(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
The Walking Dead
Judith and Michonne are having dinner. Judith giggles, and puts a napkin on her head. Daryl brings a tray upstairs, and leaves it outside a bedroom door. I’m guessing for Carol
Siddiq sees Lydia, who’s on wall patrol, and she smiles at him. Carol puts fresh bandages her arm. Magna and Yumiko make love. Magna watches Yumiko sleep, and gets up.
Ezekiel sleeps and wakes suddenly. He hears whispering outside and looks out the window. He jets outside, and hears gunfire. By now, lots of people are up, wondering what’s going on, and there’s yelling in the distance.
Aaron is concerned the gate isn’t going to hold, and Earl agrees. A tree has fallen, and compromised the wall. Connie signs to Kelly, the tree? wondering if the Whisperers are to blame, but Kelly signs she doesn’t know. Luke asks if Connie thinks it’s them, and Earl says, of course it was. They’re already at war; they just didn’t know it. Jerry carries his wife in, and says there were nine injured. The bridge collapsed, and they were under it. Ezekiel tells Jerry that he’s fine, and not to worry. The others need help. Magna suggests they empty some trailers to deal with the injured, and Yumiko recommends using mattresses for stretchers.
In the daylight, and Aaron is training the young people. One of them fumbles, and he says they’re dead. They were looking at the ground. They have to get back on the training track. Head to hands always. If you lose focus, you get killed. Alden says the Whisperers took their friends, their land, and must be stopped again. Margo asks Lydia – who’s been minding her own business – if she thinks mommy will take her in, and Lydia tells her, get the hell out of here. Aaron tells them run it again.
On their way to help at Hilltop, Michonne rides her horse next to a carriage carrying Judith and several others. Judith notices Michonne looks worried. Michonne tells Judith not to worry. It’s her job, and she’s good at it. Judith suggests she can be a fresh set of eyes or friendly ears. Michonne tells her, Alpha said she’d release the horde if they crossed the border, but Carol took a shot at her, and she took more land. Judith says, maybe the rules are changing, but Michonne says, you can’t negotiate with a bully, or there’s no end to how much they’ll try to take. Some bullies, you can live with, but some you’ve got to fight. Judith wonders if they can live with the skins, but Michonne says they can’t take them at their word, and have to measure them by their actions. And their actions are unexpected… Judith says the fastest way to get RJ to sleep is to let him run around until he’s tired. Maybe the Whisperers want them to keep fighting so they get tired, and they have the advantage. Michonne says, not bad, and Judith says, eventually RJ had to be good for something. She asks if she’s right. Michonne looks at her, and says she’s thinking. She frowns, and stops the horses. She looks through the binoculars, and sees Ezekiel, riding down another path. Judith wonders why he’s out there, but Michonne doesn’t know. She tells the others, keep riding to Hilltop. She’ll be right behind. She goes to toward where she saw Ezekiel.
Michonne sees Ezekiel’s horse, minus Ezekiel, trotting in the opposite direction. She looks around, and finds Ezekiel on the edge of a cliff (perhaps where the bridge was?). She calls his name, and he says she should go. She asks him to step away from the edge. Can he? He shakes his head, and she says she’s not going anywhere. He breathes heavily, and hugs her. She tells him, it’s okay, and he kisses her. She kisses back for a moment, then backs away a little. He apologizes, but I’m thinking she liked it.
Negan finds Lydia sitting in between clotheslines that have sheets on them so she can’t be seen. He asks if she’s looking for a job, but she says she’s there to clear her head. He tells her, keep it up, and there are going to be socks with her name on them. She tells him that they started with her again today. He says she’s obviously having a day. What happened? She says she was rolling with it. She did it his way. She didn’t run away and hide. He’d said to kill them with kindness, and she did. He says they just want a reaction; don’t give it to them. Screw ‘em. Daryl sees her, and says, let’s go. She says she’s good, but he says, now. Negan tells him, she’s just trying to fit in, but Daryl says it will never happen if she hangs out with him.
Daryl catches up to Lydia, who says she and Negan were just talking. He says Negan ain’t her friend, but she says, Negan gets her. He tells her, stay away. As they get to Daryl’s place, they find Silence the Whisperers is written on the front door in big yellow letters.
Michonne and Ezekiel sit down, and Ezekiel says, maybe in another universe. He lost his kingdom. He had reign, and what did he do with it? He failed. Ben, Shiva, Henry, now Hilltop. He doesn’t know how to talk to Carol anymore. He didn’t know what he was going to do when he came out there. Michonne says she’s been there before. Not there, but – she indicates his heart – there. A long time ago. She was alone and in a dark place. She envied the walkers. Every time she got one, she was going to let it bite her. She’d put her sword down, and kill it with her bare hands. Eventually, she gave up. Ezekiel asks what it felt like, and she says, it feels like a mask – until it doesn’t. Ezekiel says he can only wear one for so long. Michonne says, then you have to start all over, just like that. Somehow it’s harder the second time, especially if you get used to having someone there; that partner in crime, that sounding board. She tears up, and says, now, it’s all on you; just you.
They walk, and Michonne says, for what it’s worth, Ezekiel’s not a half-bad kisser. He says he’s not at the top of his game, and she says she hasn’t kissed anyone under four feet tall in the last six years. She tells him, next time… He says, when he starts to act like an idiot? She asks him to just promise he won’t ride out by himself. He thanks her.
Zombies continue to gravitate to Hilltop. Magna says, there’s more of them, and Luke says, that’s not good. Thanks, Captain Obvious. Earl says he’ll get some timbers to reinforce the gate. Jerry asks how much time they have, and Earl hopes it’s enough. Everyone who’s been zombie fighting runs back in.
At mealtime, Lydia sits with the group who’s been harassing her, and slaps a dead squirrel on the table, cutting it open with a knife. Blood spritzes onto Gage’s face. Alfred says, she’s crazy. What’s wrong with her? Ozzie and Helen died to save her, and she’s making fools of them. Margo says, not here, and Lydia puts her finger to lips and says, shhh… They leave, and Daryl says she wants to live there, right? Lydia says, they deserved it, and Daryl says, he knows, but she can’t do sh*t like that. She says, but they can write what they want on their door? He says he’ll talk to them, and set them straight, but she says she doesn’t want him to fight her fight. They want her to give up, but she’s not going to; she can’t. He says he gets it. She takes her pokey stick, and goes outside. He says, great, no doubt anticipating more problems.
Outside, Lydia sees Margo, and is suddenly surrounded by her, Gage, and Alfred. (Yes. I cheated, and looked up these names. I have no clue who the blip these kids are, although I vaguely remember Gage.) Lydia asks why they hate her, and Margo says they’re friends were killed. Lydia says she wasn’t there, but Gage says, Ozzie was a fair man. In his honor, they’ll give her one last chance. Margo tells her, run now, and they’ll play dumb when anyone asks. Lydia says this is her home; they’re her people. Margo cracks Lydia in the head. Lydia falls, and Alfred grabs her. Lydia says she loved Henry. They know she did. They start beating on her, although Gage doesn’t really seem on board with it. Negan comes out, and starts shoving them away. Gage says they were just trying to scare her. Siddiq comes out, asking, what the hell is going on? During the melee, when Negan pulled Margot off of Lydia, she got slammed up against the wall. Negan realizes she’s dead, and says, sh*t.
Gage yells, Negan killed her, but Lydia says he didn’t do anything. Daryl says, get him out of here. People start to gather, and Siddiq remembers being with the Whisperers. He goes inside, and plunges his face into a bowl of ice water. Dante bandages Lydia. Daryl comes in, and tells Lydia that he’s sorry this happened. She doesn’t say anything, then mumbles something I can’t understand. He asks her to tell him what happened, and she says, Negan saved her life. She leans on Daryl’s shoulder, and he puts his arm around her.
Daryl goes to see Negan, who’s back in his cell. Negan asks how the kid is doing, and Daryl says, she’s banged up, but she’ll be all right. The young people are talking about putting Negan down, now that Rick isn’t around to save him. Negan says if Daryl came there looking for a confession, keep walking. For the record, it was accident, and for the record, screw her. Goddam a-hole, beating on a kid. The world is better off. But Daryl already knows that, doesn’t he? He says Daryl came there to look him in the eye, but doesn’t know what to do with him. All the times he’s fantasized about Negan’s death, and tried to kill him, now he’s not so sure. Daryl tells Negan, listen to him. They’ve never been in a room, toe to toe, with no one to save him. What does he want to do? Negan says, the people out there are out for blood and guts. Daryl says Negan is no hero, and Negan agrees. He’s a sucker. He started to believe Daryl’s way of life, and moral code. He was given a taste of freedom, and it was yanked away when he did the right thing. He has to admit, it’s pretty messed up. They both know and appreciate messed up sh*t, but who’s the sucker now?
Daryl asks how Carol is feeling, and she says, sore. She heard what happened. Daryl says, a mess, and Carol says, everyone is talking about Negan again like time never moved. He doesn’t think…? Daryl says, he believes Lydia, and Carol says, it’s just a distraction. Alexandria was attacked. He says they don’t know that yet, and Carol says, the real enemy is out there. He says, enough bad is happening inside. If they don’t fix that, it won’t matter. There won’t be anything left. She says they should have gone to New Mexico. He says, yeah, and walks off.
Magna and the others kill zombies outside the Hilltop gate under a huge moon. Kelly uses a slingshot, and Yumiko, a bow and arrow. Luke thinks they should go back in; there’s more coming. Yumiko agrees they should get out, and calls to Magna. Magna says they have to protect the wall. Kelly says they need kelp. Yumiko grabs Kelly, and Magna tells them, go. Connie grabs Magna, and pulls her with them. They go back inside. Even I’m getting exhausted just watching. The wall starts to shake, and zombies bring down the door.
The zombies begin to stream in. I say, sh*t! Ezekiel and Michonne run out, along with Judith. Judith and Michonne fight side by side, Judith with her own, smaller machete. Judith is quite the little fighter, and Michonne stops for a millisecond to admire that. They continue to do some mother/daughter bonding by slaying zombies together.
Daryl radios Michonne, who asks, what’s going on? He tells her what happened to Lydia, saying, Lydia was lured there, and Negan was with her. She was attacked, and she’s in the infirmary. One of their friends is in the grave, but Negan is on the right side. He’s not sure if it makes a difference. Michonne says maybe she should come home. They have to protect Lydia. Daryl says, they’re trying to, but Michonne says, they have to. for all of them. They went to the border, and met Alpha. It was working, until Carol took a shot at her. Alpha could have killed them. Why does he think she didn’t? Daryl says, they’ve got Lydia. Michonne says Alpha wanted her protected, but she’ll definitely hurt them if Lydia gets hurt or runs off. She has to stay In Alexandria to keep the peace between them. Daryl says he’ll make sure. He admits to being a little afraid of the situation there; there’s going to be a council meeting. Michonne wants him to be her proxy, and vote for her. He says, all right, and she says she knows he’ll do the right thing.
After signing off with Daryl, Michonne gets another call on the radio.
At the council meeting, Gabriel suggests maybe Negan has been redeemed; maybe he has changed. But then again, a man like that, who’s done the things he’s done… Aaron says, and killed who he killed. Something inside him is broken. But they have to face the fact that killing Negan over this could undermine the civilized society they’ve built. Siddiq says, the Whisperers are the ones attacking them. Look what’s going on at Hilltop. Gabriel says the council wasn’t made for this; deciding a man’s fate in the dead of night; a group of people carrying pitchforks. Daryl says they’re supposed to make the people’s decisions for them. Michonne told him to vote for her, and he votes no on killing Negan. Aaron says, the vote is tied, and asks what Gabriel says. Gabriel wants to take the night to clear his head, and consider his vote. He suggests the rest of the council do the same.
Michonne wants to head out to Oceanside. Another mask was found. It might be nothing, but just in case it is them. Although they usually move as a pack. Eugene says, one hundred or more, and uses a bunch of big words. Luke simplifies, saying, like a cockroach family. He asks if she thinks they’re planning another attack. Michonne says the first time, it could be a coincidence, and the second, bad luck, but the third? They need to check. Luke says he’s feeling the ocean calling to him like a loon. Yumiko says he means Jules is calling to him, and he pretends not to know what she’s talking about. He’s never heard of her… Oh yeah, the tall one. Michonne says Eugene needs to lead a wagon back to Alexandria, but Eugene says he’s staying put, and uses a lot of words to say that Hilltop wall might need fortification. Michonne says Judith is coming with her. Who else could be her pair of friendly ears?
Magna is annoyed at Yumiko for making the decision for them to come back in when they were fighting the zombies. She says it was her decision, but Yumiko says it was a split second decision. When the sh*t hit the fan, someone had to. She wonders where this is coming from, and Magna says Yumiko isn’t her lawyer anymore.
Gabriel ponders as he walks to Negan’s cell. He goes inside to see Negan.
Gabriel bangs on Daryl’s door. Daryl opens it, and Gabriel says, he’s gone.
Gabriel tells Daryl and Aaron that a set of keys is missing. Aaron wants to know who was on watch. Lydia has come out of the house, and says she did, as she walks past them. Daryl says she didn’t. He kept watch, and she never left. Lydia walks into Negan’s empty cell, and says, it doesn’t matter. This is where they want her. Daryl says, it doesn’t matter what they want, and she says for a long time, she blamed herself for what happened. She kept thinking what if she’d just stayed in the cell where they found her, and never let them take her alive? What if she never went off with Henry, or said anything to her mother? Daryl says she’s not to blame, but she says, her mother was right. The people there put on polite faces, but they’re just masks. When things get bad, or they get scared, they pick a target, and aim to shoot. Her, Negan, anything but him. Daryl says, Negan is different. She didn’t know him. She says he stood up for her when he didn’t have to. She tried to hate him because she wanted to be like Daryl. Daryl says she doesn’t belong in a cage. She says, it’s better there. She feels safe. He closes the door, and it locks.
Ezekiel tells Jerry, he means it; he’s good. Jerry loads up a truck, and everyone gets ready to move out. Luke says goodbye to Connie and Kelly, and hugs Magna. He gets in the truck bed, and blows Yumiko a kiss. Michonne gets the horses going, and they pull the truck. I wonder how many people are making jokes about real horsepower.
Carol looks out from a rooftop. Below, Daryl takes the graffiti off the door. The camera pans around Alexandria, and we see Silence the Whisperers written in several places, including above the main gate. We hear the Whisperers get louder.
Next time, Negan on the road, Kelly is in trouble, and Alpha tells Beta, strategy takes time, but the Whisperers will crush them.
🎃 Both audience members and Chris Hardwick celebrated Halloween tonight by donning Walking Dead cosplay outfits. Chris came as Dale, and I would not have recognized him in a million years. Guest MattJones sported a Eugene pigtail, and suggested Negan had found his calling as a child psychologist. He might be right about that. He also thought Banksy might be responsible for the graffiti showing up around Alexandria. Mike Cudlitz (ex-Abe, who also directed tonight’s episode) and Cassady McClincy (Lydia) were also guests. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guest have as good a time as Cassady did. She was just happy to be there, to be on TWD, and not be dead.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason sees Doc and Laura at the MetroCourt. He says he needs Doc’s help, and asks if Doc can get him in to see Ryan.
At another table, Finn is on the phone. He asks if he and Hayden are still on for breakfast. Hayden says she’s going to check on Elizabeth, and head over. He says he’s looking forward to it. Robert comes by, and says that’s mighty cosmopolitan of Finn. Finn asks how? and Robert says Finn has his ex in town to keep him warm, while his fiancé off doing something. Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
After a restless night, Ava gets up and drinks a glass of water. She hears the front door knob jiggle. The door opens, but the chain is on it. Ava gets her gun.
At the high school, Josslyn says they’re counting on Dustin to be a chaperone at the Halloween dance. He says he’s sure they have some ideas, and Trina gives him several teacher’s names. He says he senses a pattern. Can’t they think of a faculty member not born in the 1980s? Josslyn says it will be embarrassing to see them dancing to Donna Summer. Dustin says maybe the chaperones will be happy dancing to Donna Summer, and they can learn a little about pop history. Cameron walks in wearing a suit, and Dustin asks, what’s the occasion? Trina says, it’s his court outfit, and Josslyn asks if it has something to do with his community service. Trina says, Franco’s hearing is today, and Cameron says he’s going to see if he can save Franco instead of Franco saving him.
At the hospital, Elizabeth tells Hayden that she’s meeting Scotty at Kelly’s to firm up their strategy. Hayden asks how she’s doing, and Elizabeth says she’s going to court to fight for a husband whose memory was taken, and he thinks he’s someone else. It’s like that. They hug, and Hayden says, Franco’s lawyer has no idea what he’s up against.
Martin goes to Franco’s room, carrying a garment bag. Franco asks if he brought a suit, and Martin says, better. He shows Franco (we don’t see it), and Franco says, wow. Even he’s impressed by himself. Martin says if they’re going to battle, he’d better be dressed for it. Ooh. I’ll bet it’s his Navy blues.
Julian tells Ava, open up, and she lets him in. She says he scared the hell out of her. He says, bringing her breakfast? What was she planning on doing? Shooting first, and asking questions later? He takes the gun from her, and she says he can’t blame her for taking precautions. He says she’s got the door locked, bolted, and chained; she’s got the windows locked and covered; and all kinds of security cameras and alarms. For a guy who’s currently incarcerated in a secure facility. Ava says he’s watching her. She can feel it. Julian sees she’s been drinking, and tells her, don’t get mad, but is it possible her paranoia is fueled by drinking? She says, if anything, drinking is the only thing helping her. She knows he doesn’t believe it, but she can feel Ryan’s breath on her neck like he’s standing next to her. He’s watching… always watching.
Jason tells Doc that he went to visit Brice, and he was ready to name the person who paid him to frame Sam. Laura says, but he was killed first. Jason nods, and says now he doesn’t have enough to clear Sam, and he wants to find out if Brice mentioned the name to Ryan. Doc tells him that he’s wasting his time. He’d be better off calling Brice’s attorney. Jason says he reached out, but now that Brice is dead, the lawyer has no incentive to return his call. Ryan is in solitary, and the warden won’t let him have access. Laura is surprised he’d take Ryan’s word on anything, and Jason says he has a theory, and Brice confirmed it. Laura asks who it is, but Jason says he needs more proof. It would help if he could find out what Ryan knows. Laura says she can’t promise anything, but she can put in a word. Doc says his brother doesn’t help people. He likes to watch them chase their tails. He’ll negotiate and stall, hoping they come back to confront him. Jason would be better off going elsewhere. Jason thanks Doc for his advice, and says he needs to follow up on every lead. Laura says she’ll call him if she hears anything.
Robert sits down, and signals the waitress for coffee. Finn tells him not to make himself comfortable. He’s not staying. Robert asks if Finn doesn’t want a witness to his brekkie with Hayden. Finn says there’s nothing to worry about, and Robert says, the first thing you learn in the spy game is how to spot a lie. Finn reeks of it.
At the hospital, Hayden runs into Curtis. She asks if everything is okay, and he says he’s there for a case. She asks if it’s a good one, or can’t he talk about it? He says since he’s also kind of a client, he can. He’s there for backup on Sasha’s DNA test. She asks why he’s a client, and he says he had Sasha take not one, but two DNA tests, to confirm she was Nina’s daughter. He doesn’t take kindly to being used to hurt a friend or by a friend. She says he’s a great friend. He deserves to be treated like one. Curtis is glad she feels that way, and tells her that he’s a good listener. If she has anything on her mind…
Elizabeth walks into Kelly’s, where Scotty is scarfing pancakes. He offers to order her a stack, saying, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. She says she can’t eat when her stomach is in a knot. Scotty asks the waitress for coffee, telling Elizabeth, caffeine is good. She says she was up all night, going over everything. Scotty asks, what for? What is she looking for? She says the one thing they missed. The one thing that could make the difference between saving Franco and losing him.
Doc asks if Laura is really going to call the warden. Laura says Jason stopped Ryan from dragging Ava over the bridge in Canada. It’s the least she could do. She tells Doc that she’s dreading the hearing. Poor Elizabeth, and the boys. They love him. Aiden and Jake are waiting for hm to come home, and Cameron is determined to repay Franco for saving his life. She asks if Franco was rational when Doc saw him, and Doc says he can tell her what she already knows. For all intents and purposes, Franco presents a man who believes he’s Drew Cane.
I was right. Franco is dressed in his Navy blues with decorations. Martin asks how he feels, and Franco says, like himself, Chief Andrew Cane. Martin tells him, move around and get used to them. He’s going to do some last minute preparation. Franco asks if that means Martin isn’t properly prepared. Martin says there’s always last minute preparation. Opposing counsel will use his appearance to show he’s incompetent, and unable to recognize himself, which means he’s incapable of acting in his own behalf. It’s Franco’s job to prove otherwise. Martin tells him to keep asking who Drew Cane is, and how he knows who he is. Answer honestly, and even Scott Baldwin will have a hard time proving he’s not who he is. Franco says, Chief Petty Officer, Andrew Cane.
Josslyn thanks Dustin, and says, the journaling helps. It turns out she had a lot bottled up. It felt good to let it out. He’s glad the process is working for her, and asks how much time she spends on it. She says, a couple hours a day, maybe more, maybe less. He says, that’s a lot, and she asks if there’s such a thing as too much. He says, not necessarily, but as gratifying as it is to get it on paper, it’s not a substitute for real friends.
Sitting nearby, Cameron tells Trina that he was a jerk to Franco. Trina says, if he’s unnecessarily torturing himself, she wants in. In the beginning, Franco was unfair about how Cameron related to his brothers. Cameron says Franco apologized, and she says, that’s all anyone can do. He thanks her, and she says she’s not done. When Franco does come back, he’s going to want to make up for lost time. Cameron says, that he will, and he can’t wait.
Finn says it’s been swell talking to Robert, but he generally doesn’t spend time with people who call him a liar to his face. Robert says Anna is on a mission and Finn is playing house with his ex. Finn says he and Anna talk every day, especially after what happened last time when he was texting with imposters. Robert says he was there. He tolerates Finn because Anna loves him, but his tolerance disappears when Finn goes behind her back. Finn says he wouldn’t tolerate that either. That’s why he texted Anna this morning, and said he was having breakfast with Hayden to sort out a few things. Robert asks what Anna said, and Finn says he hasn’t heard back yet. She’s busy with the aforementioned mission. Robert says he believes Finn. Finn says, thanks, but Robert adds, to a point. He thinks Finn is lying about something. Not about Anna, but Hayden.
Finn says Robert is the mother of Anna’s child, so he humors him, but Robert needs to get off his back. Hayden has no connection to him. Whatever is going on, it’s none of Robert’s business. Robert says something is going on between Finn and Hayden. Finn says he loves Anna. Good. Don’t let anything get in the way of that. He thanks Finn for the coffee, and leaves.
Hayden says there’s nothing she needs to talk through at the moment, and tells Curtis to stay focused on their other project. She has to run; Finn invited her to breakfast. Curtis asks if Finn said why, but Hayden says he didn’t mention any particulars. Does he know something she doesn’t? Curtis says Finn didn’t say anything to him, but they have a history, Hayden says, they do. She’ll let him know if she needs to unburden herself of anything after breakfast. He says he’ll catch her later.
Laura tells Doc that when he was speaking with Jason, it was the most grounded she’s seen him talking about his brother. Doc says he’s working on it. She wishes Ava would. It sounds like she’s unraveling. Ryan has been writing her letters, and she decided to take them back to return them. Doc says, she only made it worse. Laura says, Ava seems to think people are watching her constantly, and Doc says, it’s not uncommon in victims of PTSD. She asks if he thinks that’s what Ava has, and he says he can’t be certain, but it’s likely. When he thinks about the terrible things Ryan did to him – and he does think about them – he doesn’t think Ryan is going to give up on loving Ava until he destroys her.
Julian puts Ava’s gun away. He thought she was doing better, but clearly, she’s not. Ava says it’s her home. If she wants to cover the windows she will, and it’s safer that way. He says she has the right to be upset, but holing up in the dark, drinking herself into oblivion, and imagining shadows? She’s better than this; stronger than this. He tells her not to let Ryan defeat her like this. Maybe she should go back to the hospital. She says she’s not the one who can’t face reality. It’s him, and every other person who insists the world is a safe place.
Elizabeth tells Scotty, for two people who just want a simple life together, she and Franco have faced some challenges, but through it all, there’s love. Scotty says they definitely love each other. She says it’s come down to this, the two most important days in their lives. The day they got married with jail cell bars between them, and today, when a judge decides if they’ll be kept apart. Scotty says, at the wedding reception, Bobbie was pressing him to make a toast, but Obrecht fell into the drink and goofed everything up. He was saving it for their 1st anniversary, but he thinks she needs to hear what he had to say now.
Jason visits Franco, and asks if he has a minute. Franco says he does, unless Jason is there to convince him not to undergo the procedure. Jason says he’s there to ask him if he remembers something. Franco says, as Franco? but Jason says, it’s something Drew Cane might remember.
Trina tells Cameron she doesn’t know why Cameron doesn’t like a certain teacher for chaperone. He says they’ll be dancing to rock dirges. Josslyn asks Dustin if that’s not the point of journaling. She doesn’t want to censure what she says or feel like she’s expected to feel a certain way. He asks if she feels she has to do that with her friends, and she says, doesn’t everyone act differently around different friends? He says she’s right, and it is important to have a safe, private place to be yourself.
Trina can’t believe Cameron used the word dirge, and asks if he even knows what it means. He says the Halloween dance will turn into a bubblegum pop nightmare. Dustin tells Josslyn, it’s important to spend time with people who care, and she says she sees them at school. He says, what about after? and she admits maybe she has been spending less time with them. He tells her it’s a trade-off. If she spends more time with them, she’ll have more to write about. She guesses he’s right.
Scotty tells Elizabeth, marriage is not for the faint of heart. She and Franco have had so many obstacles and tragedies to get where they are. He calls it love, but that’s not giving it justice. Everyone should be so lucky to approach love the way they do with tenacity and faith.
Jason tells Franco that Brice broke Shiloh out of custody, and Sam killed Shiloh defending him. That should have been the end, but Brice ID’d Sam as his employer. Franco says, and that’s not true, and Jason says, the Feds think it is though. They’re saying she got Shiloh free so she could kill him, and they’re charging her with murder. Jason says that’s why he’s there. Andre ID’d his attacker as Brice. Whoever Brice is working for, wanted Andre dead. Franco says, before Andre could help restore his memory. Jason says Brice’s employer might have also arranged Drew’s plane crash, and Franco asks if he thinks they’re all connected. Jason thinks he knows how they tie together, and Franco might be able to confirm it. He shows Franco a picture of Peter, and asks if he recognizes this guy.
Ava tells Julian, stop hovering; she’s fine. Doc knocks at the door, and Ava says, they have the same voice. Doc shows proof of ID by showing her both hands. Julian never thought he’d say this, but thank God Doc is there. Ava asks if her brother asked Doc to come over, and Doc says, no. Laura thought it would be a good idea to talk to her. Ava says tell Laura thank you, and adds it was less complicated when Laura hated her. Doc asks how she’s doing, and Ava say she’s perfectly fine. She was just telling Julian that she’s not interested in psychiatric care, but he says he’s not there as a shrink. He’s there as a survivor. Julian thinks they have a lot to discuss, and says he’ll give them some privacy. He can be back in a flash if Ava needs him, but she doesn’t think it will be necessary. Julian leaves, and Doc says, so about Ryan…
Martin goes to Kelly’s for take-out coffee. I only include this because I note the to-go cup is a camouflage design, and wonder if that’s on purpose. He approaches Elizabeth, and says he realizes the difficult situation she and her family are in. Scotty asks if Martin doesn’t realizes that he shouldn’t be talking to his client. Martin says his client bears no ill will, and wishes he could spare her any pain. Elizabeth says if that was true, he wouldn’t be representing Franco at all. Scotty says, what’s that he hears? An ambulance? He tells Martin, go catch it, and I almost fall off my chair laughing. Elizabeth says she’ll see him in court, and Martin says, indeed she shall.
Robert sees Laura, and she invites him to join her. She asks how he is. She thought she’d see more of him now that he’s working downtown, not less. Robert says, the law is a relentless taskmaster. She asks how the transition is going, and he says he gets to work with his baby brother, and other dear friends. However, should he ever choose to settle down, Port Charles is in the list of the top 100 places he wants to do it. She laughs.
Finn checks his phone, but still nothing from Anna. He texts Hayden, asking if he can order her coffee the way she likes it. She smiles, and is about to text back, but the phone rings. She asks, what’s up? She says, oh my God, and jets.
Doc tells Ava that Ryan is 100% locked up, but she’s dealing with the ramifications. They can manifest in a number of ways. PTSD can last a long time, sometimes a lifetime. You can’t turn off the fear, but have to face it.Fight without feeding into it. She says, Julian suggested the same thing. Is he sure they’re not in cahoots? He laughs, and says, no. The art world, she loves it It’s not just a front. She says she does, a lot; the spirit and imagination it takes to create. The money is good too, don’t get her wrong. He says, there are a lot of ways to make money. Why did she choose art? She says it speaks to her. It gives her a purpose. He tells her, choose that purpose, the sense of fulfillment when the darkness is chasing her. What Ryan did to her, and for her, isn’t going anywhere, but moving past it and severing every tie, can. That’s the road to freedom.
Laura asks when was the last time Robert stayed anywhere long enough to put down roots. Or maybe found the right person to settle down with. She asks if he’s thinking of running for office, and he says he is. She says they last she checked, he’d be running uncontested. He says, no one wants to be DA where Sonny operates. She’s glad Robert isn’t one to back down. She asks if he won’t make his temporary job permanent. The single ladies of Port Charles are dying to know. He says when she puts it like that, how can he say no?
At the MetroCourt, Curtis tells Finn that he ran into Hayden, and she told him that she was meeting Finn there for breakfast. Finn says she never showed, and Curtis says that might be his fault. Finn asks what Curtis did, and he says when they met, his poker face left the building. He might have tipped her off that something’s up. Finn says, but he wasn’t specific? Finn’s phone rings, and he says, uh-huh. He sees. He tells Curtis, he has to go. If Curtis sees Hayden, make sure she doesn’t skip town.
Doc tells Ava that the process won’t come quickly or easily, but the moment she stops looking over her shoulder, she’ll be free. Ava says, in her experience, that’s the moment Ryan shows up with a butcher knife. Doc says, the last time, Ava stuck it in his back. Ava says that was quite a motivational speech he’s got going on, and he says, Ryan is stuck where he is. Not just physically. He’ll never change or evolve, but if she moves forward with her life, Ryan will never catch up. She says, good point he’s making. He asks if she’s saying he’s right, and she tells him that she’s saying she’s late for work. She’s going to get dressed and go to the gallery. Doc says, baby steps. Don’t expect too much too soon. She says she hates half-measures, but she’ll try. She tells him to thank Laura for her, but do her a favor, and make it sound like it was hard for her to say. She doesn’t want Laura to thinks she’s gone softer than she has. He leaves, and she puts the vodka and martini glass away. Looking at herself in the mirror, she says, you didn’t beat me, Ryan, and you never will. Ava Jerome is very much alive.
Franco tells Jason that he knows this guy. He bought Franco a beer at The Floating Rib. Jason says, this was before, but not in Port Charles. Before that. Franco asks what his name is, and Jason says, Peter August. Franco says, when he saw Peter, he was just out of the hospital. He had a feeling that was less of a memory, and more like déjà vu. Jason asks if Franco has any idea where he saw Peter before.
Julian comes into Kelly’s as Elizabeth and Scotty are leaving. Scotty says there’s some dry toast left if Julian would like it. Julian says, Franco’s hearing is today. How is Elizabeth holding up? Scotty says, solid as a rock. Elizabeth says Julian should know that after she spoke to him, she saw Kim. She tried to reason with her, but Kim insisted on testifying that Franco is now Drew. Julian says he thought she might, and Elizabeth says she knows what it’s like to lose a child. As much as she understands, and doesn’t want to hurt Kim, Scotty is going to do everything to discredit her. Scotty says, to save his son, and Julian says he’d do the same for his kids or a person he loved. Kim needs help, and she’ll never get it. He tells Elizabeth, do what she needs to. She has his blessings. He starts to leave, but says, since they’re talking, there’s something he needs to tell them about Kim.
Laura goes to Dustin’s classroom, and he assumes she’s there to pick up Cameron. She says he could use some support, and he says to give Elizabeth his best. If there’s anything they can do at the school, let him know. She tells Cameron, it’s time to go, and he says, here goes everything. Trina says she’ll call later, and pokes Josslyn, who isn’t paying attention. Josslyn tells him, good luck in court, and he leaves with Laura. Trina asks Josslyn what’s up with her, and Josslyn says, what? She wished Cameron good luck. Trina tells her, that’s all she said. She’s completely checked out, and needs to get over herself after all Cameron did for her and Oscar. The road doesn’t only go one way. Trina leaves, and Josslyn ponders this.
Ava’s windows are now uncovered. She goes out on the terrace, and looks around. She says, here I am, you son of a bitch. Come and get me.
Julian picks up his take-out, and Elizabeth says she can’t imagine it’s easy for him. She thanks him, and he says he just wants Kim to get the help she needs. Elizabeth sees how much Julian still loves Kim, and says she’s sorry Kim isn’t in a place to return the feelings. He says, him too, and she watches him leave.
Franco tells Jason that he feels like he should remember, but sorry, he doesn’t. Jason thanks him for trying. Martin asks if he’s interrupting, and Jason says he was just leaving. Martin asks if that wasn’t Franco’s twin, and Franco says Jason is his brother, but he doubts very much that Jason considers them twins. Martin asks why Jason was there, and Franco says Jason wanted help with him remembering something. Martin asks if he wanted Franco’s help or Drew’s help, and Franco says, his; Drew’s. Martin says, interesting
Scotty tells Elizabeth that he’s feeling good about their chances. She asks if it’s because of what Julian said, and he says he thinks Julian might have just handed them a win.
Finn races to the hospital. He sees Hayden, but says he can’t talk. He has a very sick patient. Hayden says his patient is her daughter.
Tomorrow, Carly says she’s never been more prepared to face the unknown. Elizabeth tells Kim that she wishes there were another way, and Martin tells the court that Franco Baldwin no longer exists.
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Kelly and Braunwyn ride electric bikes. Riding bikes is Kelly and Jolie’s jam, and Kelly is thinking of getting a bike for Brian, now that he’s part of the family. It’s her and Jolie’s fun as a family. She and Braunwyn ride on a tandem bike, with Braunwyn in the back. In her interview, Kelly says she knows they have assistance, but you still have to pedal a little bit. They turn a corner, Braunwyn screams, and a car horn blares. In Kelly’s interview, she says she wants to get Brian a bike for his birthday, but didn’t know she’d almost die in the process. If that doesn’t show love and commitment, what does? They go into the bike store, and Kelly checks one out. Owner/founder Don tells her that it’s $12,000. How can you put a price on fun? Kelly says she can, and he says it’s really $4,400. Braunwyn tells Kelly about her sister coming in for fashion week, and Kelly says she’ll be there. Braunwyn is excited for Rowan. It’s an amazing opportunity that not many people get. If she can knock this out of the park, there’s no telling where she can go. In her interview, Kelly says she likes Braunwyn. She’s a ride or die kind of chick, like her. Kelly is loyal, and when people are loyal to her, they have a friend for life. She appreciates Braunwyn being the same way with her. Braunwyn screams some more on the way back.
Tamra and Ryan go to a laser specialist. Ryan is wearing an American flag shirt and hat, and Tamra finds it comical. She asks when he became so patriotic, and Ryan says, America is always in style. In her interview, Tamra says she never liked Trump as a person, and doesn’t like a lot of the things he does, but she can’t judge her son by his love of Trump. She asks why Ryan got the tattoo he’s having removed; a dollar sign behind his ear. Ryan doesn’t know; money on his mind? He was going through a phase. The older he gets, he wants them covered. In Tamra’s interview, she says she told him this day would come, and he would regret some of the tattoos. She doesn’t know why kids can’t listen to their mothers. The doctor does a laser treatment that doesn’t take much time. Tamra asks if Ryan is okay, and he says his life is up and down. In his interview, Ryan says he never got the building blocks for life. No one set him up for the future. Tamra says she doesn’t want him to end up like she did. It took her a long time to deal with her feelings. In Tamra’s interview, she says she thinks Ryan wanting to remove the tattoos is a sign of growth, but he needs help. She tells him that he has to put himself out there a little, and he says when he’s ready, he will.
Gina thinks it’s time for a change, and stylist Andrea works on Gina’s hair. Andrea says it’s a new phase, and Gina will be ready for Dr. Hottie. Gina tells Andrea that he slid into her DMs. In Gina’s interview, she says it makes her laugh. She’s horrified that she responded, but she’s had a rough year. She needs a date. She tells Andrea that dating is against the rules when you’re married. Someone should have told Matt. In her interview, she says Dr. Hottie is a brain surgeon. He’s smart, witty, and not Matt. He’s good for her right now. Andrea asks if she’s telling Matt, but Gina says he doesn’t know. He’ll be upset, since he wants to get back together. In Gina’s interview, she says she suggested he see a therapist. She’s stuck her toe into the dating world, and wants to explore more. When Andrea finishes, Gina is platinum blonde with very straight hair. I’m not loving it, but she thinks it’s pretty, and that’s what matters.
At Braunwyn’s house, champagne is popped open. In her interview, Braunwyn says, the family supports each other’s highs and lows, and it’s a high today. She’s glad everyone is there. Rowan has been working hard for years on her fashion line, and it’s a big deal. She thanks everyone for flying in from all over the country. She toasts to the coolest effing family ever.
Shannon has her hair and makeup done at home. She thinks Adeline should practice walking; she’s never walked in anything before. She tells the makeup guy that Adeline used to put on her heels when she was still in diapers, and he says, she was made for this. Shannon tells Adeline, more hips. In Shannon’s interview, she says if her kids want to accomplish something, she’s going to help them. Her mother wasn’t hard on her, so she was hard on herself. She was a self-starter, and wants the same for her own children.
Braunwyn gets ready for the fashion show. In her interview, she says she loves fashion. Some of her clothes are cutting edge, but she dresses for herself. Tonight, her look is like a high end big bird. I’d say more Swan Lake. Her skirt is made of white feathers, and the top of the dress is sheer with pearls in strategic places, as well as scattered in a random pattern. In her interview, Braunwyn says she had no clue how depressed Rowan was. OCD manifests in different ways. Dancing put Rowan’s body under a microscope, and she’s either all in or out, so she decided not to eat. She tells Sean that she’d never been so afraid. Sean says when the kids are doing well, he puts more pressure on them. Life is full of ups and failures. Rowan comes in, and Braunwyn says they were talking about how far she’s come. She asks what the hardest part was, and Rowan says losing the part of herself that took so long to come back. Sean says, it’s a big deal. Rowan is dressed in black, and says she and Braunwyn look like an angel and devil. In his interview, Sean thinks this epitomizes their daughter’s success emotionally.
Shannon wants Adeline to practice her runway walk before the show. Rowan is excited, but nervous, and Braunwyn says she’s going to be taking five zillion photos. The look at the pieces in Rowan’s collection, and Braunwyn says they’re mommy approved. Shannon sits with Sophie, and they watch Adeline practice walk. Sophie says, she’s so good, but Shannon isn’t happy, and tells her, get it down. She barks orders at Adeline, telling her to stop smiling, and pop her hip. In Sophie’s interview, she says she thinks Adeline is killing it, and if her mother doesn’t shut her mouth, Sophie is going to shut it for her. Shannon tells Adeline, too fast, and Adeline tells her to stop screaming at her. Shannon says she’s Adeline’s momager, and Adeline needs more pop. Adeline goofs around, making exaggerated moves.
Everyone starts arriving, and it gets crowded pretty fast. Eddie asks Braunwyn if she and Tamra made out. Braunwyn asks him to define making out, and he asks if there was tongue. We flash back to that, and Braunwyn makes a sign indicating a little. I’d hate to see what she considers big. Eddie asks if he can watch, and she says, anytime. Sean explains how the show works, and that they’ll be going to different levels. Dr. Deb asks if Rowan is nervous, and he says, Rowan is so excited, she’s on a high. He’s more nervous than she is. Braunwyn says, Adeline is the youngest model, and Rowan is the youngest designer. Gina shows up, and Braunwyn says she didn’t recognize her. Gina tells Kelly that she needed a change. In her interview, Kelly says, when you’re going through a divorce, ladies, don’t change your hair. Because of low self-esteem, you try to make yourself feel better, and end up making yourself look ugly. Case in point – Gina. I guess I’m not the only one who’s not a fan of Gina’s new ‘do. I’m really not liking her whole look. Dr. Deb suggests Adderall, and Gina says she’ll take anything Deb’s got.
President of OC fashion week, Kathy, gives instructions to everyone. Braunwyn shows the others the row reserved for them. Gina tells Emily that Matt now claims to be heartbroken, and is calling her selfish because she doesn’t want to try again. Emily says she understands as a mother, but if it happens, it should be something that happens down the road. In Emily’s interview, she says, Matt is messing with Gina’s emotions. Emily doesn’t want her to get in a place where she’s not happy and healthy. She tells Gina that Matt was involved with someone else for a long time. It’s not like he met her a couple of weeks ago. Gina says he wants to sweep it under the rug, like everything else.
The show is starting, and everyone moves upstairs for the finale walk. Co-host Crystal tells Braunwyn they can be seated early. Deb needs to use the bathroom, and a security guy grabs her arm, and asks where she’s going. She tells him not to touch her, and the dude argues with her. She tells him, don’t grab her, and don’t disrespect his elders. I’m surprised he didn’t think she was Betsey Johnson. It’s a fashion show for God’s sake. He continues to be stupid, and Kelly’s business partner, Zack, intervenes. Deb tells Kathy what’s going on, and these people must have taken idiot pills because Kathy gets snarky with her. She says, they don’t know who you are, sweetheart. Deb tells Kathy, don’t call her sweetheart. In her interview, Deb says what Kathy meant was bitch. Deb tells Braunwyn about the dude grabbing her on her way to the bathroom, and says then Kathy came after her. Braunwyn asks if Kathy apologized, but Deb says, no, and Braunwyn stomps off to find Kathy. She tells Kathy to apologize, saying, if she doesn’t, it’s going to be a bad night. Kathy tells her to have Deb talk to her, and then she’ll apologize. Braunwyn says, don’t screw up her daughter’s night by attacking her mother. Kathy thinks they don’t have clear communication, and that’s how mistakes get made. She starts getting loud, saying they need to know in advance who’s there. She gets so loud, her voice starts getting squeaky. Kelly comes over and asks why there’s yelling. Kathy says she can be as loud as she wants to. Kelly says Kathy is working, and to be professional. Kathy talks into the mic, saying that she’s working, and can be as loud as she wants, then shoves the mic into Kelly and Braunwyn’s faces. I don’t even know what to think. Is this woman high? Kelly calls her a psycho and a dumbass. Kathy says, defamation, and bumps Kelly’s mouth when putting the mic back in her face. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she thought it was some kind of misunderstanding. She had no idea this woman would go off the rails. She tells Sean that if she had her way, she’d be in jail, because she’d throw Kathy off the boat. Kelly says Kathy hit her in the face with the mic. Her kneejerk reaction was to slap the sh*t out of her, but there are children around. Kathy says, bitch, as she walks past Kelly, and Kelly says Kathy hit her in the face. Kathy wanders around, talking into the mic, saying she’s sick and tired of things not being true. Braunwyn says, this is why they can’t have nice things. Continuing to speak into the mic, Kathy says starts yapping about one of the designers working against bullying. She says if anyone has ever been abused, they can put hashtag anti-bully on their Instagram feed. Kelly says, hashtag assault, and Kathy says, some people laugh, and make a mockery of it. If anyone has been a witness to verbal abuse, put hashtag anti-bully. Co-host Crystal grabs a mic, and asks if they shouldn’t get to the collection. Everyone applauds, and the first line come out. She introduces Rowan’s line, and everyone cheers. The models walk, and Rowan looks thrilled. The only thing I can figure is, this is a two-bit operation run by wannabes. Not to minimize Rowan’s success, but who ever heard of OC fashion week anyway? It’s a testament to Kelly that she didn’t cause a commotion. She had every right to. There could have possibly been a touch of jealousy on Kathy’s part too, since Braunwyn and family all look fabulous, and she… well, not even close.
Adeline comes out next, and Sophie says she’s going to cry. In Shannon’s interview, she says, watching Adeline walk, stop, and own it, it’s like seeing a different child. Proud doesn’t even describe how she feels. Adeline nailed it. Bam! They walk out together. In her interview, Rowan says it’s the proudest moment of her entire life. Braunwyn says Rowan put her mind to it, and did it. She got lots of congratulations after such a great job. Emily says she gives credit to a sixteen-year-old who not only has a vision, but executes it.
Braunwyn and family get in their limo. Braunwyn tells them about Kathy wanting to fight, and says she tried to kick them off the boat. Rowan is shocked, and Braunwyn says, you don’t mess with her kids. That’s the only thing, and it’s her trigger. Don’t f**k with her family. She repeats that several times. In her interview, she says she didn’t have that kind of protection growing up. There was no one who came to her rescue. She tells them she’s glad she has them all, and says, team Wyndham-Burke!
Emily meets Braunwyn for horseback riding. She tells Braunwyn that she’s been around horses her whole life. Her mother owned a breeding business, and riding as a calming effect. She wants to get back into it. They saunter down a path through the woods, with trainer Brenda in the lead. Emily thinks Annabelle would like riding and they could bond. Braunwyn says it was dance for her and Rowan. Whatever dreams her children have, she supports them. She didn’t have that as a kid. Emily says she didn’t either. She likes that Annabelle is close to Shane. In her interview, Emily says, not having a dad in her life, made her achieve things, so she didn’t have to depend on a man. Braunwyn says they both picked amazing fathers, and Emily says she’s proud of herself. Braunwyn can’t imagine a father figure. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says her father was a bigwig surfer in Hawaii, and a functional alcoholic. Her mom was angry, and made it harder for him to be in her life. As she got older, she realized it’s not okay. Emily says she had a dad, and knew who he was, but her parents divorced when she was six. They talked every six months or so, but there was no father/daughter connection, and she grew up angry. She knows she has anger issues and she’s reactive. She always goes to anger. Braunwyn says her issues are more about abandonment, and doesn’t let people get too close. It took fifteen years for her to let Sean love her, but she knew when she met him that he’d be an amazing dad. Emily says she gave her kids a dad who adores them and is there for them. In her interview, she says, is Shane a good husband? Sometimes. But she puts the needs of her children before her own needs, and she’s okay with that.
Gina uses a curling iron on her hair, while she FaceTimes with Tamra. She says she’s doing all this for therapy with her ex. In Gina’s interview, she says she and Matt are going to therapy for co-parenting. They have a lot of issues, and it’s better to discuss them in a safe environment, so they don’t fight and work it out. She tells Tamra that she wants to look super-hot, but not too hot. She doesn’t want to invite that in. Matt texted her a million times, and then she got snarky and blocked him. Then he called 12,000 times from another number. When she didn’t pick up, he came to the house. Tamra says, unannounced? and Gina says, at 1 am. Tamra says, she didn’t answer, did she? and Gina says she hadn’t locked the door. She was on the phone with Dr. Hottie, and Matt came upstairs. She didn’t know he was in the house, and it was scary. In Tamra’s interview, she says, it’s beyond comprehendible. Gina tells her that Matt said he’s looking for a job in OC. Tamra asks if Matt gets his sh*t together, would Gina attempt to try again? and Gina says she’s not there at all, but doesn’t want regrets because of her kids. Tamra says it will screw with her head. Gina thinks they’ll find out that they’re not supposed to be together, but in an amicable way. Tamra says the ball is in Gina’s court, and Gina says that makes her stressed. Tamra says Gina didn’t do this, Matt did. In Gina’s interview, she says it’s alarming that Matt walked in, but to be honest, it feels good that he cares about her. Her heart wants it, but her brain says don’t fall for the romance novel situation. She thinks she’ll ultimately regret it if she doesn’t follow her heart, even if it’s not the smartest move.
Ryan and Tamra meet for coffee. She asks what he’s been doing, and he says, a whole lot of nothing. In Tamra’s interview, she says she’s worried about Ryan, and wants him to know she’s there. She asks if he’s dating anyone, but he says he’s been secluding himself. He doesn’t want to do anything, and doesn’t find interest in anything. He has zero feeling. Tamra asks what he thinks will make him happy. He says he’s not playing the victim role, but some people had better opportunities to springboard off of. Growing up, his priorities were different because of the situation. Tamra asks if he means Simon. He says when other people were wondering which college to go to, he just wanted out of there. In his interview, he says he was a trial run. No one prepped him for life as an adult. At age eighteen, that was it. We flash back to the Simon days, and Simon telling Ryan those are the rules, and the rules are based on his past. Ryan tells us that they made their mistakes with him, and everyone else got the good stuff. Tamra asks if he got her email, and he says he didn’t read it yet. She says she sent him info about Dr. Machala. If it makes him more comfortable, they can call her a life coach. Ryan says he’s not unhappy, just in a funk. She says it’s hard to see him like this. In her interview, Tamra says, this is really serious, and she’s scared for him. She’s afraid something bad will happen, and this is her last ditch effort to get him to see a professional therapist. She tells Ryan that he’s treading water, and barely staying afloat. It’s no way of life. He says he’s down to talk. Maybe she’ll open his eyes to something he’s not seeing. She tells him to just be as honest as he can, and he says he’s always honest.
Next time, Gina hooks up with someone, Vicki has a tea party, and Gina tells Braunwyn that it’s not about her.
If you haven’t seen it yet, new Bravo series, In a Man’s World, is excellent. Each week, a woman is made up as a man, and sets out to prove gender bias in a different situation. And when I say they’re made up, I mean by professionals, and they’re also coached on movement and voice. There’s no way you’d know it was the same person. So far, they’ve presented Le’Dor, running for city council; Sabrina, who wants to preach from a pulpit; and Shital, who’s Indian culture has caused her own father to treat her like a second class citizen. In Le’Dor’s case, being a mom seemed to work against her, but as a man, having a family was a plus. With Sabrina, it took longer for a congregation to warm up to her as a woman, but she got a better result from the collection basket at the end, which she attributed to her anointing. Shital compared her own birthday dinner, where her father pretty much ignored her, to a dinner where Raj was a guest of her sister (who was in on it), and her father was very interested in talking to him. Her situation made me sad, but in the end, she and her father had a better relationship. I didn’t expect to like this show as much as I did, and can’t wait to see who’s next.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
I missed the beginning, but the takeaway points are: Finn wonders if Curtis knows what Hayden has been doing all this time, Elizabeth and Hayden meet at the café, and Lucas grills Brad on the possibility of someone tampering with the DNA tests. Michael and Sasha see Carly at the MetroCourt, and Carly asks Michael to put some gifts for baby Donna in her car. Moving on…
Robert reminds Felicia that the Bureau put him out to pasture. She says she knows, and he says then she must know he has no say where Anna goes. Felicia says Anna told her about the awkward phone call from Finn. When she told him about the new lead on Alex, he pressed her to come home. Robert says, Finn is a civilian. Anna is out there chasing an international fugitive. Felicia wonders if another agent can’t take over. Anna is too close, and it’s blinding her to what’s important in her life. Felicia is worried that Anna’s absence is causing a strain on her relationship with Finn.
Curtis tells Finn, every time he’s brought it up, Hayden gets cagey, and changes the subject. The only thing he knows for sure is that she was in Rome for a couple of months. That’s when she asked Finn to meet. The only place he knows she lived in before that, was the hotel room. Finn says, where she wrote the letter she never sent. Curtis says, exactly, and asks Finn, where’s this coming from anyway?
Brad says he has no clue, and Lucas asks if someone couldn’t pull some strings. Brad says, someone? He doesn’t do that anymore, and doubts anyone at GH would. Lucas flashes back to Brad calling out Michael’s name in his sleep. Lucas says Brad could call the florist to find out who sent the flowers. Isn’t he curious himself?
Jax asks if Nina wants to take a break for dinner, but she says she has a deadline. Jax says Maxie had cleared her schedule for a few weeks. He’s not taking no for an answer. Nina says she’ll have to take a raincheck. She has other plans with someone. Valentin walks in, and says he thinks she’s referring to him.
Brad tells Lucas that he understands from the florist that the person paid cash. There’s no way to find out. Lucas says, weird. Flowers from an anonymous sender. Julian brings Ava in, and says, good. Lucas is on duty. Lucas asks, what’s going on? Julian says, Ava fainted at the MetroCourt.
Elizabeth asks Hayden, what’s going on? and Hayden apologizes for being distant. Elizabeth says Hayden is allowed to have her own problems, and Hayden wonders how they can be sisters, since Elizabeth is so selfless. Elizabeth must have gotten it from her mother’s side. Hayden asks what’s going on with Franco being committed? Elizabeth puts on a bright face for the boys, but she doesn’t have to now. How’s she coping? Elizabeth says, it’s hard on the boys, and they have to be kept grounded. Hayden tells her, whatever happens, they’ll be okay. They have an incredible mother. Hayden’s learned everything she knows about motherhood from Elizabeth. Elizabeth says that’s interesting coming from Hayden.
Ava says she told Julian that he’s overreacting. She’s probably dehydrated. Lucas says she’s probably right, but wants to check her out to make sure. She asks if it’s necessary, and he says, best case scenario, she proves his dad wrong. She says she’d never skip an opportunity to do that, and he takes her to an examining room. Julian sees the flowers, and asks if Brad won a pageant. Brad says they were sent to him, and Julian asks, by who? Brad says there was no name, but he’s worried it was Nelle. Julian asks why he thinks Nelle would send him flowers, and Brad says maybe to thank him for his support at her parole hearing. Julian doesn’t think so; the arrangement is too romantic. Brad asks since when is he a flower expert? and Julian says it’s what he would send if he was involved with someone. Is it from Brad’s side piece? Brad asks if Julian thinks he’s cheating on Lucas. He’d never do that. Julian says, some people act careless under stress. He hopes Brad isn’t one of them.
Carly gives Michael her car keys, and says a chat between her and Sasha is long overdue. Sasha tells Michael that she’ll be okay, and Michael tells her to text if she needs anything. Carly says, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. When he’s gone, Carly tells Sasha, Michael definitely has a type. Sasha says, what’s that? and Carly says Sasha knows damn well. She’s another con artist who took advantage of him. She’s more disappointed than pissed; she though Sasha was different, and she turned out to be wrong. Sasha sits and tells her, go ahead. Say everything she needs to. She can take it, but Carly needs to know she cares about Michael. Carly says she cares about Michael’s bank account, but Sasha says she’s not after Michael’s money. Carly asks how this is different, since she was after Nina’s money. Sasha says Carly has a right to think that. She took advantage of Nina’s trust for her own reasons, none of which are relevant. What matters is that she hurt a good woman. She deeply regrets it, and always will. If it’s any consolation, she chose to come clean to Michael because she didn’t want to move further under false pretenses. Carly says, and honest con, and Sasha says she never asked him to stay. She told him to run for the hills, and Carly says, he should have. Sasha says she didn’t think to thank Carly, and Carly wonders, what for? Sasha says, for Michael to stand by her side after what she did, is a testament to the kind of man Carly raised.
Lucas asks what Ava had for breakfast, and she says, yogurt. He asks if that’s what she usually has, and she says her diet is fine; this isn’t necessary. He says, it’s just a precaution. Based on her vitals, he guesses she is dehydrated, and Ava says, no big deal. Lucas says, it caused her to faint, and Ava says she fainted because of Lucas’s father. She was enjoying a cocktail, and he showed up with bad news. He asks how her drinking is, and she says eight glasses a day, but he says he meant alcohol. She says she might be drinking more martinis lately, and he asks, why? She says she’s been going through a difficult time, and she just found out Ryan killed his cellmate. She’s sick of his obsession with her. He says, it’s distressing, and she says, there’s more. Someone is watching her.
Jax tells Valentin that he’s not welcome, and Valentin tells him to call security. Jax says he’ll be doing the honors himself. Nina says, wait, and he says, don’t tell him… She says she and Valentin are back together. Jax says, after what Valentin did? Valentin says he appreciates Jax’s concern, but he’s misinformed. It was Sasha who lied, not him. Jax doesn’t believe it. There’s no way Sasha could have orchestrated this on her own. Nine says one of her mother’s lawyers was behind it, and a friend helped her fake the DNA tests. Jax asks how she knows Valentin isn’t lying. Valentin says he knew Jax would react this way. Jax says, with concern? and Valentin says he’s trying to control the situation. It’s none of his business. Nina says she has to deliver some files before her layout department leaves, and tells them, try not kill each other. Valentin tells Jax, they have a moment alone. They need to use it wisely. They have an important matter to discuss.
Carly tells Sasha that since she confessed in front of everyone, there’s a good chance she’ll be brought up on fraud charges. Nina says there’s nothing she can do. It’s in Nina’s hands. If that’s what Nina decides, she’ll handle it alone. She won’t drag Michael into her mess. She’s ready to take responsibility, and face the consequences. Carly says, saying it is one thing, living it is another.
Lucas goes to do whatever, and Julian says Ava is still mad. She says, damn right she is, and Julian aks the nurse to give them some space. She leaves, and Ava says, damn right she’s still mad. Julian should have taken her home, not drag her there to be humiliated. Julian says she’s kidding herself. She’s in bad shape, and needs to start taking better care of herself. Lucas brings Neil in. Neil says it’s good to see Ava, but she’s not sure she can say the same. If this is some kind of intervention… Neil says, it’s nothing like that, and Lucas says he saw in her records that Neil was her therapist. He knew Neil was still in the building, and asked him to swing by to see her. Ava says, this is officially ridiculous, and Neil says she fainted. Ryan has a sick fascination with her, and he doesn’t blame her for being unsettled, but he’s in prison. He thought it was over. Julian says, Ava has been on edge. She’s been calling on psychics, and is obsessed with online trolls. Neil asks if she’s drinking more. Sometimes coping mechanisms outlive their usefulness. She says, a dirty martini never outlives its usefulness. Julian says she thinks she’s being watched, and Laura confirmed it. Ava says she is being watched. She could feel it. She sees what’s going on. They think she’s having a nervous breakdown.
Hayden says she’s watched Elizabeth with the boys. It’s changed the way she interacts with kids. She enjoys being around them. Elizabeth says that’s a big change, and Hayden asks if Elizabeth remembers when she gave Cameron and Spencer espresso. Elizabeth asks if Hayden is thinking about trying again. Hayden says she’d rather stay the cool aunt; the cool aunt who’s now more responsible. Elizabeth says they love having her there, and Hayden says, someone had do something about the testosterone imbalance. Elizabeth says, if Hayden changes her mind, she’d make a wonderful mother. Hayden says, that’s sweet, but there’s only one man she’s wanted to have kids with, and he’s not available anymore.
Finn says if Curtis hadn’t found the letter, he’d have never known Hayden lost the baby. Curtis feels bad about how it went down. He knows Finn deserved better. He thinks Hayden didn’t have the strength to tell Finn herself, but Finn says maybe she meant for Curtis to find the letter. Curtis says so he’d deliver it on her behalf, and Finn says, to save herself from the fallout. Curtis wonders, why the subterfuge? Finn says Hayden knew if Curtis told him, he’d stop trying to find them. Curtis asks if Finn thinks she’s lying, and his child is alive.
Robert tells Felicia that he’s sympathetic to Finn’s predicament, but he doesn’t know what he can do. He doesn’t count. Felicia says she’s not asking him to pull rank, but talk to Anna. Convince her to come home. He laughs, and says, trying to convince Anna to do anything is a tall order. Felicia says, if anyone can talk sense into her, it’s him. Robert says, sorry. Before she left, they decided to establish clear boundaries, and not interfere with each other’s lives anymore. Felicia says, all grown up, and Robert says, better late than never. She understands, but just wishes they could do something. She’d hate to see the relationship go south. She knows how it feels to marry someone who wants to save the world. Sometimes the thing you want most, is the very thing you can’t ask for.
Sasha wants Carly to understand how much Michael means to her. When he came into her life, she was already in the thick of it. If they’d met before, she never would have gotten involved in this mess. Carly says, but she did, and Sasha says she’s not asking for Carly’s blessing. She knows better. Carly says Sasha definitely made and enormous mistake, but she’s owning it, and making amends. She’s nothing like Nelle. The first time they really talked, she told Sasha how she came to town to find her mother. Sasha is sorry she let Carly think they had that in common, but Carly says they have more in common than Sasha realizes.
Neil tells Ave, no one is suggesting she has a mental health issue. Ava says they don’t have to. Their looks speak volumes. She’s guessing a car is outside to take her to Shadybrook. Julian says they just want to help, and she says, then listen. She’s in pain. The man who murdered her daughter, killed again, and the monster did it for her – again. If someone wasn’t disturbed by that, they’d be a creepy person. She’s feeling pain that she has every right to feel. She’s sorry, but she’s out of there. She jets, and Julian follows her.
Julian brings Ava home, and asks if she wants him to spend the night. She says, it’s not necessary. Like the trip to the hospital. Julian says she hasn’t been doing well, and she tells him she doesn’t know what to say. She was processing what he told her, and dealing with it. Julian says, clearly, she’s still hurting, and she says, of course (🍷). Him spending the night isn’t going to change that. She needs to move past it, and do it alone. Julian asks what about the person she feels watching her, and Ava says, nothing like an IV to sober you up. She just wants to be alone. Julian says if she changes her mind, he’ll be around, and if she needs anything, call. Ava says, she will, but she won’t. He leaves, and she locks the door, and pours a drink. She goes out on the terrace, and says she doesn’t care what anybody says. She knows they’re out there.
Lucas apologizes for dragging Neil into it, but Neil says he did the right thing. Lucas notices Brad threw the flowers away, and Brad says, they were more trouble than they were worth. Neil says he’ll see them at their appointment tomorrow, and Brad flashes back to Juliann saying Neil will be able to tell if he’s holding something back, and if he’s lying. Brad says, there’s been a change in plans. Lucas isn’t coming.
Carly tells Sasha that she didn’t mention what happened when she first came to Port Charles. It was no smooth reunion with her mother. Sasha came to town as Nina’s daughter; Carly pretended to be a stranger. She resented that her mother had given her away, and was hell bent on destroying Bonnie’s life, piece by piece. Sasha says, her level? but Carly says, much worse. When the truth came out, she had to do damage control, but she’s still standing because she had someone to stand by her and support without judgement. Who is she to criticize Michael standing by Sasha now? Sasha says, wow. She really thought Carly was going to chew her out, and deservedly so. Carly says that would make her a hypocrite. They all make mistakes, some more spectacular than others. They learn and grow from the experience, and she has the feeling Sasha will too.
Jax tells Valentin, save it. Valentin says Jax positioned himself to catch Nina if she fell, but Jax says when he saw her run out of her wedding and beg her to take him away, what reasonable man wouldn’t. Valentin says, they’re back together, and it’s staying that way. He hopes Jax respects his position, and stays out of Nina’s personal life. Nina comes back, and tells Valentin to get them a table. She’ll meet him there.
Ava sits on the couch, and opens a locked box. She takes out her gun.
Neil is sorry Lucas won’t be joining them, but Lucas says he plans to be there. They have a lot to discuss. Neil says he’ll see them tomorrow. When he’s gone, Lucas asks why Brad doesn’t want him to go. Brad says he does, but Lucas says he’s not getting that vibe. Brad says he went to the other session solo, and guesses he’s more protective than he thought. Lucas says he thought it was a good idea. He spoke to Curtis, who said it did wonders for his family. Brad says he doesn’t need wonders. Lucas is wonderful already. His phone dings, and he tells Lucas that he has to get to the lab. He’ll see Lucas later. Lucas looks at the flowers in the trash can.
Carly tells Sasha that she’s not saying all is forgiven, but she’s willing to give Sasha a second chance. Sasha thanks her, and says, it means a lot. Carly tells her, make the most of it. She doesn’t give a third when it comes to her kids. Sasha doesn’t blame her. They’re special people. Michael comes back, and says, Donna scored big time. He loaded up the car. He asks how they’re doing. He doesn’t see chairs tipped. Carly says, not this time. They came to an understanding. It turns out they’re more alike than they thought.
Valentin tells Nina that he’ll wait, but she says she has a couple of things to run by Jax. He leaves, and Jax says he hopes Nina knows what she’s doing. He’s pretty sure they crossed from a professional relationship to friendship, and Nina says she thought so too. He says if she finds herself in a situation again, she can know a friend is there for her. She says she’ll keep that in mind.
Felicia tells Robert that she remembers when she was married to Frisco. There was always some mission he’d take on, and a noble reason why he couldn’t stay at home. There was unspoken tension. The partner who’s gone feels guilty, and the one who’s home feels selfish. The strain destroyed their marriage. Robert says, it worked out for the best. She got her happily ever after with his idiot brother. Felicia says she loves Mac, and wouldn’t trade him for anything, but if Anna doesn’t come home, Finn could find happiness with someone else. Robert says, Hayden? and Felicia says, maybe, but it wouldn’t upset Robert, would it?
Finn tells Curtis, sorry he got dragged into it. Curtis says, it wouldn’t be the first house of cards Hayden built on lies. If it’s true, she used him. Finn asks Curtis to keep it to himself. If Hayden finds out he suspects… Curtis says, she’ll cut and run. Finn says, it’s her way, and Curtis asks, what’s his plan? Finn says, to get to the bottom of it.
Elizabeth hopes she didn’t overstep, and Hayden says she’s happy with family. Elizabeth looks at her phone and says she has to go home. She thanks Hayden for meeting her. It was nice one on one time. They hug, and Elizabeth leaves. Hayden’s phone rings. It’s Finn, who says he needs to see her. It’s important.
Ava tries to sleep, but she’s restless. She puts the gun under her pillow, and lies back down.
Tomorrow, Hayden asks if Curtis knows something she doesn’t, Martin tells Franco to prepare for battle, and Ava tells Julian that he’s always watching.
Below Deck
We backtrack a little with second (and repeat) charter guests Helen and Richard arriving, along with their friends. Captain Lee says Kate will show them around, and they’ll get the party on the road. Ashton says, the girl in the white dress is drunk, and the captain says, she’s hammered. Drunk girl Brandy ends up crashing on a couch before Kate even gets to showing the second bedroom. Kate asks if she wants water, and even though she doesn’t, brings some anyway. In Kate’s interview, she says they have a problem. Yeah, when they’re this bad right out of the gate, it’s probably not up from there. Helen says Richard brought handcuffs just in case, and asks Kate to take a group picture. In Kevin’s interview, he says he was a chef on private yachts, and service needs to reflect the standard he’s putting out, and he thinks it’s lacking. Brandy mumbles unintelligible stuff. In his interview, Ashton says the first charter was smooth, and he has an amazing team, but it’s early in the season. He’s not comfortable yet.
They cruise around a beautiful island. In Kate’s interview, she says she has a list of things to discuss with Kevin. She believes Kevin thinks service is a code word for attention. Kate serves the guests summer rolls, which I guess are similar to spring rolls. Helen notes that Adrian isn’t there, and in her interview, Kate hopes Helen loves Kevin’s food the same. If he wants attention, she’s got the perfect person. Courtney walks past Brandy, who says she pays for everything, not Jeff (who’s Jeff?), and she wants to know exactly where the boat is going. Courtney just keeps walking, and Brandy says, listen to me. In her interview, Courtney says she’s never seen anything like this before. Frankly, me neither. And I’ve been in some real dives.
Ashton finds Abbi with no headset, and says, Abbi and radios don’t go well together. Simone thinks Kevin doesn’t have a lot going on upstairs. Kevin says the guests are toasted, and everything needs to be extra seasoned. Nothing gets past the palate after the 40th margarita. Helen and Megan go to the bridge to harass Captain Lee. In the captain’s interview, he says, someone bail his ass out of there. There are more fingerprints on his ass than the FBI has. He’s surprised he has any ass left.
Kate tells Helen and Megan, lunch is coming. In Kate’s interview, she’s afraid she’s going to see them giving the captain a BJ next time she goes up. Brandy asks, where are you? to no one. Kevin slices the meat at the table, and everyone chows down as drunk people will. Helen says she’s having a food orgasm. The captain calls the deckhands to get out the tender. He radios Ashton, but gets nothing. He realizes no one is hearing him, and says the mic has been keyed. How many times does he have to say it? In his interview, he says he was crystal clear that they’d experience his wrath if they’re without a radio. It’s aggravating the sh*t out of him. If someone falls overboard or has a heart attack, do they really have time to run to the bridge? If they hold the button, it’s radio silence. No big surprise, it’s Abbi again. In his interview, Tanner says, it’s not that hard, and demonstrates pressing a button.
Kevin says he forgot to get fish for the seafood extravaganza, so he’s not going with the theme. Courtney says she’d want a tower of seafood; all of it. In Kate’s interview, she says she’d use every dish on the boat, and fill them with seafood, but Kevin has decided on a plated meal because he forgot to order it. She tells him that she’s not ready to talk dinner.
Brandy wanders around the boat. She wants her lipstick, and doesn’t know where she’s at. She wonders where her room and luggage are. In Brian’s interview, he says Brandy is imbalanced. He says, If anything, this is going to make him stop drinking… Just kidding. Brandy follows him, and asks where he’s running to. The captain tells the deck crew to drop anchor. He notices Abbi’s wild long hair, and he’s concerned it’s going to get caught in something. He calls the deck crew to the wheelhouse, and tells them, listen to their radios, and demonstrates what keying the mic sounds like. They could be leaning into something, and not know it’s happening. Abbi tells him that she’s sorry. In her interview, she says she went from never using a radio, to cradling and bottle feeding it, so it doesn’t key in on her, or run away. She swears the radios hate her, and she hates them. Captain Lee says he knows it wasn’t intentional, but it shuts down communication. In his interview, Ashton says, it’s not good. It’s like, rookie.
Simone irons, and Kate is impressed with her skills. In Simone’s interview, she says she loves math, and laundry is like an equation. She loves it, but she’s hoping to be more involved with service. She doesn’t want be a one trick pony. Kevin sings, ideas are flowing to me over and over. Kate asks what ideas, and he admits he doesn’t have many. He’s not going to lie. He has to see what they catch. The captain tells Ashton have Abbi pull her hair back. Kevin tells him, catch fish, and please don’t come back if the guests don’t.
Kate asks Kevin how he started his career, and he says both his father and grandfather were bakers. He went to cooking school because it was all he could do after getting a concussion while playing rugby in university. He tells Kate that his great, great grandad was a chef on the Titanic. Kate asks if he went down on the Titanic, and Kevin says, that’s the story. She says, that’s wild. Ashton asks Abbi to tie her hair back, and as she walks through the galley, Kevin tells her to be more careful. Her hair almost went in the horseradish. In Abbi’s interview, she says she never thought about it. Now everyone is telling her the ship is going to sink because her hair’s too big. It’s ridiculous. The guests are ready to fish. Brandy doesn’t know what going on, but gets in the tender. She tells everyone they’re in Thailand.
Brandy asks if she can go in water. They put a life jacket on her, and another guest joins her, but suggests leaving her there. The captain asks Kevin what the back-up plan is if they guests don’t catch anything. He says, ask Kate. In Kate’s interview, she says she thought Kevin was joking. Even if the guests do catch something, it should be an extra.He has to provide the vaganza. Captain Lee tells Kevin that he’s eating with the guests the next two nights, and sorry to dump the extra load on him. Brandy asks if Brian and Tanner are single, and tells them that she’s available. She almost falls out of the boat. Helen hooks an eel, and Brandy almost gets sick. She says, let him go, and Brian cuts the eel loose. Helen says, it could have been a maki roll. Ashton radios that they’re coming back in ten minutes. Kate asks what they caught, and Ashton says they caught an eel, but let it go. There was nothing else. Kevin wonders what he’s going to do. I used to love eel. Until I saw one playing with a diver in a video. Now I can’t do it. If it wasn’t for hamburgers and sushi (two radically different ends of the spectrum), I’d be a vegetarian.
Back at the yacht, Helen says she caught a five-foot eel, but it was cut loose. She’s sure Kevin could have made it tasty. Abbi tells Tanner that everyone thinks she’s effing weird, and we see clips of her screw ups. Tanner tells her the radio will become second nature. He didn’t know boats at all before he worked on one. He didn’t know how to tie a line. Sometimes, he still doesn’t. In Kevin’s interview, he says he thought they’d catch a bunch of fish, but they caught nothing. He has some snapper, canned crab, and frozen muscles he doesn’t want to use. In her interview, Courtney says, Kevin working out of the deep freezer is not an extravaganza. She eats them bi-weekly, and knows what it is. Captain Lee gets ready for dinner with the guests.
Helen wonders if Kelly, Megan and Brandy are joining them for dinner. She says they’re staying in beachwear. That’s the rule tonight. In his interview, Ashton says, being in a leadership role, he pretty much knows when a member of the crew is taking a dump. Abbi came in bubbly, but her work ethic isn’t there now. From personal experience, he thinks if you lose focus on deck, things get real. Kate sets the table, and asks Ashton if the tackle box is still around. In her interview, Kate says she wants to use everything marine life that they have on the boat. She doesn’t care if it smells like bait. It might be the freshest seafood on the table.
Another drunk guest, Kelly, manages to make it to dinner. In Abbi’s interview, she talks about her boyfriend/captain Patrick, and we see pictures. She thinks her being on the yacht has brought them closer because they realize they miss each other. She and Patrick text. Helen asks where Brandy and Megan are, adding, they’re not committed. Kate says, Brandy is committed to sleeping, and she thinks Megan is in the shower. Kevin is nervous, and Kate suggests he tell the guests about the amazing food he’s prepared. He tells them about the first course of crab cakes, and jets asap. Helen says the crabmeat is good, and Captain Lee says they set the bar as high as they can. He’s not lying. Canned crabmeat was as high as Kevin could go. Abbi has a smoke on deck, and tells Ashton that she feels like she’s not pulling her weight. She wishes they’d seen her on the sailboat. She’s not an idiot; she’s just not accustomed to what they do. Then she gets stressed. In Abbi’s interview, she doesn’t know if she can cut it. It’s different than she thought. It’s not sailing, and not her vibe. Ashton thinks she feels at her best when she’s comfortable. He tells her not to be afraid to mess up. The crew has to be supportive of each other. Megan finally makes an appearance at the dinner table.
Kevin fakes it because he can’t make it. Helen says the prawns are perfect, and raves about the food. In Kevin’s interview, he pats himself on the back, saying, it’s not an extravaganza, but the guests are fine with it. It’s the next best thing. He’s God’s gift to cooking. The crew eats some snapper, and once again, Kevin is praised.
The guests retire, and Kate says, yay. Day one over. The boat is cleaned up, and Ashton asks how Courtney is doing. She says, well, and he quickly moves to asking if she has anyone at home. She says, not a one, and he asks if she’s interested in any of the crew. He gets the same answer. He tells Kate that Tanner has a crush on her. In her interview, Kate says Tanner is cute, and she’s flattered. She’s still got it. The crew turns in.
In the morning, Simone makes a mimosa, but it foams over. I don’t think Brandy has changed her clothes yet. P.U. Simone makes another mimosa, and says, it’s like a science experiment. The guests are up, and Simone is the only one working service. Kevin thinks the guests should have breakfast immediately, and in his interview, he says he doesn’t want the guests waiting on him. Kate dropped the ball. He brings some plates halfway to the deck, and puts them on a table, but Simone says they should be in the drawer (I assume she means a warming tray). She tells Kevin that she has to make coffee, tea, and whatever else they’re asking for, and then clean up. I might add, it’s 8 am, and Helen said they were having breakfast late, at 10. Brandy keeps drinking everyone’s mimosa’s. In Kate’s interview, she says she doesn’t like to be pulled out of bed and rushed to accommodate Kevin’s OCD. Let her have some coffee first. In Simone’s interview, she says, Kevin is unprofessional, and not a team player. If he sees someone struggling, he should help. Kevin wishes they were on the same page. Megan wanders back to the galley, and takes a plate from Simon. Kevin says it’s embarrassing. In his interview, he says, every yacht has a plan for service. Kate just wings it. It’s not necessary for them to follow his direction, but follow some direction. Kate comes in and asks, where’s the fire? Where are the bleeding people? Kevin says Simone isn’t getting the food out, and it’s not rocket science. In Kate’s interview, she wonders why he’s worrying about her department. There’s no hierarchy; they’re different departments. He should stay in his lane. Simone tells Kevin that he’s rude.
Somehow, the breakfast gets served. Kevin thinks they should take a picture of what’s going on, and talk to the stews, so they’re more aware. In her interview, Kate says, mind your own damn business. She has a photo Kevin can take, and gives the finger. She asks Simone if she smells bad, since she didn’t shower. She thought the boat was going down. Brandy continues to guzzle mimosas. Abby tells Ashton and Kevin and Simone fighting. She says, Simone was doing service, and Helen came into the galley to get silverware. Ashton thinks there’s tension between them; he feel it. Talk about not rocket science. In Kevin’s interview, he says he overreacted with Simone. It’s Kate’s fault, and reflects her leadership. He says he can carry a grudge the whole trip, or bite the bullet and apologize. He tells Simone that he’s sorry. They hug it out, but in her interview, Simone feels like she forgives too easy. Brandy tells Kate, sorry; blub-blub-blub. The water toys go out.
Kevin asks about what the guests wants, and Kate tells him it’s on the pad like he asked. He asks, what’s with the attitude? and Kate said all she told him was it’s on the pad. She didn’t start the morning this way; she’s going with the vibe. Kevin says he apologized, and they’re back on track. Kate says he didn’t apologize to her, and he says, sorry for waking her up, and that she didn’t get to shower. Kate says she’d rather not have a snarky apology. Just do the job without unnecessary drama. In her interview, she says she’s tolerated Kevin’s quirks, and had meetings. She’s pissed, and done playing nice. She’s doing her now. Kate tells Captain Lee about what happened, and the captain says, Kevin needs to stay in his lane. Brandy is passed out on deck. Helen tells Richard to lock her down. They’re not there to babysit. Kate tells Kevin that they’ll talk lunch when he’s ready. Captain Lee points out a beach to Ashton for the picnic. In the captain’s interview, he says there’s a great selection of small beaches that are like private islands. Who the hell doesn’t like a private island?
Kate asks Courtney what the guests are doing; sliding, swimming, drinking? Courtney says, all of the above. Ashton tells Kate they’re loading up supplies, and will come back for the food. Kate says she’ll go over to set the table, so when the food comes, everything will be ready. Is Helen wearing a tiara? It’s 93 degrees, which is probably cool for there. Richard goes down the slide, but sticks on it at the bottom. We all laugh. Kate radios Kevin from the beach, and says the guys are coming back for the food. They’re about to leave, and discover the tender is stuck. In Ashton’s interview, he says, the tide there goes back quickly. He and Brian push, but get nowhere. He says if they can’t get it back in the water, the captain will have his ass. Kate asks if they need help, like she can do something. In Kate’s interview, she says, if they can’t get the tender off the rocks, there’s no picnic. The captain will be pissed, and the guests will be pissed. Abbi is concerned everything is going to be melted, and Kate says they’re in trouble.
Somehow, Ashton and Brian lift the tender up, and get it back into the water. In Ashton’s interview, he says he’s glad Brian was with him. He doesn’t know what he would have done if it was Abbi. Kate is impressed, and thinks it was amazing and sexy. Richard wants to kayak out to the beach. Give him a bag of beer and a kayak, and he’s happy. Brandy has come to for a moment, and Ashton helps her onto the tender. In his interview, he says it’s fine to have fun, but this is on another level. Helen is wearing a tiara.
On the beach, Kate starts serving. Brandy is passing out in her chair, but Helen says, she’s good. Mega moves Brandy’s chair closer to the table, and Helen wipes her face. Megan tries to give her some water, and makes her lie down. Kate approaches Tanner, since he has the most medical experience. In Tanner’s interview, he says he’s been a lifeguard most of his life, and he’s used to seeing intoxicated people, but this is something different. Her safety is his biggest concern. Kate calls Ashton to come back for Brandy. Captain Lee watches through the binoculars, and calls back. He says they have to figure out how to get Brandy off the beach and back there. There’s something obviously wrong. She needs med attention, and needs it fast. Kate tells Brandy that they’re putting her in the kayak. Ashton says it’s rough out there. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, it’s hard to watch.Now the proverbial sh*t is hitting the proverbial fan. Brandy says, she’s all right… Wait… no.
Next time, Brian breaks something expensive to repair, the captain isn’t getting one of the dinner courses (no doubt because of Kevin’s high standards and not being able to count), and after Abbi gets drunk, she sends a text saying she doesn’t know if she’ll be up by nine.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Hanging out in Sonny’s kitchen, Michael tells Carly which picture of Donna he prefers for her screen saver. She says she can’t pick just one. He says, Donna is almost as adorable as he was as a baby, and she says, and equally dramatic. They’re having a welcome home party when Donna is able to come home. Sonny suggests Michael bring Sasha, and Carly asks if they had fun at the wedding. Michael says he wouldn’t call it fun, or a wedding.
At the station, Jordan snatches Sasha’s file out of Curtis’s hands, and asks what he’s doing. He says, a little light reading. She asks how he came by it, and he says the file was sitting there, looking all unattended and stuff. She says she’ll speak to Chase about that. As for him… He says he knows he crossed the line, but the mess with Sasha is partly his fault, but she says, absolutely not. He says he’d feel better if he knew how an amateur like Sasha could pull off a con like this, and she says, this town is riddled with liars.
Lucas tells Julian, he and Brad cleared the air. Some of it, at least. Julian says, it takes work, and Lucas says, and sometimes, a third party. Therapy isn’t for everybody, but Brad says Dr. Bern has a good reputation. Julian says, Neil Bern? Lucas says, yeah, and Julian says, Brad’s therapist is Alexis’s boyfriend?
Sam tells Alexis that she’s sorry. Alexis accepts her apology, because that’s what mother’s do. However, she wants to register a formal complaint. It was difficult to hear from Diane that Sam has been arrested twice. Sam says she didn’t want worry Alexis, and Alexis says, yet here she is; worried. Sam says they didn’t think it would get this far. The evidence was bogus, and the information fabricated. Robert was just about to drop the case. Alexis says, this is a Federal case, and the Feds are going to be diligent about it. Not because they want to put Sam in prison, but they’re hoping she flips on Jason. Sam says, never, and Alexis says, they don’t know that. Jason comes in and says, the Feds are about to find out they have no case. He sat down with Brice Henderson, and laid out Brice’s options. Sam asks if Brice gave any names.
Ryan wipes his bloody hand on a towel, and says, neat and tidy. He can’t say same for his cellmate though, can he? Brice’s arm hangs down from the top bunk, dripping blood. Ryan talks to Ava’s picture, saying, sorry dear. His new cellmate was a horrible slob. He doesn’t know what the warden was thinking. They’re completely incompatible. He calls to the guard, and says, something terrible has happened.
Ava eats one of her martini olives, and stares into space. Laura says she’s a million miles away. Ava says just fifteen. Maximum security is just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown. Laura can’t tell her that she never thinks of Ryan. Laura says she refuses to give him that power. Ava says Laura is a bonafide anti-victim. Good for her. Laura says she learned how to be strong from overcoming the obstacles in her own life. Ava says Laura is still living up to her own example, and Laura says Ava is strong too. Ava says, don’t speak too soon. there’s still plenty of time to prove Laura wrong. Someone watches.
Laura doesn’t think drinking helps, and Ava says she tried Laura’s way. Not all of them make it through on water alone. Laura asks if she has someone to talk to; Julian, or a friend? Ava says she’s boring Laura, but Laura says, not at all. She’s just concerned Ava doesn’t have enough of a support system. Ava says, concerned about her? Please don’t be. Laura says, but she is. She knows what it feels like to lose a child. She wants to help Ava. Ava says she can help by helping to get the death penalty reinstated. Laura says, killing Ryan won’t bring Kiki back, or give Ava peace. Ava says she thinks it would be a tremendous relief, knowing the man who violated her daughter was snuffed out of existence. He’s always lurking, just outside her field of vision. He’s still thinking about her; dreaming, planning. His eyes are always on her. Right now she can feel him watching her. Can Laura?
Carly asks, who left who at the altar? Her bet’s on Nina. Sonny says, Valentin might have left Nina for her own good, but Carly says, he’d never be that noble. Michael says, it was Nina who left Valentin, and Carly and Sonny laugh. Carly wants details, and Michael says, the wedding started on time. The bride walked down the aisle, and they exchanged lovely vows. Then Lulu stood up and announced that Sasha was only pretending to be Nina’s daughter. Carly says, Michael’s Sasha? It isn’t true, right?Lulu made a mistake. Michael says, Sasha confirmed she’s not Nina’s daughter. When Nina heard that, she assumed Valentin was involved, and walked out. Sonny is sorry, and says it must be hard on Michael, and Carly says, not so hard that he didn’t walk away from her right then and there. He did walk away, didn’t he?
Curtis asks Jordan if it doesn’t bother her that Sasha was able to beat more than one DNA test, and was able to fool so many people for so long? Jordan says she helped him squeeze the truth out of that dirty adoption lawyer. Yes, it bothers her. He says she doesn’t seem so bothered. She says, Andre was nearly murdered, Drew’s plane went down under mysterious circumstances, and the Feds are charging Sam with murder based on a raft of questionable evidence. So yes, it bothers her, but it’s also of decidedly low priority. She looks forward to the outcome of his investigation. Jordan’s phone rings. She says she’ll send a detective right away, and tells Chase he needs to get to Pentenville right now.
Jason tells Alexis, when Brice found out they could prove he almost killed Andre, he decided to cooperate. Alexis says, so the person who helped Shiloh escape, also stabbed Andre? Jason says Andre ID’d him, and Alexis asks what are the odds that someone would take on two high profile jobs like that at the same time? Sam says, the odds are a lot better, and work in their favor, if they’re connected. Now they just need to know what Brice thinks. Jason says, starting with who hired him. Alexis takes it that they have a theory. Jason says, Drew used to work with Shiloh in Afghanistan, and tracked down Andre to help Franco. Then Drew went missing. Alexis says, so Drew’s the connection. Sam says, yeah, and Alexis asks how it fits. Sam says, hell if she knows, and Jason says, whoever hired Brice knows.
Brad tells Julian that he didn’t know Alexis was seeing anyone, and Lucas says he didn’t either. Is that a problem? Julian says, not for him, but maybe for them. Didn’t Alexis handle Wiley’s adoption? You never know what might come up. A lot of stuff is said in therapy. Lucas says, which is confidential. Julian says, it should be. What do they know about Neil? Brad says, he helped Kristina. Lucas says, Alexis is dating him, and he doubts she’d be happy with a psychiatrist who violated confidentiality. If he’s good enough for her, he’s good enough for them. Lucas has to get to work, and leaves. Julian asks why Brad didn’t tell him that Neil was his therapist. Brad asks, why would he? Therapy is private, and it’s his business. Julian says, it’s his business too, since Brad decided to tell him the truth about Wiley. It’s too risky. He tells Brad to fire Neil, but Brad says, no. Julian says, don’t tell him no, and Brad says he just did. What’s Julian going to do about it?
Alexis asks if Sam and Jason have any idea who’s behind this. Sam says they’ve had their suspicions. Jason says, it stays in this room, and Alexis says she’s familiar with the concept of confidentiality. Sam says they think it’s Peter. Alexis says, Maxie’s boyfriend? and Sam says, Faison’s son. The man who kept Jason prisoner for five years. Jason says he’s also Anna’s son, so he’s been giving Peter the benefit of the doubt out of respect for her, but he knows how Peter works. Peter says he kept Jason alive as an act of conscience, but he was really keeping Jason in reserve to kill his father. It’s the same basic set up. Peter uses a middleman, and keeps his hands clean. Alexis says, it’s a compelling story. Do they have any evidence to support it? Jason says Brice had a big reaction to Peter’s name. Alexis asks if he confirmed that, and Jason says, not in so many words, but he said he’d talk if he can make a deal with the Feds.
Brice’s body bag is zipped up. Chase calls Jordan and tells her, Brice Henderson is dead. Jordan asks how that happened, and Chase says, if you don’t look too close, you’d think it’s self-inflicted. Jordan asks, what if you did look close? and he says he’d bet his money on Brice’s serial killer cellmate.
Ava asks if Laura feels that? The sense of being watched. Laura says she’s felt it before in life. Ava says Laura thinks she sounds crazy, but Laura says she doesn’t. She thinks it’s justified and understandable, but it’s a sign Ava needs help.
Julian puts his arm around Brad, and says he’s trying to help him. Brad says, help would have been neutralizing Obrecht when he asked Julian to. Julian says Brad asked him to kill her, and Brad says he asked Julian to keep his grandson safe. Julian turned him away, and he was on his own. His anxiety got so severe, he was having heart palpitations. He needed to do something to keep his head from popping off his neck. Julian says he’s sorry he’s not being more patient. He’ll do better, and so will Brad in treatment – with anyone else. Brad says, someone else might not give him what he wants, and it’s too late. Lucas is all in now. Neil wants him to bring Lucas in for a session; he wants to talk to them both. Julian says, the guy is already a problem. What happens when he says he can tell Brad is holding something back. Brad says he’ll cover, but Julian says Neil is too good; he’ll be able to tell Brad is lying. Brad says he knows what he’s doing. Julian may not have faith in him, but he has faith in himself, and so does Lucas. Brad walks out, and Julian says, not for long, and makes a call.
At the hospital, Lucas looks at a pamphlet on therapy. Curtis asks if he’s in analysis, and Lucas says he’s thinking about it. Curtis says, it’s not for the faint of heart. He tried it with family. He’s been shot at, blown up, been in a dumpster with rats the size of Dobermans, but nothing prepared him for getting mental with Jordan, and his auntie. Lucas says, both at the same time? Curtis says, good way to go crazy. Lucas says Curtis isn’t exactly easing his mind. Curtis says, it was rough, but ultimately, the experience was a healing one. It didn’t take right away; it took a couple of months. Lucas wonders if it helped, and Curtis says, eventually. Lucas asks if Curtis is a fan now, and Curtis says he loves expressing his thoughts and feelings so much, his wife says he’s an oversharer. Lucas says his expectations are pretty low. He’d settle for a tidbit from Brad. Curtis says, Lucas and him both.
Carly asks Michael to please tell her that he ditched Sasha. Michael says he can’t, because he didn’t. Sonny is sure Michael has his reasons, but Carly says, what reason could there be?Sasha told a church full of people that she was a fraud. Michael says, there’s more to it than that. Carly is sure there is. Sasha came from a broken home, she has a personality disorder, or Nina deserved it. It doesn’t matter. No reason is good enough. Michael asks if it would make Carly feel better to know Sasha had decide to come clean with Nina, and Carly says, is that what Sasha told him? She saw the error of her ways, and had every intention of fessing up? Michael says, it’s true. She’d already told him she made that decision. Sonny says Michael is smarter than that, but Michael says Sasha already told him that she wasn’t Nina’s daughter weeks ago.
Brad comes out of the hospital elevator, and Lucas says Curtis was just looking for him. Brad asks, what for? and Curtis says he’s curious about lab procedure. Brad says, his? but Curtis says, no, just in general. Brad says he can’t divulge protocol without clearance, and Curtis says, it’s not that heavy. It’s probably not what Brad is thinking. Lucas says, he remembers Sasha, right? Curtis says, it turns out she’s not Nina’s daughter, and Lucas says, Sasha was scamming her. Curtis says he’s the one who tracked down Sasha’s DNA sample; the one that proved the parent/child connection. Someone tampered with the sample. Lucas says, Curtis is trying to figure out how Sasha must have pulled it off, so they thought of Brad.
Ava tells Laura, it’s not paranoia or madness;it’s grief. Laura knows that, but it’s the kind of grief that can drown you if you let it. There’s no forgiving the death of a child, but you can learn to live with it. She tells Ava not to isolate herself. Talk to people; share her pain. There’s no shame in that, but there’s real danger in succumbing to it. Laura’s phone rings, and she steps away to take the call. It’s Jordan, who says she has bad news she’d prefer to deliver in person, but she can’t get away. Laura asks what it is, and Jordan says, it’s Ryan. Laura looks at Ava, who says, what?
Carly says, Michael knew Sasha was lying to Nina? Michael says Sasha told him the night she was released from the hospital. Nina was so good to her when she was sick, Sasha couldn’t take it anymore. She told him that she wasn’t Nina’s daughter, and the whole thing was a lie. Carly says, it’s awful for Nina; she was so invested. Michael says Sasha had every intention of confessing to Nina after she told him, but he convinced her not to. Carly says, what? Why would he do that? Sonny says they’re in no position to judge, but Carly says she thought they raised Michael to be better than them. Not to make the same mistakes they did. This isn’t like him. Michael says, there was another consideration. Cassandra’s trial is coming up soon. He thought if Sasha confessed, it would cast doubt on her testimony, and weaken the case. It was a difficult decision, but Sasha agreed to hold off on confessing until after the trial. A few more months wouldn’t make any difference to Nina, but it would for Cassandra’s victims. Sonny says, it was a tough call, but the right one. He’d have done the same thing. Carly says, small comfort to Nina.
Laura tells Jordan to keep her apprised. She asks Jordan to call Julian, and tell him to get to the MetroCourt. His sister needs him. Ava downs her drink.
Alexis assumes Jason and Sam haven’t told Maxie their suspicions. Jason says they need to prove it, and Sam says they don’t want to tip Peter off, or put Maxie in danger. Jason says, so they’re waiting on Brice. Sam says, he’ll cut a deal, and hopefully tell them everything. Alexis says while they’re depending on the DOJ to make a deal, her priority is to get Sam out of there. Jordan comes in and says, Sam’s ride is here. Sam asks where she’s going, and Jordan says, to await trial in Pentenville. Sam looks at Jason.
Carly says, Sasha confessed to everyone at the church. Nina could easily press charges for fraud. Michael says, she won’t. Carly says, don’t be so sure. It was cruel. Sasha gave Nina a daughter, then took her away. Michael thinks Nina can be convinced not to call the cops. Carly says, by him? and Sonny asks if Michael thinks his influence can get Nina to back off, and Michael says he knows someone. Carly asks, who would advocate on Sasha’s behalf? and Michael says, someone who stands to lose more than Sasha did if the whole truth comes out.
Lucas says, to run two DNA tests, Sasha had help on the inside, and Curtis says, she did claim she had a friend who knew their way around a DNA lab. Brad says it’s not him. It was him in the past, but he’s changed. Curtis says, no one is accusing him, but they thought he was an expert in lab procedure. Brad says, sorry. He doesn’t want to be that person again. Curtis says he’s not entirely sure Sasha is telling the whole truth. The tests were done in different labs. Could Sasha have an accomplice who helped in both places? Brad says, possible, but not probable. He has too much work on his hands to be taking on a second job. Lucas says, the samples provided would probably tell the tale, and Curtis says that’s what he was thinking. Can the test be rerun?
Alexis asks Jordan to tell the people at Pentenville to hold off. Jordan says she doesn’t like it either, but it’s not her call. It’s an FBI matter. Alexis says, Brice’s lawyer is setting up a deal that will exonerate Sam. Jordan asks, based on what? and Jason says, if he makes a deal, Brice will give up the name of the person who hired him, and information about other crimes. Jordan says, crimes other than breaking Shiloh out of police custody? and Jason says, Andre ID’d Brice as his attacker. Jordan says this is the first she’s hearing of this, and Jason says he told Andre to hold off until he could talk to Brice, before he could get a cover story in place. Jordan says, which would be acceptable if Jason was a detective, but he’s not. He has no authority to investigate, much less cut deals. Andre knows that, but she assumes he went along with it because he felt guilty for the part he played in the original memory transfer. Jason says Brice is a contractor. Somebody paid him to attack Andre, probably crash Drew’s plane, break Shiloh out of custody, and implicate Sam. Brice is apparently the busiest man in the world of crime. Jason says, Brice’s lawyer is talking to the Feds, and once the deal is done, he’ll give up the name. Jordan says, not anymore. Brice Henderson is dead.
Julian finds Ava, who asks what he’s doing there. Laura says she called him, and Ava wishes she hadn’t done that. Julian says he’s been busy putting fires out all over town; what happened? Ava says, Ryan killed again. Laura says, that hasn’t been confirmed, and Ava says, Ryan’s new cellmate stabbed himself the jugular with Ryan’s pen? Ryan killed him. Julian asks if there was a fight, but Laura says no one heard anything, and Ryan alerted the guard. Julian says, that makes no sense, and Ava says, nothing about Ryan makes sense. Ryan kills for a reason; to protect himself, or to fulfill his obsession. Ava says, or to please her
Chase shows Ryan his pen in a plastic bag, and Ryan says he was wondering where that went. Chase asks if he has a lot of writing to do, and Ryan says he has to keep up his correspondence. He doesn’t want to let his pen pal down. Chase thinks Ava wouldn’t mind if he missed a day or two, and Ryan says he’d be surprised. Can he have his pen back? Chase says, it became evidence the minute it was used to kill his cellmate. Ryan says, suicide is a terrible thing, and Chase says Brice might have survived if Ryan had alerted the guard sooner. Ryan says, what a man does with his life is his own business. It’s not much of a loss though; he lacked people skills. Chase asks how Ryan would know, since Brice just got there. Ryan says he’s a good judge of character. Probably all those years he spent as a doctor. Besides, any man who disrespects women isn’t worth the air he breathes. Chase takes down the Ava Crimson cover and says, with a photo like this staring at them, who could blame them? He bets a lot of guys wouldn’t mind disrespecting Ava. All night, every night. Ryan lunges at him, but the guard steps in.
Curtis asks Brad if they keep the original samples used for tests at GH. Brad says, most labs keep them for a couple of years, and Curtis says, so the test can be rerun. Lucas wonders why he wants to do that, and Curtis says Sasha was deliberately vague about how she pulled it off. Lucas says, maybe to protect her accomplice? Curtis says that’s what he wants to find out. If they use the same samples, this time with a trusted technician, will the results come back that Sasha’s not Nina’s daughter? Lucas says, what if the results come back the same way? and Curtis says, then something else is going on just as weird – and just as bad.
Sonny says, someone other than Sasha stands to lose? and Carly says, someone else was involved? Michael says, it wasn’t her idea. She doesn’t know how to fake DNA tests. Sonny says, Valentin does, and Carly says, of course (🍷). He and Nina were estranged, ready to get divorced. He wanted to convince Nina to forgive him. What’s more convincing than a long lost child?So he hired Sasha to go along with it. Sonny says, it makes sense, but Carly says, except for the part where Sasha confesses and takes all the blame. Why would she protect Valentin? Michael says, it was Sasha’s idea to take the blame. Sonny asks if Michael thinks he can hold this over Valentin to convince Nina not to press charges. Michael says, then Sasha has a way out. Carly says, it doesn’t change the fact that Sasha committed fraud against Nina, and Michael. She gets that Sasha confessed to him, but they’ve been dating for months. That means whatever relationship he thinks they have, is based on a lie. How is that different from Nelle? Michael says Sasha never manipulated him. She never asked for anything. Carly says, that’s what she’d do if she was playing him. Michael is a white knight, looking for someone to save. Sabrina took advantage of that, and so did Nelle. Can he tell her why Sasha is different?
Laura tells Ava, Ryan is responsible for his own behavior, not her. She gives them some privacy, and Ava says, don’t they know by now what Ryan is? Julian says the cellmate probably said something to offend him. He probably has a very low bar for irritation. Ava says he’s going to keep killing until he kills his way out. He’s going to kill his way to her, unless he’s killed first. Julian says he’ll never get out, and she says, tell Kiki that. He says he’d lay down his life before he’d let Ryan near her, but she says she can’t lose him too. He promises she won’t, but he’s afraid of losing her. She needs help that he doesn’t know how to give her. Ava says she’s too much trouble for him? He wants to get rid of her? He says he wants her back. The fierce, take no prisoners sister that he loves and fears. She asks, what if she’s gone? What if she buried that Ava along with Kiki?
Jason asks how Brice is dead, and Jordan says, his cellmate killed him. Jason says, somebody wanted to shut him up, but Jordan says, not unless Ryan was taking orders from Brice’s boss. They’re still piecing it together. He was just moved to the cell, and there’s no evidence Ryan knew of his crimes. An officer comes in, and says the van is ready. He cuffs Sam, and Alexis asks if it’s necessary. Jordan says they have to take extra precautions thanks to Shiloh. Alexis tells Sam to be strong. Sam asks Jason to tell the kids she loves them, and they exchange I love yous. Jason says he’ll get her out, and she says she knows he will.
Michael tells Sonny that he thought Carly would understand. She’s told her fair share of lies. Sonny says that’s why she’s suspicious of other liars, especially when it comes to him. Michael says if he thought Sasha had a malicious bone in her body, he’d walk away and never look back. But she’s just not the person who hurt Nina; she’s the person who wants to atone for it, even if there are criminal charges. Sonny says Michael won’t let that happen, and tells him to be careful.
Lucas says Brad seems tense, and Brad says he gets defensive when someone questions the lab’s integrity. Lucas says they can talk about it in therapy, and put that ghost to rest. Brad says he’s not the same guy he used to be. A nurse brings flowers in that were delivered to Brad, and he asks Lucas what he did to deserve them. Lucas says don’t look at him. Brad says, they’re not from him? and Lucas says he wishes he could say they were. He suggests looking at the card, but there isn’t one. The nurse says Brad has a secret admirer.
Julian thanks Laura, and says he’ll make sure Ava gets home safe. She says, Ava needs to get help. She’s been where Ava is, and knows the desperation. She suggests Julian not leave Ava alone tonight. Jordan comes in, and asks for a word with Laura. Julian asks if it’s about Ryan. He needs to know before his sister does.
Ava leans against the wall. She remembers Ryan saying that when she gave herself to him, she brimmed with life and glowed with passion. She was happy and healthy. Now look at her. She can’t deny it. She needs him as much as he needs her. Ava says, no, no, no, no. He means nothing to her. She gets her coat. Laura and Jordan get in the elevator, and Julian is messing with his phone. Ava asks if Jordan had news about Ryan, and he says they need to get her home. She asks him to tell her what’s going on, and he says she needs to stop going there to visit Ryan. He’s obsessed with her, and the visits aren’t helping things. Ava asks what Jordan said, and he tells her, the evidence suggests that Ryan killed his cellmate. She says, of course (🍷) he did and…? Julian says, he did it for her. Ava collapses.
Chase tells the guard to take Ryan out. Ryan says he has no right do this, but Chase says, actually, he does. Ryan asks if Chase thinks he can’t order back issues of Crimson. Chase says, sure he can. Just make sure they don’t get lost in the mail.
Alexis tells Jason that Diane is in touch with Brice’s attorney. Hopefully, he divulged something before Ryan killed him. Jason says, what if he didn’t? and Alexis says, Sam’s going to trial. He says, Diane needs to file a motion to keep Sam in county lock-up. There’s no telling who she’ll run into in Pentenville.
Sam is put in her cell. The guard takes the cuffs off, and tells her that her cellmate is in solitary, but she’ll be back soon. Sam asks why she’s in solitary, and the guard tells her not to worry. They’ll have plenty of time to get to know one another. After all, every day is a new dawn. I get chills.
On Monday, Ava asks if Neil thinks she’s having a nervous breakdown, Finn asks Curtis how much he knows about what Hayden was doing when she was gone, and Jax asks Nina if something happened between her and Valentin.
Black is such a happy color, darling. – Morticia Addams, The Addams Family
The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. – Ayn Rand
It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. – Noel Coward
It’s how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success. – Charlotte Whitton
Many things—such as loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly—are done worst when we try hardest to do them. – C.S. Lewis, from Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, compiled in Words to Live By
It’s a subway. The floor is made of rats. – Max (Kat Dennings), 2 Broke Girls
The story goes a helluva lot better when you’re the only one telling it. – Dr. Phil
Going to the woods is going home. – John Muir
I’ve come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. And I’m all out of bubblegum. – John Nada (RoddyPiper), They Live
👓 On Showtime Rotation…
One of my all time favorites, and before it’s time.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Ryan writes, dearest, Ava. One of the many joys of writing letters instead of emails, is the care he can take in expressing how he feels. No hashtags, no abbreviations, and absolutely no emojis for us. He writes in ink, but consider it his life’s blood flowing to her in a never ending stream of admiration and devotion.
At the MetroCourt, Doc tells Laura that he can wait with her a while. He’s going to Shadybrook to determine if Franco is competent enough to choose his future, or if Elizabeth will choose it for him.
Franco asks Kim, what’s going on? and she says they extracted information from the black box. It pinpointed where Drew’s plane went down. Franco says, Drew is dead, isn’t he?
Scotty asks Cameron, isn’t it true that his relationship with his stepfather hasn’t always been good? Elizabeth tells Cameron, answer honestly, and Cameron says, it’s true. Scotty says, isn’t it also true that he didn’t want his mother to marry Franco? Cameron says he wasn’t always Franco’s biggest fan, but that changed. Scotty asks, what changed? His attitude, or did Franco change, and become his true self, Navy SEAL Drew Cane? Cameron says, true self? Why is Scotty putting it like that? Scotty says, because that’s how Franco’s lawyer is going to put it. Did he start to respect and admire Franco when he became somebody else?
Brad meets Lucas at Charlie’s, and Lucas asks where he’s been? Julian says he has to take care of something, probably just to get away from them. Lucas asks where Brad was this morning.
Outside, Julian finds Ava sitting on a bench looking catatonic. He asks, what is it? Is she coming or going? She says she doesn’t know.
Laura sees Sonny, and tells him, congratulations. He says they’re going to bring Donna home soon. They named her after somebody in the old neighborhood. Laura likes it. She tells Jason that she’s sorry to hear about what’s going on with Sam. Jason says Sam killed Shiloh to stop Shiloh from killing him. Sonny asks if Laura has any idea how to present that to the Feds.
Laura doesn’t agree with their choice to charge Sam, but it’s their jurisdiction. She doesn’t get a say. Sonny says, being mayor, maybe she could make some calls, and let them know Sam’s been cleared by the PCPD. Doc says, Sam’s been charged with a Federal crime, and Laura can’t intervene. Jason tells them, the FBI is claiming Shiloh’s death happened in international waters. It’s their legal justification to get to him. Sonny says he’ll do what he can to get these bogus charges dismissed. Laura tells him her best advice is to work the system. Talk to Diane, and take her advice. And have faith Diane can prove Sam’s innocence. Sonny thanks her, and he and Jason leave. Laura says she hates her job today. Doc says he thought he had a tough assignment today, but all he has to do is determine if Franco is in his right mind.
Franco asks if the official confirmation has changed things for Kim. Does she have a sense of closure, or is she feeling worse? Kim says, it’s difficult to believe he’s gone. Even though he didn’t have his memories, he was Oscar’s father. When he came to Port Charles, and she realized he was alive, even though he wasn’t the man she knew back then… Franco says, whatever man he was, he’s grateful he was there for their son. She says, he loved Oscar, as she did, and felt the loss deeply. She cries, and Franco holds her. Franco says Drew only went to Afghanistan on his behalf, to take the black market money that Shiloh made, and give it to humanitarian aid. Kim says, he wanted some good to come from all the pain and loss. Franco says, Drew went in his place. If not for him, Drew might still be alive.
Cameron says he didn’t change his mind about Franco after Franco saved him; it was before. When Franco sacrificed himself and took his place, it was because of who Franco is, not Drew. Scotty says, good, and Elizabeth says, perfect. Scotty tells Cameron not to get cocky. Franco’s attorney is going to go at him twice as hard. He doesn’t want to sound over-rehearsed. Cameron asks if he should practice being unrehearsed, but Scotty says, no. Don’t be over-emotional, and just answer the questions; do not volunteer anything else. Cameron says he can do that, and Elizabeth asks, what’s next? Scotty says they’ll get Doc’s psyche evaluation. However, Kim’s lawyer will have one done, and it might be a whole different slant. Cameron says, Kim hired a lawyer? Elizabeth tells Cameron to go get a snack, but Cameron says he saw them kissing; he gets it. They don’t have to keep anything from him.
Ryan looks at the Crimson cover of Ava on his cell wall. He writes, her name is a palindrome. Perfection at either end, no matter how you spell it. No wonder she’s always in his thoughts, as he knows he’s in hers. His goddess.
Julian brings Ava into Charlie’s, and she asks for a martini. He wonders if it isn’t a little early in the day, but she says she needs a drink. Her phone dings, and she says, it’s the gallery. Someone will handle it, or they won’t. He says that’s not like her. When’s the last time she had a good night’s sleep? She says, sleep leads to dreams. Either she sees Kiki, who hates her, or Ryan, who adores her. Either one is unbearable, so she stays awake. Then she thinks of Ryan or Kiki. The only way to find peace is in a strong martini. So where’s his cocktail shaker?
Brad tells Lucas at Charlie’s, the lab was crazy today. Then he had to call some friends. Lucas says something I don’t understand, and Brad asks why Lucas is giving him the third degree. Lucas says maybe because Chase said he saw Brad at Nelle’s parole hearing. What’s that about?
Sonny tells Jason, they can get the evidence to disappear, but Jason has another way to clear Sam’s name. A way that doesn’t involve Sonny. He tells Sonny to call Diane, but Sonny wants to help. He told Alexis that Sam will walk. Jason says, she will. Sonny asks what’s his plan? Jason says, it always comes back to Shiloh. He talked to Andre, and he ID’d Brice (new information – Henderson has a first name) as his attacker; the same guy who helped Shiloh escape. Andre’s attack and Drew’s plane crash are linked. Sonny says they may need to find out who killed Drew. They leave, and Doc and Laura watch. Doc says he knows Sonny is a good friend, but there’s only so much she can do. She says she’ll remind him of that after his session with Franco.
Laura asks if Doc thinks Franco is incapable of making his own decisions. Doc doesn’t want to speculate. If he has any bias, he can’t make an accurate determination She says that’s why he’s the best at what he does, but he says he has other talents. Like deciphering Helena’s weird portrait. She says, now that Valentin has thrown it away, they only have the one clue he found, and he says, Corona Vera, the true crown. She says, that would be Nikolas. He is the rightful heir. The portrait is the only thing Helena left him, and she thinks it’s strange that Helena let the fate of the Cassadine fortune rest on such meager clues. She feels like a cat chasing it’s tail. He says he likes cats; they’re independent, elegant, and have nine lives. She asks which one she’s in now, and he says, she’s right. There must be other clues. He says he needs to go to Shadybrook, and she needs to her meeting. They tell each other, good luck. Doc leaves, and Laura writes – Mikkos, Helena, Nikolas.
Kim tells Franco that it was Drew’s duty. He didn’t do it just for him, but for all of them, including Oscar. He and Drew shared more than memories and a name; they shared a son. Oscar would be proud of both of them. Franco doesn’t know how she does it. She’s so generous, although she’s clearly hurt. I make a raspberry sound. Kim says, it’s true. Franco says when he walks into the courtroom, people are going to believe he’s trying to assume the identity of a hero. He doesn’t know how he’ll manage that. Kim says when he talks to Doc, remember what’s in his heart and mind. If that remains true, then Drew Cane never dies. They kiss, and she leaves.
Cameron says Elizabeth doesn’t need to send him out of the room like a little kid. Elizabeth says there are details she and Scotty need to discuss. Scotty says, it’s legal business. He does it for a living, and it bores him to death. Elizabeth says she wants to make sure he’s taking care of himself; his homework, soccer, seeing his friends. Franco would want him to live his life to the max. Do for him, and her. Cameron says he knows what to do, and leaves.
Brad tells Lucas that Nelle reached out and asked him to come. She’s all alone in the world. Lucas says, there’s a reason for that. When you try to kill your fiancé, and send his mother to a hospital for the criminally insane, people tend to avoid you. Brad says Lucas knew where he was, and asks if this is some sort of test. Lucas says he was giving Brad a chance to be honest, but he couldn’t do it. He guesses old habits, like lying and Nelle, die hard.
Julian asks if Ava went to see Ryan, and Ava says she went to speak to the warden. When he refused to help her, she went to see Ryan to return his letters, and asks him to stop sending them. It only convinced him more that they were made for each other. Julian says she gave him what he wanted; a response. She rewarded him for stalking her. Ava says she wanted to get some control. She’s sick of being the object of his obsession. Julian says, forget Ryan. Take control of herself. Burn the letters, and forget them. She says she doesn’t have them. She left them to prove they mean nothing to her. Sonny comes in, and Julian says, now’s not the time. Sonny sits down, and says, don’t mind if I do.
Sonny asks if Ava wants to see Avery next week, and she says, of course (🍷). He says the last time, she canceled. Julian says, if there’s nothing else… Sonny says he has some business to take care of with Julian, and Ava says she’ll leave them to it. Julian asks her not to go, but she says, she’ll be all right. If she gets more letters, she won’t open them. She leaves, and Sonny asks, what’s wrong with her? Julian thought Sonny’s business was with him, and Sonny says Alexis told him that Julian is staying in town. Julian asks if he has a problem with that, and Sonny says, it depends.
Brad tells Lucas, he and Nelle used to be friends. He can’t turn his back on her. Lucas asks, why? She’s a reminder of the life Brad used to live; the life he swore he gave up for Wiley. Why does it seem to be back to before they were married? Brad promises he’s not that guy. He loves Lucas. Lucas says, then why did he have to learn Brad was at the hearing from Chase? It makes him wonder what else Brad is keeping from him. What’s the real reason Brad is seeing a psychiatrist? Brad says he told Lucas. He’s having anxiety. Lucas says, Shiloh is dead, and there are no more threats to their family. Wiley is safe, and that’s not enough? What else is Brad hiding from him?
Doc walks in as Franco is doing a jigsaw puzzle. He asks if it’s a good time, and Franco says, as good as any. Doc says, sometimes it helps if you separate the colors. It narrows the focus. Franco says, good tip. Doc says when they last spoke, he told Franco that he was a good listener. Franco says now Doc is here to prove he’s not capable of making his own decisions. Doc says he’s there to evaluate Franco, and draw his own conclusions. Franco is welcome to be evaluated by the psychiatrist of his own choice. Franco says, but this has already been arranged. It seems to him, the burden of proof is on Elizabeth to prove that he can’t make his own decisions. He’s guessing that’s why Doc is there. Doc says as Franco’s former therapist, he can judge Franco’s state of mind. How about if they focus on the real puzzle? Franco asks what that would be, and Doc says, him.
Elizabeth tells Scotty that Cameron is really committed to getting Franco back. Scotty says, when Franco comes back, they’ll make he sure knows how proud he should be of his stepson. Elizabeth says he will be. She asks what he wanted to tell her that Cameron couldn’t hear. Scotty says he got the preliminary witness list, and some people might be a problem. She says, such as? He says, her boss. She says, Monica’s not a psychiatrist, and he says, she’s not testifying as a doctor, but as a mother.
Kim tells reception nurse Janis that she’s there for a meeting to discuss her reinstatement. Janis says Dr. Hanover was delayed in surgery, and Kim says she’ll wait. She sees Cameron, and asks how school is. He says, fine; it’s everything else. He asks if there’s a place they can talk.
Jason goes to the prison to visit Brice. Brice says he knows Jason, and Jason says that makes them even. He knows Brice too. Brice doesn’t get it. What does Jason want? Jason says Brice made a serious mistake, and he’s going to give him a way out.
Julian gives Sonny an espresso, saying, consider it a peace offering. Sonny says he didn’t know they were at war – yet. Someone they know is very upset. Julian says, Olivia sent him. Sonny says, Olivia can take care of herself. She’s set on owning Charlie’s, and putting her personal stamp on it. Julian says, that’s the thing about life. They all have their disappointments. Sonny says, there’s the matter of Olivia’s deposit. He can complete the sale or return her money. He can’t have both. Julian asks if Sonny is Olivia’s foot soldier now. Is he there to make Julian pay or else?
Brad says he’s sorry. He should have told Lucas everything, but a lot of things are going on in Lucas’s family. Lucas says his family is Brad’s family, but he’s more concerned about a sociopath that tried to kill Lucas’s nephew. Brad swears it won’t happen again, and anyway, she was denied parole. Lucas asks, what if it had gone Nelle’s way because his support humanized her, and swayed the board? He doesn’t understand why Brad is acting like this. Talk to him. Brad says, there is something else. Something that has him losing sleep, and making him anxious as hell. Lucas says, tell him; what is it? Brad says, it’s Wiley.
On the phone, Laura says there was no message? Call his office, wait a few minutes, and call again. Ava sits at the bar, and says she’ll have another. The bartender says, another what? and she says, another of what she was having. He just looks at her, and she says, a vodka martini, three olives. Laura asks if she wants company. She was stood up by a lobbyist. Ava says, there are worse things. Laura asks if she’s still seeing the psychic. Ava says it was a waste of time. She didn’t need a psychic to summon Kiki. She can see Kiki on her own. She’s there every night in Ava’s dreams. Laura asks if she wants to talk about it, and Ava asks if Laura doesn’t have a ribbon to cut or a monument to dedicate. Hasn’t she got a husband to go home to? Ava takes her martini, and walks away.
Ryan licks the envelope, and calls the guard. He says this needs to go out in the next mail. Special delivery.
Doc asks if Franco is aware what it will mean to Elizabeth and her sons if he refuses treatment. Franco says he doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Is Doc aware that one of the outcomes could be that he’s a total vegetable. Doc asks if he’s afraid of the risk, and Franco says he’d be crazy not to be. Doc says he’s not there to determine if Franco is crazy. Franco is sure Doc has another word for it, like diminished capacity. Doc says he’s there to determine if Franco is aware of the consequences to the people he knows if he refuses. Are the people who know and love him expendable? Franco says he can’t be who they want him to be. Doc asks who he would be, and Franco says, himself. Doc says Drew died in a plane crash. He can’t be Drew. Or can he? Franco tells Doc not to put words in his mouth. He didn’t want that man to die. Doc asks if it doesn’t make it easier if he’s gone. One less Drew to worry about. Franco says he can only be who he is. Doc says, without his name; without his identity; without his art? Franco says he’s never held a paintbrush in his life. Doc says, but those hands have. There’s probably still paint under his fingernails. No matter how he protests or how hard he tries, he can’t get that one out.
Brice says Jason doesn’t care about him. Jason is definitely not there to help him, so what is it that he’s looking for? Jason says, his boss. Who wanted to help Shiloh escape? The same person who had him attack Andre and sabotage Drew’s jet. Brice is a busy guy! Brice says he has no idea what Jason is talking about. Jason says he’s talking about assault and attempted murder. Andre had no problem identifying Brice as the guy who stabbed him. Brice’s best option is to flip on whoever’s giving the orders. They know it’s not Sam, so who’s he working for?
Sonny tells Julian that this can be settled amicably. Julian says provided he gives Olivia what she wants? Sonny says, provided Julian holds up his end of the agreement. Julian says he knows a shakedown when he sees one. Is he playing hardball, encouraging Olivia to stick it to him? Sonny says, Olivia is family, and he looks out for his own. That’s why he knows Julian will do the right thing.
Lucas asks Brad, what about Wiley, and Brad says, it’s called parenthood. Lucas may have mastered it, but he has a different learning curve. He’s terrified of getting it wrong. Lucas says the only way that will happen is if Brad keeps things from him. Brad promises to do better. Lucas takes Brad’s hand, and says they’re a team. Talk to him. Brad says he loves Lucas, and he loves their son. He won’t let anything or anyone ruin what they have. I feel ripped off. Every time it seems like Brad is going to confess, he doesn’t.
Laura finds Ava, and says she got Ava a drink. She puts down a glass of water, and asks if she can join Ava. Ava says, something tells her that’s not vodka. Laura says, the mayor is still on the clock, and she thought Ava could use a change of pace. Ava thanks her, and apologizes about the cheap shot about Laura’s husband. She really does want them to be happy. Laura thanks her, and says she wants Ava to be happy too. Ava picks up the water, and says, here’s to happiness. Laura says, it’s bad luck to toast with water, and Ava says, her luck really can’t get worse.
Franco tells Doc that he has no memory of ever having made a painting. Doc asks if Franco realizes how he came to have his memories, and Franco says it’s been explained to him. Doc asks if he realizes that Franco, whose DNA he carries, voluntarily took the place of his stepson to save his reason, and possibly his life. Does he realize the last thing Franco said to Cameron before he ceased to be himself was to tell his mom that he loves her and he’ll be back? Franco says, that was him, not me, and Doc says, him is you. Does he realize the consequence of not choosing treatment, not just for himself, but for Elizabeth and her sons? Franco says, if he answers yes, he doesn’t care, and if he answers, no, he has no case. Doc says, that’s not an answer. Franco says, he does care about Elizabeth and her boys. So much that he’s telling them the truth. What happened to Franco was wrong and unfair, but it’s not his doing, and he shouldn’t have to sacrifice himself to undo it. He has to be himself. He doesn’t know how the hell to be anyone else.
Elizabeth says, if Monica is willing to give her stamp of approval and the Quartermain name to Franco, that could definitely sway the judge. Scotty says, crazy Heather is out of the question. He could call Betsy, but if it comes down to dueling mommies, they’ll lose. Elizabeth asks if there’s nothing they can do. Scotty tells her, he didn’t say that. A mother is a powerful weapon, but never underestimate fathers. They’ve got fists. They come in and duke it out. He’ll get in there and fight for Franco. They also have a secret weapon. Elizabeth says, Cameron.
Camron knows how much Kim misses Oscar. He misses Oscar every day. He knows how much worse it has to be for her, but taking Franco away from their family isn’t going to bring Oscar back. She says, as difficult as it is to accept, she shares things with the man he knows as Franco. Cameron says, he is Franco. He knows she’s hired a lawyer and a shrink to prove he’s the man she wants him to be, but that doesn’t make it true. He knows something she doesn’t about Drew Cane.
Jason says, the beard and glasses were a nice touch, but it wasn’t enough. Brice is looking at serous jail time. Brice says, supposing that’s true – and he’s not saying it is – why should he play ball? Jason says the Feds might cut him a deal if he gives up his employer, especially if it’s Peter. Brice looks at him, and Jason takes that as a yes. Brice says he’ll talk to his lawyer. He’ll see what the Feds are prepared to offer. If he likes the terms, Jason will get the answers he wants. Brice hangs up the phone, and says, they’re done.
Kim asks Cameron what he knows about Drew, and Cameron says he knows how much Drew meant to Oscar, even though he came along later in Oscars life. Franco means the same to him. He cares about Franco. Not just as his mom’s husband, or the guy with the weird sense of humor, or as his stepdad. Elizabeth listens outside the door. Cameron says, they didn’t get along at first. They fought. Franco screwed up, and so did he, but Franco was the first one to say he was sorry. He tried, and kept trying, no matter how hard Cameron pushed him away. He just wants to thank him. He wants to be good to Franco, like Franco was to him. He wants more time with Franco. Is that too much to ask? I burst out crying, thinking of my own father.
Franco asks Doc, what’s the verdict? Thumbs up or thumbs down? Doc says he’s heard all he needs to, and thanks Franco for speaking with him. He’ll let Franco finish his puzzle.
Ava asks Laura why she’s being so nice. Laura says for all of their differences, they’re a lot alike. Ava didn’t expect her to say that, and Laura says they have a lot in common. She knows what it feels like to love so much, you have to find a way to go on when that person is gone. Ava says she doesn’t know how to do that. It just hurts. Laura takes Ava’s hand. Someone watches.
Lucas guesses it’s a good thing they’re seeing Neil together. If for no other reason than to convince Brad that their family deserves a happy ending. Brad says, from his lips to Freud’s ears, and they hug.
Sonny thanks Julian for the espresso. He’ll let Olivia know that Julian will work something out. He tells Julian, look out for Ava –for Avery’s sake.
Jason calls Diane. He says he talked to Brice, and thinks he got what they need.
Brice goes back to his cell, and sees the Ava cover. He says, man, she’s hot. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Eva. The apple and snake metaphor works for him. He’s cutting a deal, and should be out soon. Maybe he’ll look her up and show her a good time. Ryan clutches his pen tightly.
Tomorrow, Jordan tells Curtis this town is riddled with liars, Laura says she wants to help Ava, Jason says the Feds are going to find out they have no case, and Ryan says something terrible has happened, while blood drips down his hand.
Million Dollar Listing New York
Fredrik saw heather at the relaunch in L.A., and found out why Josh Altman is so pissed. Heather told him, although they’re all friends, Fredrik didn’t personally tell them that he’s opening a team in their office building, and they found out about it through an eblast. She said it was shady, slimy, and bizarre. Fredrik thought her reaction was bizarre, and I agree. Thoughtless maybe, but shady, slimy, and bizarre? Has the smog and traffic gotten to them? She insisted he must have an ulterior motive, but couldn’t explain what that might be. She told him that he’s screwed because he got on Josh’s bad side, and he’d ruined the relationship. Not too much of an overreaction. Tracy, David, and James (Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles) were also at the relaunch. When Fredrik told them he had a minor issue with Josh, David or James (I still have a hard time differentiating between them) said, welcome to the club. They told Fredrik that Josh gets angry when threatened, but Tracy thought Josh was just being a baby because Fredrik didn’t tell him about the new office. Fredrik’s brother Sigge has moved to NYC, and we found out that Fredrik has a second secret career – he and his brother write movies together. They were pitching a finished horror film, as well as working on a family drama, The Divorce, based on their childhood. Sigge was not too happy to find out Fredrik was considering a bi-coastal move, since he and his wife had left everything in Sweden to move next door.
Tyler started off optimistic, giving credit to life coach Vivace for making more money despite the market crash, and being happier, but his week took a down turn like the market. He’d lost the $10 million listing, which his bosses had been hoping for, and went back to his roots with the $3-4 million range. At first, it seemed promising, with rental tenants Alex and Lyndi (and dog Bonzo) wanting an upgrade as they were starting a family. He showed them an apartment in Turtle Bay in the East 50s. The views were incredible, Tyler telling them that it was a $10 million living room in a $4 million apartment. Alex was hesitant, saying he’d miss the downtown vibe. In Tyler’s interview, he said, in NYC, your neighborhood becomes part of your identity. I must have missed that memo when I lived there. The kitchen was too small for Lyndi, but they seemed happy with another apartment being sold by another agent. Tyler said agent/owners made the best sellers, since they could really point out the positive features. Unfortunately, once again Tyler’s hard work did not pay off when the buyers decided to consult with their parents, who thought they were in over their heads. Their budget dropped to $3 million, which Tyler thought was a warning sign that it could be a never-ending process.
Steve and Luiza, who was in her third trimester, decided on a name for their baby – Rose. This would make her Rose Gold, which could go either way in life. Either people will think it’s fabulous, or she’ll really get made fun of. Pam, from Corcoran Sunshine, tried to help Steve out with the dueling penthouse situation, but the Corcoran brokers refused to budge, saying they weren’t reducing the price or taking the other penthouse off the market. Steve told developer Joel that there was a disconnect between his and Corcoran’s strategy. He said he didn’t make a practice of walking away, but wasn’t comfortable staying on. It pained him, but he didn’t believe it was the right strategy, and couldn’t put his name behind it. He told us everything that he did from then on was to build a future for his family, and it made more sense to allocate his time to something more profitable.
Ryan was hired to sell a property in the Golden Triangle on the upper east side, which he described as the wealthiest triangle in the world. It was a classic Park Avenue apartment, a humongous property with loads of hallways and doorways, and even the molding on the marble master bathroom doorway was marble. The apartment had been acquired at $17.2 million, but the owners accepted his suggested to sell at $14.9. They agreed pretty quickly, which surprised me, but their assistant did says they just had too many apartments. Must. Be. Nice. Because of what Ryan determined was a waste of square footage, and a confusing floor plan, he knew the average person wasn’t going to be his buyer. He had diplomats in mind, since it was near the United Nations. Enter Kirk, a broker for a client he was pretty secretive about, which was cool with Ryan, who said he liked a little mystery. In his interview, Ryan told us that his spy name would be Colby Spokane. Kirk’s client had been looking for two years, and he’d shown them over fifty apartments. Kirk did think this might be the one, and was thrilled that it had a service entrance. In the meantime, Cory and Jacquie, of Tribeca ground floor loft fame, were suddenly balking at the $4.625 million being offered for their space. They wanted something closer to $5 million, so Ryan suggested going into contract, which would take time, and still showing the apartment to see if they could get a better offer. He explained that Tribeca had been hit the hardest in the down market, and the buyer would also have to be very specific. He compared the loft to the merchandise in Cory’s antique store, saying only a very specific kind of buyer would be looking for a stork made of spoons. I totally get this, since I sell a lot of vintage items. Ryan’s plan was put in motion, but in the end, the sellers ended up taking the original offer. In his interview, Ryan told us never to doubt him, but admitted he had doubted himself. It was a good week for Ryan, since he also ended up selling to Kirk’s buyer for $13.75 million. He said the market wasn’t bad; it was great. Most brokers just don’t know how to close.
Next time, Tyler’s clients have concerns, Luis says no more Ricky Ricardo, and Ryan doesn’t like what’s about to happen.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
On the phone, Chase asks Jordan if she’s sure about that, and says he can do it.
Alexis sits at Charlie’s bar, and tells Julian that her life coach is trying to kill her. She thinks it’s a conspiracy far and wide, since all the trainers at the gym are part of the cabal. He asks what he can get her, and she says it’s her cheat day. She orders a breakfast the size of what The Rock eats on his cheat day. Julian says before he gets it, did she get Olivia to back off? Alexis adds some more food to her order. Julian says, this is Olivia’s latest masterpiece, and shows her a flyer. Last year a dead body; this year, who knows? Alexis says, Olivia isn’t behind it. Does he have any enemies that want revenge. He says not that he knows of.
Brad goes to Nelle’s parole hearing. She says he came, and he says she didn’t give him much choice. She says, it’s going to be the best parole hearing ever. Michael shows up, and wonders why Brad is there. Nelle says they have a big surprise. Brad says, don’t, but she says now that she’s getting out of prison, it’s time Michael knows the truth about his son. Jonah didn’t die; he’s alive. She gave him to Brad and Lucas. Michael says, Wiley is his son? He gets angry, and Nelle thanks Brad for looking after their son. Now that she’s getting out, she and Michael can finally be a family with their son. Michael says, over his dead body, and pushes Brad. He walks toward the door, and Brad asks where he’s going. Michael says, to get his son. Brad wakes up, yelling, don’t go! and Lucas asks, who’s Michael, and why doesn’t Brad want him to go?
Sasha and Michael go to Kelly’s. She wonders if it bothers him to be seen with her in public, and he says he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, but compared to the scandals in his family, hers hardly rates. Lulu is there with Maxie, and asks, what is Michael thinking? He knew Sasha was an imposter, and didn’t say anything. Maxie says, he’s non-judgmental. Maybe because he’s both a Corinthos and a Quartermaine. Michael tells Sasha, not implicating Valentin was a noble gesture. She says she couldn’t do that to Charlotte, or cause Nina any more pain. Michael says, Valentin was the mastermind, but Sasha tells him, she said yes. Michael says, so did Valentin. It’s not fair that he should skate with zero consequences. Lulu asks if Maxie has seen Nina since the wedding, and Maxie says she did. Nina was on the fence about… correction was on the fence. It looks like she climbed over, and jumped in. Nina and Valentin walk in holding hands.
Martin asks if Nelle read the notes he gave her. Nelle says she did, and thanks him, but she doesn’t need them. He asks if she thinks she can handle her first parole hearing on her own. Nelle says, first and last. Trust her; she’s got this. She’s going to be out of Pentenville by tonight.
Lucas says, Brad sounded freaked out that someone named Michael was leaving. What was he dreaming about? Brad says he doesn’t remember. Lucas says, it seemed intense, and Brad says he feels that, but as far as details, he can’t tell Lucas any more than that. Lucas says he’s been restless at night, and Brad says, sorry. Lucas says, don’t be. Just talk to him. Shiloh is dead, and Wiley is safe. No one is coming after Wiley, but Brad seems more stressed than ever. Brad says he’s trying an anti-anxiety medication, and shows Lucas the bottle. Lucas wonders why Brad didn’t tell him that he was seeing a therapist. Wiley cries, and Lucas goes to check on him. Brad calls Julian.
Julian ignores Brads call. He tells Alexis, if it’s not Olivia, he can’t think anyone else who would want to run him out of business. She tells him, think harder. Kendra walks in, and Alexis says, there she is. The woman who’s making her a better person. Julian says, even if it kills her? Alexis tells Kendra, she just had a workout, and is going to have a whole grain bowl. She leaves out the entire pig of bacon and six dozen eggs she just ordered. Kendra asks if she’s keeping up with her supplement, and Alexis says, about that. She was skeptical, so she had her GPA look at the ingredients. Kendra asks what her doctor said.
Martin didn’t think he’d have to remind Nelle that she pleaded nolo contendere to murder, attempted murder, and a host of other crimes. Even having a hearing this early is tantamount to a miracle. She asks if she should change her plea, but he says, it’s too late for that. Nelle says, it was clearly entrapment, but he says, it wasn’t. Legal terms don’t change because she wants them to. She says she was about to give birth, and was trapped. He says he has two expert’s statements on hormone disorder, as well as an OB/GYN statement on the effect of pregnancy on behavior. It’s doubtless that’s what led to her confession. He says she admitted she was the cause of her ex-fiancé’s death, and conspired to murder. She asks if he submitted it to the parole board, and he says, of course (🍷) not. All they care about is that she’s taking responsibility for her crimes. She says she pleaded nolo contendere, she’s had success in rehab, and has an impeccable record there. If that’s all that matters, she’s walking. He says, there’s no guarantee. Even if the board is inclined to rule in her favor, it can take weeks, sometime months, to get released.
Lulu says, don’t tell her Valentin and Nina are back together, and Maxie says she didn’t think it would be this fast. Lulu says, she thought they would? and Maxie tells her, Obrecht said Sasha acted alone. Sasha confirmed it, and apparently, Nina believes it. Lulu says, Obrecht was in on it, and possibly Valentin too, but Nina won’t listen to her. She tells Maxie to go to Nina, but Maxie says, no. Lulu says Maxie knows as well as she does that Valentin is behind this. Maxie says, all she knows is, Lulu made huge mess of things.
Sasha tells Michael, she knows it must seem hypocritical to tell a lie to repair the damage, but she couldn’t bear to see Nina left alone. Michael says Valentin knows what he knows. Sasha says she doesn’t expect a thank you, but she might get Valentin to convince Nina to forgive her. He says he wouldn’t hold his breath.
Nina tells Valentin about a play she wants to take Charlotte to, and says he’s staring. He says she’s too damn beautiful. It was the greatest night of his life when she showed up. Better than when she showed up with Jax. She says she’s not with Jax. She didn’t come back so he could be a jealous idiot. He’s just glad she did. Nina says, even if the reason she left is sitting there? Lulu is there too; they’re surrounded. Valentin tells her, forget them, and focus on us. He suggests they go to city hall, and she can marry him right now. Chase walks in, and Michael says he thought he was meeting Chase at Pentenville. Chase says, the plans have changed. He asks Sasha to get up, and Michael asks, what’s going on? Nina tells Valentin that she knows what Chase is about to do; his job. Chase says Sasha is being charged with identity theft, and burglary in the second degree He reads her rights, and she looks panicked.
Alexis tells Kendra that she got the all clear from her doctor. Kendra asks if it’s helping her sleep, and Alexis says, it’s a miracle. She falls asleep, and stays asleep, and she has more energy. She’s going to need a refill. Kendra says, next time they meet. Alexis’s phone dings, and she says she’s got to go. Kendra says, so much for lightening the work load, but Alexis says it’s a family issue, and leaves.
Valentin tells Nina that Jordan wasn’t going to take action unless Nina wanted to. He wishes she hadn’t, and Nina asks why he doesn’t want to see Sasha punished.
Maxie can’t believe Chase is arresting Sasha, and Lulu says, it makes no sense to be putting Sasha in handcuffs while Valentin is in the clear. Maxie says it’s all about Valentin for Lulu. She hates him because he murdered her brother. What better way to pay him back? Lulu says she’d rather him go to prison than just have a bad wedding day, but what it’s really about is Charlotte and Rocco. How can she teach them to be honest if she’s not honest herself? Maxie says, however ethical, all Lulu did was kill Nina’s dreams and have Sasha arrested.
At the station, Michael asks Chase, what’s happening? Chase says, Nina made a statement, and Jordan witnessed Sasha’s confession at the wedding. Michael says, Sasha’s grandmother was sick, and Chase asks if he knows how many times they’ve heard that, and the grandmother is fine. Michael says he checked, and Sasha’s story is true. Chase says he’ll share the information, but Sasha told Nina that she acted alone. Michael says Chase doesn’t believe that, does he? Chase says, the complaint was made, and charges have been filed. He has to do his job. Michael asks, what about Nelle’s parole hearing? and Chase says he’ll take care of it. He tells Michael to stay there. If all goes well, he’ll keep Sasha out of prison, and Chase will do his best to see that Nelle stays behind bars.
Brad texts Julian that Nelle’s parole hearing is today. Michael will be there. What if she tells him? Lucas comes in, and asks Brad to tell him more about therapy. Brad says Neil wants to see the both of them. He’ll just tell him no. Lucas says he’d be happy to go. He wants Brad to feel better, and to stop calling another man’s name in his sleep.
Nelle says Martin has been nothing but negative, and wonders why she bothered hiring him. He says she didn’t. He took the case pro bono. She asks why take it if he thinks she’s going to lose? but he says he doesn’t. He only cautioned her that she may not win today. She asks what she’s supposed to do, and he says the Nelle he met was charming and sweet. Be that Nelle today, not the one she is now.
Lulu admits it wasn’t the outcome she expected, but her conscience is clear. Maxie says, good. Sasha is on her way to jail, and Nina is with Valentin, but Lulu can sleep at night. Lulu suggests Maxie get off her high horse. She had an illegal DNA test done. Maxie says she wanted to keep Nina from being exploited, but she stopped wanting to be right. She saw how Nina would light up when Sasha was in the room. Lulu says, Nina sat by Sasha’s bedside when she was sick. She was terrified to lose a daughter that wasn’t hers in the first place. Maxie says Lulu should have left well enough alone. Lulu says Nina is James’s aunt. If this had fallen in her lap, don’t say she wouldn’t have told the truth.
Nina tells Valentin, Sasha committed fraud, and broke her heart. She doesn’t understand why he’d want to let her go. Valentin thinks holding onto anger and chasing revenge might send Nina into a negative spiral. She asks, who is he? Next, he’ll be telling her to trust karma. Valentin says Sasha hurt her, and he wants her to be whole, and choose to heal, so she can be happy with him and Charlotte. He wonders if that’s enough for her.
In the interrogation room, Michael tells Sasha that he was hoping it wouldn’t come to this. She says, her too, but Nina wants justice, and she should have it. He asks if she’s thinking of pleading guilty, and she says, maybe, but she’s just saying she doesn’t blame Nina. Michael says before Alexis gets there, she should consider making a deal. Sasha doesn’t know what she’d have to offer, and Michael says, tell her that Valentin masterminded the scheme. He had three DNA tests falsified, and is a bigger fish than she is. Robert will jump at the opportunity, so would Laura and the rest of Nikolas’s family. Alexis comes in, and says she has a copy of the charges. Sasha perpetrated fraud and pretended to be Nina’s daughter? Sasha says, it’s true, and Michael asks if Alexis can help her.
Julian tears up the flyer. Lucas comes in, and Julian asks if everything is okay. Lucas says he was hoping Julian would talk him down. Shiloh is dead, and there’s no more threat to Wiley, but Brad is still tense and anxious. He’s was talking in his sleep. He kept saying, Michael.
Chase comes into the parole hearing room, and Nelle asks where Michael is. Chase says, he had a family emergency. Lucky her, right? The board comes in and sits down. A woman says they have an initial application for parole. She thanks Chase for being there, and says they’ve read impact statements from Michael, Carly, and other members of the Corinthos family. Nelle has requested an attorney be present, which isn’t necessary, but allowed. She says they’ll hear from Chase first, and then Nelle.
Julian asks if Lucas thinks Brad is cheating. Lucas says, of course (🍷) not, but since Wiley has been in their lives, he’s been different. He’s hard to read. Lucas wishes he knew what was going on in Brad’s head. Julian doesn’t think that’s going to happen, but Lucas says, it might. Brad’s therapist wants to see them both. He’s glad Brad found a safe space to talk about what’s bothering him.
Martin says Nelle has been a model prisoner. The warden said – and he quotes – he’s never seen a prisoner turn their life around as thoroughly as Nelle, and thinks she would be an asset to the world outside these walls. The woman asks if Nelle has taken responsibility for her crimes, and Nelle says, she has now. Although her hormones were raging because of her sweet little Jonah, she can’t blame her crimes on what was going on inside her. She takes full responsibility for the heinous actions that hurt so many. When she realized what she’d done, she had a breakdown, and was sent to Ferncliff. When she returned, she had the drive and determination to make amends to so many people she’s hurt. No matter what, she’ll never stop trying.
Alexis says, Sasha entered Nina’s home with the intent to commit fraud, but Sasha says that’s not why she went to Windymere, but okay. Alexis says there’s criminal impersonation in the second degree. She pretended to be Nina’s daughter in order to benefit herself or harm someone else. Sasha says she never meant any harm, but it was about money in the beginning. Alexis says, that’s a class A demeanor, and knocks out second degree burglary. She says she needs Michael to leave now; it will compromise the case if he stays. Does he want that? He says, of course (🍷) not. He’ll see what he can do on his end. Sasha asks what he means, but he tells her, good luck, kisses her head, and jets. Alexis says now she wants the whole truth. What part did Valentin play in this?
Nina can’t see why Valentin wouldn’t want Sasha to pay, but he says, of course (🍷) he would. He’s worried about the toll it’s going to take on Nina. She’s going to have to rehash this over and over in court. Nina says, that makes it less appealing, and Valentin says she should focus on what makes her happy, like Charlotte. She says, and him. Valentin says he loves making her happy. Nina starts to say, it’s a consolation, but then says he’s so much more than that. She can’t wait to see where this unexpected new beginning takes them. Valentin says, how about city hall? They can get married today. Her phone dings, and she says, it’s Jax with his own marriage proposal. She laughs, and says she thought it was funny. Alexis is representing Sasha, and needs to speak with her. Valentin says he’ll go with her, but she says, no; stay here. It’s something she needs to take care of on her own.
Maxie tells Lulu when she sees how much the truth hurt Nina and caused her to spiral, no. She wouldn’t have dashed Nina’s hopes. Lulu says, that’s not the question. If she’d known Sasha was lying, but didn’t know how it would play out, would she have told the truth? Maxie says, no. She thinks it would be better to keep the secret. Lulu says, like Maxie did when she was her surrogate? Maxie says, oh my God. I say, I’m not surprised she brought that up. I think Lulu is kidding herself all over the place.
Nelle tells the board, because of her good behavior, she got the privilege of training a support dog, and her sweet mutt Scrapple is going to a loving person. It breaks her heart, but knowing he’s going to a good home makes it less painful to say goodbye. Nothing will ever be as painful as letting go of the child she lost. Beautiful Jonah’s lifeless body was in her arms as she was saying goodbye. The only way for her to heal is to do good for others. She’s also been working at the hospice center, helping ease their pain. As hard as it will be to let them go as well, giving them comfort gives her comfort. If the board sees fit to release her, she intends to work in a hospice. Chase says, give him a break. It sounds pretty loud, but I assume the board doesn’t hear. She says she intends to be a productive member of society, and correct her mistakes. Being in prison gave her the opportunity to fix herself, and she thinks she’s a better person. She thanks them for hearing her case, and dabs at her eyes, looking at Brad. The woman says the board is ready to make a decision.
We see flowers on a grave. Kendra says, nine and a half years, his death went unpunished. We see it’s Kiefer’s grave, and she says, everything has changed. Shiloh told her that Kristina confessed that her mother ran him down. Alexis murdered him. Now it’s time to pay her back.
Alexis tells Sasha that she spoke to Robert. He’s willing to reduce the charges, and there will be no prison time. Sasha asks, what’s the catch? and Alexis says, no doubt Valentin had something to do with the fake DNA tests. Sasha says, she has a friend, but Alexis thinks it’s more than that. She thinks Sasha is covering for him. She asks if he’s threatening her, or if she’s doing this for Nina. Sasha says she never meant to hurt Nina, even though Nina wants to hurt her now. Nina comes in, and says, Alexis wanted to speak to her. Alexis says she has a proposal, and Nina says she’s not interested. Alexis says, hear her out. She’s not undermining Nina’s pain, but doesn’t think putting Sasha in prison will lighten the load. Nina asks if Alexis wants her to drop it, but Alexis says, not at all. She can sue Sasha in civil court. Nina says, Sasha has no money, but Alexis says they can hammer it out. Sasha is prepared to pay back every penny Nina spent; whatever she thinks is appropriate. What does Nina say?
Lulu says Maxie didn’t tell them that the child was hers and Spinelli’s, not Lulu and Dante’s. Maxie can’t believe Lulu is throwing that in her face. She thought they were past that. Lulu says, they are. She’s making a point. By the time the truth came out, she and Dante were deliriously in love with Connie, but it wasn’t Connie; it was Georgie. Maxie says the truth hurt everyone, and Lulu asks if she regrets telling the truth. Maxie says, of course (🍷) not. Lulu knows the truth can tear your guts out, but sooner or later every lie comes to light. The longer you wait, the deeper the pain. Does Maxie get it?
Valentin leaves Kelly’s, and Michael is waiting. He blocks Valentin, telling him, shut up and listen. He doesn’t know if Valentin had a hand in Sasha’s arrest, but he cares about Sasha. She did the noble thing by not implicating him. Valentin says that’s because he had nothing to do with it. Michael says they both know that’s not true, and he’s a lot less charitable than Sasha is.
The board tells Nelle that they can’t recommend parole at this time. Nelle says they can’t be serious.
Brad texts Lucas about Nelle’s parole hearing, and Julian asks if she made parole. Lucas says, she’s still safe behind bars. Julian says, at least until her next hearing.
Brad tells Nelle that he’s sorry. Martin says they only need two votes. She should be disappointed, but not defeated. For the next two years, she needs to keep her eyes on the prize. Nelle balks at two years, but he says it could be sooner. She says she’s trying, but she misses Wiley. Brad says he’ll send her pictures, and she says that will ease the pain until she’s finally free.
Michael says he knows everything Valentin did. Sasha told him everything. Valentin says then she’ll be hearing from his attorney; that’s slander. Michael says, time’s up, and Valentin says, just hers. She was hoping to save herself. Michael says if Sasha doesn’t tell the DA, he will.
Alexis asks if Nina thinks it’s possible to keep this out of criminal court, but Nina says, no. Sasha knew what she was doing was wrong. She could have come clean at any time. Instead, she lied to Nina’s face. Nina mothered her. Sasha allowed Nina to love her, and all that time, Sasha pretended to love her back. Sasha says she does love Nina. Nina says if that’s how she loves someone, God help her enemies. Take her love and take her deal, and the both of them can go to hell. She leaves, and Sasha says she didn’t expect Nina to agree. Alexis says neither did she, but it was worth a try. Sasha asks, what happens next?
Kendra tells Kiefer that she’ll always miss him, but justice for his death will lighten the load. She takes a container of the supplement out of her backpack, and says, Alexis said she needs a refill. She puts something into it, and says she’ll make sure Alexis gets it.
Lulu tells Maxie, Michael better be careful. Valentin is dangerous. Maxie says, Michael has Sonny and Jason. Valentin can’t touch Michael, and they both know that.
Valentin tells Michael to do himself a favor, and stay out of it. Sasha is playing him like she did Valentin. She lied to everyone. Michael says she did lie because she didn’t implicate Valentin. She was willing to save Valentin, but if Valentin doesn’t get Nina to back off, and Sasha goes to prison, he’ll make sure Valentin goes down with her. He walks away.
Tomorrow, Lucas asks Brad what else he’s hiding, Doc says he has to determine if Franco is in his right mind, and Jason visits someone in prison.
The Real Housewives of Dallas
Brandi brings Brooklyn to cheerleading practice. In Brandi’s interview, she says when she was Brooklyn’s age, she wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy’s cheerleader, but she never pushed it on her girls. When Brooklyn came to her, she was secretly glad. Everything is a struggle in their relationship, and she has high hopes this might be a bonding experience. Brooklyn tells Brandi that her form is terrible, and Brandi says it’s been twenty years. Brandi stands at the top of a pyramid. She tells Brooklyn that she didn’t have the proper training, and it was hard. In her interview, she says, growing up, her parents couldn’t afford private lessons. She just taught herself. She tells Brooklyn, it’s all about her core.
Kameron meets Stephanie at a coffee shop. She asks how Stephanie’s weekend is going, and Stephanie says, good. She tells Kameron that they had their differences at LeeAnne’s shower, but she’d love to close that chapter and figure it out. She feels like they’re past it. She knows Kameron hasn’t felt accepted in the past, and they’ve both felt judged. She’s sorry. Kameron says she felt like their issues began when she and Brandi tangled. Brandi was screaming in her face, and saying the eff word, and Stephanie just sat there not saying anything. When someone is attacked, it’s appropriate to stick up for them. Stephanie says she’s not Jesus, but Kameron thinks Stephanie feels afraid about what Brandi will think. Stephanie says she’ll defend someone when she sees a clear-cut right and wrong. In Stephanie’s interview, she says if Kameron had just walked away, she would have stepped in, but what Kameron did was ten times worse. Kameron says, a good friend would say, sit down and don’t yell in people’s faces. Stephanie says she was having a hard time during the trip, and Kameron says Stephanie talked to Kary, who she just met, when Kameron has known her for two years. Stephanie says she didn’t feel that Kameron was the person she wanted to go to in that moment. She’d love to have the kind of relationship where they can lean on one another, and be more than surface friends. She doesn’t tell Kameron deep things. Kameron says she thought they had the kind of friendship where they could call one another about anything, and Stephanie thinks Kameron is minimizing what she’s saying. Kameron says Stephanie is telling her the friendship is just surface level. In Kameron’s interview, she says she put effort in to being friends with Stephanie. She reached out, and thought she’d worked it out with her. Now she’s saying Kameron is a surface friend? What the eff? Kameron tells Stephanie, she can’t. She was attacked, and thought her friend would be there. Now Stephanie is telling her that she’s a bad friend, when she should have been defending her friend about getting attacked. In Stephanie’s interview, she says when she’s fighting with Kameron, she feels like a hamster in a wheel. When it’s over, you feel like you got the sh*t kicked out of you. Kameron says she’s all about being a good person, and apologizes if Stephanie felt it wasn’t there. Stephanie understands that Kameron felt alone, and she’s trying honor those feelings and move on. Kameron wants to move on too. She wants Stephanie to feel comfortable, and she’s glad they talked. In her interview, Stephanie says it’s the most exhausting day of her life. She feels like she’s given birth to a six-foot blonde baby. She tells Kameron that they’ll work together to work it out, and thanks Kameron for meeting her.
Brandi and Stephanie meet for lunch. Brandi tells Stephanie that she knows Brandi is open to the spiritual realm, and thinks it would be fun if they did a haunted house. Stephanie thinks they should get a medium too. In Brandi’s interview, she says she always wanted to go to a haunted house she’s been hearing about for years. They can exorcise their demons. Stephanie tells her about meeting Kameron for coffee. It took a long time, but she thinks Kameron got it. In Stephanie’s interview, she says it’s hard for her. She’s been working with a coach on her self-esteem. She told Kameron how she felt and didn’t die doing it. It’s one small She tells Brandi that she never says how she feels. She doesn’t want to feel fake when she sees Kameron. Brandi says she wasn’t invited to LeeAnne’s bachelorette party, so she’s having a cheer party. Stephanie doesn’t think D’Andra was invited to anything, Brandi doesn’t think she was either, and Stephanie says, LeeAnne is celebrating every moment; there’s a ton of events. Everyone says what they’re invited to in their interviews, ending with D’Andra saying she didn’t get invited to anything, like Charlie Brown getting a bag of rocks. Stephanie says, LeeAnne might as well go all the way.
The bachelorette party is packed with guests. When LeeAnne arrives, everyone cheers. Steve puts a crown with a veil on her head. The veil has Rich’s face all over it. She tells the women that she got her hands filled (meaning, with fillers, not that she has stuff in her hands). She says they’re still swollen, and she slept with ice packs. In her interview, she says, they go between the knuckles with the needle. Ouch. In Kameron’s interview, she says they all know LeeAnne’s hands are not knives. LeeAnne finishes, they’re just hands. Kameron says it’s LeeAnne’s night to do whatever she wants. In her interview, Kameron says, LeeAnne is a true Texas woman, and it’s a total Texas thing to celebrate many, many times before your wedding. They all love it. Cary asks Stephanie if she and Kameron are good, and Stephanie says, peace above everything. Cary tells Kameron that she heard she and Stephanie had a good conversation, and Kameron says they’re good. Cary says she feels like Kameron is lying, and Kameron says she feels like some people are faking something. Cary tells her, go with her gut. In Kameron’s interview, she says she thinks Stephanie belittled her friendship. Kameron agreed to move forward, but she’s not moving any further forward. Steve welcomes the guests to Girls and Gays; LeeAnne’s bachelorette party. In LeeAnne’s interview, she says a tremendous amount of her friends are gay men. Drag queen Jenni P. dances for LeeAnne. In her interview, LeeAnne says she’s a drag queen trapped in an old white bitch’s body. In Kameron’s interview, she says, drag queens are better than strippers. Strippers are all sweaty, and they grab you, but you don’t know who they touched. LeeAnne gets a lap dance. The cake is brought out, and Steve says, it’s LeeAnne riding a wiener – i.e. a dark haired Barbie sitting on a penis cake. LeeAnne thanks them for coming, and there’s lots of hugging. In Kary’s interview, she says she feels guilty that D’Andra isn’t there. D’Andra introduced her to everyone, and they should both be there. She tells LeeAnne that she wasn’t invited to the wedding, and LeeAnne says she was. Her invitation must have gotten lost in the mail; 30% of mail gets lost. In Kary’s interview, she wonders why the credit card bills are always there, and jury duty notices never get lost. She asks LeeAnne why D’Andra isn’t there. Like it’s her freaking business. True story. When I was getting married, a good friend called, saying they hadn’t gotten an invitation. I sent another one, and both arrived on the same day.
LeeAnne says she’s waiting for D’Andra to reach out, and Kary says D’Andra already apologized. LeeAnne asks what if she told Kary that Eduardo was screwing other women, and she should own up to it because she owes LeeAnne that. Kary says she can’t keep bringing it up if she’s over it. LeeAnne says D’Andra committed the sin, but she should be the one that rises higher? Kary says she should be the bigger person, and LeeAnne says she always has been with D’Andra. D’Andra has the courage to talk sh*t about Rich when he’s faithful. She has the courage to trash Rich’s name, and destroy his reputation. Kary says, that’s not moving forward, and LeeAnne says Kary isn’t letting her finish. The one thing D’Andra has no courage for, is to come to her and say she misses LeeAnne as a friend. Kary says D’Andra invited LeeAnne to her party, and LeeAnne said she forgave D’Andra and wanted to move forward. We flash back to LeeAnne announcing that all she cared about was her and D’Andra taking steps to move forward. LeeAnne tells Kary, D’Andra hasn’t taken any steps to do that, and asks if Kary wants to see her phone. Actions speak louder than words. In Kary’s interview, she thinks LeeAnne is a hypocrite when she says she wants to move forward. LeeAnne says she reached out to D’Andra; now it’s D’Andra’s turn to step up and grow up. Everyone else gets it. Kary says she’ll ask them. In LeeAnne’s interview, she says Kary told her that she was the negative one, and now Kary comes to her bachelorette party and acts negative. Kary asks Kameron and Stephanie if they think it’s weird that D’Andra wasn’t invited. Kameron doesn’t think D’Andra is really making an effort, and Stephanie thinks LeeAnne and D’Andra should mend things one-on-one. Kary says, D’Andra apologized, but LeeAnne says, so did she. She’s waited 51 years to get married. She’s screwed a lot of frogs. Kary says, that’s not the point, but LeeAnne says, it is. It’s about her; it’s her wedding, and is only happening once in her life. Kary says, D’Andra’s 50th birthday was important, but LeeAnne says, so is a wedding for a woman who’s waited this long to get married. In Kameron’s interview, she says, this isn’t cool. It’s LeeAnne’s time to have fun. LeeAnne asks if Kary thinks she should invite D’Andra even though she talked sh*t about Rich. Kary says she thought LeeAnne was forgiving D’Andra, and LeeAnne says, Rich hasn’t. We flash back to him saying forgiving is the Christian thing to do. D’oh! LeeAnne says she’s not making her party about someone who’s not there. These are the people who love and want to celebrate her. Kary says, D’Andra is that person, but LeeAnne says, she’s not. Kameron says D’Andra hasn’t come to LeeAnne, and Kary says, D’Andra apologized. LeeAnne says, that’s different. In Stephanie’s interview, she thinks LeeAnne and D’Andra should just move forward, or leave each other alone. LeeAnne is sorry Kary doesn’t understand. The people there have shown her via their actions how much they love her. So when D’Andra gives her action, she’ll get an invite. Until then, she can stand in the vasectomy line. Cary is like, what? and LeeAnne says, it sounds good. LeeAnne goes to Steve, and says she’s getting flack because the great almighty fat cow isn’t there to be worshiped. Meow!
Brandi checks out the haunted house. Hill House Manor owner Linda thanks her for coming. In Brandi’s interview, she says the house is outside Dallas. You can rent it and go ghost hunting. Linda says it was purchased as an investment property, but they couldn’t keep it rented because of the tenants having experiences. She personally had a conversation with someone on the other side of the shower curtain. She thought it was her husband. She tells Brandi, they have ghost hunters there frequently, and they have all kinds of events. In her interview, Brandi says she’s been able to see into the spiritual realm since she was little. As a child, she saw her grandmother. It’s hard to open up about it without looking like she’s crazy. Linda says Brandi has her number, and if there are any problems, text her.
Kary has everyone meet at her place. D’Andra asks Kary if she’s ready. Kary says she’s just going along for the ride. She’s had no personal experiences, but she’s open to it. She explains Mexico’s Day of the Dead. (I love a sugar skull!) She asks if D’Andra has heard from LeeAnne. We see a clip of D’Andra telling Kary that she’ll send a text, but that’s it. D’Andra says LeeAnne texted back, thanking her for reaching out, and saying she thought D’Andra was upset about something that happened in Mexico, and it made her sad. She added that all weddings should be elopements, because it’s too much work. Kary asks if something happened in Mexico, but D’Andra says nothing happened. In her interview, she says she and LeeAnne got along fantastically. LeeAnne doesn’t want to see or include her, and is putting it on her. It’s complete bullsh*t. Kameron joins them, and Kary asks if she’s ready for ghosts. Kameron says she’s afraid.
Stephanie meets Brandi at the house. In Stephanie’s interview, she says she’s never encountered a ghost, but how bad could a ghost be? She thinks Southern ghosts would display good hospitality. She tells Brandi that she’s scared she’ll need an exorcism. Brandi suggests they pray, and asks God, if it’s His will, to open their eyes to things they don’t know. She asks if they should pray for the others, but Stephanie says, they can pray for themselves. Brandi says she’s so bad. I guess we’ll let it slide that this is contrary to any Christian belief.
Kary thinks some people see ghosts. D’Andra says they lived in a haunted house, but her dad always had the ghost visits. Kary asks if LeeAnne believes in ghosts, and LeeAnne says she prays there’s an afterlife. Kary tells her, Brandi says she can see ghosts. In LeeAnne’s interview, she’s not happy with Kary, so she’s ghosting her.
As they pull up to the house, Brandi flashes the lights from inside, and the women get all weird. Brandi tells them to hurry in; she saw something. Kameron says, that’s not funny, and Brandi leads them to the murder room. Kameron screams, and something moves. Kary calls Brandi a stinker, and Brandi suggests they have drinks. Kameron says she needs a lot of drinks, and LeeAnne wonders if ghosts have bars. In her interview, LeeAnne says she thinks ghosts are bullsh*t. Mostly because she grew up in a carnival, where they convinced people to believe that bullsh*t, and took their money. She had a deeply religious upbringing, and was told it was witchery. It’s anti-religious, and against Christian beliefs. What I said, but longer. Brandi says, a medium is coming, and boo! there’s a knock at the door. Medium Lisa introduces herself. Kameron says she’s not a fan. A friend once got in contact with Kameron’s dog using a Ouija board. She felt her dog’s tail brush against her, and freaked out. It’s scary for her. Lisa says on any property, there’s some sort of spirit or ghost activity. She gives each of them a pendulum, and says, it can only answer yes or no questions.
They go to a room that has toys in it, and Lisa thinks it’s a home for kids who have passed, and come back to play. Kary wants to sit on the floor, and Lisa tells her to roll the ball and see if they’ll play. Stephanie rolls the ball, and says she’d love to play, but nothing happens. Brandi says, they don’t want to play with the ball anymore, and it’s sad. The ball rolls back, and they freak out. In LeeAnne’s interview, she says, youknow what balls do? They roll. Unless they’re attached to a scrotum. They go back downstairs, and Kary asks if Lisa does readings. Lisa says she’d rather do that in private, and they go out on the porch. In Kary’s interview, she says she knows mediums are intuitive, and if Lisa is the real deal and can give her insight, why not take advantage of that? Lisa tells Kary that she had a rough start in life, but good things have happened over the years. Kary may have felt… Kary says, it’s not fair. Lisa says Kary made her way through, and is stronger. Kary asks about her husband, and Lisa says, it’s a good relationship. She sees nothing wrong. They hug. Most. Boring. Reading. Ever. And nothing I didn’t know, so I assume nothing Kary didn’t know either.
D’Andra asks the pendulum if she should have more tequila, and answers, yes. Kary comes back in, and LeeAnne asks if Lisa saw ghosts around her. Kary says Lisa told her that she had a rough start, but she’s been lucky. LeeAnne asks what was difficult about Kary’s childhood, and Kary says her parents were alcoholics. Her dad said he couldn’t live with her mom, but he was keeping Kary. Her mom had to kidnap her, and took her to Mexico, where she grew up. Since her mom was an alcoholic, she had to parent herself. LeeAnne asks how young she was when she started going to clubs, and Kary says, fourteen. LeeAnne says she was thirteen when she started having sex. Kary says she was nineteen, and LeeAnne says, people who have been sexually abused, use sex. I Kary’s interview, she says, LeeAnne thinks she’s the only one who had a tough life, and her childhood experiences are more important, but it’s not a competition. Wow. She got all that from one sentence? Kary thinks she could have made excuses, but chose to be positive and enjoy life. LeeAnne asks if that was directed at her, but Kary says, no. I say, yeah, right, and LeeAnne says people have said she uses her childhood as an excuse. Kary says, does she?
LeeAnne says she doesn’t think so, but it can be a catalyst for how she behaves. Kary says maybe people say that because she talks about it a lot. Brandi and D’Andra decide to check out the murder room. In Brandi’s interview, she says she’d rather hang out with a ghost, or the wall, than hear LeeAnne talk about this bullsh*t again. Kameron thinks it’s an explanation for some of LeeAnne’s actions. Kary says they all grew up a certain way, but that doesn’t excuse how they act. LeeAnne says how they live doesn’t have to be the same. In LeeAnne’s interview, she says comparing their childhoods is a joke. Kary needs to reserve her condescending judgement. Kary doesn’t think LeeAnne has gotten over it, and LeeAnne says she doesn’t think you ever do. Kary says, you have to forgive. When she did, she felt lucky to have what does now. There are screams from upstairs, and LeeAnne is 100% sure they’re scaring the sh*t out of each other. Kameron asks if they should get going, and LeeAnne says, she’s convinced nothing good happens after eleven.
D’Andra and Brandi come back downstairs, and D’Andra says they were trying to talk to the people in the rooms. She asks LeeAnne if she wants to go somewhere to talk, but LeeAnne says she’s fine with right there. Kameron looks like she wants to disappear. D’Andra says she sent LeeAnne a text because she was thinking about her. She doesn’t know what happened n Mexico; she thought they were fine. LeeAnne says he did too, but when she didn’t her from D’Andra, she thought maybe she said or did something. D’Andra says she knows weddings are crazy, and didn’t want to invade LeeAnne’s space. LeeAnne says she was trying to start a dialogue. In D’Andra’s interview, she says whatever LeeAnne wants from her, apparently she’s not giving it. LeeAnne is making it difficult to communicate, but maybe LeeAnne feels the same way about her. Kary says she told D’Andra about their talk, and thought she should send a text. She felt guilty about D’Andra not being at the bachelorette party. D’Andra wonders why invite Kary, who LeeAnne barely knows, and LeeAnne isn’t sure she did. Kary says Steve did, and reads his text and invite. LeeAnne says she didn’t give him Kary’s contact information, but thinks he knew she was on the list. In Kary’s interview, she says LeeAnne is trying to pretend she didn’t know Kary was invited, but she made up the list. Brandy asks if everyone is ready for night-night, because she’s used to talking to toddlers. She says, it’s been a spooktacular evening.
Next time, bunny Playboy Bun-Bun Redmond’s funeral, D’Andra thinks about taking out a loan, and Kameron suggests crashing Kary’s happy hour.
🐮 Doin’ It Big In Dallas…
Some snippets of LeeAnne’s wedding. Hint: it’s fabulous.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason comes to the interrogation room, and asks if Sam is okay. Diane says, okay is a bit of a stretch. They’ve gotten bad news. Sam is being transferred to Pentenville tonight.
Jax walks into the hospital, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He sees Carly, and she asks what he’s doing there. He says he was bringing her the flowers, but he’s surprised to see her dressed. She says she’s being discharged, and he asks about Donna. She says Donna has to hang out there for a while, but she hopes not much longer. He’s glad things are going well with the both of them, and asks if she needs a ride. She says Sonny is picking her up, but she thinks he made a stop. She thinks she knows where.
There are flowers on Morgan’s grave, and Sonny says he sees Morgan had visitors today. It should give him comfort. So many loved Morgan and remember him, but right now, all he can think about is how wrong it is that Morgan is gone.
Trina, Cameron and Josslyn carve pumpkins in Sonny’s kitchen. Trina asks, why are they doing this again? Since it’s two weeks until Halloween. Cameron says the pumpkins will be rancid by then. Josslyn says Avery is over the moon excited about Halloween, and she wants to make it fun for her. Dev walks in, and Trina tells him to grab a knife. He asks what they’re dong, and Trina says, carving jack-o-lanterns. Josslyn says, for Halloween. Dev asks if Sonny is around. He wants to borrow a car. If Sonny isn’t there, he’ll just take it, and be back before Sonny is home. He knows Sonny’s other kids would do that. Josslyn says when her brother took the car when he wasn’t supposed to, it exploded with him in it.
At the hospital, Finn remarks that Alexis has a new trainer and a new outlook. She says, Alexis 2.0. He says he was a fan of the original, but happiness looks good on her. She suggests he try it, but he says he is happy. He just has it on a low simmer until Anna gets home. She asks how that’s going, and he says he has Roxie to talk to, but it gets frustrating, since he never knows where she stands on things. Alexis tells him to admit he’s miserable, and he does. She asks what he’s going to do about it.
At the MetroCourt bar, Peter tells Obrecht, no. He doesn’t think submitting her column from abroad will add an air of sophistication. Does her leaving have anything to do with Sasha’s identity scam?
Nina sees the suitcases, and asks if Valentin is running away. He’s not even going to try to explain? Valentin says he can explain, but he won’t try to defend it.
Finn tells Alexis that his misery has to do with Hayden. Alexis thought they had no issues, but Finn says there will always be an issue. That doesn’t mean he wants a life with her. She suggests Finn is high maintenance, but if the temptation issue isn’t the thing, what is the thing? He says he knows Hayden is lying to him.
Obrecht tells Peter, his insinuation isn’t worth a response. He says, if she knew nothing, why the sudden departure? She says, like with him, the masses will assume the worst, that she did a horrible thing to her niece, and she’ll be railroaded to Pentenville. Peter says, one would think it’s where she belonged all alone. One meaning him. She says the winds might change for him as well. Or have they already?
Jax asks how Carly is feeling, and she says, good. She just wishes she could get out of there. He says, and take Donna? She says, the thought of leaving her without her… He says if she took Donna, it would be what she wants, but not necessarily what’s best for the baby. Carly says, it would be selfish to take her now, and he says he’s known her to be selfish in other aspects, but not as a mother. She says she’d like to believe that, but they know the truth. He can say it. He has no idea what he’s supposed to say, and she tells him, if she hadn’t gone back to Sonny, there’s a good chance Morgan would still be alive.
Sonny says Morgan should be out living life, with his potential and gifts, and meeting his baby sister. She’s so cute. When he thinks of the loss and injustice, he gets angry, and the angrier he gets, it poisons everything. That wouldn’t honor Morgan, so he goes on with living life. For the most part, he succeeds, but he misses Morgan. He touches the headstone, and says he misses Morgan so much every day.
Cameron tells Josslyn, Dev didn’t mean it like that, but she doesn’t care. She says her brother died three years ago today. Now is not the best time to make jokes about Sonny’s car. She runs out of the room, and Dev asks if he should go after her. Trina says, definitely not.
Jason tells Sam, don’t make waves; just go through the motions. He knows she’s tough, and tells her to know he can do it. He’ll get her out as soon as possible. A guard comes in, and says they’re waiting to process Sam’s transfer. Sam says, let’s do this, and he takes her out. Diane says Jason just promised to get her out. Tell her how he’s going to do that. it’s not going to be easy.
Nina tells Valentin, start simple, but Valentin doesn’t think that exists. She asks where he’s going, and why. Valentin says he’s taking Charlotte home to Greece. He doesn’t want her being in the same town as Nina. If he loses her all over again, it’s his fault, but he’s not putting Charlotte through that. Nina says, what about Lulu? Won’t it hurt Charlotte not seeing her? Valentin says Charlotte and Lulu have a fine relationship, but Charlotte doesn’t love Lulu the way she does Nina. So he’s taking her home to Greece. He’s sure Lulu will lawyer up, and they’ll hash it out, but it’s important that he and Charlotte be together as far away as possible. Nina says she might not agree, but she understands why. Whether she feels good, bad, or indifferent about him, she can’t argue with how much he loves Charlotte. How could he put Charlotte aside, and have her love and believe she had a new sister based on a lie? Valentin says Nina knows why, but she says she needs to hear him say it. He says it was the only way he could get her back.
Carly tells Jax, sorry. Today is the anniversary of Morgan’s death. He says he knows. He and Josslyn put flowers on Morgan’s grave. She thanks him, and he says, they’re just flowers. Carly says he was Morgan’s stepfather, and made sure Morgan had a happy childhood. There was so much love, and tons of laughter. Jax says he loved being a family. Watching her be a mother made him want a child. Carly says, enter Joss. He’s glad Josslyn is theirs and Carly is her mother. They made Josslyn. Carly says she’s glad too. He says, what happened with Morgan was the result of a lot of choices, not just hers. She knows, and he says, does she? She says she’s trying. He says she loved Morgan the best way she could, and gave him what she could. She she cries a little, and thanks him. He asks if she’s sure he can’t give her a ride, but she says there’s somewhere she has to go, and she has to do it alone.
Dev says he’s seen pictures, and people have mentioned Morgan, but he didn’t know about Josslyn’s brother. Trina says, he was kind of wild, but super nice. Cameron says, he was awesome with his sisters. Trina says, Josslyn doesn’t talk about him often, but it’s obvious she loved him. Dev says, she must miss him, and Cameron says he can’t believe he forgot what day it was. Trina says they both did.
Peter tells Obrecht, throwing his past in his face isn’t likely to keep her paycheck coming. She asks if it’s really in the past, and says, it better be, for Maxie’s sake, calling him Henrik. She says she’ll be across the world, but she’ll be watching him. He asks if that’s supposed to scare him, and she says, it should. If he even once considers letting Maxie see who he really is, she won’t just expose him. She’ll make sure he loses everything.
Valentin tells Nina, once she learned he gave Peter to Faison, she said using a child for revenge crossed the line. She made it very clear, and he felt awful. He’d regretted it the moment he did it. That’s why he entered Faison’s world, so he could watch Peter. He hated it. He’s not trying to diminish what he did, but when she left, it was like she was reliving the pain of losing her own child. He was now the focus of her personal anger. He’s a fixer. He solves problems, and it was a problem he could solve. He could see there was a seven month window between her going into a coma and going to the hospital. He pushed Madeline, and she admitted Nina had a baby girl that was given up for adoption. She asks why he didn’t tell her truth. Then they could have looked together. All of this would have been so different.
Diane tells Jason, up until now, she thought this was nonsense. A couple of Dawnies blaming Sam for the death of their idol. He says, now it’s a different story, and she says, Sam has a list of priors a mile long, some of them Federal crimes. He says, there’s no evidence, and she says, of prior intent, not really, but Shiloh was shot in the back and fell overboard. Sam’s prints are all over the flare gun, and there’s only their word that Jason was in imminent danger and Shiloh wasn’t pushed. He says, that’s not what happened, and she says she knows that, but he’s also a suspect in multiple Federal crimes. He pleaded nolo contrendere, and it’s on record. He agreed to a conviction. He says that was only to get into prison so he could protect Michael, but she asks if he thinks they care. In the eyes of the law, he’s guilty. He says, so she’s telling that the Feds are going after Sam because of him?
Carly arrives at the cemetery, and says she thought she’d find Sonny there. He says, sorry. He knows he was supposed to pick her up, but lost track of time. Carly asks if she told Morgan about his baby sister, and he says he was getting to that. He was telling Morgan how much he misses him. She says, her too.
Jax meets Hayden at the MetroCourt, and apologizes for being late. She says she was catching up on the news. Was Nina’s wedding as horrible as it sounded? He says he wouldn’t know. When he got there, the bride was fleeing the church. Hayden says, yikes. She wonders if Valentin could be thrown in jail before he can leave. He could decide to grab Charlotte and the Cassadine fortune, and disappear. Jax says, or he could be so distracted, he won’t see them coming. She likes his scenario better, and he suggests they focus on the task at hand right now. She says, it’s of the utmost urgency, and he guesses the reason is Finn.
Alexis says, Hayden talks to her dog on the phone? Finn says the dog is named Honeybun, but Alexis thinks that’s kind of saccharin sweet for Hayden. He says, then there was the whole thing with Aiden. She asks if he means Elizabeth’s son, and he says he saw Hayden with a finger painting. She told him that Aiden made it, but when he mentioned it, Aiden didn’t know what he was talking. She says he thinks Hayden is lying about a dog and a finger painting? He doesn’t know, but in some twisted way, he wants her to be lying. Maybe he’s looking for subterfuge where there isn’t any. She asks why, and he says, it’s just a feeling, but maybe Hayden has been lying to him all along, and now that she’s back, brought the truth. Alexis says she’s trying, but she’s not following him. He says, what if Hayden never miscarried? What if she had the baby?
Valentin tells Nina that she has no idea how many times he’s asked himself that question. Why didn’t he come to her with the information. All he can say is, she was so angry, and obviously Madeline was manipulating him to get to her. He needed to be certain, so he exhausted every avenue to find her child, but hit a dead end. His grand plan to win her back was a failure. Maybe he should have left it there. Nina asks what he means. What did he do?
Finn says it’s probably crazy thinking like that, but Alexis says, not necessarily. It wouldn’t be the first time a child was kept from a parent. He wonders how Hayden could do that, knowing how much he loved her. He had to learn the hard way that lying is sometimes how Hayden deals with things. Alexis says, has he thought of asking her? He wonders if he should just call and ask how come she had their have child and didn’t tell him, and Alexis says, not those words. He says he’ll sound crazy or paranoid, like he’s hanging on to something they used to have, and that’s not him. It took a long time for him to move on. Alexis knows he has, but what if he’s right? Then what?
Hayden tells Jax that Finn heard her calling their daughter honeybun, so she had to make up a story. She shows him a picture on her phone, and asks if it looks real. He can’t believe she’s using her time to doctor a photo with an image of a dog. She says, it’s not that hard, and he says, apparently lying isn’t either.
Peter says Obrecht can’t stand him. Why would she want him with Maxie? She says if she had her way, he’d stay as far from Maxie as possible, but it’s about what Maxie wants. Maxie loves him, and he makes her happy. Maxie has lost enough. That’s something she’s learned; bad people can make good people happy, as long as they keep their façade in place. If he can do that, she has no problem. He thanks her for not interfering, and she says it’s a gift to her late son. Above all, Nathan would want Maxie’s happiness, so happiness she shall have.
Jason asks what Diane’s plan is. She says their best option is to try the facts. It was self-defense on Sam’s part, and the prosecution doesn’t have much to go on. The word of a convicted felon. Shiloh isn’t going to help their case being leader of a cult nightmare. He murdered Douglas Miller, and kidnapped Sam. Jason asks what about the recording and the nurse? She says, pure hearsay, and while they can’t prove the tape was doctored, the state can’t prove it wasn’t. She’s going not petition the judge, tell him that Sam is in jeopardy in Pentenville, and she should be remanded to the county lockup pending her trial. He asks how long it will take, and she tells him she’ll work some magic, but it’s not going to happen tonight.
Carly tells Sonny, October is a big month; Morgan was born and died. Sonny says, and Morgan loved Halloween. Carly says, he was the last of the kids to stop trick-or-treating. Sonny says, he loved the candy, but she says, he loved the experience. He says, Morgan was like that about a lot of things, and she says, he sure was. Sonny says, next year, Donna will be old enough, and Carly thinks she’d make the cutest pumpkin. She won’t be old enough to understand, but when she is, they’ll tell her all about Morgan.
Josslyn comes back to the kitchen, and says she’s sorry. Dev says he’s sorry he upset her, and she says he stormed out like a toddler in a tantrum. It was unfair. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, no. She misses her brother, and she misses Oscar, but she doesn’t want to be that person who takes out her pain on her friends. They’re awesome, and she’s lucky to have them. Is she forgiven? Trina says, there’s nothing to forgive, but they are awesome. Dev asks if Trina has always been like this. Cameron and Josslyn say, yeah.
Valentin tells Nina that he got drunk. He drank a lot, but couldn’t drink it away. He couldn’t get it out of his head. He checked the evidence, over and over again, in his head. He was prepared to tell her, and went to her once, but he didn’t go through with it. She asks him, why? and he says he could never fail her. He’d be failing them. So he turned to Curtis, who found the lawyer who facilitated Madeline’s adoption. He came back with a name – Sasha Gilmore, her daughter. Or so he thought. Here’s my thought. Did anyone ever actually look at a real DNA test for Sasha? I keep thinking/hoping that she really is Nina’s daughter.
Valentin says he didn’t realize he’d given the lawyer a perfect opening; a trail of breadcrumbs to Sasha. At the time, he thought she was the answer to his prayers. When he met her, nothing seemed wrong or off, but he never met the lawyer. He doesn’t know how he manipulated Sasha to do what she did. He believes the lawyer’s intent was malicious, but he doesn’t believe Sasha’s was. She was a good person, maybe down on her luck, following the opportunity presented to her by a bad person. He’s so sorry. Nina asks, why? He didn’t do anything wrong. He says he had a million chances to stop it, and he didn’t. He’ll never forgive himself for that. Nina’s heart is broken, but he can protect Charlotte from this. There’s nothing to undo what he’s done to her, and he’ll always regret that. All he ever wanted to do was love her. He cries, and tries to take her hand. He says, always, and picks up a suitcase. Nina says, about his part in this? She believes him.
Alexis tells Finn, it would change a lot of things. His world will be upside down. She asks what she can do to help, and he says nothing beyond what she’s doing; being a friend. She thinks he should talk to Anna. For something significant like this, she should come back to help. He says, she’s on a mission, and it’s important. She says, he’s important, and if it’s possible he’s a father, he needs to find out.
Hayden tells Jax, it’s none his business what she does. He tells her lie if she wants, but as a father, he thinks what she’s doing, hiding Finn’s child from him, is not okay. She says Finn is none the wiser, and he says she’s already robbed him of years with his child, and she’s robbing herself too. Doesn’t she miss her daughter? She says, of course (🍷), and he says those are years she won’t get back, and neither will Finn because of her choices.
Diane tells Jason to breathe. Jason says, Sam is going to prison because of him. She says, that might be the motive, but the Feds are doing this because of what Sam has done. He’s not solely responsible. When he and Sonny chose a life outside of the law, they knew it could come back to bite them. Sam made the same choice. He asks if she’s saying Sam deserves it, and she says, no, but she can only help if they understand the reality that their up against. He says there’s no one better than her, and he needs her to be the best she’s ever been – for Sam. She says she will be. Sam is walked back in, and Diane says she’ll give them privacy.
Sam says, it’s really bad, isn’t it? and Jason says, it’s pretty bad. There are still some good options, but they have to stop thinking that there’s a quick fix and it will be over soon. It could take a while. She says she can handle it. She knows he can too, but what about the kids? He holds her. I’m seriously confused. Why is no one acting like their normal pragmatic selves? And why isn’t he saying anything about Henderson being the guy that stabbed Andre? I would think that would make Henderson a lot less credible. It’s annoying the hell out of me.
Valentin says, Nina believes him? and she says, yes. He says, good; he’s glad. He starts to leave, and she tells him, hold on. She gets it. She hates how it ended, but she was on the verge of being the happiest she’s ever been in her life. He screwed up, but he was lied to as much as she was. It’s on Sasha and the lawyer, and probably her mother. It’s their fault, not his. He asks what she’s saying, and she says, the only thing that makes finding out Sasha isn’t really her daughter worse is if she lost him and Charlotte. So she forgives him. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, don’t go to Greece. Please. She loves him too. He drops his bag, and kisses her.
Finn calls Anna. He says he knows they talked this morning, but he needs to see her in person. He hates to ask, but he needs her to come home.
Jax tells Hayden, it’s not a profit and loss column; it’s real life. She’s making decisions for two people who are in the dark. She says Finn doesn’t know what he’s missing, but Jax says, he’s a smart guy. Doesn’t she think he’ll figure it out? She says she does. That’s why they need to wrap this up before it happens.
Peter asks if Obrecht is really going to leave without talking to Maxie. She says, it will be easier this way. Her phone rings. It’s Valentin, who says, forget leaving town, and she says why would she do that. He says, Nina believes Sasha acted alone. They’re in the clear for now. She says, excellent to hear, and thanks him. Peter says, good news? and she says, only the very best.
Josslyn tells Carly, welcome home. Sonny says, they’re carving already? and Josslyn says, Avery is excited. She’ll carve a new one for Halloween. Avery loves the holiday, like Morgan did. Carly says they were talking about that, and Sonny thanks her for putting the flowers on Morgan’s grave. Josslyn says she’s been missing him a lot today. Carly says they all are. Morgan would be happy. Not just because of the holiday and his baby sister, but that they’re happy, and all still together.
Jason tells Sam, it will be okay. Danny and Scout are at the Quartermaine’s. He’ll see them, and find a way to explain. The guard says, it’s time, and she asks Jason to tell them she loves them. Make sure they know, and tell them she’s not scared. Jason repeats, it will be okay. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. The guard takes her, and Jason and Diane look sad.
Tomorrow, Alexis says there she is, Nina wonders why Valentin wouldn’t want to see Sasha punished, and Nelle tells Michael it’s time he knew the truth.
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Tamra tells Vicki, you can’t pull a train without penises. Vicki doesn’t think Kelly is going to find it funny. Tamara thinks Kelly is over it, but can yell at her if she wants. In Tamra’s interview, she thinks if they’re going on a train, they should make fun of it. We flash back to the endless train discussion. I decide I’d rather walk on broken glass than hear all this again. Tamra says it might be too soon, but thinks they should make fun. Vicki sees all the penis party favors, and says, it’s not a bachelorette party. Tamra says they’re pulling a train. If this was a drinking game, we’d be drunk already. She tells Vicki that Gina is pissed off at Emily. She set Gina up with a guy who had a girlfriend, and Gina is ex-ing her out. Emily’s been texting, but Gina isn’t responding. In Tamra’s interview, she says, Emily is a difficult person to understand. Why set Gina up with a guy who has a girlfriend when Gina’s husband had a girlfriend?
Meghan arrives at the meeting place for Shannon’s party. Emily is there already, and introduces herself. Meghan says she doesn’t know Emily, but feels like something is wrong. Emily says she has good intuition. In Emily’s interview, she says there’s been zero communication between her and Gina. It’s going to be awkward. The others trickle in. Shannon is excited to see Meghan. In her interview, she says she misses Meghan. That girl can drink cocktails. She can’t believe Meghan is the only one dressed up. Meghan is dressed like a conductor/dominatrix, so I’m not sure what’s going on with that. Megan tells them Jim is… somewhere. I tuned out for a moment because he’s a jerk and I don’t like him. Kelly joins them. In Kelly’s interview, she says she and Meghan have had a few rough patches – we flash back to that – but she doesn’t hold grudges. Vicki and Tamra are next to get there. Tamra asks if Shannon feels older. Braunwyn arrives with Gina, and says she knows how much Shannon likes a good theme. She gives Shannon a conductor’s hat. Tamra announces they can’t pull s train without sex toys, and takes out a vodka filled penis flask. The women all hold up a sign that says hot mess express, and take a picture. The real train to San Diego is ready to roll, and they do a shot. Vicki insists she has to not go backward. In Kelly’s interview, she says, the train rumor was absurd. She has to laugh and make it a joke. She’d be lucky if eight guys liked her at once. Kelly points out the traffic, and says they should be glad they’re not in it. There’s a lot of BJ talk, and in her interview, Braunwyn says she hates it. She hasn’t given one since ‘97, unless it’s for a nice handbag. Priorities.
Kelly says she has a little dilemma. Brian was supposed to call her after surgery, and when she called him, he was at a bar. He said he’d had a bad day. Kelly thinks it’s weird that he didn’t check in. She doesn’t expect him to call every minute, but it’s a boyfriend/girlfriend thing. She asks if she’s being weird. Vicki thinks checking in is part of a committed relationship. In her interview, Gina says, single Kelly is very different than committed Kelly. She tells him then Brian called her insecure. In her interview, she says he should be saying he’s sorry, he loves her, and knows how important it is to her, and if he thinks she’s insecure, make her feel secure. Tamra asks Gina how her train is. Shannon asks if Gina is rescheduling the date. Gina says she got stood up; it’s fine. Everyone gets quiet.
The actual conductor asks how going. In her interview, Shannon says, Del Mar is part of where fun Shannon was raised. She and a girlfriend used to down a bottle of Andre champagne and go to the parties. Vicki asks if they’re eating tonight, since everyone is already working on tomorrow’s hangover. Shannon says she wants a birthday kiss, and Vicki says Tamra will kiss her. They reach their first stop, the Poseidon restaurant, where they’re getting cocktails. Like they need more of them.
Kelly and Vicki sit next to each other, and Tamra can’t believe it. In Kelly’s interview, she tells us, Vicki has said the most atrocious things, but everything is copacetic. She’s not forgetting, but trying to forgive because she knows it’s the right thing to do. Tamra tells the waitress that they’re celebrating a birthday and need bubbles. Shannon blows a whistle. They order drinks and appetizers, and Vicki wonders what going on with Gina’s date. Gina wonders how Vicki knows about it. Kelly calls to Emily at the other end of the table, and in Emily’s interview, she says it’s obvious Gina has had conversations with other people that have to do with her. Kelly’s whole I-tell-it-like-it-is, I’m direct thing is bullsh*t. They toast, and Shannon says if she sees someone handsome that she thinks is for her or Gina, she’ll blow the whistle. She looks around, and says, no one is whistle worthy. Vicki pumps Gina for more information, and the non-date is discussed. Tired of hearing it, Emily goes to the bathroom. Meghan follows her. In the bathroom, Emily tells Meghan that she knew Gina would run her mouth. She’s been texting for two days, and there’s been no response, but Gina will tell everyone else. She doesn’t even know why Gina is mad. At the table, Gina says, you should know enough about someone before setting them up. Emily tells Meghan that Gina acts like she murdered someone. She set them up, but they never went out. Braunwyn comes in, and asks Emily to come back, but Emily doesn’t want to. Braunwyn tells Gina that Emily is upset about the situation. Shannon suggests everyone stay out of bathroom. Braunwyn thinks Gina should just talk to Emily. Gina gets up, and says, her worst nightmare. Emily tells Meghan that she tried to do something nice, but it didn’t work out. No harm, no harm foul. It’s not like Gina was emotionally invested and then found out. Gina blows in, and says Emily just met Meghan. She’d never bring a stranger into her business. Emily says Gina didn’t want to talk to her. In Gina’s interview, she says, who TF is Meghan? She and Emily just met, and Emily is going to spill her guts to Meghan in the bathroom? Emily says she called three days in a row, and Gina says she was pissed at Emily. Emily says she’s pissed. She walks out, and says she wants to get a car and go home. In the bathroom, Gina tells Meghan that she can only be a friend as much as she can. She’s allowed to be offended. Emily thinks Gina is abandoning her because she has abandonment issues. Now who’s spilling their guts? Emily sits outside.
Ugh. It’s getting to the point where the NYC and Dallas Wives are the only ones I can tolerate. Maybe it’s time to retire this franchise. Where are the Melbourne Wives when I need them? At least the country was interesting.
Gina goes outside, and tells Emily that she’s allowed to be mad. Back at the table, Kelly says she’s going to the ladies room. Shannon tells her to get them out of the bathroom. This is ridiculous. She blows her whistle. In Kelly’s interview, she says, nothing good comes out of bathroom. Ask Shannon. We flash back to the scene at The Quiet Woman. Kelly finds Emily, and says she thought they were having a meeting in the ladies room. Emily tells her, be careful. She wants to fight someone. Gina should pick up the phone and tell her if she’s mad. Don’t tell everyone else. Kelly gets Gina, and tells her to talk to Emily. Gina tells Emily she was hurt, and Emily says, then pick up the phone. Gina says she wasn’t ready. Inside, Shannon wonders what to do to get the party started. Gina asks Emily what she thought would happen if she set Gina up with someone who had a girlfriend. Emily says she’s never met a girlfriend; what’s her name? Gina says she doesn’t know, and Emily says she doesn’t either. Shannon wants to go, saying, it’s her party. Gina tells Emily, this is what Shane wanted, but Emily says Shane didn’t know the cousin that well. Gina says, why set her up then? In Emily’s interview, she says Shane didn’t grow up with his cousin, and just got to know him recently. He and Gina met at a party a while back, and hit it off, so she thought it would be fun if they all went out. Every time Emily saw the cousin, he was by himself. She tells Gina that she’d never do anything on purpose to hurt her. Gina says Emily should know her better, and Emily guesses she doesn’t know Gina. Gina says if Emily doesn’t know her, don’t set her up on a date with someone who has a girlfriend. This is bullsh*t. She’s done.
Gina tells Shannon that Emily doesn’t know her, and apparently, she’s a terrible person. Shannon says there’s always a problem with Emily, and Gina says, she’s probably sitting in front of the restaurant, screaming at people coming in. Meghan feels badly, and Gina says she feels terrible. Outside, Tamra tells Emily that she thinks Gina built up resentment against her, and Emily says Gina gets pissed over petty bullsh*t, and she doesn’t have time for it. Tamra tells her, then stand up for herself. Go back in with her head held high. In Emily’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what happened with their friendship. Maybe they weren’t meant to be friends. Gina tells Shannon, she’s sorry this happened on her birthday. Emily comes back and sits down. Braunwyn says, her daughter Rowan is having a fashion show for OC fashion week, and she’d like them to come. We flash back to Braunwyn explaining to Shannon that Rowan has OCD bad. Shannon says her daughter Adeline is modeling in it. We see a clip of Shannon encouraging her girls to have a sport, and Adeline saying, modeling is her sport. Shannon can’t wait. Braunwyn says she’d love it if any of them who are free could be there. Shannon wants to move on to a little spot in Del Mar, and says, let the train continue. Gina takes selfies in the taxi with Tamra.
At Sbicca, Shannon warns the staff that their table might be loud. Tamra yells if there are any single guys. Shannon tells the waiter they need shots. They need to get this party started. Shannon says she just wants a kiss on her birthday. In Kelly’s interview, she says, Shannon is full of sh*t. She went to Brian’s office and got the O shot. Shannon says she doesn’t have a vagina obsession like Tamra does. They take another shot, and Shannon says, fifty-five is going to rock. Kelly says, AARP, and they all laugh. They order food, and Tamra asks again if there are any single guys. In her interview, Tamra says Shannon told her specifically that she wanted to meet a guy on her birthday. They call her the expediter. Having no luck in the restaurant, Tamra goes into the kitchen, and says, Shannon is looking to get laid. She comes back to the table, and says, everybody is married. I’m guessing if they’re not, they’re still saying they are. Tamra tells Braunwyn that they’re going to make out, and licks Gina’s face. Shannon tells Vicki what happened in the kitchen. Braunwyn says, no guys are attractive anymore. Gina looks uncomfortable sitting in between Braunwyn and Tamra. In Gina’s interview, she says she feels like she just met Braunwyn, and it’s like, hi, how are you doing? I have threesomes with my husband. Braunwyn and Tamra fist bump, and Shannon blows her whistle. Gina does the same. Emily tells Gina that she loves her. She swears on her children’s lives that she’d never put Gina in a situation that would hurt or embarrass her. Gina says she believes it. Braunwyn sits on Tamra’s lap. Vicki tells them, stop it. Emily tells Gina, when Gina doesn’t talk to her, it hurts. Tamra and Shannon kiss, and Shannon says, no tongue. In Shannon’s interview, she says she’ll kiss a girl dry, but if any moisture comes in, she’s out. Kelly says if they buy her something, she’ll be sexual. Emily explains that Shane didn’t grow up with his cousin because of some falling out in the family. He only just recently started talking to him. Gina says she gets it. Braunwyn announces that she likes women’s lips, and kisses Tamra. Shannon screams. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says, Eddie is a lucky man. In Vicki’s interview, she says she doesn’t know why this is happening. She knows girls kiss girls, but they’re not lesbians, so how are they doing this, and why are they enjoying it? Are they cheating? They get a thumbs up from one of the other patrons. Braunwyn and Tamra keep kissing. Emily tells Gina that she loves her, and it breaks her heart. Gina knows that Emily would never do anything intentionally to hurt her. They hug. In Gina’s interview, she says she knows Emily cares about her and loves her. It’s a character flaw, and makes it difficult. If you have something and damage it, if it doesn’t heal correctly, it’s vulnerable. Vicki says, everyone, go back to your own chairs. In Kelly’s interview, she says she’s been around Vicki long enough to know the chick can be a two-bit hooker. Now she has a cop in her life, and she’s holier than thou? Shannon says she doesn’t want any snatch. Vicki asks if Tamra and Braunwyn are done, but Tamra says they’re just getting started. Tamra sits back down, and almost misses the chair.
The food comes, and Braunwyn tells the waiter that she and Tamra are dating. In Tamra’s interview, she says she married a younger guy for a reason. Nothing is wrong with a threesome once in a while. Tamra asks, what a-hole got fried chicken? and Shannon says Tamra’s girlfriend. Tamra says she thought of Braunwyn when she and Eddie had sex. Braunwyn says that’s her thing when she closes her eyes. She imagines another girl is there. Shannon asks what the other girl is doing, and Braunwyn says, readingShakespeare. Tamra falls off her chair, and Kelly starts filming. Vicki tries to help Tamra up, and also ends up on the floor. Shannon tells them to get up; they’re making fools of themselves. At this point, pretty much everyone in the restaurant is noticing. Some are laughing, and some, not so much. Gina blows her whistle. Emily says, happy birthday, Shannon. In Gina’s interview, she says when she’s fifty-five, she won’t be rolling on the floor in a restaurant. Mark her words. Except it isn’t Shannon rolling around, so that makes no sense. Does she not know their names? TBH, I think Gina is a little stupid, and is actually the one with the character flaw. She’s known Emily how long, and immediately thought Emily set her up with a dude that had a girlfriend on purpose? Then like a big baby, she refuses to talk. I would never say no wonder she had relationship problems, but I just did. Tamra and Vicki manage to get back in their chairs, and there’s applause. The birthday cake comes, and everyone sings the usual. Shannon tells the women that birthdays aren’t a good day for her, and she didn’t want to celebrate, but Tamra insisted. Now, her stomach hurts from laughing so much. She’s grateful, and appreciates them. They applaud, and in Tamra’s interview, she says she loves Shannon. They’ve had their ups and downs, and it’s nice to finally see her in a place where she’s happy. Shannon says she’s going next door where the single people are. Tamra says, lead the train. On the way over, Braunwyn says she had no idea that her laughter was annoying.
They head to Jimmy O’s next door, and immediately hit the dance floor. Kelly offers a guy $200 to pick up Shannon. In her interview, she says, aren’t they there to find Shannon a dude? One of the bouncers says, the white dress girl is fine, meaning Kelly. Vicki says Braunwyn bugs the sh*t out of her. In Vicki’s interview, she says, Braunwyn always has to be the center of attention, and it’s annoying. She’s tired of watching it. She tells Shannon that she’s going home. Braunwyn is dancing like a twelve-year-old. Kelly dirty dances with the bouncer, who throws her over his shoulder. Gina encourages a guy to introduce himself to Shannon, and he tells Shannon that his name is Marcos. He grabs her, and they’re sort of dancing. Shannon says he’s a little forward, and Tamra tells him, it’s Shannon’s birthday. He says he heard, and kisses her, but it looks like a soap opera kiss where their mouths aren’t really meeting. In Shannon’s interview, she says, wow, but I’m thinking this looks like it was set up. Braunwyn finds Tamra hot, and is all over her. In Emily’s interview, she says she feels like she’s in Amsterdam. Are animals next? Is there a donkey somewhere? In Kelly’s interview, she finds it bizarre that she’s the one with the rumors. Look at them. Emily says, time to go home, and Braunwyn says she’s so drunk.
At Kelly’s, Brian looks at a ginormous blinged-out bottle opener, and calls it the Liberace of bottle openers. He wonders if you could cut off someone’s head with it. They sit with some wine, and he asks about the party. He says she sent some video of girls rolling around on the floor. He says when she came back, she seemed pissed off. He didn’t appreciate how him not calling affected her. All did not was, not call right away after work. She says, itwas six hours. He checks out, and she doesn’t like it. That’s what having a girlfriend is about. Brian says sometimes the clinic can be overwhelming, and in those moments, he needs down time. Kelly says he doesn’t have to be a jerk about it, and he says he tries not to be. It was a tough day, and he wasn’t sure she wanted to keep trying. She says, when you introduce the kids, you can’t just break up. He says he didn’t appreciate her telling him that he didn’t know how to parent after she bought his son a PlayStation 4. He would have preferred she ask him first. It’s a big gift, and he wants his son to appreciate how thoughtful it is. She hadn’t told him Jolie went to camp on a private jet. She says a lot of her friends have private jets. In her interview, she says, Brian isn’t forking over the cash. If she wants to give her daughter a camp experience in London that she feels is educational, that’s her business. She asks if he thinks Jolie is spoiled, and he says he hasn’t spent enough time with her to know. Kelly says she has one child, and has the means to give Jolie opportunities she didn’t have. Brian says Kelly has to teach her to appreciate (his favorite word) those opportunities. That’s the key. In Kelly’s interview, she says she likes spoiling Jolie, but she’s also teaching her compassion. We see a clip of Kelly and Jolie working at the soup kitchen, and Jolie saying they’re blessed to lead the lives they do. Brian says their relationship has had hiccups that weren’t comfortable. Maybe it would have been easier if they’d been friends, but they’ve worked through it. He never had somebody who wanted to hear from him so much. He appreciates (what did I say?) the love she gives him. He can’t promise it won’t happen again, but he’ll be aware, and try to call and tell her. She says she was dancing with a bouncer, and he asks if she used her best moves. She says she did, and he asks if she gave him her phone number. She says, no, and he says, good girl. She says he looks at boobs all day. Does he ever think of motorboating them? He says, no; he doesn’t.
Next time, Rowan’s fashion show, Tamra says Ryan is treading water, Dr. Deb gets disrespected, and Braunwyn has a tirade on the way home.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
I missed the very beginning, and already the week is off to a great start. Once again, I swear I had extra time, and then I didn’t. The main takeaway points, as I listened in, were: Julian goes to see Franco at Shadybrook, and Kim asks Elizabeth if she really thinks she’s doing the right thing.
Maxie is surprised to find Nina at Crimson, and says she was worried about her. Nina tells her not to worry. She was with a friend last night. Seeing the bottle from Ava, Maxie says, her drinking buddy? but Nina says, no; someone else. Maxie says, talk to her, and Nina says she was with Jax. He was there when she needed someone to listen to her, and gave her a comforting shoulder to cry on. End of story. Maxie wishes Nina had come to her. She loves Nina. Nina says she loves Maxie too, but she needed a neutral space. Maxie asks if she’s okay, and Nina says she’s trying to be. Maxie says that’s all she can do; fake it until she makes it. Nina doesn’t know if she can do that. Her heart is demolished, and she’s devastated. She’s mad at Valentin and Sasha, but especially herself. She opened her heart to a fake daughter, and let Valentin back in her life. Maxie says she’s so sorry. She doesn’t have to see Valentin again. She and Peter can go pick up her stuff. Nina says she already went there. Valentin swears he had nothing to do with it. Maxie says, he’s doing what all liars do – deny, deny, deny. Nina doesn’t believe him, right?
Valentin says he’s traveling light. They can buy things they need when they get there. Obrecht asks if Nina’s child is alive, and Valentin asks what it matters. She says, it’s her family, and he says, according to Madeline, Nina never miscarried. She was in a coma, but didn’t lose the baby. Madeline paid a private nurse, and once the child was born, made arrangements for an adoption. He exhausted every available option trying to track Nina’s child down, and came up with nothing. He can’t prove the child is alive, or even exists.
Franco tells Julian, this is awkward. Normally, if he was in this position with another guy, he’d buy them a beer, but there’s nothing there except apple juice and checkers. Julian says he’s not there for a heart to heart. If Franco wasn’t in the funny farm, he’d lay him out. Franco says he can’t take back what happened, and he’s not entirely sure he’d want to. He does regret Julian got hurt. Julian says, regret doesn’t mean a damn thing. Franco asks what he wants. He agrees these are extraordinary circumstances. Julian says Franco might think Kim is the love of his life, but the love story he’s got going on in his head is a fantasy. He barely knew her, and he doesn’t know her now. Thank you. I kept saying the way Kim and pseudo Drew talk, you’d think they’d been together for years when it was only a couple of months.
Elizabeth tells Kim that she had her husband committed because he’s not well, and can’t protect himself. Kim says, Drew isn’t mentally ill, and has the right to make his own medical decisions. Elizabeth says, his name is Franco, and the fact that Kim cant tell the difference speaks volumes. She and Kim used to be friends. She doesn’t think Kim would have slept with Franco if she hadn’t been in pain, and she has enough on her plate right now. Franco hired a shark lawyer who is going to exploit him, and make a name for himself. Kim says she’s the one who put Franco in touch with Martin Gray, but that’s not why he’s on the case. Well, it didn’t sound like it was out of the goodness of his heart.
Sonny tells Sam and Jason, the black box and instrument data confirm the pilot of Drew’s plane lost control, and it went into the water. Sam says she knew that from the WSB, but was hoping they’d find something else. Sonny says, if the cause had been any different, they would have found it. It happened the way they said it did. Sam asks, what else happened? and he says they’re officially declaring Drew deceased. Carly says she’s so sorry. Sam says it’s nothing she didn’t already know, but this makes it final now.
Edward tells Jordan that he’ll take it from there, but she says his jurisdiction is over Shiloh’s death, not his escape. She tells Henderson that if he has any hope of saving himself, lose the attitude, and start talking. A woman walks in and says, her client has nothing more to say.
Nina tells Maxie, Valentin swore he was just as deceived as she was, and that Sasha is a con artist who fooled them both. Maxie tells her, that’s not what Lulu said. Nina says Lulu also hates Valentin, and what she remembers might not exactly be what she overheard. Sasha never implicated anyone but herself. Maxie says, true. She never said Valentin hired her, but think about it. Obrecht was holding something over Valentin, and she and Peter thought it had something to do with Sasha. They turned out to be right that Sasha wasn’t Nina’s daughter. It make sense that Valentin was in on it, and Obrecht was blackmailing him. Nina says Valentin already told her what Obrecht was holding over him, and Maxie asks what it was. Nina says she’s not getting into that with her. She’s aware of what Obrecht was using as leverage, and it had nothing to do with Sasha. Maxie says Nina knows how good Valentin is at covering his tracks. He had WSB training. Just because there’s no evidence, doesn’t mean Valentin is innocent. Is Nina saying she thinks Valentin is telling the truth?
Obrecht says Valentin hit a dead end and gave up the search? He says he spent more on the search than most people see in a lifetime. Now he knows Madeline was using him to get to Nina, building her hopes up to watch them come crashing down. She asks if he confronted Madeline, and he says, by the time he realized, she was already dead. Obrecht says, what curious timing it was.
Andre meets Peter at Charlie’s, and Peter asks how Andre is feeling. Andre says he’s good, but surprised Peter asked to meet with him. Peter was there supervising during the original memory transfer between Jason and Drew. It’s not a time either one of them is proud of, so he doesn’t know what they have to talk about. Peter says he wasn’t planning on rehashing it, but since Andre brought the situation up, he wants to clarify that he was coerced by his father. He did what he could to mitigate the damage. He asked Andre to meet him because his mother is Andre’s close friend. He was hoping Andre heard from her. He asks if Andre has any idea when she’s coming back, but Andre says he’s not privy to Bureau information or updates on their agents. Andre laughs, and Peter asks if he finds it amusing. Andre says Peter is referring to Anna as his mother. It’s real progress. Peter says he owes Andre his thanks for supporting Anna while they were working through things. Andre says he’s sure she’d do the same for him. Peter says it can’t hurt for them to know each other better. Is Andre staying in Port Charles for a while? Andre says he’s staying until Franco’s medical hearing is completed, so yes. Peter says, if the court rules in Elizabeth’s favor, how does he see it playing out? Can he make Franco into Franco again?
In the hallway, Sam starts to cry, and Jason tells her, it’s okay; take a minute. Sam says she was holding onto hope that Drew would find his way back for Scout. Jason is sure he tried, and Sam says she’s sorry it’s hitting her so hard now. Jason gets it. She and Drew were married, and he’s Scout’s father. Sam says, Drew was a really good man. He was good to her, and a good father to Scout. She guesses Drew is with Oscar now. Scout lost her brother to cancer, and her father to a freak storm. Jason says, if that’s what happened.
Jordan says she saw no attorney on record. The woman says, here she is, and tells them her name is Roz. Introductions are made, and Roz tells Henderson that she’s sorry she took so long to respond. Now that the introductions are over, she needs them to leave so she can confer with her client. Jordan says he’s all hers, and they leave. Henderson says he takes it she was sent by… She interrupts saying, no names. All she needs to know is what he already told them. He says, only what their friend asked him to. That Sam told him to pose as a guard, and help Shiloh escape. She says, good. Now they need to get the rest of his story straight.
Franco says Julian has lost touch with reality, and Julian tells him, says the man who claims he’s Drew in another body. He’s known Kim for two years, and Drew knew her for a couple of months before he was deployed – ages ago. Franco says Julian’s got guts, talking to his face like that. Julian says Kim was starting to come into her own. He doesn’t know the woman who sacrificed everything to raise her son. The woman who watched her only child die a slow death. She deserves better than to have him drag her into a past that never was. Franco says he gets it. Julian is hoping he and Kim will get back together.
Elizabeth says Kim is the one, and Kim says, Drew needed legal representation to get agency over his medical care. Elizabeth says she’s sure it’s costing a fortune. She was wondering how he was paying for it. Kim is bankrolling him. Kim says, he has the right to make his own medical decisions, and Elizabeth says she remembers Kim denying Oscar’s right to make them.
Andre tells Peter, that’s the question of moment, especially with Franco’s medical hearing coming up. Peter says it’s a risky procedure that’s never been done. Andrew says he’ll do his best, but in the absence of any date or case studies, it’s impossible to determine if it would succeed. Peter says he already did it with Drew and Jason. How different can it be? Andre says that was a memory transfer, not restoration. Franco has no baseline imprint. He’d have to wipe out Drew’s memories, and hope Franco’s memories remain intact. Peter says, what if Franco ends up with both sets of memories? and Andre says, that’s an excellent question. It might depend on which personally stronger, but he can’t say which one would prevail.
Jordan, Chase, and Edward go back into the interrogation room. Roz says Henderson is prepared to give full disclosure, as long as there’s a deal on the table. Jordan says she’d have to hear details before a deal is offered. Henderson says Sam reached out, saying there was a job she wanted done. Jordan asks how Sam found him, and he says, she’s a P.I., and knows her way around the back channels. She said she had a score to settle, and wanted to make sure Shiloh never found his way back to his cell. When he heard she’d killed the guy, he connected the dots. Sam wanted Shiloh free so she could take him out. Edward says if he’ll testify, they’ll discuss terms, and tells Chase to take Henderson back to his cell. Outside the room, Jordan tells Edward that Henderson’s story is full of holes. They don’t know if he and Sam ever met, or if any money changed hands until he was offered a deal for his fabricated story. Edward says Shiloh was shot in the back at close range, and Sam claimed she was defending Jason, but Jordan asks if he doesn’t think there should be further investigation.
Sam tells Jason, the weather was bad, but he says it was the same night Andre was attacked and almost killed. Sam says, it sounds strange, but it could be a terrible coincidence. Her phone rings, and it’s Jordan. She tells Sam that she needs to get back to the station for more questions, and she needs to get there right away.
Sonny asks if Carly is okay. Carly says, as much as she can be. Poor Drew. They were close for a while. It was weird when Jason came back, but she hopes he knew how much they cared about him. Sonny says he knew; they settled that. Carly says, Scout already lost a brother.Now she’s going to grow up without a father.She won’t even remember him. Sonny says she has Sam, Jason, Danny, the Quartermaines, and them to help. Carly says she loved how they pulled together for Wiley. Maybe they can do the same for Scout. Sonny says, and Donna. Carly wants to hold Donna, and asks Sonny to go see if she’s awake.
Valentin tells Obrecht that he was ready to drop it entirely, and Nina would have been none the wiser, but Madeline sent clues from beyond the grave. If Nina had started to search, she would have been crushed learning there was nothing to find. Obrecht says, so he found her long lost child. He says he found a charming suitable daughter, who had a giving heart. She says he gave Nina an imposter. He says he had no way to find Nina’s daughter, and Sasha was perfect. He thought it would spare her more hurt than harm. Obrecht says she thought he was Oxford educated, and he says he was. She asks if he took any philosophy courses, and he says, quite a bit. She says, then he must be familiar with the old adage, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.
Nina tells Maxie, no doubt she should call the cops impersonating her child, but that’s where it gets complex. Is it identity theft or fraud? Maxie thinks she should take another look at Valentin. Thank of all the times he’s lied.Even if it was with the noblest of intentions, he still did bad things. She’s been there herself, and understands where he’s coming from, but when you hurt someone you love, the only way to heal it is by owning your mistake. Nina says there’s so much Maxie doesn’t know, and Maxie says, even if Nina is right, she has the feeling in Nina’s heart she knows the truth.
At the station, Jason asks Jordan what this is about. She thanks Sam for coming, and says she’ll be with them in a moment. Jason wonders if they shouldn’t wait outside, but Sam wants to stay. She says the sooner they get it over with, the sooner they can get out. Chase walks Henderson past them, and Henderson and Jason stare at each other. Sam says, what is it?
Valentin asks Obrecht when she’s leaving, and she asks if he’s eager to get rid of her. He says, surprisingly, he’s not. He’s ambivalent. He’s grown to respect her Machiavellian principles, and her end justifies the means philosophy, and she loves Nina. She says she respects him too. She thinks, given time, Nina might have taken him back without the whole pretend daughter angle. He hedged his bets, and compromised them both in the process. Valentin says if Nina is doubting Obrecht’s involvement, she’s confirming it by leaving. Obrecht hopes Nina’s anger will cool in her absence. If she allows Nina to miss her, she might be more inclined to give her a second chance. He tells her, good luck. He means it. She tells him, good luck as well. She regrets to say, where Nina is concerned, he’s going to need it. They shake hands, and she leaves.
Peter asks Andre what the other potential outcomes are. Andre says, one is a win, and there are two other contingencies. It could reinforce Drew’s memories, and Franco will remember more clearly. Why does he get the feeling that Peter is pumping him for information. He’s not putting this in The Invader, is he? Peter says, no. He can’t forget that his father set all this in motion. If it weren’t for Faison, Drew would be a decorated Navy SEAL, and would have never been on the plane that went down; Franco wouldn’t be languishing in Shadybrook; and Jason wouldn’t have lost five years of his life. He wishes everything Faison did could be undone, and they could all get on with their lives. Andre drinks to that. Peter says he has another appointment, but tells Andre to have another drink on him. Andre says he’ll let Peter know if he hears anything about Anna, and Peter thanks him.
Julian tells Franco that he knows there’s no going back to what he and Kim had. Unlike Franco, he’s clear on that. Franco asks why he’s there, and Julian says he’s not there to plead his case. If anything, he’s there to plead Kim’s case. Franco says, by telling him that he doesn’t know the woman he loves? The mother of his child. Julian says, Kim lost her child, and she’s grieving so deeply, she doesn’t know what she’s doing. All he is, is a temporary fix for the hole in her heart. He claims to love her. If he does, stop enabling her to be frozen in the past, and preventing her from moving forward and truly healing. Julian says, the ball is in his court, and leaves.
Elizabeth tells Kim, she’s sorry. She shouldn’t have brought up Oscar in that way. Kim says, no, she shouldn’t, and Elizabeth says, no more than Kim should be meddling in her husband’s life. Km says, it’s his life, and Elizabeth says she wants to give Kim the benefit of the doubt, but this situation is completely different. Kim says she couldn’t allow her son to choose, and she was wrong. Thankfully, they patched things up, but it nearly destroyed their relationship. That’s how important it was. Maybe Elizabeth could learn from her story, and give her husband a chance to choose his own fate. She might not have a chance to patch things up before the end. Scotty summoned her, saying he was going to call her to the stand at the hearing. She assumes Elizabeth realizes her testimony isn’t going to help. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know, but if the other side is calling Kim to testify, maybe she should look inward to see if she’s healed enough to know what’s right or wrong.
Sam asks Jason, what’s going on? but he’s not sure. Too many things don’t add up. There are too many loose ends. She asks if he needs to follow up on something, but he says he’ll wait. She says Diane will be there soon. They probably just want to go over her statement for the millionth time. She’ll be fine. She tells him to go. She kisses him, and he leaves.
Andre’s phone rings. It’s Jason, who says he needs to see Andre right away.
Carly holds Donna, and says, hi, beautiful. She’s doing good and they’re proud of her. Sonny says, she’s a brave lady, like the first Donna. Carly tells Donna that she’s getting stronger every day, and they get to bring her home soon. There are so many people who want to meet her, and love her so much. Sonny laughs.
Jason goes to Charlies to meet Andre, who asks what he can do for Jason. Jason says there’s a suspect in police custody who he thought would interest Andre. He shows Andre a photo of Henderson on his phone, and asks if Andre recognizes him. Andre says, vaguely, and Jason shows him another photo with Henderson wearing a beard. He says, how about now? and Andre says that’s the man who stabbed him.
Edward comes out, and Sam says she told the Commissioner that she’s willing to cooperate. She just has to wait for her lawyer if they want to ask additional questions. He says, there seems to have been some confusion. He’s placing her under arrest. Jordan joins them, and asks Edward for a word. He says, it’s not necessary; this is his jurisdiction. It’s a federal prosecution. Sam says. it was self-defense, but he says they’ve received evidence to the contrary. He’s requesting that she be denied bail, and remain in Pentenville until the trial.
Julian runs into Elizabeth, and asks how it’s going. She says she’s hanging in. Him? He says, same. Her phone rings, and she says it’s Scotty.
Kim visits Franco, and he says he wasn’t expecting her. What’s going on? She says she just spoke to Martin, and he has news about the hearing. They have a date.
Elizabeth thanks Scotty. She tells Julian that Franco’s hearing is set to start next week.
Peter goes to the Crimson office, and asks if Maxie is ready for dinner. She says she got sidetracked trying to convince Nina that Valentin was involved with Sasha’s con. Nina is all tied up in knots because Valentin is saying he had nothing to do with it. Peter asks if Nina believes him, and Maxie says she doesn’t think Nina is convinced. She’s all for benefit of the doubt, but you have to see clearly first. She wishes Nina could see the liar staring her in the face.
Valentin makes arrangements to open the house in Greece. He tells them they know the drill, and to make sure Helena’s personal items are out of the room. He tells them not to lock the suite though. He doesn’t want Charlotte to think it’s a dark witch’s chamber, although that’s not far from the truth. He hangs up, and hears someone coming in. It’s Nina. They look at each other.
Tomorrow, Finn tells Alexis that he knows Hayden is lying, Nina needs to hear Valentin say it, and Diane says Sam is being transferred to Pentenville tonight.
Chef Kevin is having stomach issues, and keeps running to the toilet. He says, man down. The guests are on the beach with Tanner and Courtney. Tanner says he’d love to set up a hammock, but he likes to work. In Courtney’s interview, she says she needs money, but doesn’t like work in general. Kate asks Kevin if he wants things to go faster or slower, and he says, very slower. She says, awkward, and gives him some medicine. In his interview, he wonders if the pressure of the charter is making him feel sick, and it’s turning into a sh*t show. The guests return to the yacht. Kate walks Simone through what they’re doing that evening. She has a violinist arriving, dinner for two upstairs (the grand proposal dinner), and dinner for five downstairs. In her interview, Kate says if she wasn’t busy she’d be freaking out, but she’s busy. Kevin still has cramps, and in his interview, says it’s a challenge to begin with, cooking for two different tables. Now he’s dealing with stomach issues. This is pretty intense.
Ashton goes over what the deckhands have to do, and says then they can party. Michael asks Kate if she wants a sneak preview, and shows her the ring. No surprise, it’s fabulous. She asks if he practiced, and he says, a little bit. He’s not sure what knee is traditional, like that matters. In Kate’s interview, she says, Michael seems nervous, but he chartered a mega yacht to propose. He should be able to just throw the ring at her face and she’ll say yes. In Ashton’s interview, he says, even though it’s early on, he doesn’t feel like he needs to micromanage the deckhands. Everyone is doing what they need to do, and everything seems cool – for now. Abbi complains that on a sailboat, she could wear shorts and a T-shirt. On a mega-yacht, they have to wear their whites when the guests come, and when the sun goes down, wear a black version of the white thing. Can’t she just chill? Kevin says tonight’s dinner is going to be a classic and expensive surf and turf. Service has been all over the place, but tonight, it has to be on point.
Kate sets up a small table upstairs. The guests get ready for dinner, and the violinist arrives. Kevin has a machine that regulates the temperature of the meat, and it keeps beeping. He doesn’t know how to fix it, and Kate says it’s like Chinese water torture for her ears. He tells her it’s going to keep beeping until the guests are ready. In Kate’s interview, she says, Kevin is spiraling out, and sh*tting himself. It’s not going to end well.
Kevin starts stressing because the guests aren’t seated yet. In her interview, Kate says, charter guests are never at the table on time. They’re on vacation. She doesn’t know why he’s being bajiggity about it. I’m guessing that’s similar to persnickety. Kate shows Michael and Samantha to their upstairs table, and they’re suitably impressed. The violinist plays, and the guests downstairs hear it. One says, someone’s heart is pumping fast right now. In the crew mess, the other deckhands ask Tanner how the excursion was, and he tells them about Courtney complaining that she has to work to get money. Ashton says his opinion of her just went down ten notches. Courtney walks in, and Ashton asks how her day on the beach was. She says she loved every minute of it. Tanner says, no she didn’t, and they all laugh. Dinner is served, and Samantha says, it’s better than any steakhouse. Michael is looking weird, and she says, what is it? He says she’ll find out later. Ashton tells the deckhands to get some rest.
In Kate’s interview, she says she loves Courtney and Simone. They take direction well, and have no egos – yet. Michael tells Samantha that he thinks he owes her for helping him every day. She put up with all the moves startups, and has stood by his side. She says she loves him, and he asks if she would be willing to do that for the rest of their lives. Kate comes up to clear some things from the table. Michael and Samantha get quiet, and in her interview, Kate says, whoopsie. Her bad. Michael tells Samantha that he doesn’t want to do life without her, and gets down on one knee. He asks her to marry him, and she starts to cry. He puts the ring on her finger, and Kate announces they now have an engaged couple on the boat. Michael and Samantha join the others, and Kate says, good job, everyone. Samantha was borderline sobbing. Abbi tells Ashton about being in an open relationship. If she doesn’t want to be possessed, she can’t possess anyone. In her interview, she says she’s seeing a captain named Patrick. She thinks she loves him, but if another guy likes her, YOLO. She asks Ashton if he’s interested in anyone, but Ashton says he needs to be focused on his job.
Captain Lee tells the crew, well done, and congratulates the couple. In his interview, he says, it’s a major event. It puts a smile on his face, and makes him feel warm and fuzzy. Samantha FaceTimes with dog Teddy, and shows him the ring. Ashton asks how Kevin is doing, and Kevin says he hasn’t been on the toilet for eight hours, so it’s a good indication that he’s better.
Kate tells Courtney to iron the epaulettes. One of the guests says, Samantha thought the dating period was long, wait until she sees how long the engagement period is. Samantha doesn’t look amused. Ashton goes to the bridge, and asks how Captain Lee is. The captain says he checked the obits, and he’s not in them, so it’s a good day. Kevin makes omelets, and the anchor is pulled up. Ashton asks Abbi if she needs help, but she says she’s good. He tells her that if she trusts herself, he trusts her too. In his interview, Ashton says it’s the first time he’s docked with this crew, and it’s where they show their true colors. He’s the leader now, and if things go wrong on deck, it’s on him. In Abbi’s interview, she says, a sailboat was easier than this huge-ass behemoth boat. Damaging anything could be thousands of dollars. They dock, but Abbi has a hard time tossing the line to the guy on shore. The captain says they can’t hold the boat forever, and she finally nails it. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, it’s like landing a plane. There are a lot of moving parts when they’re coming in. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective.
It’s time for the guests to depart, and Michael tells the crew it was an absolutely perfect experience. He starts to walk, and Samantha taps him. He says, one more thing, and adds this is why he keeps her around. He gives Captain Lee an envelope, and everyone says how cute he is. Courtney wonders where her phone and soul are. They clean the boat, and Brian tells Abbi that he used to be temperamental back in the day, but tries not to be like that now. Abbi tells Brian about being homeless while she was going to college. She slept on a bench at the school, and changed clothes for work on the train. In her interview, she says she eventually got a full scholarship to law school. She thinks that makes her kind of badass.
Time for the tip meeting. The captain thinks it was outstanding for a first charter. He asks how Ashton feels about his first time out as bosun. Ashton is glad the first one is done. Captain Lee says he did well, and Ashton says he has a good crew; they made it easy. Kevin says, there were some kinks, and the Captain says he thinks everybody wants to do well. They do the best job they can, and all they can do, is do better as they get to know each other. The tip is $17,000 or $1500 each. In Simone’s interview, she says, $1500 for two days work is beyond. Captain Lee tells them, go out for cocktails; they earned it. But don’t embarrass themselves or the boat. Kate finds Kevin rummaging through a cupboard in the galley. He says he’s looking for something, and tells Kate he wants to sit with the stews, who he calls girls. Kate says she noticed there’s a particular way he likes things. In Kate’s interview, she says it was wrong for him to say there were kinks to be worked out in front of the crew and captain. She is pissed.
Everyone gets ready to go out. In his interview, Tanner says he gave 100%; now he’s ready to party. They get in a taxi, and go to a restaurant in the Thalang District in Phuket. Still refraining from making jokes. In Brian’s interview, he thinks Courtney can be hard to please. It throws him off, but he kind of likes it. Abbi says she hates being salty and wet, and Kate is surprised, since she worked on a sailboat. In Tanner’s interview, he says he’s always been attracted to older women. There’s no drama; they’ve already dealt with the bullsh*t.When cougars come out to play, you know you’re in for a good time. After dinner, they move on to a beach club, where there are acrobats hanging on silks. Brian says he wants liquor, and Ashton gets a bottle of vodka. In Ashton’s interview, he says, Thailand is fun, but you can get into a lot of trouble. He thinks they put something in the vodka there. Some of the crew members hit the dancefloor. In Simone’s interview, she says she loves dancing. Music is like her drug. A beat comes on, and she gets cuckoo. In Courtney’s interview, she says it’s not her thing. She’s like an old woman; she enjoys silence and glass of wine, or good conversation. She doesn’t like people she doesn’t know sweating on her. Ashton flirts with a random girl. Abbi tells Tanner that she thinks Ashton is hot. He asks if she wants to hook up with him; she’s crushing on him hard. She says, not until ten minutes ago. In her interview, she says Ashton being her boss doesn’t affect things. She had sex all time with her boss in Greece. Tanner tells her that she’s hot AF, and she’s good. Abbi tells Ashton that she likes him, and asks if he feels her. In his interview, he says, good idea? Bad idea? Screw it. It’s a great idea. She tells him, come to mama, and he says he’s got her.
Ashton hugs Abbi, and says he loves her. It’s time to go back to the boat, and the crew gets in two taxis. Tanner wants to sit next to Kate, but she makes him get in the back, rather than crowd her and Courtney. Brian tells Courtney that’s she’s pretty, but she needs to smile more. He tells her, please laugh, and she says, be funnier. In Courtney’s interview, she says she does smile, but not when he’s telling her to. He’s an idiot. STFU. Google men telling women to smile, and you’ll see how most of us feel about that. Ashton tells Abbi that she’s his favorite. He tells the deckhands that he’s sleeping on the pads on deck tonight, and they’re welcome to cuddle. They all go upstairs. In the crew mess, Courtney tells Simone that she’s never gone up to a man and say he’s pretty and ask him to smile. She won’t smile because Brian tells her to.
The next morning, the deckhands wake up in their clothes. In Abbi’s interview, she says it would have been less awkward waking up next to Ashton if they’d actually hooked up. It’s going to be a weird day. Kate wonders where the drugs are. She lies on the couch. In her interview, she thinks the vodka if different in Thailand. She’s like eighteen-year-old Kate, partying for the first time, and hung over. It’s not a good look. She tells Simone to do laundry, and Courtney to sort the pantry. Ashton is glad the deckhands don’t have much to do today.
Kate asks Kevin about his daughter. He says her name is Billie, and Kate says she loves girls with boy’s names. In Kevin’s interview, he says he and Billie’s mother broke up twelve months after she was born. It’s hard to be away from his daughter. She’s his life, and what he lives for. He tells Kate that Billie lives in Melbourne. Tanner tells Abbi that she’ll have to talk to him like it’s his first day. Brian asks Simone if there were issues in the car, and she says he whined that Courtney doesn’t like him. He says he definitely drank too much, and obviously said something he doesn’t remember. Kevin takes apart a jackfruit. I only mention this because I recognize it from 90 Day Fiancé. Abbi tells Ashton that he was trying to get it in with her last night, and he says don’t lie. Brian wants to talk to Courtney, and says he hopes he didn’t offend her or do anything wrong, She says he was just annoying her, and he says he’s sorry. She says he was annoying, but she appreciates the apology. He says he wants things to be okay. In her interview, she says she’s not that mad, but she won’t forget it.
Ashton asks what Simone did before she was a yachtie. She says she worked at a sports betting place, did hostessing, anything that wasn’t nine to five. Ashton thinks that’s why they’re all in yachting. They’re all running from that. In Simone’s interview, she says she researched what she could do to earn money and see the world. She went into yachting and loves it.
Captain Lee calls Kevin, Ashton, and Kate to the wheelhouse for the preference sheet meeting. It’s repeat customers, Richard and Helen. In Kate’s interview, she says she loves them. Helen is over-the-top – we flash back to her openly flirting with Chef Adrian – and Richard is the strong silent type. They’re so nuts; she loves them. The captain says Helen owns a Beverly Hills lingerie store, and they don’t know what Richard does. They’re bringing their closest friends. They want to go fishing, and should they catch anything, want to eat it. Regardless, they want that dinner to be a seafood extravaganza. In Kevin’s interview, he says he’s worried about this charter. These are repeat customers, and there have been problems with service. Everyone needs to know the way he works. The guests also want a beach picnic and an island excursion. Tanner calls his parents, and tells them that the first charter couldn’t have gone better. Then they got hammered at a restaurant. His mom says, sounds like fun, and asks if there were any hookers there. She worries. In his interview, Tanner says he’s the youngest of four, and they’re very close. His dad is retired, and his mom is a flight attendant and his best friend. He would come home drunk when he was in high school, and she’d ask if he was having fun. He could get away with murder. She tells him, don’t get anyone pregnant.
Abbi can’t find her radio. Courtney says she wants a seafood extravaganza; it’s not fair. Ashton tells Abbi to look everywhere for the radio, knowing how much this pisses the captain off. Provisions come in, and in his interview, Kevin says they need a meeting. His standards are high, and the service isn’t matching what he’s trying to put out. He needs them to understand his plan of attack so they’re on the same page. He doesn’t really tell them anything they don’t know already, and points out where he’ll be hanging the menu. In Kate’s interview, she says, Kevin is asserting power. The last time she checked, the chief stew was head of service. He needs to focus on his job being a chef, and she’ll do the rest.
The captain finds Abbi’s radio. He calls Ashton, and asks who doesn’t have a one. Ashton says they’ve been searching for one, not wanting to out Abbi, but Captain Lee asks whose radio they’re looking for. Ashton tells him, and says she’s been looking everywhere. The captain tells him to bring all the deckhands to the wheelhouse. In the captain’s interview, he says he comes apart like a cheap suit over somebody not having a radio. It pisses him off to no end. He tells them the radio was in the wheelhouse, and he hopes this is the last time he’s having this conversation. Abbi apologizes. He suggests they sleep with their radios. It should be part of them. If they don’t have a radio, and something catastrophic happens where they need assistance they’ll find out what sorry is. So will the person whose life they’re trying to save. In Abbi’s interview, she says she doesn’t want to disrespect the Captain Lee, because she respects him, and now she’s effing up his number one rule. She apologizes, and the captain tells her not to let it happen again. The next time won’t be as pretty. On deck, Ashton tells her not to get stressed about it, but be more careful. Sort it out, and move on. They high five. The captain says, ten minutes until show time.
Captain Lee tells the crew to step it up. He sees the guests walking this way. One of the guests thinks the boat’s name is Velour. (It’s Valor.) They’re met with drinks served in hollowed out melons with a thousand umbrellas and such in them. Helen is very excited, and I note that she’s lost weight. She says she’s brought her girl squad. The captain welcomes them back, and says they’re going to get this party on the road. Even he’s tired of saying, get this party started. Helen says she’s ready. Guest Brandy is seriously drunk already, and acting stupid. Kevin tells the captain, the girl in the white dress is really drunk, and Captain Lee says, she’s hammered. Ashton says, it must be the hottest day of the year (which must be pretty hot, since it always seems to be brutally hot there), and she’s already wasted. Another guest asks Kate if she’s the captain. Even if the epaulettes fooled her, this is after the introductions. Kate starts to give the tour, and Brandy wants to go to her room. She gets a panic attack, and one of the women asks who invited her. In Kate’s interview, she’s not sure what they were served before they came there, but she thinks Brandi had a lot of them. Brandi lies on a couch in the small lounge. In her interview, Kate says she’s had guests pass out before, but never within the first hour. She didn’t even get through the whole boat tour.
Next time, Kevin tells Simone that she hasn’t seen rude, the tender gets stuck on shore, Kevin forgets to buy seafood for the seafood extravaganza (what was that about high standards?), and the captain says Brandy needs medical attention immediately.
💔 Heartbreaking…
Captain Lee speaks out on an equal opportunity disease.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Alexis brings Sonny a gift for the baby, a sippy cup that says Corinthos Coffee. He tells her Carly will love it. She asks how Carly and Donna are doing, and he says, great. They’re just waiting to get the all clear to bring Donna home. Alexis gets a text from Julian that he needs to see her asap. It’s about her client. She says, that’s great news; it should take the edge off. Sonny says, the edge off what?
At Charlie’s, Brad gives Julian a new welcome mat, saying it’s more of a welcome back mat, since he’s not leaving. A fresh start. Brad says now that he’s not leaving, Julian will be able to be around Lucas and Wiley all the time. Julian says, there is that. Brad says since he’ll be there, Julian can help out when problems arise. Julian asks what problem has arisen. Obrecht again? Brad says, no. Nelle.
At Crimson, Sasha packs up her stuff. Michael asks if she’s got everything. She nods, saying, it’s just a few odds and ends; her notepads with her name on them. Nina was so great to her. Caring for her as a real daughter, bringing her into Crimson to start a career. Now her life is as random as what’s in the box. Michael tells her she’s strong and she’ll get her footing again. She says, just without Nina. She looks at a picture of the two of them.
Valentin tells Nina that he was worried. She asks if Charlotte is there, and he says, she’s with Lulu. Nina says, good. She’s just there to pick up a few things to tide her over, and she’ll be on her way. He asks where she’s going, and she says, anywhere but here. It’s none of his business anymore, where she goes or with whom. He says, the hell it isn’t.
Sasha asks Michael if he thinks she should leave a note, and he says it’s her call. She guesses not. Nina would just tear up anything that she left. She can’t stand how much she hurt Nina, but Nina isn’t ready to hear anything she has to say. Lucy blows in, and says Sasha is just the person she’s looking for. Sasha says she’s on her way out, but Lucy says, no. She made Sasha a once in a lifetime offer, and she keeps saying she wants to think about it. Michael says they have to go, but Lucy says they can, as soon as Sasha answers her question. Is she going to be the new face of Deception or not? Sasha says she’s way ahead of Lucy.
Valentin tells Nina, whatever happens, he’s still the man who loves her. He’s still the man who would lay down his life for her. She says, the man who would manufacture a daughter for her? He understands why she’s angry. Yesterday was a tumultuous ride for both of them. She says, it wasn’t a ride; it was a betrayal of everything she believed in. He says Sasha’s lies were reprehensible, but they were Sasha’s lies. She asks if he thinks she believes he wasn’t involved. He asks her to consider the source. Lulu had been drinking, and overheard a conversation in a public restroom. She heard what she wanted to hear. Nina says she doesn’t trust Lulu, but she doesn’t trust him either anymore. They were estranged, about to be divorced, and he had a conversation with her now dead mother about her child, who survived and was adopted. Miracle on top of miracle, he found that child. She was so stupid, she took Sasha in, and brought him back into her life. Sasha isn’t her child. Sasha is a con woman, and he’s telling her that Sasha not only betrayed her, but the great Valentin Cassadine. He says she’s right. He went looking for her daughter to get her back.
Dev asks Josslyn, what’s this? She says it’s the homework he missed. It’s better to try and keep up than get hit with a bunch of makeup homework later. He says, it’s not fair. He’s not allowed off the grounds, and now he has homework. All because she ratted him out to her father.
Alexis shows Sonny the text, and he says, that’s a lot of exclamation marks. She says, Julian does have a flair for the dramatic. Sonny asks why he’s not leaving, and she says he’s had a change of plans. Sonny says, Olivia is furious. She’s thinking of suing Julian, and he hopes she cleans him out.
Brad says he wants Julian to help protect Wiley and Lucas. Julian asks if it’s like the Obrecht situation. Does Brad want him to knock off Nelle? Brad says, Nelle is the last wildcard, and he needs help to contain her. Julian says, it’s too much. It’s Brad’s mess; he needs to clean it up. Brad says, what if he can’t, and Nelle spills everything? He and Julian have been seen together. Sonny will do the math, and put together that Julian was in it. And he’s not the only one. How does Julian think Lucas will feel when he finds out his father was a part of it? Julian asks if Brad is threatening him, and Brad says he’s making sure Julian knows where he stands. Julian grabs Brad by the throat, and says he wants to make sure Brad knows where he stands. He doesn’t take kindly to threats. Ava comes in, and says she doesn’t think Lucas would take kindly to Julian strangling his husband.
Josslyn tells Dev that she couldn’t keep lying to her dad, but her dad won’t sell him out. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt Dev because it would hurt her. Dev asks how it would hurt her if he got sent away? She says she’d feel responsible, so she’s doing what she can to fix it. She starts to type a text, and Dev asks what she’s doing. She says, fixing it.
Alexis tells Sonny that Julian seems committed to staying on the right path. She hasn’t seen any backsliding. Has he heard anything? Sonny says, not yet. She says, since Julian isn’t going anywhere, she thinks it would behoove them to continue to cultivate the current détente. He says she has more faith in Julian than he does.
Ava asks Julian if this is the afternoon floorshow, or do they require a referee? Julian says, the show’s over. Right? He tells Brad, give his best to Lucas and Wiley, and shoves him toward the door. Brad jets, and Ava asks if he’d like to tell her what that was all about. He says, it’s a family matter. Brad asked him to intervene, and he told Brad that he didn’t take sides. She says, so he was driving the point home by choking him? and Julian says, sometimes you need to be blunt, especially with people who won’t take no for an answer. She must know people like that. She says, a few, and tells him to pour her a drink and tell her about Nina’s wedding. She can’t believe he was invited. He says he gave Nina her start at Crimson. Ava says he hired her hoping she’d drive the magazine into the ground, so he could write it off as a loss. He thinks maybe Nina wanted to rub her success in his face, but he didn’t go. She was hoping for some juicy details, and wonders if Nina tripped going down the aisle toward her groom of doom. He says he heard Nina’s eyes were opened before they said their vows. He went to the reception to drop off a gift, and it was a ghost town, except for a few people taking advantage of the open bar. Apparently, Nina stormed out of her own wedding.
Sasha tells Lucy that she’s sorry, but has to pass. Lucy says, funny, and good. A good spokesperson should have sense of humor. Michael says Sasha is serious, and Lucy says, that’s insane. Sasha knows it’s an incredible opportunity, and Lucy says, piffle. She didn’t even begin to negotiate yet, and it’s more than incredible. She wants to give Sasha a stake in the company; she’ll have her own voice. Sasha says she might want to rethink that in the light of recent developments. She no longer comes with a Crimson connection. She no longer has a relationship with Nina. The truth is, she never did. She’s not Nina’s daughter. It was all a hoax, and came out at the wedding. Michael is surprised it hasn’t hit the tabloids yet. Sasha says Lucy doesn’t want her affiliated with her company. She’ll be notorious. Lucy says, notorious is kind of great. Notorious sells. She says, they’ll make bajullions, and hugs Sasha.
Jax’s phone signals that he has a text, but he doesn’t check it. Nina says, so Valentin admits it. He says he admits he wanted to find her daughter, and it got the ball rolling, but Sasha’s actions were her own. Nina says they’re done, but he grabs her arm. Jax tells him, let her go, and Valentin tells Jax, get out of his house. Obrecht comes in, and says Nina is all right. She acknowledges Jax, but Valentin says, Jax was just leaving. Jax says he’s not going unless Nina wants him to, but Nina says she can take care of herself, and it sounds like someone wants to get ahold of him. Jax looks at the text from Josslyn. It says, waiting on u; plz help Dev. He tells Nina that he’s just a phone call away. He leaves, and Obrecht says, bagel? Nina says she has no appetite. Valentin tells her, leaving him solves nothing. Nina says, maybe, but it’s a good way to start. She says, it’s over; they’re through, and goes to pack her things.
Ava tells Julian that she knew Sasha was too to be good true. Does he think Valentin paid Sasha to be Nina’s daughter? He says, of course () Valentin denied any involvement, and she says, of course (🍷). Obviously, Nina doesn’t believe him, or she wouldn’t have left him at the altar. He says she’s enjoying this because it’s Nina, but Ava says, a year ago, she may have felt differently. Now that her life was destroyed by an obsessive man’s lies, she can’t celebrate that kind of pain anymore. Not even Nina’s. He tells her, feel that? That itchy, stretchy feeling? It’s called growth. He’s proud of her. Ava asks him to give her his best bottle of scotch and two glasses. He says, scotch? and she says, it’s more portable than vodka martinis, and vanquishes demons just the same. He says, at least she and Nina are free. Nina is done with Valentin, and she’s done with Ryan. Ava says, it’s not always easy to make a clean break. He’s living proof. If Kim hadn’t come along, he’d still be pursuing Alexis. Maybe he would have even worn her down. He says, doubtful, and she says, guess who just walked in? Alexis smiles at him.
Neil says his vitals aren’t bad. Panic attacks aren’t uncommon. Has he had prior experience with therapy? It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s treatable, but first, they have to get down to the root of the problem. We see Brad sitting on the couch, and he says, that’s easy. It’s his father-in-law, and his son’s mother… and his son’s father.
Sasha tells Lucy that she’s hurt Nina enough already. She’s not using publicity from the scandal for her own end. Lucy is sure Nina would understand. Michael says he’s not. Lucy says Crimson’s revenues soared when Nina put Ava on the cover. Nina did that, so don’t act like it’s not a moral thing to capitalize on a good thing when you see it. Sasha says she’s not capitalizing on anything. She can’t do it. Not to herself or Nina. She loves Nina, and hates how much pain she caused. Lucy asks if Sasha believes she’s the first person to be embroiled in a scandal. Lots of people go through it. The public loves when the guilty are redeemed. Sasha says, there’s no redemption here, and Lucy says, yet. Does Sasha think punishing herself will make up for everything she did to Nina? Sasha says, no, but not making a media spectacle is a start. Lucy asks if Sasha really wants to make amends to all the people she’s wronged, and Sasha says, of course (🍷). Lucy asks how she’s going to support herself while she’s doing it. Does she have a new job? She looks at Michael. Or a sugar daddy? Sasha says, absolutely not. Lucy says, atoning is a lifetime endeavor. It’s not just repentance and lit candles. You have to live your life. If Sasha is skittish to take advantage of her mistakes, she can soften that. That’s what a media trainer is about.Forgiveness is two things; reparation and presence. If she wants to make it right to the people she’s wronged, she has to be in their face. She can’t make reparations by retreating into the shadows. Otherwise, how does anyone know she’s repenting? Lucy says she did it. She put herself out there, and went everywhere. Now everybody loves her.. Well, except her dry cleaner, but everyone else loves her.
Obrecht tells Valentin, Nina was still in her wedding gown, and she came in with Jax. Are they supposed to assume the two of them are… Valentin asks Obrecht to tell him. Jax is such a gentleman. Would he take advantage of a runaway bride on her wedding night? Nina comes out, and Obrecht tries to approach her, but Nina says she’s not talking to her. She’ll send for the rest of her things. She tells Valentin, one more thing. He said when he talked to her mother, she’d said her daughter was alive. Was that a lie? Never mind. What was she thinking? She can’t believe anything he says. Valentin says, don’t say goodbye. His life is meaningless without her. She says, that, she can believe, and leaves.
Sonny answers the door, and it’s Jax, who asks if Dev is there. On the terrace, Dev tells Josslyn, only fifty more assignments to go. She says he got off easy because he’s a hero. He asks if they’re still saying that, and she says she did rescue Wiley from that manic. They’re still talking about it. He says, Sam is the hero, not him. She says he still rates, but he says they didn’t know he was in the process of running away. She says, taking off on his own? He’s brave… but stupid. He says her flattery is overwhelming him. She asks where he was going. How was how planning on taking care of himself? He says he can manage. He got to Port Charles on his own. She asks if he didn’t think about the people he would hurt by leaving. He says Sonny would understand. Her mom probably would have been relieved. Max might have missed him taking the car and speedboat out. Who else did he miss? She said, people. Is there someone he missed? Would she miss him? She says, hardly, and he says he’d miss her too. She says she didn’t say she’d miss him. He says, not to his face, but he guarantees it’s in her diary. He grabs it from her, and she says, that’s private. He says, let’s see what she’s writing about him. She tries to take the diary back, and they end up face to face.
She asks if she can have the diary back now, and he lets go. He says he was just having a little fun, and she asks if he would think it was fun if she looked through his things. He says he wasn’t going to read it; her secrets are safe. She asks him to promise he’ll leave it alone, and he promises. Sonny and Jax come outside, and Sonny says Jax has something he wants to tell them.
Alexis asks Julian, what’s so urgent that it required three exclamations points, and an asap? He shows her a flyer, and asks if she knows about these. They’re all over the neighborhood; questioning his A rating, the quality of his meat, and claiming he waters down the liquor. Customers are starting to ask questions. Ava says, the liquor is just fine. She can attest to that. He says he knows Olivia is behind it, so tell her to cease and desist, or he’ll sue. Alexis suggests he give Olivia back her deposit if he wants to rectify things. He says he’s not giving back the deposit. Besides, he already used it to put a deposit on a place in New York. Since he backed out, he can’t get his back, so why should he give Olivia hers? I dunno. Maybe because it’s the law? Alexis says, no justice, no peace, and he says, she thinks this is funny? She asks why he doesn’t finish the sale, and buy something else? He says he likes Charlie’s. He’s put his blood, sweat, and tears into it. She says he’s only been there two years; how invested can he be? Ava says, Charlie’s is more than just a restaurant. It’s where Julian landed when he started over. It’s a new era. AAD – after Alexis Davis.
Neil tells Brad, open adoptions are quite common now. Does Brad’s son have a relationship with his biological parents? Brad would rather not go into details. He just wanted some meds to help with his nerves. Neil says he can’t prescribe something without determining the underlying issue. He assumes Brad came there to get at the root of his anxiety. He tells Brad to take a deep breath, and Neil about his mother. Brad just looks at him, and Neil says, just a little shrink humor to get Brad to relax. Brad says he’s not relaxed. The reason he has anxiety is, his son was kidnapped. He was taken away, and every day Brad worries that it could happen all over again.
Lucy tells Sasha that she knows being the face of Deception might seem like an improbable road to redemption, but Sasha can use the platform any way she wants. Sasha says she just wants to make things better for Nina. Nina had everything taken from her, and Sasha wishes she could give something back. She doesn’t care how the world sees her. Nina comes in, and asks what Sasha is doing there. Sasha says she was getting her things. Nina sees that she has them, and tells her, get out. If Sasha comes there again, she’ll call security. Lucy suggests Nina ease up a little. Nina asks if Lucy heard what happened, but Lucy tells Nina, she’s just saying Nina should take into account that Sasha is extremely remorseful. And she did bring a bit of happiness to Nina’s life. Nina says, all Sasha brought into her life was a pack of lies. She’s lost everything because of Sasha; the man she loved, the aunt who she thought loved her, her home, her self-respect, her reputation, and Charlotte, the closest thing she’ll ever have to a real daughter. That’s why she came there. To remind herself that at least she has Crimson. Her job is the only worthwhile thing she has left. Sasha says she’s wrong. She still has Valentin and Charlotte. Sasha did this on her own.
Jax says now that he’s been brought him up to speed, he’s given the situation a lot thought. He’s not contradicting Sonny’s story. If anyone finds out the truth, it won’t be from him. Josslyn thanks him, and he says he thinks this is the one time taking action would be counter-productive. Jax flashes back to telling Sonny that he’s made a decision about Dev’s situation. He doesn’t want to destroy Dev by uncovering the lie. He won’t put Josslyn through that, and he doesn’t want to put Dev in any more danger. He hates being part of Sonny’s cover-up, but doesn’t see an alternative. He’s going to leave things as they are. Sonny thanks him, but Jax says, don’t thank him just yet. Back on the terrace, Jax tells Josslyn that she’s given him a lot to think about. He doesn’t want to stand in the way of her helping Dev. Sonny started this lie, and they’ll have to live with it.
Sasha tells Nina that Lulu never heard her say Valentin’s name because he wasn’t involved. She got a call from the lawyer who handled her adoption, Carter Buckley. Michael says she doesn’t have to do this, but she says she does. She says he told her that a P.I. was looking for the daughter of a wealthy woman and she’d be about Sasha’s age. He figured they could orchestrate things so it would look like she was that daughter. The plan was to get money from Nina, and they would split it. He was dying, and wanted to provide for his family. Nina asks why he chose Sasha, and Sasha says he handled her adoption; he knew no one was looking for her. She needed the money, so she said yes. Carter died soon after, and Nina knows the rest. What Sasha thought would be a brief meeting turned into so much more. It became harder for her to keep her distance. She wanted Nina to believe the lie, but she wanted to believe it too. She didn’t want to lose Nina. That’s the truth. Nina says she’s good. She’ll give Sasha that, but no way she did this on her own. Valentin had to be the one who set it up.
Obrecht tells Valentin it’s possible she was a bit premature when she suggested there was a way out of their predicament. Nina may never take them back. He says Nina is his life. He can’t accept a future without her. Obrecht says she’s never seen Nina so hurt and angry. Time to get while the getting is good. He asks where she’s going, and she says, Switzerland. It’s lovely this time of year, and since she’s a citizen, it will be impossible to extradite her, should Nina choose to press charges. Valentin might want to follow her example. He says he’s way ahead. He and Charlotte are going back to Greece. She says, with Lulu’s permission? and he says he’s not afraid of Lulu. His lawyers will tie her up in family court indefinitely. He doesn’t want Charlotte seeing Nina or the family. And maybe his absence will make Nina’s heart grow fonder. Obrecht says, or maybe he’s deluding himself.
Alexis tells Julian, she realizes Charlie’s has significance to him, and apologizes for being insensitive. Julian accepts. He says, back to Olivia’s smear campaign, but she says he doesn’t know Olivia is behind it, but she’ll relay his concerns. He says, not good enough. Olivia is messing with his business and interfering with his customers. He may need to sue. She says he’d have to prove she did it, and it will cost a lot. He should take his resources and start something new; change things up. The Rib has Drag Queen Bingo now, and it’s packed every night. Ava says, that sounds like fun, but Julian says, it’s not a drag bingo kind of place. Alexis says it wasn’t a gastro pub kind of place either, until he made it one. He’s a master of reinvention. She tells hm, you know what they say; every morning you wake up anew, so what you do today is all that matters. He asks if she got that from her shrink boyfriend. She says he’s not her boyfriend, and it’s none of Julian’s business. She leaves, and Ava asks if he heard that. He’s not her boyfriend.
Neil says Brad’s son was kidnapped? and Brad says, yes. Neil asks if he was the boy who was in the news recently. Brad says, yeah. The cult guy. Neil says, so Shiloh is his son’s biological father. Brad doesn’t see what it matters. His son was stolen, and he feels like he could be taken away at any time and any place. No one understands. He can’t sleep or eat; he’s falling apart. Neil says he’ll give Brad something to make feel better. The medication works differently on everyone, so he’ll tweak it until they get the right dosage. In the meantime, they’ll keep talking, but next time, he wants Brad to bring his husband.
Sasha says she never met Valentin before. She only dealt with Carter and Curtis. Nina says Sasha wants her to believe she faked three DNA tests. Sasha says she had help from someone who knows their way around a lab. Nina says, so she and Obrecht are friends now? but Sasha says, not Obrecht. She had friend from college help her. Obrecht only figured it out a few days before the wedding. If Lulu had heard the whole conversation, she would have heard Nina try to convince Obrecht not to say anything. Nina says, the best laid plans, and Lucy says, it’s food for thought. Sasha says Nina has every right to hate her, but don’t cut out the two people who, despite their flaws, love her very, very much. Charlotte needs Nina, and Nina needs Charlotte. Nina says she needs them all to clear out now. They leave, and Nina throws things and cries.
Dev says he’s in Jax’s debt, and Jax tells him, stay out of trouble. Honor the secret, and he’ll consider the debt paid. Jax flashes back to telling Sonny that he won’t tell Sonny’s secret, but he won’t keep it either. If the Feds knock on his door, he’s not going to perjure himself and give them an excuse to kick him out of the country. Like Sonny did. In the present, Sonny says he doesn’t anticipate any trouble. Dev is a Corinthos now, and there’s no one to say otherwise.
Brad asks why Neil wants Lucas to come, and Neil says he’s concerned about the toll the kidnapping is taking on Brad, and that he doesn’t feel supported in the aftermath. Maybe he can open a line of communication. Brad says, couples therapy might help. Lucas is pretty busy. He can’t guarantee Lucas will come, but he’ll ask. Neil says they’ll get control Brad’s anxiety, and address the underlying issue. He’ll feel better when he sees his fear is unfounded. Brad runs into Alexis as he’s leaving, and Alexis says, badtiming? Neil says, not at all. How was her day? Anything to report? Alexis says, nope. Nothing at all.
Julian looks at a flyer that says he’s paying off the sanitary inspector, and crumples it up. He gets on his phone. At one of the tables, Sasha says Michael thinks she did the wrong thing. He says she took the blame for Valentin so Nina wouldn’t lose the people she loves. Sasha says, they love her too. Valentin would never willingly hurt Nina. The whole twisted situation came out of Valentin’s love, so she’s taking blame, but she’s also clearing the way for them to heal. Charlotte is a great kid, and deserves to be happy. Nina makes her happy. Michael doesn’t agree with her actions, but he can’t argue with her motives. She asks what he would he do, but he tells her, it’s impossible to say. He’d like to think he’d tell the truth, and let the chips fall where they may. She says so he would have told Nina that Valentin was behind it? Michael says it’s possible that when she cools off, she would forgive him. There was no malicious intent, and he did hire a wonderful woman to pose as her daughter, but with Sasha’s way, she’s just waiting for another lie to be exposed.
Ava goes to Nina’s office, carrying the scotch and glasses. Nina says she knew she’d see Ava. She was right; it’s a long, long way to fall. If Ava is there to gloat, have at it. Ava says she’s there in solidarity. She knows a little something about horrid, lying men, and hell on earth.
On Monday, Kim asks if Elizabeth is sure she’s doing the right thing, Jordan tells Henderson to start talking, Obrecht asks Valentin if Nina’s child is alive, and Jason needs to see someone right away.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Yep. I missed the very beginning. I was listening though, and the main takeaway points are, Cameron asked if he could testify at Franco’s hearing, and Spinelli has been allowed to listen to the recording of Sam.
Jason and Sam are with Sonny in the kitchen, which seems to be the only room in Sonny’s house now. Jason tells Sonny, Spinelli got access to Peter’s banking records. The same day Shiloh escaped, Peter withdrew $35K. Dev said he was carrying a gym bag at the pier, and it looked like the bag was full of cash. Sonny wonders what the connection between Peter and Shiloh is.
Maxie tells Peter, Nina wanted a deeper connection, and before Sasha knows it, she’s working for Nina, living at Windymere, and they’re bonding like crazy. If she loves Nina, why not come clean? Peter says, she knew how much it would hurt, and Maxie says all the more reason to keep it private instead of being outed by Lulu at the wedding. Sasha was sitting on a timebomb, and knew it. Peter asks if they’re in a position to judge. She knows what he means. She did the same thing to protect Dante and Lulu when she miscarried their child. Peter says, because she loved them, but she says lying about her daughter was the biggest mistake of her life. Like lying to Nina is the biggest mistake in Sasha’s.
Monica tells Franco that she’s sorry. Jason told her how he found out about them from seeing Jason’s picture in the paper. He’d assumed they kept Jason and gave him away. That couldn’t be further from the truth. She’d hoped they’d have time to straighten it out, but then Drew disappeared. He says, still no news? She says, no. How does he feel about that? Franco doesn’t know, but thinks the other guy who’s him seemed like a good guy. Monica says she lost Jason so many times in so many ways, and Franco says Jason is still there. Monica says, there’s a big difference. She’s worked so hard to hang on to the children she has left; she should have focused on what he needed from her, rather than what she could get from him. Franco says he owes her an apology. He was angry, and took it out on her. She doesn’t deserve it. Monica says she’s tough, and so is he. After all, he is a Quartermaine. Okay, that’s better from Monica, but I sure wish she’d focus on what’s for the greater good of everyone.
Elizabeth asks if Camron is sure. She knows he has doubts about how she’s dealing with Franco. Cameron says he doesn’t doubt her love for Franco. Franco told him to look to her for clarity in times of trouble. Scotty says, that’s his kid. Hip, cool, and schmaltzy. He asks if Elizabeth is fine with him putting Cameron on the stand, and she says she is. He says he doesn’t know who’s representing Franco, but they’re going to grill Cameron about his relationship with Franco. Cameron says it won’t be the first time Franco put him in a tough spot. They haven’t always gotten along. They were just starting to when Franco saved his life. Franco looked him in the eyes, and said to tell his mom that he’ll be back. Scotty says, that’s great, and Cameron says he was standing over Franco when the procedure happened, and watched Franco disappear. He was the last one to see Franco.
Kim tells Martin, all they want is another shot at having a life together. They’ve been apart too long. Martin says that it seems like everyone is forcing them to stay apart. Kim says it’s not that she’s not sympathetic to Elizabeth, Franco’s wife, and Martin says Elizabeth doesn’t have much sympathy for Kim. They know the world, and finding peace doesn’t come easy. Before Kim can find what she seeks, they have to make noise – a whole lot of noise. In order to win, he’s going to put Drew in the center ring. There’s going to be a circus of publicity, and when he’s finished, no court will be willing to deny Drew’s true identity.
Jason tells Sonny, when Shiloh called, he made a point of mentioning Peter. Sam says Peter visited Shiloh a few times. He said he was laying the groundwork for a story in The Invader. Sonny says, Peter is always in the proximity of a crime, but never at fault. He’s innocent or it’s bad timing. Jason says, he’s good at covering his tracks. Faison orders Peter to kill him, and instead, he drugs Jason up, and locks him away from his family for five years, so Jason can assassinate his father. Than he turns it around, and makes himself the victim. People believe him because he’s Anna’s son. Sam says, and Maxie’s boyfriend. She believed in his redemption. Jason says he doesn’t care what Peter means to Anna or Maxie if he’s the one who’s framing her.
Spinelli listens to the recording, two guys in suits staying with him. He says, ah-ha… uh-huh… uh-huh… ahh. He puts the headphones on one of the guys, and says, here. The guy says, uh-huh… Spinelli says, and here. The guy says, uh-huh, and Spinelli says, now. The guy says, ah-ha, and they say, ah-ha together. They try to do a high-five, and miss.
Robert asks Jordan how Jason’s mastermind is doing. Jordan says, he’s been in there a while with the tape. They’ll know soon enough. She asks how his interview with the witness went, and he says, Daisy is unhinged. She wouldn’t shut up about what an honor it was for her to give herself to Shiloh. Jordan asks what kind of witness she’ll make, and he laughs, saying, the kind that comes across unreliable. They’ll see how it goes. Jordan asks, what about the nurse? and Robert says he’d rather put Daisy on the stand. His phone rings, and he tells the caller that he knew it was a long shot. He thanks them for calling first. He tells Jordan that he has news he needs to deliver in person, and to keep in touch.
Monica tells Franco that she didn’t want Jason at first; her husband’s love child with another woman. Franco says she had a right to feel that way, and Monica says, she did, but realized it wasn’t Jason’s fault. Then she got to love him as one of her own, and soon, he was like one of her own. It’s how the Quartermaines operate. Franco says, all of them? and she says, there are quite a few who like nitpicking about the stocks and shares, but at the end of the day, family is what matters most. That’s how it was with him. If they had known Drew existed, they would have searched every inch of the earth, and done everything in their power to find him. Even after all this time, it’s good he’s here. She wants him to know that she’s here for him, and he thanks her. He would have reached out if he’d known. In all fairness to him, they have a terrible reputation. She laughs, and says he doesn’t know the half of it. He says if they’d made contact when Alan was alive, maybe it would have played out differently. Monica says, but it didn’t, and here they are now. They can’t regret things they can’t change. There’s been a lot of love that’s come into her life in the strangest ways, and she’s grateful for all of it. Franco says, if things go his way, maybe he’ll stick around and get to know each other better.
Kim wonders if publicity is the right way to go, and Martin says, the ramifications will be precedent setting. The question of identity is in the forefront of our culture; gender, racial, class. Kim says, Drew just wants the right to be himself, and make his own decisions. Martin says, don’t we all? Some will argue against him that Drew was once another person, but that person is gone, erased. Kim says, Drew has no connection to the man Franco was. He says, and Elizabeth won’t accept it? She says she can’t blame Elizabeth. Biologically, Drew is still Franco. He asks if it isn’t fair to say that it’s not even biologically, since it’s no longer Franco’s heart and mind. She says, that’s what Drew believes, but Elizabeth sees it differently. He says Elizabeth thinks she can force him into a procedure where he stands a better chance of being a vegetable than bringing Franco back. Actually, that’s inaccurate. He stands the same chance, and a 50% chance of staying Drew. So, pfft! on Martin being so smart. She says she doesn’t fault Elizabeth for loving her husband, and he says, of course (🍷) she doesn’t. She says, Elizabeth already lost Franco. Should she have to lose Drew again. She’s terrified of what’s going to happen if he’s not able to stop Elizabeth.
Jason says they all know Peter is somehow connected to Shiloh. Sam wonders if they shouldn’t slow down. Maxie’s heart will be broken. Sonny says, it didn’t take Peter long to go after his brother’s widow. Sam is just saying they need conclusive proof. Jason tells her, waiting is going to hurt Maxie worse in the end, and Sam says they can tell Maxie that after they blow her life apart again.
Maxie tells Peter, maybe it’s selfish to say, but she’s proud of them. What they’ve been through, and the work they’ve done to be together. They’ve done good. He thanks her for having faith in him. She makes him want to be worthy of her. She’s glad they did things right. Instead of hiding their insecurities, they were honest. He thinks that’s why they work. They accept each other’s wounds and imperfections – so far. She says, one thing she knows is, she’ll never have to look over her shoulder like Nina. Peter will never betray her like Valentin. He’s not that kind of man. She tells him, don’t look miserable. She just told him how great he is. He says he’s worried she won’t always feel that way, but she says of course (🍷) she will. Just don’t screw it up.
Cameron says Franco came to his rescue. He knew the risks; his memory and his life could all be gone. He was brave. Scotty says that’s the picture they’ll paint. An empty warehouse, the mad scientist, the cult leader in a Nehru jacket, Franco hooked up to a machine. Cameron says he can tell them how terrified he was. He didn’t know if he was going to get hurt or killed. How Shiloh and the scientist drugged him, and he was out of it. Scotty asks if they know that, and Cameron says he doesn’t think so. Scotty tells him, then don’t mention it. It might bring his credibility as a witness into question. Elizabeth says, what if they ask? and Scotty says he’ll cook something up. Cameron says he can make something up, but Scotty says, no. Tell the truth. Paint the picture of Franco as a hero who put his life on the line to save Cameron’s. Cameron says, it sounds dramatic, but it’s what happened. Scotty says he’ll argue that Franco chose to give up his life for Cameron’s, wants to come back, and deserves every opportunity to do that.
Martin tells Kim that they’ll argue that Drew possesses all the attributes of his own emotional life; his memory, and personal intel. Everything except one. Drew isn’t defined by the vessel he’s contained in. His mind and soul embodies him. How’s he doing? Kim says, great. She thinks it’s time he met his client. He needs to know he’s not in this fight alone.
Sam gets a text, and tells Jason that Spinelli needs them to come to the PCPD ASAP. Sonny hopes it’s good news, and Sam says Spinelli will tell them when they get there.
Jordan asks if Spinelli just told Sam to come to the station. Doesn’t he think it’s premature? He asks if she didn’t hear it, and she says she heard, um. He tells her, listen again. She does, and says, uh-huh.
Martin tells Franco that they’re not arguing who he is biologically, but who he wants to be. They’ll insist on a psychological evaluation. Kim asks, to prove his competency? but Martin says, no. To prove he’s sentient; that he’s his own man. Franco says, if they can find a shrink. They say nothing, and he says, it’s a joke. They’re in a mental institution. Martin says it’s good he has a sense of humor. They can use it. He warns Franco, if he’s pretending in any way… Kim says, of course (🍷) not, and Franco says he wouldn’t do that. Martin says, Franco is no more. Elizabeth has no claim on him, and they’re willing to fight to prove it. Franco says he’s never been afraid of a fight, and Martin says, good. Martin tells Kim to pull together all of Drew’s commendations, his ribbons and medals. They’ll remind the judge that Drew was willing to risk his life for his country. Kim asks Franco what he thinks, and he says, it’s time to get the ball rolling. Kim says she told him that she’d find someone to fight for him. Martin asks if Franco knows of any potential witnesses that could describe what it means to lose him. Is there anyone he can think of. Franco says, there is one person, but he’s not sure he can convince them to take the stand. Martin says, don’t worry. Just point him in the right direction, and he’ll take care of the rest. He leaves.
Robert tells Monica that the plane was indicated as going down in bad weather. The pilots were scrambling before they lost control. The search didn’t turn up any survivors. Monica says, so that’s it then, and he says he’s afraid so. In a couple of hours, Drew is going to officially be declared dead in absentia. Through her tears, Monica thanks him for coming himself. It was thoughtful. Robert is sorry for her loss. If it’s any consolation, the Navy held Drew in high esteem. He was quite remarkable.
Jason goes into Kelly’s, and Maxie asks how Sam is. Jason says, good. There’s some new evidence that should clear her any time now. Peter says he must be relieved, and Jason says he is. Thank God Peter was there to get Dev and Wiley to the hospital. Peter says, right place, right time, and Jason says, lucky. Dev said he was going to work out, but Jason didn’t know there were any gyms by the pier. Peter is puzzled, and Maxie says, his gym bag. Peter wasn’t going to the gym. It’s not like Jason never walked around with a bag of money. Jason asks why Peter would be on the docks with a bag of money.
Sam asks Jordan how long she should expect to stay, Jordan says, Spinelli couldn’t completely debunk the tape, but he attempted authentication. Sam says Spinelli was trying to prove her guilt? Jordan says, he couldn’t do that either. Spinelli says, when listening, particular attention was paid to a frequency known as a room hum. When someone is splicing a tape, they pay the most attention to a middle frequency. He couldn’t identify a precise frequency. (He said a lot more words than that, but that’s the gist.) Jordan says, it was inconclusive. Both sides agree that they can neither confirm or deny that that the tape is authentic. Sam says, and that means…? Jordan says she called Robert, and all of the charges have been dropped. Sam’s free to go. Sam hugs Spinelli, and calls him a genius. He says it’s his great pleasure.
Kim says Drew’s true self, his embodiment and soul differentiate from the body he lives in. Franco says they just have to convince a judge. She says, that’s Martin’s job, and he’s good at it. Franco says he has to be honest. They’ve got a real fight ahead of them. He’s worried about the strain on Kim, but she says she can handle it. After Oscar died, she didn’t think ever breathe again. Then he came back and found her. Franco says, now she can breathe? Kim says, even better now. She can hope.
Elizabeth thanks Scotty for letting Cameron be a witness. Scotty says Elizabeth is allowing Cameron to testify. He’s just the shark lawyer using every trick he knows. Elizabeth says he’s a good man, and he says, don’t tell anyone. She says, who’d believe her? She thinks it’s good for Cameron. It will empower him. Scotty says he still needs something else to go in with. Elizabeth says that’s why she wanted to speak to him privately. She has something else. Kim. Scotty tells her to sit; he’s all ears. What does she have on Kim? Elizabeth says, it’s nothing like that. A while back. Kim had a conversation with Drew after Oscar died. She asked Drew if he’d have another child with her. She’s convinced Franco is Drew, and is desperately seeking a connection to Oscar. Elizabeth feels for her. She remembers what it felt like when she lost Jake. She remembers the pain, but she’s not giving her husband to Kim as a consolation prize. Hey, this brings up another good point. Someone should tell Kim that if she has another baby with “Drew,” it’s still going to have Franco’s DNA.
Maxie tells Jason, the money was for a down payment on an apartment. Jason says, in cash? and she says, it’s not uncommon. It’s not, and Jason should know that. She asks if this is a low key interrogation, and Jason says he’s just curious. She says he’s never just curious, or makes conversation. Peter says Jason is entitled to be suspicious. There’s nothing more to tell. Jason asks if he got the apartment, and Peter says, no. He gave a ride to Dev and Wiley, and by the time he was finished, the opportunity had slipped away. Another oh geez. You mean to tell me that Peter doesn’t know Jason is savvy enough to be able to fact check that?
Sonny sees Robert at the hospital, and asks for a favor. Robert asks if Sonny wants him to deep bury evidence, or look the other way? Sonny asks him to get word to Dante that he has a new sister. He thinks Dante would like her. Robert says, that, he’ll gladly do.
Martin approaches Monica, and tells her that he’s representing Drew. She says she thought Alexis was handling Drew’s estate. She guesses he means Franco, but he says, no. The man formerly known as Franco (like he’s a Prince symbol), who now identifies as Drew. Monica asks what she can do for him. He starts pontificating, and she says as a doctor, she values brevity and conciseness. He says he’ll be as concise as he can. If he loses the case, there’s nothing standing between Drew and the procedure that may leave him a vegetable. She says she’s aware of the risks, and he says she can sit back and see how it plays out, or fight for Drew.
Kim wonders if she’s jumping the gun, but they could start making plans about where they want to live. Franco suggests they not get ahead of themselves. They’ve been talking about making up for lost time, but need to focus on what they have there now. She says he’s right. Now is good. They kiss.
Scotty asks if he heard Elizabeth correctly. Elizabeth says, if it becomes necessary, use Kim’s state of mind against her on the stand. Scotty says, this could get ugly. Elizabeth knows, and she knows Kim is still grieving, but Franco is Franco, not Drew. They have to do what they have to do. Franco is her husband, and she loves him. This is war, and all is fair.
Outside Kelly’s, Jason’s phone rings. Jason asks how it went, and Sam says, Spinelli did it. The charges were dropped. Jason asks if Spinelli proved the recording was fake, and she says, not exactly, but close enough. They also brought in the guy who helped Shiloh escape. Jason tells her to stay where she is, and goes back inside Kelly’s. Peter asks if he’s had any news, and Jason relays the news that the police captured the guy who helped Shiloh escape.
Tomorrow, Finn thinks Hayden is lying to him, Sasha tells Michael that she has to face the music, and Charlotte asks why Lulu ruined the wedding.
The Real Housewives of Dallas
Everyone decides on their outfits for LeeAnne’s lingerie shower.
D’Andra is thankful to get another meeting with Travis. She feels horrible about missing the first one. We flash back to her calling him after she canceled. She needs help since her mother gave her a big fat lemon. She’d going to try to be on time. Jeremy asks what on time is for her, and she tells him, stop it,
Kameron tells daughter Hilton that she got the information on sleepaway camp. She asks if Hilton is nervous. She’d going at a younger age than Kameron did, and Kameron says Hilton is braver than she was. In her interview, Kameron says, Texas is hard core about sleepaway camp. They start at age eight, and she had to put Hilton on a waiting list when she was eighteen months old. It’s a great way to make connections for when you grow up. She tells Hilton that she ordered a customized special trunk. She says, mommy is nervous, and Hilton says, peace out. I’m not sure if that applies here, but it’s funny. Kameron says it’s the first time Hilton will be gone from her family, and Hilton says she’ll write letters. Kameron says there won’t be any boys, and Hilton is a tomboy. What’s she going to do? Hilton doesn’t know. In Kameron’s interview, she says she thought she and Stephanie had a connection, but then Stephanie had some deep conversations with Kary, who she just met. It’s hurtful. Hilton says the camp doesn’t have football, and Kameron says, that’s because girls don’t play that. I like Kameron, but clearly, she’s not living in this century. In her interview, she says she was never a tomboy, but her daughter is completely. She’s a daredevil like Court, and likes to push boundaries. The trunk arrives, and in Hilton’s interview, the producer asks why she needs a cool trunk. Hilton says she needs to fit all her stuff in it. She can’t take more than one suitcase, unlike her mom. Kameron loves that Hilton has a bond with her daddy, but sometimes she feels left out. She wants Hilton to share activities and make memories with mommy as well. Court tells Hilton, mommy’s camp is called Dallas.
D’Andra meets with Travis in his office. In D’Andra’s interview, she says Travis has been where she is, and is now an enormous success professionally and personally. She aspires to be where he is. She tells him that she spoke to Stephanie about the trouble her company is having, and Stephanie thought maybe they could talk. The business has been a big impediment in her relationship with her mom, but when her mom finally gave it to her, it was in a rock bottom, bad position. Court says D’Andra’s mom is like his dad. He’s competitive, which is odd for a parent. He says she’s in a unique spot. Businesswise, his question is, is this what she wants to do? She says she does. It’s a legacy. Her mom is a cancer survivor, and was the first woman to have this kind of company. D’Andra lived through the inception in 1996, and wants to keep what’s been built and make it better. She did what she could, but the company is in a sh*tty situation. The trust is locked up, and she can’t touch it. He asks how long it will be solvent, and she says four to six weeks before they’d have to close. Court suggests she look at what’s making money, and get rid of what isn’t. Don’t keep what’s not making money, and do it as fast as she can. She says Jeremy wants her to put it in the house, which would help the cash flow situation. Travis asks what the overhead is, and she says, $8K a month. He says he’d do it in a heartbeat. Business is about making hard decisions. She says she has an accountant and marketing person she’ll have to let go, and Travis says, if she doesn’t, she’ll have to let everyone go. In D’Andra’s interview, she says, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Firing long-time employees is emotional and scary. He says she can’t let the company go down because she doesn’t want to make hard decisions.
Kary and daughter Sofia meet for tea or smoothies or whatever it is they’re drinking. Kary asks if Sofia will be in town for her 21st birthday. Sofia says she never liked celebrating her birthday that much. She’s a college senior, and has three more weeks of school. Kary feels like it’s yesterday she took Sofia to college. She asks if Sofia is still thinking about nursing school. Sofia says she is, but she’s freaking out, wondering if she’s going to get in some schools. Kary asks how long Sofia has been with boyfriend Luke, and Sofia says, three years. Kary asks if it will bother Sofia if she gets married and she’s only had one boyfriend. Sofia doesn’t think that’s a bad thing; she thinks it’s a good thing. She tells Kary that she and Luke have talked marriage. In Kary’s interview, she says, in Mexico, the wife does what the man wants her to. Her mom raised her by herself and had the money, so she called the shots, and did what she wanted to. She tells Sofia that she and Luke should finish school and get jobs first. It’s important to have a career, so you have your own stuff. In her interview, Kary says she ended up marrying a man who had money, and she stayed home and took care of the kids. After a while, she hated it. She tells Sofia, in a perfect world, you’d be married forever. Her biggest regret is not having her own stuff. Sofia says that’s Kary’s own fault. Kary wants Sofia to be independent, and learn from her mistakes. Then maybe she won’t have financial issues. Kary says it’s hard. She doesn’t want any of her kids not to be independent.
Stephanie asks Travis how the meeting went, and Travis says they talked about tough decisions, but he doesn’t know if she’ll do it. She needs to get rid of people. Stephanie says, it’s hard, and he says, it is, but he’d probably scrap the business. Owning a business that’s starting to fail is difficult to rebound from. It’s easier to go on to something else. Stephanie says, Mexico is behind her now. It was the best of times, and the worst of times. There were moments that were fun. They drew names for rooms. We flash back to Kary putting names in a hat. Travis asks if she drew Brandi, and she says, no. Brandi roomed with D’Andra, and she had Kameron. Brandi and Kameron got in a fight, and Brandi got in Kameron’s face. Kameron threw a napkin at Brandi, and called her trash. I just have to weigh in a little here. Do they realize how stupid it sounds to be bitching this long over someone throwing a napkin? It’s not like Kameron chucked a beer stein at Brandi’s head. She also never called Brandi trash. She said Brandi’s behavior was trashy. Travis says Kameron thinks she’s up here, and they’re all beneath her. Stephanie tells him that Kameron said she felt judged. When Kameron gave a toast, saying Kary was welcoming, but she hadn’t felt that way from some of the others. It was like a slap in the face. Travis asks how she feels, and Stephanie says she thinks she drank too much, and got emotional. Travis tells her not to blame herself, but Stephanie says it got depressing. Travis asks if Stephanie can say how she feels without saying it’s her fault. Stephanie says she feels like she can’t do anything right in her friendship with Kameron. Kameron makes her feel like she’s a bad person, or not enough. Travis says she’s the greatest, coolest person he’s ever met. Stephanie wonders how to put boundaries up, and he thinks she should tell Kameron that she’s now all that. Everyone should be told that. Stephanie says, it sounds mean. In Stephanie’s interview, she says Travis used to not take her seriously. Now she feels like he listens to her, and gives her great advice. It’s like she’s hanging out with a friend, not just her husband. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he’d grown a vagina overnight. Travis says, if it comes from the heart, at the end of the day, if Kameron gets mad, she gets mad. Stephanie says the shower is LeeAnne’s day, so she doesn’t want to start anything. Travis asks if she’s wearing lingerie, and she says, it’s lingerie-ish. He thinks she should wear the dirty stuff, but she says she’ll do that just for him.
Stephanie and Cary (from previous seasons – not to be confused with Kary) meet outside the venue for the shower. Stephanie thinks the theme must have been Cary’s idea. Cary says she does love to wear skimpy outfits. Stephanie says this is the first party in a million of them. They have this, the shower – she knows she has to bring a gift – and the bachelorette party. Obviously, math is not her strong suit if she thinks that adds up to a million. In her interview, Stephanie says she’s hosting this with Cary, but LeeAnne planned the Moulin Rouge/lingerie theme, hired the caterer, and did decorations. She’s just cutting the check. Cary says D’Andra wasn’t invited, and Stephanie says LeeAnne felt they weren’t in the right place. They’re making steps, but LeeAnne doesn’t know if she’s inviting D’Andra to the wedding. In Stephanie’s interview, she says she never thought she’d be hosting a shower for LeeAnne with Cary, and D’Andra wouldn’t be there. She tells Cary that she loves Kameron, but feels like she looks at what Stephanie does wrong instead of what she does right. Cary says it’s Kameron’s problem, and Stephanie says she knows. Carly says, put it back on her.
LeeAnne comes in wearing a bustier with garters, a sexy tuxedo coat, and top hat, carrying a crop. She says she tried to leave in just the outfit, and Rich was like, uh, coat? She says, it’s her circus, and she needs monkeys. In her interview, she says she’s having the lingerie shower, a bachelorette party, a couple’s shower, the rehearsal, the wedding, and reception. That’s good considering most weddings easily have ten to twelve parties. In Texas they do it big. Guests arrive. Kameron is wearing a modest silk robe, and in her interview, LeeAnne says Kameron could walk into church straight from the shower. In Kameron’s interview, she says she doesn’t need to see everyone half-naked, especially in this this group.
In Brandi’s interview, she says she and LeeAnne didn’t leave Mexico in a good place, and she feels bad. LeeAnne says she thought Brandi hated her, but Brandi says she wouldn’t be there looking like a prostitute if she hated LeeAnne. In Kameron’s interview, she says, if your legs are exposed, and your cleavage is flying out at the same time, you’re a ho-ho. LeeAnne tells Brandi, let’s party. She thanks Brandi for coming, but wants to be transparent. She was scared to have Brandi there after Mexico. Brandi says she’s not proud of what happened, and she’s sorry. LeeAnne thanks her. She was afraid that, no matter what she said, she wouldn’t get through. Brandi’s reaction to trash is the same as LeeAnne bringing up her past. In Brandi’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what LeeAnne is talking about, but thanks for sharing. LeeAnne says she doesn’t want Brandi’s pity, and more than anything, wants them to be at peace. They hug and exchange I love yous.
Everyone looks hot. Even the waiters are half-naked. Like me, Kary says, no fruity drinks. Kameron says she’s the youngest one, and she’s in the grandma outfit. In Kary’s interview, she wonders who in the world has a lingerie shower at 1 pm on a Wednesday. I guess that would be LeeAnne. Kary is wearing a black nightgown with a plunging neckline, and says Kameron helped her pick it out. We see a clip of Kameron telling her that it’s something she can wear outside that doesn’t make her look like a ho. Everyone agrees it looks amazing, and I’m wondering why Kameron didn’t choose something like that for herself. LeeAnne tells Cary how Kameron peed behind a trailer in Mexico. Cary says it’s not on brand for Kameron. She’s proud of her. LeeAnne says D’Andra got so drunk, and Cary says she didn’t invite D’Andra. LeeAnne says she want to move forward, but doesn’t want the continued hostility. Cary says, you have different friends for different reasons, and they don’t have to be at everything.
Jeremy goes to D’Andra’s workplace to help. He says he doesn’t want work for her, but she thinks he’s enjoying himself. He just doesn’t want to admit it, because then he feels like he’s not doing his life’s work. In D’Andra’s interview, she says she really needs help. She needs family help. She knows it’s not what Jeremy was planning on doing, but it’s do or die time. Jeremy says he’s been picking people’s brains, and sees three choices. She can have an investor come in now and put up money, take out a loan, or shut down now and do something else. He thinks her best option is to close it down, and move it into the house. D’Andra says Travis said she’d be saving money on overhead, and had similar advice. She feels like the last step is moving to the house, and she’ll have to make employee changes. Jeremy says she’ll have to lose good people, and D’Andra says, they’re the same people who need the money, Jeremy says, welcome to the world. They all have pressures. D’Andra says, it’s not that. She didn’t think she’d be in this position at 50, having to start over. In her interview, she says if she was her mother, she’d have extreme guilt. Her mother talked her out of her career in DC. Phone call after phone call, asking her to come home. She said she’d give D’Andra the business. She tells Jeremy that she trusted her mother, but her mother lied to her. Jeremy says he believes that. D’Andra says, it’s hurtful on so many levels, but it’s hard to be angry. He takes her hand. She says she’s trying to have a relationship with her mother. She’s 78, and her father isn’t there anymore. She’s trying to do the right thing. Jeremy says she’ll surpass, and make her own legacy. They’ll do it together. She says she doesn’t want to look back, and wants to see it through. Jeremy says she’ll step up, see it through, and move it into the house. She doesn’t know how she’ll get out of the lease, but he says that’s the least of her problems. They can do it. She just made her first decision in her new career. They kiss.
At the shower, a woman comes out and says, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between. Step right up. The guests gather, and she tells LeeAnne, this is her circus, and these are her monkeys. In Kameron’s interview, she says it’s Mad Hatter/Moulin Rouge, and she’s all for it. It’s LeeAnne’s special day. A cake that looks like a circus tent is brought out, and LeeAnne fawns over it, saying she doesn’t want to eat it. Cary says, LeeAnne is pretending like everything is a surprise, when she set it up. They all sit, and Cary says she called rich, and they had a colorful conversation. She asked him some questions, and they’re going to see if LeeAnne gets the answers right. If LeeAnne was a carnival game or ride, which one would she be? LeeAnne says, either the Himalaya or the Tilt-A-Whirl. Oddly enough, I know exactly which rides those are. Carly says, she’s correct on Tilt-A-Whirl. She asks what’s LeeAnne’s sexiest article of clothing or accessory, and LeeAnne says, her skin. Cary says she’s right, and asks what’s the weirdest place they’ve done the deed. LeeAnne says Rich will kill her, but Cary says he gave her the answer. LeeAnne says Rich drilled a hole in the neighbor’s fence. I really don’t want to know any more, but Cary asks if he stuck his d*ck through it. LeeAnne says, be careful; there are splinters. In her interview, Stephanie wonders why they didn’t find a chain-link fence. Cary says, that’s not the answer, and I steel myself. She says they were at a friend’s house for a party, and did it in the bathroom. LeeAnne says they didn’t just do it, they took a picture. With one of their third hands, I guess. In Kary’s interview, she says, wakala, and we see from the subtitle, it means disgusting. LeeAnne opens her gifts, which are all lingerie/sex related. She gets leather handcuffs from Brandi, and in Kameron’s interview, she says Court would freak out if she brought those home. He’d think she was going to lock him up, and steal his credit cards. LeeAnne gets a pair of briefs with Rich’s face on them, and puts them on. She toasts to the first party for her wedding, and thanks everyone. In her interview, she says the first event means she’s really getting married.
Stephanie asks to talk to Kameron. In her interview, Stephanie feels like Kameron is being insensitive. She could squash her feelings, but she doesn’t want to feel resentful. She just wants Kameron to know how she’s making her feel, and hopefully, change things. She tells Kameron, she thought they were getting along great in Mexico, but she feels like Kameron is looking for things to prove Stephanie isn’t good enough. Kameron made her feel like she’s not a good friend. Kameron says she only stated facts, and Stephanie says she’s not bringing up the past, but she thought they were good. Kameron says, if they’re good, why was Stephanie leaving the room all the time? The argument wasn’t between them, but Stephanie went to Kary and talked about personal issues. Kameron says Stephanie has known her for two years. She put her heart on the line getting to know Stephanie, but she opened up to Kary, who she just met. Stephanie says she was having a tough time emotionally. It had nothing to do with Kameron, and she wanted to talk to someone out of the drama. In Stephanie’s interview, she says she was depressed, overwhelmed, and vulnerable, but Kameron is making it all about her. Kameron says she has friends who go through the same thing, and she’s there for them. It breaks her heart that Stephanie didn’t think she’d be there for her, when she would have been. Stephanie reminds Kameron that she said Stephanie wasn’t a good friend, but Kameron says that was because of the situation they were in. Stephanie says trash is a trigger for her too, but Kameron says she didn’t say it to Stephanie. It was between her and Brandi. She’s apologized 200 times, and promised herself that if anyone said the word again, she’d walk away. She’s not being part of the drama. She felt like she was spiraling when Brandi threw the eff word in her face, and no one did anything. She’s done with this. No one cared what Brandi did. In Kameron’s interview, she says friendship is about sticking up for people when things aren’t appropriate, but everyone just sat there, and didn’t do anything. Kameron says she doesn’t know what to do, and Stephanie says don’t call them trash. Kameron says she defended herself when she was being attacked, and now she’s the bad guy. She walks out, saying, seriously, she’s done with it.
In her interview, Kameron says she was blown away. Stephanie wants to be the victim, and she wasn’t even in the conversation. Brandi sits with Stephanie. Kameron comes back inside. Stephanie tells Brandi that she felt judged, but it’s Kameron not her. Kameron tells LeeAnne that she feels sick. She was attacked for saying a word she regretted. She said she was sorry, and she’s not talking about it anymore. Stephanie tells Brandi, maybe she can’t be friends with Kameron. A friend should let you speak. Brandi says she loves Stephanie, and hugs her. In Stephanie’s interview, she says she felt defeated and humiliated. No one else was in the conversation, but Kameron got up, threw a tantrum (geez, she has kids, but apparently doesn’t know what a tantrum is?), and made people believe Stephanie is a horrible person. She tells LeeAnne that Kameron said she was attacking her, and she wasn’t. LeeAnne tells Stephanie, stop it. She’s a beautiful human being
LeeAnne asks for a group photo. In her interview, Stephanie says she’s never stood up to Kameron. She usually apologizes just to get out of the situation, but she’s not doing that anymore. She created her own hell. She wants to be Kameron’s friend, but not her bitch.
Next time, a girls and gays party, Kameron likes drag queens better than strippers, LeeAnne says it’s about her, and a visit to a haunted house.
☔ It Certainly Is This Week…
As a matter-of-fact, I’ve seen enough rain to last a lifetime this year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a cool tune to go with it.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 