Tag Archives: Bravo

Aug15

August 14, 2020 – Ava’s Portrait Unveiled, Ball Rolling Soon, Lotsa GH News, Clare’s Roses, Quit It, Lu’s Hopes, Whining Again, Still Sad, Not Now, Dark Return, Bad Endings, All About the Dead, Catch Up, Learn Something New, Almost 10 Quotes & Hooray

Posted on August 15, 2020 by theresakp

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava calls to Nikolas, telling him, the guests are starting to arrive. She’s wearing a black sequined number and he says, quite the outfit. He’s only wearing a towel, and she says, him too, trying not to look. She tells him, you should probably get chest… dressed. He says, don’t worry, and she says they need to sizzle tonight. If he ruins the night for her, he’ll regret it for a looooong time.

Franco thinks about Elizabeth saying he’s about money like everyone else. He took Ava’s commission for it, and he’s playing into her hands. Scotty comes in and says, the man of the hour, and Franco thanks him for coming. Scotty says he wouldn’t take the ferry if not for Franco. He’s sure Franco would like to see some nice friendly faces for his big comeback. Franco says, Ava calls it a revival, and Scotty says, a lucrative reboot. Franco’s got to get work, make money, and pay the bills. Where’s his wife?

At the hospital, Terry sees Elizabeth, and says, just the person she needs. Enlighten her; rumors are flying. Elizabeth says, the rumors are true. Unfortunately, Cyrus is on the board. Terry asks why it’s unfortunate. Now they have enough money to run the hospital. Elizabeth says, money is all they care about. Cyrus is involved in the drug trade, and now he’s right in the heart of the hospital.

Lucy walks up to the door at Windymere with Maxie and Peter, but says she’s afraid she’s not up for a party. The Nurses Ball is tomorrow, and she has a million things to do. Maxie says she thought Lucy would want to be there for Deception. They need to see and be seen, and talk up the company. Lucy says Maxie is more than capable of doing that by herself. Go schmooze. She’ll see Maxie later. Ta-ta! Maxie grabs her arm, and says she’s staying. They go inside, and Lucy says she’ll be right there, and pretends to look at the artwork in another room. Maxie tells Peter that she thinks Lucy is hiding something, and Peter thinks she’s right. Maxie hopes it’s not too terrible.

Lulu thanks Dustin for letting her drag him there, and he tells her to stop acting like he’s doing her a favor. Talent is talent, despite the subject matter.

Franco tells Scotty that Elizabeth isn’t coming. She’s upset that Ava is dredging up his past. It’s the ten year anniversary of Francophenia. Scotty says he can see why she’d be upset, but there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Franco says he tried to explain that, and Scotty says, but she’s not buying it? Franco says, not at all. Even worse, he thinks Elizabeth would prefer to pretend his past never happened at all.

Anna and Finn go over their wedding list at The Floating Rib. Anna says, Chase and Sasha? but Finn isn’t sure of their status. Anna says, just Chase then. He suggests she add Robin and Patrick, but she says they’re not finished with his family yet. He says, Violet? and she asks if he isn’t going to invite his father.

Peter goes to get drinks, and Lulu says, Maxie didn’t tell him she was pregnant? Maxie says, shhh. Nina comes in with Jax, and he says, it can’t be easy, being back. She says this big, drafty house is part of the gloomy past that she’s glad to forget. She’d rather focus on her bright, handsome future.

Ava says, shall we, darling? And tells Nikolas to smile. It’s going to be a night to remember. I think, so was the sinking of the Titanic.

Lucy tells Ava, some people would think it was tasteless to have a private function just before the biggest, brightest charity event of the year. Ava says, you’d think Lucy would be at home before the one night of the year when she’s actually socially relevant.

Nina tells Franco that she’s glad he’s painting again. She’ll make sure he and Ava are in their Out and About page. He thanks her for her support. Lulu tells Maxie, she hates to point out the obvious, but Peter is the dad, and the longer she keeps the secret, the worse it will be. Maxie says, it’s not a secret. She just hasn’t found the time to tell him. Lulu says, really? and Maxie amends that to, the right time. Lulu asks what time will be right, but Maxie says she doesn’t know. Like she said, she and Peter have never even discussed having a child; not once. She’s not sure how Peter feels about it. Lulu says she knows how to find out, and Maxie says, how? Lulu says, by telling him.

Terry tells Elizabeth that Lucy almost single-handedly organizes the Nurses Ball. You’d think she’d vote with the Quartermaines. Elizabeth says, apparently Valentin backed the relaunch of Deception, and Lucy couldn’t jeopardize it. Terry asks if there was no one except the Quartermaines who could help, and Elizabeth tells her, Nikolas stepped up, but it was too late. At least he was willing to do it. It’s too bad he won’t get rid of Ava. He’s going to be at her side when her portrait is unveiled. Ava made tonight about resurrecting the old Franco, who couldn’t tell the difference between good and evil, because he had a brain tumor. He became famous for the wrong reasons, and that’s not her husband. She’s not supporting or celebrating him.

Ava tells Franco, sorry. He deserves better, especially from his wife. Nikolas says Ava is all about being a supportive spouse, and she tells him, not now. Nikolas says, sorry. He’s out of sorts since Spencer said he wants nothing to do with him unless he has the Cassadine money. Franco says, it’s got to be rough, being rejected by a kid he lied to for three years. Ava says she’s sorry Spencer took a hard line with Nikolas, and Nikolas says, they both lost a child. As much as they’d love to be celebrating with Kiki and Spencer, it’s not meant to be. Ava says they’ve all made their choices, haven’t they? She says she needs some air, and leaves. Franco says, what the hell? Spencer thinks Nikolas is an ass, but Kiki is dead. There’s no comparison. Nikolas says, Ava barely bated an eyelash, but Franco says, she finds any mention of Kiki devastating. Anyone who cares about her knows that.

Lulu and Maxie go outside, and Lulu asks if that’s the only reason Maxie hasn’t told Peter. Or is she on the fence about having a baby? Maxie says, the timing is all wrong. She thinks about how incredible it would be, having a child with Peter, but she’s not sure Peter feels the same way. Lulu asks if they don’t get along, and Maxie says, growing up with Faison caused Peter to doubt himself. What if he’s made the choice not to be a father? Well, I’m guessing Peter knows how babies are made, so wouldn’t he have thought about that before?

Finn says he hasn’t seen his father since he diagnosed him with Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, and Anna asks if Finn isn’t happy about that. He says, he is, but they mostly communicate through Chase. She says, what about Violet? Doesn’t she deserve to have a relationship with her grandfather?

Nina asks how well Jax knows Lucy, and he says, not that well, but he’s known her forever. She asks if he has any idea why she voted for Valentin to be in charge of ELQ. He says, of course (🍷) he does, and so does she. He bought into Lucy’s company to have leverage. He has no respect for Valentin, but admits it was a good business move. Elizabeth shows up, and Nikolas says he thought she wasn’t coming. She says she changed her mind, and needs to find Franco. He thinks Franco is out on the parapet, and says he’ll take her.

Franco finds Ava in the stables, and tells her that Nikolas is out of line, but she says he can’t get to her. He asks what she’s doing out there then, and she tells him, like she said, she just needed some air. Franco says, if she was looking for fresh air, it’s probably better in the stables, and she laughs. She sits, and wonders if she’ll ever be able to hear Kiki’s name without it breaking her heart. Franco says Nikolas was deliberately trying to wound her, and she says, maybe with cause. She thinks she’s gone too far.

Lulu says Maxie has to figure out what to do. Peter is a father, and needs to know. Nikolas and Elizabeth come out, looking for Franco, and Maxie grabs Lulu, saying they’re going to start their own search party. Nikolas tells Elizabeth, sorry. He thought Franco was there, but since they are, they might as well enjoy the view. He can have a nice moment where he can pretend his life is fantastic. She says, Spencer will come around, and he says he hopes so. He tells him that he did the right thing, offering to help the hospital financially. He says, if only Cyrus hadn’t gotten there first. He can’t believe the hospital is taking money from him. She says, it gets better. Cyrus is the new chairman.

Dustin shows Peter a little toy car that Rocco gave him as a present. He wanted to come, but Dustin asked if he really wanted to listen to grown-up conversation while looking at a painting, and Rocco decided video games and pizza were better. Peter says, kids never stop surprising you. James and Georgie keep him on his toes. Dustin asks if Peter didn’t ever want kids, and Peter says he’d never thought about it until Maxie came into his life. Maxie and Lulu come out, and he says, there she is; the love of his life.

Scotty tells Lucy, with all the problems Monica has caused, maybe the family can finally earn some money now. Lucy says, the most important thing is that GH was saved, no matter where the money came from. He says, that’s crazy talk. They don’t want a new benefactor coming in, and changing the policies and the staff. They could change what makes the hospital special. Lucy says, no more hospital talk, and suggests they focus on Deception. It was no walk in the park, reviving a company from the 90s, but she did it. She had help, but it was her vision and inspiration that made it happen. Finances don’t fall from the sky. Entrepreneurs make compromises sometimes. He says, Lucy… What have you done?

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, sorry he was too late, but she says, at least he was willing to provide the funding. That’s the Nikolas she remembers. He says he’s trying to get back to who he was. She tells him, hurry up; she misses him. He says he misses her too. He hates the distance between them. She says she needs to find Franco. There are some things between them she needs to clear up.

Lucy tells Scotty, Valentin was adamant about ELQ not bailing out the hospital, and she voted with him. Scotty says, what? She repeats that she voted with Valentin. She knew there was someone else who was going to help. He says, that Cyrus guy. He’s a threat to the community. Lucy tells him, the Commissioner said he’d been framed, wrongly jailed, and was focused on doing good for the community. So she voted with Valentin. Scotty says, she owed him, and knew the day would come when he’d need her tie-breaking vote. She says, it’s not her fault he got controlling interest. It’s on the shoulders of the family members who sold him their shares. The hospital will be fine. ELQ couldn’t do it, so Cyrus did. He says, you can’t trust him; especially since he’s a guy with a ponytail, for cryin’ out loud. She says she doesn’t know anything about that, and Maxie asks for a word with her. Scotty leaves, and Lucy says she knew this would happen, and one day she’d be the town pariah again. Maxie asks if that’s why she didn’t want to come, and Lucy wonders why no one can understand why she did it. She had no choice. She knew if she didn’t, Valentin would pull his money out. There would be no Deception, no launch; they’d have nothing. Jax asks if Lucy minds if he talks to her for a second. She says, that depends. Is he going to harp on her betraying the Quartermaines too?

Anna says she knows for a fact Chase told Finn’s father about Violet. He asks if his father has made any effort to get to know Violet, and Anna says he’s respecting Finn’s boundaries, and waiting for an invitation. Finn says he’s uncomfortable with his father and his father’s wife, and thinks Violet will pick up on it. Say he does let his father in, they don’t get past it, and it gets more uncomfortable. It’s the last thing Violet needs; someone being there, and suddenly gone. Anna thinks there’s another obstacle, and it’s not just because his father remarried.

Ava tells Franco that she’s ashamed to admit it, but she turned Spencer against his father. He says, if there’s anyone to blame, it’s Nikolas, but she says Spencer sees her as a traitor, and gave Nikolas an ultimatum. He’ll be in Nikolas’s life if she’s out. He says, then why not walk away? and she says, money. According to their post-nup, if Nikolas divorces her, she gets 90% of everything. Franco asks if she’s serious, and she says, the remaining 10% would be put in a trust for Spencer, but the kid wants to inherit the entire estate. So if she stays married to Nikolas, Spencer stays on the other side of the world. Franco says, it’s not her responsibility. The person to blame is Nikolas. Ava says she contributed to the problem and can solve it. If she ends the marriage, and doesn’t take the money, Spencer will take his father back. He asks if she can do it, and she says, just imagine if Kiki was still out there. If there was a possibility of Ava seeing her face again, it would be worth anything. What if she could do that? Give Spencer and Nikolas the healing and closure she and Kiki never had. Elizabeth listens in.

Elizabeth says hi to Ava, who says they weren’t expecting her. Elizabeth says, surprise, surprise, and Ava says, it’s good to see her. She has to get back to her guests, but she’s glad Elizabeth made it. She goes inside, and Franco thanks Elizabeth for changing her mind. She says she came to stand by her man and see his masterpiece unveiled. He says she’s made him happy. She’s made his whole night.

Anna says Finn’s father has been married for a decade. She understands, but thinks Finn’s estrangement from his father is going to affect Violet. Finn disagrees. He thinks Violet should know her grandfather, but he lives in California. It’s not like he has a presence in her life. Anna says she lives the same distance from Robin, but they stay in touch. Kids live half their lives on a screen, and it’s made long distance relationships easier. Although she does wish she lived closer. There’s nothing she loves more than giving her grandchildren a hug.

Maxie stumbles, and Peter asks if she’s okay. She says she just slipped on her heel.

Lucy thanks Jax for being a gentleman, and not berating her. He says he’s a businessman, and understands the deal she made, but Cyrus is another story. She says, that’s not her fault, and he says, that may be true, but she defended him earlier. She needs to understand, Jax’s daughter was almost caught in the crossfire when Cyrus went after Sonny’s family. She could have been killed; Laura too. She says, that was Cyrus? and he says, there’s no official proof, but Sonny is convinced, and on this subject, he trusts Sonny. Lucy tells him, but Jordan said… and he says he doesn’t pretend to understand why Jordan did that, but technically, it’s true. Cyrus was wrongfully imprisoned, but he’s still a dangerous criminal. If he were her, he’d be careful.

Ava sees Nina on the parapet, and asks if Nina was looking for her. Nina says she wondered where Ava disappeared to, but came out for a breath of fresh air. She loved coming out there when she lived at Windymere. Ava asks if she misses it, and Nina says, parts of it. She misses family time with Charlotte, but she’s accepted the fact that a relationship based on lies and secrets can’t last. Ava says she’s starting to think a relationship based on extortion can’t last. They laugh, and Ava says, trapping Nikolas into a loveless marriage seemed like a good idea at the time, but now she sees it’s not only hurting Nikolas, but Spencer too.

Lulu tells Nikolas, she wanted to check in with him about Spencer. Nikolas hopes their relationship is improving, and Lulu asks, how? He says Spencer told him that he wanted to be his son again if he divorced Ava. She says, clearly, that’s not happening, and he says he’d rather not go into detail. She asks, why? He’s her brother, and she knows he loves his son. It makes zero sense, accepting what’s going on. He says he’s not accepting it, and she asks if keeping one secret is more important than their relationship. Is it more important than regaining her trust? He says, no; it isn’t.

Maxie says she takes full responsibility for dragging Lucy there, but she neglected to inform Maxie that she totally sold out the Quartermaines. Lucy says she did it to save Deception, their bread and butter. Maxie says, no judgement, but Lucy needs to leave. She’s not the best brand ambassador right now. Lucy says, sorry, and Maxie says, this too shall pass. Go rest, so she can be her dazzling self at the Nurses Ball. Lucy suggests Maxie also call it an early night; she’s looking peaked. They need to knock them dead, and be on point tomorrow. Scotty says he got a new convertible; let’s go. Lucy leaves with Scotty, and Peter says, Lucy is right. Maxie looks pale. Is she sure she’s okay? Maxie says she just wants to schmooze the artist, and get it over with. She asks Franco, how long until the great unveiling? How much did Ava pay him to glorify her, and make himself relevant again? Franco says, hostile, and she says she remembers him, but he proved he’s a changed man. He convinced a judge he was a changed man, and now he’s free to be living his best life. Instead, he’s reliving his bad boy genius. The whole thing makes her nauseous. Elizabeth says Maxie has a point. He says the only important thing is, he’s the guy who gets to be married to her, but she wonders where that guy is. The only important things seem to be about everything except the man she loves.

Lulu says Nikolas recruited Spencer to be involved in his power struggle with Ava, but Nikolas says, Spencer jumped at the chance. She says he’s not understanding. He needs to have faith in Spencer that he’ll choose his father over money, not recruit him to be his accomplice. Nikolas says, Spencer is fighting for his inheritance, but Lulu says he’s bonding with Spencer by making his son his partner in crime.

Ava tells Nina, she never had the opportunity to see Spencer and Nikolas together, but she did see how Spencer mourned his father. They had a special bond, and seeing how upset Spencer was when he found out Nikolas was alive spoke volumes. She sees how Nikolas is taking their estrangement. Nina says, it’s one thing to help them reconcile, but the question is, can Ava give up her revenge? Ava doesn’t know. Nikolas made her think she was crazy, and that she saw his ghost. He used Kiki against her, and said they were in hell together. Although she wasn’t much better. The only thing stopping a reconciliation is the stupid post-nup she forced Nikolas to sign. Nina says, revenge is not all it’s cracked up to be. At least for her it wasn’t. Even if you hurt the person, it just ties you more closely to them. She exposed Valentin’s lies at the altar, and got zero satisfaction. It was only when she turned away from the bitterness and ugliness that she found peace. Ava knows what she has to do.

Franco says he thought Elizabeth was there to support him. She says she was, but she’s not comfortable with any of it. She can’t stay. He says he’ll try not to be late, then wonders if she wants him to come with her.

Maxie tells Peter, Franco and Ava are in there all smug and satisfied. She couldn’t help herself. Franco was dishonest. Elizabeth married him and brought him in as a stepfather, but he’s loving his first chance in the spotlight. Franco isn’t like Peter. Peter put in hard work to turn his life around. He says he hopes he never disappoints her, and she says he won’t, as long as he’s honest. She thinks her water smells weird, and he asks, what’s going on with her? She says this is working her last nerve, and he says she’s been dizzy and lightheaded recently. He’s seen her navigate a playground in stilettos. Is she okay?

Jax asks if Nina found Ava. She says she did, and dared to give Ava advice. He says, giving advice can be tricky, but she says she was willing to risk it. It was because of him. He’s proof she can make smart life decisions. Ava comes out wondering where her husband disappeared to.

Lulu says, so Nikolas and Spencer are working together, and he says he has his son back. She asks if she should be happy about him dragging Spencer into the game he’s playing with Ava. He asks, what’s the alternative? Let Ava walk away with 90%? It’s unacceptable to Spencer and him. She asks if it ever occurred to him that Spencer just wants to please him. Spencer isn’t going along for the money, but for his father. Nikolas is missing his moment to turn this around, and stop manipulating. Choose his son, and let Ava decide if she’s going to keep the money. He says he can’t take that risk. Ava has to give up before the marriage ends. She says, he’s pulling Spencer into a lie, and he says, Ava forced his hand. He has to get back out by manipulating the situation. Lulu says, wow. He’s as set on revenge as much as he was when he first came back, and refuses to see what it’s costing.

Anna says she and Finn have been telling Violet that the wedding is about family. Having his father there will show her that he’s part of the family. Finn says maybe he would like them to get to know each other, but that’s not the only problem. He’ll leave it at that. She says, she’s not leaving it at that; it’s about his stepmother. He says he can’t imagine her at their wedding. It will take away from the day – for him anyway. If he invites his father, he can’t exclude her. It’s too complicated. She says she hates to break it to him, but families are complicated. His father is still family, so can’t he put their differences aside for one day? For Violet’s sake?

Dustin says Lulu looks pissed, and she says, once again, her brother has gone below her worst expectations. Ava tells Nikolas, it’s showtime. Franco tells Elizabeth that Ava can take over after the unveiling, but she says she has to leave. Is he coming or not?

Ava tells her guests, on behalf of herself and Nikolas, she thanks them for coming to this celebration of revival and redemption. She teased the return of a talented artist for some time, and would like him to come join her next to her portrait. Franco looks at Elizabeth, but she doesn’t look at him. He goes up front, and Ava says she was going to make a speech, but she realized what she had planned doesn’t seem important anymore. So she’s just going to say she was so happy when Franco agreed to paint her portrait. She’s proud to share it with them tonight. So without further ado… Franco unveils the portrait, and everyone looks shocked. Elizabeth shakes her head, and Franco and Ava look at each other.

Is she naked maybe?

On Monday, Maxie says she has something to tell Peter, Elizabeth tells Nikolas that Ava will destroy what good is left in him if he’s not careful, and Ava says she plans to remedy the situation perfectly.

💝 Coming Soon To a TV Near You…

Welcome to the Nurses Ball.

https://www.tvinsider.com/945286/general-hospital-nurses-ball-2020-preview/

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/2020-general-hospital-nurses-ball-will-air-august

🕵🏽 Dante Tells All…

Get the skinny on Lulu’s absent ex.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dominic-zamprogna-reveals-why-he-left-and-returned

🔌 Can’t Say I Blame Her…

Some people give Trolls a bad name.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/the-young-the-restless/michelle-stafford-is-taking-a-break-from-social-media

👯 Will the Real Sam Please Stand Up…?

Hopefully, Brook isn’t far behind.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-is-back-at-general-hospital

⚖️ From Cop To Corporate…

The original Jordan finds success as a lawyer.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/vanessa-antoines-series-diggstown-renewed

🌹 If You Must…

Every time I hear Clare Crawley, I think they’re talking about Downton Abbey. I’m not a huge fan of The Bachelor franchise, only because I can smell the desperation, and become embarrassed for the contestants, but no judgement.

MEN: Can she steal you for a sec? According to Glamour, Bachelorette Clare Crawley “will have extra men on hand, just in case” anyone gets coronavirus during taping. Meanwhile, we will have extra men on hand, just in case we can’t reach the Tate’s cookies we forgot were on the top shelf of the pantry… – Newsette

https://www.glamour.com/story/the-bachelorette-2020-everything-we-know-about-clare-crawleys-season

😭 Leave Denise Alone…

Denise and Garcelle should have their own spin-off. With a little Sutton on the side.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6186250/garcelle-beauvais-denise-richards-rhobh-reunion/?platform=hootsuite

🎤 The Countess Has All the Feels…

LuAnn’s hopes and dreams for the reunion.

https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/07/31/luann-de-lesseps-rhony-reunion-secrets-bethenny-frankel-interview/

🧀 Like Some Cheese With That Whine…?

NeNe comes up with a new reason she should be rewarded for bad behavior.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/01/nene-leakes-alludes-to-mistreatment-from-bravo-amid-contract-negotiations/

👨🏽‍🍳 Poor Kiko…

He’s so sweet, but those nachos…

https://www.inquisitr.com/6197289/below-deck-mediterranean-chef-kiko-apologizes/

🐣 Not Yet…

For now, the unfreezing of Scheana’s eggs is on hold.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6199574/scheana-shay-pregnant-plans-miscarriage/?platform=hootsuite

🔮 Back In the Dark…

I loved this show. Except for that monkey. I hated the monkey.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/his-dark-materials-season-2-trailer-spoilers-hbo-comic-con-2020/

📺 Up For Debate…

Is it Lost? Game of Thrones? Dexter? A new time waster brought to you by social media.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/twitter-reacts-worst-ending-ever-television-debate/

⚰️ Spoiling the Dead…

Teases about the season 10 finale.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-finale-spoilers-father-gabriel-doomed-dies-seth-gilliam/

🚶🏼‍♂️ Keep Walking…

All you need to know about season 11.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-season-11-delayed-2021-1304283

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-11-maggie-negan-relationship-showrunner-angela-kang-comic-con-2020/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-11-negan-hershel-maggie-glenn-son-jeffrey-dean-morgan/

🧛🏻 Get Your Full Episodes Here…

On Sunday night, it seems to be either feast or famine. If you’ve missed any of season 2 of NOS4A2, you can catch it here.

https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/nos4a2/video-extras/nos4a2-season-2-comic-con-teaser

🦖 Just In Case…

You never know when you might need a prehistoric life skill.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-outrun-dinosaur/?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

Quote-Kindness

🦪 Quotes of the Week

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde

It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. – Lewis Carroll

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. – Muhammad Ali

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. – Dennis P. Kimbro

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. – Mark Twain

If you can’t laugh at yourself, at least let me do it. – Charlie (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

People will always have opinions about your decision because they’re not courageous enough to take action on their opinion. – Steve Maraboli

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done. – Lucille Ball

🌃 Hey, It’s Still Dark Out…

Long story short, the new site editor causes difficulty for some links. So until I have a minute to figure out a way around it, I switched back to the classic version, an upscale word for the way it was done before. Thank God it’s Friday. We still call it that, right? Keep that weekend sacred, and change your environment for a moment. But while you’re doing that, stay safe, stay authentic, and stay like Bill Murray in Meatballs, telling yourself, it just doesn’t matter.

Aug13

August 12, 2020 – The Verdict Is Read, Last Night In Rome, Garcelle Spills It, Sutton’s Complaint, Trek Laughs, Brandi’s the Worst, a Movement & Dawn

Posted on August 13, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ned asks if Lucy is voting with the family to save the hospital she loves so much. Lucy asks if she can have a moment in private with Valentin, but Ned says, no one is leaving until the matter is settled. If she has something to say, they all want to hear it.

Jason opens his eyes, and says, Sam.

Nina looks at the latest issue of Crimson, and a post-it note from Nelle that says, the issue is awesome, boss! Jax asks if it’s a bad time, but Nina says it’s just the normal chaos. He tells her she gave him that excuse last night, and he knows she can handle a deadline. Does she want tell him what’s really going on? She hands him the note, and says, a reminder of the brief moment she thought Nelle might be decent. Jax crumples it up, and says now she doesn’t have to think about it. She says she can’t get rid of her thoughts as easy as that note.

Outside the courtroom, Michael tells Willow, whatever the judge decides, they’re in this together, and they’ll make it okay for Wiley. Inside, Nelle looks at the passports for her and Wiley, then at the tracking device on her phone. Michael and Willow walk in, and they face each other. Nelle tells them, spending time together won’t fool the judge. He knows their marriage is a sham. Willow says, after Nina’s testimony, the judge knows Nelle blackmailed Julian into marrying her. Michael asks where Julian is, and Nelle says he’ll be there. Carly walks in, and says, good. Nelle won’t be alone when the judge makes his decision.

Sam says she’ll get the doctor, and Jason asks how long he’s been there. She says a day, but it feels like forever. He asks why he’s there, and she says he had an accident on his bike; he crashed. Jason says, his motorcycle… How? She suggests the doctor examine him first, then they can fill each other in. They don’t need to rush. They have all the time in the world now.

Lucy says she’d like to speak to Valentin alone, if they may, but Valentin says, no. If anybody has something they’d like to say to him, go ahead. He’s all about transparency. Olivia asks if he was about transparency when he was buying up the shares. He says he was so transparent, he was invisible. That’s really a good one, and I laugh. Ned tells Lucy, GH needs ELQ’s backing to stay solvent; she knows what’s at stake. Valentin says he agrees with Ned. She knows what’s at stake. She says she’s breaking the tie by voting with… Valentin Cassadine. Everyone is like, whaaat?

Sonny tells Mike, he told him that he can let go. He knows how much Sonny loves him. He doesn’t have to stick around if he doesn’t want to. Mike says he’s ready to go home, and Sonny asks what that means. Felix comes to the door, and Mike says, baseball… music… and friends. Sonny says, Brooklyn? and Felix says, sorry to interrupt, but since he’s been taking care of Mike, he senses how Mike communicates. He thinks Mike is saying he wants to go back to where he feels at home. Mike says, home.

Nina tells Jax, Nelle was on a tear. She accused Nina of betraying her and siding with Carly. She believed every single person had let her down, stabbed her in the back, and double-crossed her. Nina finally said, if every single person double-crossed her and stabbed her in the back, maybe they’re not the problem. Maybe the problem is Nelle. Jax says she was just being honest, but Nina says Nelle believes she double-crossed her because Nelle was counting on her to be a character witness. Nelle thought Nina would go in the courtroom and tell the judge what a great mother she’d be, and how she deserved to get custody of Wiley. Instead, she went in and told the judge how Nelle blackmailed Julian into marriage. Jax says she did, but she didn’t make it up. She says, maybe she should have stayed out of it. Michael didn’t need her help, and she made Nelle feel more alone. He tells her, don’t take the blame. It was Nelle’s choice to manipulate Julian. Don’t let Nelle make her doubt herself.

Diane comes into the courtroom, and says she tried calling Nelle’s lawyer, but he’s not picking up. Nelle says, that’s because she fired him, and Diane asks if she’s proceeding without the benefit of counsel. Nelle says Martin wasn’t benefiting her, he was sabotaging her case. She wouldn’t be surprised to find out Carly was paying him off. That’s why she requested a closed hearing, so Carly can’t be there. Carly says, the hell she can’t, but Diane says, Nelle is correct. The judge agreed the only people who can be in the room are Michael, Nelle, their respective spouses, and counsel. Carly tells Diane to appeal, but Diane asks if she wants to risk annoying the judge, and snatch the verdict from the jaws of victory. Carly says all right, she’ll go. She tells Michael they’ve more than proved they’re the best parents for Wiley, and tells Nelle to enjoy her last act of spite. When this is over, Wiley will be safe with people who know and love him, and the only thing he’ll know about her is what they tell him.

The doctor says Jason’s overall prognosis is excellent, but he needs to rest. She’ll check in on him later. When she’s gone, Jason says, he had exploratory surgery for what? Sam says, the doctors thought he might have a traumatic brain injury. Carly gave her consent. He says, that must have been rough on Sam; sorry for scaring her. She asks if he can tell her what happened, and he says he just remembers picking his bike up from Brando’s garage, and driving off. She asks if he doesn’t remember the accident or where he was going. He says, when he crashed, he was looking out for Jordan. She was meeting Cyrus, and he was on his way just in case. He asks if Sam isn’t supposed to be there. She needs to go or she’ll get in trouble. She says, no; she doesn’t have to leave. She can be there as long as she likes.

Valentin says, it’s settled. GH won’t receive a bailout from ELQ. Ned says, ELQ is known for its philanthropy, and Valentin says, then the board can vote on causes as they come up. GH needs to get its own house in order. They can find another white knight. Olivia says, white knights don’t just gallop through Port Charles all the time. Lucy says one has shown his face – Cyrus Renault. Maybe he’ll do it. Ned says, he’s no white knight. Cyrus is a known drug trafficker. He’ll hook Port Charles on opiates, and keep the hospital busy with ODs. Lucy says she didn’t know. He gave her a large donation for the Nurses Ball, so maybe they should give him a chance. Ned says he’s glad Alan isn’t there to see what she did with the one share he shouldn’t have given her. Lucy says he doesn’t get to go there. It’s Monica’s fault. If she’d followed proper procedure, maybe none of this would have happened. Ned says, there’s plenty of blame to go around. Isn’t there, Brook? Lucy says she’s going to take her check and go, but Valentin says, there’s one more vote he wants them to take. Ned asks if he wants to vote on a caterer for the shareholders’ lunch, or maybe he wants to change the music. Valentin says, he wants to vote in a new CEO, and smiles. He’s been doing a lot of that lately.

Nina tells Jax that Nelle brought out a strong point about her not being able to find the child she can’t remember giving birth to. She feels like her child is out there. Jax tells her, trust her feelings. Don’t listen to Nelle. She doesn’t know the first thing about being a mother, and doesn’t love Wiley. Everything is just a means to an end. What she wanted was to hurt Carly, and everything else was collateral damage. Nina says, he’s right. She doesn’t know why she let Nelle get to her so easy. He says her mom taught her not to trust herself. He has the feeling that’s why her mother left a clue for her to find the baby she gave away. Nina says, or left it so she could torture her. Jax says she can believe that and get on with her life, or search for the other half of the necklace that might lead to her missing child. She says she already did that, and the jeweler told her there was no lead. He says, just because one jeweler couldn’t help her, doesn’t mean another can’t. She says, it’s the only expert she knew at the time, and doesn’t have… unless he does. He says he has purchased precious gems on one or two occasions. She says, or three, or four, or five. He tells her, don’t get carried away. He makes a call to an Evelyn, and says he knows it’s short notice, but he needs her expertise… for a special friend.

Michael says, Carly must be climbing the walls, and Willow says, she’ll keep Carly company. If the judge asks, tell him the truth. She didn’t want Wiley’s grandma to be alone, since she was forced to leave. Julian arrives, and Diane says she’s surprised. He has a penchant for saving his own skin. Out of curiosity, how long does he predict he’ll stay married to Nelle? Nelle protests, and he tells her, give it up. She can thank Nina that the judge knows how she got him to the altar. Diane says Nelle petitioned the court to have a closed hearing. That means he can be there, but can sit in the gallery if he wants. Nelle says she’s making it up, and Diane laughs. Julian says, fine by him, and sits in the back.

Carly says Willow is kind and considerate, but this is wrong. She should get back inside, so the judge sees she’s at Michael’s side rather than stay there. Willow says she’s afraid she’ll lose it if he grants joint custody. She has to be the kind, calm alternative to Nelle. Carly is sure they’ll leave with a verdict in their favor.

Judge Lowe tells everyone to be seated, and reads the details of the case. He said he’s read the documents presented, and listened to their arguments. He asks where Nelle’s attorney is, and Nelle says she fired him. She’ll be representing herself, since she seems to think the case is still going on. He says, since he’s already made his decision, any request for continuance will be denied. Nelle remembers what Nina said, that maybe she’s the problem.

Sam tells Jason, just like that, Delores was gone for good. She’s been replaced with a new parole officer. He’s a kind man, and has no intention of keeping them apart.

Olivia asks what Valentin is thinking, and Ned says he’ll call the lawyers. This can’t be legal. Valentin says they work for him now, and he made that call already. He needs all of the passwords, and a list of all the employees. He grabs Lucy’s arm, and tells her, let’s go. He doesn’t want to overstay his welcome. Brook says she’s going to, but Ned says she’s staying right there, and looking him in the eye – if she can.

Sonny says Felix could be right. Mike’s old room is where he got married, played checkers with Josslyn and Dev, and heard Brook singing. He asks Mike if Turning Woods is home. Felix says he’d be happy to arrange it; it would be his pleasure. Mike is the best, and Sonny should cherish every minute they have left. I feel the burden lift from me, and Sonny tells Mike, guess what? He’ll be going to Turning Woods real soon. Sonny says they should watch baseball, but he checked, and there isn’t a day game scheduled. Mike says, until next season, and Sonny repeats, until next season.

Jax, Nina, and Evelyn sit at a table in the MetroCourt. Evelyn uses a jeweler’s loupe to look at Nina’s necklace. She says she can trace it back to its origin; she thinks she knows the craftsman. She’ll do her research, and get back to them. She’s gone before Nina can say anything, and Nina tells Jax, she’s a woman of few words. Jax says, but every word counts. Evelyn picked up on something. Chin up. It could be the break Nina has been hoping for.

Carly tells Willow, pace herself. Court rarely goes quickly. Willow says she’s better off not being in there. She has no idea how Michael stays calm.

The judge says, the court’s primary concern is the health, safety, and welfare of the child. To be clear, there are no angels in this courtroom. Both parents have served time in prison on serious charges, and have paid for their crimes, being released and on parole. He’s looked at the current situations. They both married quickly, saying they desired to provide a loving family for Wiley. Michael and Willow have made it clear to the court that they have a deep and abiding love for the child, even before it was realized that Wiley really was Michael’s child. At the same time, the birth mother also married. Her witness claimed there was devious and ill-intent. Although there was n no evidence provided to support it, he can’t help but feel Nelle showing up in her wedding dress was a stunt performed to upstage Michael and Willow’s marriage. He’s seen the records of Nelle’s selfish, cynical, maniacal behavior, and considering the way she conducts her life, the court believes she’d treat her child the same way. Sole custody is granted to Michael and Willow. Diane hugs Michael, and I wonder why Nelle looks shocked.

Carly says she’s thrilled, and Willow says, Michael did it. He says, we did it. Diane was amazing. Diane says it wasn’t too difficult to prove they’re perfect parents. She congratulates Carly on no outbursts in court; she’s improving. Nelle’s visitation with Wiley has also been terminated, effective immediately.

Nelle tells the judge, she’s Wiley’s mother; she gave birth to her son. They can’t pretend she doesn’t matter. Judge Lowe says, it’s because she matters that he’s denying visitation. She failed as a mother when she accused an innocent woman of pushing her down the stairs, and confessed to the murder of her fiancé. Nelle says she’s made mistakes, but she’s grown and moved on. The judge says if she’s learned from her mistakes, and puts Wiley above her own selfish interests, she can appeal. Her case will be revisited, and if she’s found fit, she’ll get limited visitation. Nelle sees everyone all happy in the hallway, and says, it’s not fair. They start to leave, and she stomps out, asking where they’re going. She’s not done yet.

Jason asks how Sam got rid of Delores. She says she reached out to someone who could deal with it. He asks, who? and she says, Valentin.

Ned asks what Brook was thinking, and she says she was thinking of getting out of her contract. The only way Linc would let her was for her to sell him her shares. By the time she figured out that he was a front, there was nothing she could do. He asks why she didn’t warn him. She knew how serious it was, and she chose to do nothing; to say nothing. Never mind the family – they’ll survive – but the hospital… She says she didn’t know they were going to vote about GH, and he says she doesn’t know anything. She just takes what she wants, regardless of the consequences. Olivia think he should take a step back, and Brook tells him, look in the mirror. He had a million chances to help her, but he wouldn’t or couldn’t. She had to help herself.

Nelle tells Michael, congratulations. The judge made his decision, so she had no choice but to accept it. Diane says she’s leaving it at that. She’s got other clients, and is sure they want to spread the good news. Nelle says she’s not finished. They may have won this round, but she’s still Wiley’s mother, and will always have a part in his life. Michael says, good; she’s taking the high road. Willow says she could have had her son, a loving little boy with a great smile and endless curiosity. A boy whose happy, and makes everyone around him happy. Instead, she chose to hurt Michael for an insane reason. She thought revenge would be more rewarding than loving her baby. Willow feels sorry for her. Michael and Willow leave, and Julian says he’s heading home. Nelle says, wait. They have things to discuss. He tells her, whatever you say, dearest. Carly says she’d like to talk to Nelle alone. Diane says, they’re consenting adults. As long as there’s no bloodshed. She leaves, and Carly says the judge made the right decision. Nelle doesn’t know how to parent. It’s not entirely her fault; she learned from Frank. She didn’t have one moment of genuine love, and he used her. She won’t do any good for Wiley, so she should be happy that her son will have a chance at a life she never did. A home where two people love him. Nelle says, it was never her intention to take Wiley away from Michael. A spot in her son’s life was all she wanted, and she’ll have it.

Jason asks Sam what Valentin wanted in exchange, and she tells him Danny and Scout’s ELQ proxy to vote their shares. He asks when it happened, and she says he made the offer before Jason’s accident, in exchange for solving her Delores problem. She didn’t take the offer, but when Delores showed up, Sam called him and took the deal. He asks why she trusted Valentin.

Lucy says, how dare Valentin make her choose between Deception and GH? He’s truly heartless. He says he’s a business man, and wants to focus on reinvesting and increasing profits. They’re not losing money on a hopeless hospital. She’d said Cyrus was willing to save them from their mismanagement. Lucy says, it’s also about the Quartermaines. She cares about them, despite their differences and checkered past. Now they resent her. He says he has no ax to grind with the family. They’ll come around when ELQ is stronger and more profitable. She says, whatever. He can go on and have a celebratory drink with himself. He says, first, she’s coming with him, and he drags her over to Nina and Jax’s table. He says he’s giving them the inside scoop, and Jax can give it to his people at Aurora Media. ELQ has a new CEO. Nina asks, what happened to Michael? and he says, Michael was busy learning a new skill set, and Ned wasn’t focused. Jax asks, who’s calling the shots? and Valentin says, him.

Ned says, when they needed Brook most, she chose Valentin over the family. Olivia says, that’s an exaggeration, and Brook says, at least Valentin believes in and encourages her talent. He’s going to boost her career. Ned asks if he’s renting a stadium, and Brook says when she tried to get Ned to buy out her contract, he told her to grow up; he was going to stop coming to her rescue. She’s all grown up, and came to her own rescue, like a good Quartermaine would. He tells her, get out. She’s no longer welcome in this house. She goes upstairs.

Sonny tells Mike that he has visitors. Mike says he’s tired; tell them to wait. Michael says he and Willow couldn’t wait. They wanted to share the good news. Michael won full custody of Wiley. He’s there now and forever. Sonny says, congratulations to all three of them, and Willow says, it was a group effort. Sonny says, what matters is Wiley will stay with the people who love him.

Carly says she might feel differently if Nelle had been a mother to Wiley. She can’t change Nelle’s past actions, but they can give Wiley what he needs in life – a family that doesn’t include her. Nelle asks how Carly would feel if someone took everything she wanted, but Carly says, only Michael didn’t take her child. She gave him away the night she passed him off as Willow’s baby. She did all this, and if she doesn’t like what’s going on, too damn bad.

Ned holds the door open, and Brook walks out. He says he’ll send the rest of her things when she gets a place. He slams the door in her face, and she walks away.

Sam tells Jason, she has everything in writing. The voting proxy reverts back to Danny and Scout when they’re 18. Jason says, that’s years from now. If Valentin gets a foothold in ELQ, mistakes can happen. Michael stepped away from the business, but Ned is doing okay without him. Valentin could be a lot of trouble. Sam doesn’t think he’d harm the company, and Jason says, it’s not about harm. He’s never cared about ELQ, but his great-grandfather built the company for the family, and wanted it to stay in the family. And the family doesn’t want Valentin near it.

Nina says, Valentin is the new CEO? How did that happen? Jax says he didn’t realize Valentin had a connection with the Quartermaines, and Valentin says there’s a lot he doesn’t know. When Nikolas took over Cassadine Industries, he had to find a new situation. He consolidated his resources, and made new friends. Jax says, Lucy is the tie breaker. What does Valentin have on her? Lucy says she hopes Jax continues to finance and support a very worthy cause, and he says she can always count on his support for the Nurses Ball. He’s sure the Quartermaines are thrilled with her loyalty. She leaves, and Valentin says Lucy can be very productive. When she’s not promoting the Nurses Ball or running Deception, she’s consolidating real estate. Nina says, congratulations. She hopes he’s finally found what he wanted. He says, not quite.

Michael asks if Mike remembers Wiley, and shows him pictures. He says Mike knew right away Wiley was his son, and the judge made it official. Wiley is staying with him and Willow. No one can take him from his home. Mike says, home, and Sonny smiles at him.

Julian tells Nelle, he’s played the part of the doting husband long enough. Now he wants to make up for lost time, face his mistakes, and get the marriage annulled. There’s nothing more he can do for her. She says, isn’t there? She’ll be in touch. Julian leaves, and she looks at her phone.

Carly joins everyone in Mike’s room, and Sonny says, it’s finally over. Wiley is staying with the family where he belongs. Michael shows Mike a picture of Mr. Hopsicle. Willow says, Mr. Hopsicle brings good luck, and Michael says, maybe she’s right. They were definitely lucky today.

Nelle says, the tracking device is still working. Hang on to that kangaroo. Mom’s coming.

Tomorrow, Olivia yells at Ned, Ava tells Nikolas to prove it, Carly tells Jax to meet her halfway, and Sonny hears about Cyrus’s involvement with the hospital.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Kyle says she’s struggling. Teddi doesn’t believe Brandi said that (that she’d had sex with someone in the group). LisaR says she doesn’t think Brandi ever said that. Don’t even put that out there. Denise says Brandi said it the first time she met her. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s not naming names. She doesn’t know if it’s true, and doesn’t care. Teddi asks, when are these conversations happening if Denise doesn’t talk to Brandi? Denise says Brandi called her, and Teddi says, she answered; it’s friendly enough. Do these idiots ever hear themselves? In Dorit’s interview, she says, Teddi’s not fond of Denise. Maybe she believes the worst? Dorit asks what the issue is, and Teddi says, it doesn’t add up. Denise had Brandi come to her work set, and said negative things about them. Denise says Brandi was doing an interview; that’s a different situation. Dorit says, they weren’t getting plastered, and LisaR says, they still got together. Denise says, she and Brandi have a mutual agent. I hope not anymore. Teddi says, there was a friendship, and Dorit tells, Denise didn’t say there was no communication. Even if Brandi said those things first, they had dinner, and were on good terms. Brandi had a podcast, and came to Denise. Teddi says, if they can’t get the full story, then she shouldn’t go there. Denise says Brandi said this about them. In Garcelle’s interview, she thinks Denise should stand up for herself. Now’s the time to set the record straight. Garcelle doesn’t feel like this is going the right way. LisaR says, it feels dirty, like someone isn’t being honest. In her interview, LisaR says that it’s frustrating watching Denise dance around this, deny, and blame. She tells Denise, if she’s chosen to sit there, she needs to own it. Denise says, she has, but that’s not good enough. Now they know why she gets up and leaves. LisaR says if Denise doesn’t want to be there, then go. I call her a nasty effing bitch. Garcelle asks why they’re choosing to believe Brandi over Denise, who they have a relationship with. She doesn’t know Brandi, except for what she’s heard in the press, but why are they taking her side? Kyle says she’s not taking a side (I’m not sure what she calls it then), and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she doesn’t know why they’re making what Brandi says like the Bible. Kyle says, it’s not about believing one over the other. Only they know the truth. Garcelle wonders how they move forward, and Teddi says, she can move forward, but her guard is up. She’s proceeding with caution. In Teddi’s interview, she says when there’s a pattern, she’s not hoping it’s going to change. She’d love to be proven wrong, but that hasn’t happened. LisaR says the restaurant has to open up as a club, and they move to the couches.

Erika says Denise didn’t tell Brandi that she was an icy bitch? Denise swears on her mother’s grave that Brandi is lying. Brandi said that; she would never say that. In Denise’s interview, she says Brandi told her that she heard Erika had been cold to her, and Denise confirmed that she had. She didn’t lie, but she did agree with what Brandi brought up. Erika asks if Brandi said that Teddi is desperate to be in the group, and was tired of riding on her father’s coattails. Teddi asks why Denise didn’t say anything last night, and she says she did. We flash back to Denise telling them Brandi was the one who called Teddi pathetic, and she was desperate to get into the group because she was tired of living in her father’s shadow. In her interview, Denise tells us, she’s said worse things about Teddi. That’s why she’s confused. Denise says she’s been totally honest, and LisaR says, okay, in that way you know it’s not really okay. In Erika’s interview, she says she likes Denise. She thinks Denise is a good time. We flash back to some fun times, and she says, but if Denise is calling her a cold-hearted bitch when she’s being nice to her face, it leaves them in a strange place. Garcelle says, she and LisaR took a dance class, and she’d asked if LisaR thought her body image affected her daughter. LisaR is like, f***, and in Kyle’s interview, she says LisaR opened up the Pandora’s Box. She said she wanted honest. We see a clip of Garcelle asking if LisaR is worried her image hurts her daughter. Garcelle says she doesn’t have a daughter, so she can’t say, but thinks she wouldn’t dance nearly naked on Instagram. Dorit doesn’t understand, and Garcelle says LisaR doesn’t have to be dancing in in bathing suit or underwear. LisaR says she doesn’t think that’s what caused Amelia’s eating disorder, and Garcelle tells her, she’s not saying that, but wonders if Amelia sees it and feels bad. LisaR says people are going to judge them, and Garcelle says, she’s not judging LisaR, but the situation. LisaR says, of course she’s judging, because she doesn’t understand what Garcelle just said since she’s so focused on being right. Garcelle says she’s just being honest. Teddi says, you can’t nail it on one thing, and LisaR says she’s proud of her daughter for coming out and talking about it. Garcelle says, 100%. She’s proud as a mom of all of them. Denise dabs at her eyes. In Dorit’s interview, she says, another night in Rome, and there’s still no result. There’s tears, anger, and frustration, and a dark cloud is now over them. It’s not going away unless they have a real, honest conversation. How is that going to happen? She has no idea.

The next morning, Teddi calls Erika, and asks if she wants to go to the spa. Garcelle calls Sutton, and Sutton asks if Garcelle wants to join her for mass at St. Peter’s. Garcelle says, absolutely. LisaR – who I happily notice again looks like sh*t in the morning – calls Kyle, and says she heard Kyle had fun last night. She’s sorry she missed it. We flash back to Kyle and Dorit out drinking and being kooky. LisaR asks if Kyle is going out on a Vespa, or is she still drunk? Kyle says she loves nothing more than driving a Vespa in the rain, drunk. She’s going to have some coffee and attempt to be human. Erika and Teddi go to the spa, and Erika says, the pregnant lady feels better than she does. Dorinda asks why Kyle kept her up so late. In Kyle’s interview, she says she cares about Dorit being happy, and they’re in a good place. She tells Dorit, it feels like Vegas on a Sunday morning. I have no idea what that means.

In her interview, LisaR says she texted Denise, but didn’t hear back. She thinks Denise is mad at her, and it’s a friendship worth fighting for. In the car, Kyle tells Dorit that she was a hot mess last night. LisaR finds Denise in the lobby, and sits with her. She says, she’s sorry, and Denise says the energy LisaR is projecting comes off like attacking; like interrogating. It’s happened at several big dinners, and she comes off as a mean friend. She wonders why she was invited. LisaR says she loves Denise, and she’s her friend. Denise says, it doesn’t come off that way. If she saw LisaR crying and everyone coming after her, she would tell them to stop. It’s hurtful, and not okay. LisaR says Denise claimed Brandi said she’d had sex with someone at the table, and they don’t need tit for tat. Denise does that with her sometimes; don’t do it anymore. Denise says she defended LisaR at Kyle’s house when Kyle told her, f*** off and f*** you. We flash back to that, and Denise says, for the last 20 years, when people were coming at LisaR, she told them to stop. LisaR hasn’t been a friend to her. LisaR says she was trying to clear the air, and did it in a terrible way. Denise asks, is that a friend? She’s never experienced this with LisaR, and she’s known her a long time. She’s not mad; she’s hurt. LisaR says she doesn’t want to hurt Denise, and starts sobbing – making it about her. Nice move. LisaR says she’s just trying to make it so they can move on, and she doesn’t know what to do. Denise says, just be herself. She’s strong and does stand up for what’s right. That’s the LisaR she loves. LisaR wails that she should have warned Denise; sent a text, but she didn’t. She feels bad now, and knows Denise would have warned her. Denise says she would have. LisaR was mean and angry, and it’s not like her. She doesn’t know what’s going on. She’s sorry. Denise says, it’s not her; it’s the rest of them. She doesn’t know why they want her around and then try to destroy her family. For what? She hates to see LisaR like this, and suggests LisaR come to church. She loves her. They hug, and LisaR vows to be a better friend.

Dorit and Kyle go to where the Vespas are. Dorit doesn’t want to wear a helmet, but the guide says it’s the law. He tells Kyle, she’s the only one in a sidecar. He puts caps on them to go under the helmets, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, it’s the fashion capital of the world. Kyle takes a picture. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Dorit looks great in a hairnet. They laugh, and Dorit says she’ll see Kyle when she sees her. At the spa, Erika asks Teddi what she’s got going on when they get home. Teddi says they’re going right into Thanksgiving, and Erika says she’s going to Laguna, to Tom’s daughter’s house. She’s a chef. In her interview, Erika says she’s lucky Tom has nice kids. She’s their age. Sutton, Garcelle, LisaR, and Denise leave in a taxi. LisaR says, everything happens for a reason, and Denise says, at least they got to something. In Dorit’s interview, she says, finally. The part of the friendship with Kyle that she loves so much. It almost compensates for the sh*tty things she does. LisaR is glad they worked it out, and says she needs church more than anyone. Garcelle asks, why? and LisaR says she hasn’t been back to her true self for a while. In Sutton’s interview, she says, there’s a better side to LisaR? In their interviews, each woman talks about the religion they grew up in, and where they’re at now. LisaR says she went to different churches every time she changed best friends. Hmmm… I say out loud. Her church hopping, depending on who she was hanging out with, speaks to her character now.

They pass LisaR’s house. She says Harry lived there with Ursula Andress. She explains that Ursula and Harry met during Clash of the Titans, and had a child. Sutton says she loves that movie so much. I do too. LisaR says Ursula was the movie star you would imagine, and she lived there. She got pregnant the first time she and Harry hooked up, and it was her first pregnancy at age 44. Kyle and Dorit finish riding, and Kyle can’t get the hairnet off. The others go to St. Peter Square. In her interview, Sutton says, who knew the line would be around the block? She did. It’s a two-hour wait, but she’s not worrying about it, since it’s not her trip. If anyone had asked, she would have told them to get a ticket. It might have been nice if she’d volunteered that information. On Instagram, LisaR says it’s the closest they could get, and takes video of them in the Square.

Kyle and Dorit go to lunch, and Dorit says she’ll never get the hairnet visual out of her head. Where does Kyle think LisaR went? Kyle hopes she’s okay. LisaR runs in, and says she’s so sorry. She had a bit of a breakdown. She saw Denise in the lobby, and it was tough for her last night. LisaR insists she tries to fix things when it’s a group situation. She feels responsible for getting to the truth. They talked, and Denise was pretty upset with her; they’ve been friends a long time, and Denise said she’s not being a good friend. She had to take a look at that. In Kyle’s interview, she says she feels for Denise, but thinks LisaR is just trying to get to the truth. Of course she does. LisaR says she cried a lot, and Kyle asks if Denise cried. Who asks something like that? LisaR says, she did. She thinks Denise is reeling, and hurt because of the accusations. She’s afraid for her children; it’s a lot. In LisaR’s interview, she says they need to have empathy for Denise. She’s in pain. Kyle says she understands, but it started with them hearing things. It didn’t come out of the blue. LisaR says, in the end, she felt badly. She’s a better friend than that. She hasn’t been good friend. Dorit says, maybe Denise feels they shouldn’t be vocal, but it’s not personal. Huh? How is it not personal? LisaR says she’s glad she and Denise had the conversation. She thinks she was probably too harsh, and Dorit says, it was intense; she doesn’t want Denise to shut down. Kyle says, the thing is, to be honest. LisaR says she can’t force someone to be honest, and needs to take a breath and allow it to come out, whatever it is.

The women get ready for their pizza party. Mikey puts Erika’s coat on her, and Sutton has her hair done. Dorit calls home, and Phoenix asks if she can have her cake pop. Dorit tells her, after lunch, and Phoenix says, breakfast is lunch. Dorit tells her that she should be a lawyer. In the taxi, Dorit says the restaurant room she’s designing is gutted and demoed. We flash back to her conversation with the restaurant owner. In Sutton’s interview, she struggles with the name of the restaurant, and the producer says, Buca di Beppo. She asks if it’s like Olive Garden. She’s not being disrespectful, but she’s never heard of it. I usually like Sutton, but that is disrespectful, comparing it to Olive Garden. Come on. Dorit says she’s thinking about putting together Teddi’s baby shower there, but they have to keep it a secret. Why do people always think startling a pregnant woman is a good idea? Kyle says Teddi was firm on not wanting to open gifts in front of everyone. In Kyle’s interview, she says, thank God she has Dorit. She’s been busy, and by the time she gets the shower organized, the baby will be attending it. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s taking control tonight. She’s had it. She’s going to say her peace, and at least they’ll know how she feels.

At the restaurant, Denise says she doesn’t think she’s had a vegetable there except for tomatoes. Erika says she had a ham and cheese sandwich from the kid’s menu at the hotel. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s listening to them now, but she has something to say. She asks when the others are getting there, and Garcelle asks why she cares. She says she wants to prepare herself, and they laugh. The others arrive, and Kyle shows them a video of her in the sidecar. Dorit tells them about the helmets, and says she laughed so hard, it was like she did a thousand sit-ups. She points out it’s their last night together, and Denise says she wants to make a toast and then she’d love to talk about something. She thanks LisaR for bringing them on the trip, the clink glasses, and she smiles. I see the wheels turn in her head.

She says she’s glad she and LisaR got to talk. LisaR is an advocate for being your authentic self, so she’s going to be brutally honest. There’s so much judgement in this group. Every single effing dinner she’s been on the receiving end of being attacked as soon as she sits down. It’s not effing cool. In her interview, Garcelle says Denise never told her, tonight’s the night. She didn’t see this coming. Denise says her husband didn’t want her to go on this trip. He had a feeling, and he was right. Kyle says, when things are out in the open, they have to be addressed. Denise says, do not. In Teddi’s interview, she says, Denise said she was done talking about it, then prepared a speech. What else is she going to do to make them look bad, and make herself look like the victim? I don’t think Denise has to do anything. They’re making themselves look bad just fine on their own, and Teddi is pissed because Denise isn’t being a victim. Denise says, it’s okay when they’re having fun, and Kyle tries interrupting, but Denise continues, saying, it’s the worst trip she’s ever been on. She doesn’t deserve this, and Kyle knows it. Kyle says they just want her to be honest, and Denise says, when she is, no one believes her. Kyle dragged Brandi into it, and it’s not cool. It’s gotten to the point where it’s mean girls. In Erika’s interview, the ice queen she says, if being a mean girl means standing up for yourself and not backing down, then she’s a mean girl. Again, WTF? Do these dolts not hear what comes out of their own mouths? Teddi says she’s glad Denise is sharing, but when she says she’s not judgmental and calls them mean girls, that’s f***ed up. Denise says, that’s her experience, and her observation. They want her to be brutally honest, and they’ve been bombarding her. It’s not effing cool. In LisaR’s interview, she says, are they afraid to face each other and go at it? Absolutely not. But they were bullied and called mean girls last year – we see some articles online – and it’s a cop out. It wasn’t easy, and Denise knows it’s not cool. Dorit says she doesn’t think anyone tried to deliberately hurt Denise, but Denise disagrees. Dorit says she’s been on the receiving end of some barbs, and it’s not a comfortable moment. Garcelle says she wants to hear them out, but has to excuse herself for a moment. She leaves the table, saying she’ll be back. If I were her, I’d be getting a stiff drink. Kyle says, what’s up with the dramatic exit? once again totally exaggerating, since Garcelle just quietly excused herself and left. Denise says she’s going to go; she’s had enough. She’s done. She walks out, and Sutton says, she likes to leave. In Erika’s interview, she says she doesn’t think Denise would be in this situation if she didn’t leave all the time. No. She wouldn’t be in this situation if these MEAN GIRLS didn’t jump all over her all the time.

Denise sees Garcelle outside, and says she’s leaving. She asks if Garcelle is okay, and Garcelle says she’s just tired, and she misses her family. She’d rather be home with her kids. I’d rather be home with her kids. At the table, Erika says, it’s easy to point a finger and leave, leaving them to pick up the pieces. Denise tells Garcelle, they crossed the line. It’s evil, and detrimental, and not cool. In her interview, Garcelle says, Denise is finally speaking up. She doesn’t deserve this, and it’s not okay. She’s proud of Denise, but thinks if there isn’t full closure, it will be brewing underneath. Garcelle says she’s going back. She sits back down at the table, and tells the group that she’s tired and misses her kids.

Outside, Denise says she wants her car, and a producer says, going back is a big mistake. I say, f*** you, and there’s a commercial, so everyone thinks he’s going to threaten her with being fired. When they come back, Denise says, they’re a-holes, and he says, you can’t make a big speech, and then not hear everyone’s opinion. She says, she’s done, but he says they need to figure out how to move past this, like he cares about anyone’s feelings and not his paycheck. She says, fine. She’s not interested – she’s been hearing what these bitches have to say for months – but she has a friend in there. Teddi says she was willing to be cool about it, and they were called mean girls. Teddi, cool is something you will never be, daddy’s coattails or not. Dorit says they have to listen too; it’s not easy. Denise comes back, and Erika thanks her. Denise says she wants to move past this, and doesn’t want to leave. Kyle says she’d like to resolve it, move on, and have more laughing and having fun. They do have fun. Denise says she knows; she’s experienced it. Kyle says she doesn’t want anyone to be hurt, but Denise says it doesn’t feel that way. LisaR says she thinks it’s best if they don’t label each other or call each other names. Denise tells her, she’s not saying they do that; she said it feels like that. LisaR says she’s asking if, as a group, they can do that. She understands and accepts how Denise feels. Denise appreciates that, and the pizza comes. It looks amazing, with the cheese all the way to the edge of the crust. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’d love it if they could have a nice dinner, wrap this up, and move forward. They do love each other, and can put the bullsh*t aside, and have a good time.

LisaR says, going back to the first night they were there… We flash back to them talking about the worst trouble they got in as teenagers. LisaR asks Denise the same question, and Denise says when she was 15, they moved to San Diego. The drinking age in Tijuana was 18, so she snuck out with her boyfriend and some friends, and they went there, but she got caught. Garcelle asks what’s the craziest place the women have had sex? Sutton says she’d rather talk about the most romantic place, and tells them about a campground in France. Erika talks about doing it with her boyfriend when she was in the hospital, and LisaR says she and a good friend had sex next to each other in a station wagon. Kyle says, they are family cars. Ew. Garcelle tells them to brace themselves – Denise? Denise says, it was in a church parking lot, and Kyle says no wonder they couldn’t get into the Vatican. Everyone laughs, and I sort of identify, since early on in my dating life, a dude wanted to make out in a church parking lot, but I was like, are you kidding?

In Denise’s interview, she says, she knows the issue is still open, but she doesn’t give sh*t. In Kyle’s interview, she says, after everything that’s gone on, this proves they can get along, have fun together, and forgive. Garcelle says she wants them to drop everything that’s negative right now, and move forward, and they toast to that. They order more wine, and laugh. Yeah, this will last all of five minutes.

Next time, Teddi’s shower, the women (minus Denise) confront Brandi, Brandi says she has texts to back it up, and a lot of the conversation is bleeped. It’s my understanding that the only thing the texts prove is that they stayed together, and Denise asked Brandi not to say anything because her kids were there and Brandi doesn’t have the best reputation. So…

👄 Garcelle Tells All…

Or some of it anyway.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/07/garcelle-beauvais-scared-to-return-to-rhobh-after-warning-from-lisa-rinna-at-reunion-about-coming-back-next-season-says-more-than-one-costar-was-sent-a-cease-and-desist-and-tal/

💰 Unwarranted Offense…

I like Sutton most of the time, but she does tend to overreact. At least she’s low-key about it.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/07/rhobh-sutton-stracke-claps-back-at-dorit-kemsleys-claim-of-buying-friends-plus-who-is-her-ex-husband/

🛸 Humor On the Bridge…

Some fun from The Next Generation.

https://comicbook.com/startrek/news/star-trek-the-next-generation-tng-outtakes-intakes/#1

🐍 Brandi Strikes Again…

I wish she’d just crawl back under the rock from whence she came.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/07/30/more-text-messages-from-denise-richards-and-brandi-leak-showing-brandi-accusing-denise-of-making-her-out-to-be-a-cheater-and-a-liar-as-denise-accuses-rhobh-cast-mates-of-using-them-as-scapegoats/amp/

💃🏿 A Movement, Not a Moment…

This show is now on rotation on Bravo. I saw it the other night, and it’s excellent. Catch it if you can.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/empowering-race-in-america-a-movement-not-a-moment-bravo-special-details

A concurring PSA.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/black-lives-matter-psa-starring-real-housewives-bravo-stars

Ally Leah.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/08/leah-mcsweeney-wants-more-diversity-on-rhony-says-everyone-should-be-an-ally-to-blm/

🤦🏽 How Did It Happen…?

How does it get to be such an hour without my knowledge? At least we’re on the other side and moving toward the weekend, whatever that means to you. Until next time, stay safe, stay empathic, and stay being honest, but not brutal.

Aug6

August 5, 2020 – Ugh, Sonny Makes a Decision, Denise Tells Her Side, Double D, Something Stinks In the Hills, the Write Entertainment & Where’s My Jack

Posted on August 6, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

This stupid site suddenly made me do this a new way. Hopefully it’s readable. For whatever reason, some links came out as the titles of the articles, but they’re all clickable. I love when they fix something that ain’t broke.

General Hospital

Mike is up and around, and tells Sonny that he was never better. Sonny was right to get him the surgery. Now that he got some nutrition in him, he’s his old self. Sonny says that’s all he needed, and Mike says Sonny did this to him. Sonny asks what he means, and Mike says, for him. Mike fades away, and Sonny says, don’t go. Carly tells him that he was dreaming, and he says his dad was happy about the surgery. The feeding tube worked and he was his old self again.

On the phone, Alexis tells Sam that she’s fine. Sam is concerned about Alexis’s wrist, but Alexis insists it’s better. Sam wonders about the other thing, and Alexis doesn’t suppose Sam will tell her about the text. Sam says Jason asked her to meet him, and Alexis says they talked about this. What was so important?

Sam is at the MetroCourt, and sees Neil come in. She tells Alexis that she has to go. They’ll talk soon. She marches over to Neil’s table, and asks what the hell happened between him and her mom?

Michael tells Willow that he feels like he ran a marathon, and she says, putting Wiley down for a nap takes focus and endurance. He says, without her, he would have caved, and she says they make a good team. Michael hopes the judge sees it that way.

Nelle finds Valentin at one of the lounge tables at the MetroCourt. She says she got his text. Couldn’t he have picked a less public place? Now that he’s established he’s in control, where is it? He says it’s not on him, and she asks if he’s having second thoughts. He tells her that he and Lulu understand both parents need to co-exist. She should give that a shot with Michael. She tells him to give her what she needs, or she’ll blow him out of the water.

Willow says she’s not herself, and Michael asks if she didn’t sleep. She says she couldn’t turn her mind off, wondering when the judge was going to decide about Wiley, and if it would be in their favor. Michael says he kept checking on Wiley, hoping he was awake. She says she did too, and he’s surprised they didn’t run into each other in the nursery. Willow said on time when she went in, Wiley was standing up; he has the most beautiful smile in the world. Michael says he’s a little miracle every morning, and Willow says they can’t lose him. I just have to say it. What’s with Michael’s hair??? No, just no.

Nelle asks why Valentin cares if Michael gets Wiley; he doesn’t even like the guy. He says he likes her even less. She says she’s Wiley’s mother, and her son needs her. Valentin asks if she’s trying to convince him or herself. She tells him to think about what will happen if he doesn’t help her. She’ll go straight to Michael, Ned, or any of the Quartermaines for that matter, and tell them who their mysterious buyer is. She doesn’t know his motives, and it could be a passive investment, but she doesn’t think passive applies to him. He wants to stage a takeover. If she thinks so, how long before the Quartermaines close ranks against him? Either give her what she wants, or she’ll shut him down.

Sonny tells Carly, good news. Dr. Knox can insert the feeding tube in Mike today. Carly says she wants to go along, but Sonny tells her not to. There’s nothing left to talk about, and if it gives Mike more time with them, it’s all worth it.

Neil asks Sam what Alexis said, and she tells him, after what Alexis did to protect him, he ghosted her. He never even asked Alexis what happened. He says he’d assumed she’d tell him, and Sam says her mother was disbarred.

Diane tells Alexis, not that she’d stoop to schadenfreude, but Nina told the truth about Nelle. She said Julian married her because she had something on him, but she didn’t know what. Alexis asks if that’s when the hearing was over, and Diane says, except for Nelle having a hysterical outburst about Nina betraying her. It was deliciously satisfying. There hasn’t been a verdict yet, but Judge Lowe takes his time. Alexis talks about a case that she presented in front of him, and Diane says Alexis misses it; going head to head with opposing counsel. Where does she go from here? How does Alexis Davis get her mojo back? Alexis says she has no Plan B, C, or D. She’s always told the girls the world is their oyster. Diane says it didn’t help that she’d been previously suspended, and Alexis says Neil would want her to fight it, but she perjured herself on his behalf, and needs to take her lumps, pick up the pieces of her life, and move on. She says the talk Diane had with Sam was helpful, and thanks her. Diane says, now that Alexis’s family is back on track, how do things stand between her and Neil? Alexis says, there is no her and Neil.

Neil tells Sam that he’s sorry. He wishes he’d known. Sam says he could have called, but he says, it’s complicated. Alexis slipped, and had a drink after lying. Sam says, things happened afterward that had nothing to do with him. He’s using one drink to get out of it. He says he appreciates Sam defending Alexis, but this is between them. Sam asks how that’s possible when he won’t talk to her? They can see each other openly now, but he’s chosen to avoid Alexis. That’s on him. Sam walks out.

Sonny pushes Mike in a wheelchair, and says, it’s a small procedure. When it’s finished, he’ll feel better. Elizabeth comes by, and asks Mike how he is, but there’s no response. She asks Sonny how it’s going, and he says, Mike isn’t eating and can’t swallow. He’s getting a procedure to get nutrition in him. Elizabeth doesn’t look happy, but says she’ll find them later and see how Mike’s doing. Sonny says she’s Mike’s favorite, and she says he’s hers too. She tells Mike that she’ll be sending good thoughts his way, and see him soon. Dr. Knox introduces Sonny to Eugene, the anesthesiologist; he’s going to prep Mike while they talk. Eugene tells Mike that he’ll be taking care of him this morning, and if Mike needs anything, let him know. Sonny says he wants to see Mike before he goes to sleep. Dr. Knox says he has to tell Sonny about possible complications first. The chances are small, but they can happen, especially to those who are elderly and Alzheimer patients.

Nelle tells Valentin, give her what she wants, or she’ll tell the Quartermaines who’s buying up the share. His plan will go up in smoke, and he’ll lose a small fortune. He tells her, if she kidnaps Wiley, she’ll end up losing him forever. Michael has unlimited resources, and she doesn’t stand a chance. She asks where the documents are, and he tells her, behind the dumpster in the parking garage.

Carly calls Jason, and tells him, Sonny is moving forward with Mike’s procedure. They’re going to insert the feeding tube. He says he’s sorry. She says she knows Sonny thinks it will give Mike more time and improve the quality of his life, but she did research. It doesn’t prolong an Alzheimer’s patient’s life, and can cause their final weeks to be torture.

Valentin sees Sam at the bar, and says it’s good he ran into her. She asks, why? and he says he has a business proposal he’d like her to consider.

Sonny tells the doctor, other than Alzheimer’s, his father is in good health. He doesn’t think there’s a risk. Dr. Knox says, there’s always a risk, but if he wants to prolong Mike’s life, it’s the only option. Sonny says, let’s do it, and the doctor says he’ll let Sonny know when the anesthesiologist is ready. Sonny runs into Felix, who says he would have prepped Sonny’s dad, but he had no idea Mike was having a procedure. Sonny says he’s having a feeding tube inserted, and Felix says he hopes it goes well. He’d love to work with Mike, but he already has a patient – Yvonne Godfrey. Sonny is surprised she’s at GH, and Felix says she’s been there almost the whole time. She got a feeding tube a month ago, but got a severe infection afterward, and more complications followed, the latest being pneumonia. She’s on a ventilator. Sonny says he’s been so preoccupied with his father, he should have asked Marcus about her. Can he see her?

Alexis tells Diane, the last time she and Neil met, he was furious about her lying. She was furious with him too, and the conversation ended when she got an email from the bar association. Diane says, so he never followed up with a call or text? Alexis says, not so much as a tweet. She’s not chasing after a man who doesn’t appreciate what she did to try and save his career. Diane says, or she could be the adult and initiate a conversation. Alexis says she’s cutting her losses. Neil is a good therapist, but a lousy potential boyfriend. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Neil.

Willow asks if Michael doesn’t think it’s unfair to cut Nelle out of Wiley’s life completely. Maybe they could work out a compromise. Michael wishes they could. If Wiley never knows Nelle, he might idealize her as the mom who never says no. It’s for the best that Wiley sees her on a limited basis, and gets a sense of who she is. Wiley will learn firsthand that he can’t trust her. Willow says they could consider that when he’s older, but right now, Nelle is so mean and emotionally unstable, she’s worried Nelle will hurt him. She’s late for visitation, and has no consideration for Wiley’s schedule or what he needs. Michael says Willow doesn’t have to be there when Nelle comes over, but she says she has no intention of hiding. She could use some incentive though. Maybe they could do something with Wiley this afternoon. Michael says he knows the perfect place. Willow says, the park, and he says, Wiley loves the carousel.

Sam asks if Valentin needs a private investigator, and he says, no. He’s acquiring certain assets, and could be helped by her children’s trust funds. She asks what he means, and he says she controls their ELQ shares, and he assumes they inherited some shares from Drew. Sam says, that’s their legacy; the stocks aren’t for sale. He says he doesn’t want to buy them, just borrow them.

Jason goes to Sonny’s house, and Carly shows him her tablet. She points out the complications that can happen with a feeding tube, and says, statistics have proven that it doesn’t extend an Alzheimer’s patient’s life. He asks if Sonny doesn’t know, and she says, he doesn’t want to know.

Sonny looks through the window of Yvonne’s room, and sees she’s hooked up to all kinds of machines.

Willow suggests the Natural History Museum, but Michael asks if Wiley isn’t too young for that. She says, you’re never too young for dinosaurs. The doorbell rings, and Michael guesses it’s show time after all. Nelle says she’s there to visit her sweet little boy, in compliance with the court order. Michael says she’s over an hour late, and Wiley is down for his nap.

Alexis introduces Neil to Diane, and Diane says she’s heard a bit about him. He says he won’t ask if it was good, and she says, attorney/client privilege. She has to go to a client meeting, and Alexis tells her, good luck with Judge Lowe. Neil hands Alexis a DVD, and says he heard she was disbarred. He’s so sorry. She looks at the DVD, and says, Aida, and he tells her it’s the same production they saw. He ordered one for himself and one for her. She asks, when? and he says, a while ago. He would have dropped it off, but… She says, he decided he never wants to see her again?

Sam asks how Valentin wants to borrow the shares, and he says he wants the voting proxy. Her children will still own the shares, but he needs her to delegate the power to vote to him until they’re 18. At that point, it will revert back to them. Sam says she’s turning him down. Her children don’t need the money, and she doesn’t need the money. He tells her, who says he wants to give her money?

Sonny asks Felix why Yvonne is in restraints, and Felix says, she keeps trying to pull the feeding tube out. Sonny says she doesn’t seem to know what’s going on, and Felix says, her husband authorized it. He doesn’t believe it’s right for her to die when there are so many ways to prolong her life. Sonny thanks Felix for letting him see her.

Carly tells Jason, the website says Alzheimer’s and dementia patients require restraints so they’ll stop pulling the feeding tube out. If Mike was struggling, Sonny wouldn’t be able to bear it. Jason says, Sonny needs to hear that, but Carly says, he won’t. She asks him to come with her and help her. Maybe Sonny will listen to both of them together. Please.

Sonny sits with his head in his hands, and Elizabeth sits down near him. They look at each other. I want to cry.

Elizabeth asks if the procedure didn’t go well, and Sonny says he saw a patient like his father. She was started on a feeding tube, and they were using machine to keep her alive. That’s no way to live. His father wouldn’t want that, but how can he do nothing for him? Right up until the last few days, his father was still in there. Ava came to visit, they watched baseball; in those few moments, Mike was alive. If he does nothing for Mike, if he doesn’t do everything he can to make sure Mike is kept alive, he’ll feel like he failed Mike. He’ll feel like he failed himself. Elizabeth says his dad would never see it as failing. He’d be the first to defend whatever decision Sonny makes.

Alexis says she understands that Neil is angry with her; he made that clear. He says he was still in the process of losing his license, and not thinking clearly. Alexis says, now he is? He says he came to apologize. He’s angry at himself for taking advantage of her. She says, it takes two to tango, and she was willing to tango with him. They’re both guilty of being impulsive. Neil says he saw himself as the opposite; it was out of character. She asks if that’s his apology, and he asks if she accepts it. She says she won’t. She can’t.

Sam says if Valentin isn’t offering her money, he must have something he thinks she wants. He says he’s aware that the conditions of her parole state that she can’t associate with any known felons. The rule is at the discretion of the parole officer, and her parole officer enforced it to the limit. She can’t see her husband for a year and a half, or she’ll have her parole revoked and go back to prison. She asks how he knows all this, and he says, that’s not the question. He has a way to remove those draconian conditions, and allow her to associate with whoever she pleases.

Nelle says she going to let the judge know Michael won’t let her see her son. Michael tells her, he never said that, and Willow says Michael told her that she’d have to wait until after Wiley’s nap. His schedule takes precedence over hers. Nelle says she’s not going to endure hostility for hours, and Michael suggests they reschedule. He’ll tell the court she missed her time, and they’ll set a new date. She brings out a small stuffed bear, and tells him to give Wiley this – from his mom. Mr. Willikers will remind him of her, in case she’s not around. Michael says Wiley’s favorite toy is a stuffed kangaroo. Wiley won’t go anywhere without Mr. Hopsicle. She says how nice they know so much about her son. She picks up the kangaroo, and says, Mr. Hopsicle has a pouch; he should be Mrs. Hopsicle. Doesn’t Michael want to be politically correct? Willow asks if Nelle ever has anything nice to say, and Michael tells her not to engage. Nelle says she can only imagine how they paint her to Wiley as a wicked witch, but it’s not about her. It’s about Willow, and how she wants to be the perfect mother, even though she’s not a mother at all. At the end of the day, she’s his real mother, and that will never change. Never.

Sonny tells Elizabeth that he knows she and Jason talked about Mike, and she says, as a nurse, she has her own opinion, but it’s not her place to tell him what to do. He says she’s not just a nurse; she’s a trusted friend. He’s asking what she thinks. She says she thinks he needs to make the best decision he can for his dad; for his dignity and quality of life. It isn’t selfish. Not if he believes it’s a merciful decision. Sonny doesn’t know, and Elizabeth says, this is hard, but when she saw his dad just now, all she saw was the shell of a man. There’s no spark left inside. Mike can’t feed himself, he can’t enjoy food, he can’t even smile. He won’t go to another baseball game or enjoy his grandchildren or his son. What kind of life is that? Sonny says, Mike has moments. When Ava came, he loved Avery’s drawings. Sonny fed Mike manicotti, and put things in Mike’s ears, so he could listen to music. Elizabeth says, even with a feeding tube, Mike is going to die. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually, his heart is going to give out. He has to ask himself how much Mike is suffering. Sonny thinks he knows what his dad would want, but he’s feeling guilty if he’s not doing everything to keep Mike alive. But it’s not about him; it’s about Mike. Elizabeth says, years ago, Lucky told her something Mary Mae Ward said. Life presents opportunities for grace. She realized grace isn’t joy or triumph. It’s not something you get when you win. Grace comes when you’re forced to make difficult choices. Ones that often hurt us.

Alexis says, like Neil, she had a career she loved, and she’s having a hard time processing it like him. He wonders if they’ve lost the potential for a relationship for nothing, and she says she needs time. She’s not saying it’s forever. He says, just for now. He wonders if they can maybe see each other on common ground, just as friends, but she says she can’t. In the meantime, thanks for the DVD. He tells her, enjoy, and leaves.

Valentin tells Sam that he knows people who can get Delores off her case. All she has to do is give him the voting proxy, with one caveat; secrecy. If she tells anyone, the deal is off. She has the feeling he’s not telling her everything, but he says he has no ulterior motive; it’s just business. She asks why she should believe him, and he says, it’s mutually advantageous. They both get what they want. She thinks there’s a catch she hasn’t seen yet, and he tells her to think about it. The deal isn’t on the table indefinitely.

Carly and Jason get to the hospital, and Carly asks Sonny if Mike had the procedure. Sonny says, not yet, but before they say anything, he changed his mind. He wants the doctors to keep Mike comfortable, but no extreme measures; no feeding tube. He appreciates both of them giving him room. He didn’t make it easy on them, but he needed to figure it out for himself – with a little help from a friend. Carly says, Mike would thank him. Sonny says he’s going to talk to the doctors, and when he’s gone, Carly tells Elizabeth, whatever she said, thank you. Elizabeth says she’s going to miss Mike, and Jason says they all will. Me too. Carly says they have to figure out how to say goodbye, and Jason nods.

Outside, Nelle looks at a tracking device on her phone. She says she’ll always know where her beautiful Wiley is.

Michael asks Willow if they’re still on for the park, and she says, absolutely. A carousel ride is the perfect antidote for a visit from Nelle.

Nelle takes out two passports; one for her, and one for Wiley.

Willow says they can go to the play area, and Michael says he can’t wait for her to see what a champ Wiley is on the big slide. He’s totally fearless. She says, like his dad, and Michael says he’d like to think Wiley is learning by example. Willow says she’s not fearless, and he says, maybe not, but she’s brave enough to do the right thing, even if it scares her. No matter what Nelle says, she’ll always be Wiley’s real mother.

Carly and Jason look in on Sonny with Mike. Sonny sits next to Mike’s bed, and asks how it’s going. Mike says something I don’t hear, or maybe it’s nothing, and Sonny says he talked to the doctor. There’s not going to be a procedure. When Mike is ready to go sleep, it will be when he chooses to, not anybody else. His family loves him a great deal. Sonny loves him, and his love for Mike is going to last forever. So if he doesn’t want to stick around, he doesn’t have to. Mike breathes a sigh of relief, tearing up, and Sonny says when he’s ready to go, he can go. Mike nods, and one tear rolls down Sonny’s cheek.

Tomorrow, Dante says there’s a timebomb ticking in his head. Maxie says something momentous is going to happen, and Cyrus goes to the garage to talk to Brando.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Like Max from 2 Broke Girls said, I have no more capacity for hate in my head. Yet I watch this.

30 minutes after dinner. Kyle sits with Teddi, Erika, and Sutton. She says, it was the effing worst. Erika says, it was horrible, and Kyle wonders if it’s true. Erika says, either Brandi is one huge ass liar, or Denise is covering all her bases like crazy. Kyle says she feels tortured. Oh please. Sitting with Denise and Garcelle, Dorit says, it was like a bomb. Garcelle wonders what Denise is going to do, and Denise says, it’s effing slander. Garcelle asks why Brandi would make it up, and if she’s going to come up with any text messages. Denise asks, what would she have said? Great f*** last night; thank you? Sutton says Denise is fight or flight, and might not be there tomorrow.

It’s morning, and LisaR looks like sh*t. Good. Sutton drops off a pair of boots to Kyle. Kyle says the boots are making her happy. It’s just what the doctor ordered. She asks if Sutton has talked to Denise, and she says, not this morning. Brandi shouldn’t talk… Sutton says she has to finish her deliveries. In her interview, Sutton says she didn’t know if it was going to rain in Rome, so she had boots made for everyone. She brought them in a suitcase, knowing she can shop and fill it. We flash back to the night before, and Garcelle is telling Denise, this too shall pass. Denise says, that’s what her mom always said. Dorit says she’s sure Denise has things to say to certain people.

LisaR calls Denise, and asks how she is, like she cares. Denise says, just peachy. LisaR thinks they need to talk, and asks if she can come down. Denise says, yeah, and I wonder why she’s bothering. Kyle calls Dorit, and asks if they can meet up before they meet Sutton at Dolce. Dorit says, sure, and in her interview, she says, arguing with Kyle gets her nowhere. We flash back to Kyle cutting her off at dinner, and then go to Kyle trying to call Dorit last night, and saying, she’s not answering. Dorit says, maybe the silent treatment will make Kyle realize she treats her differently than the others. And she’d better apologize.

Denise tells LisaR that she doesn’t know where to start. LisaR says she doesn’t either. Denise says she was blindsided. LisaR knew, and she asks how LisaR could let her go through the whole day, and not say something. LisaR says she heard about it when Denise was flying in; there was no time. This is such bullsh*t, I can’t even. There was plenty of time. Denise says, if it was the other way around, wouldn’t LisaR want her to send a text or something? She’s always had LisaR’s back. In LisaR’s interview, she says, she doesn’t feel it was her responsibility. That was Teddi’s job, since she’s the one who heard about it. You get in trouble when you play telephone. Denise asks why LisaR was egging Teddi on with, you gotta say it, you gotta say it. LisaR says, because it’s out there. In her interview, LisaR says, if it wasn’t true, Denise would be calling Brandi and confronting her. Denise says she’s only seen Brandi a couple of times in her life. Brandi wanted Denise to do her podcast, but she was out of town. Brandi asked to come to Denise’s set for an interview. She thinks Brandi stayed overnight. LisaR asks if Denise has tried calling Brandi, and Denise says, no; she’s canceling Brandi. It’s not cool. She hasn’t cheated on her husband. LisaR asks why Denise thinks Brandi would say it, and Denise says, shock value? She thinks what got ~~sh*t stirrer~~ Teddi upset, was that Brandi claimed she’d said things about Teddi that she didn’t. We flash back to Teddi repeating that Denise said she was pathetic, and wanted to be in with the group because she was tired of living in her father’s shadow. Which I agree with, even if Denise doesn’t. Denise tells LisaR, whatever she’s had to say about Teddi, she’s said to her face. Brandi told her that the group talked behind her back. In LisaR’s interview, she says Denise told them she didn’t talk much to Brandi. It’s effing confusing. Denise says, she and Brandi don’t talk all time. It’s time to move on; she came there wanting to have fun. LisaR says she’s going to rally everyone; she rented a couple of Ferraris. She asks if Denise would be more comfortable shopping with Sutton, but Denise says, it’s been a lot. She needs a minute. Let me just say it. LISAR DISGUSTS ME. From her pumped up lips that can’t wait to talk trash, to her claiming to own it when she passes the buck constantly. I can’t stand her. She’s admitted she’ll say yes to anything and is a hustler. And what she’s always doing is hustling her way to more screen time. Why Denise even gives this lowlife the time of day, I have no idea.

Teddi calls Kyle, and says she’s doing stuff around there today. She wants to get in some fitness, and rest before tonight. She has jet lag, and she’s pregnant. Kyle meets Dorit, and they go to a café. Kyle says, this is what they should be doing; sitting outside with a glass of wine. Kyle says she knows Dorit is upset with her, and we flash back to last night, when Dorit said Kyle didn’t let her finish. Kyle says, it’s not her intention, but Dorit says Kyle cuts her off when she’s trying to make a point, and it makes her look bad. Kyle says, everybody in the group does that, but we flash back to just Kyle doing it over and over, and attacking Dorit. Kyle is like one of those people who says, we were all drunk, when they’re the only one who acted like a drunken fool. In Dorit’s interview, she says she feels that Kyle takes advantage of their friendship. Kyle knows Dorit will forgive her, so she throws digs and cuts Dorit off. It’s hurtful, and Kyle needs to recognize that. She says Kyle made it seem like she wasn’t sensitive. What she was saying got twisted, and it looked like she was going after Denise. In her interview, Dorit says, Kyle never defended her when she knew Teddi planned to humiliate her. We flash back to the reunion, where Teddi was reminded she said she didn’t want to be the only one do this to Dorit. In her interview, Dorit says she doesn’t know why Kyle treats her differently. Kyle thought she was making Denise look bad, but she was only thinking, oh my God, what Denise has to deal with. She gets tortured when she cares about someone. Dorit tells Kyle that when she feels hurt, sometimes she needs distance, and Kyle says she gets it. She apologizes, and in her Dorit’s interview, she says, in a group, Kyle is vicious, but one on one, she’s sweet. That’s because Kyle never left middle school, and she’s queen of the group now. Kyle says she cares about Dorit, and Dorit says sometimes the jokes on Kyle’s part go too far. In Kyle’s interview, she says she thinks Dorit over-reacted, but she’ll try to remember her points, and save them for later. She makes a face like being polite is so ridiculous. Kyle says she’s glad they talked. She doesn’t want it to grow. Dorit says she was with Denise and Garcelle until 2 am, and Kyle asks what Denise was saying. Dorit says Denise told them it’s not true, and maybe Brandi is doing it for attention. Is it possible she made it up? Kyle says she doesn’t think Brandi makes things up, and I choke on my coffee. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Brandi has already been in a lawsuit with Joanna Krupa. Yeah. I remember that. Google it, because I’m not repeating something that disgusting. Kyle doesn’t think Brandi would cause legal problems for herself again. She tells Dorit, regardless of what’s true, Denise has a lot to deal with.

Garcelle goes to Denise’s room, and asks if she’s okay. Denise says, not really. Garcelle asks if she’s coming out; they’re going driving. Denise says, this is a lot, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, when she was going through her divorce, and it was in the tabloids, she reached out to Denise, who told her to shut it down and move forward. It’s a sh*tty position to be in, but what options does she have? If she can deal with Charlie Sheen, she can deal with LisaR and Teddi. In Denise’s interview, she says she loves Garcelle. She’s a true, loyal friend, and she doesn’t get caught up in what other people are saying. Denise respects that. Outside, the Ferraris arrive, and we see they’re worth a measly $210K. The other women pretend nothing happened. A guide tells them they’re driving to a wine tasting, and Erika gets behind the wheel of one. In her interview, she says, it’s everything she lives for in life; Italian men, food, and cars. They get to tourist spot with a gorgeous view, and take selfies. Garcelle is the cutest when she smiles and shows her dimples.

Dorit suggests getting Fendi pouches for the girls for Christmas at the Dolce store. In Sutton’s interview, she says when she told Dolce that she was coming to Rome, he told her to come shopping and bring the girls. She didn’t ask; she doesn’t have to. We flash back to Sutton telling LisaR that she gets a tiara on her birthday from Dolce and Gabbana. Client representative Mario greets them, and you’d think Sutton was his long lost sister. He has a selection ready for Sutton. In Dorit’s interview, she says first she got a handbag, then rainboots, and now this experience. Is Sutton trying to buy their friendships? If so, it’s good to have friends in high places. They try on tiaras, and we flash back to Sutton’s collection.

The others go to the wine tasting. They’re led by restaurant owner Matteo to a space underground. He introduces them to sommelier Monica and says he’s leaving them in good hands. Monica brings fabulous appetizers to go with the wine. Once again I wonder why people who don’t appreciate it get these opportunities. While I like Garcelle, Denise, and Sutton, I’m so over the rest of them. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, it’s a slice of heaven. She says, in a group the women shop and party more, drink hard, and fight harder. In a smaller group, they’re more civilized. Can they just keep doing this? At the store, the other women have champagne. They expect a fashion show from Sutton, but she says she likes to try on things in private. Dorit asks if Kyle has ever gone in a store and not bought something, and Kyle says, never.

Monica tells the women, with each bottle, the wine is rising in alcoholicity. In Denise’s interview, she says she needs to know how to say tequila in Italian. Denise mentions her garlic allergy, and Erika says Tom has one too. She has to douse herself in Listerine when she eats it, and he still says he can smell it; it comes out of her pours. Truth. She says, he’s a drama queen and a pouter. In her interview, Erika says that she’s not the diva in the relationship. Tom is the biggest diva known to man. LisaR says, Harry never pouts. Erika asks if he ever raises his voice, and LisaR says, if he does, it’s time to run for the hills. Denise says her dad was like that. Garcelle says some of the women like to shout, and she got a quick initiation last night. How can they be like this the next day? Denise says, in her family, they talk it out, apologize, let it roll of their backs, and move on. She thinks some women in the group want that chaos around them. Garcelle says, this is delish, but I don’t know if she means the wine or the topic. Denise says, sometimes, it’s hard to talk about some things. You’re halfway through a sentence, when someone else is coming at you. How are you supposed to know what’s going on, who’s upset, or how to resolve it? Erika says that’s why you have to just tell your truth. The way she sees it, they’re all grown-ups, and can defend themselves. Really? I think it’s difficult when the others act like bullying children, and gang up on someone, ambushing them. Denise says she heard Erika was upset with Aaron, and Erika says she didn’t like the way Aaron talked to them. We flash back to the party where Erika provoked Aaron. Denise says she didn’t know what he’d said, and Erika says, it’s hard when husbands get involved; it adds another layer. Denise agrees, and Erika says they’ve had that before, referring to PK. She says, men communicate differently, and maybe Aaron has a different perspective. He was protecting his wife, and she respects and understands that, but there’s a time, place, and tone for everything. I would agree, if she hadn’t been the one to start the conversation. Was he just supposed to listen to her and say nothing? Denise apologizes on his behalf, saying she wasn’t there, but she knows Aaron wouldn’t want to be hurtful or condescending. He’ll have to apologize directly, but she’d love to just move past it if they can. In Erika’s interview, she says if she can move past PK, she can move past this. Erika says she doesn’t look at Denise based on Aaron. In Denise’s interview, she says, with the twenty issues they have, she feels like she put one to bed. LisaR says she’s glad they talked. Garcelle says he has a confession to make… She’s tipsy. Erika says, bitch, so am I. She’s lit.

Kyle wonders what tonight will be like, and Sutton says, if it’s not fun, she’s going to be mad. Life is too short to keep fighting. In Kyle’s interview, she says she just knows it’s not going to be a relaxing, peaceful dinner. While getting ready, Dorit says she’s channeling her fun 90s look. They meet at a restaurant, and Garcelle is shocked that Denise is wearing a dress. Everyone waits for Dorit. Someone has been putting lipstick on her for an hour, and she asks if everyone is downstairs. The producer says, yes, but that doesn’t get her to move any faster. Garcelle says, it better be worth it, but when Dorit gets there, Kyle doesn’t know if it was worth it. We flash back to Kyle being pissed about Dorit getting glam for ~~Yeti’s~~ Teddi’s retreat. In her interview, Kyle says if she finds out Dorit was taking up time doing a photo shoot, she’s going to lose her sh*t. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s feeling uncomfortable. The truth is, she called the airline, but couldn’t get a flight out. Hopefully, the women had a great day, and they can put last night aside. At the end of the day, she likes and respects them… most of them.

They go to private table downstairs. In LisaR’s interview, she says seeing Denise and Erika be honest and move on, makes her hope the whole group can do the same. It’s progress. She asks everyone how their day was, saying they should start with being nice and surface. Kyle says they went to Dolce and Gabbana. A waitress takes their drink orders, and Sutton tells the group she’s gained a few, and her clothes are tight. We see a clip of her refusing to come out while trying on clothes, and someone telling her not to cry. Sutton says she likes to see her outfits for herself, and likes to shop alone. LisaR says her mom used to not buy something until her dad okayed it; she wanted him to see it on her first. Dorit says it was because she wanted to though, not because it was imposed on her. Kyle asks what Lois thinks about LisaR’s dancing half-naked on Instagram, and LisaR says she does stuff on Instagram because Lois watches it. She’s always aware that Lois sees everything. She thinks it’s great for Lois. In Garcelle’s interview, she says dancing nearly naked is great, but it’s wouldn’t be a choice for her if her daughter had a body issue. LisaR says Lois got 500K likes on social media. They talk about the Ferraris, and Erika says they had a wine tasting. She explained to Denise how she felt about Aaron, and Denise apologized on his behalf, even though she didn’t have to. It was open and honest. Denise says Aaron has respect for them, and cares about them. In Teddi’s interview, she says, if Aaron felt that way, he had other options. Denise is full of sh*t. Denise says Aaron has no negative intentions toward any of them, and she was surprised. Kyle says, it’s better to talk about it and move on, like this bunch has ever moved on from anything. Denise says, next time, Aaron can apologize himself. He was surprised it was perceived as anything but diffusing the situation. In Denise’s interview, she says after what the women did to her in Rome, she doesn’t think an apology is coming. Aaron will say, f*** them. Kyle says, there’s nothing that can’t be talked through. She was anxious and crying last night, and Denise shouldn’t feel nervous. Denise says she’s not. She’s felt unwelcomed at times, but how can you not feel that way when you’re the one in the hotseat?. Dorit says they’re not attacking her. I don’t know what she calls it then, when everyone comes at you at once. Group telling-your-truth?

Dorit says it wasn’t an attack on Denise, but Denise says, there has to be a line. Garcelle wonders how they move beyond this. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Denise had so many things coming at her, she didn’t defend herself the right way. She needs to say how she feels about what was said, say she didn’t do it, they’re crazy, and move on. Teddi says she doesn’t know Brandi well, but she doesn’t know Denise well either, so she doesn’t know what to believe. Denise says she met Brandi when she got a call from a mutual branding agent who represented Brandi. He asked if the three of them could meet. We flash back to last season when she and Brandi had drinks, and they talked about when they met. Hmm… That’s interesting, since that means Brandi wanted to meet Denise. Denise says, Brandi kept asking her to do the podcast, Brandi flew up, then flew back to L.A. After that was when they’d spoken, and Brandi knew everything that was going on in the group. Kyle asks when this was; recently? Denise says it was before Kyle’s party. In ~~pathetic~~ Teddi’s interview, she says Denise claimed she hadn’t talked to Brandi before the party, and now she’s saying someone else is feeding Brandi information. Denise says Brandi knew about Santa Barbara; someone is sharing things with her. She knew about the little tiffs, and knew stuff Denise didn’t know. She shared personal stuff from people who were involved with the group that Denise won’t repeat. Erika says after what was said about Denise, she should share it, but Denise says Brandi might be lying, and she won’t do it. Brandi’s also said she’s had sex with every single woman who she’s come in contact with, including people in this group. Dorit laughs, but Denise says she’s not joking. Kyle asks if Denise is saying Brandi claimed to have had sex with someone sitting at the table, and Denise says, yes. Kyle says that would be either her or LisaR, and in her interview, she wonders why Denise didn’t say something last night. She doesn’t believe it. Well, maybe she was either so stunned, she couldn’t say much, or she didn’t want to stoop to Brandi’s level. LisaR says she never heard that, and Kyle says she’s struggling. Denise says Brandi said the same thing about her. In LisaR’s interview, she says, if Denise is trying to deflect, it’s not working. She tells Denise, she doesn’t think so. Don’t even put it out there.

💪🏽 Lulu’s Men…

One is glad to be back.

Dominic Zamprgona Declares It’s “So Great to Be Back” on GENERAL HOSPITAL

And the other is ready for him.

Mark Lawson Says Dustin Is Ready for Dante’s Return to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🧩Something’s Not Right…

I don’t know what it is exactly, but something isn’t quite right with the Brandi timeline.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/brandi-glanville-denise-richards-friendship-timeline-real-housewives

🎭 Read All About It…

I’ll be writing an article a week for the Mupo Entertainment site, giving my take on what entertains me – or not.

https://mupoentertainment.com/theresa-krakauskas/

🌬 I Hate You, Weather…

It’s late, or early depending on what side of it you’re on. While I’m thrilled the Isaias didn’t knock out the power completely, it’s still cutting in and out. So I’m cutting out. Hopefully, this will be over with soon, and I can be on the Internet without wondering if I’m suddenly going to be shut down. But for now, stay safe, stay tough , and stay speaking the truth, not just your version of it.

Aug5

August 4, 2020 – Valentin Makes a Deal, Filling In, a Bella Of a House, Big Brother Is Here, New Cuckoo & Hurricane

Posted on August 5, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sam bangs on Alexis’s door. Alexis lets her in, and asks, what happened? Sam says Alexis doesn’t want to know, but she’s telling her anyway. Alexis suggests Sam make some tea.

Martin asks Valentin what he’s going to do if Brook goes to her father. Valentin says, fist of all, even if she does, it’s not the end of the world. Martin asks if there’s a second of all, and Valentin says he doesn’t think she will.

Brook tells Ned that she received some interesting career advice she wants to talk to him about. Olivia suggests Ned discuss Brook’s career. And while he’s at it, why not open up and ELQ spread sheet? She walks out, and Brook says, yikes. What’s up with her?

At the hospital, Cyrus suggests Monica adjust her thinking. Anyone who underestimates him has come to regret it. Some more than others. Jordan asks if everything is all right, and Monica says Cyrus thinks the GH board is underestimating him, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Cyrus assures her that he has no sinister intent. He wants to contribute to the community. Monica says he’s not part of the community, and he says, yet here he is. He lives in Port Charles, and wants to help the hospital thrive. She says they’ve been thriving on their own for decades. They don’t want him there.

Carly comes into the kitchen – the one displaying the infamous bowl of moss – and sees Sonny and Jason. She says she’s glad they’re both there, and asks Sonny, what happened with Mike? Sonny says, it’s not good.

Nelle asks Nina, how could you? You betrayed me, you bitch. She sided with Carly when Nelle thought Nina cared about her. Nina says Nelle shouldn’t have asked her testify if Nelle didn’t want her to tell the truth.

Sam says, tea isn’t going to help, but slapping Julian again will. Alexis says, she slapped him again? and Sam says, after court, she slapped the spit out of him. Alexis says Sam is on parole; she can’t be slapping people. She tells Sam to make it chamomile. She needs to calm down.

Nelle says when she asked Nina to help her keep her son, Nina said she would, but she helped Carly to take her son away from her. Nina says Carly wasn’t taking Nelle’s son away. His father Michael is fighting for full custody. Nelle says she’s not that stupid. Michael is Carly’s puppet, and Carly wants to destroy her. She’s the only one who sees who Carly is, and Carly can’t stand it.

Ned tells Brook that Olivia is feeling neglected, and she’s not wrong. Brook says Ned is the best husband ever, but he says, not lately. He got caught up with ELQ, and salvaging the Mertin Tech deal. Brook says, sorry, and he says, it’s his fault. He tried to shoehorn her into ELQ, when she’s not the corporate type. Does she want to know a secret? Some days he wishes he could hand someone the company, and get out of there. He’d be gone in a second.

Valentin tells Martin that Brook is a bright girl. He’s going to take a valuable company, and make it very valuable. Who wouldn’t like that? Martin says, maybe people who want it to remain in family hands. Valentin says, with all the infighting? Who will be the CEO? Ned, the seasoned vet, or Michael, the prodigy? He’s going to take the choice away from them. Martin says he has the portrait of altruism in front of him, and Valentin says they’ll be grateful when the stock goes up 300%. Martin is sure Valentin will be getting fruit baskets right and left, but make sure they’re not laced with arsenic. Valentin says Martin will see.

Sonny tells Carly, his father can’t focus or communicate. He’s trying to figure out what Mike wants, and what’s best for him. Carly wishes she had an answer; some way to make it easier. One thing she knows for sure is, whatever Sonny decides will be okay with Mike. What Mike wants more than anything is for Sonny to be okay. There’s no doubt in her mind about that. Sonny says he needs to think, and leaves. Carly tells Jason, she wishes she could help, but Jason says she can’t.

Monica says no one wants to do business with a drug trafficker and murderer, and Cyrus says he was exonerated, thanks to their Police Commissioner. She exposed how her colleagues had framed him. Jordan says she followed the letter of the law, and Cyrus says he wants to pay it forward. His partnership with the hospital will put them in good standing financially and with the community. As a board member, he’d appreciate her support. Monica says, when hell freezes over, and he says, that may come sooner than she thinks.

Ned tells Brook, he envies Michael sometimes. He may be younger, but he seems to have learned lessons Ned is still struggling with; getting his priorities in order. It’s one thing running a company when your younger, without children, and devote your time and energy to it. Brook says, that’s not the case for Michael anymore; he has a child. Ned says, it’s not the case for him either.

Valentin tells Martin that he has Brook’s shares, and Nelle’s, and he has the shares from Skye Chandler Quartermaine. Martin wonders why the name Chandler rings a bell, and Valentin says, the family is from Pine Valley. Martin shrugs, and I react like this is the funniest thing I ever heard. I don’t know if these episodes are particularly good, or I just missed seeing new ones. Valentin says if he gets the shares from Skye’s daughter, he’ll own a lot, but Martin says, a lot won’t do him any good. Michael has the largest block; his shares, AJ’s and Jason’s. Martin says, there’s a whole section they’ve neglected, who’s controlling the children’s shares, but they don’t need to look too far. Sam is who he wants to look at next. Martin asks if he’s lost his mind.

Nelle tells Nina, Carly ignored her for years, until Carly finally needed something. It was only then Carly reached out to Nelle’s dad to get Josslyn a kidney. Nina says, that’s not what happened. Jax reached out. Carly didn’t do anything, and Nina knows Nelle knows that. If Nelle is going to build her life on a big grudge, Nina suggests she get her facts straight.

Sam beings out the tea, and asks what happened to Alexis’s wrist? Alexis says, it just needs ice. Last summer, she tripped and fell, and jammed her wrist. It’s painful for a few days, and then it passes. Since Sam made tea, she suggests Sam drink some, and tell her what happened in court, rationally and calmly. Sam says she listened to Julian shore up Nelle’s case to take Wiley from Michael, and it got bad. Alexis gets how maddening Julian can be, but no more slapping. Sam says she made a mistake, but Alexis should have heard the garbage about him losing a child he thought was his grandson. Alexis says, the last time Julian sounded that insane, was when his sister Liv was blackmailing him. Sam asks if she thinks Nelle is doing the same thing, and Alexis says, why else would Julian marry her? She clearly has some leverage.

Carly tells Jason that she thinks Sonny would like to let Mike go, but he doesn’t have the comfort of a signed document so there’s no doubt whatsoever. In Sonny’s mind, the difference is between honoring Mike’s wishes and killing his own father. When it gets to that point, how do you let someone go, unless there’s a paper that says exactly what they want? She should have seen it coming, and insisted they sit down and handle it; not just for Mike, but for themselves. They need it in writing, and Jason does too. Jason says he already has it. When they were visiting Mike, and he saw what Sonny was going through, that made it real. He needs to be clear about what he wants, and who he wants to decide.

Ned says he never told Brook, but the real reason he and her mom divorced was because of his sense of duty to ELQ and the Quartermaines. He wasn’t always there for Brook growing up. Even after she came back, he could have been more supportive of her and her career, but he agreed to do this, and owes it to ELQ and the family to do his best. Brook says, sacrifices are necessary sometimes, and Ned says, it’s not that ELQ is more important than her, Olivia, or Leo – never – but at this moment in time, this company requires the most attention. She asks if it would be nice if someone swooped in and took everything over, and he says, it would. Unfortunately, that’s not going happen.

Sonny looks at Donna in her crib, and tells her that he needs her help. He has a terrible decision to make. One he promises she’ll never have to make for him.

Jason tells Carly, he’s not married to Sam, and needs somebody to make decisions for him, if comes to that. And he needs that somebody to be her. He talked to Diane, and he’d like to give Carly power of attorney over his estate, his medical decisions, everything. She knows his wishes, and if there was ever a question of leaving him breathing with tubes in him, or turning the machine off… Carly says, he’d want it turned off, and he says, yes. She says she wants to say yes, and will, but it should be Sam.

Sam tells Alexis, if Julian is being blackmailed, then his rehabilitation and new life are a lie. Alexis says, the only way for Julian to be threatened would be to expose something he didn’t want made public. Sam says, Julian will always save his own skin, but they’re talking about putting a child at risk this time. Can she imagine Julian marrying Nelle? Alexis can’t imagine Julian being involved in anything Nelle would do. She’s sorry Sam had to listen. Sam thanks Alexis for letting rant. She knows Alexis’s feelings are complicated for Julian, among others. Alexis says, better to vent to her than face an assault charge. Sam says, nice deflecting, and Alexis asks if she was. Sam says maybe she was too subtle. By others, she was talking about Neil. What does Neil think about Alexis being disbarred? Alexis says she doesn’t know.

Nina says Nelle forgot that Nina was in town when she came there. She saw how Carly opened her life and her home to Nelle. Carly bent over backwards in gratitude, and would have done anything for Nelle, but Nelle was the one who sabotaged the relationship with all her insane crap. She lied, she drugged Sonny; Carly had no recourse except to come at her to protect her family. It was all Nelle. Nelle asks, who is Nina to lecture her? Nina has never had to work for anything in her entire life. She’s just a spoiled rich girl.

Olivia tells Ned that she’s sorry, but he tells her, don’t apologize. He completely understands. She says, does he? She’s trying to maintain, and be upbeat, and soldier on, but she’s in a lot of pain, and he’s missing every cue. He says he’s sorry, and she says she’s been grieving Dante, and feels like she’s alone. She can’t go to Rocco or Lulu, and Sonny has a lot on his plate already. She needs Ned to hold her, let be rational, and vent, but he’s not there because of some company. He reaches for her, but she shakes him off. She says, it’s not like ELQ is in any real danger; no one’s life is at stake. If the company was sold tomorrow, his whole family would be richer than Midas, and live off a trust fund until his grandchildren’s grandchildren were old and grey. Ned says, it’s about priorities, and Olivia says she needs him to make her one. He says she is, and she tells him, show her. The doorbell rings, and it’s Laura. She asks if it’s a bad time, and Ned starts to say they’re in the middle of something, but Olivia says, it’s fine. Come in. Laura says she needs ELQ’s support to keep the hospital from falling into the wrong hands.

Nelle says, since birth, everything has been handed to Nina on a silver platter. Nina says, that’s rich, and Nelle says, is it? When she went crazy, she was forced to go to prison, and plead guilty. Nina went to a cushy mental institution, no more than a glorified day spa. She drugged Ava, induced Ava’s labor, and stole her child, and what was the consequence? Nothing. She was rewarded with Crimson. Nina says, rewriting history is Nelle’s thing, and Nelle asks what the difference between them is. Is Nina better than her, or special? No. It’s because she’s an heiress.

Sonny tells Donna, he wants nothing more than to let go of her grandpa. It’s agony to watch him like this; sick, scared, and lost. Sonny just wants it to be over, but he can’t be selfish. She should have seen her grandfather with Avery. They were so happy; smiling and having a beautiful visit. If his dad wants to spend one more moment with her and Avery and him, one more chance to experience joy, who is he to say Mike shouldn’t do that? How can he do that to his father? Sonny’s phone rings. It’s Turning Woods.

Jason tells Carly, he’s not afraid to die, but afraid to be stuck in that in-between place; alive, but really not alive. Carly asks if he’d rather she shoot him, and he says he knows she would, if came to that, but with Sam, it’s different. They love each other, but if Sam could choose to let him die, he doesn’t think she could. Carly asks what makes him think she could? She’s selfish, and needs him in her life. Doesn’t he think she’d hold onto hope, long after hope was gone? Does he think she’d say, that’s what he wants, and goodbye? He thinks she would, and she asks, why? He says, because he trusts her, and she knows what he wants, and understands why he wants it. He knows it’s a lot to ask, but he has nobody else. She says, of course (🍷) she will. She’d do anything for him, but don’t ever put her in that position. He says he’ll do his best.

Sam says Alexis was disbarred for protecting Neil. How can she not talk to him? Alexis says she was disbarred because she chose to lie under oath. It’s not Neil’s problem or responsibility. Sam says, he’ll find out eventually. Doesn’t Alexis think they should face this together? Alexis says they’re not together anymore, and when they were, the last time was uncomfortable and awkward. She doesn’t want to do that anymore. Sam says, it makes no sense. Alexis isn’t a lawyer anymore, and Neil’s not a shrink; they can finally see each other. Why is she making excuses to avoid him? Alexis asks why Sam doesn’t try harder to be with Jason, and Sam says Alexis doesn’t want her to be with Jason. Alexis says, that’s not her point. Sam confronts current circumstances, and that’s what she needs to do. Sam says she has the world’s harshest parole officer. If she goes near Jason, she’ll be sent to prison. Alexis doesn’t have anything keeping her from being with Neil except her pride. She thinks Alexis is embarrassed about her disbarment, and doesn’t want to talk to him about it. Sam’s phone dings, and it’s a text from Jason, asking her to meet him in the GH conference room on the 2^nd floor. Sam says she loves Alexis, but wishes Alexis would get out of her own way sometimes. Alexis says, right back at her.

Martin asks why Valentin thinks Sam would want to sell her shares to him, and Valentin says he doesn’t need the shares; just the voting proxy. Martin says, for the sake of argument, Drew is dead and Sam is free to do what she wants, Danny’s father is Jason, who’s very much alive. He’s heard Jason is the least cooperative person in Port Charles. Valentin says, Jason is disinterested, and Martin says, not when comes to Michael. He’ll do what Michael wants, and it’s safe to assume Michael won’t want Valentin to get his hands on the company. Valentin says Jason cares about Michael, not the shares, but Sam is different. He thinks he can get her to hand over her proxy for the right incentive. Martin says Valentin has him hooked; what incentive could that possibly be? Brook approaches their table, and Valentin introduces her to Martin. She says Martin was with Nelle that night Nelle crashed their shareholders meeting. It couldn’t be a coincidence that Nelle and Valentin have the same lawyer. Martin says he has an extensive client list, but Brook says, Michael told her Nelle sold her shares. It has to be to Valentin. Valentin has her shares, and Nelle’s. Martin says he’ll be at the bar, enjoying a veritable torrent various libations. He leaves, and Valentin asks if Brook thought about his offer. She says she did her research. She knows what Cassadine Industries was worth when Valentin inherited it, and what it was worth when Nikolas took it back. There was a huge value increase. Is he saying he can do that for ELQ?

Jordan sees Cyrus, and says she thought he left. He says, it’s better to let Monica think she won this round. It makes for a better rematch down the road. She says, Monica is right. He’s underestimating the board and the mayor. Monica and Laura are local legends with clout. Without them, it will be a lot harder to make a legit play for the hospital. He says, good thing he has a secret weapon.

Sam asks Jason, what’s going on? He’d said they couldn’t see each other, and now he wants to meet. He says, sorry; he’ll be quick. He wanted to give her a heads up. Something has been on his mind because of what’s happening with Mike. She asks if Mike is all right, but Jason says, no; he’s deteriorating fast. Sonny is going through hell deciding whether to keep Mike alive or let him go. Jason can’t leave that open to question. If something happens to him, he wants his wishes known. He talked to Diane, and give power of attorney to Carly.

Ned says, Cyrus is meeting with hospital board members? and Olivia says she’s read about him. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They can’t let him get control. Laura says she knew she could rely on the Quartermaines. Ned says he’ll help, but there’s protocol, and he has to get approval from the family’s stakeholders. Laura asks if he can make happen, and he says, it will take a few days, but he can start right away. She thanks them, and says she’s grateful for their support. She tells them that she’ll leave them to their evening, and to keep her updated. She leaves, and Olivia says, it’s not going to be easy. Any news on who the mysterious interloper is who’s buying shares? Ned says, no, but calling for a vote will force them to surface. It’s high time they learned who they’re dealing with.

Valentin tells Brook, the circumstances are a little different. ELQ is in pretty good shape, while Cassadine Industries was on the brink of insolvency. It’s like rebuilding a bus engine, as opposed to taking one that works and super charging it. Brook says, like fixing something compared to making it better, and Valentin says he’ll make her family fabulously wealthy, and give her music career a boost. It’s a win-win. She says, all she has to do is keep her mouth shut? and he says, right. She can’t tell anyone he has the shares; not her father, her stepmother, or her best friend. She says, what about Uncle Sonny? and he says, that’s a deal breaker. He has no doubt Sonny cares about her, but he can’t do anything to help her music career, or ELQ. She says Sonny used to own shares, until the company reorganized after her great-grandfather’s death. She’s sure they don’t want Sonny anywhere near it. Valentin says, it’s a simple bargain. Stay quiet, and everyone gets what they want, especially her. She says he has a deal.

Nelle says Nina could have made a difference. Nina could have helped her and Wiley, but she chose to stab Nelle in the back. It’s no surprise. It’s what everyone does, and she chose to let herself believe in Nina. Nina says, if every single person stabs Nelle in the back, maybe every single person isn’t the problem. Maybe the problem is Nelle.

Alexis is about to call Neil but puts down the phone.

On the phone, Laura says she spoke to Ned. He’s getting the stockholders together to gather resources to give GH, so Cyrus isn’t a problem. Jordan says, good to know. Jordan tells Cyrus that Laura isn’t going to buy her backing him; she’s too smart. He says Jordan needs to be smarter. He wants the hospital, and she’s going to help him get it.

Sam asks why Jason chose Carly when she’s Danny’s mom? He says because she’s Danny’s mom. He doesn’t want her going through what Sonny is. He doesn’t want Danny holding her responsible, or her even having to explain it to Danny. He’s hoping it’s not necessary, but if it is, he just wants to let her know it’s taken care of. Sam asks if he wants her to thank him. She says she doesn’t think she can, and walks out.

Martin says, so Valentin wants to revisit Sam? Valentin says Sam was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. She’s on parole, and one of the conditions is that she’s not allowed to associate with a known felon, ex or otherwise. Martin says, Jason pleaded nolo contendere on one count of racketing in 2010. His sentence was commuted, but the conviction remains on his record. Valentin says, Sam’s not supposed to associate with her ex, who’s the father of her child. Love makes people do strange things. Martin says he believes the word is crazy. Valentin says, believe what he wants. Just make sure to find out everything about Sam’s parole officer.

Nelle says she thought Nina believed in her, and she trusted Nina to be on her side, but she lied like everyone else. Nina says, no; Nelle lied. That’s her M.O. Lie and lie and lie, and manipulate, and take advantage of people, until either they’re dead or pull back for sheer self-preservation. If Nelle is disappointed again, its time she sees that the person screwing up is her. Nina wishes could say Nelle’s life could change if she changes, but she’s starting to realize it’s not possible, because it’s not who Nelle is. Nelle guesses that’s it. She thought Nina was different. She thought Nina was the one person who cared about her. Nina shakes her head, and Nelle says, that’s okay. She’s used to being let down. She leaves.

Carly asks Sonny if he’s okay, and he says, Turning Woods called, and apparently his dad hasn’t eaten in 24 hours. They need an answer about the feeding tube. If he agrees, at least his dad will get proper nutrition. If Mike didn’t want him to use heroic measures, it would have come up the last time they talked about end stages of life, and it didn’t come up. His dad wants to live. The doctors say they can do this. It’s just standard practice with this type of situation, so he’s going to let the doctors do it. Carly tells him, like she said before, whatever is right for Sonny is exactly what Mike wants. Mike just wants Sonny to be as okay as he can be. Sonny says he’s not okay with any of it.

Next time, Nelle tells Valentin to give her what she needs or she’ll blow him out of the water, Diane wonders if this is how Alexis gets her mojo back, and the doctor tells Sonny that the anesthesiologist is ready to put Mike under.

👢 Stepping In For Sam…

Kelly Monaco had to take a break, and Lindsay Hartley got one. She’ll be temporarily playing Sam in the meantime.

https://www.today.com/popculture/general-hospital-star-kelly-monaco-will-be-temporarily-replaced-lindsay-t188368

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

After flying to Scottsdale, Arizona, Tracy headed to Paradise Valley, which she said was like the Beverly Hills of the state. The market there was strong, but affordable. She met with Char, owner of Bella Paradiso, probably one of the largest – if not the largest – house I’ve ever seen on the MDL shows. At 20,000 square feet, it was like a museum. The house had phenomenal views of the Camelback Mountains, and Char explained building the house had been a three year process. A general contractor by trade, Char had the side of a mountain carved out, engineered for a walk-out lower level. The house was patterned after French architecture, and had a butler’s pantry, and a game room with a full bar (there were three bars in all). The kitchen was massive, and exhibited hand-painted tiles, created by the same artist who did Versace’s swimming pool in Miami. There was a his-and-her master bath, that included a washer/dryer and a wet bar. When Char told Tracy that she liked to wash her own linens separately, Tracy was sure they were soulmates. Well, I must be too, since I do the same thing. Just not in a washer/dryer in my master bath. There was also the biggest shower I’ve ever seen outside of a gym, and (no surprise) a walk-in boutique style closet the size of my house. When Tracy saw Char featured her shoes, Tracy had a moment. She loves a shoe display, and said the closet was quintessential feminine perfection. As they talked about the closet, what sounded like porn music played in the background. There were 12.5 baths, and I have no idea how many bedrooms. Probably fifty. The most impressive feature of the house was a toss-up between a custom made table, flown in from Italy for $100K, and the ballroom with columns that lit up and a catering area. The bottom of the table allowed you to see through to the floor below, an idea Char had gotten from the Louvre. Char told Tracy that she let small charities use the ballroom free for fundraisers, and the house had a good, generous heart. Bella sat on 1.21 acres, and was a private compound. Tracy said, in Malibu, the same kind of house would go for $60 to $70 million, and asked why Char was selling, especially since she’d only been there five years. Char said it was the 22^nd home she’d built, and she was ready to do it again. She loved the process. She and her husband owned another home down the street, and she was ready to move in. I wondered how very rich these people must be, and wondered if they wanted to adopt an older child. The house had been listed before at almost $23 million, and stayed on the market for some time. Char said agents wanted negotiating room, so they listed it at a big number. She felt it had been a mistake to agree, and wanted a fresh start. Tracy said agents used to do that, but those days were over, and they needed to be super aggressive with the price. Char said she’d had the house appraised, and it was in the $17 million range. She didn’t want to play games, just get it sold, and they decided on $14 million. Tracy said she’d find someone locally to do showings, and they’d throw an incredible event for the relaunch.

JoshA had one day to get offers for the Oriole house, where the sellers were willing to take a lowball offer of $7 million under the asking price of $21.995 million, and Josh would get zero commission. He called potential buyers, and told them that they had to see it today, or no deal. The house had 6 bedrooms, a large entertainer kitchen (which Josh said was his favorite kitchen ever), a butler’s kitchen, pocket doors, unobstructed views, and an infinity pool that I’d give my right arm to swim in if I didn’t need it. The master bedroom was 2000 square feet, and had a dual master bath. There was a climate-controlled wine cellar, a private movie theater with a $4K projector, a gym, and a spa area. Josh was still in shock that the seller entertained the low offer, but they were fed up with the continuous construction in the area, and wanted to move on. Josh showed the house to quite a few potential buyers, who were also concerned about the construction. Josh said that for the next two years, it would be hectic, but it was trophy construction, and the dirt alone was worth $32 million. Josh said everyone loved the house, but no one indicated an offer. Besides the construction being an issue, the timeframe of 24 hours to make a decision was intimidating.

Back in Los Angeles, Tracy met with their team to give them an update on Bella. She said she couldn’t be there for every showing, so she was co-listing with Chris Harris, a local broker who was sophisticated and smart. He’d agreed with her $14 million asking price, but with a caveat. He wanted certain lucky numbers included, and the price was changed to $13,998,648. Tracy was going back to Arizona to throw an event, and Chris was getting the vendors and catering in the meantime. In her interview, Tracy said she thought it would be difficult to find a buyer who’d want that size of a house with a ballroom.

David and James were still trying to sell the Margherita house, which they thought was the perfect family home. They’d had a brokers open, highlighting the double lot, but weren’t getting much action. Getting other buyers in was imperative to get it sold as soon as possible, so they began to do private showings. While I thought the house was charming, a lot of the buyers and agents thought it was dated and needed work. Buyers were more concerned with getting a new house in line with the comps in the area.

Rick from Oriole came to the Altman Brothers building, where Josh pointed out his statue made out of Legos in the lobby. Josh said he’d gotten a $15.5 million, 30 day closing, all cash offer from a good buyer. Rick said it wasn’t much more, but Josh said it was still $500K more than the original offer. Rick told Josh that the realtor’s client hadn’t been on the exclusion list, so Josh would get a commission. Either way it was a win. Josh played both sides, and ended up with the first buyer offering $16.5, all cash (where do these people get this money?), and a 14 day closing. Rick said Josh had a deal, and Josh said it was the first deal in his new office. Only one million more deals to go.

Tracy did a relaunch event at Bella, inviting local brokers, and the top brokers from the coast of California, those she had no doubt would have serious interest. She’d gotten the top restaurant in Paradise Valley to do the catering, and impressed upon the bartender that there would be no plastic. She wanted an exquisite event, and it was. With over 200 people attending, Tracy declared it a massive success, and did a few private showings before she left.

David and/or James said that Margherita was a beautiful, traditional house in an amazing neighborhood, but they’d had no offers. David James thought unless the price was reduced, it wasn’t going to sell. They met with owner Serene, and she said she loved her home, and wanted it to go to the right family. She and her husband were willing to stay as long as they needed to. James said it had been on the market almost 80 days, and they’d been showing it, but hadn’t had any offers. Serene felt there was a buyer for the house out there, and three months wasn’t a long time. James said the house didn’t lack marketing, but the number wasn’t realistic. He said they’d been wrong, and it wasn’t properly priced. In his interview, he said in the real estate business, they didn’t always get it right, but you had to own it when you were wrong. James David said they thought the price should be reduced, and James said if Serene wanted to seriously generate interest, she should price it at $14.995 million, a reduction of $3 million. Serene said she had a number in her head, and that price wasn’t realistic for their retirement. James said, the longer it was on the market, the less desirable it became. David said the response was that it was a great house, but too expensive. In his interview, he said Serene wasn’t the typical client who wanted to overprice the property. She and her husband had made an investment, and wanted the payoff they thought they’d get. The lower figure was stopping their dreams of retirement. James said if they didn’t get an offer in 90 days, they needed to reduce it, or take it off the market. Otherwise, they’d be wasting both their time. In James’s interview, he said they didn’t know what to do or where to go. They were hoping a buyer would show up, but were at a deadlock. There was no choice but to sit and wait.

Next time, JoshF represents a client who knew his grandmother, and Frederik tries to steal a listing back from David and James.

🏢 If You Like That Sort Of Thing…

I’ve tried watching Big Brother, but I just can’t.

https://parade.com/983731/mikebloom/big-brother-22/

💉 Another Kind Of Horror Story…

I can totally see Sarah Paulson as Nurse Ratched.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/ratched-netflix-cuckoos-nest-series-first-look-sarah-paulson/

🌪 Farewell Isaisis…

The storm made for a dicey day here, especially with the power going on and off – and usually off the second I sat down to type. Hope that nasty dude passed you by, and it’s blue skies ahead. Until next time, stay safe, stay dry, and stay out of every hurricane’s path, the weather kind or otherwise.

Aug4

August 3, 2020 – Finally Nina Testifies, Kiko Packs His Knives and Goes, What To Expect, Another Departure, Resilient Dove, Anxious For Reality, Kevin’s Decade, Free To Be Mindful, Historical Heroes & Shaking

Posted on August 4, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the WSB facility in Geneva, Switzerland, Dante tosses and turns. He yells, don’t pull the trigger! He wakes, breathing heavily, and says he didn’t kill him. Ned tells Olivia that he may not always know the right words to say, but he loves and cares about her. He’s there for her if she wants to talk more about Dante. She has better idea, and asks if he’d care to join her upstairs. They kiss, and his phone rings. He says the deal he’s been working on just came through, but he definitely has time for a break. Olivia asks if that means squeezing her in before he runs back to ELQ. At the hospital, Portia asks what Cyrus is doing there, and he says he was just asking about her daughter. She tells him to stay away from Trina; don’t even mention her name. Laura approaches, and asks if everything is okay. Brook tells Valentin they’ve never formally met, but she remembers him being there when she hit Lulu with the champagne. He tells her it was a miscarriage justice, and he’s been there. She asks if he’d been completely innocent, and he admits he wasn’t. She says it’s nice to meet him. In court, Nelle clutches the half-heart necklace. Nina has taken the stand, and Martin says Nina is Nelle’s employer; how is she doing? Nina says Nelle is still learning the ropes, but she’s a quick study. She’s competent and a hard worker. Martin asks if that’s why Nina hired her, and Nina says she believed Nelle deserved a second chance. Nelle smiles.

Ned tells Olivia, he’s completely blindsided, and Olivia says she saw him quickly checking the phone while he was pretending to apologize. He says his apology was sincere. He’s been working hard on the Mertin Tech deal, and today it’s a go. He could be at the office. Olivia wonders if she’s an afterthought, and he asks if he’s made her feel like that. She congratulates him on his big deal, and starts to walk out, but he says they’re going to talk about this. He heard her with Robert, and she’d said Robert made her feel better. Before Robert came over, they’d been talking about Dante. She says, she was talking about Dante. They never do. For everyone else, Dante has ceased to exist, but not for her. Lulu has moved on with her life and a new man, and Rocco’s memories are fading. He’s a little boy, and can’t put his life on hold until Dante comes back. Neither can she. Her son is out there, and she may never see him again. Robert is going through something similar with Holly, and maybe they’re both in denial, but Robert made her feel better and not so alone. Ned says she’s not alone. She’s with him.

Dante is in a small locked room with a few furnishings – a bed, a desk, a chair, and a night table. He drinks some water, and throws the plastic cup on the floor. He holds his head, and says, damn headache. He says he has to find a distraction, and tells himself, don’t give in to it. He looks at a pencil and pad of paper on the desk.

Cyrus says it’s good see Laura, and she says he’s always at the hospital. Does he have a health issue? He thanks her for her concern, but he’s healthy except for allergies. He doesn’t mind though. He’s glad to be breathing the Port Charles air, instead of the stale prison air. She’s sure the air is just as exhilarating out west, and he says he’s never seen a mayor so concerned about their constituents. Port Charles is lucky to have her. He says he has an appointment, and leaves. Maybe. Portia says, that man is so disgusting. He made a point of bringing up Trina. She wanted to slap him in his smug face. Laura doesn’t like how he’s flaunting his freedom, and Portia says he’s a known drug trafficker, and Taggert is dead, with his name being dragged through the mud. How is this justice? Laura says she understands.

Martin says Nelle was also nanny to Nina’s stepdaughter, and he’s sure she vetted Nelle carefully. Diane wonders if there’s a relevant question or is he trying to bond with the witness, and Judge Lowe tells him, get on with it. Martin says Nina lost a child. Is it fair to say the loss was difficult? Nina says the loss affected her deeply, and Martin asks if it also created a kinship between mothers. Nina says, it’s a pain no mother should have to bear. It colored her perception. He says she’s worked with Nelle for several weeks. She must have formulated an opinion. Not just about Nelle as an employee, but the kind of mother she’d be. Nina says in the time Nelle has worked for her, Nelle confirmed her initial impression. I lean closer to the TV, and Nina says, Nelle is a compulsive liar. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I knew it.

Brook says she’s flattered Valentin wants to join her, but he says he doesn’t think so. He thinks she’s trying to disarm a worthy opponent, but he doesn’t want her as an opponent. They have things in common. She says, like ELQ. She knows he used Linc to buy her shares.

Laura says she thought Taggert was a good cop, and Portia says, he was. He was devoted to his work. Life wasn’t always easy, but they parted on good terms, and co-parented Trina. Laura asks how Trina is doing in the wake of Taggert’s death, and Portia says, her emotions are all over the place. Sorrow, fear, anger; mostly sorrow. Trina is taking her father’s death hard. Most people don’t know what to say. Or they think Portia is embarrassed that Taggert conspired to frame Cyrus. She’s not embarrassed. He tried to find a legal way, but Cyrus was too smart and slick, so Taggert went by his own code of ethics to put a criminal behind bars. She explained to Trina that he took a stand for what he believed in. Laura says, Trina was lucky to have a father like him.

Nina says, Nelle can’t help herself. She lies about everything, and just uses people. She sees the custody case as a contest she’ll do anything to win. She married Julian… Martin objects, and Diane says, he’s objecting to his own witness. Martin asks for permission to treat the witness as hostile, and Nina says she’s not hostile; he wanted the truth. He tells her to please just answer the questions he asks her. He asks if she’s currently seeing a psychiatrist, and she says, no. He asks if she wasn’t committed to Shadybrook, and Diane objects, saying Nina isn’t on trial. The judge says, sustained, telling martin, that’s quite enough. Martin has no further questions. Diane asks what Nina was going to say before she was so rudely interrupted, and Nina tells her, what she was going to say was that Nelle married Julian to shore up her custody case. She found out Michael had married Willow, and wanted to be on equal footing. Nelle doesn’t love Julian; she’s using him. Martin objects, asking how she can know what’s in his client’s heart, and Nina says she knows because it was clear Nelle blackmailed Julian into marrying her. Carly smiles, and I laugh. My bad day just got better.

Brook asks what Valentin’s angle is, and he asks Brook to tell him. She says he doesn’t want a little piece of a big company. He wants to acquire a major block, but it won’t work. Quartermaines take care of their own, and when she tells her father, no one will even look in his direction, let alone sell to him. Valentin says he’ll make the shareholders much richer, and revive her stalled career.

Nelle says Nina is lying, and asks if Carly threatened her. Judge Lowe tells Martin to control his client, and Diane asks if Nelle actually said she blackmailed Julian. Nina says, not those exact words, but she said she’d resorted to desperate measures, and would do whatever it took. She said Julian valued his life too much not to play by her rules. Diane says, those were her exact words? and Nina says, yes. Nelle jumps up, and says, you double-crossing bitch. She knew she was crazy for trusting a baby stealer. Nina is so starved for attention, she blew up her own wedding to get back at the groom. Now she waited until the 11^th hour to make up a story. Was she talking to Carly? What’s her angle? Martin begs her, please be quiet, but she just gets louder. She says Michael resorted to desperate measures and forced Willow to marry him, or she’d sleep with the fishes like everyone else who gets in Sonny’s way. The judge calls for order, and Nelle says Nina is just like everyone else here. Maybe she’s jealous because Nelle’s child is alive, and she’s helping Carly take her baby away. She yells that Carly will never take her baby away. Wiley is hers. Martin says, for God’s sake, stop, and Nelle suddenly clutches her chest and gasps for air, acting like she’s having a heart attack. This is too funny.

After the commercial, Martin thanks Judge Lowe for the brief medical recess. His client was overcome, and apologizes for her outburst. Her need to protect her son is so strong, she lashed out. Diane recalls Willow to the stand, and asks if she was coerced into marrying Michael. Willow says, absolutely not. No one threatened her, or sent her a dead fish or anything. Diane asks if she received financial compensation, and she says, no. Diane says, Michael is a wealthy man. Now she is too. Willow says she’s a credited teacher. She has a good job and values her independence. She doesn’t need Michael’s money. Diane asks why she married Michael, and she says, because he’s a decent man. She knows that doesn’t sound like much, but decency is the foundation of trust, and trust is how you build a life. Michael isn’t perfect, but he’s fair, compassionate, and sees the value in compromise. He doesn’t assume that because he’s richer, he’s better. He’s known grief and loss and injustice, but it hasn’t made him bitter. It’s given him empathy. Her greatest wish is that Wiley will grow up to be a man like his father. That’s why she married him. She wants them to raise Wiley together as a family.

Dante plays with the pencil for a while. He puts it down, then picks it back up. He starts to write.

Olivia says she’s not trying to make Ned feel like he’s being insensitive. He’s the man she loves, and he couldn’t be a better father, but he’s been focused on ELQ at the expense of everything else. Ned says he needs to protect his family, which she and Leo are a part of. She says, but not Dante. She can’t see the family as a corporation; they’re people who love one another, and Dante is one of those people. Ned says she’s right. The family isn’t a corporation, but this family owns one, and his job is to keep it going strong. She says, Michael is the CEO; he doesn’t have to do this by himself. He says Michael has been trying to keep his son away from a madwoman, and even before, he was preoccupied with Wiley for months. She says, so he’s doing this out of the goodness of his heart; choosing not to tell Michael that an outsider is buying up the shares to consolidate power. Ned’s title as CEO is temporary. He says he’s not leading a coup against Michael. He’s trying to manage a crisis. If the outsider acquires enough shares, ELQ risks a hostile takeover.

Brook asks Valentin, who said her career is stalled? He says she’s an excellent singer, but so is every back-up singer in New York. She says she’s not a back-up singer, and he says, no, she’s not. She’s a lead singer, but no one is beating a path to her door, and she blew off her agent. She says Linc is a sleazeball, but he asks if someone else will take a risk with a troublemaker? He can fix it. She asks, how? and he says he can give her visibility and momentum. He can find a producer to work with her, but first she has to work with him.

Judge Lowe says, court is adjourned. He’s going to take everything into consideration. Nelle asks Martin why he didn’t stop Nina, and Julian says, how? Nina was telling the truth. Michael is a decent guy, and Nelle lost her own damn case. She says she proved she was passionate about her child. In her office, Nina looks out the window. Jax comes in, and asks if she’s okay. She says she is. She was just thinking about what happened. She’ll never live down her crazy past. No matter who she is, it’s a sure fire way to discredit her. Jax says, that’s not true, but she says he doesn’t know who she was. She was weak and vindictive… He tells her, stop. He knows she had a difficult past, but the woman she says she was isn’t who he’s looking at. She proved that in court. She helped an innocent child, and helped the court to see who Nelle is. Nelle showed her true colors, and he’s proud of Nina.

Cyrus thanks board member Tom for his interest, and says he looks forward to hearing from him. When Cyrus is gone, Laura says she saw Tom talking to Cyrus. What did he say? Tom says, they were discussing the future of the hospital. Cyrus listens from around the corner. Laura tells Tom he should think twice about involving himself with Cyrus, but Tom says Cyrus was wrongly accused. Laura says, his sentence was vacated; that doesn’t mean he’s innocent. He tells her that he has to run, and she tries to follow him, saying she’d like to discuss this, but he keeps going. Cyrus asks if there are problems, and she asks why he’s always around. What’s his real interest in the hospital? He says he’s a businessman, and the hospital is having a fiscal crisis. GH is the heart of Port Charles, and it would be a shame if they had to curtail services, or worse, shutter. He might be in a position to provide assistance. She says, his assistance isn’t necessary. The people who have helped close the gap in the past, will in the future. Cyrus says the hospital’s pending litigation might be discouraging to potential donors, but she says they’re a strong community, and take care of their own. He says he admires that. It’s why he wants to give back, and he’s established the Cyrus Renault Foundation for Social Justice. She tells him, GH doesn’t need his money. The Quartermaines have been patrons for generations, and ELQ will step up again to give the hospital support.

Ned tells Olivia that he’s not sounding the alarm, but ELQ could be in jeopardy if this isn’t stopped. She says maybe it’s not the time for him to be CEO, but he says, Michael was asleep at the switch; it started happening on his watch. He’d thought she was on board. She says she was, but now is the time to circle the wagons, and shoot at the enemy, not inward. What good is a family business if it drives the family apart? She thought he would have learned that from past experience, but she guesses he hasn’t. He says he’s trying to keep the family safe, but she says, no. He’s trying keep himself and ELQ powerful. It’s not the same.

Valentin says he’s heard Brook sing, and seen her online videos. She has talent and can make it, but needs the right venue and the right people. She asks if he’s suddenly a music mogul, and he says his interests are varied, and he loves music. He’s a partner in Deception, and wants to use her music for their relaunch at the Nurses Ball… if she’s ready for that level of spotlight. She asks, what’s the catch? and he says she can’t tell her family that he’s accumulating shares. She says, in other words, he’s paying her off. He says, no; those are the words. Her silence for his connections. She says she has to go, and he says he’s enjoyed talking to her, and he’ll see her again.

Nina tells Jax that she initially hired Nelle to spy on her, and get dirt for Michael’s custody hearing. Jax asks if Nelle didn’t solicit the job from Nina. Nina didn’t lure her into a trap. Nelle wanted to use Nina to make herself look good. She says, maybe, but her point is that she started to believe Nelle’s love was sincere, and that she only needed encouragement, and someone to believe in her, like Nina had. Jax says Nina’s trauma was real, and she can’t compare them. Nelle thinks the world owes her. Nina says she saw herself in Nelle. Sometimes the life she has now feels like a dream. Jax says she deserves all the happiness in the world. This is real, and what they have isn’t going anywhere. He hugs her.

Carly tells Diane that she was amazing, but Diane says, don’t thank her yet. She thinks it’s a slam dunk, but the judge is going to deliberate on the testimonies and documents. Carly says Willow was amazing, and Willow says she only spoke from her heart. Diane says Nelle’s only sincere moment was when she went ballistic. In the hallway, Nelle asks if it would have killed Julian to hold her hand or something, and he says, what Nina said was the truth. She says if Nina cost her the case, she’ll never make Nina stop paying. Julian says Nelle cost herself the case. Martin might have been able to spin it, but when she got on her feet, the whole thing was over. He tells her that he’s out of there, and call him when the verdict comes in, and he’ll meet her back at court.

Martin goes to the MetroCourt for a drink, and Valentin says, rough day in court? Martin says Valentin’s ex torpedoed his entire custody case. Valentin says he told Martin not to underestimate Nina. Martin says Valentin mentioned Brook in his text. Did he have an altercation with her? Valentin says she knows he used Linc to get her shares. Martin says Valentin’s ELQ takeover is finished if Brook warns her father, but Valentin says he doesn’t think she will.

Ned tells Olivia, the Quartermaines are tied to ELQ. If he company prospers, so do they. They can be shrewd and ruthless, but if they’re not, someone will swoop in and take advantage. The world isn’t about peace, love, and messages from the great beyond. Olivia says she and Ned might not see eye to eye on psychics, but that’s no reason to be condescending. He says he wasn’t; he was being real. She says so was she. She’s feeling real pain, and her son is real. If he can’t respect those things, he can’t respect her. Brook comes in, and says she got some career advice that she wants to run by Ned.

Dante writes. I miss you, mom. I miss my life, but it’s more important to keep you safe from me. That’s why I’ll never send this letter. He puts the pencil down, folds the paper into a small square, and puts it under his mattress. I assume they don’t change the sheets too often there. He looks out the door window, but there’s a shade covering it. He flips the pencil around.

Cyrus tells Laura, they might not be able to rely on the people who’ve bailed them out in the past. GH might need a new savior. She says he’s not their savior, and he’s not getting anywhere near GH. She has close friends on the board, and there’s no way he’s using the hospital to launder his drug money. He says, she’s formidable, but be careful about false accusations. Don’t underestimate him. He goes into the elevator, and Laura looks shook.

Jax tells Nina that her testimony was truthful. She has nothing to apologize for. She said she’s sorry for buying into Nelle’s charade, but her eyes are open now. He tells her that they’re lovely eyes. He’s meeting his daughter, and asks if she wants to join them, but she says she doesn’t want to intrude on daddy/daughter time. Besides, she has a lot of work. He says he’ll call her later.

Carly tells Michael that she’s heading home. She doesn’t expect they’ll hear from the judge today, but if they do… Michael says she’ll be their first call. She thanks Willow for what she said about Michael, and Willow says she meant every word. Carly says she knows, and leaves. Michael says they have to believe they made the strongest case. He’d suggest a celebratory dinner, but he doesn’t want… They say, to jinx it, together. He says, why don’t they go home and be with Wiley? and she says, sounds great.

Nina looks at her half of the necklace, when Nelle bursts in. Nelle says, how could she? You betrayed me, bitch. The necklace falls to the floor.

Tomorrow, Ned says it’s time they learned who they’re dealing with, Sonny has a terrible decision to make, and Nina suggests Nelle get her facts straight.

Absolutely. Worth the. Wait.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy tells Kiko, just get through the charter, and Kiko says, then leave. She nods, and she tells him, do your food. In the captain’s interview, she says she feels like she’s hammering at the guy. He continues to pour his heart into the food, but it’s off. You can like someone a lot, but if they’re not trained properly, they have to be let go. Kiko says he’s a failure, but she says he’s not. He doesn’t want to talk about it, and he’s worried he’ll be the reason they make less money. One of the guests says they’re done with fried food for the rest of the charter, and primary Sean says, speak for himself. Kiko tells Hannah that Captain Sandy said he’s not capable. The guests complained that it looked like kid food. He’s never been to Vegas, and didn’t know what to do. Hannah cries on deck, and says she hates this effing job. In her interview, she says she feels like she let Kiko down. She suggested the menu, and she’s shaken to her core. Kiko says he wasn’t prepared for this kind of charter, took a risk, and screwed up. He’s the most sad ever. Bugs tells Malia that she feels sorry for him, but he wanted honesty. Malia says, he’s the sweetest person ever. Hannah tells the deckhands that they’re doing the strip club thing now. In her interview, Bugs says, it’s heartbreaking but this is yachting. The show must go on. A guest says, this is Vegas. Whatever happens here, stays here, the deckhands and Bugs get ready. The guys dress in black pants with suspenders and no shirts.

The crew comes out, and Malia does a handstand. They all run around the table, gathering dollar bills in their waistbands. Kiko cries in his bunk. Captain Sandy sees Hannah in the galley, and asks why she’s shaking. Is she upset about Kiko? Hannah says, yeah, but not much else; she just keeps working. Alex plays dealer for the guests’ poker game, and Bugs clears the dinner table. Jess gives Hannah a hug, and Hannah checks on Kiko. She says she effing likes him, and if he’s in pain, she’s in pain as well. He says he doesn’t have the mind or energy to cook, and she tells him that she’ll get up and help with breakfast. She hugs him, and he says they have real love. She’s a good person. She says he is too, and they vow to be friends forever. The guests go to bed, and Rob asks Jess for a quick kiss. In Rob’s interview, he says he feels deeply saddened. Kiko is a beautiful person. He tells Kiko that he’s sorry.

Hannah wakes up at 4 am, breathing heavy. She gets up, and goes into the bathroom. Malia asks if she’s okay, and she says she thinks it’s a panic attack. She needs a valium, and thinks it will pass. Malia asks if she has a prescription, and gives her a hug. She asks again if Hannah is okay. Hannah says she will be, and Malia goes back to bed. Hannah gets her phone, and gets back in her bunk. I assume she took a valium.

Third day of charter. Jess sets the breakfast table, making the napkins look super cool. Captain Sandy goes to the galley, and tries to make conversation with Kiko. She thanks him, and in her interview, she says, as captain, it’s hard to fire people. She hired her nephew once, and her first officer said he was terrible. She had to say, sorry, dude. You have to go. It’s not about liking someone; it’s about if a person can do the job. She tells Jess, good job, and she’s not just saying that; she’s honest. Kiko tells Jess, he just can’t do it. He doesn’t have the energy for this anymore. In his interview, he says he just wants to leave. After preparing some fruit plates, he packs his knives, and prepares to go. He tells Jess that he’s leaving, and Bugs asks if he’s doing actual breakfast, but he gets back in his bunk. Alex tells Malia, it’s a shame; everyone likes him. Captain Sandy wonders where the chef is, and Bugs says, in his cabin. Sandy knocks, and asks to talk to him. He tells her that his head is f***ed up, and she asks him to leave his emotions in his cabin, and do the job. Please. Let’s finish this together. They just have one more night, and he can do this. Do his food. He brings his knives back out.

Kiko tells Hannah that his food is emotional, and he feels sad. Hannah says she’ll help with breakfast. Captain Sandy tells Malia, ready when she is, and they pull out of port. Hannah makes reservations under the boat’s name for the guests’ land excursion. The captain says it’s a beautiful day, and they need it after last night. Malia tells Captain Sandy that Hannah is freaked out, and feels bad. The captain says, it’s sad, and Malia says it all comes back to her, and the standards she allows on the boat. The captain says, that’s why she’s in that seat.

The boat goes to Valldemossa, and drops anchor. Hannah tells Jess and Rob, they’re going on an excursion. There will be a taxi waiting on shore, and they can drop the guests off for lunch. Any decisions they make, she doesn’t care. Rob says it’s their first date, and Bugs jokes that she remembers her first date with Alex; it was romantic. Hannah asks the guests if they’re ready to rock and roll, and the guests board the tender. Captain Sandy asks to speak with Hannah in the office, and asks, what’s wrong besides Kiko? Hannah says, when someone is really emotional, it’s infectious. The captain says she wants to finish strong. She told Kiko to do his food. She wants to lift him back up. She says Hannah can always talk to her, and she just wanted to make sure Hannah was okay. Hannah says she just wanted to help Kiko, and thinks it’s good the guests are off the boat for lunch. Captain Sandy thanks her for talking. I love Captain Sandy. She’s the boss we all would love to have.

Rob tells Jess, she’s the voice of the operation, and the guests dub them JOB – Jess and Rob. Crystal says they can hold hands; no one cares. Captain Sandy makes a call for a chef. She knows it’s crazy busy, but send what they can. Jess gives a tour, reading from a pamphlet, and pronounces Chopin like choppin’. In her interview, she says the city is beautiful, but she keeps staring at Rob. They kiss, and the guests take a picture. They deposit the guests at the restaurant, and the guests toast to JOB. Rob asks Jess how her finger is, and she says, a lot better.

Alex massages Bugs’s shoulders while she washes dishes. In her interview, Bugs says Alex is too young for her, but she prides herself on being a bit of a cougar. Rob and Jess hang out on a restaurant terrace. In Rob’s interview, he says he and his mother understood each other, and it was the last time he felt seen. With Jess, he feels seen – and heard, which is nice. Sean says, everyone in the crew has good energy, and another guest says it takes a lot to deal with him. Rob tells Jess that he loves her, and asks if that’s crazy. She says, kind of, and he apologizes for scaring her. In his interview, he says, she didn’t say it back. He doesn’t know if she’s just holding back. He can’t tell, but he doesn’t want to hold back.

Malia calls her boyfriend Tom, and tells him they’re down a person; the chef. He’s been crying, but he needs more practice. In her interview, Malia says Tom has been there too, since he’s a chef. The first time he worked on a 16 meter, he said he would never do it again. It’s a hard position to do. Hannah tells Kiko to talk to the captain. She thinks it would be disrespectful to the clients and captain if he leaves now. He says he was going to finish dinner, and cut stuff up for the morning, but he’ll finish the job. In his interview, he says, at least he’s not a quitter. Malia volunteers her rapping skills for the 90s party, and works on some rhymes. Jess calls Bugs, and says they’re on their way back. When they return, Bugs welcomes the guests.

Bugs radios Malia, telling her, two of the guests want to jet ski. Malia says, be careful; it’s pretty choppy. Malia radios Rob to come and keep eyes on them. She tells Captain Sandy, the conditions are rough. The guests are very good, and Malia says she’s loving it. Rob is with Jess in her cabin, and taking his time. Rob says there’s too much going on, and Jess isn’t communicating. Now he’s in his head. Jess says she’s scared to fall in love and get hurt. He says he doesn’t want to get hurt either. Malia radios again, and in her interview, she says, after what happened two days ago, they all need to watch. There’s two people out there, and she can’t save them both. Jess tells Rob that she wanted to say it, and felt it, but part of her has fear. In her interview, she says it’s hard for her to trust. She gets it from both parents. They divorced when she was two, and her mother stayed in Florida, while her dad moved to California. They wanted to stay as far away from each other as possible. The guests come back in, and Malia says, thank God they knew what they were doing.

Ron finally shows up, and Malia asks where he was. He says, in the bathroom, and she tells him to let her know if he has to run somewhere, or she’ll wonder where he disappeared to. In Kiko’s interview, he says he wishes he could stay, but he knows he’s got no second chance. It’s hard for him to get chances in the first place, and he prefers to stick with his style and kill it. He’ll do that for dinner, then he’ll be finished. He tears up again. Hannah asks if the guests are excited about the 90s party, and Captain Sandy tells Pete to get pizza. She’s not asking Kiko to make crew food. The guests toast to living life to the fullest. Malia tells Kiko that her boyfriend has a soft spot for him. He’s been there, and was completely broken, but now he has a huge career. It’s not the end for him. Guest Richard gives Hannah a ring to put in the dessert for his wife Karen’s birthday. Pete is going to pick up the pizza, and Hannah tells him to stop at a patisserie. He doesn’t know what that is, so she says, a bakery.

Bugs comes out wearing crazy tights. The deck is decorated with streamers, lots of neon, and glow sticks. Captain Sandy thinks the décor is cool. Pete asks the pizza guy if they have cakes, and gets something to bring back. The captain asks Kiko if he’s doing dinner Kiko style, and he says he is. The guests are dressed like recording artists from the 90s, bringing parental advisory signs with them. They’re happy with the décor. In her interview, Hannah is praying Kiko serves a good meal, so they can leave on a high. Please. The entrée is spinach mash and grilled sea bass, and they say it’s delicious and perfect, and ask if Kiko will come out. Bugs asks Kiko to see the guests, and he reluctantly goes upstairs. They chant his name, and he tells them, enjoy. In Kiko’s interview, he says, the night feels good. He’s making everybody happy, and it’s just cool. He cries some more. Bugs says she heard them cheering; well done. Kiko and Hannah hug, and he says he’ll miss her. Hannah says she doesn’t want to stay on the stupid boat without him. What is she going to do? She puts the ring on a slice of chocolate cake. The desserts are brought up, and one guest says, Kiko is a pro at desserts. Hannah tells Karen that she heard it was her birthday. Karen sees the ring, and is obviously thrilled. She starts to cry, and hugs Richard.

Malia says she has zero dignity, and Hannah introduces her as their 90s throwback. Alex and Bugs back her up as she raps about the crew, and the guests are drunk enough to appreciate it. Jess hugs Rob, and says, they’re crazy tonight. They kiss. The guests dance. Alex says they’re his favorite charter, and Crystal says they’re her favorite crew. Malia texts Tom that she can’t wait to see him.

Final day of charter. Kiko makes breakfast, and Captain Sandy tells Jess, great job with the table. She tells Malia to start hauling anchor. Jess says she wants to sleep this afternoon. Kiko says, so does he, but he wants to have six beers first. In his interview, he says it’s been good, bad, and good again. He got the job because he took a risk. He takes chances and risks, and has both good and bad in his life because of that. The anchor is in the pocket, and Bugs tells the guests, good morning. In the galley, she asks if Jess has been writing down the breakfast orders for the chef, and Jess says, no. Hannah tells her to start doing that, or she’ll get a rude awakening when they get a new chef. In Hannah’s interview, she says, Kiko has been a breath of fresh air in the galley, compared to other chefs, and we flash back to some of those. She says she wishes he could stay. Bugs says, the 90s party wiped the guests out. Malia tells Captain Sandy about Tom coming to visit. He’s on the way to see his family, and stopping by. The captain asks if he’s currently employed, and Bugs says she was thinking the same thing. Malia says he does freelance, and Captain Sandy tells Malia to have Tom come see her, if she’s comfortable with that. Malia says, it would be amazing. The crew gets in their whites.

Malia tells Crystal that docking is the most critical moment. Crystal tells her that she looks pretty doing it, and Malia’s interview, she says she’d rather be told she’s a pretty powerful person. The boat docks, and the crew lines up to say goodbye. Sean says, nice work; it was the best one yet. In Kiko’s interview, he says he doesn’t want the captain’s opinion, and to hear what he already knows. He’s just leaving. Sean says they’re going to make a U-turn and come back. Kiko tells them that he cooked with love. Crystal says, it was an incredible experience. Their every need was catered to, and she’s so happy, she’s crying. Sean gives Captain Sandy the tip envelope. In Hannah’s interview, she says, it’s ironic. The guests had an amazing, memorable time, and say they made nine new friends, but one friend was fired in the middle of dinner service. The captain tells them to gather in the main salon for the tip meeting. Kiko says goodbye to everyone, and Malia tells him that he’ll be all right.

Kiko and Hannah sit on the dock, and Kiko says they’ve known each other for a short time, but they’ll be friends forever. He tells her how much he loves her, and says, it’s not bullsh*t. She says she doesn’t want him to leave, and he tells her, don’t cry. She says she’s not, but she is. In Kiko’s interview, he says it was the best experience of his life. He cried and he laughed. He likes to cook, and had good and bad moments. There were jokes made, and he made friends. He’s learned to try not to effing care what people think too much, and he’s going to follow what he learned. He’s going to follow what he loves, be himself, and spread love to the world, and it will be a better world. Hannah calls out that she loves him. Bugs says there were a lot of changes in a short space of time, with a new second stew and chef. Hanna tells Rob, it shouldn’t have gone down like that.

Next time, the crew parties, Bugs comes on to Alex, the owner arranges a day off for the crew, Jess says she and Rob went from PG to rated R, Tom arrives, and Captain Sandy says it’s been brought to her attention that someone has drugs on board.

🏥 It’s Ba-a-ack…

What to expect from your favorite hospital.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/frank-valentini-previews-what-to-expect-from-new-episodes

👴🏻 A Curmudgeon Since He Was 30…

He might have been 85, but he’s looked 85 ever since I can remember.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wilford-brimley-dead-cocoon-actor-937941

🕊 Dove Flies Through Surgery…

As much as I don’t like Teddi, I’m glad her new daughter is doing well.

https://people.com/parents/teddi-mellencamp-calls-5-month-old-daughter-dove-resillient-after-neurosurgery/

😬 Real Anxiety…

Sounds like Four Weddings.

https://greatist.com/live/reality-tv-show-social-anxiety

🌫 Silent Bob Reflects…

Kevin Smith recalls the last decade.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/kevin-smith-reflects-on-the-last-decade-for-50th-birthday/

🧎🏽‍♀️ Free Contemplation…

I can’t empty my mind, but maybe you can.

https://rubinmuseum.org/events/series/mindfulness-meditation?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm9DE5tqA6wIVi4TICh1j7QdGEAAYASAAEgII4PD_BwE

🦸🏾‍♂️ Heroes You Should Know…

This might be a site for kids, but it’s good for adults too.

https://redtri.com/black-history-figures/

🎀 Tying It Up…

It looks like it’s going to be another one of them there weeks. I hope yours is off to a better start, and you stay safe, stay strong-minded, and stay determined to make this a better world. Like Kiko.

Aug1

July 31, 2020 – When Nelle Testified, a Pleasant Surprise on Sunset, Coming Back, Virtual Idols, Getting the Boot on Bravo, Kids In the Biz, Changes, King On Disney, 10 Little Quotians & Sunday Best

Posted on August 1, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Today’s last GH Flashback was is from May 21^st, 2020. You can catch up a little here, or a lot at:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/may-21-2020-nina-makes-a-decision-dorinda-in-denial-a-japanese-tradition-nice/

Laura saw Robert and said it didn’t look like he’d had much rest. She asked if he was throwing himself into work. He told her the rumors of Holly’s death had been greatly exaggerated. Maxie looked at the photos from the shoot and said they were spectacular. They’d had a bumpy start, but she should have known Sasha would find a way to rally. She was a wreck this morning, but only saw blue skies ahead. Valentin said Sasha had given them a signature look they could capitalize on. Maxie said she thought he was going to be a silent partner, and he said he wasn’t going to make a habit of it. Finance was more his style, but he’d wanted to see the literal face of Deception. Now he was off to focus on other ventures. On the phone with Tracy, Ned said another party was after Dillon’s shares? That meant they were probably searching for other parties who wanted to sell. He asked her to keep him posted. Brook overheard Olivia on the phone, saying no one had ever said anything like that to her before, and they could see through to her soul like no one else. Brook cleared her throat, and Olivia ended the call. Brook said she obviously walked in on an emotional phone call, but Olivia said it wasn’t what it seemed. Brook said it sounded like Olivia was having an affair behind her father’s back. Nina told Jax that she didn’t know if she should stand up for Nelle, but if she didn’t, who else would? In court, Nelle was sworn in.

Laura asked Robert if the ship didn’t sink, but he said that wasn’t what he was saying. Mac and Anna hadn’t given him the whole story. The Bureau had a theory about the ship. Laura asked if Mac and Anna believed Holly could have survived, and he said he didn’t say that, but they didn’t know his ex-wife like he did, and until he found out what the Bureau’s theory was, he couldn’t get out there and look for her. Olivia told Brook that she wasn’t cheating on Ned, and Brook said the phone call sounded extremely intimate. Olivia said she didn’t need to explain herself to Brook, but Brook said if she didn’t, she’d repeat what Olivia said to Ned, and let him judge for himself. Olivia said Ned had enough on his plate, including the trouble Brook had caused. She asked if there was a PCPD jail cell with Brook’s name on it, and Brook said her arrests were misunderstandings. The person causing the most trouble was her father’s faithless wife. Olivia said she wasn’t having an affair. She was talking to a psychic. Valentin told Maxie and Sasha that he was bringing Deception public; they were going to be one of the main sponsors of the Nurses Ball. Maxie said that was huge, but it was soon, and he said she should try arguing with Lucy. He was impressed with the shoot, and sure they could pull it off. Maxie told Sasha, whatever she’d done had worked, and Sasha flashed back to the assistant giving her a vial of cocaine. Jax said it seemed like Nina was having second thoughts, and Nina said he’d like if she leaned into them. He said she knew how he felt, and Nina said he thought it was a mistake, and Nelle didn’t deserve a second chance. Jax said people could change, but if Nina was wrong, Wiley would pay the price, and she’d feel responsible. She said if she didn’t stand up for Nelle, and Nelle lost her child because of it, there would be no chance of Nelle turning her life around. Martin asked Nelle to tell the court how her baby was horrifically stolen from her, but Diane objected, saying it wasn’t a question. Judge Lowe sustained it, and Martin asked what Nelle’s reaction was to finding out her baby was alive. Nelle said she was confused at first. She was overwhelmed, and incredibly hurt that Brad had orchestrated it; she’d thought he was her friend. He’d switched her son for the boy he’d adopted, and she grieved for almost two years. Then he asked Michael to be Wiley’s godfather. She couldn’t imagine anything so demented. And she wasn’t the only one who was hurt. Julian had believed he was Wiley’s grandfather. Jules believed Wiley was his grandson, and when they found out the truth, they were both shocked and in pain. It brought them closer, and gave them a connection, and possibly something more.

Brook made fun of Olivia consulting a psychic, and Ned came in, saying, enough. Olivia asked how else she was going to find out about Dante? Her letters returned unopened, and she had no way of knowing if he was okay. Brook apologized, but Olivia walked out, and Ned followed. Ned said he was sorry. He’d been obsessing over ELQ, and who was buying shares to make a hostile takeover. He didn’t see his wife was obviously in pain. Sasha told Maxie, it was important to Deception, and she wanted to prove herself; people didn’t trust her. Besides, she was a partner, and willing to use every trick in the book to make the launch successful. Maxie stumbled a little, and Peter asked if she was okay. She said she was lightheaded, but she probably had too much coffee. He suggested she take a break, and they left together. Valentin asked Sasha if she was okay. Martin asked if Nelle loved Julian, and she said Julian loved Wiley, and would do anything to protect Wiley and keep him safe. He loved Wiley abundantly, and she thought he would make an excellent co-parent. He loved Wiley as much as she did. What mother could find anything more appealing? Nelle told Jax, no one was in Nelle’s corner or hoped things worked out for her. Imagine how lonely that was. If Nelle felt there was no one there to back her up, she might lash out, and end up in prison again. Jax said it would be Nelle’s own fault; Nina wasn’t responsible. Nina flashed back on Nelle telling her about making a deal with Julian to keep Wiley safe. Martin asked why Nelle felt she deserved sole custody, and she said she’d already lost two years with her son. Then Michael kept Wiley away from her. Michael was selfish and entitled, and she didn’t want those lessons passed to her child. She had a good job, roots in the community, and a husband who loved Wiley as much as she did. She wanted to dedicate the rest of her life to giving Wiley the home and family that he deserved. Martin had no more questions. Diane said, Nelle claimed to have roots in Port Charles, and was dedicating the rest of her life to make sure Wiley had the best family possible. Why was it, that when she’d first discovered her son was alive, she raced to where Willow was taking care of him, assaulted Willow, and attempted to abduct Wiley and flee the country? Martin objected, saying it was a verbal assault based on unfounded accusations.

Laura asked if Robert had any proof, other than his gut feeling, and he said the proof was there. He just needed to find it. He could use a partner, and had called Luke, but his line was disconnected. Laura said she didn’t have a current number, but his best bet was to talk to Tracy. Brook asked Ned, since when had there been a play for ELQ? and he said he became suspicious while Nelle sold her shares to a third unnamed party. Tracy told him there had been several attempts to buy Dillon’s shares, but she rejected the offers. He suggested they talk later, and Brook left. He told Olivia that Brook had no business eavesdropping, much less criticizing her, but he wasn’t sure a psychic was the best way to get help. Olivia told him that she felt helpless, and told him about Rocco bringing Dustin to Take Your Dad to School Day. She said she confronted Lulu about it, and Lulu told her that it had been Rocco’s idea. Rocco was already finding a father figure, and it was like her son was being erased. What motivation would Dante have to get better or come home? She felt like she was running out of time. She got that people thought psychics were stupid and silly, but the psychic was the only person telling her that her son was okay. Ned asked if she thought it was possible the psychic was just telling her what she wanted to hear. Brook called Linc, and said she knew he was in Port Charles. She wanted a face-to-face with him immediately. Valentin told Sasha, he gathered that she knew Michael had married Willow, and he was sorry. Sasha said her personal life was personal, and didn’t affect her role in Deception. Valentin said he just wanted to check. He’d been where she was, and knew what it was like to lose someone based on something he’d done, but nothing was ever as black and white as it seemed on the surface. Jax told Nina that he didn’t think Nelle was capable of accepting kindness; she was too damaged. At worst, she would turn an innocent child into someone vindictive and incapable of love. Nina’s phone started to beep, and she said, if she was going to testify, she needed to leave for the courthouse now. Martin said there was no evidence that Nelle was going to flee the country, but Diane said the charges were dismissed without prejudice – like the assault against Willow. She asked if Nelle loved her husband, and Nelle said with every fiber in her being. Diane said, as of this morning, it would seem, and had no further questions. Martin called Julian to the stand. Julian told Nelle that he thought he wasn’t going to testify, and she told him, buck up; plans change. Did she have to remind him what was at stake?

Martin asked Julian if it was true he and Nelle married to create a loving, stable home for Wiley. Julian said it was, and Martin asked if he’d if Julian had experience nurturing Wiley when Lucas was in a coma. Julian said that was true. Brad had been an emotional wreck, so he stepped in. Martin asked if he loved Wiley as much as he did Lucas, and Julian said, yes. Martin suggested they talk about the elephant in the room. Had he ever been sent to Pentenville? Julian said he had, and Martin asked how long was it since he’d been released. Julian said, three years, and Martin asked if he’d had any brushes with the law since. Julian said, not so much as a parking ticket, and Martin asked what he did for a living. Julian said he ran Charlie’s, and Martin asked if it was fair to say he’d cleaned up his life. Julian said it was, and Martin had no further questions. Diane asked if Julian had been arrested for drug trafficking, extortion, and assault, and Julian said none of the charges had been proven, but she said there had been enough to convict him. She asked who Alexis was to him, and he said, his ex-wife. Diane asked if it was true that he’d held a knife to Alexis’s throat, and aided and abetted his siter in trying to blow up GH. He said he was forced to do it, and she said he was perfect for Wiley. She was done. Nelle told Martin to do something. At the MetroCourt, Peter said Maxie had barely eaten, and she said she wasn’t hungry. He suggested she see a doctor, and she said she didn’t need to. She just… He asked, what is it? Olivia told Ned, they’d have to agree to disagree. Her opinion to believe in psychics was as valid as his not to. Ned said he didn’t want to see anyone take advantage of her pain, but she said he calls were the only thing giving her comfort. The doorbell rang, and it was Robert, who promised he wouldn’t take long. It wasn’t public knowledge, but Holly had been on a boat that sunk, and was believed dead. There were discrepancies in the Bureau report, and he wanted to pursue them. He wanted to ask Luke for help, and Laura said the only way to contact Luke was through Ned’s mother. Ned said Luke got scratchy if he gave out the number, but he’d call Tracy. He went upstairs to make the call, and Olivia asked how Robert was holding up. He said the only thing worse, would be accepting he’d never see Holly again, and wondered why he had the feeling he wasn’t the only person who’d been through the wringer. Brook met Linc at the MetroCourt, and said she wanted to talk business. He thought their business had concluded, and she never wanted to see him again, but she said he’d bought her shares as a front for a third party. She wanted to know who. Sasha told Valentin, when he’d asked her to pose as Nina’s daughter, she did it for the money, but she knew she was helping him with a woman he truly loved, and Nina loved him back. So after everything that had happened, she still sympathized with him. She said, sometimes you have to do the wrong thing for the right reason, and he said he knew she was a good person. That’s why he knew she’d be a good daughter for Nina. He was sorry she was still paying the price, but if it was any consolation, Deception was going to be a massive success. She was going to be a wealthy woman. She said, too bad money can’t buy happiness, and he said, too bad, and left. Sasha remembered Michael telling her that he loved her, and telling him that she loved him too. Julian saw Sam in the hallway at court, and she slapped him across the face.

Julian asked Sam to let him explain, but she said he’d just make excuses; don’t bother. She’d been with Lucas, and told him about his new stepmom. He said he’d wanted to do that, but she said she saved him the time. When she’d told Lucas that she that he’d married Nelle, Lucas’s exact words were that Julian was dead to him. She was starting to feel the same way. The worst part was, he’d used the most painful thing that happened to Lucas against him, and allowed Nelle to weaponize Wiley. If she got custody, Julian would be dead to Sam too. He said everything he’d done was for his kids, but she said she wasn’t listening. She and Lucas would be so much better off without him in their lives, and if Leo eventually came to the same conclusion, they’d be there to support him. Olivia told Robert that Brook overheard her call a psychic, and she wound up telling Ned. He was nice about it, but thought it was a total scam. Robert said he’d spent time in the Outback, and the aboriginals were very spiritual. What we looked at as superstition, they looked at as a part of life. He asked what she hoped to find, and she said, Dante. She need to have hope that he’d be okay. The whole world was moving on without him, and she had to keep fighting and believing he’d be okay. The psychic was the only person to give her hope. He told her not to give up hope on Dante, like he wasn’t going to with Holly. There was nothing crazy about it. Ned listened outside the door. Brook said Linc had stonewalled her until she’d agreed to sell him the shares. It made sense. Of course (🍷) he was just a front man. Who was pulling the strings? Linc said it was none of her business, but she said she wasn’t leaving until she got a name. Valentin saw Laura at the MetroCourt, and she asked if he’d gotten an invitation to Windymere for the unveiling. He said he had, and thought it was a joke. She hoped he chose not to go, for Charlotte’s sake, and Nikolas didn’t need any more trouble, even if he was asking for it. He said he’d thrown the invitation away. He no longer needed the estate to prove anything. Julian went back into the courtroom, and Martin said he was expecting his next witness any moment. Nina walked in.

Martin called Nina to the stand, and Carly asked Jax what the hell she was doing. Jax said he had no idea. Peter came back from taking a call, and saw that Maxie hadn’t taken a bite of her food. He asked if she was sure she was okay, and she said she thought it was just stress from work, but maybe she would see a doctor. The assistant who’d given Sasha the cocaine, produced another vial, but Sasha said she didn’t need it. The assistant told her to keep it. She’d never know when she’d need another boost. Laura called Anna, and said she was worried about Robert. Ned told Robert that he spoke to his mother, and gave Robert the number to Luke’s burner phone. He said Luke was expecting Ned’s call. Robert thanked him, and told Olivia to look out for herself. Olivia told him to do the same. When Robert left, Ned asked if Olivia was feeling better. She said she was; you never knew who would come up with the right words. Linc told Brook, it was a one-time thing. He had zero obligation to tell her, and the person who bought the shares wanted to stay anonymous. Brook said she still hadn’t gone public with what Linc did, but she could, and he could lose his career. He asked if she was threatening him. Valentin appeared, and said he’d take it from there. Linc left, and Valentin sat with Brook. He said he’d been looking forward to this moment. He’d heard a lot about her.

Nina was swore to tell the truth – so help her God.

Next time, Ned says ELQ is at risk for a hostile takeover, Nina says Nelle confirmed her initial impression, and Laura asks Cyrus what his real interest in the hospital is.

Shahs of Sunset – Reunion Part Two

Andy opened with saying he was keeping tabs on the Shahs while keeping his distance, and asked if at the beginning of the season, MJ hadn’t talked to Reza because of a contract dispute. Through the first three quarters of the show, MJ kept hopping in and out of her seat, and Destiney fielded this one. She said when she went to visit MJ in the hospital – even though MJ had said no one visited – MJ asked her to wait until the cameras were rolling, and she hadn’t signed her contract yet. MJ said that Ali had wanted to bring up Adam’s inappropriate texts, she told him that he should, but he threw in all that stuff times twenty. Destiney said both Ali and MJ changed their stories constantly. MJ said she’d already spoken to Adam and Reza, even though they insisted she hadn’t. Andy asked if MJ was slow in signing her contract because Reza broke ranks, and signed right away. Reza said there had been an amazing vibe without MJ in the beginning episodes. Andy said viewers had a hard time believing Reza and Adam’s relationship was monogamous. Reza said MJ had started rumors, and Mike said, while it was up to them to admit if their relationship was open or not, MJ inserting herself just caused problems. Andy asked if Reza knew naked Jenga (it still sounds so stupid) was a possibility, and we flashed back to Reza’s lack of reaction when Destiney told him. Reza said there was some old sh*t about Adam that only MJ knew about, and if she wanted to apologize, he’d take her back as a friend in a heartbeat, but without that, there was no future. Adam never cheated or played naked Jenga.

A viewer asked what went through Reza’s mind when Ali pulled out all the printed texts, and Reza said he’d heard from his hairdresser that Ali and MJ were in cahoots, trying to be relevant. Andy asked if Adam took ownership for basically starting all of this. Adam admitted that if he’d never given Ali the ammunition, this never would have started, and Mike applauded. Andy asked what prompted Reza to lunge at Ali, and he said it was the moment he realized his best friend of thirty years had betrayed him. MJ started screaming at him, and jumped out of her seat. Mike said as Reza’s best friend, she should have said Adam hadn’t sexually harassed anyone. MJ said Adam hadn’t; Ali had improvised. We flashed back to when Ali told MJ what happened. Ali said, that’s when he started to improvise, and MJ seemed genuinely shocked. Adam thanked her, and MJ said she was in ICU. GG wanted MJ to talk faster; she was growing grey hairs while waiting for MJ to finish. Andy pointed out that when Reza called MJ, she was recovering. Reza said his only thought was that he’d been betrayed by his best friend of thirty years, a sentence he slipped in at every opportunity. He said he was blinded by that one fact. Here’s where MJ disappeared again, and Reza said he’d wanted MJ to acknowledge the allegation that Adam sexually harassed Ali wasn’t true, but she wanted her hands to be clean. That’s where the problem started. GG watched while eating something out of a container that looked like macaroni and cheese, but was probably some Persian chickpea concoction.

Andy asked GG, Nema, and Destiney to step away while he talked to Reza and MJ, who was now back in her chair. He thought Mike would be an excellent mediator, and needed his help. Andy asked why MJ hadn’t visited MJ in the hospital, and Reza said she didn’t want visitors. MJ said he was lying, and he said he loved her. Why was she trying to make him look bad? She said no one had any sympathy for Tommy while she was in the hospital. No one gave a f***. She thought they were waiting for a camera. We flashed back to five minutes ago when Destiney said the same thing about MJ. MJ told Reza that she’d been watching their kiki, and we saw a clip from their show, Kiki with Reza and MJ. MJ said Reza hadn’t visited, and she was done. There was no more necessary conversation. She got up, and said they’d had thirty years, and he decided to destroy it. It would never be the same. It was over, and she was done. Mike teared up (so did I), and said that wasn’t true. We went back to when Reza read Mike the texts from Tommy about how MJ was going to need surgery, and wouldn’t be able to have any more children. Mike said he texted multiple times, and Tommy said MJ couldn’t have visitors, but he’d keep them in the loop. Reza said MJ was being extra about baby pictures, as she should. There was some yelling back and forth, and Mike said he was trying to fix it, but they weren’t letting him. MJ asked what would be her reason for turning against Reza, and Reza said she’d just had a baby, and someone was willing to do her dirty work. When Ali said MJ had told him that Reza had troubles in his marriage, it sounded like something only she would know. Reza said he loved her; they were like family. That’s why he called her. MJ said Reza never loved her. We reviewed the Season Two reunion, where Reza trash talked MJ. In Persian, MJ said he was a liar from head to toe. She said he’d implied she was on something, and Mike said he’d told everyone she’d robbed a bank. Andy said, at the pool party, Reza said something he didn’t even want to repeat. He didn’t have to, because we saw the clip of Reza shouting that MJ’s uterus exploded because she’d had ten abortions, which is just a horrific thing to say. Reza said, no excuses. His behavior was disgusting. He’d apologized to her, and was crying, while she sat, stone-faced, looking at him like he was crazy. We flashed back to that, and she did seem robotic. He said he wished he could take it back, and regretted it every single day. MJ said, if he regretted it, he wouldn’t have posted what he did on Instagram. Andy said he’d posted private texts, and violated MJ’s medical privacy. We saw pictures of the posts, and Reza said they were shooting a show [where it was going to air], and he’s not a doctor. Andy told him, MJ claimed he was trying to get raise, and Reza blocked her when she was dying. Reza said he and MJ were talking all the way through; he blocked her later, after Ali made the accusations. Andy asked Mike for help, and Mike said damage had been done, but begged them to reconsider. He said Reza, being a gay, Persian, Jewish, Muslim man, they should understand each other. The Persian community was judgmental, and hearing rumors that Reza had an open, weird relationship caused problems. Reza said he loved Mike, but Mike said, f*** you. He wasn’t taking a side. They needed to continue, apologize, and fix it. They knew things about each other no one else knew, and had a bond that was beautiful and unbreakable. He asked who showed up when MJ’s dad passed away. MJ started crying, and he said, he and Reza did. They cried with her, and held her, and held her dad. We saw clips of that, with MJ saying her dad was never going to walk her down the aisle, and I cried. At the time, I had been affected by that, because my father passed away a few months before I got married. She said no one had to deal with what she did, and Mike said they still felt her pain. MJ said she thought they’d make progress today, and Mike said they did. MJ said she felt like Reza didn’t want to believe the facts, the proof, or her track record as his friend. Andy asked if she didn’t accept Reza’s apology, and she asked Reza if she came for him and his marriage. Reza said she had, and she asked if she’d ever compromised his trust during their friendship. He said, yes, and she said, then there’s not an apology. Their lives would never be the same again, like with the pandemic.

We saw clips of happier times; Reza telling MJ they were blood, and MJ standing on a bar, yelling, family! Andy wanted to end with them saying something they missed about their friendship. Reza said he missed the moments of MJ laughing. He was Robin to her Batman, and vice versa. He loved her and always would. He just wanted her to be honest. The sexual harassment accusation had never been a problem for her; coming across a certain way was more important. Andy said, what about MJ, and she said she missed every effing thing about their friendship. It was half her life. Reza said the times they had would never go away. She’d shared the best moments of his life. Now, everyone was crying. Andy told them that they’d both said horrible things. The question was if they cared enough about their thirty-year friendship to figure out a way to start over on a blank slate. MJ said she didn’t know. It was like her whole life. Off-camera, Vida said something, and MJ laughed, telling her that she wasn’t in the shot. Andy asked Vida to join them, and wondered how Vida thought they could move forward. She said honesty was important in a friendship, and there was an old Persian saying, everything is good when it’s new, except friends; friends were good when they were old. She wanted them to learn a lesson from their fight, and move forward with a positive attitude. There was another saying that one enemy is a lot, but hundreds of friends are not enough. She said friends in life were important, and Andy thought that was a great place to leave it, and hopefully next time we saw them, they’d somehow have come together and talked.

Four weeks later, Reza answered a video call. It was MJ, who said she was calling because she was willing salvage their friendship. He said he was emotionally and spiritually drained, and completely exhausted. He’d been a daze since the reunion. MJ said she felt like she’d been hit by a train, truck, plane, and planet. Reza said he did care about her, and she said she never wanted to see him be hurt. Reza said he’d learned that he didn’t communicate with her and say when he felt some sort of way. He wanted her to telepathically understand it, and got resentful when she didn’t, and the resent would grow. MJ said she was sorry he felt like she wasn’t there for him, and she 100% had his back. He said when he did try to tell her how he felt, she would shut him down, and he felt like she minimized it, and they weren’t connecting in the same way. It broke his heart. He felt like there was no time and space for it in her world. He wanted her to push his problems away, and when he thought it was a problem she could push away, she didn’t. It was heartbreaking. MJ said, aside from her husband and son, Reza was one of the most important relationships in her life. He said he was sorry he effed up and broke her heart. Nema had seen Baby Shams, and he hadn’t. MJ said Reza had held GG’s Eliza first.

He said he wished he had been the first one she saw, standing next to Tommy, when she opened her eyes in the hospital. MJ said she wanted to believe in her heart, that they could accept their differences and work through them. She didn’t want to give up on something that was more important than the past horrible year. They’d said if they had one quarter, they’d call each other if they went to jail. That was Reza’s position in MJ’s heart and head. Reza was in his own category, different from her husband. She asked if he was willing, and he said, from the bottom of his heart. She said she wanted to make an effort to salvage the friendship, and Reza said he didn’t want to act like nothing had happened, but have something pure that felt like it was real. He had no space in his heart for conflict with her. She thanked him for taking her call, and he thanked her for calling, saying it was a pleasant surprise.

It was for me too.

🏥 Glad To See You Too…

New episodes of GH will begin starting Monday, August 3^rd. The world breathes a sigh of relief. Hopefully, it’s wearing a mask.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kirsten-storms-opens-up-emotional-return

🎤 The New Idol Normal…

How auditions will be handled this time around.

https://parade.com/1068920/paulettecohn/american-idol-season-4-virtual-auditions/

💸 In Case You Believe Tamra…

How you get fired in the Bravoverse.

https://theblast.com/110455/andy-cohen-explains-why-cast-members-get-fired-after-vicki-gunva

🎭 That’s Show Biz, Kids…

Yet even more revelations about the hell it is to be a child actor.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1171804/hbo-s-showbiz-kids-evan-rachel-wood-cameron-boyce-and-more-reveal-the-cost-of-child-stardom

🦢 Housewives Transformed…

Not that they were ugly ducklings to begin with. Although it’s too bad ther isn’t a surgery for personalities.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/19946/real-housewives-transformations

👑 Drop It Like It’s Hot…

Another reason besides Hamilton to check out Disney+.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/watch-beyonce-drops-black-is-king-trailer-featuring-kelly-rowland-and-naomi-campbell/

🗣 Quotes of the Week

You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served. – Nina Simone

Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary. – Uta Hagen

Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face. – Carol Moseley-Braun

I wish we were fairies. Our lives would be so much easier. – favorite kid quote from TinyBeans.com

Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else. – Les Brown (And I’d like to add, accept responsibility for your actions & quit saying it’s because of your mother, father or somebody else.)

It is so liberating to really know what I want, what truly makes me happy, what I will not tolerate. I have learned that it is no one else’s job to take care of me but me. – Beyoncé Knowles

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit. – Conrad Hilton

You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. – Dalai Lama

I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life a complex matter. – Walt Disney

🐎 Happy Trails To You…

Give yourself a change of pace this weekend. If there’s newly found freedom in your state, enjoy it responsibly, and if they’re reining you back in, don’t contribute to the issue. No 700 guest house parties please. Until we meet again, stay safe, stay in control, and stay dancing like no one is watching. Or like everyone is watching, if you like it like that.

Jul31

July 30, 2020 – When Michael’s Side Testified, Ramona Feels Hurt, Free Party, More Award Noms, Sad Honor & Going On

Posted on July 31, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Today’s GH Flashback was from May 20^th, 2020. Here’s the shortened version, but if you want to take the long road, go to:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/may-20-2020-the-custody-hearing-begins-an-astrological-evening-goodbye-basement-artie-farewell-to-the-best-child-reunion-togetherness-king-costume-tnt-train-raining/

At Turning Woods, Sonny told Jason, the disease takes away everything you are, and leaves you an empty shell. When he asks what Mike wants, Mike doesn’t say anything or doesn’t want to. If Elizabeth was wrong, and Mike wanted to stay and fight, he had every right to. Then again, what was he fighting for? He has nothing look forward to. Sonny looked at Mike, and said his heart was still beating, but his brain couldn’t hold memories . He’d lost his appetite, and they’d have to put tubes in him. Sonny was confused as to what to do, and Jason said he knew Sonny wanted answers, but he could only say what he’d want in Mike’s place. Lulu stormed into Laura’s hold the invitation to Windymere for Ava’s portrait unveiling. Laura said she’d gotten hers yesterday, and Lulu said she could send regrets for them both, but Laura said that’s not what she wanted. Nikolas found Ava at the MetroCourt bar, and told her Avery was quite the artist. Ava said she couldn’t wait to show Avery’s work at the gallery, and he said he’d run into her favorite painter at the gym. She hoped he didn’t use Franco as a punching bag, and Nikolas wondered if there was something – or someone – he and Franco should be fighting about. Elizabeth told Franco that Nikolas was trying to be the person she used to know, one who valued honor and integrity. If he became that person again, she’d accept him back as a friend. Franco said Nikolas had run her sister out of town. Was that someone she wanted to be friends with? Diane told Michael and Willow to go ahead into the courtroom; she wanted to talk to Carly. She asked if Carly was prepared for Martin cross-examining her. It wasn’t going to be pretty. Carly said she was going to present herself as a loving grandmother, which was true, and convince the judge that Nelle should never get custody. Willow asked Michael if he still had photographs of him and Sasha, but he said he’d deleted them; he was a married man. She said she was a married woman, and deleted her pictures of Chase. She told Michael, she knew he was grateful, but he was also hurting like her, and it made it more bearable knowing they were going through it together. Michael said when he needed a reminder of why they were doing this, he looked at a picture of Wiley. Nelle practiced her testimony for Martin, who said it was too saccharine; not enough sincerity.

Lulu told Laura that the unveiling was just an excuse for Ava to patronize the little people. Nikolas had brought her into their family, but didn’t see why he should inflict her on the rest of them. If Laura went, she wouldn’t just be going as his mother, but as the mayor. She’d be giving Ava her stamp of approval, knowing she’d coerced Nikolas into marriage, and Spencer would rather stay in France than be there. Was Laura prepared for that? Ava told Nikolas that Franco was ruled by powerful emotion, and she was promoting his art. Nikolas suggested she was promoting his past, and she said Franco didn’t mind. He said, Elizabeth did, and Ava asked if he’d shown Elizabeth the letter from Spencer. How was he going to respond? Was he going to choose his son, or his fortune? Nelle asked if Martin had any more unwanted advice, and he said, just tell truth, and let stand up to Michael, Carly, and Willow’s version. Julian came in, and Martin asked if he’d been drinking. Julian said, just one shot for courage, and Martin gave him some mints. Martin left, and Nelle said if she won custody, Sonny would never have to find out that Julian knew about the baby switch. Julian said he’d stick to the script; losing wasn’t an option. Diane asked Carly if Sonny was going to be there, but Carly said, no. Diane said it was probably best. His presence might be construed as intimidation. Michael asked if Willow was ready to go head to head with Nelle’s attorney, and she said she had nothing to be ashamed of. Michael told her that he couldn’t say the same. Martin was going to drag him and his family through the mud, and some would splash on her. Willow said for better or worse, and he said they were starting with worse. She asked if the honeymoon was over, and he said when the trial was done, they’d go somewhere fun with Wiley.

Jason said when he’d had surgery the first time, he’d said he didn’t want tubes and machines keeping him alive. Sonny said he didn’t have kids then, but Jason said he’d never want his kids to go through what Sonny was going through. He wished Mike hadn’t put it on Sonny. Sonny said there was a lot he and Mike hadn’t talked about; a lot they hadn’t shared. And now it was too late. Ava took Nikolas’s silence to mean he hadn’t talked to Spencer, and Nikolas said, what if his son didn’t want him without his money? Ava said Spencer was still young, but if didn’t care, he would have been indifferent when Nikolas returned. Spencer loved him, and wanted to be with him, money or no. Nikolas said Ava would like that. She would get it all, but guess again. He walked out. Elizabeth told Franco that she knew Nikolas could be selfish, but he was also sensitive and kind. He’d been patient with Mike. Franco said it sounded like she was halfway to forgiving Nikolas. She said she was trying to understand why one minute, Nikolas was a stranger, and the next, he was her old friend. Franco said he was sorry he’d brought it up, but she said they couldn’t pretend their feelings didn’t exist. Her feelings for Nikolas were complicated, like Franco’s feelings for Ava. Diane put Carly on the witness stand, and asked about Carly going to Ferncliff. Carly said Nelle had claimed Carly pushed her down the stairs, and she was forced to plead temporary insanity Diane said she eventually escaped, which was criminal, and Carly said, when the truth came out, she was exonerated, and her sentence vacated. Diane asked if Nelle ever visited, and Carly said she had, when she’d become engaged to Michael. Nelle had told Carly that she was trapped. She was going to marry Michael, and in time, everyone would forget her, and she’d be left to rot. She’d wanted Carly to know she’d won. Martin objected, saying it was inflammatory, and Diane said, withdrawn.

In his cross-examination, Martin asked about Sonny’s businesses, illegal or otherwise, and Diane objected because Sonny wasn’t there. Martin said, withdrawn, and asked Carly, what happened in court in April of 1998? She said Tony Jones had kidnapped Michael, received a suspended sentence, and she’d shot him. He asked what sentence she received, and she said she’d gone to Shadybrook. He asked if she believed Wiley would be safe in her less than stable care, and Diane objected. Martin said, withdrawn. Diane said it was a matter of public record that Nelle had perjured herself – in other words, Nelle lied – because she’d wanted to cause Carly grievous harm. Had Carly ever retaliated? Carly said, never. She loved her son and grandson too much to stoop to Nelle’s level. Diane called Michael to the stand. Laura thanked Lulu for her concern, and Lulu said, but she was going anyway. Laura said someone had to look out for Nikolas, and Lulu said he had a wife for that. Laura said she would love if Ava was the person to bring the good out in Nikolas, but it wasn’t going to happen. Lulu asked if she thought there was still any good to bring out, and Laura said Nikolas just needed a chance to show it. Lulu said Laura was his mom. What if he’d become a Cassadine, through and through, and was just as deceitful as the rest of them? Laura said she’d never give up on Nikolas, like Lulu would never give up on her own kids. There was a knock at the door, and it was Nikolas, bearing flowers. Franco told Elizabeth that his feelings for Ava weren’t complicated; she cared about his career. Elizabeth said Ava was more concerned about herself, when Ava appeared, saying Elizabeth sounded like Nikolas, and she wouldn’t put much stock in someone who’d pretended to be dead for two years. She gave Franco the check for the balance on the portrait. Diane asked Michael about when he first met Wiley, and Michael said Brad and Lucas had asked him to be Wiley’s godfather. He’d felt honored, but also had a connection; an instinct that Wiley needed him. Diane asked what happened when he found out Wiley was his son? and Michael said the bond became stronger. He made a vow never to let Wiley down or let anyone hurt him. Martin said no one doubted Michael’s love for Wiley, and submitted Michael and Willow’s marriage license as evidence; dated just before midnight. Diane asked if there was a question, and Martin said, given the timing, did Michael love his wife? Michael talked about how wonderful Willow was, and that he loved her, and Martin asked why he hadn’t married her earlier. Was he in love with her?

Michael admitted he loved Willow, but wasn’t in love with her. Martin said Michael hadn’t married for love, but to put on a show for the court, and project the image of a loving, stable couple. Michael said Willow’s love for Wiley was equal to his own, and Martin said he wasn’t asking if Michael loved his son. Mutual love was the bedrock of genuine marriage, and absent that, it was a marriage of convenience. I’m seriously surprised that Martin opened this door, since Nelle and Julian barely knew each other. Sonny wondered if Mike was listening to music, listening to something in his head, or nothing, and told Jason they hadn’t gotten a lot of time after Mike left him and his mom. Jason said he’d gotten Mike back, and Sonny said he was grateful. Not everyone got a second chance. Michael was fighting for his son, and he was there, fighting for his father, and losing him more every day. Nikolas asked Lulu how Charlotte was, and said of all the mistakes he’d made, pretending to be Charlotte’s secret bodyguard was the worst. He asked if Lulu had a court date for custody, and Lulu said she and Valentin had agreed to continue with their 50/50 agreement. Laura said she was proud of Lulu for putting Charlotte’s needs first, and Lulu said she hoped Nikolas wasn’t intending on giving her advice about raising children. He said he’d come there to get advice. Spencer was more than willing to welcome Nikolas back in his life if he dumped Ava. Lulu asked if Nikolas had answered him, but Nikolas said, not yet. She asked what he was waiting for; it was a no-brainer. Laura asked what was stopping him. Franco got excited about the check, and Ava said the portrait was going to be a huge success; he’d be swamped with commissions. Elizabeth said, along with a reminder of the past he’d worked hard to put behind him. Ava said there was no such thing as bad publicity, and Elizabeth asked why Ava didn’t work to bring out the best in Nikolas. Ava asked why Elizbeth thought it was there, and Elizabeth said she’d seen it. Michael told the court, he and Willow would work to provide a loving, stable home for Wiley, but it wasn’t a marriage of convenience. It came at a cost, but Wiley was worth it.

Willow was put on the stand, and she said putting her baby up for adoption was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do, but she had to protect him from Shiloh. Diane pointed out that Nelle had married Shiloh in prison, where he’d been convicted of numerous crimes, including drugging and raping women. Now his widow wanted sole custody. She asked how Willow felt when she learned her son was dead, and Willow said the grief was unbearable, but at the same time, she was happy for Michael. He’d asked her to stay in Wiley’s life because Wiley had been through so many changes already. Michael knew the best thing he could do for Wiley was give him a real family. Martin asked if there wasn’t another side to the story; a darker side involving her. Nikolas told Laura and Lulu that if he and Ava divorced, he’d lose everything, and it was Spencer’s legacy. Lulu said Ava was a lot of things, but she was no dummy. Spencer was a good kid, but had expensive taste, and a long list of necessities. Laura said all Spencer needed was his father. Spencer felt betrayed by Ava when she’d backed Valentin, and would do anything to punish her. Nikolas didn’t need her to tell him what to do. Be a father to his son, and everything else would take care of itself. He thanked her, and left. Lulu asked Laura, what was that about? Ava asked Elizabeth to put aside her misgivings, and join them at the unveiling, for Nikolas. Elizabeth left, and Ava told Franco she thought she was doing something good, but he felt exploited or it would have a negative impact on the boys… He said he’d been honest with the boys, and hoped one day they’d forgive him for who he’d been. She said, what about Elizabeth? Martin said Willow had been a teacher, and asked if she still worked at the school. She said she’d been terminated because parents had complained she was inserting herself in her student’s lives, and disregarding their wishes. He asked if that’s how she intend to care for Wiley. Would she ignore the wishes of the mother who gave birth to him? How did they know she wouldn’t eventually ignore the wishes of Wiley’s father? Who would be there to protect Wiley from her?

Diane asked if Willow had gotten no letter of recommendation from the school, and Willow said she had gotten one. Diane submitted her glowing recommendation letter, and Willow said she was now working in a teaching program at GH. Diane had Willow read her perfect evaluation, and submitted that as well. Diane said she rested. Jason told Sonny, when Mike was bartending at Luke’s club, he’d always try to connect with Sonny. He can see now that Mike was trying to win back Sonny’s trust, and trying to be someone Sonny counted on. Then he’d get in trouble, lie, Sonny would shut down, and the disappointment was like a wall between them. Then the cycle would begin again, with Mike trying to tear down the wall. Sonny said he should have been forgiving, and Jason said Mike never gave up, knowing it was his fault in the first place. He kept trying because he was Sonny’s dad. Mike loved him, and wanted him to be okay. Whatever Sonny wanted to do – if he wanted to keep Mike or let him go – he’d be doing what Mike wanted. Sonny teared up, and said he appreciated it, and Jason left. Sonny asked Mike if he wanted to watch TV. Maybe the Yankees were continuing their home run streak. He knew Mickey Mantle was looking down, cheering. He still has the signed card Mike had given him as a kid. Mike had said it would be worth more than gold. Did he remember? Laura told Lulu that she was reminding Nikolas not to underestimate Spencer. If Nikolas was open and honest, Spencer wouldn’t disappoint him. Lulu said she was in awe of Laura’s capacity for forgiveness and understanding. Laura said she was in awe of Lulu too. She hoped Nikolas had learned his lesson, and was willing to change. Nikolas called Spencer, and left a message. He said he’d gotten Spencer’s letter, and was ready to respond. Ava told Franco that she looked forward to seeing him at the party, and Nikolas was hoping to see Elizabeth as well. She left, and Franco asked if Elizabeth was ready, and not to forget her flowers. They got into the elevator, and Elizabeth seemed really weird, kind of distant.

Martin called Nelle to the stand.

This episode was especially poignant to me, since at the time it was first aired, I had a very sick older dog, and wasn’t sure how much should be done for him. Jason’s words resonated with me, and I knew whatever I did would be what Casey wanted. I did do everything I could, and unfortunately, he passed away anyway, but, silly as it sounds, Jason was very helpful to me as well as Sonny.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Salon owner Angelo greets LuAnn goes at the David Salon. WTH happened to Ramona’s party? She tells Angelo, the ladies from the Fortune Society are on their way for a fun spa day. In her interview, she says, it’s a small thing, but if makes them feel good about themselves, that makes her happy. She picks out a wig to wear for the day. It’s a brunette bob with bangs, and she looks good, but I can’t imagine LuAnn looking bad. Well, maybe in that mug shot. Ramona comes in, and says she didn’t recognize LuAnn; she looks like Kathrine McPhee. Leah gets in a limo with Dorinda. LuAnn tells Ramona that she looked great at her party, and Ramona says she felt great. She was in her element, and people afterward, saying they felt the love. In Ramona’s interview, she says it was the party of the century. The only snafu was Leah, but nothing is perfect. Leah tells Dorinda, it was a creepy crowd. Dorinda tells her that Ramona asked someone for a hundred dollar donation toward her bag, and we flash back to Ramona screeching about the bag she got. Unreal. While I’m trying to come up with money for vet bills. LuAnn says, Mexico is going to be something. Ramona says the girls were drinking and not eating. She doesn’t want to talk about it. LuAnn says Sonja broke the glass on a mirror by dancing on it, and Ramona says she could have blinded someone. (You’ll shoot your eye out!) Ramona tells LuAnn, Sonja has become a liability. It’s like when they were in Miami. We flash back to Sonja screaming at Bethenny, and falling off her chair. LuAnn says, that was bad. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Sonja isn’t ready to listen about her drinking, and she doesn’t want to help someone who won’t help themselves. Ramona says, Leah was an embarrassment, and LuAnn says Leah is going to be there today. Ramona says she’s not even going to look at Leah. She’s disgusted. Leah asks Dorinda, who invites someone to a party, and gets angry because they’re dancing? Dorinda says, they were all dancing, and Sonja destroyed some property. Dorinda has glass in her foot now. Leah wonders why she’s the only one in trouble. In her interview, she says, once again she’s singled out by Ramona. Ramona must be living with a lot of shame to try to make her feel ashamed, but she doesn’t. Dorinda says, Leah has the one thing Ramona can’t have – youth. By God, I think she’s right.

The women from Fortune Society start arriving. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, seeing how excited they are, it gives her pleasure to be able to give this to them. Ramona asks one of them how long she’s been out of the slammer, although she fumbles around for the words. The woman says, three years. She was in prison for 38 months, having been incarcerated at 17; she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dorinda and Leah come in. In Ramona’s interview, she says when she’s upset, and doesn’t know how to deal with it, she pretends nothing happened. Dorinda shows Ramona her foot, and sure enough there’s a piece of glass imbedded in it. She should really get that looked at. Sonja says she remembers, sorta, kinda. Ramona tells LuAnn, glass was flying all over. After LuAnn gets the women situated, Leah asks to talk to her. She says she’s disturbed and disgusted, and LuAnn tells Leah that she tried bringing up Ramona singling her out. Leah says Ramona is acting like she did something wrong, and treating her like sh*t. She can barely look at Ramona without throwing up. Sonja asks Ramona, what happened? and Ramona tells her how she danced on the mirror. Sonja says she wasn’t the only one dancing. True, but she was the only one dancing on a mirror. Leah says she needs to talk to this bitch. Dorinda tries on a brunette wig, and I vote no. Ramona says she doesn’t want Sonja to end up like LuAnn. She has to figure out how to control her drinking. She asks if she can help, and Sonja says, no more vodka. She’s going back to champagne. In Leah’s interview, she says Ramona’s act is totally bullsh*t. She’s seen Ramona’s nasty side firsthand, and she’s let things go, but acting like someone is invisible is the worst thing to do to them. Sonja whines to Ramona that her friend’s mother died. LuAnn says, Ramona is deliberately ignoring Leah, and Leah turns the volume up a little, and says, that’s because Ramona is a terrible person, and everyone knows it. She’s a bitch, and doesn’t support women like she claims to. She’s a phony, and singles Leah out. She says, Sonja is Ramona’s best friend, and Ramona treats her like sh*t. Leah grabs her coat, and says she’s leaving. She’s out. She’s not here for it.

LuAnn tells Leah, don’t worry, and Leah asks why are they came there if Ramona is acting like this. Sonja asks why Leah is upset, and Leah tells LuAnn, Ramona wants to be a bitch for no reason. Leah was dancing like everyone else, and Ramona’s sister said she cheapened the group. She elevates this sh*t. Sonja laughs, and Ramona gets all involved with the make-overs. Sonja stuffs her face from a buffet that’s there, and puts something back after biting into it, when she realizes she doesn’t like it. Ew. She’s not a hot mess; she’s just a mess. In Sonja’s interview, she says, does she think it’s correct to ostracize someone from the group? Not really. Dorinda tries talking to Ramona, who says she’s so disappointed. She’s not going there now; she’s so upset. Dorinda asks if they can’t work it out, and Ramona says, no. In her interview, Dorinda says she doesn’t know how Ramona expects not to talk to Leah. They’re going to Mexico together. One of the Fortune Society women tells LuAnn that she loves her. We see before and after shots, and everyone looks great. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, it’s heartwarming. To see the women pampered, and feeling beautiful and shining, gives her more than she can give them in one spa day.

Sonja goes to Century 21 to see her new display. In her interview, she says she didn’t know they’d had enough clothing to fill the space. Who knew there was so much Sonja Morgan New York? Dorinda joins her, and says, it’s amazing. In Sonja’s interview, she says she’s having a huge launch party, but can’t resist showing Dorinda and Ramona first. Dorinda says she has goosebumps In Dorinda’s interview, she says Sonja is like the little engine that could. I think I can, I think I can. Sonja finally let the cat out of the bag. Or the rabbit out of a hat. She pulled something out of somewhere. Ramona comes in, and squeals that Sonja is front and center. That means she’s important. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s happy for Sonja, and tells Sonja, this is major. She has not one, but two floors. Dorinda says it’s more than she’d expected. She tells them that she found an incredible house in Mexico – sun, beach, and fun. In her interview, she says, they’ll have it all. She knows Ramona doesn’t want to talk to Leah, but she’s going to have to. Ramona says she’ll be civil, and not ruin the vacation. She’s a lady. In her interview, Dorinda says Ramona avoids things like a thief in the dark. Put a spotlight on her ass, and she’s done. Ramona says she found out Leah is bipolar and on meds. She shouldn’t be drinking, and it makes her not respect Leah. In her interview, Ramona says she has no time for the internet, but one of her girlfriends read Leah’s blog. Leah said she’s bipolar, and she’s not acting responsibly. In Sonja’s interview, she wonders where Ramona is getting her information. Sonja is getting along with Leah, and doesn’t want to change that. Ramona says Leah trashed her home in the Berkshires, went crazy in Newport, and now the party. Three strikes.

Everyone packs for Mexico, and meet at Newark airport for a 6:30 flight to Cancun. In Leah’s interview, she says it’s hard to ignore Ramona, but they haven’t said a word to each other. The women pick up their bags. LuAnn’s bag is vibrating, and LuAnn says, it’s a thing to mix juice. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she thinks it mixes some other juice, and I laugh. One time, my husband’s electric razor started up in his suitcase, and he quickly said, it’s not a vibrator! way too loud. Sonja tells Ramona, at least have a shower before she picks up guys. In Leah’s interview, she says, obviously, they need to talk about what’s gone on, but she’s in Mexico for the first time, and wants to enjoy herself. They take a limo ride to the house, Vila Casa del Mar. Ramona reads, 12,000 square feet of paradise. Alcohol awaits, as well as personalized towels. I go, ooh! and think Below Deck should consider that. A mariachi band plays, and the waitstaff lines up. Ramona says she likes to check out the house immediately. Sure she does. She wants to score the best room. Manager Cesar greets them. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s been to a lot of beautiful places, but never saw a staff treat people at this level. She’s so excited. The pool has the conventional floaties, like the unicorn, and there are also floating armchairs and a floating table. Everyone marvels at the pool, and Ramona wants to go in immediately. She gets on a floatie, and falls in. They check out the beach, and LuAnn says, it’s the bomb. Dorinda says, there are no bad rooms. Ramona and Sonja talk outside, and Ramona says she’s hurt and disappointed. She told Leah that she was having a party, and would like to include her, but please act mature. Now she’s hurt. Sonja says she’s not being mad or judgmental. Are these women in the same show that I’m watching? LuAnn visits the kitchen, and chats with the staff, while sneaking a snack. Sonja says Leah claimed she never lifted her skirt, and Ramona says she had to pull it down. This was in front of 50 of her closest girlfriends. Number change alert! It was a celebration of her, not Leah’s body. Ah, there we have it. Ramona is jealous. Ramona gets weepy, which is borderline insane. She says, it’s different here, but it was her birthday party. Sonja says Leah should have been on her best behavior. In Sonja’s interview, she says, you can’t go in, pull up your dress, and show your hoo-ha. Ramona says Leah hurt her and embarrassed her.

The women gather in the living inside. Sonja wonders why Ramona has no camel toe in her jumpsuit, and says she has a chubby p*ssy. In Leah’s interview, she says, if she said that, Ramona would beat her like a piñata. Dorinda tells them that they’re playing a game for the room choices. Whoever presses the buzzer first, and gets the correct answer, can have the room of their choice. She reads, if Sonja had a large meal, what would she most likely do in the car? LuAnn says, farting, and wins. Number two is, what is LuAnn’s favorite word? and Leah answers, cabaret, getting second choice. Either we don’t see any more questions, or only two of the rooms are different from the rest. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, it’s an occasion. She never gets first choice of room. Sonja and Ramona are rooming together, and they choose a room near the kitchen and bar. It also has an incredible view. Dorinda asks Leah if she wants to sit on the terrace. Leah says she’s hurt (word of the night). Ramona is going around saying she showed her vagina, and it’s demeaning and a lie. Then she told Sonja that Leah was on pills because she was depressed. It’s a line you don’t cross. In Leah’s interview, she says, before the trip, Sonja let it slip that Ramona was gossiping that she was bipolar. It’s repulsive AF. She must have been doing some digging. She was diagnosed as bipolar on her 30^th birthday, and she became dedicated to getting it under control, and getting herself in a good place. She’s not on meds, and to be talking about it is despicable. Dorinda says, Ramona’s got to quit it. Leah’s a wonderful girl, and Dorinda loves and respects her, as a person and as a mother. In her interview, Dorinda says Ramona has two methods to get to someone; narcissism and a smear campaign. Leah says Ramona loves her one day, and the next she’s saying crazy sh*t. Her way of treating people is less than zero.

Ramona unpacks, and Sonja models her swimsuit. Dorinda comes by, and tells Ramona, they won’t come to a solution if Ramona doesn’t talk to Leah. Ramona says she’s not shunning Leah, and not being mean or sending out bad vibes. Again, are we in the same show orbit? Dorinda says Ramona is avoiding Leah, and Ramona says, let Leah come to her. She should apologize. In Ramona’s interview, she says Leah can do what she wants; just not on her dime. For the fiftieth time, Ramona tells Sonja that Leah hurt her. In Sonja’s interview, she says Ramona just wants an apology. Leah’s got to own it. Leah confers on the phone with Kier about her hairdo. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she wants Leah to confront Ramona, and she wants Ramona to have no opportunity to judge what Leah is wearing. She gives Leah a sheer leopard caftan, and Leah puts it on over a black bodysuit. It looks gorgeous. LuAnn sees her, and says she loves when women dress for their girlfriends. Sonja tells the on-staff beautician that she wants her hair to look amazing. BTW, she’s naked, and just holding a towel on her frontside. In Ramona’s interview, she says Sonja hasn’t had that much to drink. She must be on meds. She’s like Mr. Hand, thinking everyone is on dope. Dorinda tells Leah that Ramona expects an apology, and Leah says, Maria told Elyse that she’d been showing her vagina at the party. LuAnn comes into Ramona and Sonja’s room, and wonders what Sonja is drinking. Sonja says, coffee, and LuAnn says, thank God. Dorinda looks for the others, and says, everyone is waiting. LuAnn says, Sonja is half in the bag, and Dorinda says Sonja claimed she was drinking Coke. LuAnn says, spiked Coke, and in LuAnn’s interview, she says Sonja thinks she was born yesterday. She’s three sheets to the wind, and LuAnn doesn’t want a repeat of Miami. Leah says, it’s déclassé, and LuAnn racks the billiard balls on a pool table nearby. Sonja stumbles around naked. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, the hypocrisy is incredible. She’s confused and mad. LuAnn says Ramona wants to avoid this, and that’s why she’s hiding. Ramona babbles to Chef Eduardo, and LuAnn continues to play pool by herself. LuAnn asks Dorinda what the hell Sonja’s been drinking, and Dorinda says, Coke with rosé. LuAnn says, first of all, that’s disgusting. Barrelling down the hallway, Sonja yells that she has an unstoppable p*ssy. Ramona babbles to the bartender about tequila, and in her interview, Dorinda says she hears the ring of avoidance with a tinge of fear. Ramona will do anything to avoid Leah. Someone get a taser, and calm her ass down. Ramona babbles some more about wine.

The woman are seated outside, and Sonja asks Chef Eduardo what he’s going to teach them. He tells her that they’re making ceviche. Sonja takes her hat off, and tosses it on the ground. She says she can’t deal; she’s reached her limit. In her interview, Leah says, Sonja is sloppy and Ramona doesn’t give a flying f***. Sonja insists she’s had nothing to drink. She says Leah never said anything to Ramona, and Leah says she’s right there. LuAnn says they need to address the fish in the room, and Dorinda says they’re back in the Berkshires. Sonja tells Leah to say what’s on her mind in a kind manner, and Leah says she doesn’t have that much to say. She’s disappointed that Ramona would talk about her depression issues behind her back, and belittle her, when it’s something she’s overcome. Ramona says maybe she’s trying to excuse Leah’s behavior, and Leah says, what behavior? Ramona says, never mind, and LuAnn says she missed something. Ramona says she doesn’t want to talk about it, and Leah says Ramona has been talking about her vagina to half the Upper East Side. Ramona says she doesn’t even like that word. Chef Eduardo looks pretty dumbfounded. He’s certainly getting an earful. Ramona asks what Leah is talking about. In her interview, Leah says, Ramona is clearly trying to deflect and gaslight her, but can’t seem to say how she hurt her. Ramona moans that she took Leah in, and Leah hurt her. Leah asks, how? She’s not explaining. Ramona says, if Leah doesn’t get it, she’s not explaining, and Leah says Ramona is manipulating like crazy. Ramona says Leah acted crazy at her house, and Leah says, that was months ago. Sonja says, if you’re drunk, you don’t get invited. She wants to protect Leah, and says, when you come into the group, you can’t do certain things. Dorinda says Leah can do whatever she wants, and Leah says she never did anything, and no one saw her vagina. Ramona needs to stop talking about it. Ramona stomps off, saying she’s not. It’s disgusting. She slams the door behind her.

Next time, a cake with a sparkler, Sonja motorboats Dorinda, Dorinda tells Ramona that she’s terrible and should be ashamed of herself, and LuAnn has camel flashbacks.

🎊 On Watch What Happens Live tonight, Ramona was a guest, and said Larry Scott gifted her with the party. I should hope so. He certainly got some major advertising.

👨‍🚀 Bring On the Moon Men…

The list of nominees for the MTV Video Music Awards.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1175082/2020-mtv-video-music-awards-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees

😔 Covering Breonna…

This particular case saddens and angers me, but I’m glad it’s getting some attention.

https://extratv.com/2020/07/30/oprah-honors-breonna-taylor-on-the-cover-of-o-magazine/

🤯 Spent…

It’s been one long week, so I’m calling it a night… or is that morning? We’re almost caught up on GH, and they’ll have new episodes starting money. Tomorrow’s post will have the last flashback, the Shah’s reunion, and a spot of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay sound, and stay making your mask a fashion statement.

Jul30

July 29, 2020 – When Jason Heard the Truth, Roman Tragedy, Another Soap Angel, Real Reunion, Stunned Bethenny, Stars Take Over, the Festival Is On & Climbing

Posted on July 30, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Moving right along, today’s GH flashback was from May 19^th, 2020. You can grab a couple of feet here, or go for the whole nine yards at:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/20/may-19-2020-waiting-for-sonnys-permission-vanderfinale-dont-knock-buzzard-shower/

At the MetroCourt, Diane said Nelle tanked her case by marrying the least reputable man in Port Charles. Willow wondered what Nelle was thinking, and Carly said it wasn’t about Nelle; it was about what was right for Wiley. Back at the courtroom, Sonny asked Julian why he married Nelle. Julian said he didn’t answer to Sonny, and started to leave, but Jason blocked his way. Sonny said Julian wasn’t leaving. The conversation wasn’t over. Nina found Nelle in the Crimson office, and said she thought Nelle would be in court. Nelle said they were on break and she stopped to change. She also wanted to double-check about Nina testifying for her as a character witness. Nina said thinking about it caused her to reexamine her own situation. She believed her daughter was alive, and was going to find her. Nelle said she was thrilled, and Nina’s daughter would see that she was the gold standard for moms. Elizabeth called Franco at Charlie’s, and apologized for bailing. He said he hadn’t had a chance to apologize properly, and thought it required a bigger gesture. Elizabeth said she’d talked to Nikolas, who gave her perspective on her art and the value of her work. Franco asked if Nikolas had found her sister yet, and Elizabeth said she’d see him later. Scotty came in, and asked Franco if the flowers were for him, and said Franco must have done something stupid. Franco said he wanted to make it up to Elizabeth, but Nikolas had beat him to it. Nikolas visited Mike at Turning Woods. He showed Mike pictures of Spencer, and asked if Mike remembered his grandson, but Mike was unresponsive.

Scotty told Franco that Elizabeth and Nikolas went way back to when they were kids. If Elizabeth needed reassurance, it was natural she turn to Nikolas, especially if Franco botched it. Franco said it was ancient history and had no bearing on the present, but Scotty said he wouldn’t trust Nikolas, especially when it came to Elizabeth. Nikolas talked to Mike about Spencer, saying Spencer was unforgettable, like Mike. Spencer had developed a finely tuned sense of right and wrong; now Nikolas was the one with questionable ethics. He hoped Spencer came back. Spencer would want to see Mike, and he told Mike to hang in there. In the hallway, Elizabeth said she overheard Nikolas, and he said he was hoping to spark something. It was worth a try. She asked if he hadn’t heard from Spencer, and he said he couldn’t bring himself to tell Spencer that he would lose the estate if he ditched Ava. He didn’t want to disappoint his son. Elizabeth said the estate didn’t matter, but he said it did, more than she knew. He was trying to look at the part of him worthy of her friendship, and she said she could see he was trying to be a better person, and reconnecting with the people he cared about. Even if Mike couldn’t appreciate it, she could. Diane went to the MetroCourt, and Carly asked if there was any chance she’d been negotiating an out of court settlement. Diane said she called to tell Alexis that her sleazebag of an ex married Nelle. Michael said it seemed to be a bad strategy, and Diane said Nelle thought it would level the playing field. Michael suggested it would hurt Nelle’s case, when Martin walked in, and told them not to count their chicks before they hatched. Nelle was making a nice nest for Wiley, like Michael and his newly wedded wife were. Sonny asked Julian what Nelle had on him, and Julian said, nothing. Sonny said he couldn’t have married Nelle for love, and Julian said he missed Wiley, and wanted Wiley back in his life. Sonny said he bought that, but it didn’t explain why he married Nelle. Julian said Nelle loved Wiley in her own way. She’d come into the bar, they’d talked about Wiley, and they clicked, so they decided to form a team. Sonny told him, undo it. Annul the marriage now. Nelle told Nina that she had to change out of her wedding dress. Since Michael had married Willow, she needed to fight fire with fire. Nina asked who Nelle married, and Nelle said she knew him; Julian.

Nina said Julian had originally hired her to run Crimson. She had no idea he and Nelle had a relationship. Nelle said Julian was Brad’s father-in-law, and when Brad stole her baby, Julian thought he was Wiley’s grandfather. Nina asked if they were dating, but Nelle said it wasn’t like that. When she found out about Michael, she went to Charlie’s. She and Julian got to talking, and realized they were both terrified Wiley wouldn’t be in their lives, so they decided to get married. Nina said, so it was a ploy. Diane told Martin that she was curious. Julian’s rap sheet was longer and more colorful than his client’s. Why choose him to marry? Martin said love operated in mysterious ways. He was sure Michael and Willow could attest to that. Willow said she and Michael had been friends for a while, and been taking care of Wiley most of his life, Diane interjecting that she had a photo gallery to prove it. Michael said Willow went to jail to protect Wiley from Shiloh, the psychopath Nelle married in prison. Carly said Willow had proven she’d do anything for Wiley, and Martin said, including marrying Michael. I love how he says this like Michael isn’t the best catch in town. Sonny told Julian, annul the marriage, but Julian told him that he didn’t get a say. Sonny said if it swayed the judge, he’d hold Julian responsible. Julian asked if he spoke for Jason too; he was still Danny’s grandfather. Jason gave his usual response by staying silent, and Sonny told Julian that he needed to do what had to be done before it was too late. Elizabeth told Nikolas that Mike was like this a lot, and Nikolas said he should have visited sooner. There were so many things he didn’t do. She said he was doing them now, and he’d made her feel better about the art thing with Franco. Nikolas asked if she and Franco had made up, and she said, kind of; Franco was super sorry. Nikolas said, not bad for someone once incapable of remorse. She said that reminded her of Ava, and Nikolas said, touché. He asked if she wasn’t bothered by Ava exploiting Franco’s past, and she said they had a history; why shouldn’t Ava exploit his past? It could be the start of a new venture for them. Nikolas agreed, and Elizabeth said he had a tone like something was up. Nikolas said he sensed Ava and Franco were getting closer in their sessions. Franco asked Scotty was saying he shouldn’t trust his wife, but Scotty said, no; he shouldn’t trust Nikolas. Franco asked if he thought Nikolas was trying to win Elizabeth back. Scotty said Elizabeth adored Franco, but when Franco had to keep an eye on Nikolas. Nikolas was in over his head with Ava. She was going to make him nuts, and guess where he was going to go? Who knows? Franco said it wouldn’t lead anywhere. Even if he and Elizabeth weren’t fine, she wouldn’t fall for Nikolas’s act. Scotty said, it wouldn’t be the first time. It happened to him with Laura. Who thought letting her work with Luke would go wrong? He told Franco, verify things.

Nikolas said he was hanging onto the hope Spencer would forgive him, and Elizabeth told him, leave Ava. Nikolas said 10% of the estate had been earmarked for Spencer, and she said, just sacrifice his money for his son. Sonny and Jason came to see Mike. Jason went into Mike’s room, and Sonny told Nikolas that he’d heard from Spencer. Spencer was wondering why he hadn’t heard from Nikolas since he’d given Nikolas an ultimatum. Why didn’t he cut Ava off? Nikolas said it wasn’t that simple, but Sonny said Nikolas had dug his own grave when he married Ava. Martin said if Nelle’s marriage was suspect, so was Michael and Willow’s, perhaps more so. Willow would do anything to stay close to Wiley. Willow said Julian was putting Wiley at risk. Nelle had gone to prison for letting her fiancé drown, and trying to kill her baby’s father. Martin accused her of slander, and Willow said, take her to court. She’d love an independent expert to prove her wrong, but didn’t think he could find one. She wondered how he could even consider representing Nelle. Martin said she had a marvelously maternal temperament, and Michael said it was time to regroup. Carly said Julian wouldn’t marry Nelle unless she had something on him; he was obviously miserable. Martin asked Diane if the hypocrisy in the room wasn’t staggering, and she said they weren’t the ones getting a fat retainer to help Nelle use an innocent child. He wondered how it was different Nelle was, hooking up with a humble pub owner to be close to her son. Nelle told Nina that her marriage was no different than Michael’s, but Nina said Willow and Michael had a deep bond, and Willow had a strong bond with Wiley. Nelle said Willow wasn’t Wiley’s mother, and had no right to him. Nina asked if she wasn’t concerned Wiley would sense tension in the marriage, but Nelle said there wouldn’t be any. All that mattered was that Wiley was with her, and not Michael. Nina said she’d married one guy to spite another, and it didn’t work out. He’d teamed up with her mother, and tried to steal her money. She didn’t want that to happen to Nelle. Nelle said, Julian would never do anything like that. If he did, it would seriously backfire. Nina asked what she meant. Jason came out of Mike’s room, and Elizabeth said Mike had been sleeping most of the day. Sonny went in to see Mike, and Jason asked what was really going on with Mike. Sonny talked to Mike about the Yankees. He said they’d won, and maybe Mike could bring the same luck to Michael for the custody hearing . When Mike insisted Wiley was Michael’s son, they thought he was confused, but he turned out to be right. Wiley was Michael’s son, and Mike had to stick around.

Sonny said he wanted Michael to share his life with Wiley, the way he couldn’t with Mike. Sonny cried a little, and said he thought they’d have more time to make up for their lost years. Didn’t Mike want that? Elizabeth told Jason that Mike was done fighting, and wanted to let go. She thought he was holding on for Sonny’s sake. Nina told Nelle that Julian presented himself as a changed man, but he was dangerous, and in it for himself. Nelle said Julian valued his life too much not play by her rules. Nina asked how Nelle got him to agree, and Nelle said Julian knew the marriage was best for everyone, especially Wiley. Carly told Martin, the difference was, Michael and Willow wanted to provide a safe, happy environment for Wiley, while Nelle wanted to use him. Kids sense these things. Diane said Carly was right. Everyone knew it, and so did he. Save his theatrics for court, or he might run out of hot air. Martin asked for a to-go order, but Carly suggested he just go. He asked if he could quote her in an online review, and she said it wouldn’t be the first time. Diane told Martin that if he wanted to use Julian as a surprise witness, she had questions she’d wanted to ask him for years. Was Martin aware he’d threatened to kill Alexis, a woman he claimed he loved? If he could do that to a wife he loved, imagine what he’d do to one he’d rather not have. Nikolas punched the boxing bag at the gym, when Franco came in. Nikolas said he just saw Elizabeth at Turning Woods, and Franco asked if she forgave him. Nikolas said they were getting there. It wasn’t a problem, was it? Elizabeth told Jason, everything Sonny wanted to do to keep Mike with him, like the feeding tube, was just prolonging the inevitable, and in her experience, would just make Mike miserable. Jason thanked her for giving him a straight answer, and Elizabeth said if Sonny wanted to spare Mike pain and ease his passing, he had to give Mike permission to go. Sonny told Mike, he didn’t know what Mike wanted him to do, but he’d ask again tomorrow. Sonny left, and Mike’s hand moved. Sonny said Mike seemed more tired than usual, and Elizabeth said she had to go. Sonny thanked her for being there, and asked Jason what he missed.

Franco asked why Nikolas thought he had a problem with Elizabeth forgiving him. Nikolas said some men didn’t like their wives having male friends, but Franco said he trusted her; they had a solid marriage. Nikolas said, of course (🍷) they did, and Franco asked what he meant. They were nothing like Nikolas and Ava. The only not phony thing about their marriage was their post-nup. Nikolas asked how that was Franco’s business, and Franco said Ava was a dear friend. Nikolas said like him and Elizabeth, and Franco said, yes and no. Ava had been through a lot. Nikolas said Ava had a hard time opening up to him, and he was grateful she had Franco to lean on. Nina asked if Nelle was blackmailing Julian, and Nelle said they’d made a deal. She’d resorted to desperate measures to ensure being a mother to her son. She knew Nina understood what they do as mothers to keep their children safe. Nina’s daughter was hers, and Wiley was Nelle’s. No one should be able to take them away. Martin said Julian’s past had nothing to do with case, and Diane wondered who the judge would choose; a woman willing to go to jail to protect a child, or one who tried to murder two fiancés because they didn’t leave enough money on her dresser. Nelle was a gold digger. He told her, people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Carly had reminded them just this morning of who her husband was. Sonny put earbuds on Mike, and said maybe his memories would come back. In the hallway, Jason said he was sorry, and Sonny asked what Elizabeth said. Nikolas told Franco that he was looking forward to the unveiling, and Franco asked if Nikolas wasn’t going to burn it like Ava did with Helena’s portrait. Nikolas said, never. He was sure they’d created something beautiful together. Franco said, for someone who wasn’t a fan of his previous work, Nikolas sounded confident. Nikolas said it was a new Franco, a new Ava, and a new day. It would be a painting for the ages, and a party to match.

Carly said if Martin used Sonny against Michael, it would be his funeral. Diane said Carly was speaking figuratively, and Carly asked, how else would she be speaking? Martin said she could have meant it literally, and Diane said it was literally a figure of speech. She told Carly that they were due back in court, and Martin said, what pity no one ate lunch. He hoped it didn’t make anyone cranky. He left, and Diane suggested Carly not issue death threats against opposing counsel. Trust her, and let her do the talking. Diane found Willow and Michael, and told them it was time to go back. Carly heaved a huge sigh, and followed. Nelle asked if she and Nina were good. Nina was her only friend, and she’d like to count on her. Nina said she could do this for Wiley. Franco brought the flowers to the hospital, and asked Elizabeth to forgive him. She said there was nothing to forgive. Nikolas had helped her get over her insecurities about her art. Franco said he ran into Nikolas, who was confident he and Elizabeth were friends again. She said they had a long way to go, and he asked how she categorized her relationship with Nikolas. Elizabeth ignored the question. Sonny told Jason, music was good for cognitive function. When Brook did a concert at Turning Woods, it jolted Mike’s memories. He asked again what Elizabeth said; he respected her opinion. Jason told him, she said, when Alzheimer’s patients get to the place where Mike is – sleeping more than awake, not responding, and unable to eat – she said that usually means that they’re ready to go. She thought Mike was just waiting for Sonny to give him permission.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The women arrive in Rome, minus Denise, Garcelle, and Sutton, who are going to be late. LisaR, Teddi, and Kyle ride in one car, while Dorit and Erika ride in the other. Teddi tells LisaR that Denise said negative things about LisaR, Erika, and her. Brandi also visited Denise on her set, and… things happened. The next day, Denise told Brandi to never tell her husband. LisaR asks if they f***ed. In the other car, Erika asks what they’re going to do, and Dorit says, definitely shopping. Teddi tells LisaR that Kim had come over when they were at Kyle’s, and brought Brandi along. A lot of things were said, and she doesn’t know Brandi that well, but she seems like someone who says it like it is. In LisaR’s interview, she says she has conflicted feelings. She knows Brandi is friends with Denise, and Denise knows how she feels about Brandi. We flash back to a reunion where LisaR and Brandi had words. How is she supposed to know what’s true when it comes to Brandi? Teddi says she doesn’t know where to put this. LisaR says it’s a lot of information to process. Kyle asks what LisaR would do, since it’s her trip and Denise is her friend. LisaR says, great. Erika and Dorit marvel over how beautiful the city is. Erika says they’re lucky to be there. They are. Too bad they never really appreciate anything since they’re so busy being mean girls. They pull into the parking lot of the hotel, Gran Melia.

In Erika’s interview, she says Rome is one of her favorite cities in the world. She’s spending her last minutes with these women before she’s shipped off to Broadway. They’re shown to their suites, and in her interview, Erika says, Rinna’s room is gorgeous and spacious. Like the others aren’t. Erika wonders if she shouldn’t have the best suite, since the trip is in her honor. They can see the Vatican from the terraces, and are excited to be there. Dorit unpacks, and in her interview, she says, Italy is the place to dress up. She brought a few options, but went too far. In LisaR’s interview, she says her stomach is in knots as to how to approach Denise. It’s a no win situation.

Kyle phones Dorit, asking what to wear, and Dorit says she’s opting for casual. Dorit gets her makeup done, and says tomorrow she’s getting dolled up. Kyle hadn’t wanted glam on the last trip, but there are no restrictions this year. Dorit gets individual pearls glued to her hairline. Kyle sees Dorit, and in her interview, she says, this is casual?

Garcelle calls Sutton, who says she has a flight tomorrow; she needed to get her passport. LisaR tells Teddi that she’s reeling, and Teddi says she has anxiety about sharing. You’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. In her interview, she says she’s not in a position to give Denise a heads up. Denise is LisaR’s friend. Here’s the information; do what you want with it. She wishes the conversation would go away, but she has to address the situation. LisaR says, Denise has some explaining to do.

In Dorit’s interview, she says she spent most of her twenties in Italy, where fashion girls live their best lives. They look at Colosseum. Kyle says Sutton is on her way, and Garcelle and Denise should be there soon. They go to a restaurant that Erika calls magical. They sit in the lounge area to have cocktails, and LisaR asks Erika if they can come to Chicago opening night. In Erika’s interview, she says, no. It’s not all nailed down; give her a minute. You rehearse for a month, then they put you in. Let her get the kinks out, then come. The waiter brings appetizers, including cheeseburger sliders with little American and Italian flags stuck in them. Erika says her drink is exquisite, and LisaR says she’s not responsible for anything that comes out of her mouth after this drink. They call Denise and Garcelle, who have just arrived, and tell them they’re at a restaurant in the Colosseum. Denise says she and Garcelle will see them in the morning. Garcelle says she’s so excited. LisaR wants to go around the table, and ask questions. She asks, what was the worst trouble they got in as teenagers? Kyle says when she had sex for the first time, her mother called a family meeting. She won’t say how old she was, but it was uncomfortable and the worst thing ever. Her sister Kathy asked, how was it? Kim caught her and told everyone. In her interview, she says Kim looked gleeful, ripped the blanket off, and she knew Kim was going to tell. Denise and Garcelle show up.

Garcelle wonders if she should invite chocolate Michael to Thanksgiving, since ex-husband Mike always comes. Erika says, Thanksgiving is loaded, and people are always going to jail on Thanksgiving. Really? That’s a new one on me. Garcelle says she doesn’t want it to be messy.

In the morning, LisaR calls Garcelle, saying they’re going to the Spanish Steps and doing some shopping. They wander around, taking in the sights. LisaR tells them, in 1975, when The Exorcist came out, Italy was against having it shown there, and on the premier date, one of the twin churches was hit by lightning. In Denise’s interview, she says she found out her house was built on a burial ground, and her kids see and hear things, and think there are bodies under the beds. The spirits want them out, and people might think she’s nuts, but there’s some truth to that. In her interview, Erika says it’s not her first time there in this lifetime or any other lifetime. We flash back to Erika saying she was a Spanish boy in another life. She thinks she was a Roman citizen, having a good time with the gladiators. They walk up to a statue of King Tut, and it turns out to be a person in costume, who moves, and freaks them out.

Sutton calls, and they tell her to meet them at the Spanish Steps. She says she got her passport quickly, so she could fly commercial. In her interview, she says if she’d had to charter a plane, it wouldn’t have stopped her, but it would have hurt. They go to where the high-end stores are, and walk inside Fendi. In Erika’s interview, she says, it’s the headquarters of the legendary House of Fendi. They have things you can’t get anywhere else. In Sutton’s interview, she says, in the world of shopping, Italy might be the best place. Garcelle tries on a $30k coat. She asks what it costs, and the clerk says it doesn’t matter. Garcelle says, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. Denise tells Teddi that she can’t do the fur thing, and Teddi barely acknowledges her. In Teddi’s interview, a producer asks if she’s subconsciously steering clear of Denise. Teddi says she’s trying to steer clear but not be a jerk. It’s a thin line. LisaR says she’s going to be hiding some credit card bills from Harry. The women go to the Trevi fountain, and they all throw coins in at the same time.

Dorit loves Rome’s go big or go home vibe. It’s fun for her. They get ready for dinner, and Kim calls Kyle, saying she’s on her way to the dentist. Kyle says she’s excited. Kim got new boobs, and now new teeth. Kim asks how Teddi is feeling, and Kyle says, she hasn’t said one word to Denise. Kim thinks it’s going to be weird, and Kyle says Teddi can’t even have a drink. In Teddi’s interview, she says she’s tired, she’s been on her feet all day, and knowing she has to go to dinner with Denise isn’t appealing when she has these horrible feelings. Erika tells her glam squad that she’s going to channel someone fierce. In her interview, she says, Rome is the place to be expressive. She wants to embrace the old Italian film stars and luxury.

Everyone meets for dinner. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Dorit and Erika are having a fashion show for dinner in the hotel. In Kyle’s interview, she says she has the feeling Dorit will have a new accent when they come back. Erika says she likes real Italian pasta, not the sh*t that’s served at home. Sutton doesn’t like the wine, and gets something different. Garcelle jokes that Sutton’s not happy, and Sutton says she enjoys their friendship, but she was put off by Garcelle asking how she got her money. Erika announces she married hers, like we don’t know. Kyle says, it’s a weird question, and Garcelle apologizes. She asks if they’ve gotten all their issues out. My stomach lurches. I hate this stuff.

Teddi tells them that she needs to say something. Somebody told her that Denise said terrible things about her. Denise says, like what? and Teddi says, like she’s pathetic, that Denise can’t stand her, and she tries to fit in with the group because she’s lived in her father’s shadow her entire life. Denise tells Teddi, she never said that, and Teddi says she couldn’t choose her parents; the same way Denise’s kids couldn’t choose theirs. WHAT?! Nasty. I can’t believe Teddi said that, and on top of it, there’s no reaction. Denise asks who told her this, and Teddi says, Brandi. In Denise’s interview, she says, Brandi is the source? and rolls her eyes. She tells Teddi that she never said anything like that to anyone. She hardly talks to Brandi. Teddi asks if she didn’t talk to Brandi before the party. In Dorit’s interview, she says, when she met Brandi, Brandi told her that her boobs were effed up. Denise says she did Brandi’s podcast, and Teddi says, that was six months ago. She asks again if Denise didn’t have a conversation with Brandi before and after the party. Denise says, no, and we flash back to Bravocon, where an interviewer asked Denise if she’s still friendly with Brandi. Denise says she is, and she appreciates Brandi; she’s a straight shooter. LisaR asks if Denise has said negative things about Erika, and Denise says, no. Erika asks what was said about her, and Teddi looks at Kyle, saying she was there too. Kyle tells them, Brandi said Denise called Erika a cold bitch, and said she didn’t like her. Denise tells them, she never said that. Dorit asks if it’s possible Brandi made it up, and Teddi says she doesn’t know why she’d do that, but she was specific and upset. Denise says, for what? and Teddi says for what happened when Brandi came to see Denise for the podcast. Denise says Brandi interviewed her and her cat. She never said anything about anyone. LisaR wonders why Brandi would lie, and Denise tells them, if she had something to say, she would say it. In LisaR’s interview, she says the Denise she knew before was open, honest, and funny. We flash back to Denise talking about her sex life, and LisaR says, Denise now seems more concerned with her image, and being right and perfect. We flash back to Denise saying she didn’t want sex talk in front of her kids, and Denise repeats that she hardly talks to Brandi. Kyle says what’s between Denise and Brandi has nothing to do with them. In her interview, LisaR says the reason she’s not saying anything is one word – Munchausen. We flash back to that because we will never, ever get away from it. She’s not taking the bait. She paid dearly for it, and learned her lesson. LisaR says they’re not trying to hurt her, and Teddi insists it’s going to be on camera already, and there’s going to be a lot more. Denise says, there’s no truth to it. Teddi says, then she already knows what it is, and Denise says, to anything. Garcelle tells Teddi, just say it, and Teddi says, it’s really bad. Dorit asks why she’s torturing Denise, and Teddi says, Brandi said she and Denise had sex.

Honestly, I felt my blood pressure rise at the beginning of the show. Whether it’s true or not, the only people who know are Denise and Brandi, but Brandi has the reputation of being a liar. She apologized to Adrienne for a huge lie last week, so why are they so quick to believe this?

Garcelle says, it’s one quiet table, and Teddi says she didn’t think it was her place to bring it up. Garcelle asks Denise if it’s true, and Denise says, no. Kyle tells her, Brandi said she and Aaron have an understanding, and Denise says Aaron was there at the podcast. Kyle says Brandi claimed that the next day, Denise told her not to tell Aaron, and freaked out. We flash back to the lying liar who lies, and Denise asks if they’re effing kidding her. Garcelle asks why Brandi would be out to get her, but Denise has no idea. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, whatever happened is Denise’s business, but she wants to get to the bottom of it, and laughs. Teddi tells Denise, say whatever she needs to say, and Denise walks over and knocks Teddi off her chair. No. Wait. That was just in my mind. Denise says she’s going through so much stuff, but it has nothing to do with this or the show. She says, Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. (There’s an old falsehood that if someone says that, filming stops.) She says she doesn’t want to be that person who leaves. She’s floored by the information, and asks the producer, please don’t air it; it’s not true. Teddi says she’s sorry for whatever Denise is going through, but she doesn’t know what to believe. In Teddi’s interview, she says what’s frustrating is, Denise is so concerned with her image. When she doesn’t want to talk, she says, Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. We flash back to another time that happened, and Teddi wonders why Denise is yelling at the camera and crew because she’s going through personal issues. It’s what she signed up to do. Erika says Denise has to straighten this sh*t out with Brandi, and Kyle says, whatever the story is, they don’t care. Denise says she’s very married, and loves her husband. Erika says she doesn’t have to explain herself, and Denise tells them, anything she’s felt, she’s said. Kyle doesn’t think that’s true. Sutton wonders if they care more about what was said about them than what was said about Denise. In Sutton’s interview, she says, a month ago, a friend told her Denise slept with Brandi, but why bring up a rumor about who slept with who, especially at the dinner table? She thinks Teddi is feeling hurt, and retaliating. Dorit says Teddi had a lot of anxiety about it, and got it off her chest; it’s been a burden. She starts to talk, but Kyle interrupts her, and Dorit says, let her finish her thought. She cares about Denise more than Kyle. Kyle interrupts again, and Dorit says Kyle isn’t letting her finish. Teddi says the can’t wrap up this conversation with a bow, and won’t get closure now. Garcelle says, it’s a quiet group right now, and Dorit gets up, saying, goodnight. Garcelle says they have bigger things to worry about, and everyone starts to leave. LisaR says Denise has to talk to Brandi, but Denise says she doesn’t want to do this here. If they want her on the show, it needs to be cut.

It was all like some bizarre intervention.

Next time, racing on the Audubon, Dorit confronts Kyle about always cutting her off Denise says Brandi told her that she’s had sex with someone in the group.

😥 I Totally Missed This One…

Another untimely death in the soap world.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/all-my-children/john-callahan-dead-at-66

Even worse. Thieves don’t leave you alone, even after you’re gone.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/all-my-children/eva-larue-struggling-to-recover-john-callahan-stolen-identity

🗽 Not Up Close, But In Person…

I can’t wait to see what kind of masks they come up with.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/28/real-housewives-of-new-york-set-to-reunite-in-person-on-long-island-next-month/

🙌 They Like Her, They Really Like Her…

Things aren’t the same without the skinny girl.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/28/bethenny-frankel-stunned-fans-want-her-back-on-rhony/

🕶 Virtually Taking Over…

News from the Comic-Con front.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1173880/see-all-your-favorite-stars-taking-over-2020-s-virtual-comic-con

🎶 You Can’t Beat Free…

Lollapalooza finds a way to bring music to the people.

https://abc7chicago.com/lollapalooza-lolla-lineup-2020-schedule-chicago/6340944/

🧗🏽‍♀️ Uphill Climb…

We made it to the middle of the week, or Wednesday for those still paying attention. I was going to watch the Shahs reunion tonight, but RHOBH gave me all the angst I could handle for one night. It’s coming though. Meanwhile, stay safe, stay out of the heat, and stay looking forward to the day you can retire your mask.

Jul29

July 28, 2020 – When Julian Married Nelle, GH Promo, the Murder Room, Gang O’ Ladies, NeNe Unsure, Sydney’s World, Dragon Cast, Con Trailers, Emmy Noms & Busy

Posted on July 29, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Today’s GH Flashback brings us up to May 18^th, 2020. You can catch the drift here, or jump into the whole snowbank at:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/19/may-18-2020-nelle-snags-a-husband-a-possible-nose-problem-return-listing-lotsa-free-distractions-sun-walkin/

Curtis and Jordan met with TJ and Molly at the MetroCourt. TJ told them that he and Molly realized they wanted to commit themselves to each other. Curtis thought they should celebrate, and Jordan wondered if they should have included Alexis. Sonny came along, and said he heard the exciting news. He congratulated them, and told TJ, welcome to the family. TJ said he was honored that Molly chose to spend her life with him. She was the best person he knew.

On the phone, Lucy told Ava that she had an all cash offer for the penthouse, but the call broke up, and Ava couldn’t hear who the buyer was. Cyrus walked up to her, saying her name, and she asked who he was. At the gym, Sam tried to get Alexis to exercise, but Alexis wanted to mope. Sam said last night, they’d eaten junk food and watched British rom-coms that only Alexis liked. I guess moping is only a one-day thing for Sam. Alexis said she liked being an attorney, and had been one her whole life. Couldn’t she take one week to mourn her career? She was disbarred, and wondered if she wasn’t an attorney, who was she? Judge Lowe said they’d waited long enough for Nelle, but Nelle ran in, wearing a wedding dress and carrying a bouquet. She said, the most incredible thing just happened. She was no longer Miss Benson, and she and her new husband had been unavoidably detained.

Sam suggested Alexis appeal. She told Alexis that she was an amazing attorney; she could get herself out of this. Alexis said it was perjury. It was a violation of her fundamental duties, and there was no coming back from it. Sam said she’d have to work on her second act then. She could sit back and figure out what she wanted to do. What Alexis wanted was to stay home and binge watch TV. Sam’s phone rang, and when she stepped away to take the call, Alexis kicked the boxing bag. Brando asked if it was her first time at the gym, and she said she was brought there against her will. He told her to blink once if she needed to be rescued, and she did. Sam came back, and asked why Brando was talking to her mother. Sonny said Kristina was excited about Molly and TJ’s upcoming domestic partnership, and gave him a lecture on how it was more enlightened. He told them if they were happy, so was he. He was sorry about what happened to TJ, but TJ said things were back to normal, except he was bummed that he had no details for Mac. It didn’t make sense; the kidnappers didn’t even ask for a ransom. Sonny asked what Mac had turned up, and Curtis said he was sure the PCPD was doing everything they could. Sonny said he was too, and moved on. Molly told TJ, the time without him was awful, but TJ said it was behind them; they were going forward now. Cyrus told Ava that he was new to Port Charles. He’d been skeptical of Lucy, since she was excitable, but she understood real estate, and the penthouse suited his needs. Ava said Lucy didn’t tell her his name, and he introduced himself, holding out his hand. Ava didn’t take it, and said she’d heard of him. He said he was aware of her reputation as well. She asked what he meant, and he said, as a gallery owner. He heard she was unveiling a new piece by Franco at Windymere, and said it would be a memorable evening. She said he wasn’t on the guest list. Cameron, Trina, Josslyn, and Dev sat down in the park after visiting Oscar’s Meadow. Josslyn said it had been a year since Oscar died. She still missed him, and thought she always would, but now she smiled more than cried when she thought of him. Trina said it was progress, and Josslyn apologized for being absent. She didn’t keep connected while she and Dev were on house arrest, but no more hiding with her journal. Trina said the first step was admitting she had a problem, and Josslyn said she’d still write in it, but it wasn’t as necessary. She missed her friends. Martin begged the court’s indulgence. His client was still elated about her happy news. Nelle said her husband was here now, and Julian walked in. Diane said just when she thought he couldn’t sink any lower, and Michael told Willow, Nelle just overplayed her hand.

Nelle apologized, saying she lost track of time. She hadn’t even had the time to change. Judge Lowe told Martin to get his client under control, and tell her not to address the court unless she was addressed directly. He asked for the marriage license, and Julian produced it. The judge said they’d have a brief recess while he checked its validity, and when he returned, they would proceed. No more outbursts. Carly told Willow that Nelle couldn’t have picked a worse candidate; Julian was an ex-mobster, and just tanked Nelle’s case. Sam introduced Brando to Alexis, who told him that she was also Kristina’s mother, and he’d met her other daughter, Molly. He said Molly came into his garage when she’d had a fender bender, and Alexis said she’d heard about it. He said it was nice to meet her, and went back to his workout. Alexis told Sam, no wonder Molly slept with him. He seemed nice, had a sense of humor, and he was cute. Sam said she didn’t see it. Sonny sent champagne over to TJ and Molly’s table, and Jordan said she wanted to thank him personally. She went over to where he was sitting, and said TJ was back safe. Their collaboration was over. He asked what if Mac’s investigation lead to Cyrus? and she said she could handle it on her own. Cyrus told Ava that he was surprised she wasn’t more open, since she’d had struggles herself. She said that was behind her now, and she wasn’t going backward. He was responsible for a good friend losing her father. He said she’d been misinformed. He just came out of prison, where his sentence had been vacated. She said, how convenient, and he said he was focused on building a new life. The penthouse was perfect for him. His phone rang, and he went elsewhere to take the call. Sonny was in the vicinity, and told Ava, what the hell?

Sonny told Ava, just when he thought she had an ounce of humanity, she was doing business with a drug trafficker. She asked why he was so quick to think the worst of her, and he said she never disappointed him. She told him, Trina was her intern, and was devastated by her father’s death. Sonny asked why she was doing business with Cyrus, since he was responsible, and she said Lucy hadn’t told her who the potential buyer was. Dev suggested they all get off their phones, and Josslyn thought they should do something fun after school tomorrow. Cameron said he and Trina had plans; they’d been playing ultimate frisbee. They’d been doing it a while, and he didn’t know how much playing time Josslyn and Dev would get if they joined in. Josslyn asked if they didn’t want her and Dev to go. At the MetroCourt, the venue for TJ and Molly’s ceremony was discussed, and Jordan said she’d like to have some girl talk with Molly. Diane told Michael and Willow, stick to their strategy. Don’t over-exaggerate, be themselves, and don’t engage. She said just when Alexis put Julian in the past, he did something else to inflict pain. Michael wondered what Nelle had on him. Martin asked what Nelle was thinking, showing up late, and married to… him. Julian said he wanted what was best for Wiley, and Nelle said what was best was Wiley living with them. Carly told Michael that someone had called last night, warning her that Nelle knew about his wedding. He asked, who? and she told him, Sasha. Curtis asked how TJ was really doing, and TJ said he was fine, but Curtis said the kidnapping would have freaked out anyone, including him. TJ must have believed he would be killed. TJ admitted he had nightmares, and would wake up panicked and paranoid. Curtis told him to reach out with whatever he needed, and TJ said he needed to pull himself together before he drove Molly away.

Ava said Sonny held himself up like an excellent role model, and wondered what he’d do when Avery found out what his business was. He said his business was as legit as hers. Sonny got a text from Carly, saying Nelle had married Julian, and Ava asked if it was important news. He told her to ask her brother. Molly asked Jordan if she was upset because they weren’t having a conventional wedding, but Jordan said she was mortified about how she’d acted, and owed Molly a major apology. It was never her goal to hurt Molly, and she thought Molly and TJ were perfect together. Sam brought a jump rope over to Alexis, who said she’d decided to use the steam room. Sam said she was staying to work out, and when Alexis was gone, she asked if Brando had a minute. Carly said Sasha was afraid Nelle might interfere with the wedding, and Michael said she might be the Sasha he used to know. He asked Diane how Nelle being married would affect their case, and she said Julian’s shady past would bolster it. Nelle looked like a lunatic, and Julian looked like he was going to this execution. Michael and Willow looked like what they were; a committed couple, devoted to each other and Wiley’s well-being. Judge Lowe returned, and Diane made her opening argument. She said Wiley’s well-being was at stake, and that was the number one reason sole custody should go to the biological father. She said Michael was the CEO of a multi-million dollar company, but wasn’t an absentee parent. Brad and Lucas had asked him to be Wiley’s godfather, and he’d been in Wiley’s life since day one, as had Willow. At the Quartermaine’s, Wiley would be surrounded by extended family, and feel loved. It was Martin’s turn, and he told Nelle, no matter what, stay calm.

Brando assumed Sam was going to tell him not to talk to her mother, and suggested she give him a list of every relative she had in Port Charles. Sam said she wanted to apologize, and he said he accepted. Should they start over, and be satisfied with a silent nod across the room? She said she’d take that. Molly and Jordan came back to the table, and Curtis asked if Jordan was okay. She said she had a lot going on with work, and TJ asked if it was about Cyrus. She asked what he knew about Cyrus, and he said just what he’d read in the paper. Jordan had figured out Cyrus was framed, and he’d been exonerated. Molly said she admired Jordan’s integrity. Curtis said she’d done what was needed. Cyrus told Ava that he knew she and Sonny shared a daughter. If she needed help putting Sonny in his place, he’d do it. She said she needed nothing from him, and he suggested they talk about the penthouse. She said she’d never sell it to him, and don’t ever mention her daughter again. Trina said Josslyn was competitive, and if she was on the sidelines, she’d have a nervous breakdown. Dev said it was about team building and sportsmanship. Josslyn wondered again if Trina and Cameron didn’t want her there, and Trina told her not to be silly; she’d text Josslyn the details. Josslyn told Dev that they had to head back, and Trina and Cameron said they were going the other way. When they left, Josslyn said she genuinely thought they didn’t want her to go, but Dev thought Trina was being a friend. Cameron had no idea how to act around Josslyn. Josslyn said Cameron had known her his entire life, but Dev said, but now he liked her. Martin told the court, what already happened was a Greek tragedy. Nelle had been in a car accident, and was left in the woods to give birth alone. Nelle fingered the half-heart necklace in her hand, and Martin said she’d passed out, and when she came to, had a dead infant in arms. Brad had switched babies, and Nelle grieved a baby she thought was dead. When incarcerated, she’d also risked her life stopping serial killer Ryan Chamberlain, which got her an early release for heroism. Then came the shock of her life – the baby hadn’t died. Lucas did the right thing, but Michael only thought of himself, and Nelle had to petition the court to see Wiley. Then another miracle happened – his client found love. Nelle flashed back to telling Julian that she knew he’d caused the accident that nearly killed his son. Lucas would never forgive him, but when Sonny found out he’s known who Wiley was, Sonny would kill him. Martin said, it was like Shakespeare; a love story of a brave young woman, just out of prison, starting a new life; and a man recovering his own life. They were kindred souls. Julian remembered telling Nelle that she was so desperate to keep Michael away from their son, she begged Brad to take him. Nelle told him that if he persuaded Sonny to believe Brad, it would prove he knew about it, and Sonny would kill him. Julian asked what if he dealt with her himself, and she said there was a sealed envelope to be opened in the event of her death or disappearance. It would lead the cops straight to his door. Martin said he knew there was concern about Julian being a known mob kingpin, and Nelle recalled Julian telling her there was nothing left to say except, will you marry me? She told him, get a suit, and they’d seal the deal. Martin said they blended their lives together to raise Wiley. Their house might not be as big, but it would be filled with love. Nelle continued to play with the necklace.

Cameron said he missed the four of them being together, and Trina said, it wasn’t so bad, just him being there. He said he’d always have her back, and they pinky swore. Josslyn asked if Dev really thought Cameron was into her, and he said she was the last to know. She said it made no sense. She’d been a mess. Why crush on her when she was at her worst? Dev guessed the fake dating Josslyn and Cameron had done to make Oscar jealous wasn’t so fake on Cameron’s part. Josslyn asked why Cameron never said something, and Dev said, Josslyn was in love with Oscar, then grieving him; the timing was wrong. Josslyn wondered how it wouldn’t be awkward now, but Dev said he was sure Cameron understood that she didn’t feel the same way; that they were just friends. Cyrus asked for a word with Jordan, and Curtis told him, keep moving. Cyrus said since Jordan had revealed everything to Curtis, he could put Curtis’s skill set to use. Curtis told him, don’t push it, but Cyrus said he was just offering Curtis some business. The health of the Police Commissioner and her loved ones remained his top concern.

Judge Lowe gave the court a one-hour meal break. Willow asked Diane if she thought the judge believed Martin, but Diane said it was more important for them to keep up their calm demeanor. Carly suggested they all go to the MetroCourt, and Diane said she’d meet them; she had to make a phone call. Nelle asked how Martin thought it was going, and he said he was pleased. He told Julian that he should come eat with them. Diane called Alexis, and told her Nelle got married. Alexis said she was surprised but not shocked; Nelle wasn’t going down without a fight. She asked who Nelle lured into marriage, and Diane said, Julian. Martin said he wanted to avoid putting Julian on the stand. He wanted to paint Sonny as a threat, but since Julian was also affiliated with organized crime, it was best not to open that line of inquiry. Julian wasn’t interested in going to lunch, and Nelle said he’d agreed to be a loving husband. He said he was beginning to think there were some things worse than death, and Nelle said couples needed time apart. She left, and alone in the courtroom, Julian told himself to get it together. He was about to leave, when Sonny walked in. Sonny said, congratulations on marrying one of the few people he hated more than Julian.

📏 Inching Closer…

New GH episodes are almost here.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/watch-promo-for-big-return

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

In Santa Monica, David and James met with Serene and Ray, sellers they’d worked with before, but who decided they weren’t ready give up home. Now they’d been called in again. The house, named Margherita, was in a suburban oasis; quintessential California living at its finest. The interior had been repainted since they were last there – to the tune of $7K – and it had made a huge difference. In the before pictures, the rooms were dark and brooding, but the afters showed a much brighter, welcoming home. It had six bedrooms and nine baths, and since Serene and Ray only had one child left living at home, they were only using three of the bedrooms. Serene introduced them to a pet lizard they’d gotten for son Connor. It was only supposed to live three to five years, but Connor was now 26, and the lizard was still going strong. She took the lizard out, and only David was game enough to hold it, which I found amusing, since it fit in the palm of a hand. David was still a little weird about it, and in his interview, said he’d had maybe 50 pets growing up, so you wouldn’t think he would be squeamish, but it was a long time ago. The house had a children’s loft that I mentally moved in to, and was on a 21,000 square foot lot, with a private artist’s studio, greenhouse, and pool house. The sellers had found a tear-down in the wall of a canyon, and were psyched that they could build what they wanted. James David asked if there was a chance they’d change their minds again, but Ray said they were all in. David James said they had to come up with a price that made sense for both them and the sellers, since the last time it was high. Serene said they hadn’t really wanted to move, unless someone came up with that price, but they were ready now. In his interview, James said they’d been disappointed. They’d invested $10K in marketing and photography, and couldn’t afford to lose that much again. A price of $17.995 was agreed upon, and David said he knew it was less than they’d expected, but he didn’t want to make them happy now, and unhappy later. The couple needed to trust that the brokers had their best interest at heart, and Serene said they did.

JoshF went to the LadyGang podcast studio, where he was meeting with one of the hosts, Becca Tobin. He said she’d had to twist his arm to be on the podcast, but he was happy to sell her a house. Becca said she needed to get approval from her work wives, Keltie Knight and Jac Vanek; they wanted to see if Josh could hang with gang. They played a game called Flagg or Bag, where they either threw out or kept a trend. In his interview, Josh thought Keltie didn’t like him, which was a recurring theme in his life. He asked what Becca was looking for, and she said she and husband Zach Martin were moving because they needed more space. She liked the L.A. Hills, and wanted privacy, a view, and a pool. She also wanted the new house to have space for the podcast studio. She said she needed the house to have character; modern white boxes weren’t her jam. Mine neither. Her budget was $2-3 million. Josh said he specialized in older homes, and he was officially welcomed to LadyGang.

The Altman brothers checked out a house in Beverly Hills. JoshA said he wanted to make sure the figure the seller was looking for was realistic, since people didn’t understand times had changed. The house was off the beaten path, and Josh said, buyers were looking for prestige, exclusivity, and privacy. Being stuck behind a garbage truck in your Bentley wasn’t so prestigious. The owner’s representative, Rick, met them, and showed them around the 12,530 square foot house. It had floor to ceiling windows, pocket doors, a private theater, a humongous kitchen island, a butler’s kitchen, an infinity pool, and a gym that had never been used. Matt said his had never been used either, and Josh demonstrated his prowess, nearly hurting himself. Rick showed them the 180 degree unobstructed views, and said the asking price was $26.995 million. Josh said it needed to be priced better than other houses people were seeing, and thought $21.995 was more realistic. Rick said he appreciated Josh’s honesty, and agreed to the price. In Josh’s interview, he said the seller had spent over a million on the sound system, and didn’t even live there.

At the Margherita house, agent Jane demonstrated a cornhole game. David and James wanted people spend time outside at the open house. James David thought lawn games would take up space, and demonstrate the expanse. They wanted to bring an East Coast barbecue vibe to Santa Monica. Whatever that is. I live on the East Coast, and I’ve never heard of a barbecue vibe. David James suggested a cotton candy machine, and in his interview, said they wanted to showcase the backyard, so that it would be the first thing an agent mentioned to their client.

JoshF took Becca and Zach to see a home in Outpost Estates, where the homes had been built in the 1920s and showcased Spanish architecture. On the way there, the topic of Broadway was brought up, and Josh graced them with his rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy. (Hint: He’s no James Cagney.) Becca appreciated the older homes, and Josh said if he saw one more modern white box, he was going to throw up. He told them that the houses there were large, but unassuming from the front, and it was a close community, but not gated. For this one, he was representing both sides, so it would be a double-dip. The seller was asking $2 million for 3500 square feet, three bedrooms and four baths. It had 20 foot ceilings, amazing ironwork, exposed ceiling beams, unobstructed views, and wasn’t on the market yet. He told them there wasn’t a ton of land, but it was like a villa, with terraces everywhere. He showed them the master bedroom downstairs, where the magic happens, but Becca said there was no magic; they were married. The bedrooms and baths were all en suite, and one bathroom had a telephone in it – next to the toilet, where I always love to have conversations. He said it had old world charm, but needed an update. At the price, they could do the changes, and in the meantime, be living in a great neighborhood at a great price. Becca loved the old fixtures, which she found charming. Josh said he had an idea, and took her to a separate room which he said had podcast studio potential. It was entirely red – the walls, the floor, the ceiling, and the furniture – and Becca said it felt like murder, and was a hard no for a studio. Josh said maybe a body was buried there, and Becca said, I can’t. Zach wasn’t keen on spending $2 million when it still needed work, but Becca loved the privacy, and how it was close to everything, yet far away. Still, she wanted to check out something more expensive that didn’t need work.

Josh showed Becca a house that had a Mediterranean vibe. In his interview, he said the people who lived in the area were mostly writers and directors of reality TV, and a producer told him, f*** off. He said, sorry, but I wasn’t quite sure what that was about. The house had been built in 1920, had authentic 15 foot ceilings, and was one of the first houses built there, with both views of the city and a view of the Hollywood Hills. The most impressive thing IMO was the 235 square foot closet, which was about as big as my first apartment. It had three bedrooms, and the price was $2.304 million. I missed how many bathrooms, but another notable feature was a king’s bathroom, designed in Tudor style. The house on my corner has a bathroom like that, which I love, but I never knew there was a name for it. The backyard was nearly 5000 square feet, and included a guest house. Becca said it had a lot of character, but the bedrooms were small, and she didn’t love that it was on the street and too close to the neighbors. Josh said maybe the next one would be the house.

David and James set up their barbecue at the Margherita house, to the tune of $7K, inviting agents who had clients with families, looking for something on the West Side. James got his cotton candy machine, and there were all kinds of lawn games, like a giant Jenga. They wanted buyers to picture their kids there. One broker brought an intuitive astrologer to preview it for her celebrity client by checking out the energy. Astrologer Victoria said the house felt stable, and suddenly went to the window, pendulum swinging, saying she felt something. She claimed she could feel a woman who had waited for someone during WWII, and said the energy was good. In his interview, James David said, whatever it took to get the offer, he was down with it. Nothing else on the market could compete.

JoshF took Becca and Zach to a house in reminiscent of old Hollywood, off the strip, that was amazingly colorful. He said it had been built in 1926, and had vintage charm. It was 3000 square feet, and included a movie theater. The seller’s broker passed out bags of Cracker Jack, and Josh said the room had podcast potential. Becca wanted to move on to the rest of the house, but Josh insisted on digging for his prize. She told him that his prize was the commission on the house. There were three bedrooms, a private guest suite, a pool, and spa. Josh said it was fun and quirky, but at $2.749 million, they could get more bang for their buck with the Outpost Estates house. Becca thought that was the one, and Josh suggested they make an offer of $1.8, which wasn’t offensive. Becca said it was a yes.

JoshA got the bad news from Rick that an offer of $15 million had been made on the Beverly Hills house, and the owners wanted to take it because they wanted to be done. Josh said it was $7 million under the asking price, and the potential buyer had seen it before it was listed. Not only would they be stealing the house, he’d get no commission. He told Rick, it was highway robbery, and Rick said he had 24 hours to get a better offer. Josh said he’d show the house all day.

Wearing a kimono, JoshF met Becca and Zach at the Outpost Estates house, giving them the key and a bottle of Dom Perignon. They’d gotten the seller down to $1.87 million, Josh telling Becca if the house went to the open market, they’d have competition. Becca had told him, let’s do it, and he said now it was time to celebrate. He told her that he wanted to explain the kimono, and Zach said he was nervous. Josh said he should be, and led them to the murder room, where Keltie and Jac waited with bundles of smoking sage. Josh said they were cleansing the room of evil, so Becca would feel comfortable in her new home, but she joked that it made her more scared. They christened the room, and shooed the porn screen murder out the door. Becca said they’d turned a nightmare room into a dream, and they popped the champagne.

Next time, the biggest bathroom I’ve ever seen, the owners of the Margherita house sound like they’re backing out again, and Josh tries to sell a house in one day.

👠 The Girls In the Gang…

Meet the LadyGang.

https://theladygang.com/about-1

🍑 Is She Or Isn’t She…?

Still nothing definitive on if NeNe will be returning to RHOA.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/25/nene-leakes-return-to-rhoa-is-still-up-in-the-air/

🎭 He Understudied Aaron Burr, Sir…

He actually sounds more like he was a well-rounded kid than a weird kid.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/sydney-james-harcourt-on-knitting-mariah-carey-ballet

🐉 Casting Dragons…

I didn’t think it got more badass than it already was.

https://hellogiggles.com/news/house-of-the-dragon-prequel-casting/

📽 Trailers, We Got Trailers…

It’s just like you’re at Comic-Con. Not really, but still fun to watch.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/comic-con-at-home-trailers-new-mutants-lovecraft-country-walking-dead/

🌠 Early Roll Call…

The stars we loved and lost this year… so far.

https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/celebrity-deaths-2020/

🏆 Emmy Angst…

For the record, I was overlooked as well.

https://www.eonline.com/ca/videos/310459/2020-emmy-noms-snubs-surprises-showdowns

⌚️ Overdue…

I owe you one Shahs reunion, which I’ve yet to watch. It’s been a long, busy week, and it’s only Tuesday. That’s okay, I’ll sleep in the next life. Until my next post, stay safe, stay equitable, and stay practical 98% of the time, with the occasional free-for-all.

Jul25

July 24, 2020 – When Mike Had a Moment, As the Reunion Turns, New Kelly, Dead News, Two Different Cons, Apocalypse Watching, Empire Spin, Loving New York, a Lesson, an Artist, Two Big Fat Quotes & Another

Posted on July 25, 2020 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

As the gap continues to close, today’s GH Flashback is from May 13^th, 2020. Enjoy a mind refresh here, or if you’re detail oriented, go to:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/may-13-2020-sonny-asks-what-mike-wants-blind-defense-vandernews-impressing-nema-free-happy-hour-upcoming-freedom/

Chase dreamed about Willow, but woke up alone. Willow woke up alone too, at the Quartermaine mansion. She saw her rings on the nightstand, and remembered getting married to Michael. Michael came downstairs for breakfast, and Brook asked if he’d gotten any sleep. He said he felt ready, and she said he’d done what he could for Wiley, and even gotten married. They’re not all so lucky. Michael said it would happen for her too, when she was old and grey. She threw a bagel at him, insisting she would never go grey. She said Willow was sweet, kind, and gorgeous; the perfect wife for him, and the perfect stepmom for Wiley. Ava brought Avery to visit Mike at Turning Woods. Sonny watched from the doorway as Avery showed Mike her drawings. Carly went to the MetroCourt, and told Olivia she was worried about the hearing, and figured she might as well come in. Olivia asked if there was anything she could do, and Carly suggested dropping a house on Nelle, but Olivia said she was fresh out of tornados. Carly said she could use some advice, and asked if Olivia had any words of wisdom regarding mother-in-law-hood. Olivia saw Lulu come in with Dustin, and said, bite your tongue, exercise patience, and slap on a smile. Robert woke up on Laura’s couch, wondering where he was. Laura asked if she should be offended that he didn’t remember.

Michael told Brook that he’d hit the jackpot with Willow, but she had to give up everything, and was in love with Chase. Brook said that was Chase’s fault, but Michael said Willow had to sacrifice a lot. He didn’t want her regretting it. Brook said Chase was a giant tool, but even if he walked on water, Willow was trading up. Michael being loaded was a plus, but he was an amazing guy, and Willow had enough sense to appreciate how fabulous he was. Seeing Willow in the doorway, Brook said, right? Still in bed, Chase scrolled through pictures on his phone of himself and Willow. Mac called and told Chase that he was late, and Chase jumped out of bed, saying he’d be there in ten minutes. Laura gave Robert some coffee, and asked if he wanted to pick up where they’d left off. He asked where that was, and she said, where you’d expect old friends with history and chemistry to be. He put his head in his hands, and she laughed. She said he came to her house drunk. She managed to get him on the couch, settled him in, and went to bed. He said she was a vision of true evilness, and she asked why he came to her doorstep. Carly asked if Olivia wasn’t a fan of Mr. Phillips; that’s how she knew him, since he was Josslyn’s teacher. Lulu and Dustin walked over to the bar, and Lulu said Dustin was there to meet Brook. Dustin said he and Brook were checking out the venue, since they were performing at the Nurses Ball, but he also wanted Olivia’s culinary expertise. Lulu said Rocco needed cupcakes for school, and Dustin volunteered to oversee the baking. Olivia asked what the occasion was, and Lulu said it was Take Your Dad to School Day. Avery continued to show Mike her artwork, and Ava told Sonny that she hoped bringing Avery there was okay. Sonny said Avery never needed permission to see her grandfather, and asked how Mike had been. Ava said it took him a while to warm up, but he’d been smiling ever since. He wasn’t talking much though. Sonny asked if Avery was scared, but Ava said she was fine. Avery had experience from when Ava was in Shadybrook. She didn’t understand, so it didn’t make her sad. She was just spending time with her grandfather, and loving him.

Carly asked to talk to Dustin about Josslyn’s curriculum. Lulu asked Olivia if something was wrong. Olivia said Lulu had barely known Dustin a year, and she was trying to erase Dante from Rocco’s life. Ava asked Sonny if Mike’s good days were becoming fewer and farther between, but Sonny said he’d stopped measuring. He was trying to stay in the moment. He wondered if Mike had coherent thoughts and couldn’t voice them, or if he had no coherent thoughts at all. He said, once in a while, Mike made a precise observation, and Ava said that showed Mike was still in there. She told Sonny that she owed him an apology. Robert said he couldn’t believe Holly was dead, and Laura said she was so sorry. Robert said he was sorry for dragging her out of bed. He knew she and Holly didn’t have the greatest relationship. She said, it was a long time ago, and people important to her cared about Holly, him topping the list. She asked, what happened? Was she ill? He said it would have been easier that way, but she was on a ship that went down in a storm, and it was no ordinary ship. Laura said, of course (🍷) not, and Robert said Holly did contract work for the WSB; another one of her secrets. On the phone with Anna, Mac looked at the report on Holly’s death, and said, there’s nothing here. Chase came in, apologizing for being late, and Mac asked if Chase needed a day off. Even though he was there, he wasn’t, and if he needed to take care of something, do it. Brook told Willow and Michael that she had a meeting, but good luck in court. She didn’t think they’d need it though. The judge would take one look at them, and know Wiley belonged with them. She left, and Michael said Brook had a flair for the dramatic. Willow said she hadn’t noticed, and Michael said everyone was talking them up to each other. Willow said you’d think they defied gravity, and Michael said he already knew she was incredible.

Carly didn’t think Dustin understood how fraught the situation was. It was hard on Olivia, seeing Lulu move forward, and not reserving room for Dante in Rocco’s life. She wasn’t judging; she thought it was the right decision in Lulu’s mind. It was great for Lulu, but she didn’t think Lulu understood how it was affecting Olivia. Maybe Dustin could see it from Olivia’s perspective. If Carly was in her position, her daughter-in-law would have been out on the street with half her hair ripped out. Rocco was bringing a new man to Take Your Dad to School Day, but it’s not like Dante was a deadbeat. He had severe PTSD, and it was hard for Olivia. Lulu told Olivia, no one was erasing Dante. She was sending Dustin in his place to make Rocco happy. He didn’t want to feel left out, and had asked for Dustin. They’d all decided together to make Dustin and honorary uncle, and he’d be wearing a Yankees hat to represent Dante. It’s what Rocco wanted, and what Dante would want too. Robert told Laura, when he and Holly saw each other, it wasn’t always under the friendliest of circumstances. Laura said Holly had broken Robert’s heart, and ran away with a piece of it. Part of him had thought he’d get it back, but now that would never happen. Michael told Willow that it was important they tell the truth to each other. He admitted that if he was going to court without her, he’d be nervous, but going with her, he knew he was going to win. Maybe not today, and it wouldn’t be easy, but he was going to get custody of Wiley. She said she’d heard what he’d said to Brook, and she regretted nothing. Ava apologized to Sonny for having Mike arrested for kidnapping Avery. Sonny said he appreciated it, and appreciated her bringing Avery. They went back in Mike’s room, and Avery showed them a drawing she and her grandpa made; he’d told her what to do, and she did it. Ava asked who the boy riding the bike was, and Mike said, his son. Ava asked if he’d taught his son to ride a bike, and Mike nodded. Avery said her daddy had taught her, and Ava said, all the best dads do that. She had to take Avery to school, and Sonny suggested they put the picture up on Mike’s wall. In the hallway, Avery asked if Ava would ever forget her like her grandpa forgot her daddy, and Ava said, no. Even if it did happen, by then Avery would be grown up with her own family. Avery asked if she’d ever forget Ava, and Ava said, just try.

Dustin thanked Carly for the advice. Brook came in, and Dustin headed back to the bar. Carly asked Brook how the newlyweds were, and Brook said, calm and focused. She couldn’t figure out Chase though; she’d never have pegged him as a cheater. He’d broken Willow’s heart, but was walking around with puppy dog eyes like he was the wronged one. Brook told Carly about Chase arresting her because she’d had the audacity to call him out, and accidentally bopped Sasha in the nose. She’d ripped up the ticket – like any sensible person would – and Chase hauled her to the station. Carly said she needed to go, and Brook wondered if it was something she’d said. Lulu told Olivia, the Dante she knew before everything happened, would want his son to feel safe with a man as good and kind as Dustin. Sonny gave Mike an iPad already loaded with his favorites, and put the earbuds on him. Mike said it was loud, and Sonny said they’d do it some other time. He asked what Mike thought of Avery, and Mike laughed, looking at her artwork. Sonny said he needed to know what Mike wanted; the next time he might not be able to say. Did he want help? Did he want to stay or go? The doctor asked if he could speak to Sonny, and it was back out to the hallway. Chase told Mac that he didn’t need time off, and Mac read from Brook’s police report. Chase said she was combative and belligerent, and Mac said all the Quartermaines were. Chase had arrested Brook three times in three months, and the Civilian Review Board might see it as an abuse of power. Robert told Laura he must have given the wrong address to the Ride Share guy, and she said if he didn’t want it straight, he wouldn’t have come there. He had to grieve Holly, and say goodbye.

Dustin told Olivia that he’d never try to take Dante’s place. He had respect for Dante putting himself on the line for justice. He said he was in a strange position, and Olivia said that’s the way it was. Lulu went to see Laura for advice and calming down. She thought she’d blown her relationship with Rocco’s other grandmother. The doctor told Sonny that Mike had stopped eating. They could give Mike a feeding tube, and keep him as comfortable as possible, but the greater challenge was that it might further disorient Mike. Sonny asked what he recommended, and the doctor said some patients made provision that they don’t want life extending measures, but Mike had left it to Sonny. Sonny said he needed time, and the doctor left Sonny with his thoughts. Michael showed up, and said he wanted to tell Mike that he got married. Sonny told him that they wanted to put a feeding tube in Mike, but he didn’t know what Mike wanted. Michael said he should ask Mike if he could, but Sonny said, what if he couldn’t? Michael said Sonny knew what his dad would want more than anyone, and to trust that. Sonny said he wasn’t ready for Mike to go, and didn’t think Mike was ready. What if he wanted to stick around and see his grandchildren? What if he didn’t want to die? Mac told Chase to make peace with Brook, and Chase told him, if you say so. Robert came into the station, and Mac said, interrogation room – now. He’d thought he put Robert in a Ride Share; what happened? Robert said he washed up on Laura couch. He’d thought work would get his mind off of things, but it didn’t. He was going to take the day off. Mac told him, take a look at this, handing him a folder, saying it was a heavily redacted report from the WSB on Holly’s death. Willow walked in, and went over to Chase’s desk.

Robert said it was black; there was nothing there. He told Mac that he had a headache, and asked what he was missing. Mac told Robert to look at it some more, and Robert would see what he and Anna had. There was more to Holly’s death, and they weren’t convinced the ship went down in an accident. Lulu asked Laura if she was supposed to run her parenting decisions by Olivia, and Laura said, absolutely not; but Olivia was Dante’s mother, and mothers didn’t move on the same way. Sadly, Olivia might be waiting the rest of her life for Dante to recover, and Lulu should have compassion. Olivia told Dustin that she wasn’t going to pretend it was easy. It was hard on Lulu too, but she was happy Lulu had found someone like him; a decent person. It meant a lot, but just so they were clear, she was never going to give up on Dante, and would be hoping, praying, and doing everything in her power to get him back home. He said Rocco and Lulu would never stop hoping either. Brook joined them, and Dustin left with her to look at the ballroom.

Michael asked Sonny how long Mike hadn’t been eating, and Sonny said, a few days. It wasn’t like he was starving on purpose; it was like he’d forgotten how to eat. Mike had been happy with Avery. Sometimes Sonny thought it would be easier to let it be over, but it wasn’t what he wanted. It was what his dad wanted. Mike had a moment with Avery, more like a connection. If keeping him alive for five more months gave him five more moments like that, who was he to say Mike couldn’t have that? Chase asked why Willow was there, and she said there was something she had to tell him that couldn’t wait. She and Michael had gotten married. She didn’t want him to hear elsewhere. She thought it would hurt less coming from her. He asked if it hurting him mattered to her, and she said she thought it always would. Goodbye. He told her, good luck in court. Carly watched their exchange.

🧼 Here Comes Another One…

The soap world has definitely kept fans busy with virtual reunions. This one’s for you, ATWT lovers.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/new-as-the-world-turns-reunion-scheduled

🏝 Kelly 2.0 Is Here…

She’s come a long way from Scary Island.

https://www.cottagesgardens.com/get-to-know-broker-and-former-rhony-star-kelly-killoren-bensimon/

⚰️ Bring Out Your Dead…

Things are coming alive in the world of The Walking Dead. The premiere date of October 4^th was announced:

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-finale-premiere-date-announced-comic-con-2020/

A clip from the finale. It looks very promising.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/news/walking-dead-season-10-finale-clip-comic-con-2020/

There will also be extra episodes to make up for all the hell we’ve been through.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-new-episodes-comic-con/

And Fear the Walking Dead will be returning October 11^th.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-6-comic-con-trailer/

🎟 Comic Conned…

It’s already started, but you can still get in on the virtual fun.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1172203/2020-comic-con-at-home-your-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-sdcc-s-first-virtual-event

🛸 Beam Me To My Favorite Chair…

Alien-Con virtually begins July 28^th. Since you can enjoy this free event from the comfort of your home, there’s a lot less chance of your getting probed.

https://www.thealiencon.com/

🌋 If You Haven’t Had Enough IRL…

Freak yourself out more with apocalyptic entertainment.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-best-apocalypse-tv-shows-and-movies-to-watch/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

✈️ Cookie Spins Off…

It sounds good, but I’m still mad about Star being canceled.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/23/taraji-p-henson-to-star-in-empire-spinoff-focused-on-cookie-lyon/

🗽 Only In New York…

Cindy Adams gives a bird’s eye view from the world’s greatest city in this year of upheaval.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/20/cindy-adams-i-still-%E2%99%A5%E2%80%8Athis-helluva-town/

🤷🏼‍♀️ Who Knew…?

I actually did know about some of these, but you might be using words or phrases you don’t even realize are offensive.

https://redtri.com/racism-words-and-phrases/slide/1

👸🏽 A Pioneer For Princesses…

A woman ahead of her time, whose last pandemic was in 1918.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-animation-pioneer-ruthie-tompson-turns-110-1303663

🎙 Quotes of the Week

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat. – Teddy Roosevelt, speaking at the Sorbonne in 1910

You have a right to experiment with your life. You will make mistakes. And they are right too. No, I think there was too rigid a pattern. You came out of an education and are supposed to know your vocation. Your vocation is fixed, and maybe ten years later you find you are not a teacher anymore or you’re not a painter anymore. It may happen. It has happened. I mean Gauguin decided at a certain point he wasn’t a banker anymore; he was a painter. And so he walked away from banking. I think we have a right to change course. But society is the one that keeps demanding that we fit in and not disturb things. They would like you to fit in right away so that things work now. – Anaïs Nin

⚾️ Rounding It Out…

It’s Friday again, or another in a long line of when-is-this-pandemiconium-going-to-end? days, depending. But you know the world is still spinning when the Dead series are given premier dates, and the Shahs reunion finally rears its ugly head (part 2 on Sunday – July 26^th). So stay safe, stay strong, and stay knowing one day you’ll be griping about your job again.