sonny should call the cops. Sonny says he doesn’t need the cops. If his grandson isn’t found, he’s going to be Julian’s judge, jury, and executioner. Understand? Sonny tells Brando that they’ll go check on Michael. Julian tells him, hold up.  

Nina tells Jax, she should have known how far Nelle would go.  She’s a schemer, manipulator, and a liar, and would do anything to get Wiley. She’s sorry she thought otherwise. Jax says they’ll find him, and give him back to Michael and Willow, and Nelle says, they must be going crazy with worry. She feels horrible about Willow. She said horrible things to and about her, but respects her, and how she’s trying to protect Wiley. Jax says he doesn’t know much about Willow, but what he saw in court impressed him. Nina says, Willow is more of a mother to Wiley than Nelle will ever be.

Chase says the officers who went to Nelle’s apartment said it was cleared out; her clothes and car are gone. Monica says she thought of something – Wiley’s heart condition. What if it flares up, and Nelle refuses to get him treatment like before? Carly asks if he was showing any symptoms, but Willow says, he was his normal, smiling self. Carly says, let’s take care of one crisis at a time. Monica was drugged, and should go to the hospital. Michael says he’ll take her, but Monica tells him to stay, and keep her posted. He and Carly walk her out, and Chase tells Willow, he promises they’ll find Nelle before anything happens to Wiley.

Nelle hears sirens, and sees flashing lights. She tells Wiley, they’re going to try and take him away, and give him to Carly.

Sonny asks what Julian remembers. Where did Nelle hide his grandson? Julian says if he knew, he would tell Sonny. He just wants Sonny to know he’s sorry for all of this. He’s sorry he got involved with Nelle; that’s the God’s honest truth. Sonny says if Julian is going to bring God into it, pray when Nelle gets caught, she doesn’t have a different story to tell. He’ll do Julian a favor and take the duffel bag to the collection box, and save him a trip.

On the phone at the pier, Jason asks Spinelli if he’s sure the last place the phone pinged was at Pier 55. Maybe she ditched the phone; he’ll look around. He hears Taggert groan, and says, talk to him. Who did this? He realizes it’s Taggert, who says, hey.

Olivia tells Ned, Brook loves screwing things up, and they’ll get in more fights, but her spirit will bring her through. She won’t let go easily. She does nothing easily, and she’s going to come back to them. When she does, he’ll get to say what he needs to say. Ned says he’s sitting there, trying find the words to use, the right things to tell her, and all he can come up with is, I love you. Isn’t it strange? All the words they have, and different ways of saying things; the lyrics to songs. But when it comes down to it, what else is there to say? He loves her, and if she can’t hear him say that again, he will never, ever forgive himself.

Portia comes back out, and says she spoke to Brook’s surgical team. Ned says, please. Did she make it?

Jax tells Nina, he’s lucky he never stopped listening to Lady Jane. Nina wishes she’d met Lady Jane, and he says she would have loved Nina. She appreciated strong, intelligent women. She says, that explains why Jax is who he is; a steady, good man, unafraid of strong women. He says, and intelligent, beautiful, sexy… and she says she likes it better the longer it’s getting. He says he’s sorry for what happened in her life, and Nina says she over-compensated with Charlotte, but he says he thinks she’s a great mother. He saw her with Charlotte. She thanks him, saying, that’s high praise. She did discover something, and is sure Willow did too. You don’t have to be a biological mother to have undying love for a child.

Carly tells Michael and Willow that Jason will call when he knows something. Michael asks if Jason isn’t in the hospital, but she says he’s out there looking. Michael says, it’s selfish, but he feel better knowing Jason is out there. Willow asks how much Jason can do, just being out of the hospital, but Michael says, he’s resourceful. Carly says they have to follow Jason’s example. Stay calm, but with their eyes open. Nelle is all about mind games, and making them jump through hoops. She won’t be able to resist leaving a clue. Chase comes back, and says they found Nelle’s car.

Nelle looks in the rearview mirror, as the cop cars pass. She says she swears she thought they found them, but how could they? Not in this car. She knew it would be the perfect car for their special trip.

Chase says she parked at the far end of a lot, but the car was abandoned. There were no signs of her or Wiley, but they’re searching the surrounding area. Michael says, they have no way to track the car, and Carly says, of course (🍷) not. Nelle thought of everything.

Nelle tells Wiley, smart mommy. Sonny can’t even link this car to them. They’re going far, far away, where Carly and the rest can never find them. The family will miss him terribly, and never know what happened to him, but they’ll have wonderful adventures, and Wiley will love the only mommy he’ll ever know. He’ll never have a grandmother, which is exactly what Carly deserves.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth asks why Franco won’t believe her, Nikolas tells Spencer that he has a plan to get Ava out of their lives, Sonny says there’s nowhere Nelle can hide where he can’t find her, and Cyrus asks someone if they’re going to have a problem.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Tom tells Bugs he’ll sort it out, but then bitches about a potato. The guests discuss the merits, or not, of raw lobster. Tom and Malia go into the walk-in refrigerator, and Tom says he’s good at what he does. She asks him to tell her how to help, and he says he has way too much self-respect to do this effing bullsh*t. She says, it hurts her for him to be like this, and he says, sorry; he didn’t expect this, and he has a cake to make. They come out, and Malia says, effing ridiculous, but I’m not sure if she’s referring to the situation or Tom. He continues to complain, while Jess and Alex have a pillow fight in one of the guest rooms. Tom sends out new lobster for the guests, and says he’s cooking the steak on the grill. Jess tucks the gigantic dildo under the covers on the bed, its other kind of head on the pillow. Guest Jared or Jacob, or whatever the hell his name is, tells Tom, the raw lobster was good, and Tom says, it was cooked for at least an hour. Bugs serves the steak and primary Isaac says, it’s on point. Tom makes his last minute cake, and decorates it. He tells Malia that he’ll go up, but he’s not carrying anything. He hates this sh*t. Everyone sings Happy Birthday, and Jacob blows out the candles, but I think he’s older than three. At least chronologically.

Jess asks Rob for help with the laundry, and he says he’s thinking about the future. She says, how so? and he says, like Bali; things like that. She asks if that means he’s loving her more, and he says, something like that. He’s so articulate, I can’t stand it. In her interview, she says, if he doesn’t go, she’ll be sad, and Bali is a dream of hers. He’s messing with her head. The guests relax in the outside lounge. Alex tells Pete that he’s kind of glad Hannah is gone; there’s a different vibe. Tom thanks Malia for her help, and says he’s disappointed. She says they just turned the boat yesterday, and he got thrown in. In his interview, he says, when you’re on a super yacht, everything you’ve worked for is at risk. Reputation is everything, and it has to be perfect.

Bugs begs for coffee and sympathy from Alex. In her interview, she says she’s had a lot put on her plate. They have a new chef, and suddenly, she’s a chief stew with an interior team of one. It’s a lot to handle in a day. She calls for a status update on the belly dancer, and is told to call back when the boat is closer. She reminds the guests that their beach picnic is noon, and serves breakfast; my favorite, eggs benedict. Tom goes over the menu for the picnic, and the deckhands discuss logistics. Bugs tell Jess to do the beds, and says she’ll catch up when she comes back. It’s a bit of a juggling act. She gets the deckhands to clear the table, and she and Alex head for the beach. There’s a bunch of back and forth with the deckhands about loading the boat and the line on the tender, and in Rob’s interview, he says he can contribute, but they don’t listen, It’s a clusterf*** with everyone in the same place at the same time, doing the same thing. He’s tired of this sh*t. The other deckhands wonder what’s up with him.

Captain Sandy asks if Jacob/Jarod slept well, and he says he did, but his Russian snow pony is blitzed. These kids are too much for him. In Bugs’s interview, she says, it’s her first time on a boat this big, with just two stews. She doesn’t want the crew to see her flustered. She likes to be in control. It’s madness. At the beach, Bugs tells Alex, great job setting up, and goes back to the boat. Jess leans against the wall and takes a quick nap. Rob complains that people are delegating who aren’t his boss. In the snake Malia’s interview, she says, a lot of the problems are HR, and it’s annoying. It’s Tom’s first charter, and they’re down a stew. They have to not sweat the little things, and focus on the bigger picture. Bugs sends Jess on a break, and Tom plates the food for the picnic. Bugs says, it’s delicious-looking, and they hand it off to Malia. Two shrimp cocktails promptly fall over, spilling everything out. She says, the bottoms of the glasses are round, and yells for Tom. He fixes the food, and she suggests he not send unbalanced glass jars on a beach picnic. Malia packs them tightly in a cooler, and I wonder why it wasn’t done that way in the first place. Bugs returns to the beach with the food. The guests are taken to the beach in two shifts, and Bugs greets them with champagne. Bugs prepares and serves the food, then radios Tom, saying, the food is going down well. Alex tells Malia that Rob is upset. He loves Rob, but he gets sensitive about the little things. Malia says, people are irritated and tired. Snow pony wants Jared/Jacob to take bare ass photos of her bending over, and tells him use the portrait mode for better quality.

Alex asks Bugs when they’re having their first official date, so they can see if they really hate or love each other. In her interview, she doesn’t know if he’s joking with her. She doesn’t want to put herself in a vulnerable position by accepting, and then find out it a joke. Rob is pulling in the slide, and Malia suggests a different way, and works with him. Apparently, he’s as tired of the slide as everyone else who’s ever dealt with it. Malia tells him to put the cover on. The belly dancer arrives, and Pete asks if Rob wants to reroll it, and they start rerolling. Malia says they can do that, but she just asked him to put the cover on it. Rob says, they’re stubborn, and in Malia’s interview, she says she’s tired of them ignoring her; it’s disrespectful. She tells them that she’s had it.

In her interview, Malia says, dinner service is starting, she’s supposed to help Bugs, and they aren’t even in their blacks. These two (meaning Rob and Pete) don’t see there are so many other moving parts. The belly dancer arrives, and Jared shows off his elephant thong to the other guests. The elephant’s trunk is where… never mind. Everyone dresses up for the Arabian Nights theme. In Jess’s interview, she says she’s doing two people’s jobs, and thinks she’s deserving of the second stew position. Rob sees Malia and the captain eating in the galley, and says Malia seems angry. She says she doesn’t appreciate being blatantly ignored. He says they thought it would be quick, but she says, it wasn’t quick. It’s 9 pm, and they’re just getting into their blacks. There are more moving parts other than him and Pete that she needs to worry about. Isn’t she allowed to get upset? He says he’s speaking to her as a professional. Captain Sandy says she doesn’t know what happened, but if someone tells you how to do something a certain way, making a suggestion is one thing, but being blatantly insubordinate is disrespectful and not cool. She leaves them, but Rob says he has nothing else to say. The guests toast to family, and Bugs welcomes them to their Arabian Night. Baeya does her thing, and Jacob asks where her monkey is at, and dances with her. Ugh.

Malia tells Tom that she’s tired of dealing with the same stuff. In Tom’s interview, he says, last night at dinner was frustrating. He figures the guests don’t have refined taste buds, but it’s still frustrating because it’s part of his identity. Rob meets with Jess, and says Malia was mad about some silly thing over the slide. He’d never disrespect her. In Jess’s interview, she says, every second they have together has been interrupted. She thinks if they go to Bali, they can get to know each other, but she’s trying not to get excited in case he doesn’t go. Jacob says, the chicken is pink as a mofo. Bugs takes it back, and tells Tom to just pan fry it; the guest wants it more brown. In Tom’s interview, he says he doesn’t think they understand what poached means, because they’re complete idiots, but whatever. Bugs tells Alex to take his shirt off, and he says, the things he does. Apparently, he’ll be the monkey, and he tells Baeya that he’ll just follow her lead. She says he has the soul of a belly dancer, no? and he says, no; he’s never danced in his life. Jacob gets new, more browned chicken, and Alex is introduced as Jingles. He comes out covered in glitter, and dances with Baeya. In his interview, he says he literally hates himself. Everyone laughs, and says it’s wonderful. Jacob tells Bugs that his Russian pony changed her name to Carmen because she loves cars and men. His name is BJ Golf. Bugs says, on that note, and runs for her life.

Bugs asks Jess to put a load of laundry in before she goes to bed. Rob asks if Malia thinks he doesn’t respect her, but she says, it’s more Pete. He says he’s not going to overthink it, and fixes up the table. He tells Malia, it’s scary. He’s worried about making the wrong choice if he follows his heart rather than his head. Malia says, always follow your heart, I choke on my coffee, and he repeats, it’s scary. One of the guests asks if they’re a person down in the interior, and Rob says they are. The guest says they noticed. It wasn’t that they lacked service, but Bugs is always there; she’s doing a phenomenal job. Malia tells Tom about getting pissed off, and says, the deck crew is strung out. In Malia’s interview she says, it’s refreshing to have a person to confide in, and the person she wants most to have around. Tom says he was frustrated as hell, but he knows it will get easier. Bugs does laundry, and Rob washes dishes.

Jess vacuums up glitter. Having taken care of kids, I’ve grown to hate glitter. The captain sees laundry piled up, and asks Jess why it’s not going 24/7. She needs to stay on top of the laundry. In Jess’s interview, she says they’re down a stew – again. She’s trying her best, but keeps getting shat on with the damn laundry. Captain Sandy tells Bugs, it’s ridiculous. There should never be piles. In her interview, the captain says, there’s no excuse, and we flash back over Jess’s laundry issues. Captain Sandy says Jess has a laxy daisy attitude. I don’t know if she’s making a joke, or doesn’t know how to pronouce lackadaisical. Bugs asks why Jess isn’t happy; it’s the last day of charter. In Bugs’s interview, she says, it’s not the charter for cracking the whip. It’s not the time and place to get up to speed, but she’ll have to. Jess mutters, she will not make me a bitch. She’s nice, calm, and effing happy. In her interview, she says she’s trying to suppress Jessica. She claws at the air, saying, let me out to handle this sh*t. Bugs has never heard of huevos ranchero, and calls it guevos, cuevos, and eventually queros. She asks Jess to do laundry, and Jess says, yeah, which I’ve never heard less enthusiastically. The guests pack, the boat is docked, and the captain says, good job; well done.

Isaac tells the crew, it was a blast. The service was phenomenal. They kept the booze flowing, and it was appreciated. He gives Captain Sandy the tip envelope, and she tells everyone to get in their reds and meet in the main salon. Rob tells Jess, in two weeks, they’re leaving, and she says, hopefully together. She feels like she wants it more than he does. Bugs pours champagne, and the crew gathers together. The captain says she thinks they killed it, considering what went down. They got a new chef, and were without a chief stew, but Bugs took over with ease and grace. Her goal never changed. It was always about the guests and that’s what the captain has wanted. They’re getting a second stew for the next charter, and picking her up in Ibiza. Their departure is at 6 am, so tonight they have to stay on board and rest. The tip is $20,500, or $1680 each. Despite Tom’s kvetching, I thought the guests were relatively low maintenance. Jess tells the captain that she got a message from the doctor, and he wants to check her finger. Rob changes his flight to the same open Jess is on for Bali. He tells Malia and Alex, and wonders how to tell Jess. Alex suggests putting whipped cream on his nipples, but Malia thinks he should print out a fake ticket and give it to Jess with some champagne.

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting, and Captain Sandy says they have return guests; Michelle and Johnny Damon. Johnny was an all-star baseball player, and they want a good time and good food. The last charter he complained about the food. We flash back to when stew Anastasia filled in for fired chef Mila, and see Michelle complaining that it wasn’t five star. The captain says, it needs to be steaming hot. The guests also want to go to a beach club, and have the captain join them for dinner one night. Captain Sandy says, they’re a lot of fun, but we flash back, and they look like a-holes. I think this is the group who started sh*t with the yacht docked next door. Jess goes to see the doctor, and Malia tells the rest of the crew that Rob wants to make a romantic gesture. Jess doesn’t know it, but Rob is going to Bali. Bugs suggests writing clues for her to find him waiting for her with the news, and he says he’ll make up a fake ticket. In Rob’s interview, he says he wants something creative, and out of his comfort zone. He wants to come up with something to show his intention. Jess returns, and says she got her finger back.

Bugs sets up candles on the top deck, and gets champagne ready. She goes to Jessica’s cabin, hands her the first clue, telling her, take this, and runs away, saying, gotta go. Rob waits, and in his interview, he says he wants it to be special, and he’s nervous. The first clue says, go to the bridge – you’re in trouble – make it quick – on the double. In her interview, Jess wonders if she’s getting fired and Bugs is running away. On the bridge, Malia holds the next clue. He wears an apron and cooks your food – be ten minutes late to set the mood. She goes to the galley, and Tom gives her the next clue, which leads her to the dining room where Bugs waits with a glass of champagne and her next clue. Follow the glitter to the main deck – your next clue check. Alex gives her the last one. He is tall and handsome – a face from GQ – upstairs with a surprise for you. Rob kisses her, and says she’s been asking about Bali, and he booked the same flight; it’s all done. Malia and the others sneak in, and they all toast to Bali. Jess tells Rob that he’s a good liar, and hugs him. The crew has a group hug, and Alex says, they’re all going to Bali. Rob thanks them for all being a part of it, and everyone goes to bed.

In their cabin, Jess tells Rob that she knew it was related to him, since he wasn’t there. Don’t ever be that good a liar again. He says, it wasn’t a lie. He wanted it to be a surprise.

In the morning, Jess asks if Bugs is excited to be getting a new stew, and Bugs says, it will be good to have another body back in interior. Everyone gets ready for the next charter, and Captain Sandy says, she’s here. It’s Aesha! She was on the last season as second stew, and she’s a lot of fun, really laid back. The captain says she’s so happy Aesha could come.

Next time, the yacht goes to Ibiza, which Aesha describes as the party capital of the Mediterranean, and a real life acid trip; Captain Sandy has to get into a very tight parking spot, and has a big audience; a guest falls and ends up bleeding; Bugs wears a tutu; and the guests fight.

👋🏻 Meet Aesha…

And while you’re there, be sure to scroll down, and read all about how BDM’s producer swears Tom wasn’t a plant. Uh-huh. Sure.

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/below-deck-med-welcomes-aesha-scott-back-to-the-show.html/

🚐 Don’t Be…You Know…

Don’t Be Tardy will be returning on October 6th, when Kim Zolciak and family take a road trip. I’ve found this show to be surprisingly pleasant, and a refreshing change from the usual reality conflict.

https://heavy.com/entertainment/2020/06/dont-be-tardy-season-8/

🛸 Trek For Free…

CBS All Access is making all six episodes of its Emmy-nominated shorts series Star Trek Short Treks available to watch for free on CBS platforms and YouTube. But hurry, since they will only  be available until August 31st.

https://comicbook.com/startrek/news/star-trek-short-treks-watch-free/

✂️ Cutting It Close Again…

As usual, I’m still editing for my deadline tomorrow at https://mupoentertainment.com/theresa-krakauskas/. Plus, tomorrow is the return of Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots, with a two-hour premiere starting at 8 pm. Somewhere in there, I’ll have to include that pesky sleep, so I might have to condense, but rest assured, I’ll include all the good juicy stuff. Until then, stay safe, stay punctual, and stay out of walk-in refrigerators.

August 21, 2020 – Julian Pushes Back, 3rd Time’s the Charm, Volunteer Carpet, Sam Returns, Parker’s Lifetime, Snake Talk, Bryan’s Next Move, Peeking At Charlie, Teddi’s Mansion, Virally Filmed, 29th Dance, Lilly’s Latest, Dead News, Three For the Show, 12+1 Quotes & Roll

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

😳 Oops. My bad. After the insane week I’ve had, I had a hard time reading my own shorthand yesterday and attributed Nelle and Brook’s final words backward. Sorry about that. I did question myself at the time, and should have known Brook would never back down to Nelle. The correct version is in today’s post. Moving forward…

Lucy welcomes us back, and says, once again, the 2020 General Hospital Nurses Ball telethon, a spectacular event to raise money for frontline workers’ special safety equipment. It’s a great honor to introduce everyone’s favorite nurse at GH, Epiphany Johnson. Epiphany comes out, and explains that hospitals are a collaboration. They aren’t made up of just doctors and nurses, but orderlies, lab technicians, cleaners and other workers. Together they provide essential services. These are incredibly stressful jobs, and take their toll on service providers and their families. The viewer donations let them know that the community they support, supports them back. Lucy says the telethon is a way to say thank you to all the medical personnel and first responders, who are heroes, along with their families, and who do so much for them. While the viewers are making donations, they’ll be entertained with amazing acts still to come.

In the bathroom, Ava tells Nina, the Cassadine men do have a way of getting under their skin. Nina says, which brings her back to Nikolas. Is he trying to make Ava jealous by making a fuss over Elizabeth? Even if they’re married in name only, flirting, especially with a married woman, is just tacky. Ava says, and also profitable. If Nikolas sleeps with another woman, he’ll break the infidelity clause, and she’ll wind up with 90% of the Cassadine estate. Nikolas can shower tributes on Elizabeth to his heart’s content, and if he woos her into bed, Ava gets the payoff she deserves. Inside one of the stalls, Elizabeth listens.

Carly tells Jax that Josslyn called. He wonders if there’s something wrong, but she says she thinks Josslyn was just checking in. She might be looking for a congratulatory present. Jax asks if Carly knows Josslyn has been angling for a car, and Carly says she does. She’ll let him handle that. Before he leaves, Jax tells Nikolas, the scholarship for the nursing students in Elizabeth’s name was generous, but maybe he should have thought about it a little more. Franco says, Jax has a point. Next time a wave of generosity washes over him, he may want to shower it onto his wife.

Michael explains the Quartermaine relationships to Willow, telling her, Tracy married Luke. Michael thought it was a fraudulent marriage, but he can’t keep track. They definitely turned out to be life partners though. She asks if unconventional marriages are a thing for the Quartermaines, and he says they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Monica sits back down on the couch, and says, still sleeping; disaster averted. Julian comes up behind her, and chloroforms her, knocking her out. Wiley sleeps peacefully with Mr. Hopsicle.

Brook tells Nelle that she can’t wait until Nelle is hauled off in handcuffs in front of everyone there, and all the people viewing at home. Nelle says the police won’t believe Brook; they’ll say she’s harassing Nelle. Brook says, she’ll call Michael, and he can call the police, but Nelle smacks the phone out of Brook’s hand. Brook says, no worries. Mac is there; he can arrest her himself. Brook heads for the door, and Nelle says she’s sorry. She picks up the shears, and asks Brook to pretend that she didn’t see or hear anything. Brook turns around, and stupidly walks back to Nelle, and says she messed with her last Quartermaine. Nelle slashes at Brook, and we see blood on the shears. Why? Why do they always do that? Like Tuco said in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, if you’re going to shoot, shoot; don’t talk.

Michael sees that Brook called, but didn’t leave a message. Willow says maybe Brook wanted to make peace with him, but he say she doesn’t need to. He didn’t like the idea that she sold her shares, but so did other members of his family. At least she didn’t know she sold them to Valentin. She says he’s less worried than Ned seems to be, and he says he hates the idea of Valentin being in charge, and intends to force him out eventually, but in the short term, Valentin is a smart businessman. He doesn’t think ELQ will suffer. Willow says he doesn’t think of it as a betrayal, so maybe he should tell Brook. He tries calling.

Nelle stands over an unconscious Brook, and says she should have been nicer, more sympathetic. Her mistake. Now Nelle’s plan to have Wiley vanish has gone south. She needs to go. Brook lies on the floor in a pool of blood, next to her ringing phone. Nelle slips out.

Monica is knocked out, and Julian says, sorry. He turns off the TV, and his phone dings. He sees a text from Nelle that says, the timetable has been moved up. We need to move now. Is it done? He closes the doors to the living room, and trots up the stairs.

Michael gives Willow a bottle of water, and raises his own, saying, to Wiley, and his amazing new life. He’s safe from Nelle because of her. Willow says, because of us, and Diane. He says, to Wiley and Diane. Carly watches, and smiles. Michael smiles at Willow, and little hearts start to pop out of his eyes.

Lucy asks Amy if she’s found Jordan. Maybe she’s warming up, since she’s the next act. Amy says she couldn’t find Jordan, so she asked Curtis, who said she was called away on a case. Lucy says, no; that doesn’t work. Jordan is the Police Commissioner. She doesn’t have to solve every case. She can delegate to other police people. Lucy can’t delegate an act. Amy says she called the PCPD and the hospital, but no one has seen her. Lucy will have to cut her number. Lucy says it can’t just be her out there; she needs acts. Acts and asking for money. They need alternate activities. It’s like the NFL draft, but she doesn’t have an act to draft. Amy tells Lucy not to panic; she can panic later. She asks if Lucy wants to shut the Ball down, and Lucy asks if Amy is losing her mind. She tells Amy to find Epiphany and Deanna, and warm up. She’ll stall. She’ll do a tap dance. She doesn’t know how to tap dance. She hates tap dancing. She’ll just stall.

Anna tells Valentin that his song was beautiful, and he says, at least someone appreciates it. She says false modesty doesn’t look good on him. It was wonderful, and he knows it, as was his pledge. He asks if she’s going to chastise him for burnishing his public image. She says, isn’t he? and he says, that’s part of it. He hears congratulations are in order. She must be thrilled for Peter and Maxie. Being a parent changes everything. It makes you better. It did with him and Charlotte, and her and Robin. Maybe it will with Peter. She says, of course (🍷) it will. He hopes so, and says, some mistakes are impossible to fix.

Nina tells Ava, Franco is her friend. She hopes Ava isn’t playing with his marriage. Ava says she’s doing no such thing. She’s heard rumors that under that angelic façade, Elizabeth is chronically unfaithful. If she chooses to break her vows to her husband, Franco should know the truth. Nina sees one flaw in Ava’s big plan. The way she and Nikolas were looking at each other, either she’s getting good at pretending to love him, or something changed in the last few days. Ava says Nina is projecting her issues with Valentin onto her. They leave, and Elizabeth comes out.

Michael tells Willow, they’re supposed to take a tally, and give Lucy the paperwork. What if after that, they sneak out? She says, abandon their post? He says they’ve done more than enough. They can go home, and check on Wiley. She says he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse. She glances at Sonny, and says, did she really just say that? They leave to finish up.

Lucy says hello to all their gorgeous, generous, amazing donors. They’re doing a great job, and she hopes they realize how important it is to the frontline workers who help them every day. When they work together, they do something more than raising money. They’re building a community, and showing the medical personnel and first responders that they support them. Any amount is great. Keep pitching in, and they’ll keep entertaining. They’re in for a special treat.

Nelle dashes through the corridors in the MetroCourt, and around runs outside. Julian sends a text that says, it’s done.

As Monica sleeps, Julian comes downstairs with Wiley, and leaves with him.

Michael and Willow arrive home, and Michael says, sorry the evening crashed and burned. She says, it didn’t. She had a good time. He says, until Chase and Sasha. She says, they were fantastic (I guess we don’t get to see that), and he says, someday it won’t hurt so much. Until then, they can make some popcorn, and watch the funniest movie ever made. She says he doesn’t have to cheer her up, and he says he’s cheering himself up. They sit on the stairs.

Sonny says, Michael and Willow aren’t coming back? and Carly says, they probably went to check on Wiley; they’re such good parents. Sonny says he’s glad it wasn’t her idea; Chase and Sasha pretending to be involved so Michael and Willow would get married. Face it. It’s exactly the kind of plan that’s up her alley. She says, back in the day, 100%. She’d be seeing all of their hearts breaking and feel guilty. Instead, she’s grateful Michael and Willow got custody of Wiley, and Wiley got the best stepmother on the planet. Sonny says he knows there’s too much going on, and Carly asks if he wants to check in with Turning Woods, but he says, no. They’ll call if there’s any change. The best thing he can do for his dad is to stay and support the people who have given him such amazing care.

Olivia tells Ned, she’s trying to call Brook, but there’s no answer. He says, his problem daughter? No surprise. He tells Olivia to save the lecture for now, but she says she’s just expressing her opinion. He says, on this topic, they’re one and the same, and she says he’s scaring the hell of her. She’s heard stories about his grandfather, and his intentions were good, but his methods were toxic. She says this with love, but he’s turning more into Edward every day. He says, that’s not true, and she says, prove it. Find his daughter, and talk to her.

We see Brook lying on the floor, unconscious.

Ned asks if Dustin and Lulu have seen Brook, but Dusting says, not for a while. She might be warming up. They’ll go check. Ned thanks them.

Robert asks Olivia if she’s got a minute, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he has good news. The commissioner at the Bureau said he can get her in to see Dante. Olivia gets super excited, and asks, when? Where is he? Robert says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. No civilians are allowed, so he’ll go with her. The supervisor is waiting for his boss to return, and there’s a narrow window. They have to hurry. He’d like to leave now if they could. She throws her arms around him, and thanks him. Ned watches.

Willow says, popcorn and the funniest movie ever? and Michael says, if only to cheer him up. Feel free not be cheered, since it’s only about him. He asks what she’d like to see, and she asks him, promise not to laugh, but he says, that’s the point. She says it’s a kid movie, with silly humor, and he tells her, cue it up, and he’ll check on Wiley. They go into the living room, and see Monica asleep. Michael tries to wake her, but she stays out.

Julian waits at the pier, and says, sorry, Wiley; you deserve better than this. Unfortunately, your crazy birth mother has other plans. Why is he going along with it? He’s the world’s biggest coward. He should have told Sonny that he knew all along, but Sonny can kill someone. He’s run out of options. He flashes back to telling Ava, go ahead. Tell him what an idiot he is for getting mixed up with Nelle. Ava asks what on earth was he thinking, and why hasn’t he killed her yet? He says he wouldn’t be there if she didn’t have him over a barrel. Ava says if he thinks Nelle will release him when it’s over, he’s a damn fool. On the pier, Julian says, maybe not.

Lulu says, if she’s not backstage, Brook probably bailed, but Dustin says, she might have stage fright, but she wouldn’t run away. They go into the makeshift dressing room, and see Brook on the floor. Dustin runs to check her pulse, and Lulu says, oh my God. Dustin tells her, call 911, and tells Brook to wake up.

Lucy tells the viewers that the Nurses Ball is still so passionately committed to HIV and AIDS. Sonny and Nikolas’s generous donations will be going to those charities. She wants to introduce a woman committed to both causes, and welcomes Anna. Anna thanks the viewers for their donations. She’s been answering the phones, and got to speak to some of them; they’ve been lovely. She’s grateful for their generosity. The Nurses Ball has a special place in her heart, and not just because she received a lovely marriage proposal on this very stage a year ago from Dr. Hamilton Finn (I always forget he has a first name). She says, it’s special because so many lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS. She’s the mother of an HIV survivor. She was diagnosed at a time when the prognosis wasn’t as optimistic; a time when prejudice and fear were more rampant. Her daughter Robin, and countless others, are alive today because of medical research. Perhaps that’s why Robin became a doctor herself. This leads her to tell them how important the telethon is. She served as Police Commissioner, and saw how closely first responders and medical staff work together. Their work is vitally important. The police, doctors, the ambulance crew, the hospital cleaners; no one does their job alone. They need each other, and we desperately need them. So give what you can. Any donation, whatever size. I have a friend who was diagnosed with HIV many years ago, like Robin, and he’s doing fine today.

Elizabeth tells Franco, Nikolas isn’t the problem, Ava is. She’s playing emotional chess with Nikolas, and they’re the pawns.

Robert tells Olivia he has to go back inside. Anna is going to have a fit because he wasn’t there during her speech. Olivia says, tell her the truth. He found a way for her to see her son; Anna will understand. He says he’ll be waiting, and she says she doesn’t know how  to thank him. He leaves, and Ned comes out. He says, amazing. They have a fight and she runs to Robert because he says the right things. Olivia says it has nothing to do with their marriage. Robert found a way for her to see Dante. Ned says, that’s great news, and Olivia says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. Robert knows the guy in charge. Ned says he’ll change his schedule, and they’ll go, but Olivia says Robert has to sneak her in as it is. Only one person can go. Ned says, okay, and Lulu comes running in. She says, Brook has been attacked.  

Michael begs Monica to please wake up. Monica opens her eyes, and asks if everything is all right. He says she scared him half to death. Is she okay? She says she must have dozed off, and Michael says she was sleeping pretty heavily. Where’s Wiley? She says she doesn’t remember. The phone rang, and she’d left it in the foyer. She came back in, and heard Wiley. Michael asks if Wiley was downstairs or did she hear him on the monitor? Willow says she’ll check the nursery.

Nelle goes to meet Julian, and asks where Wiley is. He says Wiley is safe in his car, and she asks if he’s saying he’s giving her a set of wheels. That’s totally nice, but unnecessary. Just put Wiley in her car, and they can get going.

Elizabeth tells Franco, Ava is encouraging Nikolas to cheat, so she can get the Cassadine fortune. Franco says she has it backward. Nikolas is the one who’s playing them.

Lucy thanks everyone, saying the Nurses Ball was a resounding success; just amazing. She’d like to thank the volunteers who jumped in at the last minute, and gave generously of their time, and  the amazing performers backstage who pitched in and made this happen. She thanks her rack of gowns on stage with her, and goes behind the rack, coming out in a volunteer T-shirt and jeans. She says the most deserving of all is their amazing audience. It’s her great pleasure to introduce the intrepid nurses of GH. Epiphany, Amy, Deanna, and an unidentified flying nurse sing. I’ve had zero luck with finding the titles of songs I don’t recognize, but if I can find a list, I’ll post them. They sing in front of a grid with candles everywhere on it, and I think, that’s impressive for something done on the fly.

Backstage, Lucy smiles at her success.

Brook is taken out on a stretcher, while Mac gathers evidence. He asks if Dustin and Lulu saw anybody. Did anyone look like they were fleeing the scene? Lulu says, they didn’t see anyone. Ned tells Brook to hang in there. He won’t leave her side. He’ll be right there. They leave, and Finn goes with them. Mac tells Lulu and Dustin, if they remember any detail, no matter how small, call him.

Michael asks what Monica was doing before she fell sleep. Was Wiley downstairs, or in the nursery? She says she doesn’t remember, and Willow runs down the stairs. She tells them, Wiley’s not in his room, and Monica says, what?

Nelle says, all right, hubby; it’s been fun, but it’s time go. Julian says, sorry, but she’s not going anywhere. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says she pushed him too far. Now he’s pushing back. He takes out a gun.

To be continued…

On Monday, Portia has an update on Brook, Nina tells Jax not to hate her for what she’s going to say, Julian tells Nelle that someone has to stop her, and Sonny says someone is going to tell him right now.

🚔 Even He Was Surprised…

The skinny on Taggert’s return from the dead.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/real-andrews-reveals-secrets-of-taggert-return

👕 Hey, You’re Wearing My Shirt…

Not too much diversity in Nurses Ball fashion this year.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/nurses-ball-2020-red-carpet-photos

👢 Back and Badass As Ever…

That was quick. I barely noticed she was gone.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-opens-up-about-her-return-to-general-hospital

📺 Gig Of a Lifetime…

GH’s Parker returns to the small screen.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ashley-jones-alicia-leigh-willis-star-in-double-kidnapped

🛥 The Deck You Say…

Hannah has the final word. And a prescription.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-med-hannah-ferrier-speaks-out-fired-over-valium/

🦍 Breaking Ivan…

Bryan Cranston does it all.

https://film.avclub.com/bryan-cranston-on-working-with-a-cgi-gorilla-and-20-yea-1844756037

🧛🏻 Chrismasland Be Damned…

A sneak peek at what’s next for Charlie Manx.

https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/nos4a2/video-extras/nos4a2-finale-sneak-peek-christmasland-is-crumbling

🛕 Stepping Out From Daddy’s Shadow…

Apparently cushy jobs accountability coaching pays off.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/17/photos-rhobhs-teddi-mellencamp-buys-6-49-million-home-in-encino-see-inside-the-massive-mansion-plus-its-over-the-top-movie-theater-and-backyard-oasis/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/20/photos-teddi-mellencamp-enlists-mauricio-umansky-to-sell-her-5-9-million-hollywood-hills-home-see-inside-the-rhobh-stars-modern-estate/

🖥 Pandemically Filming…

Andy talks about the new Housewife normal.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1179839/andy-cohen-reveals-what-its-like-filming-real-housewives-amid-coronavirus

💃🏾 Dancing Into Season 29…

All you need to know about DWTS.

https://people.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-reveals-season-29-premiere-date-and-competing-pro-dancers/

💋 Remember Her…?

I tried to forget.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/11/lilly-ghalichi-and-dara-mir-headed-for-divorce-again-after-reconciliation/

⚰️ Beyond Dead…

Sunday August 30th, starting at 6 pm, AMC will also be showing the first episode of each season of The Walking Dead. I still think the very first episode was the best one. Rick’s WTF? face can’t be topped.

https://www.nme.com/blogs/tv-blogs/walking-dead-world-beyond-release-date-cast-everything-know-far-2540839

🏩 Throupling…

I’ll bet she talked through the whole thing.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/21/scheana-shay-says-she-was-in-a-throuple-with-john-mayer-and-another-reality-star/

📯 Quotes of the Week

I didn’t know you could scream that loud after smoking cigarettes. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé, referring to Angela screaming at Michael

Tough times never last. Tough people do. – Robert Schuller

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun.Kent Nerburn

How to sell books in 2020: Put them near the toilet paper. – NY Times

An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life – the golden ones and the coarse ones – and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life.Unknown

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

Do one thing every day that scares you. – Eleanor Roosevelt

The noisiest thing in the world is someone trying to be quiet. – me

People tend to be generous when sharing their nonsense, fear, and ignorance. And while they seem quite eager to feed you their negativity, please remember that sometimes the diet we need to be on is a spiritual and emotional one. Be cautious with what you feed your mind and soul. Fuel yourself with positivity and let that fuel propel you into positive action. – Steve Maraboli

Luckily for me, I have all my best ideas drunk. – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Birds of Prey

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.Confucius

Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.’Erich Fromm

Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying. – Roy T. Bennett

🏍 Moving Forward…

Next week has to be better, right? Right? Enjoy your weekend, or pretend it’s the weekend, depending. Until Monday, stay safe, stay supportive of the front line, and stay away from psychopaths with fabric shears.