Tag Archives: Bravo

April 18, 2018 – Emma the Budding Operative, NYC in the Hamptons, An Observation, Some Star, Serhant Sells Wax & Late

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

In Bern, Anna checks out schools with Emma. Robert shows up, saying sorry he’s late.

Franco sleeps restlessly. Elizabeth wakes him, and tells him, it’s just a dream.

Curtis brings Jordan breakfast at the station. She says she’s been working all night. He asks if she’s had any luck finding Avery or Mike, but she’s had no leads. Since Ava called the FBI, they’ve been working with them, but it’s clearly not a kidnapping. She gets it though. She’s a mom, and thinking your child might be in danger is unbearable.

TJ tells Kiki he posted flyers, and she thanks him. She wants to do something, but doesn’t know what. She’s scared for Avery. She and Mike have been gone all night; anything could have happened.

Maxie meets Nina at Charlie’s. Maxie isn’t sleeping, because it leads to dreaming and fresh heartbreak. Nina wanted to discuss something privately – Peter. Peter walks in, and Maxie says what a coincidence. She wanted to talk to Nina about Peter. He joins them.

Anna asks what Robert is doing there, and he says, helping? She says they’re managing superbly without him. They’ve been to three other schools without a hitch, and oddly, he wasn’t there. He says she can’t be too careful. He assumes they’ve had no luck. Anna says they had a promising lead, but it didn’t pan out, and this is the last school. Emma thinks it’s fun, especially helping Anna to spy. Robert says she’s quite the operative. It sounds like it’s Anna’s last hope, and he asks if she’s giving it up if they don’t find anything.

Anna tells Robert to quit trying to control her with his faux concern. He says the only thing that needs controlling is her obsession with Henrik, and she says she just has loose ends to tie up. If wants to help, stop criticizing, and assist. She tells him that he and Emma are to keep the headmistress busy while she hacks into the system. Standing in front of the laptop on the desk, Emma says it’s already open. The headmistress comes back, and asks Emma what she’s doing at the computer.

Maxie wanted both Nina and Peter to be there; she wants them to get along. Peter says they have a cordial working relationship, and Nina says they’re professionals. Maxie thinks they’re smiling through gritted teeth because of her. Peter says this is a little awkward. Maxie thinks if they get to know each other, it will be easier. They can at least try. They’re both important to her, and she asks them to do it for her and the baby.

TJ tells Kiki that his mom has been working with the FBI all night. Kiki says her mom is probably driving them insane. TJ asks if it’s not supposed to be Kiki’s first day in the Shadow Program. She says she’s supposed to shadow Dr. Bensch, but wishes TJ could take her place.

Jordan tells Curtis that the two most vulnerable types are missing; a child and an aging man with Alzheimer’s. Curtis says after finding out about Jim, his awareness has been heightened. He doesn’t want to miss anything else. He tells her that he’s investigating Peter, and Jordan asks, why? He says maybe Peter isn’t what he seems.

Franco cuddles with Elizabeth. She saw the boys off to school, and came back to bed. Franco says they could stay here all day, but Elizabeth wants to know about his dream. Once again, their cheap sheets are so loud when they’re moving around, it’s hard to hear the dialogue. Does no one check this stuff? Although nothing was worse than when construction was being done near the One Life to Live set. But I digress. Elizabeth says Franco can’t go on like everything is fine. He can’t just keep going like nothing happened. He says he’s put it behind him. She knows he wants it to be over, but it’s not. She adds that it will be, and asks about the nightmare. He dreamed he heard a boy calling for help. She asks if it Drew, but he says it was just a kid, like he was.

Emma tells the headmistress that she’s a fan of the operating system. The headmistress is impressed that she’s familiar with the European system, and apologizes for being short. She takes the students’ privacy seriously. Robert makes introductions, and says “Emelia” is exceptional. They’ve been researching schools, and it’s this is one of the highest rated. The headmistress mentions the theater program, and Emma says she’s also a theater geek. Anna thinks they could make a sizeable contribution to a new theater wing. The headmistress asks Emma if she’s truly ready to go to boarding school. Emma says she’d miss her family, thinks it would be fun; she’s already been to camp. She asks to see the dorm, and the headmistress says it will be on the tour. Her recruit coordinator will be taking them around. Anna says she thought the headmistress would be doing that, but she says she’s busy.

Jordan tells Curtis that Peter has been nothing but cooperative. He says Nina had some suspicions. He thought she was overreacting, but he found some discrepancies in Peter’s background check. Jordan asks why he’s so concerned about Nina, but he says it has more to do with Maxie.

Maxie tells Nina and Peter that she’s close to both of them on a personal and professional level. Maybe if they knew each other better on a personal level, it wouldn’t be so awkward. Peter says he’s game, and would be happy to dispel any doubts Nina has. He doesn’t usually talk about himself; he’s more of a listener. Nina says that’s admirable; most people love to talk about themselves. She’d love to hear about his life.

TJ tells Kiki if they wanted him for the Shadow Program, he’d jump at the chance. She apologizes for being insensitive. She’d thought he had it locked down; his test scores and grades are better than her. she was shocked when she was chosen. He says, no disrespect, but so was he. The committee saw something that made a difference, and asks if she knows why they chose her. She flashes back to David saying he has the deciding vote.

Franco tells Elizabeth that when he cornered Jim at the studio, he forced him to write down all the names of the kids he abused. He shows Elizabeth the list, and she asks if he’s sure it’s real. Jim was afraid for his life; maybe he made it up. Franco says he watched Jim write it, and he knew them by heart.

Anna tells the headmistress that “Emelia” obviously has her choice of other schools, and they were shown around by the headmistress at the others. Emma says they should just go, suggesting she be enrolled in one of the others. The headmistress says she’ll have her meeting postponed, and escort them herself. Anna pretends to feel dizzy, and explains she has a rare blood disorder. She tells them go on ahead while she rests. The headmistress tells her to make herself comfortable. As soon as they leave, Anna gets on the laptop.

Peter says he was never good at first dates, and Maxie tells him at least it’s not a blind date; they know each other. Peter says he knows as little about Nina as she knows about him. Maxie ask her to share, but Nina says there’s not much to share. When she was pregnant, her mother told her that her husband was having an affair. She fell apart, and was in a coma for twenty years. When she woke up, she kidnapped a baby, and was institutionalized. She tells him about her other two marriages, and says Crimson fell into her lap. She and Maxie turned it around, and now she has a man who loves her, and a daughter, and a pending niece or nephew who Nathan would have adored, had he not been shot by his father.

Kiki tells TJ it didn’t feel right. She would have turned it down, but was told she would look angry and unprofessional. TJ says he wouldn’t expect her to turn it down. They must have been looking for something else. She works there, and the doctors see her all the time. He thinks he should volunteer more. Kiki says, maybe. He tells her not to worry; he’s happy for her. She says under other circumstances, she’d be happy too, but with a missing sister, she wishes she could take the day off. TJ doesn’t think she’d be faulted if she did.

Elizabeth says there are so many boys on the list; their innocence destroyed and scarred for life. She wonders how it’s affected their thinking, their choices, and hearts, and how they can trust anyone. Franco says maybe they got lucky; he did. Maybe they have someone like her in their lives. She says he’s the one who remembered and confronted Jim, but he says not soon enough. Elizabeth says maybe they’re grown and got help and healed. Franco says maybe they’re still haunted and suffering, the way he is. She asks what he’s doing with the list.

Anna finds a match in the school records. She hears them coming back.

Peter says he didn’t have a normal, happy childhood. His mother wasn’t around, and his dad shipped him to boarding school. He attended several, but came to. He talks about living in Milan, but Nina catches him when he claims to have lived in the center of the city, since she’s more familiar with it than he is.

Curtis tells Jordan that there should be a living situation on record, but it’s like Peter didn’t exist before he turned twenty-one. Jordan suggests he came from a wealthy family who was protecting him against publicity, but Curtis thinks no internet presence is odd. He thinks maybe the records of the offshore companies he worked for were doctored, and Jordan says even big companies do it to protect people. Curtis says there’s no birth record. He asks if she can check to see if Peter is in the witness protection program.

David (aka Dr.Bensch) asks if Kiki is ready. She explains her little sister is missing, and wonder if they could postpone.

Franco doesn’t know what he’s going to do with the list yet. She asks if he thinks they don’t deserve to know Jim is dead; they might be relieved. He says he doesn’t know how to track them down, but she says there are plenty of ways. He asks what if they don’t want to be found or reminded? What if they’re like him, and tried to bury everything. She says then they’ll deal like he did, but it’s up to them. Franco thinks then he’d be the bad guy, dumping everything in their laps. Elizabeth thinks maybe he doesn’t want to talk about it. He says he didn’t remember because didn’t want to give words to something that shouldn’t be spoken. He couldn’t even tell himself. How can he be the voice for all these people?

The headmistress says the tour isn’t over not yet, but she wanted to know if Anna has recovered enough to go with them. Anna says she hasn’t, but feel free to continue. Emma says she’s good, and got what she wanted; they can go. She looks pointedly at Anna.

Jordan asks Curtis, why? He says, for him. It’s a paid job, but concerns someone he cares about. Peter works for Drew, who’s going through hell. He’d hate to see Drew lose his business. Should he keep digging or will she help him?  She makes a call. She tells someone they told her to call if she needed a favor. She just needs a yes or no.

Elizabeth understands the shame and shock. It took a while for her to recover from being raped. She was afraid and angry, and shut down. People helped her through it, like she’s there to help him. She tells him there’s no rush getting through it; it takes time. He needs to take care of himself and heal, then decide about the list. She says he needs to remember he’s far from evil. He didn’t try to kill Drew; he tried to protect him. He was lied to and manipulated, and the one person who should have protected him, failed him. None of it is his fault. He’s free of all of it. He tells her he loves her, and someday, this will be behind them. She knows and will be right there – always – whatever he needs. He says all he needs is her.

David tells Kiki that he heard about it on the news. She says they’re extraordinary circumstances, or she wouldn’t ask. He says it’s too bad she’s having a personal conflict on the first day, but in order to be an effective physician, she can’t let it get in the way of treating patients. She’s learning this on her first day. Kiki wants to be there for her mother, but David asks if she’s essential, or if there’s anything she can do to locate her sister. She admits there isn’t, and he says then her career comes first. They have trained people looking, and she can’t do more to help. The only thing she could do, is hold her mother’s hand. He tells her they’re late for rounds. She asks if he’s doing this because she rejected him.

Peter says where he was, was the center of the city for him, since his office was there. As for love interests, he never stayed any place long enough to find anyone. Maybe if he stays in Port Charles, there will be. Maxie asks why he wouldn’t be staying. What opportunity might lure him away? Nina gets a text, and has to go. Maxie asks if they’re copacetic. Peter says he’s good, and Nina says she has no problem with Peter except for his stinginess with the budget. Nina leaves, and Maxie says that didn’t go as expected. Peter says it was a kind gesture, and appreciated.

Outside of the office, Anna tells Emma that she needs more time. Emma says when they were in the library, Robert was a decoy for her, and she found the school’s production of Julius Caesar. There was an Henri Francoise in the cast, and she thinks it might be Henrik. Robert says Emma is cunning and can get out of a tight spot. She says it’s in her DNA; she comes from long line of spies.

Franco and Elizabeth get busy. There’s a song part. I try to get my email, which is messed up today. The cherry on my internet cake for the week.

David tells Kiki that he’s set their misunderstanding aside, and expects her to show maturity. Not everything is about her. He tells her not to squander the opportunity. They have work to do – unless she wants to wallow in her personal problems.

Curtis tells Nina there’s no record of Peter before he was twenty-one, and his professional records are superficial. There could be a legit reason, but there are also illegitimate reasons. He says to act natural, and don’t tip him off. Keep her suspicions to herself, and don’t tell Maxie; just be there for her. He repeats not to tell Peter anything, and Nina says she just kind of did that.

Maxie insists on picking up the check. She asks what Peter meant about a better offer, and if he wants to leave Port Charles. He says he’s never put down roots or made friends anywhere. He came to do a job, but he might be getting a life too.

Anna says Emma is right; all the dates match up. Emma tells her that all students are encouraged to take part in the theater program. She thought it sounded like something Henrik would be in, because his father’s name was Cesar. Robert thinks Emma’s powers of deduction are frightening. They look at the cast picture. Anna says she can’t tell anything yet, but she will. She swears she’ll find him.

Tomorrow, Drew asks about Franco, Kim is where she wants to be, and Carly asks Griff what’s going on.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Sonja packs for the Hamptons. She remarks to ex-assistant Lulu that everyone her age is going to jail. She doesn’t want to be photographed dancing on tables, and have her daughter see it on Instagram.

Carole usually stays at Bethenny’s, but her house is full, so she’s staying with Tinsley.

Bethenny puts Groucho Marx nose/glasses on her dogs. She calls her brand manager, making sure things are in order for the weekend. In her interview, she says Carole and Tinsley are thick as thieves.

Sonja hasn’t even gotten on the bus – a Jitney, whatever that is – and she’s exhausted.

Dorinda almost runs over a Con Ed guy. Which most New Yorkers probably want to do. Carole says Ramona is throwing her a marathon party. She tells them it’s like a blur to her; she was in so much pain. Carole says she heard Sonja called Tinsley a whore. In her interview, Tinsley says it’s news to her that a guy is paying her way. It’s upsetting, and making her angry. She tells them it’s defamatory and ridiculous. Dorinda says she was blindsided. Sonja is nasty-nice, cutting your throat while smiling; then you see blood on you. Carole tells them to forget she’s mean. Tinsley talks about confronting her, but not right away, and Carole says, it’s going to be a fun weekend.

LuAnn always had cars for the children, and is thrilled to be driving a Mercedes. She goes to a gourmet store to get a gift basket for Bethenny, and picks up some stuff for brunch. Sonja calls, saying she’s in South Hampton. She’s going to pick up her car that she leaves there. LuAnn says Sonja’s laundry list is crazy. She can’t imagine calling a hostess with a list that long. She wants to blend her own smoothies, so LuAnn picks up a blender as well.

Ramona thinks her car is like her – sexy and powerful, with a lot of energy. Is it annoying too? A friend has recommended an artist to her, and she has him bring over some paintings, since she’s redoing her house. She makes him move some furniture while he’s there. And set up her TV.  Wtf is with these spoiled women?

Sonja arrives with her dog. A dog whose hair has been dyed. LuAnn presents the Ninja blender. Sonja says normally, it would be a case of wine and a twenty-year-old, now it’s juices and a blender. They talk about the trip to Mexico, and we flash back to LuAnn drunkenly falling in the bushes. Sonja says she’s not hearing from Tinsley. In her interview, LuAnn says Sonja can be irritating, but Tinsley can be like a spoiled brat. Sonja thinks that Tinsley reacts like she would with her mother, and hides. She doesn’t want Sonja in her business. LuAnn talks about the marathon party. Sonja says she texted Carole after the marathon, and got a THX a few days later. LuAnn says same with her, but hers was spelled out.

Ramona picks paintings, and Tinsley, Carole, and Dorinda arrive. In her interview, Dorinda says Ramona is doing the right thing by getting rid of the man stuff in the house after the divorce. You shouldn’t smell, hear, see, or touch it. Ramona talks about getting the wrong bed because she clicked on the wrong style online. Translation: She was too lazy to actually look at what she was buying.

Bethenny is ten minutes late for the 8:30 dinner, but no one else is there. She’s worried no one is showing for her party, and sits alone at the table, the other restaurant patrons looking at her. At nine, the ladies begin to trickle in, and not one of them says sorry. Tinsley doesn’t want to sit next to Sonja, and in her interview, Bethenny says the table is the size of a postage stamp. Everyone is sitting next to Sonja. Tinsley totally ignores Sonja. In her interview, Bethenny says Sonja didn’t get the memo. Tinsley is clearly pissed about something. Dorinda tells LuAnn that Sonja is harmful, and fills her in on what she said about Tinsley. She tells LuAnn that Sonja says it with a smile. In her interview, LuAnn doesn’t know who’s supporting Tinsley, but she doesn’t ask those questions.

Luann tells Carole the marathon was a great accomplishment. Sonja complains about Carole’s reply to her text. Bethenny says she never got a reply, but didn’t take it personally. She and Carole get in a disagreement about if and when Bethenny’s text was sent. In her interview, Ramona says it’s a whole new Carole, and she’s found her voice. She’s usually the only one who will contradict Bethenny.  Bethenny pulls out her phone. Carole says she was wrong about the time, but she did reply. In her interview, Bethenny says that it’s hard for Carole to take criticism, even when you’re just making a comment. Tinsley says none of them even showed up at the marathon.

Bethenny says LuAnn isn’t doing badly. LuAnn says she should have heeded Bethenny’s warning, but she couldn’t see. We flash back to the Countess of Denial. I pick myself up off the floor, since she seems truly humbled. She says she was in love and was blind. Bethenny doesn’t want her to feel like she has to say anything, but LuAnn wants to say she was right. In her interview, Bethenny says she didn’t know this moment was coming. Let her get ready. In her interview, LuAnn says, in retrospect, she realizes she didn’t see clearly. She stood by her man, and he watched her fall. She says it’s like a Greek tragedy. In her interview, Bethenny says, farce, satire, and a lot of words fit, but tragedy isn’t one of them. LuAnn says Tom couldn’t handle being married. In her interview, LuAnn says she doesn’t regret anything. We learn and grow from our mistakes. Dorinda says good thing she cut her losses and got out. LuAnn says she just wants to move on. Sonja whines about her not bringing it up, and LuAnn repeats that she wants to move on. Ramona says sometimes it’s good to talk to people who care, but respects her not talking about it. Tinsley says she wasn’t being mean, just trying to help. She talks about Scott, and says he didn’t offer her the option to move, but now he’s willing to jump back in. In her interview, she says they’ve been talking. Not full-on back together, but she thinks it’s a step toward it. Somehow, Tinsley has taken her bra off from underneath her large sweater. Most of us know these tricks, and I applaud. In her interview, Bethenny says, cue the music.

LuAnn sings Happy Birthday. In her interview, Bethenny says not everyone gets a Marilyn Monroe birthday performance, but I’m not sure what that was. A plate of several different desserts like brownies and blondies comes out, with a candle in the middle of it. In her interview, Bethenny says no one is taking the evening too seriously; it’s her type of birthday. They put on Groucho glasses, and dance around.

Carole doesn’t believe anything bad will happen, so she doesn’t lock her door. Now everyone knows that. I’m starting to rethink Carole. She and Tinsley meet Bethenny for lunch. They discuss egg freezing. In her interview, Bethenny says Carole isn’t as excited to see her as she used to be. She’s not Carole’s plus one right now. Tinsley says her mom wanted her to freeze eggs that were younger then forty, and basically forced her to do it. Bethenny says people tolerate Ramona, and Carole says LuAnn is a dark cloud and an ominous presence. Wow. I thought she was just a drunk ex-Countess. In her interview, Bethenny says Carole can’t stand LuAnn.

LuAnn bakes pies. Sonja wears LuAnn’s slippers, and is glad she’s not like Dorinda, who was not happy when Sonja raided her closet. Dorinda and Ramona arrive. They talk about Tinsley ignoring Sonja at dinner.

Bethenny asks what Tinsley is mad about, and Tinsley fills her in about what Sonja said. In her interview, Bethenny says kept woman is the next step after socialite, although I don’t think that’s true. Tinsley says Sonja makes it sound like she’s an escort.

LuAnn and the others sit to eat. Sonja talks about taking antidepressants because she’s high strung. In her interview, Dorinda says everything there is to be suffered, Sonja owns it. She’s the only one who’s done anything of worth. Ramona remarks about how defensive Carole and Bethenny were. LuAnn thinks there’s been a change in the dynamic. Dorinda says Carole has changed, and LuAnn says marathons will do that. They give you a sense of empowerment.

Carole says she wasn’t angry at Bethenny, just correcting her. In her interview, Bethenny is excited about the house she bought. It’s not far from the restaurant, and they’re walking over.

Ramona whines about renovations, and Sonja says something about Ramona being involved with the contractor. Ramona doesn’t like it when Sonja makes up stuff. Dorinda asks how Sonja would like it if they just made things up? In her interview, Sonja says Ramona makes fast friends when she needs something, then dumps them. Dorinda goes on a tear, chattering away nonsensically the way Sonja does. In her interview, Dorinda says she wants Sonja to be present. Sonja says she’s not making it up, and Ramona says she is. In her interview, Ramona says Sonja has been missing in action, and she’s not making sense. Ramona suggests they make a pact to be more considerate of each other’s feelings. I laugh. Sonja says she doesn’t express her feelings well; she’s sensitive. LuAnn says Sonja has been through a lot. Dorinda says, stop with the baloney. She buried a husband, and Sonja acts like the world came to an end because hers left her eleven years ago. She tells Sonja not to compare the two. He left her. She was screwing around in the south of France, and he married her friend.

To be continued…

Next time, Bethenny visits the new house, Dorinda and Ramona both demand an apology from Sonja, and Tinsley screeches at Sonja.

🌴 Because I have nothing better to do, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was on in the background, I was thinking about how LVP didn’t use Dorit in the photo shoot for the jewelry in Beverly Hills Lifestyle. LisaR tried to stir the pot, by asking was it the photographer or really LVP who didn’t want to use Dorit? The photographer definitely said he did not want to use Dorit because she’d badmouthed the photos. And she did. She said they were terrible, and she didn’t like anything about them. You might think, who cares, as long as he likes them, and the magazine is happy about them, but I thought of something else. It could be the photographer is just a temperamental artist, but the magazine might be concerned she’d give them bad press, especially since her comments were shown on the program. Dorit needs to quit being offensive, and then being offended when there are repercussions. Yep, this is the kind of thing I think about.

⭐ On Star, Carlotta told Star and Alex they were both messed up, and the common denominator was Noah. Alex realized she couldn’t live next door to Derek and focus on the tour, and Carlotta told her to do what she had to. Carlotta told Maurice that Take 3 needed a hot track, and she’d found an old one for them to use. He decided to have the group and Noah both do demos, and Maurice picked Noah to do the track.

Simone suggested Angel come live at the salon. Carlotta agreed, but later found them getting busy in her new wig room. They weren’t the only ones getting busy, since Angel walked in on his mom and Jahil revisiting their history in more ways than one. Paola decided to go back to her husband, telling Jahil that he was her first love, but can’t be her last.

At the reopening party for the salon, Star and Miss Ruby nearly had a throw down, after which Star got seriously drunk. Jackson took her to a bar, but called Maurice to come and get her. She told Maurice that she’d killed her mother, but didn’t remember it the next day. Maurice offered her another song, but she said she didn’t want a pity track. Alex had seen Derek with someone else at the party, and also saw that he could move. Noah had apologized for coming between them, but since that wasn’t a problem anymore, Alex and Noah got busy in the RV. Lots of that going around tonight.

Simone told Star that she can’t help it if she’s white, and to ignore Miss Ruby. During the party clean-up, Miss Ruby said she could handle Star’s ass, having survived abuse at the hands of white people. She’s not so sure Star is white anyway. So, I guess that was a truce.

A woman knocked at the salon door, looking for her son’s father, Arnold. Cotton told her he’s not there anymore. Next time, Cotton deals with being a father. Throughout the episode, Queen Latifah wore a modern version of a 50s bob, with the subtlest, most beautiful, purple highlights.

💲 This week on Sell It Like Serhant, Ryan helped sell waxing memberships to hairy New Yorkers. He told us that Mariel had sparkle, but no self-confidence. That was putting it mildly, since she could barely get through a sales pitch. The owner said she was opening a new spot, and if Mariel wasn’t up to speed by the time she did, she was going to let her go. Mariel told Ryan that waxing freaks her out. Ryan thought it was the weirdest thing ever after talking to a potential client himself (and selling a membership), but weirder for the person walking in. After she almost gave up passing out flyers, Ryan had a heart-to-heart with Mariel, who said she’d moved to NYC from LA with her boyfriend. Then whined that she had no one. Her parents told her that she had to make it on her own (much like Mary Tyler Moore, but without the spunk). Planning on managing the salon when the boss went to the new location, she told Ryan that her goal was to be an entrepreneur – a term thrown around so much, I don’t even know what it means anymore. Even though she wasn’t that enthusiastic about the business, she didn’t want to switch lanes when she’s halfway there. Her parents sounded sensible, but she struck me as spoiled as far as her expectations of life in the city went. She made it sound like life was lonely and torturous. Her apartment was a million times nicer than my first one, and after living with roommates I didn’t know well, I lived by myself. Somehow, Muriel got it together at a sales event. Ryan wanted to settle for three subscriptions, but the boss wanted five. The takeaway sales point was to never take no for an answer. Muriel’s sales have increased by 60%, so there you go. Next time, it looks like Ryan helps out a cabin salesman, although clips of a gym and some lumberjacking confused me.

🎶 An Appropriate Song Title…

 

 

 

April 13, 2018 – Sam Teams Up with Jason, Beverly Hills Takes Its Seasonal Bow, 31 Doorbells & a Terrier

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Ava storms into Sonny’s house, asking what he’s done with her little girl. Chase asks if she’s the mom, not Carly, and Michael says Sonny has full custody. Ava tells them that she had to find out Avery was missing from an alert on her phone. Sonny says he’s been focused on finding Avery. Chase asks where Ava was, and she says at Charlie’s, waiting for Carly. Michael confirms that, and Griff arrives. Ava notices that Sonny and Carly are whispering, and she says if they’re discussing any information about Avery, tell her right now.

Jason tells Sam that the Swiss police arrested Spinelli, and he has to get him out of lockup. She asks how he plans on doing that.

Kim comes into Charlie’s. Julian says he missed her company, and she tells him that she brought him something – pillows for his office/bedroom. It’s her way of thanking him for being understanding about her feelings for Drew.

Dante gets into bed with Lulu, whining that the Yankees lost. She tells him the season just started, but he says they all count. She says, they’ll come back. They’re the Yankees; it’s what they do. He tells her, spoken like a true fan. They start to get busy, since apparently, Yankee fandom is hot.

Sonny says that Max reached out to his associates, and he’s positive Avery and Mike’s disappearance had nothing to do with his business. Ava asks Chase if he knows that Sonny is the Godfather of Port Charles, and that his goons won’t share half of what they know. Sonny insists he’s fully cooperating. Carly says that Avery is the most important thing, and Ava asks why Carly wasn’t with her. What could have been so important?

Jason tells Sam that he can take care of it himself. Sam says he’s not good at passing himself off as someone else. She’ll go. She has a fake ID that she always carries. She wonders what they were thinking, and Jason says Spinelli had a plan. Alexis arrives, saying it was a long flight. She says hello to Jason like this is no big deal, and Sam asks what she’s doing there. She says Sam left for a week and took her grandchildren. Sam says they need her to watch the kids. Geez. Mom as free babysitter within ten seconds. She tells Alexis that Spinelli is in jail, and they need to get him out.

Julian thanks Kim for the pillows, and she admits she was thinking about herself a little. He’s glad to be able to talk to someone, since he can’t say hello to Alexis without disaster striking. He’s worried about Sam, who left town for a while. Kim says she probably just wanted to clear her head. He says no one is returning his calls, but Kim is sure Sam is all right. He’s worried about when she comes home, because he thinks Drew is the best guy for her. He realizes he’s being insensitive, but Kim says it’s fine. He let her slide; now it’s her turn.

Lulu interrupts the preliminaries, telling Dante she needs to hit save on her laptop. Dante asks if she wants to text her boss while she’s at it. She says Peter has been supportive, but Dante thinks there’s a fine line between that and manipulative. He just wants her to have her eyes open; he’s not the perfect mentor. She says they’ll have to agree to disagree. She doesn’t like things about Dante being a cop, but it comes with the package, and the same goes for him. He says he wants her to be successful, and she tells him, ditto, but there’s something lacking in his training. They get busy again.

Carly says she had a doctor’s appointment, and was going to drop Avery off after she went to the park with the nanny and Avery’s grandfather. She called Pilar when she realized she was going to be delayed. Chase wonders if one of Sonny’s enemies could have caused the delay, but Sonny says that’s not the case. Ava wants to know who would leave a child alone with a man who has dementia. Avery went missing on Carly’s watch. Griff thinks she should table the blame, but Ava says Carly put her daughter in danger, and she wants to know why. Sonny says, enough! which is what he always says when he runs out of other words. He says Carly didn’t leave her alone; it was an accident. Ava wonders if he’d say the same if it was her, or would he call her negligent? That is a really good point. He says Mike would never hurt Avery, and she says, not under normal circumstances. Michael suggests looking by the carousel. Chase tells Sonny that he understands his need to control things, but let the police search. Michael says they’re fully cooperating. Ava and Griff decide to go to the station. Ava says that Sonny has claimed he’s keeping her and Avery apart for Avery’s safety. Who’s the threat now?

Alexis tells Sam that she’ll watch the kids as soon as they talk alone. Jason leaves, and Sam asks, what just happened? Alexis says she’s worried about Sam. Spinelli did something illegal, now they’re all doing something illegal in a foreign country with her grandchildren there. Sam says she has a valid point. However – Alexis knew there would be a however – she’s assuming they’ll get caught. She, Spinelli, and Jason don’t get caught. I’m not sure what she’s calling what just happened to Spinelli, but okay. She says they’ve been in worse situations than this. Alexis says it’s worse than she thought. Sam and Jason are getting back together, aren’t they?

Kim tells Julian it’s a confusing situation. Julian knows how she feels. She admits her heart raced a little seeing Drew, but it’s only a reflex. They haven’t even had alone time in over a decade. Besides, she’s having fun with Julian. They sit a a table, talking and laughing together, and Lucy comes in. She says a little birdie at the hospital told where to find Kim. Julian introduces them.

Sonny asks Michael if he’s heard from Dante. Michael says he left some messages. He tells Sonny that they’ll find her, and leaves. Carly says he’s right; it will be okay. Mike would never hurt Avery. Sonny says not on purpose, but what if he doesn’t remember who she is?

Spinelli waits in an interrogation room. He looks up, and says, Deputy Marshall, we meet again. The warden, or whoever he is, says this is the man who was posing as Henrik Faison. Spinelli tells Jason that since he’s been following him around the planet, he should say thank you. It beats his cubicle in Washington. Jason says the sooner he’s in custody, the better. The Swiss dude goes to check on the paperwork. Spinelli says he trusts everything was in order, and no one questioned him. Jason asks if Spinelli is okay, and he says it’s actually quite pleasant, as much as lockup can be. The staff is polite, and the food is edible, as long as you like sausages and strudel. He hopes he didn’t pull Jason out of slumber. Jason says he was with Sam.

Sam explains to Alexis how she and Jason bumped into each other in the hotel hallway. Alexis wonders if Jason followed her, but she says he’d never do that. Alexis asks if Spinelli would. Sam says it’s not out of the realm of possibilities, but if he did, they’re having a serious conversation. Alexis says everyone else does Jason’s dirty work. It’s never his fault. Sam says Alexis wants him to be wrong, but Alexis says she wants Sam to be safe. She broke free of that life, now Jason is dragging her back. Sam says no one is dragging her anywhere. She’s not with Jason. She’s not ready.

Lucy tells Kim that she’s there on behalf of the Nurses’ Ball, an historic tradition and the largest fund raiser for the hospital, with the money going to HIV/AIDS research. Kim says she’ll take two tickets. Lucy looks at Julian, and he says he’ll be there. She says the donations offset the operative costs, so the proceeds can go to charity. She tells Julian that Sonny is very generous, and gives the largest contribution every year, but she’s not saying he has to live up to Sonny’s example. Julian tells her to put him down for whatever Sonny puts in. She sits down, and says they have to talk about something else that’s important – the performances. How does Kim feel about the spotlight?

Lulu and Dante have pillow talk. She asks him if the WSB ever shared any intel on Henrik or the connection between him and his father. Dante says in the spirit of agreeing to disagree, he has no input. She says fine. She’ll do her business, and he’ll do his. He says, unless it’s something big that could be dangerous and she’s wondering if she should take the risk. If it effects the family and kids, they definitely have to talk about it.

Sonny keeps thinking about how much Avery loves and trusts Mike. She has faith he’ll protect her, but that’s not the case anymore. Carly says even if he’s having an episode, Mike will make sure she’s okay. Sonny says, what if he wanders off? Carly says, someone will find her. Sonny tells her it’s cold and dark. Carly is scared too, but says they’ll get her home. She’s so sorry she wasn’t there. Sonny says she never said where she was. She thinks about the note and being in the cemetery, and he asks, where was she?

Sam agrees that she’s tired and confused, but just because she’s mixed up doesn’t mean she can’t help solve a mystery. Alexis asks if she thinks she can really leap tall buildings and face gunfire without getting back into the relationship with Jason.

Jason asks if Spinelli knew Sam and the kids were there. Spinelli says he might have had that information; he’s been keeping tabs on their whereabouts. Jason asks if Sam knew, and he says, no, but if there was an emergency, he could alert Jason to their peril, and he could save the day. Jason asks why he didn’t tell him, and Spinelli thought the probability of them coming into contact was very low. If they did encounter one another, it would be fate. There were no machinations on his part whatsoever, and he waited to see if fate would bring them together. Jason says if he wants to leave it to fate, don’t interfere. Stop pushing. Spinelli asks if it isn’t what his heart desires more than anything.

Lulu gets back on her laptop, and sees the alert. She looks at Dante’s phone, and calls out to him.

Max tells Sonny that they went through the park twice, and checked the playgrounds, but there’s no sign. Sonny asks, what about near Charles Street where Mike used to stash the goods? Max says they’re doing that now. Sonny tells him to give the guys emergency blankets. When Avery and Mike are found, they’ll be cold.

Chase says they’ve been missing over five hours, and there’s some cop talk about units. Ava tells Griff that Avery has to be all right, and he says don’t go there. She says what if she’s hurt? Mike wandered off, and Avery is with him. Griff says the police will find them. Chase asks Michael if he can think of anything else. Michael says he keeps going through it, trying to figure out where Mike took her. Ava says Avery isn’t really missing. Mike walked off with her, and where she’s from, they call it kidnapping.

Kim says unless Lucy wants her to deliver a baby on stage, she has no talent. Lucy says that’s the point. It’s not about talent, but heart. She just needs to have fun. It’s magical. The one night they come together, putting aside their differences and heartbreak, for a worthy cause. She tells them both to think about it. She’ll keep in touch – ta!

Kim says, she is…  and Julian says, yep. Kim asks if he knows he was just manipulated into a huge donation. He realizes that, but says it’s for a worthy cause. Kim asks if he wants to be her date. He says a lot can happen between now and then. She says she’s counting on it.

Sam tells Alexis she doesn’t care how it looks. She’s a PI, and she’s good at it. It’s been a long time since she did something she’s good at, could breathe, and be herself. She’s looking forward to it. Alexis is glad she’s happy and feels less suffocated, but asks what she plans to do with the kids. Sam says maybe Alexis can take them back to Port Charles. Alexis goes on record that this is a terrible idea, but she’s happy to take the kids. They hug.

Jason says it kills him not telling Sam they should get together and worry about everything else later. He has to stop himself because she’s not ready. He doesn’t know if she ever will be, but the last thing he wants to do is pressure her and make it worse. He loves her, but doesn’t want to be her choice because she doesn’t know what else to do. If Spinelli’s goal is to be a friend, then be a friend to Sam. Spinelli says Sam was shattered when she lost him. Little by little, she rebuilt her life, but she wasn’t the same person. She lost herself until him – the actual him – came back. He can and will be a friend, and gives his word, as much as he might feel they belong together. The warden, or whoever he is, comes back. He says Spinelli is Jason’s problem now. Jason cuffs him, and tells him to shut up and walk. He takes Spinelli outside.

Dante runs into Sonny’s place, apologizing, saying his phone was dead. He asks if they’re cooperating with the police, and Sonny says they just want her found. Dante asks what happened, and how Mike was this morning. Sonny says they had a tough conversation, Mike was doing a puzzle, and he left. Dante asks if Mike was talking about any people or places he wanted to see, and how Pilar described him. Sonny says everything was fine, and she went to get a pretzel. She turned her back for a minute, and they were gone.

Ava tells Chase to call the FBI. Michael asks if she’s serious. He wonders if she’s doing this because she’s scared, or wants a bigger club to beat his dad with. He tells Chase it wasn’t kidnapping, but Chase says they’ll leave that decision up to the FBI. Michael calls Dante.

Dante tells Michael that he had the feeling that might happen. He tells Sonny that the direction has been changed from missing to kidnapping, and the FBI has been notified.

Kim asks Julian why he’s gun shy. He insists he’s not, and she says, then tell her yes. It’s one magical night, and she wants to spend with him. She suggests they make a pact. If either one of them is feeling a change, they let the other know right away; no muss, no fuss. He says it sounds good, and he’d love to go with her.

On the phone, Lulu says this needs to run on their digital site. Right now, a little girl and her grandfather are missing.

Ava says Avery must be tired and scared; where is the FBI? Griff tells her labeling Mike as a kidnapper isn’t going to help; he’s not a criminal. She says she gets that he’s sick, but Griff could have prevented this by telling Sonny’s family he should be watched at all times. Griff says it was an accident.

Sonny says if Mike is treated like a criminal, he won’t handle it well. They’re running out of time.

Alexis books a flight for her and the kids back to Port Charles.

Outside, Jason uncuffs Spinelli. They start to head to the train, when Sam asks if they need a ride; she’s driving. Sam smiles, and Spinelli looks out of his mind with joy.

Tomorrow, it’s Kiki’s first day to shadow, Elizabeth tells Franco it’s not over yet, and Curtis tells Jordan that Peter isn’t who he seems to be.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Dorit arrives at the fashion show, and is delighted the palm trees are there. The space does look wonderful. She says her vision was interpreted exactly. She’s invited the press and influencers, and hopes they get the word out – and that it’s a good word.

Ken is snoozing in the car, and LVP tells him not to sleep through the show. She’s hoping the models on the catwalk keep him awake.

In her interview, Dorit says it was difficult when PK asked her to give up her company to start a family. The only way to reconcile it was to go on hiatus, and now they have two beautiful kids to show for it.

Erika is still sick, and sweating it out. In her interview, LisaR says she can relate to Dorit. You’re one collection away from being a huge success or a failure.

The ladies do the red-carpet thing, and go in for cocktails. Dorit does a last-minute check of the models. Camille got engaged the night before, and everyone admires her huge round diamond. She says life is pretty darn good. In her interview, LVP says Camille has had a horrible, tumultuous ride, and we flash back to that d-bag Kelsey Grammer, who doesn’t deserve bold type. Now she’s in a great place. Edwin and Mauricio discuss Mauricio’s new house. Once again, Pantygate is brought up. Kyle feels it’s the second time Dorit is trying to create a problem between her and Erika, but Erika says it’s water under the bridge.

PK announces the start of the show. Kyle wonders if there’s an actual beach behind the curtain. Nope. It reveals the runway and seats. Dorit makes final adjustments, and announces Beverly Beach. The swimsuits are cute, but there’s not much to them, and I wonder how much she’s charging for that square foot of fabric. In her interview, LisaR says she’d totally buy one, but she’s hoping to get one for free. Dorit is proud of herself, and says she’s back. PK gives her a huge bouquet backstage. She’s thankful for his support, and says he’s empowered her to do what she wants to. Dorit gets loads of congratulations from the ladies. In her interview, LisaR says she and Dorit have come 360… or maybe it’s 180. Dorit appreciates everyone’s support. LVP says she talks too much, but has good intentions and is a great girl, supportive of her friends.

Kyle asks when the issue of Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine with Dorit in it is coming out, and LVP says Dorit didn’t like the photos. The photographer was upset that Dorit reacted so negatively, and they’re not being used. We flash back to Dorit saying there isn’t one thing she likes about the pictures. In her interview, Dorit wonders if LVP would have even told her if Kyle hadn’t brought it up. In her interview, LisaR wonders if Dorit wasn’t happy with the photos, or LVP isn’t happy with Dorit. We see a clip of the photographer saying he wants it dropped. LVP says they’ll see the jewelry, but not Dorit. In her interview, LVP says that’s what they do in England – chop off people’s heads. Kyle says LVP should put her on the cover; she doesn’t even need a glam squad. Dorit asks if Kyle has unresolved feelings. If so, they should clear it up.

Dorit says Kyle keeps saying they’re great, but it doesn’t seem that way. Kyle says she can’t expect there to be no repercussions from the dinner at the hotel. Dorit looks puzzled, and Erika helps out by saying, it’s about the underwear, referring to Pantygate – which we will never, ever be allowed to forget . Kyle says when Dorit wanted to get close to Erika, Dorit threw her under the bus again. In her interview, Kyle says she had nothing to do with Erika’s reaction to the underwear. Dorit might believe in her own delusions, but she doesn’t. She tells Dorit that she wanted to get past it, so she said they’re good, but still has feelings about it. It also comes on the heels of Dorit saying she was the first to complain that Erika left the beach house. You can’t do that to friends. Dorit claims she didn’t say Kyle was part of it. Erika says she insinuated it. In her interview, Erika tells us that she put this to bed a year ago. LVP says it’s ridiculous to go back to the underwear. I feel ridiculous even typing that. Kyle asks if Dorit thinks she was a part of it, and forever turning the tables, Dorit says Kyle must have guilt if she feels this sensitive. In her interview, Kyle says all it would take is Erika saying that Dorit hurt her feelings and embarrassed her, and Kyle had nothing to do with it. Kyle says everyone knows she had nothing to do with it, and gets up. In her interview, Erika says Kyle is worked up, and not hearing her. She never thought Kyle anything to do with it, she did defend her, and they’re good. Kyle blows the girls a kiss, and breezes out. Dorit says it’s all too Beverly Hills for her liking, which I would think would be appropriate, given the name of the collection. Kyle says she’s not kissing Dorit’s ass. In her interview, LisaR thinks Kyle likes consistency with friends or it triggers stuff about her family. I think it’s safe for me to say that most of us like consistency in all of our relationships. LisaR might be out of the drama, but she still sees it where there isn’t any.

Erika isn’t sure what the big deal is, since it was between her and Dorit. Kyle tells Mauricio that everyone is so busy kissing ass and bullsh*tting, no one is being honest. And if it’s at her expense, she’s not doing it any more. They leave. Kyle feels like everyone is full of sh*t, and doesn’t feel like being fake.

Erika says Kyle is frustrated and hurt. Teddi thinks she wanted Erika to chime in. Erika says Kyle knows she’s not blaming her. In her interview, Teddi says Erika’s silence is just as infuriating as when she was yelling at her. Just be a good friend. Dorit whines that the spirit of the evening ruined because of this. She wouldn’t do that on an important night for someone else. We flash back to her ruining Teddi’s glam night. In her interview, she says once again, Kyle has ruined a special night for her. First New York, now her fashion show. It’s not cool. Dorit, you are no Countess.

Erika leaves Kyle a message that she hates to see Kyle upset like this, and to call her back. Kyle asks Mauricio why no one has the balls to be honest.

LisaR calls Delilah to video chat, and Delilah shows them her apartment. I can tell you this, it’s very different from my first apartment in NYC. The closet was a triangle, about two feet in circumference. That should give you an idea of how magnificent it was. Harry tells her that Vogue girls are known for clean apartments. Nice try. In her interview, LisaR is blown away by Delilah’s capabilities, since she couldn’t leave the house six months ago. She’s proud. I’d also say that’s quite an accomplishment. A hairdresser shows up, since Harry needs a trim to reshoot a scene. They talk about Amelia getting the Hudson Jeans campaign. Those are nice jeans. LisaR says she’s not in the midst of the drama, when she’d been in the middle of it for three years. She decided to move on; life is too short. In her interview, she says she’s not invested enough in the petty bullsh*t to fight for herself or anyone else. The hairdresser says she’s the nicest chick he’s ever met. In her interview, LisaR is glad she’s not in the middle of it anymore. Harry asks if she’s the Yoda of the group.

Teddi and Kyle go for a run, and work out in the park. Teddi says she’s kind of obsessed with some of the bathing suits. Kyle says Dorit has great taste. Kyle felt a little tortured, and says she could have handled it better, but no one is being honest. Teddi says everyone needs to stop kissing ass, and Kyle says it was like crickets. Teddi agrees Erika could have contributed. She thinks they’ll put it aside for the viewing party. It’s exhausting, and no one gets to the point. She’s with Kyle on the subject, but not so much the delivery. In her interview, Teddi says she and Kyle approach conflict in a similar way. Teddi might have a little cry, and Kyle might flee a fashion show, but both come from the same place – frustration.

Giggy! New pup Monroe roughhouses with Schnookie. LVP says Monroe (the pup left at the rescue center last week) was sad, and they brought her to the house to cheer her up. They spoiled and worked on her, and she turned into a “little pleasure chest.” LVP wants to keep her, and points out to Ken how she looks perfect with Schnookie. LVP renames her Binky Boo. She really is adorable. A Wheaten terrier, very energetic and friendly. LVP says they’ve had a lot to deal with, and decided no more dogs for a while, but Binky brought them lots of joy. She tells us to make no mistake, Giggy is still the king. Yes!

Kyle can’t find anything in the new house. She’s happy that Faye and Mauricio organized and situated everything while she was in Berlin. She wanted to stay true to the roots of the house, but add a modern feel. She gets some food ready for the viewing party. LVP says it’s a romantic family house, like in Father of the Bride. Everyone is impressed. In her interview, Dorit says even though Kyle ruined yet another night for her, she’ll always be there to support her. They toast to Dorit’s fashion show and American Woman. Kyle feels bad about how the night ended, and says she was frustrated. Erika says she’s sorry she didn’t step in. She knows 100% that Kyle had nothing to do with it and never did. Kyle says she was mainly hurt and frustrated, and she’s sorry it ended like that. She thought Dorit’s collection was amazing, and she’s happy for and proud of her. She wants to move forward. LVP asks if there’s anything else anyone needs to discuss. In her interview, Dorit appreciates the apology, but wants to think about how she feels. She has more to say, but no more fight. Translation: She’ll bring this up at an inappropriate time in the future.

Kyle gives a tour. It’s a gorgeous house, and a very nice piece of property. She says they chose to buy new house because they didn’t want to do a renovation, but still have to make it their own. She still has things to do to make it feel like a home. We get to the closet, which is the size of a small bedroom, and Kyle says she can’t reach things without a step ladder. In her interview, Teddi says, the struggle is real.

Kyle says she’s been on TV her whole life, starting at age five. It was a natural fit to go behind the camera. Seeing her five-year project come to fruition is a dream come true. They watch the show. In her interview, Teddi says it brings back memories of moving to a new house with her mother and sisters, but not her dad. It’s an emotional trigger for some blocked memories. Everyone loves the show, and I wonder what channel it’s on. Dorit asks how Kyle’s sisters feel about it. Kyle says she hopes they’ll be excited, but they haven’t seen it yet. In her interview, Kyle says her mom was the glue that held the family together. When they lost her, Kyle tried to be the glue, but it doesn’t always work. Everyone says how thrilled with it they are, and thank Kyle for inviting them. In her interview, Kyle says this year has been about changes with both her home and friends. Just because you don’t agree, doesn’t mean you don’t care. She thinks the rest of them care too, and she thanks them for being supportive.

It’s the finale, so we get the little blurbs about what’s happening now. Kyle’s new house was burglarized. Noting has been recovered, and in addition to the usual stuff, some irreplaceable things of her mother’s were taken. This broke my heart, because I know how it feels. My first apartment in Manhattan was burglarized, and they two things that hurt the most were my mother’s engagement ring and my class ring. They also took a box of stage makeup that they must have thought was jewelry. I wish I could have seen the look on their faces. Unless it was a clown burglar.

Dorit tells everyone she’s giving them swimsuits, and says she’s proved it’s never too late to get back in the game. She’s named the swimsuits after her girlfriends. The Erika was on a Sports Illustrated cover, and the LVP sold out quickly. The Teddi Bear hasn’t been released yet.

LisaR feels a reaction to injustice, but realizes it’s not her job to confront it. She had a lesson in that, and while she’s still figuring it out, she thinks she’s learned it. She’ll be throwing her mom a 90th birthday party, where Lois intends to dance and sing, if Erika will help her with the choreography.

Erika has learned to say yes to everything. She tells us when you say yes, life starts to open. You have to take every opportunity, because one day, no one will ask. Her book has reached number nine on the New York Times Bestseller List. She’s revealed that it costs $40K a month to be her.

Teddi has learned that she’s authentically herself, whether people like it or not. She’ll apologize if she does something wrong, but call someone out if they hurt her feelings. She’s moved to a new house, where they paid $2 million under the asking price. She has now developed negotiating skills.

LVP says it’s been an arduous year emotionally, and she didn’t want their friendships to be so complicated. Every friendship is different, and if everyone understood that, life would be simpler. The rescue center has adopted out 500 dogs to new homes (including hers). She has no plans for more dogs, providing she has grandchildren to play with.

Everyone drinks champagne from a different kind of glass.

Next time, the Reunion.

📺 If you can, catch the Watch What Happens Live episode with Dorinda Medley and the Night of 31 Doorbells while it’s still on rotation. It’s one of the shows Andy did in LA, and just about everyone is on it. Most of them are West Coasters, but even Jill Zarin showed up. Lots of old ex cast members like Gretchen Rossi and Adrienne Maloof, as well as the full casts of several shows, like Vanderpump Rules and The Shahs of Sunset. James Kennedy DJ’d, as he’d done all week. The Countess sang Money Can’t Buy You Class, and everyone – guests and audience alike – looked like they were having a fantastic time. Even better, the drinking word was the ringing doorbell, which must have been rung a hundred times. I don’t suggest playing along.

😵 Still catching up from nearly two days with no triple-play. This is what happens when everything in your life happens on your electronics.

🐕 A Cute Bundle of Pup...

WheatenTerrior

A Wheaten Terrier

April 16, 2018 – Jason Reunites with Sam, Jax is the Worst Person on the Planet & Whew!

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What I Watched Today

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

 

I almost kissed the guy from Verizon. It turned out to be a loose wire on the outside pole, most likely due to the hurricane force winds we had over the weekend. I missed bits and pieces of GH in the beginning, but nothing important. Dude got here just in time, and while he was quiet, my dogs were not. They love to help out.

General Hospital

Anna tells Robert there is no danger. Jason isn’t there to watch her back; she’s watching his.

Jason sees Sam in the hotel hallway, and asks what she’s doing there. She asks if he came looking for her. He says, no, and she’s stunned that he found her anyway.

Anna says Robert’s presence is not required. Robert tells her not to be like that. I love Robert. It’s like seeing an old friend.

Finn sees Chase at Charlie’s. Chase has a huge smile, and says, hi, but Finn isn’t having it.

Ava looks at the test results, and wonders what Griff is hiding. She runs into Michael at Charlie’s, and tells him that Carly is late with Avery.

Carly looks at note – find me where you left me tonight. She goes to the graveyard, and Nelle watches.

Jason tells Sam that he’s there with Anna looking for Henrik. He says she came to get away and think, so he’s going to let her do it. Sam says she’s not going to pretend she doesn’t see him, and asks if he wants to talk about the investigation. He says, sure, and follows her to her suite.

Robert says he knows what Anna is doing, but she says doesn’t think so. Jason is the best asset she‘s ever seen. She’s grateful that he rid the world, and her, of Faison, but she doesn’t think Henrik deserves the same fate. Robert says it’s not her responsibility, but she says she’s as responsible for Henrik as Faison is.

Chase makes an attempt at banter with Finn, but Finn is irritated by Chase rolling a quarter across his knuckles. Finn tells him to cut it out, but Chase says it calms him. Chase gets a text, and has to leave.

Michael suggests that Ava phone Carly, but Ava says Carly’s phone has a tendency to drop her calls. She tells him that Nelle sets good example for her. She could learn a lot from the way Nelle tolerates Carly.

Carly tells Morgan that she’s early for her weekly visit, but someone wants her here; someone who knows him, and knows what he means to her. She smells something, and Nelle flashes back to Ava finding Morgan’s cologne. We see Nelle spraying it all over the gravesite.

One of Sonny’s guys asks if Sonny wants him to look for Mike, but Sonny thinks maybe he got hung up with Carly somewhere. Pilar runs in, asking if Mike brought Avery back. She explains how he went to the park with them, and when she went to the pretzel cart, Mike left with Avery. Sonny can’t believe she left them, but she says she just turned her back for a minute. She was hoping he brought her home. He asks why Carly wasn’t at the park, and Pilar says something came up and she was supposed to meet them there.

Carly knows that smell. She looks around and calls for Morgan.

Nelle goes to Charlie’s, and sees Michael. She asks if he’s meeting someone, but he’s there to pick something up. She tells him, great work in Lamaze, but he says she did the work. She changes it to good support, and says they make a great team for the baby. He tells her about an ELQ event for expectant parents; really an excuse to get together socialize. He asks if she wants to go.

Griff and Kiki toast to her success as a Shadow with empty coffee cups (sigh). He says rumor has it Dr. Bensch championed her cause. He tells her that they’re all pulling for her. Epiphany says don’t let them down.

Robert tells Anna that Henrik has nothing to do with her, but she says he has everything to do with her. She was in and out of Faison’s life for decades, and if she’d paid attention, she might have discovered his existence. Robert says Faison never let on that he had a son, but she says she never bothered to ask. Henrik was raised with a tyrant for a father, and still saved Jason’s life. Robert asks why. She doesn’t know; conscience, a glimmer of humanity? Robert suggest he might have wanted to use the best asset she’s ever seen for his own ends. She refuses to condemn him on speculation. She needs to find him. Robert asks, and then what? Offer him redemption? She says, exactly.

Jason asks Sam, why Switzerland? She says she spun the globe, put her finger on it, and here she is. And him. She asks about his lead on Henrik. Jason tells her the book gave him new leads. At the end, the son takes the lighter from his father’s hospital room when he dies. Anna confirmed Faison had one, and was carrying it, but it wasn’t in his personal effects. The theory there is the night Faison died, Henrik took it. Sam says if they find the lighter, they find Henrik. Jason says the problem is, so many people were in and out of the hospital, and a lighter is small enough to be concealed anywhere. The next lead is that Henrik could be targeting his mother.

Anna tells Robert that she’s not writing Henrik off. Whatever he was coerced into doing, she believes he deserves a chance at his own life and intends to see he gets it. Robert is worried about her working with Jason, and now their granddaughter is mixed up in it. Anna says he’s perilously close to pissing her off. She would never bring Emma into anything dangerous; it’s a research trip. She’s capable and they have a bodyguard. Robert says they have a mob hit man. Why throw in with Jason? He wonders where Finn is, and thought he was her back up.

At the hospital, Finn tells Griff that he sees no sign of infection. The underlying problem doesn’t seem to be physical. Griff appreciates the consult, and asks how things are with Anna. Finn says he doesn’t know. They’re not as close as they once were. Griff had hoped Faison’s death brought her peace, but Finn says she’s transferred her energy to finding Faison’s son. She can take care of herself, and he thinks she prefers to.

Kiki asks Epiphany about the Shadow schedule. Epiphany says she plugged Kiki in where she could with her regular job, and Kiki says she’ll turn herself into a pretzel and make it work. Kiki sees that the first doctor she’s going to shadow with is Dr. Bensch; she’d thought it was in obstetrics. She asks if Epiphany can change it. Epiphany gives her a look, and Kiki says, never mind.

Kiki goes to David’s office. He asks if he can help her.

Michael tells Ava about the ELQ event, and Nelle says she’d love to go if she’s not working. Ava says they can talk about donations for the Nurses’ Ball tonight instead. Sonny calls Michael, asking if he’s seen Avery or his mother. Michael says Carly was supposed to meet Ava at Charlies, and drop Avery off. Ava was looking for them too. Sonny says he’ll fill Michael in when he gets there, and not to tell Ava there’s anything wrong. He leaves. Nelle asks Ava about the pictures of the donations. Ava says they’re on her phone, and goes to get some food. Nelle scrolls through the phone, sees the picture of the test results, and says, what have we here?

Carly hears someone. It’s Chase, who asks what she’s doing there. She says she came to visit her son’s grave. He tells her that he got a call about a prowler, and there’s been vandalism at the cemetery. She says she didn’t see anyone, but he tells her she still shouldn’t be there. The earthquake left the ground unstable. She tells him about the note, but when she shows it to him, it’s blank. Okay, I have to admit, Nelle’s plan is picking up steam.

Sonny leaves a message for Carly, and tells his guy to find out what’s going on at the hospital. Michael shows up, and asks what happened? Sonny asks Pilar to tell him, hoping she’ll remember something else. Michael wonders why Sonny hasn’t called Dante, but Sonny says if he calls the police, Ava will get involved.

Carly tells Chase there was a message on the back of the flyer that told her come here. He asks if she means the cemetery, and she says where she last left him. He asks if she’s been drinking, and she insists she’s not impaired. He thinks maybe she took the wrong flyer. She says she didn’t, and wonders what’s happening.

Nelle sends a copy of the test results to herself, and deletes the sent mail from Ava’s phone. Ava asks what she thinks about the donations, and Nelle says she thinks Ava is distracted. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have left this, and shows her the test result picture. Ava claims that Griff wanted her to take a picture for backup, and she forgot it was there. Nelle asks why she doesn’t delete it, and suggests Griff doesn’t know she has it. Ava tells her to leave it alone, but Nelle says she’s only asking because she cares. She believes things aren’t as idyllic as Ava claims.

Kiki tells David that she starts the Shadow Program tomorrow, and her first rotation is with him. She asks if he arranged it.

Jason tells Sam that Anna is convinced Henrik is after his mother because of the book’s epigraph. Sam starts to look up the word on her phone, and he says it’s a quote that describes the book’s theme. For if the rot comes from both ends, together the branches must be severed. Anna seems to think it’s a statement about Henrik’s parents. Faison is already severed; now it’s his mother turn. He’s not sure it’s much of lead. Sam asks if he mentions his mother in the book, and Jason says Anna thinks there are clues to lead his mother to him, but it’s a long shot. Jason wonders why a mother would be looking for a son who wants her severed. Sam says she’s still a mom, and maybe wants to tell him her side of the story.

Anna asks why Robert is asking her about Finn, and he says she’s crazy about him. She asks who told him that, and he gives her a list, saying just about everybody. She says that Finn’s help with Cassandra was good, but that’s it. Robert knows they got close. Anna says they didn’t; they kind of did, but circumstances changed. He’s not part of their world. He’s a doctor, not a spy. Robert helps himself to a drink.

Michael asks Sonny, what if Mike tries to go to his old neighborhood? There’s still damage from the earthquake, and Avery is too young to help if anything happens. Sonny decides to call Dante. Carly comes in with Chase, asking what’s going on, and explaining Chase wanted to make sure got she got home okay. He tells her that Mike and Avery are missing, but she says they’re at the park with Pilar. Sonny tells her that Pilar bought a snack, and when she wasn’t looking, Mike disappeared with Avery. Chase asks for a photo, and Carly gives him one. He says he’ll get it to dispatch. Sonny looks grim.

Ava says she doesn’t have to explain herself to Nelle. Nelle says she wants to do what she can to help Ava get back on solid ground. Nelle is here for Ava, like she was for Nelle. Both of their phones ring. It’s a missing child alert for Avery.

Dr. Bensch tells Kiki that Epiphany does the schedule, and she asks if he arranged it. He asks why, and she says he knows why. He tells her that he bears no ill will, and thought they had an understanding. However their wires got crossed, he understands she has no romantic interest in him. They’re both adults, and both capable of putting aside their personal feelings. He’s moving forward in a professional manner. Is she?

Anna tells Robert it’s her operation, not his. If he wants in, he has to do as she says. He says now he knows why Finn isn’t here. He starts to go to his room, and she realizes he’s not leaving the suite. He tells her the hotel is fully booked, so he’s staying with her. Finn calls. Anna is obviously agitated, and he says they have emotional support animals that can help with stress.

Sam says even if Anna is right, no one knows who Henrik’s mother is; it’s a dead end. Jason tells her that he contacted the publisher, and they don’t know PK Sinclair’s identity, but he found out where the book proceeds go – to an account in Zurich. Sam wonders if he could have a relationship with the same banks Faison used. Maybe it’s the same bank as the safe deposit box. She asks how they get in? Jason says Anna thinks she can get in by posing as a wealthy widow looking for schools for her granddaughter. He’s supposed to be her bodyguard. Sam says that’s one cover he can pull off; he just has to stand there and not say anything. He tells Sam that Anna has a list of schools she wants to search. Sam wonders why, if they can get into the safe deposit box. He says it doesn’t make sense, but she insisted. He thinks Anna doesn’t want him searching on his own. She’s afraid if he finds Henrik before her, he’ll kill him. Sam wonders why she’d care, but Jason isn’t sure. His phone rings, and he says it’s a Zurich area code. He answers, and says, got it; he’s on his way. The Swiss police just arrested Spinelli.

Anna tells Finn everything is all right, but he says she sounds tense. She tells him it’s a chronic condition. She asks how he is, and he says he’s making do. She says she’s the same, and asks about Alexis. He tells her, Alexis is Alexis. He says off the record, Griff was asking about her. He’s worried, and wanted to make sure she’s looking out for herself. She thanks him for his concern, saying it means a lot. He tells her to be careful, and take no undue risks – except at the roulette table. Robert asks Anna something about the shower. Finn hears, and says it sounds like she has a chaperone, and tells her, good luck. Anna makes a sad face.

Dr. Bensch tells Kiki that he’s sorry she’s uncomfortable. She could pull out, and spend the summer hitting the books for year one. She says then the Shadow door will slam shut. He says he can keep the past in the past, and she says she can too. She’ll see him tomorrow. He tells her, wise choice. She’ll get a lot out of it.

Griff sees Nelle at Charlie’s, and asks if Ava is still there. Nelle says she just left, and shows him the missing child alert.

Chase tells Sonny that they’re already getting responses. They have the park covered, and they’re pulling the security footage. Carly tells Sonny she’s sorry, and he says she doesn’t understand. Mike gets worse later in the day, and Pilar isn’t equipped to handle it. What was so important that she’d leave them alone?

Ava bursts in, asking what did Sonny and Carly do with her daughter?

Tomorrow, Lulu agrees to disagree with Dante, Spinelli says we meet again, and Ava tells Carly to give up the information now.

Vanderpump Rules

Let’s just get it out of the way right now. I hate Jax.

Jax tells Lisa he’s tired of everyone flipping the effing script on him, and eff all these effity effing effs. He gets loud and gives the finger – with both hands – to the entire restaurant. James says he looks like he’s popping out of his shirt. Outside, he yells at Tom for daring to still be friends with James. Jax rips his mic off, and stomps down the street, banging on a phone booth as he passes it. Tom is concerned something knocked a screw loose, and says Jax looks like he needs medication. I vote Jax off the island.

Brittany apologizes to Lisa. Lisa asks why Brittany is apologizing for Jax. Brittany says she’s associated with what he does, and Lisa asks if she’s going to spend the rest of her life enabling him to her own detriment. She asks what Brittany is hoping for, and what Brittany sees that she doesn’t. Brittany says she can’t not give him a chance. Lisa wonders how many chances she’s already given him. In her interview, Brittany says people don’t see what she does, and starts to cry. Lisa tells her that she needs to ask herself if he’s something worth fighting for. Preach it, sister!

Stassi sets up for the Pucker & Pout blog party. Katie says last year, she was unhappy with herself and angry. We flash back to that. In the past year, she’s worked on growing up, and her life is going in a good direction. She’s partnering up with the lipstick queen of the internet, and revamping the blog.

Katie and Stassi tie balloons. Katie tells Stassi that Jax isn’t coming, and brings her up to speed on what happened at SUR. In her interview, Stassi says meltdown and Jax go together like pizza and ranch dressing. Katie asks where things are at with Patrick. Stassi says she can’t be up and down anymore. The first night they were in Mexico, she texted him at 4 am, asking for him to wish her a good night, and he wouldn’t let it go that she hadn’t texted immediately upon arrival. In her interview, Stassi says it got intense. She feels like she put in effort and work the second time around, and if doesn’t work out, it’s awful. She and Katie inhale some helium, since cartoon voices always elevate the mood.

Brittany makes Jax coffee. Why? She asks how he feels, and he says a little hungover. She asks what set him off; he wasn’t even himself. Oh, I think he was very much himself – a bitter middle-aged dude who hangs out with too young of a crowd, and blames everyone else for his problems. He says that Adam told him about Scheana trying to set him up with Brittany, and how he didn’t even know what was going on. Brittany says Jax went crazy on everyone, and he makes the poor excuse that everyone is always in his business, and he’s fed up. In his interview, Jax claims that everyone else has done the same as him, if not worse, but for some reason, he gets targeted. I’d say no one has acted like him, he’s the worst, and he targets others to take the focus off of his own misdeeds. He wants to move. Then they can’t blame their problems on him. I’m sure he’ll find a new set of friends to take the blame for his problems.

Lala meets James for some musical collaboration. She asks if he’s nervous. She’s sh*tting bricks about her showcase. She tells him no talking, just play the five songs right in a row. He tells her it’s a big deal, and there could be people from the industry there. He feels like Dr. Dre to her Eminem, and I can’t. She tells him that she invited everyone, and wants to be the slutty Mother Teresa. I’m not even sure what that means. They discuss Jax. Lala had invited him because he’s Brittany’s man, and feels badly for her. She says if she was in that position, someone would be dead, and it wouldn’t be her. I have to say, I do like their sound, but they think a little too highly of themselves.

Tom and Schwartz hang out at the TomTom site. They have a beer and stroll around in hardhats. Tom says the progress party is crazy; people will actually see the progress they’ve made. Um… I think that’s the point. They discuss the DJ booth. They’ve invited twenty-five guests, and go over all the things they still need to deal with. Tom gets down on one knee and asks Schwartz to officially be his partner. He gives Schwartz a tie-tack with TT on it. He has a matching one. He hopes they have beautiful business babies together. They swear they’re ride or die.

Lisa goes to the riding club, and Ariana meets her there. They go through some agility runs. Lisa tells Ariana that she has a lot of confidence in Tom, and thinks it’s a good start. Who knows where it will take him? Ariana says his priorities are all TomTom, and she’s waiting for him to work on the cocktail book. In her interview, Ariana says once he got involved with the book, she had to start over. Now he’s moved on to bigger and better things. Why did he want to be involved in the first place? She wishes he would make it more of a priority; she could have had it done by now. Lisa asks her, why wait? but Ariana wonders how to bring it up without being a nag. In her interview, Lisa says Ariana is strong enough to stand on her own. She doesn’t understand why she’s putting up with Tom’s bullsh*t. Ariana asks, what about that Jax. Lisa says he’s making the wrong choice to yell at her and Ken. He created a mess, now he has to live with it. She’s considering firing him. I would.

Everyone is impressed with Katie’s promo party. Her mom and grandma are there, and very proud. Kristen comes in on crutches. Carter asks if she wants him to carry her purse, and she says, maybe later, when she’s drunk. He thinks Kristen being on crutches is hot. I think he’s a kinkball, until I see him watching her dress ride up as she walks. Kristen explains that she’s accident prone and awkward, and compares herself to the blow-up thing at a car dealership, doing an eerily accurate impression. Adam asks Brittany how it went, and if Jax is coming. Brittany says he’s not. We see he’s busy eating ice cream from a carton at home. Brittany says he went nuts last night. Billie says he’s insecure because Adam is hot. In her interview, Brittany says Adam is working to be a bartender, and does some modeling. Jax is jealous because he’s like Jax ten years ago. Jax 2.0 maybe?

Lisa and Ken arrive. In her interview, Katie says she’s thrilled with how the party came together. She says Stassi did an amazing job, and can accomplish a lot, when she’s not stressing over Patrick and his man bun. Stassi says they’d better serve goat cheese balls at her funeral. Lala tells James that Carter is giving him dirty looks. He tells her that’s nothing new. She asks if he’ll be comfortable at the showcase, and he says it’s not like he hasn’t performed in front of these same people trying to bring him down before.

Tom and Peter talk to Carter about butchering golf in Mexico. Carter asks what James said. Tom tells him about the hot tub, and that Jax saw the cushions afterward. NO! NOT THE CUSHIONS!!! Carter wonders why they didn’t have Kristen’s back, since they’re friends. In his interview, Tom thinks of all the times Kristen lied to him, and we flash back to that. Tom says it doesn’t look good. He was in the same situation; thinking, no way, and then it was, way.

Kristen talks to someone about her Cheadle – a beagle and chihuahua mix. Carter asks why she’s talking to more dudes. She asks where he’s been, and he says he heard about her and James in a jacuzzi. He says they weren’t just on the beach for ten minutes. She explains there was a plunge pool outside the room, but she wasn’t in it. Who is he going to believe, her or Jax? He says, her, and she asks why punish her then? In her interview, Kristen says her own boyfriend doesn’t believe her. She swore the group wouldn’t get in middle of her relationship, and they have. There’s nothing she can do. She hobbles off to the ladies’ room.

Katie’s mom thinks Lisa, and Lisa says she’s proud of Katie. Lisa asks when the babies are coming, and then says, one step at a time. Open the bar, then they can make a baby on the bar, which Mrs. Katie’s Mom finds hysterically funny.

Schwartz says for his standards, his footwear tonight is upscale. Everyone is impressed that he’s wearing shoes at all. They talk about the upcoming progress party. In her interview, Ariana says when they talk about the bar, they go into their own little world. Tom asks Ariana how the day with Lisa went, and she says they need to prioritize the cocktail book. In his interview, Tom says it’s not like Ariana has been super productive. She could do a lot without him. Dude, you are the one who wanted in. Should you do no work? She says she could have finished if he hadn’t wanted to be a part of it.

Jax eats whatever he can get his hands on. He’s fed up, bummed out, and it’s all the more reason for a fresh start. He’d like to see Kelsey, but she’s in Africa, so he’s lost. We see a clip of her telling him the reason he’s being mean is because he doesn’t want to be one to walk away. Brittany deserves his truth, so she can find the person who will treat her like a princess, the way she deserves. He says he’s trying to be better person, but Brittany wants a lot – to be married and have children – and he’s not sure he can give her that. I’m totally sure he can’t, but I don’t think she wants “a lot.”

Stassi sits with Brittany. She tells Brittany that everyone who knows her would say she deserves the best man, yet she’s chosen the one they all think is the worst. She wants Brittany to recognize her worth. Brittany says Stassi isn’t with her every day and doesn’t see their relationship. In her interview, Brittany says it’s hard to explain. Jax is her best friend, and it’s hard for people to understand, but she can’t turn it off. Stassi asks what if she’s wasting her best years. She hopes she’s not, and Stassi says she worries about it. She’s in a relationship that goes up and down. Brittany says even if it doesn’t work out, she’ll know she gave it her all. Stassi says if Brittany ends up marrying Jax, she doesn’t think she’s capable of attending the wedding.

Patrick visits Stassi. Did he shake that man bun? I probably won’t dislike him any less, but at least I’ll be able to look at him. He asks about the event, and Stassi says she’s tooting her own horn. She’s good at it. She likes to decorate things, but finds the clerical stuff a drag. Patrick says she just wants the credit for it. She tells him that they need to figure out how to be consistent in their relationship. She’s sorry she didn’t text him in Mexico, and he tells her to stop making it about her, when it’s not that big. She takes small things and slights, and turns them into major battles. Then she turns wars into battles. Stassi corrects him, saying it’s battles into wars, and he’s like, whatever. He says they’re four years in. They’re different people, and they need to find a happy medium.

Schwartz tells Katie that he and Tom stopped by the bar. She asks if it’s the semblance of a bar, and he says the progress is surprising. He says it’s their best year yet. In his interview, he says for once, he can imagine a future. A house in the hills, killing it at the restaurant, kids, dogs, and maybe a llama. Katie finds a bone in the fish they’re eating, and Schwartz tells her about choking on the plastic wrap, when he was over-eager to eat something as a child. She’s afraid to have children with him.

Katie feels like she’s come a long way. She talks about her depression from PTSD after falling through a skylight. We see a clip of her, vlogging about being in the hospital. She tells Schwartz that before the accident, she was positive and confident, but afterwards, something happened. She’d get angry and cause problems. Schwartz says people thought she was bad, but didn’t realize how close to death she came. She says it’s taken almost a decade, but she’s never felt more herself. She tells him it feels good, and starts to cry. In his interview, Schwartz says Katie has been through a lot, but finally grew into the awesome person he knew she could become. He tells her that they got through it, and they dance their wedding dance. It’s interspersed with clips from them dancing it at the wedding.

Jax brings home coffee. Brittany asks how he feels, and he says unhappy and has been it’s hard for him. Oh, boo-effing-hoo. Brittany says he’s making her feel like sh*t, but he says it has nothing to do with her. He needs to make changes. She deserves to be happy, get married, have kids, and be treated like a princess, but he’s not that person. She asks what he’s saying. He tells her that he’s not good in relationships. She deserves better.

Let me stop for a moment here. When I was young, single, and rocking NYC, I dated a lot. If I had to pick one piece of advice, it would be if a man says he’s not good enough for you, he’s not. Run. Now.

Jax tells her that she deserves better, and he doesn’t think they can be together anymore. She doesn’t get where this is coming from. He says he doesn’t like who is, but it’s not because of her. She wants to know how he can do this, when she’s been through so much. She says she’s trying to help him, but he says what he did is wrong, and he effed up. She asks why he let her try – that’s what I say – and he says he wanted it to be fine, but it would be fine one day, then crazy the next. Jax says he needs to be by himself, and Brittany tells him to get out. How dare he put her through all this sh*t, and now act like he’s the one who gave his all? After everything she’s been though, to break up is bullsh*t. She doesn’t want to look at him anymore, and tells him to get out. She says after all the heartbreak, he’s going to pull this sh*t? Get out! In her interview, Brittany says she tried to stand by his side no matter what. Now he wants to throw it away. Seriously, you’re young. You’ll recover. She says she can’t look at him. She’s leaving. He says this isn’t what he wanted. She says he did, and calls him a dumbass, and slams the door on her way out. In her interview, she says he’s done a million horrible things to her, and he’s not going to change. He’ll always be the same Jax. Jax says he sucks in a relationship. He calls to her from the apartment balcony, but she gets into a car, and leaves. Jax wonders where she’s going. He respects that she stuck around and tried to make work, but he’s tired of seeing her upset and sad. It’s time to throw in the towel. I’d like to throw a wet towel at Jax’s head.

Spoiler alert – to date, it looks like they’re still together. While Brittany continues to say that it’s nobody’s business but her own – which is totally true, but you’re on a reality show, so you made it my business – she says people don’t know Jax’s other side. Unless Jax is totally making this up for TV, I don’t care what else goes on. If that’s his persona when the cameras are rolling, he’s still a repulsive person.

Next time, Jax goes to therapy, Brittany rethinks Adam, and Lala is terrified.

🚢 Below Deck Mediterranean will be cruising the south of Italy, beginning Tuesday, May 15th, at 9 pm.

😌 That Feeling When Things Get Back to Normal…

Whew3

Whew2

Whew

April 12, 2018 – Lulu Makes Contact, Shep Has a Big Boy Party & It’s Easy

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the hospital, Deanna tells Griff that there’s a hostage situation. Peter drags Maxie out, holding a gun to her head. She asks why Griff didn’t tell her that he’s Faison’s son. An officer shoots. Griff wakes up, and Ava asks, what’s wrong?

Peter tells Lulu that her article on Henrik has the buzz. She thinks instead of being proud, Maxie will see it as another betrayal.

Maxie waits for Nina at the hospital, but she’s busy meeting Curtis. She asks what dirt he dug up on Peter.

Nelle calls Michael who’s also waiting at the hospital. She says she’s running behind because of work. Michael says Ava has been leaning on her a lot, and wonders if she’s not over-worked. She thanks him for caring, but she and the baby are fine, and she likes to keep busy.

Sonny asks if Carly talked to her mom, and Carly tells him Bobbie said everything was fine with the electric at the house. She told her about thinking there was an intruder, and how the police didn’t. Sonny asks if she wants an extra guard, but she says, like him, Bobbie doesn’t think anything happened. She tells him that she made an appointment with Griff though, so he won’t think she’s going crazy.

Maxie runs into Michael at the birthing class. He says Nelle is even later than him, and Maxie thinks there’s a lot of that going around. She says it’s nice he’s being supportive of Nelle; she’s sure it means a lot. He tells her even so, they’re not together, and she says, noted, but he is the father, and she thinks he’ll be a good one. Michael says he’ll do his best. At first, he wasn’t thrilled, but now he can’t wait to meet the baby. He might be getting ahead, but he’s already thinking about college funds and teaching his child how to ride a bike. Maxie says she’ll see him later.

Lulu tells Peter she’s there to apologize. He’s in the middle of another fight between her and Maxie, and he made it clear he wasn’t comfortable with the story in the first place. He says, typically, he doesn’t interfere with his writers. His hesitation was for her. Lulu says she thought if she uncovered the truth – what motivates Henrik, and if he’s like his character, conflicted, or as bad as Faison – she thought the answers might bring closure to Maxie and pave the way for forgiveness. Instead, she’ll see the man who murdered Nathan, and Lulu’s byline below the picture. She says there won’t be another one. She’s dropping the investigation. Peter tells her not to do it.

Nina looks at her phone, and asks Curtis to give her the highlights. Curtis says, originally, he wasn’t sold on her suspicion, but now he’s intrigued. The job references pan out. He rechecked them and confirmed it, but Peter’s last known address is the only address, and it’s the one in Port Charles. So where did he live before that?

Griff throws his stuff in his bag, saying he’s behind schedule. Ava says she didn’t want to wake him because he’d been tossing and turning. He says he just hates rushing, and has a lot on his mind. She picks up the envelope holding the test results, and asks if that’s what’s giving him bad dreams. He says he can’t talk to her about it, but she wishes he could tell her what’s bothering him. She says he can trust her, but he tells her it’s a matter of patient confidentiality. He appreciates her caring and understanding, and respecting his wishes.

Sonny tells Carly that no one thinks she’s going crazy. She says she’s not confused. She knows what she saw and heard. It’s all real. She doesn’t know what it means, but it’s not in her head. If the only way to convince him is to see a doctor, then that’s what she’ll do. She wishes he’d believe her, but after everything that happened with Sam last summer, he just wants to be sure. She says, so they’ll be sure.

Ava brings out breakfast. Griff is still in the shower, and since she can’t help herself, she looks in the envelope again. She wonders what it’s all about. What’s It All About, Alfie? starts to play in my head, and I know I’ll have an earworm for the day.

Max asks Sonny about going over the schedule for the warehouse. Sonny asks if Jason told him about Carly. Max says he knows about the phone calls from Angel’s Bluff, and that last night, she thought there was an intruder in her old house, but the police didn’t find anything. Jason said she found a picture of Morgan that was broken, but it sounds like earthquake damage to him. Sonny says Carly doesn’t think so. She thinks it’s some kind of message about Morgan. He says grief can play tricks on the mind; it makes connections that don’t exist. He doesn’t want that happening to her.

Griff drinks some coffee, and apologizes about being short. He didn’t get enough sleep. Ava tells him to just remember that when she’s not so sunshiny herself. He thinks once he destroys the test results, he can put it out of his mind. Ava asks if he’s sure about that, and he says he needs to try. He shouldn’t have been carrying them around in the first place. Nelle comes by with some contracts. Griff hurries out the door. Ava tells him that she loves him, and he says, see you tonight.

Curtis tells Nina on the surface, Peter has a flawless background, but the job references only state his title, and the start and end date. He can do additional digging, but it will raise suspicion. Nina says it’s not worth the risk. She doesn’t think he’s shady businesswise, but it’s his personal background she’s worried about. Curtis says he checked Peter’s criminal record, and there isn’t so much as a parking ticket. No history of an address is weird though. Nina thinks maybe he lived in corporate housing but Curtis doubts it. He couldn’t even find a magazine subscription or credit report address. It’s like he came out of nowhere, and he had to live somewhere. Maybe he didn’t work for the companies listed. It’s possible the employment records are fake. Nina says that would mean his entire background is fake.

Peter asks Lulu what the point would be in dropping the story? He’s argued against it because she and Maxie were already estranged. He thought it would make things worse, but now it’s been written; the damage is done. Lulu says Maxie doesn’t have to see more. The quicker it’s dropped and forgotten, the better. Peter says she went to all this trouble to bait the hook, why not see if he takes the bait? Lulu says, speak of the devil; Henrik just contacted her. He’d like to meet and tell his side. Peter says she doesn’t sound very excited. She says she’s heard from a lot of Henriks. One asked for pictures of her feet. Peter remembers they had a lot of false leads last time. She says, don’t remind her; crazy attracts crazy. It’s more evidence that this is a mistake. She gives him her phone, telling him to look at them. He asks if she’s looked at last one. It has some weird phrasing. If rot comes from both ends, rot must be severed from both ends. She grabs the phone, saying, forget what she said, this might really be Henrik.

Michael asks if Maxie is okay. She says Nina is so late, they’ll probably have to reschedule. Michael apologizes for being insensitive, but she tells him that he should be excited. Nathan was over the moon, and told everyone about how excited he was about doing future things with their child. Michael reminded her that he won’t get that chance, but she doesn’t need anyone feeling sorry for her; she can do that herself. She just doesn’t want to feel this way. It hits in waves. She saw the happy, excited couples, and felt like a spectator, watching what could have been, and that now she’ll be alone with the baby. Michael says she has family and friends help. She’s thankful for that, but they go home to their families, and it’s still just her and the baby. He understands. Grief hurts like hell, and all you can do is fight through it. Some days you win, some days you lose, but she’s stronger than she thinks, and will be a great mother. He tells her to look at Georgie, but she says that’s because of Spinelli and Ellie. There’s a difference between being a single parent and the sole parent. Nelle isn’t her favorite person, but she kind of envies her. Michael says Maxie has him has him too, and suggest going to the class together.

Ava thanks Nelle, who says she has to get to the hospital for class. Ava tells her to just say she’s busy next time, but Nelle says Michael is there holding her spot. Ava says he’s always thinking of her, and it’s a good sign. Nelle asks if Ava is trying to talk her out of her plans for Carly again, but Ava says she’s just pointing out the inroads Nelle has made without devious tactics. Nelle says as long as Carly is whispering in his ear, Michael won’t trust her. Ava tells her to keep in mind that she’s using deception to gain his trust. Nelle suggests Ave concentrate on her own relationship. Ava asks what that means, and Nelle says she noticed when Ava told Griff she loved him, he didn’t say it back. Ava says that’s none of her business. Ava gets a call from Carly, who says there’s been a change of plans with Avery.

Sonny tells Max that he’s dealing with this dad, and he needs Carly’s help to navigate. He knows there’s no timetable on grief, and they’ll never really get over Morgan’s death. Max says Mike has been doing better lately. He heard they had a great time at Luke’s. Sonny says Mike was doing good for a while. So good, Michael recorded him, but he said something that didn’t sit well with Sonny about a field in Croton. There was something that happened a long time ago. He had to get rid of a problem for Skully, and buried it in a field. Max asks if Mike knew about it, and Sonny says, no, but what else might he know? Max says, even if someone found the problem, there’s no evidence linking it to Sonny. Sonny says, there is.

Nina wonders why the companies would lie, but Curtis says someone might have altered the information to show Peter worked there. All HR would do is check the database. They’re all multinational corporations, and hackers happen. It’s all speculation, but he knows there’s more. She tells him to stay on it; he’s given her a lot to think about. He says, just to keep it 100, there’s no whiff of wrongdoing. Maybe his references are legit, and he just can’t keep a permanent place of residence for whatever reason. Nina says at least she knows she’s not paranoid. Peter is too good to be true, and might be hiding something.

Lulu tells Peter that the words are from the epigraph, but the book hasn’t dropped yet. Peter says there are a lot of advance copies out there. She says, for due diligence, she’ll call the publisher and ask for list. Something rings true, and this could be Henrik Faison.

Carly tells Ava that she has a doctor’s appointment, and it’s not convenient for her to come to the house. They agree on meeting at Charlie’s later. Ava complains to Nelle, and Nelle says maybe now Ava understands why she’s not taking any chances.

Max asks Sonny if there’s evidence linking him to the problem, like witnesses. Sonny thinks the major players are all dead, but he’s worried about physical evidence. He buried the body with the gun. Thirty years ago, you wiped it clean, and it was a done deal. Now there have been new developments in forensics. If someone finds the body, he might be compromised.

In the hospital parking garage, Nelle watches Carly get out of her car and go upstairs. She starts to write a note, but hears someone, and ducks behind the car. A dude puts an ad for a noodle shop under the wiper. Nelle looks at it. It’s probably making her hungry.

Max says it’s a cold case. No one is looking for the guy, so maybe they should just let well enough alone. Sonny says he hasn’t thought about it all this time until Mike brought it up. What worries him is how Mike knew about it. Mike has no filter, and he doesn’t know what’s true. There’s always a chance Sonny is being investigated, and the FBI could be monitoring him. Max says they’ll just do what they have to do. Go dig up the problem.

Maxie and Michael do breathing exercises, and they joke around. Nelle arrives.

Lulu tells Peter that Henrik wants to tell his side. He thought that’s what she wanted. She says she wanted that with Henrik’s father, and look how that turned out. Faison came back because of the article she wrote. She’d give anything to take it back, and can’t, but she can learn from her mistakes and not repeat them. He could also be a fraud. Maxie will see it as Lulu exploiting Nathan’s death to further her career. It’s not like she’s obligated. It’s not her duty, but her choice, and last time it ended up leading to pain for the people she cares about. Lulu cares about other people? She says Dante lost his partner and best friend, and he didn’t want her to do it. She hopes deep down he’s not blaming her. Peter says he had reservations, but thought it might help with closure. Lulu says one way to find closure is to drop the whole thing. Faison is dead, and the only one who can give any answers is Henrik. Peter tells her that she has to decide if furthering the investigation is worth it in the end.

Max asks Sonny for an address, and a reference point as to where the problem is buried. Sonny says they have to be smart. He doesn’t want to draw attention to the problem by digging it up, but has to focus on what Mike knows and who else knows about it.

Griff sees Carly, who says she needs him to tell her that she’s not crazy. They go to his office.

Ava looks at her phone. She remembers Griff saying he can’t talk about the envelope. He doesn’t have to. She took a picture of the contents.

Curtis sits on a bench talking to himself. He says, no active records. Peter is a ghost, but good thing he don’t believe in no ghosts. If he can’t find any records of Peter as an adult, he’ll look for something from his childhood. He puts Peter’s name and birth record into Spyder Finder.

Nelle watches Maxie joking with Michael, and makes herself known. Maxie acts like a bit of an a-hole, telling Nelle to sit somewhere else, since they’re practicing. Nina arrives, and tells Maxie she was stuck on a project. She switches places with Michael, and Maxie tells Nina to focus on breathing.

Lulu tells Peter that she can’t miss this opportunity. She’s gone too far to give up. If she wants to continue to call herself a journalist, she can run from a story, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Peter tells her to keep her editor in the loop, and no going over her head. She says she won’t let him down.

She leaves, and Peter calls Valentin. He says, it’s done, and smiles, totally confusing me as to whose side he’s on.

Tomorrow, Stella tells Sonny to forgive himself, Mike asks if Avery wants to hit the road, and Carly thinks something is wrong, but not with her health.

I don’t know if they were using a different type of film or what, but there was an odd quality to it today.

Southern Charm

We left off with everyone on their way to Shep’s barbecue. Yum! Raw chicken! In the car, Thomas thinks no nanny will be Kathryn approved. Ashley suggests they get married, but he doesn’t think she’d like that either. I’m not liking Ashley a whole lot so far.

Cameran compliments Shep’s party décor. She’s about ready to pop, but waddles upstairs to look at the renovation. She’s impressed. She thinks if he could put the same amount of time and effort into improving himself, he’d be the perfect ten. She asks Craig if he brought a date, but Craig isn’t there yet. It’s the first time he’ll be seeing Naomie since the break-up, and he’s not sure how to feel.

Naomie is anxious, but Kathryn tells her not to let it affect her. In her interview, Naomie says Craig seemed to be fine with the whole thing, going out with his friends every night. Chelsea says when she saw Austen being touchy-feely with one of her friends, she wasn’t cool with it. Kathryn chimes in, having been the victim of Thomas, who said she was nuts.

Austen tells Whitney that he and Chelsea are over. Craig wonders why there’s no aluminum foil. Whitney suggests they put the ribs in the oven, since Craig can’t seem to cook anything beyond raw. The girls arrive. Austen holds his breath. Ashley is nervous. So far, this is a great party. Everyone is stressed, tense, and worried. Except for Cameran, who is too pregnant to be anything except just that.

The second Kathryn walks in, Thomas reacts like he’s five, and inches away from Ashley, who tells him not to let go of her hand. Kathryn goes upstairs to hide Shep’s gift, and barely acknowledges either one of them. Naomie gives Craig a hug. He says they’ve been grilling all day. Then why is nothing cooked? Naomie tells Whitney she’s uncomfortable and this sucks. Austen tells Chelsea that Ashley is cute, but he’s not looking. Chelsea feels sorry for Kathryn – she knows what it’s like. Austen deflects by saying Chelsea looks great

Kathryn’s gift is the word home in nautical flags. Nice! She pours Red Bull into a wine glass to fit in. Shep tells Naomie that Craig has nothing but nice stuff to say about her. He thinks they should stay friends. In her interview, Naomie says Shep can give her advice on how to drink and not get a hangover, but not on relationships. Craig says he usually cuts exes off, but she’s going to be around, making it impossible to move on. Shep throws some cheese down from the deck.

Naomie asks how Thomas and Ashley met, and he says he was playing polo in Santa Barbara. Naomie lived there when she was a child, but only remembers big spiders. That doesn’t say much for Santa Barbara. Thomas tells her that Ashley was going to move to Las Vegas, and he suggested she move to Charleston instead. In her interview, Kathryn says Ashley is as dumb as a rock. It’s beyond awkward in the kitchen at this point. Just when I think it can’t get worse, JD (bleh) shows up. Chelsea says all the girls hate him. Include me in that club. Austen wants the dirt.

Chelsea asks if all is good. Naomie says she’s never been violent, but tonight, she’s feeling it. Austen is cooking, and says it’s on Craig if everything goes up in flames.

Kathryn thinks there are a lot of unsaid WTFs going on. I’ll have to remember that. Danni asks if Ashley said anything, but Kathryn says only nice to meet you. She says she still loves Thomas, and Naomie doesn’t get how she can love someone who effs up all the time. Ashley sits on the deck with Cameran and Whitney. She doesn’t want to go down by herself. Whitney tells her to face the music.

Dinner is served, and actually looks pretty good. Naomie says Kathryn is handling it better than she is. Cameran chows down at the table by herself. In her interview, she says since she’s been pregnant, eating is like a drug. When you’re pregnant, everything tastes better, and she eats like Roseanne. I assume she means Barr. JD joins her, and asks if she loves being pregnant. She says it’s not as bad as she thought it would be, but doesn’t love it. In her interview, she admits to liking having boobs for the first time ever, but too bad they’ll be teabags in six months. Everyone starts going downstairs to the table. Shep asks how Craig is doing. Craig wishes it hadn’t ended, but Shep says he gave it a good try. He left no stone uncovered [sic]. And this guy is well-read. Naomie tells the other girls that she almost cried in the kitchen. Shep is happy that everyone’s together. Craig says everyone is dealing with their awkwardness just for Shep.

Thomas is hanging out by himself, and Kathryn asks how he’s doing. He says she looks great, and tells her a blonde joke that isn’t worth repeating. She tells him about her new place. He gets a text, and tells her it’s the new nanny who thought they were meeting for training tonight. Kathryn says he was supposed to consult her before hiring someone. She’s disappointed that she wasn’t part of the process, and Thomas says it came up quick. He says told the new nanny, who apparently doesn’t have a name, what Deidre’s failings were, and that she needs to be respectful of Kathryn. Kathryn says if they did these kinds of things together, it would be nurturing for their relationship as co-parents. In his interview, Thomas says if Kathryn had been this calm and composed when they were together, it might have ended differently. BTW, Kathryn does look the best she ever has. Her haircut is perfect for her, and while I’ve never knocked her style, the more classic look she’s sporting now suits her.

Ashley suddenly appears, and says she’s heard a lot about Kathryn, but doesn’t think Kathryn knows anything about her. She goes blah-blah-blah about meeting Thomas, and that she moved in July to see what real life was like with Thomas. Shep looks out, and says, so far, nothing has been thrown. We flash back to some previous tornadoes. Ashley says she has nothing but respect for Kathryn as the mother of Thomas’s children, and that the kids are beautiful. Kathryn says Ashley caught her off guard, since Thomas never mentioned he had a girlfriend. Thomas makes a stupid face, mumbles that he thought he had, and shrugs. Ashley says she’s looking forward to getting to know Kathryn. Kathryn says she’s happy to meet Ashley, but it was a surprise. They hug, sort of, and Kathryn moves along. Well played.

Cameran asks if Shep is giving a toast at his first big boy party. He says that everyone there means something to him. They’re friends for different reasons, and he appreciates them all coming. He hopes they’re all as happy as Cameran one day, and in a relationship that makes as much sense. They all clink glasses. In his interview, Shep says thirty-eight is the age to take time for introspection. They talk about foods not to order on the first date, like ribs or spaghetti. In her interview, Naomie says even though they’re not together, she’d want to kill whoever Craig was dating, which she thinks is normal. Maybe in the short term.

JD says he’s half-single. Elizabeth doesn’t want him, but doesn’t want him to be with anyone else. The girls aren’t buying it. Shep tells him, safety first. Shep opens JD’s gift. It’s a blanket in case he needs to crash on Shep’s couch. Austen says it’s a full moon, which means women are fertile tonight. Has he been reading old wives’ tales again? In her interview, Kathryn thinks Ashley has an agenda, but plays the stupid card well. JD’s laugh annoys the girls. Naomie says it gives her nightmares.

Cameran goes upstairs to sit inside. Shep tells her that he and Craig are like old buddies again. He says when Craig isn’t in a relationship, it’s like old times. In his interview, Shep says he and Craig are like the Hatfields and the McCoys. They never agree – even though Shep is always right – but he loves Craig. Cameran asks Craig if he feels like he got closure. He’s bummed it didn’t work, but it didn’t.

Thomas follows Ashley to the bathroom. Really? Craig tells Cameran and Shep that he couldn’t be himself anymore. It was a snowball effect that they couldn’t move past, and stopped communicating. They see Thomas and Ashley close the bathroom door, and laugh. Really?

JD says he’s staying in the guest house, which is two houses away. Must be nice. He says he loves Elizabeth, and Naomie laughs. He says the last thing he wants is to be in this position with her. Naomie asks if he knows why she’s not at the party, and he says because he’s there. Naomie says, no sh*t, and JD asks what she wants him to do. She tells him, be a better husband, and Danni almost chokes on her drink. JD says she’s absurd, and Naomie tells him she goes by his house almost every day, and makes Elizabeth get out of bed. He says they’ve made mistakes, but they’re working through it. Naomie says Elizabeth calls her crying every day, and is not doing well, while he’s seen out every night, screwing twenty-year-olds. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says she knows the girls. Chelsea calls him a con artist, and says he must be good at hiding this sh*t. He asks if they’re upset, and says, fine; he’ll be the bad guy. Austen tells them not to throw all of them in that category, and the girls are like, oh please. Kathryn says they like to smear women who have no voice. JD says he’s not smearing Elizabeth; she’s a great girl. Kathryn says she wants to make sure the narrative isn’t misconstrued, whatever that means, and the good old boy’s system is dying. Naomie says everyone there knows JD is a complete piece of sh*t. He says at least he knows how they feel, and wisely bids everyone goodnight.

Thomas and Ashley come out of bathroom. Really? smh

Chelsea says that everyone knows, so why not say it? Austen says he doesn’t really know what goes on, but Chelsea doesn’t believe he hasn’t heard. He says he’s not defending JD; he just doesn’t know what he did. Upstairs, Whitney says Craig’s ex was ripping into JD. In her interview, Naomie tells us that no one will say it, but the good old boys protect each other. She wasn’t born there – she was born in France – so she’s more apt to tell the truth. Craig tells her she did the right thing, sticking up for her friend. He has her back. She says she heard he was on JD’s side, and said he’s going through a lot. Craig asks what the context was, but she says she wasn’t there. He tells her not to say he’s on JD’s side then. Ask questions before she jumps to conclusions. He agrees with her, and trusts her convictions. She wonders why he didn’t trust her during the relationship. He says she never believed in him. They broke up because she shot down everything he said. He always had to prove himself, and his word was never good enough. She starts getting weepy. He says people asked why he didn’t bring a date, but he didn’t want to ruin any chances. She starts bawling, and tells him to stop. She says it’s hard to see him, and it seems to be the first time he’s cared that they broke up. He says if she thinks he wasn’t upset, that’s just her guard. She says he seems happier than she could make him. He says they’re damaged, and she doesn’t understand why. She asks to talk to him later; she’s going home.

Shep wakes up to a mess and leftovers.

Naomie visits Kathryn, who is still recovering. Chelsea says she can’t talk to Craig when he’s nice, or she starts crying. Kathryn is glad Naomie busted JD. She says that’s exactly what Thomas did, then told everyone she was crazy. They believed him, since they didn’t know her. She says it’s bringing up old feelings, and starts to cry, saying she’s ruining her makeup. In her interview, she says everything they went through took its toll. Thomas dominated the relationship. She’s glad she and Naomie are talking; she doesn’t know how to have girlfriends. Naomie is glad to have a bond stronger than the guys. Kathryn says she’s feeling co-dependent already.

Thomas and Ashley go out to eat. He orders for them, but she says no on the mescal shooter, and wants to stick with wine. In his interview, Thomas says their energy melds well, and he and Kathryn were a bad fit. Is this some kind of Vulcan thing? Ashley says she wants him to be attracted to her, and she wants to turn him on, but don’t ask her to dye her hair red. Wow. That was uncalled for, and I like her even less than I did at the beginning. Thomas says everything seemed civil at the party. Ashley says Kathryn probably doesn’t know if their serious, which makes me think Ashley doesn’t know either. In his interview, Thomas says when estrogen is involved it’s winning for winning’s sake. He tells Ashley that Kathryn just wants to win. She doesn’t want him, but doesn’t want him with anyone else or to be happy. Ashley asks if Kathryn loved him in the beginning, and he thinks she tried, but it all happened quickly, and she was so young. Ashley asks if he wishes it had worked out. We flash back to good times, and Thomas says it was nice to be with her when she was sweet and nice.

Next time, Cameran’s baby shower, Elizabeth makes an appearance, and Craig asks Naomie the question that’s on everyone’s mind – what’s wrong with his sewing?

🎶 The Southern Charm Theme Song… It’s Easy…

Great song!

 

 

April 10, 2018 – Franco Says No More Secrets, Beverly Hills Returns Home & Loca

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

I missed the very beginning because, Mark Zuckerberg. They were smart enough to cut it off early, carrying the rest on some other channel. From what I caught, Zuckerberg was talking about how Facebook was going to do things that, if they’d done them in the first place, I wouldn’t have had my viewing pleasure interrupted. It wasn’t long enough go on a hunt for, so…

Jordan tells Elizabeth the security cameras are coming up short. She can quit stalling and tell her what’s going on.

Jim puts his hands around Franco’s throat. He tells Franco it’s his fault. He made him do it. He’s a bad boy. There’s a shot, and Jim keels over. Drew runs in, holding the gun. He tells Franco to wake up.

At Carly’s old house, Jason brings Sonny up to speed on the phone calls. Sonny doesn’t understand why Carly didn’t tell him. Jason says it was the night Mike was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Carly adds Ava also had him arrested that day. Sonny understands that, but wonders why something wasn’t said later. Carly says the calls stopped. Sonny wants to know about the scarf, and Jason tells him about it, basically repeating the same story we’ve heard at least four times now. Carly tells Sonny the scarf was identical to the one Morgan is wearing in a photo in her office. Jason says the office was evacuated, and when Carly came back, it was gone. Sonny asks if Jason saw it. That’s a no, and Jason tells him they came up empty with security footage as well. Sonny says, so there’s no proof it was there. Carly insists it was, and Jason wonders why they’re doing this now. What happened?

Anna sits with Finn and Alexis at the MetroCourt. She just has one question about Faison. Finn says Jason was just asking about his personal effects. Anna tells him that she sent them to the WSB, but his lighter was missing. She asks if he remembers seeing it at her house. He wonders why it matters, since Faison is dead, but Anna says his son is alive. It could be the key to finding him.

Peter, Maxie, and Lulu are in Peter’s office. Maxie sees Peter’s copy of The Severed Branch. Peter tells Maxie that it’s a fictional version of Henrik’s struggle with his father. Maxie asks how long he’s been keeping it, and he tells her that he got an advance copy a week ago. He thought it would upset her. Lulu says they don’t know if Henrik was a victim or not, and Maxie accuses her of cashing in on Nathan’s death again.

Jordan asks Elizabeth why she thinks Jim tried to bury Franco and Drew. Elizabeth believes it has something to do with their childhood. She calls Franco a hero, and Jordan says they’ve both disappeared. If she knows anything, Elizabeth has to tell her, or it could end badly for Franco.

Drew tells Franco to stay with him, and calls for an ambulance. Franco starts to come around, and Drew says, help is on the way. Franco sees Jim lying there bleeding, and Drew says Betsy told him what Jim did to him, and that Franco saved him from the same thing. He thanks Franco. Franco grabs Drew’s arm, and tears up.

Carly tells Jason that when the lights started flickering, she wasn’t that alarmed, but then the lights went out and she heard footsteps upstairs. She checked Morgan’s room, and everything was fine, but she took his baseball bat with her. The lights came back on, and she went back upstairs to return the bat, and found this… She shows him the picture, and says it was just lying on the floor, sticking out from underneath the bed. Jason asks if it was there the first time. She doesn’t think so, but she was using the flashlight on her phone; anything is possible. She thinks someone wanted her to find it, like the scarf, and wants Brick to run a check. Sonny says there isn’t time; he’s calling the cops.

Finn tells Anna when he let himself in, Faison was there with a gun, and was really insulted that Finn didn’t know who he was. Anna asks if he saw the lighter, and Finn thinks back to smelling cigar smoke. He remembers Faison taking out a silver case, tapping out a cigarillo, then using a pewter lighter. Anna moves to hug him, but shakes his hand instead, thanking him.

Lulu tells Maxie that she never denied her part in bringing Faison out of hiding. Maxie says now she’s going to do the same with his son, and wonders who will die this time. Lulu says there’s no proof he even exists, even though there are allegations that he had something to do with Jason. Maxie says he held Jason prisoner for five years. Lulu says they’re unsubstantiated stories. Maxie says if she wants to find the truth, fine, do that. Lulu leaves.

At Windemere, Nina tells Valentin she’s sorry, but she thinks Peter has an agenda, and it’s eventually coming out. He hopes she isn’t rifling through his trash or hacking his email. She says she’s not personally doing anything to dig up dirt. Valentin asks if there’s someone working on her behalf, and she says when Peter’s past comes out, she hopes it doesn’t hurt Maxie. She promises that whatever happens, she’ll keep it to herself.

Jordan shows up at Franco’s studio with Elizabeth and an officer. Drew tells them he has a gun, and Jordan tells the officer to bag and tag it. Elizabeth runs to Franco, and the EMTs come in. Jordan asks what happened here, and Franco says Drew saved his life. He and Drew give each other a nod.

Carly asks Sonny if he’s sure that he should involve the cops. He says if Dante traced the calls, there’s already an official record. Carly says she’ll call them.

Finn wonders why Anna is acting like she won the lottery, but he knows she can’t let him in unless she needs something. Anna tells them to have a lovely evening. Alexis says, it could have been worse. Maybe if Julian parachuted in from the skylight. At the bar, Anna makes a phone call.

Carly says the police are on the way. Jason gets a call from Anna, who asks him to meet her at the MetroCourt. She has an update on their mutual objective. He asks if Carly still needs him, but she says, they’ve got this. He tells Anna that he’s on his way. Anna looks at Alexis and Finn.

Nina tells Valentin he hasn’t touched his dinner, and he says easing her pain is his top priority. Like the brat she is, Lulu barges in, telling them the housekeeper said to come up. Nina says she’ll have to talk to the housekeeper. Really. Valentin says Charlotte is asleep, and he’d appreciate a phone call when she wants to visit. She says she’s not there to see Charlotte. She wants to take him up on his offer.

Jordan says they can answer questions there or at the station. Elizabeth tells her that Franco is hurt, and should be checked out at the hospital. Jordan says Drew isn’t injured. He says he saw Jim on top of Franco, choking him. He saw the gun on the floor, and shot Jim with it. There was no time to do anything else. Elizabeth thanks him, and he says he owed Franco, who will explain when he’s ready. Elizabeth leaves to take Franco to the hospital, and Jordan tells Drew that she wants to know exactly what happened there tonight.

Sonny tells Carly to relax. She wants it to be over, and hopes they find something. Chase comes downstairs, and says he did a thorough search, but there’s no evidence of forced entry or anything suspicious. Carly says that’s not possible. He repeats there’s no evidence of a break-in or an intruder. She shows him the picture, and says everything was cleaned up after the earthquake; how could one picture be broken? She says she wasn’t alone. Someone was here trying to send her a message.

Jason meets with Anna. She tells him that she has confirmation from Finn that Faison had a lighter. Jason says when he asked Finn about it, Finn was more interested in protecting her. As far as Finn was concerned, Jason was the only one he saw that night, and told him that whatever he’s doing better have no blow back to her. She says maybe he remembered because he wants to help, and she’s level headed enough to know the lighter was at her place. It never turned up anywhere else, so he probably had it on him. Jason says, according to Finn, the duty nurse puts everything in a bag and it goes to the patient’s room. Anna says Faison went straight to surgery, and then trauma, until a bed was available. Jason says it sounds like Henrik took the lighter when Faison was dying. He thinks Henrik is leaving a trail for someone to follow – his mother. Wow. That’s a conclusion jump.

Maxie wants to burn the book, but Peter says that doesn’t sound like her style. She tells him that he’s right. For whatever reason, burning books is an attempt to control people. She says it’s just a story about poor misunderstood Henrik, and how none of the awful things he did were really his fault. Now that Faison is dead, he gets a free pass. He becomes a bestselling author, and Nathan has to settle for an obituary and a plaque. Lulu gets another story, and it doesn’t seem fair. She thinks a moment, and says maybe she’s being unfair. Peter asks if she means to Lulu, and she says no. Lulu is an opportunist. She’s talking about Henrik. What if he is just another victim of Faison’s?

Valentin says he’s busy, and he’ll deal with Lulu tomorrow. Nina asks, why wait? She wants to know what’s going on. Lulu says she’s doing an exposé about PK Sinclair. Nina asks why, and she says it was Faison’s pen name, but The Severed Branch was apparently written by Henrik. Lulu says there’s no actual proof he exists, and she wants to find him. She wants to find out if he was an ally or an innocent bystander. Nina knows why Lulu would want to, but what’s in it for Valentin?

Drew tells Jordan he’s given her his statement. She asks how he knew to come there. He says he didn’t. He wasn’t needed at the hospital, and due to unforeseen issues with his marriage, has been staying at the hotel. On the way, he saw Elizabeth’s car. He knew Franco’s loft was there, and thought he’d check it out. He had no time to do anything else but shoot Jim. Jordan gets a call from the hospital, and says it’s about Jim.

Elizabeth comes into Franco’s hospital room, and tells him that he’s staying overnight for observation. She says good thing Drew got to him when he did; she could have lost him. She kisses him, and he says she’s not getting rid of him that easy. She asks, why take Jim hostage? They were safe. Why not let the police deal with it? She asks if it was because of what happened when they were kids, and if he found the answers he was looking for. He touches her face.

Chase tells Carly that he’s sure there’s a reasonable explanation. Things are still settling after the earthquake, and it will take time before things get back to normal. He leaves, and Sonny tells her the by-the-book detective said there’s nothing to worry about. She says she wants Brick to go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. He says, fine, but he wants her to make an appointment with Griff. She says, a neurologist? Why? Does he think she imagined it?

Finn stares at Anna, and Alexis asks if he wants the waitress to bring binoculars. He says Anna made it clear she can take care of herself. Alexis says Anna also made it clear to her that the two of them aren’t an item. Finn tells her that she struck gold; a recovering addict with a bearded dragon and other issues. She asks if he has a psycho sister who terrorized a hospital, and says he’s looking better all the time.

Jason tells Anna that Spinelli is working through the cities where Faison did business. He asks if Spinelli should try to pick up the trail on Henrik’s mother, but Anna says he’s making an assumption. He asks if she’s changed her mind about the epigraph, and she says maybe he is daring his mother to find him. He’ll be the one with the lighter.

Peter tells Maxie it’s hard to say. All they have to go on is the book; maybe she should read it. Maxie doesn’t deny she’s curious, but doesn’t know if she’s ready to read it. He says it will be there if she wants it.

Valentin says he has a vested interest in closure for Nina. He didn’t think Lulu wanted anything to do with his contacts, but she says upon further consideration, realized she needed help to track Henrik. Nina says even if he had something to do with it, how would she prove it? Lulu says, one step at a time. First, she has to make contact, and hopefully, get an interview, then see what happens. People give away more than they intend to. Valentin says he’ll get her a list of his contacts, and she says she still thinks Henrik is in Port Charles.

Jordan and Drew stand next to Jim’s body. She says there’s self-defense and the prevention of violence, but the court can give a great deal of leeway. He might face judge, but she doesn’t think he should get charged. She leaves him with Jim’s body, and I’m not sure why. It’s not like he’d be paying his last respects. He tells Jim that his only regret in killing him, is that he can’t hear this. It’s over, and he’s never going to hurt Franco or another child again. He throws the sheet over Jim’s face.

Elizabeth tells Franco it can wait until morning; he needs to rest. He says, no more; no more secrets between them. She says she’s not going anywhere, and to tell her everything.

Drew sees Franco and Elizabeth through the room window. He tears up.

Carly swears she didn’t hallucinate, but Sonny just wants to rule out anything physical. He points out how Sam acted when she got sick. Carly knows what she saw and heard. He asks her to just do this for him. She agrees, but only to prove there’s nothing wrong.

Finn insists on picking up the check. Alexis says it must be a man thing, but he says etiquette clearly states that when interrupted about spy business, the interuptee picks up the tab. She asks if this is the point where he ghosts her, saying Molly explained that term, and he says it’s where she and Molly ghost him. She thinks he and Anna are protesting their feelings a little too much, but says they’ll see if they bring out the best in each other. They leave.

Anna tells Jason that her granddaughter is coming for a visit. He says she should focus on Emma, and he’ll keep working. The lighter might lead to Henrik and his mother.

Valentin tells Nina that he put Lulu on the launch himself. Nina says it would be just like her to double back. She goes upstairs to check on Charlotte. Valentin calls Peter, but gets voicemail. He leaves a message to call back immediately.

Peter tells Maxie not to force herself. She says, unlike Lulu, he has her best interests at heart. If he thinks it might help, she’ll give it a try. She trusts him. She takes the book, and tells Peter, goodnight. Peter looks at the lighter, and flicks it on and off.

Drew walks away from the room. Elizabeth cuddles with Franco. Everyone ponders.

Tomorrow, Doc tells Franco that he’s not to blame, Valentin asks if Peter is avoiding him, and Jason has news for Anna about the search.

A standing ovation to Greg Evigan for what ended up being a thankless role. As fun as it is to be a villain, nobody wants to play a child molester. He was wonderfully creepy, and ended up giving us his all. Farewell, BJ. We hardly knew ye.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Still in Berlin, LisaR and Dorit go to the spa. Teddi and Kyle wait in the lobby. Erika had suggested they go to the zoo, but she’s a half hour late. Kyle does her nails. LisaR tells Dorit that he wouldn’t admit it, but if Harry could live in the wilderness alone, he would. #WhatDoesHarryLikeToDo  Dorit says PK only likes being in the shower alone. She says they’ve earned this moment, since things have gotten crazy. LisaR says she’d choose a spa day over a zoo day.

Kyle and Teddi decide to go to the zoo, and text Erika to meet them there. Erika shows up, saying she isn’t feeling well. The zoo has pandas on loan from China, and the hotel hooked them up with unbelievable access. We see the seals, and Kyle says she and LVP swam with them in Dubai. We find out there are only about 1800 pandas left. They take pictures with the pandas, who are behind glass snacking on bamboo. I saw the pandas at the Bronx Zoo. They are unbelievably cute and don’t look real.

Dorit and LisaR move on from a pedicure to a massage. LisaR asks how Dorit is doing. Dorit thinks everything is okay, and that Kyle wants to sort things out. LisaR thinks something deeper is going on, and if it doesn’t get cleared up, it will fester. They have a boat ride tonight, and even I scream, noooo!

Teddi goes to Kyle’s suite to get glammed for the evening. They have a snack while Kyle does her makeup. Kyle says she walked around with Erika after the zoo for a while. Teddi says Erika did apologize to her, but wants to discuss it another time. She’s not sure what it is exactly that Erika wants to discuss, and wonders if the boat goes to LA.

Once again, LisaR is wearing practically nothing, using a blazer in place of a dress. Teddi is like, what’s happening? and says she missed the memo about it being a costume party. They get in the limo, and have drinks. Erika is late again. The boat is going to leave before they get there, and they call her, but the call goes to voicemail. LisaR hopes her look is just taking extra time, and nothing is wrong. They decide to leave, and ask them to hold the boat when they get there. Where is LVP?

Oh, that’s right. She left to get the award for the Road to Yulin film. Kyle tells the girls that she and LVP have an understanding. She doesn’t think the others grasp the longevity of their friendship. In her interview, Kyle says Dorit flings around stories, and if there’s a problem, she has to keep talking about it.

Erika is still sick, and late because of dealing with the lube and baby powder for the latex she’s wearing. The rest of them get to the boat and ask if they can wait ten minutes. LisaR hopes it’s going to be different from the Hong Kong boat ride. Erika walks up looking like for real blow-up doll in red latex, and LisaR says she didn’t disappoint. Teddi says she’d be the sweatiest human alive. Me too. Erika apologizes, and they disembark. It’s kind of like the Circle Line, except in Berlin. The sun sets, and they look at the city lights from the deck. In her interview, Erika encourages everyone to travel. It opens your heart and mind.

Inside, Dorit and Erika do shots. Kyle thinks Erika’s outfit looks like a lot of work. Me too. Erika says if you don’t know how to do the lube and baby powder, leave it to the pros. It’s all theirs. Kyle wants to know what’s under LisaR’s blazer and it’s a black teddy. They all scream like teenagers. In her interview, LisaR wonders if they’re having such a good time because LVP isn’t there. No. I’d rather have her there than you.

After the boat ride, they walk down an alley, and the girls are all nervous. Erika tells them that they’re going to the new hot spot. It warms her heart that the ladies are a little unnerved, and tells them to grow some balls. LisaR says she’s dressed like a street walker, but didn’t think she’d be walking down an alley. It does kind of remind me of Hostel. Erika says you have to be in the know to find it, and it’s an invitation only restaurant. They finally reach a door in a graffitied wall. They walk through what looks like an art space to the restaurant, which is bright and beautiful. They order drinks.

Kyle and Erika hug, and Kyle is glad they’re in Berlin. Kyle hasn’t hugged latex before, and says it’s voluptuous and soft, and does make her want to touch it. Dorit wants the candles lit. Teddi didn’t even notice, and points out the difference in what’s important to them. Looking at Teddi, Erika says she has one issue – pretend amnesia. She says amnesia, okay, but pretend says she’s a liar. Didn’t we do this already? Teddi says it wasn’t what she said, but how Erika talked to her. Erika doesn’t care; she was angry. Teddi asks if she didn’t apologize, and Erika says, yes, but she has a bad temper. Teddi says she’s not used to it. Erika has a big presence. Dorit says Erika scares Teddi. Teddi says she knows where Erika is coming from. She’s smart and beautiful, but if pushed, she doesn’t know how to handle it. Teddi says Erika made her uncomfortable, and hurt her feelings. There was a moment when she didn’t want to come on the trip. She doesn’t know why it upsets her so much, and she starts to get a little weepy. In her interview, LisaR says this triggered something from Teddi’s childhood. Maybe. Maybe not. Geez. Erika says, sorry, and she’s glad Teddi came. In her interview, Erika says she’s like to work on shutting her temper off. She’s adult enough to know she’s an a-hole. Good for her. I always say, everyone acts like an a-hole once in a while, but real a-holes are a-holes because they don’t know they’re being a-holes. Erika says they don’t need to talk about it again. In her interview, Teddi says it’s more like a Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree branch than an olive branch, but she’ll take it.

Dorit says her fashion show is in ten days. She wants all the ladies to be there. Kyle says other than the arguments, LisaR almost dying on a horse, and a couple of panic attacks, she had a good time.

LVP is at the dog center, and we see all the sweet babies. She says the trip was peppered with differences of opinion, but she enjoyed it. Puppies! She doesn’t like awards, but main man John says it gets the word out. In her interview, LVP says the film is gathering momentum to affect change. She tells John that he has to pick up the award, but he says he’s not going up by himself. He’s afraid he’ll start to cry, and LVP says they can’t be crying all the time. Hand her the puppy now. She needs puppy therapy. I want a puppy too.

Dorit tells PK that she’s beyond exhausted, but she has deadlines. PK asks if he’ll be able to retire after this, but she says not for a couple of years.

Erika is headlining in NYC. She says she’s taking Berlin there, and comes out for rehearsal in a latex bodysuit.

Everyone else is doing boring stuff.

The morally corrupt Faye Resnick is Kyle’s designer, and helping her with the move. Kyle has been back and forth a hundred times, and wishes she could take the wallpaper. She says everything was happy there, and the house has good juju. It’s where the girls grew up (sort of – it’s not like they’re ready to leave the nest), and it’s scary to leave; it was her safety zone, and they created incredible memories there. We flash back to some of them. She says even though it hasn’t been sold yet, it feels weird that she’ll never sleep there with her family again. She’s always been sad when they’ve moved, but this time it’s harder. She wonders why she’s leaving, and we flash back to more good times in the house, like trying to teach the girls to do laundry, which I learned out of the womb. She tells the house she loves it, and says goodbye.

Teddi and Edwin take the kids to lunch. Teddi tells the kids how much she missed them. Edwin asks how it was, and she says she liked being in Berlin. She tells him there was never a dull moment, but that’s for a later conversation. She raised the kids never to talk negatively about their friends. She asks if daddy took good care of them, and Edwin says they had a blast. She tells him that she’s decided against investing in a horse for now, and he jokes that means he can buy the new Lamborghini.

Kyle visits LVP. Schnookie! Kyle says she’s exhausted from the house stuff. She wants to have everyone over to show them American Woman. LVP tells her about getting the award, saying it was nice to be acknowledged, but emotional. She says the award was for compassion, and Kyle says what about her? She tells LVP about the pandas and the boat trip. LVP says Kyle and Dorit talk a million miles a minute. In her interview, Kyle says she thought she’d patched things up with Dorit in Berlin, but Dorit keeps talking out of her ass while covering it at the same time. She tells LVP about Dorit bringing up old stuff again. LVP asks if she’s going to Dorit’s fashion show. Kyle says they’re fine, but LVP says it doesn’t seem like it.

It’s Erika’s first show in four months. She says there’s nothing like NYC; there’s always energy, and it’s cutting edge. NYC is where it’s at. Yes! Mikey asks about the smoke lights, but one of the dancers tells him the fire marshal is there. In her interview, Erika says live performance is her favorite thing to do, and the catalyst for everything else. They decide to let the smoke lights go, and just use the glitter cannon. Erika tells us that every performance should be like the Grammys. People pay to see her, and she doesn’t want to sell them short. She also informs us that playing a nightclub ain’t glamourous. It actually looks pretty shabby backstage. This is not the Copa.

Erika is introduced. The crowd goes wild. Erika says it’s an exchange of energy. Every show is like the Super Bowl. It’s important to the people who took the time out to see her. I like her attitude.

Dorit is stressed. Some things were changed with the show, and this is the last time they’ll be at the venue before show time. She likes every detail to be perfect. Event Planner Cory says he’ll walk her through. She says it’s been planned through the last detail. It’s the most important function she’s done, and she’s feeling the pressure. She says usually at the last fitting, everything should fit. We see a clip of that not happening. Dorit has anxiety and no time for problems.

Cory explains the logistics. Dorit loves it, but it terrifies her. She’s concerned about the curtain drop reveal, saying that if they rehearse it, the curtain will get dirty. PK says they don’t have to rehearse, and Dorit almost has a heart attack. She makes Cory promise to rehearse. In her interview, Dorit says it’s insane and risky, but she wants her comeback to be noticed. She insists on bringing in palm trees, but Cory is having a problem with getting them inside, since the door isn’t big enough. Hearing that he also had to shrink the runway. Dorit is going to drop over dead. PK tells her the team knows what they’re doing, and should be fine. From the look on her face, I’m thinking maybe he should get the back-up smelling salts.

Next time, the season finale, Kyle has an American Woman party, Camille gets engaged, and the fashion show happens. I assume Dorit lives.

💝 Because It’s One of My Favorite Things…

 

April 9, 2018 – Jim’s Big Reveal, Jax Explodes & I’m Exhausted

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At Kelly’s, Josslyn tells Michael that Oscar is going nuts at home. He thinks it’s great how much Josslyn cares about Oscar, and she thinks Michael should follow her example. He should stop being stubborn, and get back together with Nelle.

Nelle calls someone, and asks if they want to grab a bite to eat. She knows it’s late, but she worked up an appetite today.

Carly finds a picture of Morgan in a smashed frame. She hears footsteps, and calls his name. She grabs the bat and gets ready.

Elizabeth talks to a cop, telling him to call for backup and search for Franco. Jordan shows up at the hospital, and at first thinks Franco took someone. Elizabeth says it’s the opposite. Jim took Franco.

Jim pulls the car in somewhere, and takes out the gun.

Carly stands behind the door. A real person is coming up the stairs. The door opens, and she raises the bat.

Michael asks what it will take for Josslyn to abandon her quest? She tells him to make an honest effort to fix things with Nelle. He says funny that she used the word honest. She says they’re having a baby; he should try to make things better. He tells Josslyn they’ve come to an understanding, and are working together for the baby. She says, not for each other, and he insists they’re over. She doesn’t get why he can’t try, since they seem made for each other. He disagrees, and since it’s his life, his vote counts more than hers. They’re never getting back together.

Elizabeth explains what happened, and tells Jordan that Jim had a gun, and he’s wearing scrubs. Jordan says he knows they’re searching for him, so he must have been desperate, sneaking around the hospital. Drew says he was trying to get to Betsy. He was with her and thought she had an episode, but she must have really seen him. Jordan asks how she is, and Drew says heavily sedated. Elizabeth says Jim tried to take off with her and Jake, and Franco showed up. He got in between them, and she and Jake ran. By the time she got back with Drew, they were gone. She tells Jordan that she can’t ignore this just because it’s Franco. Jordan says she’s not. They’re canvassing the area. Elizabeth says Jim tried to kill Franco once before, and won’t hesitate again.

We see the parent of an honor roll student bumper sticker on Elizabeth’s car. Franco is in the trunk. No, he’s not – it’s Jim! Franco says, let’s go; we’re here, and holds the gun on Jim. Jim gets out, and Franco tells him to get up if he wants to live. Boy, am I smiling.

Josslyn sees Nelle, and tells her to sit, leaving to order something. Nelle tells Michael that Josslyn is the most romantic person she’s ever met. He says wait until her first heartbreak, and she says to hell with love. Nelle thinks she’s too optimistic for that. She asks if Michael is still at the MetroCourt. She picked up some gifts, and got him a baby monitor. It covers any place within city range, so he can speak into it on the nights when he won’t be there in person. He says it’s thoughtful of her, and asks if she wants to join them, but Nelle says she’s meeting someone. Brad walks in, and she says, here he is now. Michael looks puzzled.

Carly nearly whacks Sonny in the head. She says she thought he was an intruder, and he tells her that he didn’t want her to be alone with the inspector, since she’s been jumpy. He was calling to her; didn’t she hear him? She says she was caught up in this, and shows him the picture.

Jordan says they got the footage from the security cameras. Elizabeth asks if Franco is hurt, but Jordan says they couldn’t tell from the angle. They can see them struggling, but next usable image is them driving away. Scotty shows up, and asks what’s with the cops. Elizabeth tells him that Jim was there, and tried to take her and Jake hostage. Franco intervened, and Jim took him. Drew adds that he took Elizabeth’s car, and Scotty says it careened by him, going toward Beecher’s Corners. Jordan leaves, and Elizabeth asks Scotty if he saw that Franco is okay. He says he doesn’t know about okay, but he was in control. He was definitely driving, and there was no sign of Jim.

Franco throws Jim into the studio. He asks Jim if he remembers how he was so keen to buy the place that brought them together after all these years. Jim asks if it wasn’t condemned, and Franco says, yep; it’s just them. Jim’s favorite painting survived the earthquake without a scratch. Jim says they shouldn’t be there. Franco says he likes it there. In his life, it’s been hard to feel safe, but he feels safe there. He’s done his best work there, and they have work to do. Jim asks Franco, please don’t hurt him again, and Franco promises he won’t, calling him Uncle Jim. He says Jim used to like it when he called him Uncle Jim. Jim says that had some good times; he was a special kid. Franco says Jim has a very dark sense of humor. Jim doesn’t know what he’s talking about, but Franco thinks he does. Jim says he’s sorry it’s come to this. It wouldn’t have happened if he’d protected Franco. Franco asks him to clarify. Jim says when they were in his hotel room, and Franco freaked out. Drew busted in, and Jim got scared, letting his guys take them. He didn’t know what they were going to do, and would have put stop to it. Franco says, that’s enough. That’s not what happened, and not why they’re at the studio. They’re there to talk about what happened on the stairs, when he pushed Andy down and hurt him. He finally remembers what happened. He pushed Andy because of Jim. He tells Jim to talk about what happened before the stairs. Jim says it’s ancient history; why talk about it? Franco says because they’re going to, and when he’s satisfied he’s heard every word Jim has to say, he’ll put him out of his misery. He’s going to keep his promise not to hurt him, but he’s going to kill him.

Franco says, let’s talk what really went on, but Jim says he has nothing to say. Franco says that’s a first; Jim is never at a loss for words. Jim says they’ve already talked about what he did to Andy, but Franco says, not all of it. We see young Franco push Andy. He says, yes, he did it, but why? Jim says Franco knows why, and Franco tells him to pretend he forgot, and explain it. Jim says it’s in his DNA; he was born to hurt people. He terrorized Andy. Betsy needed him there to keep Franco away from him. He asks if Franco remembers what Andy looked like at the bottom of the stairs. We see Betsy finding him. Franco says he remembers better than Jim. Jim whines about seeing Andy so small in the hospital bed. We see Betsy in a bad wig next to Andy at the hospital, and Jim telling her that he’ll take care of Bobby tonight. Franco says he remembers going to bed that night, closing his eyes, and trying to disappear, but he couldn’t. We see Jim coming into his room, and says he knows Bobby is playing possum. He knows Bobby is upset about what happened, so he got him something. He gives him a stuffed toy. Franco says he was in there so many times – when his mom was at work, late at night when his mom was sleeping. He was in the bed, sitting next to him, and would pat the bed spread two times; always two times. One time he even came in broad daylight when his mom was downstairs. Jim calls him crazy. Franco says Jim told him they had to be quiet, so no one would know. Jim says it’s not true. Franco says, it is. The thing that troubles him the most, is that Jim somehow made him think he deserved it. We see Jim telling Bobby not to make trouble for his mom; it’s their secret. Jim says his mom was weak, and he needed a strong hand. Franco says they wouldn’t be there if Jim had just smacked him around. He pushed Andy to save him. He couldn’t let Jim molest Andy the way he molested him. He did that to him, and was going to do it to Andy. That is the truth. Jim calls him nuts, saying it’s a bizarre fantasy concocted to let him off the hook. Franco cries, saying he was just a little kid. Jim used him; fouled him. Now he’s going to say it. He points the gun at Jim. Jim says he’s not a bad man. Franco needed him, and he was there for him. All he ever did was love him.

Brad talks to Nelle about how he and Lucas can’t wait to take home their baby. She asks if the adoption is confirmed, and Brad says he’s worried it will fall through. She tells him to relax; it won’t make the baby come any faster. She says she hasn’t seen Lucas much lately, and Brad says he’s been working a lot, so he can take time later when the baby comes. Lucas calls, and Brad steps away. Michael sits at the table. He tells Nelle that if she’s going to make friends, she can’t do much worse than Brad. I guess he didn’t get the memo that Brad changed his ways.

Scotty tells Elizabeth that the car was going downtown, even though he told the cops it was going in the opposite direction. If Franco was the hostage taker and not the hostage, he didn’t want to alert them. Elizabeth wonders why he wouldn’t get help. Scotty has no idea why Franco does what he does. He probably got upset when Jim manhandled her and Jake. He can’t find Franco, but knows who can – Mac Scorpio.

Jim tells Franco he’s sorry he hurt him. He was a special kid, and they had a bond. Franco asks how many children did Jim abuse? Franco tried hard to stop Jim from doing to Andy what he did to him. One day, he showed up with a baseball mitt for Andy, and he knew Jim wasn’t going to stop. He says don’t tell him it was only one, and Jim says he doesn’t know how many. Franco doesn’t believe him, and Jim says he doesn’t remember. Franco thinks he does. He thinks Jim remembers everything; every little detail like what their favorite cartoons were, and breakfast cereal, and the colors of paint in their bedrooms. He bets Jim remembers every gift he gave every one of them. Jim says he was so special, and Franco says he’s not getting out alive without a full confession. He hands Jim a pen.

Carly tells Sonny she doesn’t know what caused the lights to go out or the noise. She just found the picture. Someone broke it. The same someone who left it there for her to find, but she didn’t see anyone. She could feel someone was in there. Sonny says the earthquake could have broken it, but Carly insists it didn’t. It’s not the first time she’s gotten a message about Morgan.

Sonny says he’ll check the circuit box. Carly says she did that already, and tells him it started with the phone calls. She thought they were thought pranks. At first, they were just hang-ups, then a young guy said, I’m here, and in the last call, she heard an explosion. Dante traced the calls to a pay phone near where Morgan died. She explains that she and Jason went to the police. They talked to a homeless man who said a young guy used the phone a couple of times, but after that, the calls stopped. She tells Sonny about the scarf she found on her desk, and how it was like Morgan used to wear. Sonny wants to see it, but she says he can’t. The fire alarm went off, and when she came back, it was gone. Now this photo. The common thread is their son. Sonny understands why she’d ask Jason, but wonders why she never told him.

Nelle asks Michael what’s wrong with Brad. Michael says he has a questionable past, and Nelle wonders if he knows who he’s talking too. She says he’s been nice to her, and Michael says he’s not telling her not to be friends, just giving her the facts. She appreciates him looking out for her, but says Brad has been nothing but cool. She doesn’t think Lucas would have married him or want to raise a child with him if he wasn’t. And if he’s good enough for Lucas, he’s good enough for her. Michael says it’s her call; he just wanted her to be aware.

Scotty tells Drew that Franco was driving downtown. Drew wonders where Franco would take Jim, and can’t understand why he wouldn’t call the police. Elizabeth thinks there are missing pieces to the story. Drew says if Franco didn’t tell her, he can’t fully remember or can’t share it. She says he’s been bothered by Jim since the beginning. He couldn’t shake it, like the painting of him and Drew when they were kids. Drew says he’s only seen a picture of it. She says for whatever reason, it rattled Franco, and got him thinking about his childhood. Drew asks if the painting is at her house, but she says he didn’t want to look at it. He asks where it is.

Franco makes Jim write a confession. Franco wants to know where Jim took all the kids. He thinks Jim has a spot, so they’re going there. Jim asks what about his confession. Doesn’t he want Jim to go to prison? Franco says the statute of limitations is long expired. Jim asks if Franco is going to let him go, and Franco shakes his head, saying he’s going to kill him. Jim says Franco promised he wouldn’t hurt him, and Franco says he’ll kill him quickly. Jim tells him not to do this. He knows he failed Franco. Franco points the gun at him, saying he deserves to die. Jim tells him to think about the other kids, and if they don’t deserve the same chance to hear him admit what did and see him punished. The only thing Franco cares about is stopping it. Jim says he’ll be in prison, and never be near a kid again. Franco says it’s too risky. The only way to know he’ll never hurt anyone again is to kill him. Jim says Franco will only make him a victim; he’s sick and needs help. Who will he be to the people love him? The guy they love is a cold-blooded executioner. Franco remembers Jim telling him to be a good boy, and points the gun at him, saying, never again. Jim jumps up, and pushes him.

Sonny understands why Carly tells Jason everything, but why not tell him? She says he was already dealing with Mike. She’d thought it would be handled by now. She doesn’t understand any of it, but Sonny says they’ll get through it together, and hugs her.

Nelle tells Brad she’s starving, and he says it’s on him; a token of his gratitude for what she said. He made a bad mistake, and bad choices. Even now, he feels like he doesn’t measure up with Lucas’s family. Nelle says she’s over it. She doesn’t care what people think anymore. He says for what it’s worth, he thinks highly of her, and expects to think even higher when she becomes a mother. She says, back atcha, dad-to-be.

Josslyn heard Michael putting in his two cents about Brad. It shows he cares. Michael says that’s not the same as loving someone. He should have figured that out sooner.

Scotty tells Elizabeth that he’s out of there before Jordan realizes he gave her the wrong information. He’s meeting Mac at Kelly’s. He wonders where Drew went, and Elizabeth says he had someplace to be.

Jim and Franco struggle. The gun flies out of Franco’s hands. They fall to the floor, and Franco grabs for it, but Jim gets him in a headlock. Franco sees Betsy, who’s saying she’s sorry. He sees Elizabeth reaching for him, and Andy giving him the rabbit’s foot. He starts to black out. Jim calls him Bobby, and tells him to go to sleep. He couldn’t leave it alone. It’s his fault. He made Jim do it. He promised not to tell, and he’s a bad boy. A gun goes off, and Jim falls. Drew stands there with a literal smoking gun.

Tomorrow, Lulu wants to take Valentin up on his offer, Sonny says there’s no proof of a scarf, and Drew tries to wake up Franco.

Vanderpump Rules

James calls Kristen an attention seeker, and tells her to shut up. She throws a drink at him, and half of it lands on Lala. James and Lala walk out. James tells Stassi that he hopes she’s happy. If he said something, it was meant as a joke. Scheana says he was apologizing. In her interview, Katie thinks it’s all a waste of energy. Lala asks, who throws a drink? (apparently, Kristen), and Stassi says, who makes things like this up? Lala says, he didn’t, and way to have a civilized conversation. Now she has a drink all over her.

James talks to Raquel, weeping on the phone that he doesn’t know what to do. Tom comes over to talk to him. He asks if there’s something James doesn’t remember, but James says, no. He has nothing to lie about. In his interview, he says they kept poking and prodding.

Stassi orders room service, with balsamic vinaigrette to go with the pizza. In her interview, she explains the five condiments for pizza are: sriracha/ranch, ranch, balsamic, hot sauce, and one time when she was drunk, she used ketchup. I have never once wanted to dip my pizza in any kind of dressing.

Jax says it’s the last night, so they’re turning it up, as the kids say. Then he gets confused, not being sure if it should be turnt. The drinking commences.

James says Jax is running with a sarcastic, bad joke. Lala tells him she’s proud of how he handled himself. She wondered if that really happened, and James calls Kristen stupid. He says she’ll be coming for him now, with a diabolical plan. Lala says Kristen will have to go through her first, and that the two of them are like Eminem (who she calls Em) and Dr. Dre. No one is gangster like them. I feel like I should comment here, but I don’t even know what to say.

Katie says Kristen is making it worse for herself; it’s like Jerry Springer. Kristen complains about what she went through, and in her interview, Katie says it was like a psychotic mental crazy tirade. She says she told Kristen to take a breath. Nip it in the bed, bury it, and move on, but she didn’t listen. Kristen says at least she used a drink and not her fist. Katie tells her it’s pointless. She’s not going to lie and say Kristen did the right thing. She’s making it worse. In her interview, Kristen says Katie is being an a-hole to her, and wonders why this is her fault.

At TomTom, the walls are up, as well as the framing for the office. Ken and Lisa discuss the plans, and Ken says the kitchen won’t be happening for a month. Lisa remembers opening a place in Piccadilly Circus, saying it was a lot of pressure, but wonderful. Tom calls, and tells her that he’s been trying different cocktails, and has his eye on different mescals. She says he can show her when he gets back. He says that the others are interested in checking the place out, and he wants them to see the progress, Lisa says it looks like bomb went off. In his interview, Tom thinks if his friends see the progress as it’s happening, they can have more of a connection to the finished product. Lisa tells him okay, and asks how they’re doing. He says everyone is getting along, and James and Kristen might or might not have hooked up. She says nothing surprises her, and the only recipe Kristen knows, is one for disaster.

Jax wants to call Kelsey and give her an update. His anxiety is high from the trip. Uh-huh. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it for a while, but I hate Jax. With a passion.

Brittany tells Stassi that Jax wants privacy, so he can FaceTime with Kelsey, his Reiki instructor. In her interview, Stassi says if Jax kicked her out for some stupid sh*t called Reiki, she’d hit him with a rake. Brittany says she can only imagine what they talk about. All she knows Is that Kelsey taps on him, and it calms him down, but weed does the same thing.

Jax tells Kelsey that he’s in Mexico. She asks if he’s taking time for himself, like he ever takes any other kind of time. He says it’s utter chaos, and there’s a lot of drinking. He’s trying to steer clear of the drama, but feels attacked by everyone. He has no patience when he’s being attacked. She tells him when that’s happening, to sit for a moment and breathe. When we react to things people say about up, that means a part of us believes it’s true. Jax says he snaps easily, but he’s learning not to. Kelsey tells him to focus on the good stuff. She says Nelson Mandela could have chosen to see the bad happening to him, or what he did, seeing what he’d do afterward. In his interview, Jax says he knows who Nelson Mandela is. He went to jail because he fought for the rights of the providence, or whatever. One of the producers asks what country he’s from, and Jax answers, Africa? His question mark. He does know Nelson is in Oprah’s book club though. Kelsey tells him that he has the power to manifest what he wants. His decision should be to make no decision for the next two weeks. Jax says she always makes him happy. Jax always makes me ill.

Scheana is excited to see Rob. The four days felt like four months. I’ll bet it felt like four minutes for him. Kristen says it’s taking all of her will power not to strangle James. She can’t leave the rumor in Mexico, and has to take it home. Stassi says, adios, Mexico.

Kristen and Carter go to lunch. Carter says he worked and took care of the dogs while she was away. Kristen wishes he’d been there, but is glad she went. She says everything was fine, but James created a rumor. She says she’d walked with him on the beach, and something was said when the guys were at golf. Tom asked James if they’d messed around, and James’s response was, a little bit. Carter says this is pissing him off. When they were first hanging out there was an issue with James. In her interview, Kristen says she’ll never live it down, and it will always be in the back of Carter’s mind. We flash back to when she claimed to have made out with James, and he said they had sex, just after she met Carter. She says she has no credibility, but she would never jeopardize her position with him. He tells her not to put herself in these positions; her track record doesn’t speak highly of her. He says he’s going to have a chat with Tom, and Kristen insists there’s no cheating going on.

Everyone is back at SUR, and I love Lisa’s blouse so much. It’s a white, button-down in a pirate/price style, and the sleeves are poufy on the bottom half. She asks Lala what happened to her lips, and if it’s permanent. Lala says, no. She sucks on a bottle cap to get the effect, but she did it for too long. She shows Lisa a picture of what she looked like before the swelling went down, and her lips are cartoonishly huge. It’s like when all the kids were trying to look like whatever Jenner/Kardasian that was. Lisa tells her it’s ridiculous. She asks how the trip was, and Lala says she had the best time. She tells Lisa that they went in on Jax at dinner because he’s an effing idiot. He wants to move Brittany to Florida to do social media for a hockey team. In her interview, Lisa says Jax talks a lot, and she doesn’t pay much attention. He also said he wanted to be a bartender, and he couldn’t do that either. Lala promises not to look like a duck when they open.

James sets up to DJ, and tells Raquel it feels good to be back. He’s nervous about tonight, wondering who’s coming to mess him up, considering what happened in Mexico. Now that he’s sobered up, he wouldn’t go near Kristen with a ten-foot pole. He got drunk, but he didn’t cheat. He does a sound check.

While driving to work, Brittany tells Jax she misses Mexico. He says they just have to pay for the trip now. She asks if he’s put any more thought into the Florida job. He says Kelsey told him not to think for two weeks. You’d think it wouldn’t be that hard for him not to think period, but he says it’s hard not to think about his dream job. Brittany hopes he’s including her in the thinking. He says it would be good for both of them. They’ll make more money, and the cost of living is lower. Brittany wants to make sure he’s thinking it through, and he says it’s a good opportunity. In her interview, Brittany says her close friends are there, and she has a great job. She’s comfortable there, and it’s unfair, considering the things she’s given up for him so far. He asks if Adam, her boyfriend, will be there tonight. Brittany laughs his remark off, saying Adam is a nice guy. Jax tells her there’s no such thing. In his interview, Jax says no matter how innocent, he doesn’t know what Adam is thinking, and he needs to know his role is twenty steps behind Jax. Brittany is like, Jax, please, but likes that he’s jealous.

Katie is waiting for Stassi, who’s planning a party for her. She took a break from her beauty blog to plan the wedding. She’s throwing a party to impress those seriously networked in beauty industry. Stassi arrives, and they make a list. Stassi asks if Katie has talked to Kristen. Schwartz forgot about that, and Stassi says it was made into a bigger deal than it should have been. Katie says it might not be true, but at the end of the day, who cares? Stassi says Kristen is trying so hard to disprove it, it’s looking true. In her interview, Stassi says if she caught Patrick with an ex in Mexico, she’d plan a murder for two years from now, so she didn’t get caught. She’d make an ice pick out of actual ice, stab them, and let it melt. No one would know how they were murdered, because there would be no weapon. That’s ingenious.

Scheana tells Lisa her divorce is final. Lisa asks if she’s marrying Rob, and Scheana says she hopes so. They’ve talked about it, and he likes Madison as a name for a girl. She says they’ve been looking at houses. Lisa tells her to take her time: she’s been divorced less than a week. In her interview, Lisa says Scheana should wait for the ink to be dry before picking out baby names. Maybe she should wait for Rob to be interested in getting married. Scheana tells her about the sort of set-up with Brittany and Adam, and how Jax is pissed. She admits she did it partly because he’d been talking about her and Rob. The one time Jax actually told the truth. It figures. In her interview, Lisa says Scheana is treading a dangerous line. Jax has no morals, but has a huge ego. This could go horribly wrong. Scheana says, mission accomplished.

SUR is packed. James spins his music. Lala says she got out early just for this. Jax says he had great time. Ariana says, her too. Jax wants to talk to Adam, and says he’ll be right back. In his interview, Tom says if someone was aggressively pursuing Ariana, he would confront them. Yeah, well, the key word there is aggressively. This guy doesn’t even seem like he’s pursuing her at all. Jax asks Adam how he is. In his interview, Jax wonders why he’s even there, since he’s not scheduled to work. Adam asks how the trip was, and Jax says, amazing. He says, so, he hears Adam has a crush on his girlfriend.

Adam says, not at all, and Jax doesn’t know what to do. He messes with the chair, trying to make it higher, and then decides to stand, no doubt psychologically making himself bigger. This is too funny. He says he’s not against Adam; he’s a nice guy. Scheana came in, thinking he and Brittany had broken up, and said Adam had a crush on her. That’s fine; he’s not mad, but wants Adam to understand they’re together. Adam says, that’s understood. Adam explains that one night when they were having a drink at Jax’s place, Scheana texted him about going out with them as a group. This gets Jax really steamed. In his interview, he says he had no idea Scheana was trying to hook Brittany up in his own house. He says he wishes Adam had pulled him aside. He tells Adam that he has a home; he has a family. He has dogs. I’m dying here. Not that I don’t think of my dogs as family – I’m the worst – but Jax. Omg. He says this isn’t a candy cane relationship. What? What does that mean? Is that what you have on winter break? He’s more mad at Scheana than Adam, and says Scheana is a shady-ass with no leg to stand on. It’s like the madder Jax gets, the less coherent he gets. He says Scheana is tailgating Rob. He wants to put a nail in his head when hears about him. Well, that we agree on. He says he’ll deal with it; it’s not Adam’s problem.

Things are rocking at SUR. Ariana gets on the bar and pours shots. She’s going to make a lot of money tonight, and plans on diving into a bed of it like Scrooge McDuck. Tom talks about how hot she is. Some of the girls are off the clock, and go to the bar. Jax tells Brittany that she needs to talk to Scheana, and tells her what Adam said. Brittany says she didn’t know about it, but Scheana was just trying to make her feel better. Jax asks if he’s supposed to be okay with that, and she says noting came from it. Brittany tells him to calm down. In her interview, she says Jax is spiraling out of control. Get out of the way. The Jax train coming. She tells him to talk to Scheana.

Ariana asks James where the pillows came from by the hot tub in Mexico. He says he was so drunk, he asked to sleep out there. We flash back to Jax telling Brittany to look at the pillow. James says he was the only on in the hot tub. Schwartz was talking, and Kristen was listening to music. In his interview, he says Jax knows this will take the weight from him. He says Jax threw him under bus, and took it too far.

Jax comes over, babbling to Scheana about Adam. He says she brought him into his home for a set-up. She says it wasn’t a set-up. He says she can’t keep a husband, and she’s going to tell him how to run his life. Scheana says she just wanted Brittany to get a confidence boost after it got knocked down. In her interview, she says she’s Brittany’s friend and has the right to set her up to have a good time, flirt, or whatever. Jax effed up. Britanny did not. Karma’s a bitch. Katie says Kristen isn’t the only person who needs to grow up, and tells him to shrug it off.

James accuses Jax of spreading the rumor about him and Kristen, and he did it about Faith. He says he didn’t, but Lala insists he did. Lisa and Ken come in. Jax calls Tom over. Lala suggests he not do this in front of Ken and Lisa. Lisa says it would be nice if he acknowledged her. In his interview, he says he’s sorry he didn’t roll out the red carpet. He tells Lisa that he’s tired of them flipping the effing script on him. He starts getting louder and weird, saying, eff you, all you lying sh*ts. Lala tells him that he puts his peepee in anything that walks, and he whines it’s not fair. In her interview, Lisa wonders why choose to have a meltdown in the place that’s paid your bills for so long? Jax starts giving the finger, calling everyone lying sacks of sh*t. Now he’s giving the finger with both hands. Lisa can’t believe it, and tells him she’s never had an employee speak to her the way he does, and this is her place of business. She says he’s being arrogant, obnoxious, and acting like a baby. She’s not listening to him, and tells him leave.

Tom tries to calm Jax down. Lisa has nothing more to say, and Brittany says you can’t be screaming at your job. Jax gets pissed at Tom, saying that he’s being buddy-buddy with James. He goes nuts, pulling his mic off, and saying he’s out of there, and that everyone is delusional. Tom asks if he’s not supposed to be James’s friend. Jax stalks off, banging the side of a phone booth as he stomps down the street. Wow. I hate Jax, but that was fun.

Next time, Katie’s blog party, Carter confronts Tom, and Jax tells Brittany that she deserves better. YOU DO! RUN! NOW!

🎭 Wow…

Well, those were two ends of the TV spectrum.

Tragedy

LOL-Laughing

April 4, 2018 – Lots of Sneaking Around, an NYC Halloween Party, Cotton is Merciful, a Barbie Comment & Bubbles

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Doc startles Franco, who says he has stealthy feet. Doc says he had a cancellation, and there’s no time like the present. The sooner he recovers his memories, the sooner he can get on with his life – unless he’s having second thoughts.

Ava thanks Nelle for bringing some contracts by. Ava is weeding Julian’s stuff out of the bathroom, and finds Morgan’s cologne.

At the MetroCourt, Bobbie tells Carly that after days of browbeating, cajoling, and fake crying, she finally got an inspector to look at the house. Carly is busy thinking about the scarf that was left on her desk, and Bobbie asks where she is.

Mike tells Sonny and Michael a story about the bar fight of the ages that didn’t happen. Sonny tells him to keep going, and Mike says he knows what they did. They thought if they recreated one of his old haunts, he could piece together some of his past. Michael says it seems like it’s working. Mike says a little, for now, but he needs them to know that he knows it’s not going to last. Sooner or later, he’ll have a bad day, and after a while, the bad days will outnumber the good until there are no good days anymore. Sonny says they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it. Michael says, until then, they’ll take any good day they can. Mike apologizes, saying by the time his great-grandchildren are old enough, he won’t be able to share his stories or infinite wisdom. Michael says maybe he still can.

Jason sits next to Anna at the bar. She says it’s not a coincidence; he wants something. She hopes they’re not at a crossroads. He says he needs to know if she’s keeping something from him about the night Faison died.

Peter comes to Griff’s office. He says he can’t do this. Griff violated his privacy. He wants to know if Griff is going to keep his identity a secret, or sign his death warrant.

Carly tells Bobbie she’s been thinking about BJ. Bobbie says the anniversary is coming up; she’ll be gone for twenty-four years. Every once in a while, she forgets BJ isn’t there. For the longest time, Bobbie imagined her everywhere. She would hear her, but it would turn out to be some other child’s voice. Sometimes, no one was there. It’s just what her heart needed; the laugh or the the image. As much as she wanted BJ to be there, she wasn’t. She asks why Morgan is hitting Carly so hard right now.

Ava tells Nelle that she always loved Morgan’s cologne. She’s surprised he wore it. In some ways, he was naïve, but in others, he was sophisticated. Nelle offers to take the stuff out, and we don’t need to be rocket scientists to guess why. Ava tells her it’s not necessary. She looks through the contracts, and says Nell is very thorough. She asks if Nelle has given any thought to her advice. Nelle says there’s no way she can back off Carly. Ava says it’s simple; just do it. Walk away from the table before she wagers what she can’t afford to lose – Michael. Nelle says there’s no way she and Michael can happen unless Carly is out of the way. Ava tells her to make sure he has no reason to take Carly’s side. Nelle says it’s not that simple, but Ava insists it is. She has the ideal situation with Michael around her all the time. Soon, his feelings for the baby will be overwhelming, and he won’t be able to separate them from how he feels about her. Kill them with kindness. Nelle says he’s already moving on. She has to act or she’ll lose him forever.

Michael shows Mike a new prototype of a phone that allows recording of HD video and audio. Mike is worried that the kids won’t get a chance to know him, so he can record anything he wants to say to them, and it will last forever. Mike doesn’t know what to say. He doesn’t have much in the way of good life advice – just do the opposite of what he did. Michael says tell them about his life. Start with a good day. When and where did he hit his first homerun?

Griff tells Peter that his identity will remain between them. Peter wonders how he’s supposed to believe that, and Griff says it would be a breach of ethics. Apparently, he can’t make up his mind about that. He says the only way he’d be justified is if the harm doesn’t stay confined to the past. He has no reason to believe Peter will harm someone else, but if that changes – if he has reason to believe Peter is going after Jason or someone else – he’ll be ethically bound to out him. Maxie doesn’t deserve to have her trust betrayed. Peter says he wouldn’t do that; it’s his only shot at survival. Griff says his father killed her husband, who happens to be Peter’s brother. If she finds out he knew… Peter says he’ll think about it, but Griff tells him not to take too long. He needs to get ahead before someone else figures it out on their own.

Anna tells Jason that she wants Henrik alive. He slides the book over to her, saying Aurora had an advance copy, complete with the ending. She reaches for it, but he takes it back, and says, first, he needs to know what happened to Faison’s personal effects.

Franco asks Doc what if he finds out something he doesn’t want to? You can’t unknow something. Doc says either he pushed Drew or didn’t, and he wanted to know which was true. The best way is to do this. His mother is in no condition to share. Franco says Jim tried to bury them alive. He sees no reason Jim would come back to town. We see Jim looking at an article about Franco on his phone.

Franco says it has nothing to do with Jim’s fracking or whatever. Why would he take Betsy? It has to do with what happened when he was a kid. Doc can’t promise happy answers, and Franco says none of this is headed toward a happy ending. Doc says it won’t take hold unless he’s 100% on board; maybe they should reschedule. Franco says, no. He has to do this. He needs answers, mostly for Elizabeth. He tells Doc, let’s do it.

Griff tells Peter that Anna, Jason, and he WSB know he’s out there, and they’re searching. He needs to make sure they don’t find him. Peter thanks Griff for his time and discretion. Griff tells him it’s only a matter of time. His best chance for mercy is to come forward on his own.

Carly tells Bobbie about the scarf. Bobbie wants to see it, but Carly explains it’s gone. Bobbie says she had something like that happen, thinking she saw BJ’s costume. Carly says this is different. She held it in her hand. She tells Bobbie about the phone calls, and how they traced them to a phone booth on Angel’s Bluff. Bobbie says grief can play tricks on your mind and heart, but Carly says she’s not imagining any of this.

Mike records a story about a cousin with fast sucker punch, saying not everyone in the family are brutes. The cousin actually started working hard, did well, and became a doctor. His parents had nothing but love for him. He suddenly looks at the clock, and says he has to go. He has to catch the bus and get home. Sonny says he’s not going to Brooklyn tonight, but Mike says his parents will be worried sick.

Mike says he can’t miss the bus, and Sonny says, there is no bus. Mike tells Sonny that he has to go, but Sonny insists he’s staying; they agreed. He says Mike is confused, and Mike says he doesn’t understand. His parents will be worried. Sonny harshly says his parents are dead, stabbing me in the heart once again.

Ava tells Nelle to do what she needs to do when it comes to Carly, but be careful. Actions can have unintended consequences. Nelle is grateful for her advice, but says everything is working out for her. She hopes it continues, and Ava says that makes two of them. Nelle says it’s wonderful that Griff trusts her, and as time moves on, he’ll trust her more. She and the baby don’t stand a chance until Carly is out of the way. Nelle opens the door to leave, and Griff is standing there.  chain collar – earrings diamond with straight dangle

Anna tells Jason that she offered Faison’s things to Obrecht for Britt. She didn’t want them, so she gave them to the WSB. I’m wondering why the WSB didn’t take them after the “autopsy.” Jason points out the passage that mentions the lighter. Anna wonders why she didn’t notice it was missing, and he says now they know who took it.

Franco asks if Doc has a pocket watch. Doc tells him hypnosis is very effective in helping remove memory blocks, but second thoughts hinder the process. He has to be ready, and mean it. Franco says he is. Doc tells Franco to close his eyes, and focus on sound of his voice.

Mike asks how Sonny can say something like that about his parents? Sonny says they passed away before he was born. Mike tells him to shut his mouth. Michael steps in, saying he knows Mike is worried. Sonny is confused, and his parents are fine; they know he’s staying with them a while. Mike offers to call and remind them. He tells Mike to sit while he does that. Michael puts his hand on Sonny’s shoulder.

Carly tells Bobbie if the calls weren’t real, she wouldn’t have been able to trace them. Bobbie says she thought Carly was questioning things. Carly says if it was just phone calls, she could write it off, but a scarf like Morgan used to wear? Someone put it there and took it away.

Griff asks Ava if he’s interrupting gallery business. Ava says he lives there; he can come and go as he please. She tells Nelle that she’ll see her tomorrow, and to remember what she said. Nelle says, her too. After she leaves, Griff asks if it’s anything he should know about, but she says just advice for the lovelorn. Just asks what she would do, and do the opposite (that makes two people who said that today). Griff thinks she’s doing okay in that department, and she says she has no complaints. He feels the same way, but had an exhausting day. Ava asks if he’s still thinking about the test results. He says he is, and asks where the envelope is. She takes it out of the cupboard, telling him that she didn’t open it. He didn’t think she had, but says thanks. He tells her that he trusts her, and she says, just not enough to tell her what it’s about.

Doc tells Franco to slowly open his eyes, and focus on an object in his direct line of vision. Franco picks a sculpture on the desk. Doc says his eyes are getting heavier. Franco gives him a look, but closes them. Doc says he feels contentment, and is alone with his thoughts and mind. Doc tells him to feel himself go into a state of relaxation as he counts down, saying deeper and deeper between each number. He’s now in a deep trance, and will remain there until Doc counts down again. Doc asks where he is, and Franco says, in his house, playing with Andy. Doc tells him to find the door to the basement, open it, and stand at the top of the stairs. He tells Franco to go to the night of accident. Franco says, Andy is standing with him. Doc asks what’s going on? What happens next? What does he see?

Sonny tells Michael he thought Luke’s would pay off, and Michael says it’s called sundowning. Alzheimer’s patients often get riled up and confused when the sun goes down. it doesn’t mean there won’t be good days. Sonny asks how Michael knew what to do. Michael says it’s not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia to think they’re parents are alive. It’s going to happen over and over, and they have to just try and keep him calm. Sonny says, the exact opposite of what he did, but Michael says he didn’t know and not to beat himself up. Mike seems agitated, and Michael says he talked to Mike’s parents. They send their love, but want him to get some rest. Mike says he can’t rest. He remembered something he needs to tell someone. Honestly, this storyline is killing me.

Griff tells Ava if he could share, she’d be the first. Ava says he’s entitled to his life with its thoughts, secrets, and wishes, but when something bothers him, she wishes he could share it with her. He says it’ not his secret to share. She doesn’t like it, but understands. Griff says the only thing he has left to do is destroy the document first thing in the morning. Ava asks my question, why not now? He says he’s already made a rash decision, and doesn’t want to make the same mistake. Meanwhile, he needs to was the day off of himself.

Anna says, Henrik stole the lighter, and is keeping it as a souvenir. If they find the lighter, they find him. Jason says it won’t be easy. Finn wasn’t even sure what was there. Anna says maybe he took it when Faison was shot, or it dropped during the struggle at Crimson. She’ll talk to Peter. She’d rather not bring Maxie into it, but there’s also Finn. She tells Jason about an epigraph at the front of the book; something that resonates with the work, or gives the reader a sense of theme or purpose. She reads, Rot comes from both ends; together, the branches must be severed.

Doc tells Franco to stay in the moment. Andy is at the top of the stairs; what happens next? Franco says, Jim. He remembers Jim calling him Bobby, and asking what he did. He says, Andy is at the bottom, and Uncle Jim is next to him. Doc says he went too far back. Go forward a few seconds; he’s almost there. Franco remembers Jim saying nobody going to believe him. He tells Doc that he can’t because he’s scared. Doc asks why? Because of what he did? Franco says, no. He’s scared of him.

Mike says, a field in Croton. Sonny says, he knows, and not to worry; he’s taken care of it. Mike says, he has? Michael says he has nothing to worry about. He tells Mike to lie down and rest, and he’ll check on him later. Mike goes upstairs, and Michael asks if Sonny has any idea what he’s talking about. Sonny says, not a clue, but I have the feeling he’s lying.

Bobbie wonders why someone would deliberately put a scarf in Carly’s office just to take it away. Carly says to mess with her, and Bobbie tells her not to give them what they want. The hospital calls Bobbie, and Nelle spies from around the corner. Bobbie tells Carly there aren’t enough nurses to cover the shift, and she has to go in. Carly says she’ll meet with the inspector; she’ll be fine by herself.

Ava stares at Griff’s back as he walks into the other room. She takes the envelope out, and holds it up to the light. Since that’s good for nothing, she opens it, and reads it.

Jason says he’ll have Spinelli do some research to find out where the original quote came from. Anna thinks it’s something original, and that Henrik is also gunning for his mother. Peter walks in.

Doc says Franco is perfectly safe; no one can hurt him anymore. Franco starts to cry, saying, he can. Doc  tells Franco to help him stop them, and asks who it is he’s so afraid of. Franco says, it’s Harvey. It’s Uncle Jim. He’s scared of Uncle Jim. Doc says he’s very brave. Now tell him why.

Jim walks into the hospital looking sneaky.

Tomorrow, Kiki tells David that she never sent out signals, Jake wants Franco to come home, and Betsy screams no in her hospital bed. How much you want to bet she’s getting a visit from Jim?

The Real Housewives of New York City

Ramona helps some workers lay a carpet. Sonja tell us that you never know when you might need a Marie Antoinette costume. Did I just see a red poodle go by? And I mean red, not like an Irish Setter. Bethenny is getting ready for an event. Tinsley’s dog makes weewee on the floor. Celebrities! Their dogs are just like ours! Carole is on a run.

So begins season ten of my favorite Wives, with the exception of Lisa Vanderpump, who can do no wrong.

Dorinda opens a package containing a Lady Gaga bubble dress. In her interview, she says she’s having a Halloween party to get the girls together, and show she’s an equal holiday opportunist. The theme is famous people, alive or dead. Her costume turns out to be a kit, which is what she gets for drunk shopping, so she calls the designer of the original dress. Must. Be. Nice.

At the Museum of Natural History, Bethenny is the keynote speaker for Delivering Good, a New York charity partner of her company. They started Hurricane Harvey in Texas, then Puerto Rico happened, and it got real. She began by chartering a plane, and ended up with a warehouse. She doesn’t know how they did it, but they did, and they’re still doing it. She invited Tinsley and Ramona because they donated a lot of money. Ramona thinks it’s strange that Carole isn’t there.

Bethenny says it’s her first award ever. She’s grateful, but didn’t do it to be recognized. She did it because it’s something she’s good at, and it changed her life in an incredible way.

The Countess Tom’s wife LuAnn visits Dorinda. She never thought she be there, but here she is, divorced. She was in love with Tom, and it was a whirlwind. We flash back to that. She says she did everything she could to make it work, but sometimes love isn’t enough. Dorinda thinks Tom got worse after they got married. LuAnn says she had blinders on (really?), and when she looks back at the warning signs, what Bethenny said hunts her. She didn’t want to believe it, but what the girls were saying was true. It was ultimately a lack of respect. Meeting with his ex-girlfriends, being caught kissing, going out all night; she couldn’t breathe and was drowning. Dorinda asks if she hears from him, and LuAnn says they text. but at end of the day, a leopard can’t change his spots. Dorinda doesn’t think he’s a bad guy, but shouldn’t be a married guy.

LuAnn says she’s in the Hamptons for the most part, but looking for an apartment in NYC. She tells Dorinda that Sonja has been telling people she’s dating, and Carole is the only one who didn’t reach out – not one word. Dorinda says they’re not really friends, but LuAnn thought they were in a good place. In her interview, Carole says the reasons LuAnn got divorced are understood, but she never understood the reasons LuAnn got married. We flash back to everyone warning her about him. In her interview, Sonja compares the relationship to LuAnn’s camel ride, and we see the camel ride fail. She says maybe it was something LuAnn was supposed to experience, and get right back on the next camel. Pondering this… LuAnn says she’s keeping an open heart and mind.

Carole visits Tinsley. She tells us they spent week in Spain together with Adam and Scott. A room service waitress brings a charcuterie tray to the hotel room, and Tinsley says she’s Eloise all grown up. She’s happy to be in a hotel room all her own, and is feeling like herself again. A tiny Chihuahua comes in, and we’re introduced to Tinsley’s dog, Bambi. Bambi! Carole says she talked to Scott. In her interview, Tinsley says she and Scott were inseparable from the moment they met, and had dated for eight months, but he lives in Chicago. They broke up, but it wasn’t that anything specific happened. Carole says she feels like Adam is a person in her life, but not a boyfriend. In her interview, she says a lot of words when what she means is they’re now friends with benefits. She says people tell her that Adam is having his cake and eating it too, but she also likes cake. Tinsley wants to be with Scott, but it’s just too far.

At the Abracadabra costume store, Sonja meets Ramona. In her interview, Ramona says they had a great time in Mexico, but Sonja hasn’t wanted to get together. It’s sad because they’d been close at one point. Sonja says now that her daughter is in boarding school, she’s been on the go. She needed summer for herself. She’d been taking antidepressants for her anxiety (hmm…), and sat around eating croissants. After that she went to Cost Rica, and got into herself. Now, she’s happy again. They talk about LuAnn. Ramona thinks she and Tom loved each other, but Tom doesn’t understand commitment. Sonja says he was never more than great time, and you can’t turn a party playboy into a husband.

Carol goes to the gym. She says she never exercised a day in her life, and at fifty-four, felt scrawny. She needed to have a goal, or she wasn’t going to continue, so she chose the New York City Marathon. Everyone is telling her she’s crazy, and she tells herself that she can’t do it, but when someone says she can’t do it, that’s all she wants to do. The trainer puts her through her paces. She says her longest run has been twenty-one miles, and she’d never even run across the street to get a cab. Every hat I’ve ever owned is off to her. I had a two-year flirtation with running years ago, but I never really enjoyed it – I’m still waiting for the endorphins to kick in – and the longest I’ve run is 5k.

Bethenny’s driver brings in her dogs, Biggy and Smallz. She asks Kevin if he thinks they miss Cookie, who passed away. He says her spirit is there. He believes in the hereafter, and they probably miss stealing her food. I start to tear up when they show clips of Cookie throughout the years. Bethenny is weeping through an Instagram post after having put Cookie to sleep. She says it’s rough and she’s drained, and I want to bawl with her, since I have an old girl here who is my best girl forever. Bethenny says Cookie had a great run, and was much loved. She had Cookie longer than her child, her homes, or her business. Cookie was her family. She says people tell her about the Rainbow Bridge, and she wants to go there. If I was by myself, I’d be totally losing it.

Pre-party, Carole gets her makeup done with Dorinda. She’s dressed as Amelia Earhart, with a red teddy underneath her flight clothes. In her interview, Carole says Halloween is when all women dress like sluts and feel good about themselves, at least in New York. I think back on my costumes, and I’m not so sure about that. Dorinda says no one has seen Sonja, and it’s like Where’s Waldo? She says that LuAnn was surprised she didn’t hear from Carole, and Carole says everything she does is wrong in LuAnn’s eyes. In her interview, Carole says she half-expected a call from LuAnn apologizing for calling them all jealous bitches for the past two years. She’s still waiting. Dorinda’s dress arrives, and she squishes into it. I don’t remember exactly what that dress looked like, but I don’t think this is quite it.

The venue is the Dream Hotel, and no surprise, the décor is amazing, and everyone made a huge effort to get dressed up. Sonja comes with Rocco as Lucy and Ricky Riccardo. In her interview, Sonja says that Frenchie was fun, but Rocco is consistent and playing the long game. Tinsley arrives as Madonna during her Boy Toy phase. Ramona is Britney Spears, in a skintight red catsuit and sparkly boots, wearing a headset and holding a mic. Sonja and Rocco head immediately to the bar, ignoring everyone. She claims she needs to entertain Rocco, who has to leave early for work, then she’ll deal with the bitches. I have to confess, I have never once called one of my friends a bitch or a ho as an endearment. Tinsley wonders if it’s something she did, thinking it’s strange Sonja hasn’t stopped by to say hello.  LuAnn appears as Diana Ross, with the biggest afro ever. Huge. Ten times taller than Kid’s (Christopher Reid, Kid ‘n Play) in his heyday. I can also tell you right now, she is going to make Twitter mad over cultural appropriation. Carole thinks it’s a little off, which is being charitable for Carole. Luann says she’s feeling liberated without Tom in tow. It’s been a while since she’s felt her girl power. In her interview, Carole says LuAnn is disrespectful. She’s being tone deaf to a cultural stereotype, and is just plain tone deaf. Now there’s the Carole I know. Bethenny thinks Sonja is at the next level of strangeness, and Dorinda says she didn’t just wander in; she was invited. Why isn’t she saying hello? Passive aggressive maybe?

Dorinda is getting more riled about Sonja ignoring them, saying she’s supposed to be a woman of etiquette, and she’s not greeting the host. Sonja comes over, and Dorinda says, finally. She says Sonja has been clinging to Rocco, and Sonja says he had to leave early. In her interview, Dorinda wonders if Rocco is afraid to be polite. LuAnn tells Sonja to stop talking about her to their friends. She talks as if she knows what’s going on, when they haven’t even talked to her. It’s like a bad game of telephone, and it’s not cool.

Bethenny walks in wearing what she calls, a Barbie costume gone awry. She had two drag queens doing her glam and hair, and ended up as a drag queen/Texas prostitute Barbie. She sees LuAnn and says she has to hand it to her for giving zero effs. On the other hand, she does. She thinks Carole’s aviator costume is a retread of the zookeeper outfit she wore to their gangster dinner. And if Ramona can show her boobs and camel toe, she’s happy. Carole says Amelia was a chain-smoker, and smokes without inhaling. Dorinda, who is already slurring her words, says that after the marathon, she and Carole can chill together. She’ll roast some chickens and get wine, and they can share secrets and have a sleepover. Carols is like, okay… In her interview, says on a scale of one to drunk, Dorinda is an eight. Dorinda says the orange bubbly drink was not nice. She leaves early without her wig and losing bubbles.

LuAnn wants to do karaoke. She gripes about two years of defending Tom. In her interview, Bethenny says LuAnn married the disgusting pig she told her was a disgusting pig. LuAnn says Carole didn’t even text, and she was upset. Carole says it’s not like LuAnn called when she and Adam broke up. She respected LuAnn by not saying I told you so. It’s not her business, and she’s happy to be in a club of one. In her interview, Carole thinks it would have been insincere, and she doesn’t do that. She wishes she could be insincere; her life would be easier. I hear her on that one. LuAnn says Carole could have been a woman with a heart and soul. In her interview, Carole says she knows should have reached out, but didn’t. They were friends, and then they weren’t. She wants it to go away. She doesn’t want to live in the past. She wants to be moving forward.

Bethenny talks about an investment property she bought in South Hampton. Since she has to turn down her nose at something, Ramona says she’d never buy on the highway, but she’s not being negative. Bethenny says she’ll be sure to consult her next time. Sonja says, get the boxing gloves ready. Bethenny says Ramona can’t help being unkind. She knows real estate, and has five properties (plus, she worked with Fredrik!). Ramona babbles about the highway, and Bethenny says when Ramona is successful, ro call her back. In her interview, Bethenny says Ramona can’t help herself, and they just wait for next stupid thing she does. Ramona would wear a meat suit in front of a tiger cage. Ramona insists she believes in and empowers women, and Bethenny has enough, saying she doesn’t. Ramona says she’s being crucified for no reason, and Bethenny says there’s every reason. No one believes her bullsh*t.

This season, Dorinda drives like a maniac, Adam goes on a date, Bethenny goes to Puerto Rico, Carole runs the Marathon, another costume party, Jill Zarin’s husband dies, LuAnn gets arrested and goes to rehab, and Dorinda purposely faceplants in a cake.

🌟 On Star, Charles said he owned the girls, and Alex was going on tour with Noah. Jahil wanted Andy and Angel to go, so Charles suggested a sing-off, like in the old days. This prompted Simone to marry Angel on the sly, telling him it was the only way to keep her from going back to foster care. Star was singing her mother’s song in a club, and flashed back to a murder. She got sick and ran out. Later, the guy playing the keyboards (Jackson) tracked her down, telling her there was pain in her voice and he was looking for a lead singer. She said that’s why he doesn’t want to know her. Noah also confessed to Alex that he’s the reason their song was on the radio.

Carlotta told Ayanna that she was fighting for her girls against Ayanna’s father. Ayanna was a mess, but got it together, and they toasted to payback. Ayanna told her father that that she knows the CEO of his sponsoring company. She was one of the women he ass-grabbed back in the day. She told him that he’d be taking the girls on tour, or face a P.R. nightmare. Omari – who I thought was dead – cornered Cotton, asking her to leave town with him, telling her nobody else needs to get hurt. This came back to bite him later, when he really almost died. A bunch of guys jumped him and put a plastic bag over his head, but Cotton called it off after watching him struggle. She told him he might have saved her life in prison, but she doesn’t belong to him. And Miss Lawrence told him not to come back. This was fun, but the real treat was the trio of Queen Latifah, Patti LaBelle, and Brandi, singing in an empty church.

The best of Queen Latifah’s hair this week was a dark magenta, nearly purple, modern twist on the shag, with long bangs. Next time, Arlene’s body is found, Brody tells Jahil that they have a problem, and Take 3 is going on tour.

🔊 Jackie Hoffman – whom I love – was a guest on Watch What Happens Live tonight. I’d seen her in Hairspray on Broadway, and she’s always a delight. Although I often find him annoying, Andy accurately pointed out that Bethenny was not on theme at the Halloween party. Barbie might be famous, but she’s not a person, alive or dead. Next week, the show is going to LA.

🛀 Bubblemania

LadyGagaBubbleDress

The Real

LadyGagaBubbleDressInstructables

The Kit

LadyGagaBubbleDressDorinda

And the I Don’t Know What

 

April 2, 2018 – Griff Confronts Peter, Halloween in Atlanta, Abandoned, a Sprinkle of Random & Randall Park Mall

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Alexis meets Finn. He shows her parking tickets. She says, hi, Alexis, how are you? He says, hi, and asks how to fix this. She can’t believe he got so many in three weeks, and parked in a handicapped spot. He tells her about helping an old lady with her groceries in the snow, and being invited in for tea. He was all of fifteen minutes, and when he came out, had the tickets. She asks if he has medical plates, and he says he does. She tells him that she’s expensive, but he says he’d rather pay her than pay the man. She tells him no one says that anymore, and he says he’s bringing it back. She’ll try to make the tickets disappear if he makes their fake relationship go away.

Griff looks over an anonymous letter to Jordan, saying that Peter is Henrik and she should investigate. Anna walks in, and says he’s been keeping secrets.

Lulu goes to Peter’s office. She tells him she’s working on something, and could use his help. She needs assistance in atoning for Nathan’s death.

Nina sees Maxie at the hospital. Since she was late for work, Nina checked Maxie’s calendar, and she had an appointment. She can’t believe she forgot and didn’t put it on her own calendar. Maxie says she didn’t forget; she didn’t tell her.

Spinelli gives Jason a fat manila envelope, telling him everything he needs is in there. He says it’s prudent to prepare for every eventuality, however remote it is. Jason says Spinelli should be with his daughter, but he says she’s already back in Portland. She doesn’t understand the situation, but comprehends the importance of coming through for friends. He tells Jason if he’s successful, Sam won’t feel obligated to be with Drew and can follow her heart. Jason says he’s going to a lot of trouble for something that already happened. Sam and Drew broke up.

Sam drops by Drew’s office. He didn’t think she was coming in when he saw she’s cleared her schedule. She says she came to say goodbye.

Peter asks if Lulu hasn’t made any inroads with Maxie. Lulu tells him that they were both invited to a gathering, and Maxie didn’t even make eye contact. Peter says she’s grieving, and will eventually realize Faison killed Nathan, not her. Lulu says she’s the one who brought him to Port Charles, but Peter says he shares that responsibility for encouraging her. He’ll do what he can to help. She hoped he’d say that, and asks if he can get her an advance copy of The Severed Branch. He asks what she’s going to do with it, and she says, expose Henrik.

Nina tells Maxie that she gets it; hormonal forgetfulness. Maxie asks, what if it didn’t slip her mind? Nina says, an appointment without her birthing coach and sister-in-law? Is Maxie over her or something?

Finn asks which part of their relationship Alexis wants to disappear, and she says, the romantic part. She didn’t think her life was any of Julian’s business, and thought he’d stop dogging her. She’d rather be honest than find herself having to explain how everything isn’t related to her feelings for him.

Anna tells Griff that she was making an appointment, and thought she’d pop into the lounge to see if she could persuade him to stay with her. A little bird told her he’d already moved to better digs. He says, Amy. Anna says Amy told her that he’s living with Ava. He tells Anna that his apartment was condemned. It sped thing things up, but he’s really just a guest. She asks if he’s sleeping in the guest room. He says he sees her hunt for Henrik hasn’t distracted her from her mother hen tendencies. She says apparently, her concern was unwarranted, and Griff says, enough about him; how is the search going? She explains she’s working with Jason, and they both have leads. Griff says from what he’s heard, Jason is a killer. Anna believes he’s selective about his targets. In her profession, he’s considered an asset. He asks if she’s willing to stand aside and let him kill Henrik.

Spinelli asks Jason, what led to this welcome occurrence? Jason tells him that he and Sam were trapped in the earthquake. Spinelli interrupts, asking if when they made it out, they confessed their depthless, passionate, abiding love. Jason says Sam said she loves him, but she also loves Drew. She has to be honest about what’s going on with her, and when she told Drew, he left her.

Drew asks if Sam is really leaving Port Charles. She says for a few days, maybe a week. She needs time to figure things out and clear her head; she’s leaving in a few hours. He asks what about the kids, and she says she’s taking Danny. If it’s okay, she’d like to take Scout, but she doesn’t want to make assumptions. He says he doesn’t know if it’s his place to ask anymore, but is Jason going?

Nina asks Maxie if she did something wrong. Maybe she’s not good enough. Maxie she’s doing everything. It means world to her that Nina cares. She doesn’t know what she’d do without her. She loves Nina; they’re sisters. She just needs space right now. Nina asks if she’s been smothering Maxie, and Maxie says no, but sometimes when she looks at Nina, all she sees is Nathan.

Lulu tells Peter that she already cleared the story with her editor. He asks what she needs the book for, and she says maybe she can find a lead or research the material. She thought he might be able to snag a review copy. Peter says he has one already, and asks if she’s sure she wants to do this. It could destroy any chance of reconciliation.

Griff asks if Anna leads Jason to Henrik, won’t she feel responsible for his death? She says she won’t let that happen. Griff says their goals are different. Isn’t there anyone else she can trust? She thinks about Finn telling her that she saved his life. She says no one she’d risk getting hurt.

Alexis tells Finn that her sobriety was easier when she lied. Sometimes a fib can be useful. He says she is a lawyer. He’s concerned that taking the high road with Julian will end up dragging her down. He says, when there’s a lie, make it the truth. She tells him she doesn’t speak fortune cookie. He says she told Julian they were serious, so let’s be serious.

Maxie asks if Nina doesn’t feel the same way, seeing Nathan when she looks at her. They’re close, and she’s grateful, but with closeness comes something else. Nina says, sadness. She feels it too; she’s just trying to make her happy and make everything better. Maxie says Bobbie told her, no one person can do that; only time. Nina asks where do they go from here? It feels like she’s getting dumped. She asks if Maxie wants to be left alone, but Maxie says, not at all. Just a little less time. Maybe four nights a week instead of six. Nina says, five, and Maxie says it works for her. They hug. Maxie tells Nina that she couldn’t get through this without her. Nina says Mac and Felicia had better pick up the slack, and Maxie says, they will. She also has Spinelli, Bobbie, and Peter. Nina says Peter is her boss. Maxie says Peter is a friend who happens to be her boss. She tells Nina about him crashing at her place, and explains that it’s important for her to spend time with people who aren’t so connected. Nina says she just wants Maxie and the baby to be happy. Maxie says, one day they will be.

Peter tells Lulu that the last time she tracked down a mystery, it blew up in her face. She says this time it isn’t to catch anyone, but unmask them, so someone else can catch them. She doubts Maxie will forgive her, but it might give her some measure of peace. If it wasn’t for Henrik, Nathan would be alive. Peter says she’s making assumptions. What if he’s only guilty of being Faison’s son? Lulu says, then that’s the story she’ll write. Peter gives her the book, and tells her to keep him in the loop If she finds something, he wants to hear about it.

Alexis asks if Finn wants her to take a lie, and make it the truth by really having a relationship. He’s not suggesting moving in, but they both hate the word dating. She says seeing each other doesn’t work, and going out sounds like high school. He says if they choose to elevate the relationship, they’ll find a new adult word. She says it wouldn’t be horrible, and they don’t mind each other’s company. She’ll check her calendar. He says, in the meantime, and points out the tickets. She asks if he knows it’s the same bade number on all of them. That means they were issued by the same officer. Finn takes the tickets, saying never mind; he’ll deal with it himself. He has free time now that he’s not bringing down drug dealers with Anna. He leaves, and he and Anna literally bump into each other as she’s walking in. Anna goes to the bar, and makes a phone call. Alexis watches her.

Jason tells Spinelli about going to the pier, and getting into a fight with Drew. Spinelli says that’s not like him. He’s normally cool and collected to a fault. He’s never seen Jason fight unless someone else throws the first punch. Jason says he cops arrested both of them. Sam came to the station to pay Drew’s fine. He left, she stayed, and they had a chance to talk. Spinelli says, about? Jason thinks back Sam wanting to find out who she is, and the possible reality of ending up without wither of them. Jason says for the first time since he came back, it feels like Sam is making her own decisions, and following her own instincts. Underneath, she’s starting to trust herself again. Spinelli asks if they talked about future plans, and Jason says she was thinking about taking Danny and Scout on a trip. When she comes back, it’s for her to figure out. Spinelli has to get to the airport. He says if he’s successful, he’ll come back with what they want. If he fails – he pats the envelope – the contingency plan is in Jason’s hands.

Sam tells Drew that she needs time by herself to figure things out. He gets it, and she thanks him for understanding. He says they have a lot to discuss when she gets back. He doesn’t know if it’s too soon or inappropriate, but they have to figure out how to divvy up everything they worked so hard to build.

Anna talks on the phone to Frisco, saying Obrecht told her that Faison raised Henrik. She’s looking for his last known whereabouts, and if Obrecht was with Faison at that time. She hasn’t turned up anything regarding boarding schools. Alexis approaches her, and she tells Frisco to hold on. Alexis says she’d like to have a chat when it’s convenient. Anna asks if it’s quick. Alexis says it doesn’t need to be, and to call her about Finn. Anna tells Frisco that she’ll call back.

Chase finds Finn at the hospital, and says he sees Finn got his messages. Finn says it’s harassment. Chase says he calls, but Finn doesn’t pick up, and there’s no response. Finn tears the tickets up, and says, here’s a response. Chase tells him destroying the tickets doesn’t make them go away. He just wants some of Finn’s time. Why is that objectionable?

Lulu sits at Kelly’s lunch counter. Jason sees her with the book. He says he didn’t know it was ready for publication. Lulu says she borrowed an advance copy from Peter.

Peter plays with a Zippo lighter. He  thinks about Maxie telling him how she got through the night because she wasn’t alone. Maxie asks if she’s interrupting, but Peter says he’s just daydreaming. He tells her that she looks rested. She says she is, and he’s glad to hear it. She asks if he’s glad he doesn’t have to scrunch on her couch again. He asks if she’s feeling smothered. She tells him that Nina tracked her down at the hospital. She’d checked Maxie’s personal calendar and found out she had an appointment. Maxie had to let her know she purposely didn’t tell her, but thinks they had a good talk.

Nina stomps around the hospital, and remembers Peter going to the appointment with Maxie. She flashes back to when Peter and Maxie made up the story about his vasectomy, and when they were picking up food at the MetroCourt. She starts kicking the wall. Griff tells her she’s going to break her foot, and she says she’d rather break Peter’s face instead.

Sam agrees she and Drew have a lot to sort out. There’s also the custody of Scout. He says he doesn’t want to fight, and they both talk at once. He guesses there’s really not a whole lot to discuss. The apartment is hers and everything it. She says what about the company? It’s theirs.

Jason says Henrik finished the book, and Lulu says PK Sinclair did, but if they’re right, he’s Henrik. She hasn’t read it yet, but from the inside flap, she got that the hero was under the thumb of his cruel, repressive father, and is out for revenge. Jason says he had the original, unfinished copy, and Spinelli wrote a program to predict the end of the book, but it would help to see the real ending. She hands him the book, and says, be my guest.

Peter tells Maxie that he isn’t surprised Nina took it so well. She’s a generous, loving person. Maxie says his name was brought up, and Peter gets that Nina is protective. Maxie says she doesn’t need to be, and she tried to convey that. He asks how that went, and she thinks it went well. Nina isn’t thrilled that they’re friends, but is understanding that he’s not a threat. She doesn’t think Nina will get in the way of their friendship.

Griff ices Nina’s foot. He guesses she’s not a fan of Peter’s. She asks what he knows about Peter, and Griff says he helps Drew and Sam run Aurora. Nina wonders how he’s in town this long and all they know is what he does for a living and that he’s a good friend. Griff tells her that she’s saying it like it’s a fault. She says it is when the object of his friendship is an expectant mother and widow leaning on him too hard. She thinks there’s something they don’t know.

Chase says he’s seen more of Finn in the last three days than the past ten years. Finn says he’s spent the bulk of that arresting him, and it’s harassment. Chase says he just wants to know Finn. Why doesn’t Finn show him around? He doesn’t know anyone and gets lonely. Finn hears there’s an app for that. Chase suggests they get a drink, but Finn says he doesn’t drink. Chase says he should know that, but doesn’t. Can’t brothers do better? Finn says they can, but not these two.

Alexis says she and Anna have to talk, since she and Finn have gotten closer. Anna says she’s been deep into an investigation, and isn’t on top of the social calendar. Alexis says she and Finn are good friends, and she’s fine with keeping it there if it would be getting in the way of something he and Anna have. Anna thinks if she and Finn have something, they wouldn’t be having this conversation. They agree they respect each other, and Alexis asks if Finn is available. Anna tells her to ask him, but Alexis thinks she should ask Anna, and repeats the question.

Peter tells Maxie that their friendship could be construed as a conflict of interest, since he’s her boss. In the hallway, Griff listens in. He’s getting good at that. She says he’s Nina’s boss, and Nina is her boss. He says she’s also Maxie’s sister-in-law. Maxie says she’s known for speaking her mind, and doesn’t hold things back. She doesn’t think their friendship is a problem, and told Nina it’s valuable and she has to respect that. Maxie leaves, and Griff looks worried. His main talent.

Nina calls Curtis. She tells him she wants to hire him for a priority investigation.

Anna tells Alexis that she doesn’t need to ask for permission. Alexis thinks she does. They’re not dating, just getting to know each other better. Anna says, by dating. Alexis asks if it’s a problem for her, and Anna says it would only be a problem if she didn’t make him happy. Alexis says that’s a tall order; he’s not exactly bubbling with joy. Anna says, it’s fine; have at it, and good luck. She leaves, and Alexis puzzles over this.

Chase says Finn doesn’t make it easy. They have the same father; it must count for something. Finn says he was gone before Chase was in the picture. They had no relationship then, and there’s no reason to have one now. he gets in the elevator, and the door closes.

Drew asks if Sam thinks they can work together and not be together. She says they don’t have to figure it out now. She doesn’t trust making a giant life decision after another one; she needs time to think. He says it’s fine. She tells him that she has a plane to catch. He tells her to be safe, and she says, him too.

Lulu tells Jason she already inquired, and PK Sinclair has little or no contact with the publishing company. Everything was finalized by email. He has to get paid, so maybe they should follow the money. She asks if the ending matches, and Jason says there are some variations. In the epilogue, he says all that’s left of his father is him. That, and a memento he took before their final goodbye; a lighter. He knew the day might come when he’d burn his own life down, as he brought his father’s to ashes.

Peter plays with the lighter. Griff knocks at the door. Peter asks if there’s a problem, and Griff says, you could say that. Peter wonders if there was a mistake on his test results, and Griff says there was a problem with the paperwork – his name. He wrote Peter August, but that’s a lie. His name is Henrik Faison.

Tomorrow, Franco knows what to do, Griff wants Peter to turn himself in, and Nina wants Curtis to investigate Peter.

Vanderpump Rules

The girls head to the beach early. Stassi says life is better today. She actually got some sleep after taking a sleeping pill. Kristen says she came in at 8:30, and Stassi didn’t even wake up. Katie tells Kristen that the guys said she and James hooked up.

Twelve hours earlier…

At a club, Jax is angry with Scheana for showing Brittany there are guys other than him. James invades the DJ booth and tries to explain house music. In his interview, he says he’s never without a thumb drive with music on it. He says, it’s a See You Next Tuesday Mexican edition. Or as I would call it, a James takeover. In his interview, Jax admits James is good at getting the party started and turning it up. In her interview, Kristen says James has the potential to be really talented, and does a great job as DJ. Lala says he slays life. Apparently, these people don’t get out as much as they claim to. Kristen tells James that she’s fun, and that they’ve dated. He’s confused, since he knows she’s fun, because they dated. Stassi thinks it’s freaking weird seeing them drinking and laughing together, and we flash back to some hateful moments between them. Kristen says their time together reminds her of a bad mushroom trip, and James drinks some more. The group heads out. Jax has a bottle of vodka in his pants. Some things never change. Jax is one of them.

In the morning, both Kristen and James’s beds are empty. Jax tells Brittany that Scheana is bullsh*t, trying to set her up on a date. He doesn’t go to Rob and tell him to explore other options. He says Kristen has to be kept at arm’s reach, because she’ll talk sh*t behind your back. He tells Brittany about seeing Kristen and James drinking in the pool at 7 am. She’s not believing they hooked up, but he tells her to look at the pillows. In his interview, he presents the evidence of the case. He tells Brittany about James grabbing a bottle of tequila and finding the pillows – the smoking gun – oddly arranged later. He knows what he saw. Brittany says if he’d put half the effort of this reenactment into their relationship, they’d be fine.

Giggy! Ken brings a dog to Lisa. Her name is Monroe, and someone dumped her at the rescue center; they didn’t want her anymore. I can’t even imagine that. Lisa says she can’t have another dog, and he suggests just a few days. She says some of their strays are doing well. Look at James, and how well he’s doing. There’s hope for lost causes. Her personal rule is not falling in love with every stray and bringing it home. She thinks Monroe should meet other people. She doesn’t like the name Monroe, but Ken says she can’t change it unless she’s going to keep her. She thinks she might be in trouble.

Tom drinks I-don’t-know-what the second he gets up. Ariana says he has the most on point golf outfit of all time. He says he might suck at golf, but he’ll look good doing it. Schwartz tells Katie he’s going golfing. In his interview, he says last night is a blur. He remembers tequila shots, James shirtless, penis flutes, dancing, and kissing Katie. From there, he doesn’t know what happened, and he’s not feeling too good.

Lala receives roses from her boyfriend with a note saying he loves and misses her. She asks if Rob gives Scheana flowers, but Scheana says she’s not a flower person. Lala asks what kind of gifts he gives, and she says she doesn’t like gifts; she prefers affection to presents. In her interview, Lala says Scheana still feels the need to pretend when they all know it. She’s not getting affection or gifts. Lala says her man loves giving gifts. Scheana says she doesn’t need all that; she’s simple. Lala sucks on her baby bottle, and we both refrain from making jokes.

Jax says he’ll be happy just to get the ball on the tee. James says he and Schwartz are wasted. They were drinking until sunrise, and still are. These guys golf worse than I do, and I suck. Tom says he’s golfed on many courses, but they’ve all been the miniature kind. Schwartz and James stay in the carts, while the other three drive holes into the lawn. James drives off the road, and Peter tells him that he can’t do that. In response, James gives him the finger and crashes into another cart. Jax says they’re a motley crew. James couldn’t find the hole if a shiny arrow pointed to it. Jax tells the guys about his theory on Kristen and James, saying they weren’t braiding each other’s hair at that hour in the hot tub. Tom asks James if he knows how Kristen is today.

He asks if James hooked up with Kristen, but in his drunken state, James interprets it as hanging out, and says, maybe a little bit, but not really. Jax says they were destined to be friends. Tom asks if they brought cushions to the hot tub. James says no, but Jax has pictures. James accuses Jax of focusing on him because his own relationship is in turmoil. Peter says they have two deflectors, deflecting against each other. Jax shows James a cushion picture, and James says he took a nap. In his interview, James defines hanging out versus hooking up, and says the latter didn’t happen. James tells them his girlfriend is sexy AF, and about to be Miss USA. I try to figure this out, since she’s from Australia. He claims he’s never cheated on her. He says Jax hurt his feelings, and everyone laughs. Jax says no one will narc on him, and just be honest. James says Jax is bringing him back to an old place, and he doesn’t like the bullying. Jax calls him hungover and emotional. In his interview, James says he woke up in a Mexico in a hellhole of lies. He’s upset Jax would do this to him, after he outed Scheana trying to get Brittany interested in another guy. He gets all weepy.

Brittany and Scheana get massages. Scheana tells Brittany that Tom was pissed about her trying to set up Brittany with Adam. Brittany says Jax wouldn’t leave her alone, but she’s glad he feels insecure. In her interview, Scheana says after what Jax did, she’s glad to set Brittany up with someone else. Brittany tells her about Jax claiming James and Kristen hooked up. Scheana says Carter will be pissed if he finds out.

Kristen doesn’t remember last night totally, but viva la Mexico.

Ariana and Lala join Scheana and Brittany at the spa. Ariana didn’t get to bed until 7 am. Brittany says she passed out while everyone was still in her suite. Lala says Kristen and James seemed to be connecting. Brittany says it was only them and a pillow left at the end. Lala wonders if there was kissy-kissy. Scheana is sure Carter must have been happy about the shirtless James Snapchat. In her interview, Lala believes something happened, instructing us that once a hole has been entered, it’s easy to have reentry. She said this, not me.

At the TomTom site, Lisa discusses logistics with handyman Santi, who says it looks good. Wearing a pink hardhat, Lisa goes up on a lift. Ken arrives, and isn’t thrilled about her being up there. Lisa says the bar isn’t sexy yet, but will be. It’s starting to feel like a bar. It will be an unusual combo; romantic industrial. She talks about having velvet booths juxtaposed with steel. Ken says she’s stuck on the building site, and Lisa says she’s having fun. They talk about the kids being in Mexico. Lisa is waiting for Brittany to see the light. Ken says she’s a girl from the country and he’s a man of the world, although that wouldn’t be my term for him. Lisa feels an analogy coming on, and says she wouldn’t have put up with that kind of bullsh*t. In her interview, she says Ken owned clothing shops where women came to get dressed, and wine bars where women came to get undressed. She tells Ken she would never have put up with him stealing or shagging one of her friends.

We’re back to the beginning on the beach. Katie tells Kristen that when Schwartz came back from golfing, he said James told him they hooked up. Stassi tells Kristen that she can’t put herself in these situations. She asks Kristen if she blacked out, and Kristen says, don’t you dare, but Stassi says it’s happened before. Kristen says she’d never, ever, ever, ever cheat on Carter. Stassi reminds her that she lied for an entire summer about hooking up with Jax. We flash back to that, and I shudder. Kristen says she won’t have sh*t made up about her. In her interview, Stassi says she’d be an idiot not to ask questions. She tells Kristen that they’re not the bad guys. In her interview, Kristen says she’s grown since then. She tells them she’s about to knock someone’s ass out. Yep. Totally grown.

The rest of the group arrives, minus James, who’s sleeping it off. Kristen says, let’s effing talk, and asks if James said they hooked up. Jax tells her that’s what he said. Tom says James told them maybe a little bit. Tom says that Schwartz did a disappearing act. Schwartz says he ended up in a different resort, but he’s not sure how he got there. The workers brought him back. Katie says his not knowing where he was concerns her. In her interview, she says he’s still going to the point of blacking out, and has a lot at stake – his marriage and TomTom. She doesn’t want him to jeopardize that. He says he almost remembers everything. Katie tells him that he’s not drinking for the rest of the day. Stassi suggests he act like a bar owner.

James is still lying in bed, and Peter asks how it’s going. He says he’s feeling better, and Peter notices the open bottle of vodka next to the bed. James asks where Peter went, and Peter tells him, the beach, where James and Kristen were the topic. He tells James about what Jax said, and James says Jax is obviously insecure, and gets joy out of other people’s relationships crumbling. If he’s spreading rumors, Kristen must be livid. Peter says she was.

It’s suit night, but Jax is passing on polyester; it’s 110 degrees outside. James texts Kristen not to listen to that nutcase saying he’s done anything; it’s a lie. She thinks it’s a lame attempt James fitting in with the guys at her expense. Stassi tells her not to be impulsive.

Tom is pissed off, since he went to the effort of getting short suits for the guys. Now Jax and Schwartz won’t wear them. I have news for him. I don’t know anyone who would wear them, and if I was a guy, I wouldn’t wear them. Tom is wearing a leopard print pair of knee-length shorts and a leopard short-sleeved jacket, with a matching tie and white shirt. Jax says it’s so awful, it’s awesome, but its 800 degrees. I’d say it’s just awful, and he’s probably exaggerating about the heat. James compares Kristen to a Venus fly trap. You get caught and stuck, and have to pretend you’re dead, then slowly leave. They sit down at a restaurant for dinner, and Schwartz tells Brittany he wants food from Chili’s. He’s been drinking all day, he’s barely alive, and needs hangover food. He’s not craving ceviche, but the unlimited breadsticks sound good.

In her interview, Stassi tells us that she and Patrick are in a text fight. She forgot to text him when she got there, but doesn’t want to be on the phone fighting in Mexico. She says she hasn’t FaceTimed with him since he got mad at her. Why FaceTime with someone who’s just going to yell at her? Brittany tells Kristen that James said it, and everyone heard it. Kristen says he’s going down.

James claims that’s not what he said. Kristen tells him that Brittany claims he definitely did. Tom stands up, thanks Brittany, and wishes another happy birthday to Jax. He hopes they can all come and see where he and Schwartz are at with TomTom. They all toast. Kristen wants to make a toast next. She says, cheers to TomTom, thanks Brittany, and wishes Jax a happy birthday for the fourteen-millionth time. She adds that James said she hooked up with him, and James tells her that he never said that. She says four people here say he did. Tom says he told them, maybe a little. James is adamant that he didn’t say that. Jax tells him to own it. Schwartz chimes in, and James is annoyed that he’s getting ganged up on by the old men. In his interview, a lot is bleeped, but he calls both Jax and Brittany fat, which makes me scowl at the TV. I don’t care what he says about Jax, but he has no business commenting on Brittany at all. Kristen wants to throw him across the room. Katie is like, no, you can’t do that. In her interview, Katie says she’s not sympathetic to people who act like children. I hear you, Katie. Kristen says James is exactly who she thought he was. He says he doesn’t give a flying what she thinks. Stassi says he should, and he doesn’t give one about her opinion either. He calls Kristen an attention seeker, and tells her to shut up. Kristen throws a drink at him. Lala is like, wtf?, since half the drink went on her, and jumps up. James calls Kristen white trash, and walks out; Lala following. In her interview, Lala says it’s the lowest of low to throw a drink. She’s pushed people down, but never throws a margarita with salt, because she’s not a bitch. I don’t even know what to say, except I guess that makes sense to her. James insists if he said anything, it was a joke. These people need to stop drinking to blackout level. Or just stop drinking.

Next time, Lala gets an injury from her baby bottle, Kristen tells Carter about the James rumor, Jax confronts Adam, and Lisa tells Jax to leave.

🍑 A Halloween/Eva’s birthday party happened on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I love a costume party, and the ladies did not disappoint. The venue was impressive – a decommissioned church, and all of the costumes were fabulous. I gave the award for Most Amusing to NeNe and Gregg, who went as an exterminator and roach, respectively. If you’re out of the Atlanta loop, this was in answer to Kim’s posting a video of several water bugs in NeNe’s newly renovated bathroom. They keep calling them roaches, but after twenty years in New York, I know what a roach is, and we call the gargantuan ones from the South, water bugs. In Florida, they’re palmetto bugs. We did occasionally get them in NYC, but they’re about 65,000 times bigger than the average roach there. And they fly. Sorry. I didn’t mean to get off on a roach tangent, but it’s irritated me that Kim is intimating NeNe does not keep a clean house, when that has nothing to do with these mammoth mofos. Anyway, Kim was not down with this humor, once again hanging a question mark over my head. How is this nasty, petty, humorless woman the same one joking around with chef Tracey, and running from possums, on Don’t Be Tardy? It’s like she’s two different people. She and Kroy came as a Playboy bunny and Hef, btw. I loved Kandi’s costume as well. She was the clown from It, but in a white lacey confection. Holding a red balloon, she looked both pretty and pretty scary. Next time, the reunion. Porsha wearing a tiara ought to be worth the price of admission.

🏨 No pun intended, but I highly recommend Abandoned on Viceland. Professional skateboarder, Rick McCrank, finds abandoned places to display his talents, but the show is much more than that. It’s rich in history of the local areas, and the places themselves. All of the episodes are constantly in rotation, but my favorite is the first one, Ghost Mall, where Rick tours northeastern Ohio, mecca of abandoned shopping malls. An area where I’m originally from, the closest mall to my hometown wasn’t featured (I have no idea if it’s dead or not), but there was one mall I was familiar with. The show was a heartstring-tugger, interviews with locals who spent time there when the malls were alive, contributing to the melancholy. I’m very drawn to abandoned places, and if you are too, this is the show for you.

🚤 Summer House mercifully had it’s finale. Kyle said they’ve come a long way since last year. Not really. The reunion might be interesting.

😐 Something to ponder…

Petulant is a great word, especially when said with a British accent.

😢 Randall Park Mall

April 1, 2018 – Everyone is Looking for Something, Wrong Lane Legend, Some Ramble & My Neighbor’s Brother

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

At the trash heap, Tardis Jadis hears shooting, and covers Negan with a bunch of material. She plays dead, and several people run past. A guy stops and spits on her. Lucky for her, he keeps moving. When it’s over, she removes her boots and coat, and is in the nightgown she wore when she killed the other Heapsters.

Wearing normal clothing – a plaid flannel shirt and jeans – Jadis retreats to a long, narrow bedroom that’s in amazingly pristine condition, and even has a skylight.  She picks up a now clean Lucille, and checks her watch. She goes to the container. She goes to the container. Negan says, what the sh*t?  He’s tied up, and she pulls him out on a dolly.

Carol chops wood. Ezekiel wants to look for Henry, but she says Maggie needs her. He tells her that she’s choosing not to leave; why? Does she believe Henry is already dead? She told him to pretend until it’s so, yet she can’t. He thought she was the bravest person he’d met, but no. She’s being stopped by cowardice.

Tara tells Daryl it’s been over a day, and she’s still not sick. He says she got lucky. She says Dwight shot her with clean arrow. Everyone else who got hit, got sick. It can’t be an accident. Daryl asks if Dwight gets a pass. Tara reminds Daryl about telling her that they might need Dwight. If she’d killed him, now she’d be dead. She thinks it’s personal with Daryl, and he’s not looking at the whole picture.

Michonne asks Rick if he wants to read it. He gets his coat, and says they need food. She asks what he wrote to Rick. Rick doesn’t know; he can’t. Michonne says he has too. Someone stopped her, and now she’s stopping him. Carl wrote it because he wanted Rick to read it. It was one of his last wishes. She tells Rick that he’s staying. She takes his coat and bag, and leaves the room. Rick looks like he has a headache, and takes out the letter.

Morgan sees Carol, and she asks if he’s looking for him for the Saviors. She says he doesn’t have to, but he says he does. He was supposed to do it before. Carol says fine, but she’s coming with him.

In Maggie’s office, Rosita says if the Saviors come back, they can’t defend a sizeable attack. Daryl thinks hand-to-hand combat is the way to go. Maggie asks if he thinks they’re running out of ammo, but Rosita says they have their bullet-maker; they’ll never run out, but she knows where to find him.

Negan tells Jaundice Jadis that whatever happened, he can smell it. He told her that he thinks people are a resource; he doesn’t throw that away. He’s confident that most people can be put on the right path; his own path. He wouldn’t have done this. It’s the work of someone not following the program, but it’s his mistake; he’ll own this. He took a chance, and thought he was doing the right thing, and punched himself in the d*ck. He’s sorry. He really is sorry. Jadis says she lost all she had. He tells her that he can help get it back. She brings Lucille down about an inch from his face.

Carol tells Morgan it makes sense that they stayed near the road. She finds a partially eaten turnip, and says, they were here. Morgan sees something and runs, calling Henry’s name. Carol follows. Morgan sees Henry, who turns around. He looks like death, and says, you know where it is; you were supposed to. Morgan says he’s not there, and tells Henry he’s not there. He tells Carol that Henry is dead. Carol says she didn’t come to look for Henry, but keep an eye on Morgan. She saves people, but she can’t save the dead. Morgan says he’s not dead. He doesn’t die; he just sees them – again and again. Even when he looks away, he still sees them. They continue to walk, Morgan in the lead. He sees a zombie whose head was cracked open with a rock. He says they came through here. Maybe it was a shortcut.

Rick watches Judith play. A single tear rolls down his face. He goes out with his gun, and asks Alden where they went. Alden says his best and only guess is the Sanctuary. He says they talked about getting out, but he hadn’t given their plans too much credit. Rick asks how he would do it, and Alden tells him about an old dive bar Negan talked about turning into an outpost. He asks Rick to do him a favor, and if Rick finds them, not to kill more than he has to. He says it went bad last night. They made a wrong choice, but it probably hasn’t hit some of them yet. He says Rick could bring them back and show them. Rick says he could.

Jadis’s watch beeps. She tosses Lucille, and walks off. Negan says, let’s talk about this. He had nothing to do with it. He moves himself along on the dolly with his feet. Jadis slides out a luggage cart with a zombie attached to it. It’s super weird, like the zombie is part of the cart. Negan says if she really wanted to harm him, she wouldn’t have left him near a bag full of guns, along with pictures of her nearest and dearest. She looks out, and he has a gun in one hand, and a lit flare in the other. Nearby are several photos. He suggests they have a chat.

Down the road, Carol and Morgan see a herd of zombies crossing. Carol thinks they should wait, and let it pass. Morgan says they could lose the trail, but Carol is afraid of losing more than that. A zombie stumbles toward them, and Morgan pikes it in the head. He starts to walk down the road, and Carol says maybe they can find them by another road. Morgan says he knows what they’ll find. She says he won’t know unless they keep going, and she won’t know unless she tries. He can try too. Morgan says he can’t. She saves people; he watches them die. He’s supposed to. Carol says he found her. He saved her. He knew she could come back, and he can too. He says it wasn’t him. He’s not strong like her. He was there watching them, knowing something would happen, and then it did. He has to kill him. He walks off. Carol calls to him, and then walks in the opposite direction.

Gimcrack Jadis tells Negan to leave the pictures alone. He says he figured they meant something to her. Considering the way things are, she can’t just pop around corner and order friends. He’s asking her one more time, what the sh*t is this? Is this how she kills people? Jadis mimics him, saying people are a resource. She asks him to put the flare away. It’s all she has left. He took her world; her everything. He tells her that his wife’s name was Lucille. She got him through. He didn’t give her sh*t, and she got him through regular life. The bat got him through this. He named the bat after her. It’s the last piece of what he has of her life, like Jadis’s photos. Jadis says, yes, and her watch beeps. She pushes the cart toward him, jumping around it. She knocks the gun out of one hand, and tries to grab the flare, but it falls into a puddle. A helicopter comes by, and she runs inside. Negan says, what the sh*t? for the fifteenth time. Jadis runs back out with a lit flare, but it’s too late. She walks over to where Lucille is, amid a pile of kindling, and is about to light it on fire. Negan says he didn’t burn her pictures. What will she have after she burns Lucille? Just a pile of ashes. She says she gets to hurt him, and he says he didn’t do it, but he can settle it. She puts the flare down, and cries.

Rick runs through the woods. He and Morgan see each other. Morgan is about to whack Rick with his staff, and Rick says Morgan knows him. Morgan says he’s not right, and Rick says out here for them and they’ll finish it. He and Morgan go out to the road, and see a car with fresh body parts next to it. The screen goes to black, and we hear shots.

In the dive bar, the Saviors are talking about two guys who are lying there. Jared wants to get rid of them, saying they don’t look too good. Another Savior says maybe that’s because they hacked part of them off. I guess these are the guys who belong to the body parts. Jared says, even if they make it, who’s waiting? They need to make their own way. If they deliver Rick to Negan, they’ll win big and be recognized. He asks if Rick is ready to walk. They’re ditching the dead weight and moving on. Jared is about to kill the two wounded men, and one Savior says they can get them to the doctor at Hilltop. Rick suggests they come back with him. He says they chose wrong, but it’s not too late. Cut them free, cooperate, make a fresh start, and become part of a community. He’s giving his word. There’s not a lot worth much anymore, but a man’s word means something. Jared looks skeptical. He asks if Rick thinks they’re dumb enough to believe him. He asks Jared to hear him out. They don’t have much time. They’re headed this way. They need to make a choice now.

The Saviors start to get nervous, and Jared says, there’s no herd, and there’s no deal at Hilltop. Rick didn’t come to save them. He came for blood. He says, this one here, indicating Morgan, strangled one of his own men with his bare hands. Jared accuses Rick of saying bullsh*t. Morgan says he came here to do what he was supposed to; kill every last one of them. Jared holds a gun to Morgan’s head. Morgan smiles, and tells him to save his bullets. He’s going to need them. The herd is coming, and after, when he’s just torn skin, loose teeth, and blood – stuff the zombies didn’t eat – it will be a damn shame, because there will be none of them left to kill. Now tell us how you really feel, Morgan. Jared tells the Saviors, let’s dump and bounce. Morgan says it never changes. He doesn’t die. No one does. Everybody turns. Jared is about to shoot Morgan, when another Savior stops him.

They hear the herd. Zombies begin to flow in. Jared is like, WTF?! and shoots at them. Rick yells for someone to cut them loose. Someone knocks Jared down, but it backfires, and they get eaten. Jared takes off. Morgan and Rick get loose, and get their weapons. Rick shoots, and Morgan uses his big stick. There are several Saviors helping them dispatch the zombies, and they kill them too. I’m like, he-e-ey. Rick throws the last one to a zombie. Wow. He’s harsh. Morgan looks around in the rooms behind the bar. He sees Henry by the pool table. But not for long. Jared pops out, and attacks Morgan with some pointy thing that looks pretty dangerous. He almost stabs Morgan in the throat, but Morgan throws him off and out, closing a metal gate that separates the rooms. It’s a kind of chain link, so Morgan watches Jared trying to grab through the openings. Jared screams as zombies tear his flesh from him. Morgan shows no emotion.

A dying Savior tells Rick this isn’t what he said, and Rick says, he lied. He shoots the guy in the head. Hmm… I don’t know how I feel about this. Morgan says, everybody turns, and walks out. Rick says Morgan saved him; he would have died. Maybe on the street in front of Morgan’s house. Morgan didn’t know him; why did he do it? Morgan says they should go. Rick says, just tell him. He had his son then. Morgan says, because his son was there. I forgot all about that.

Negan has Lucille back. Anthrax Jadis looks at the pictures. Negan asks what happened there; what was that was all about? He tells her to come with him and he’ll follow a new path. She’s not interested, but he says, the offer stands. Maybe he’ll swing by again. Who knows? Maybe she’ll want to share. He leaves, and I’m disappointed she didn’t go with him. And it seems Negan is better at keeping his word than Rick is.

Carol annihilates some zombies, after seeing Henry is trapped in a tangle of roots along a swamp. She pulls him out, and he says he’s sorry. She hugs him, and he cries. She says she was wrong; he can survive.

The wall guards at Alexandria bang on the sheet metal, and hoot and holler. Jerry runs to get Ezekiel. Carol and Henry walk in. Henry runs to Ezekiel. Carol nods, and keeps walking. Henry and Ezekiel hug. Nice welcome, but way to draw a crowd of zombies.

Carol tells Ezekiel that he was right, she was afraid. He says, but she’s no coward. Carol says she had a daughter. After she lost her, Carol was nothing. The people she was with saw a better version of her, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t find herself down at times.

A wind blows through Alexandria. Morgan and Rick come in. Morgan touches Henry, making sure he’s real. He tells Henry that he killed the man who killed his brother. He smiles, And Henry says he’s sorry, putting his hand on Morgan’s shoulder. Morgan tells him, don’t ever be sorry. Rick walks past everyone, and goes inside. Michonne sees Morgan crying.

Matrix Jadis brings her rolling suitcase to the bedroom. This must be her safe space. Her clean place too. She lies down on the bed.

Negan drives. He pulls over, and opens the passenger door. He says, if sh*t could sh*t, it wouldn’t look as sh*tty as you. Get in. I think this is probably his record number of sh*ts in one episode. Definitely in one sentence.

He drives to the Sanctuary. The guard says he knew Negan was alive. Negan says, hell yes, but not a word. Daddy is home, but it’s going to be a surprise. Hell, he has all sorts to roll out. We hear zombie noises from the car. See? He’s fun. He brings some life to this show. I know that sounds oxymoronish, but it needs some fun.

Daryl and Rosita watch Eugene through binoculars. They make a plan to take him out.

Rick changes into a comfortable t-shirt, and takes out the letter from Carl. Michonne comes in, and he thanks. Her he says he’s sorry, and she tells him that he doesn’t have to be. He says he loves her. She loves him too. They kiss. She leaves the room. He sits on the bed and reads. He cries a little.

Next time, Negan surprises Dwight, Simon wants to gather the like-minded, and the Saviors plan to take the Hilltop.

✝ My Late Slip

Tonight, I hate Walking Dead even more than usual, since they screwed up my entire evening by being on at all. Bravo decided to show new episodes as well, but not for any Wives who are important to me, so I’ll catch up with Atlanta and Potomac later. So how did they screw up my night, do you ask? (Or maybe not.) I’m going to be up half the night watching the late rerun, since I wanted to see Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. I mostly wanted to see it because, Alice Cooper. Alice was my first real concert that my sister took me to. An hour in, I still mostly wanted to see it for the same reason. Did Chrissy Teigen fund this production? I have nothing against John Legend, but no. He looked like he was having difficulty getting through the score and moving around at the same time. I’m sure he moves around during his concerts, but this is a different kind of moving around. I don’t know if he wasn’t used to it or wasn’t up to it or what, but next to Brandon Victor Dixon (Judas), who knows his way around a Broadway stage, he was a total lightweight. Like vinyl, the concert format of this musical was touted as something new, but isn’t. That’s how the show was first presented. I saw the original on tour. Quite young at the time, I thought they were just really loose with their staging. Especially when Jesus came out and started slapping hands with everyone. At first, I thought he was an actor who showed up late.

It’s always annoyed me that the two most lackluster songs were given to Mary Magdalene. Although I did love her dress, an orange ombre maxi sheath number. The audience was apparently made up of 12-year-olds and/or Legend fans, since they cheered every time he actually made it through a difficult note. Thankfully, they did change some of he score to suit his vocal range. Except for one they forgot. He thought he’s sad and tired? He should have been me watching this. Every once in a while, they also changed a word or line, leaving me with a question mark over my head, because it did nothing to improve on the lyrics or make them more relevant. The lighting was also a problem, most likely looking abstract and cool from the audience, but it wasn’t made for television viewing. During Peter’s Denial, some dude was taking his pic with a cell phone, which also left me wondering. If they were modernizing this, why wasn’t the rest of it like that? Was that supposed to be ironic or something?

Alice gave me a thrill and a smile. Not bad for a seventy-year-old. Thank God (heh-heh) the audience obviously knew who he was. His costume rocked. If a suit could be called psychedelic, this one would be it, again in an orange pallet. (The color scheme in general was in the brown-yellow-orange family.) He also held a walking stick/scepter topped by a small skull. I’ve seen several different Herods – from an Ohio summer theatre Herod, who was downright frightening, taking the apple he was eating and smushing it into Jesus’s face, to the silly film version with my old NYC neighbor Toby’s brother, Josh Mostel (both, sons of the late, great Zero Mostel). Alice was enjoyable and milked it well. I also loved his harem of dancing girls. The choreography as a whole was good.

Oh yeah. Could We Start Again. The third Mary Magdalene song. There’s a reason this one wasn’t even on the soundtrack.

I always feel a little sorry for Pilate, who was really a little fish in a big, Roman political pond. Ben Daniels worked for me here. I love how he seemed like he got a migraine when Herod dropkicked Jesus back to him.

The biggest hit out of the show – the title song, Superstar – was spot-on, again Dixon knocking it out of the park, in the appropriate sparkly outfit, the backup dancing reminiscent of Janet Jackson in the 90s, with some obvious freestylin’ at the end. The crowd went wild.

John Legend is probably a really nice guy and a good singer, but this was out of his whatever. I don’t want to say league, because he’s just in a different one. Lane perhaps? This role was not for him, not at this time anyway. Legend, maybe; Superstar, no. He got lucky though, with a solid supporting cast, winning choreography, and interesting direction.

👠 The Real Housewives of Potomac has a new girl – Candiace. What is wrong with parents?

🎭 I also checked out Your Husband Is Cheating On Us. Multi-talented, JD Lawrence, brings his urban theater circuit play of the same title to NYC. Besides being let in on the rehearsal process, we follow the actors living in the same house. It’s a worth-watching show within a show, and definitely something different.

🏅 Quote of the Night

Rick and Morgan walk into a bar… there is no punchline… just death.Talking Dead

🎶 My Neighbor’s Brother

 

March 29, 2018 – Griff Knows All & From Charm to Comfort

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At Charlie’s, Lulu sees Spinelli, and asks how Maxie is. She tells him that the last time she inquired herself, Maxie threatened her with a restraining order.

At another table, Nina tells Valentin that Peter is always around; at the office and the hospital, being supportive. Valentin says he and Maxie survived a terrible ordeal together, but Nina asks what Peter lost; dinner reservations? Valentin says they left together last night, but he doesn’t think Maxie is moving on from Nathan. Nina isn’t worried about Maxie, but as far as she’s concerned, Peter has an agenda.

Maxie sees Peter asleep on the couch. He apologizes, and she asks if he was out there listening to her cry. He says she’s making him sound less like a concerned friend than a stalker. Since he’s her boss, this would make a spectacular lawsuit. She tells him not to be silly. She was dreading spending the night, but she got through it. Maybe because she wasn’t alone.

Griff asks Ava if he smells coffee, and she comes out drinking from yet another empty cup. She says she’ll get him some. He doesn’t want her to wait on him, but she says she enjoys it. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s the test results Griff has been waiting for. The messenger says it must be important, and Griff says he’s about to find out.

Sonny, Mike, Dante, and Michael have breakfast at the MetroCourt. Sonny says all the Corinthos men at one table; it’s a special occasion. Mike asks where Morgan is, but Sonny says he couldn’t make it. Mike says he must be out raising hell; they should drink to him. And they do.

Jason meets with Anna. She tells him that she didn’t bring the manuscript, and asks if she can keep it for a while. It was just as she thought; Henrik left a trail of clues.

Lulu tells Spinelli that she thought about just leaving Maxie alone, but she’s hoping Maxie realizes she misses her and will reach out. She’s too afraid to take that risk and alienate her further. She accepts that Maxie may never forgive her, but if there’s anything he can do to open up communication, she’d appreciate it. They need each other. He says he’ll do his best.

Nina tells Valentin that she gave Peter the benefit of the doubt, but she’s not wearing blinders, and her instincts tell her something is going on. She wants Valentin to back her up, and he says he always will, but he’s observed when it comes to Maxie and the baby, she’s looking for problems where there aren’t any. She admits maybe she’s over-protective, and he says, just a tad. She tells him until she’s 100% certain Peter is harmless, she’s not taking her eyes off of him.

Maxie feels better, telling Peter that going to the apartment had made her feel like she was losing Nathan over and over. He wishes he could make it easier. She says he has. Thanks to him, she’s back home, and managed to get a whole night’s sleep. He asks if she’s saying he put her to sleep. She calls it a gift, and he says it sounds like a power a super villain would have. She tells him that Spinelli is the nerdapedia, not her. Right now, she feels brave enough to spend another night – without him on the sofa.

Ava asks Griff who it was. He says a messenger from the hospital with test results he needed asap. She asks if it’s confidential, and he says he just needs a moment. She has to send some texts, and goes into the kitchen. He opens the envelope, and looks at the results. He says, Peter August is Caesar Faison’s son.

Anna tells Jason the protagonist is Henrik, and he must have spent time in boarding school. She can use the description to narrow the field, and cross-reference the school records with his birthdate. Jason says Henrik’s birthdate wasn’t in the manuscript.

Sonny has had a special breakfast prepared, and Michael says he’s waited his whole life for this breakfast. It does look good, but I don’t know if it’s life-waiting worthy. Sonny tells them to dig in. Dante says it’s better than his mom’s cooking, but don’t tell her he said that. Sonny says he had them prepare it like Tony’s on Fulton. Mike has no idea who Tony is, but he sure can cook.

Dante asks how Sonny got the recipe, and Sonny says his dad was the man at Tony’s. Sonny used to sneak in; they knew him because he was Mike’s kid. When his dad took him there, he always had espresso. Mike doesn’t remember, but Sonny takes his hand and tells him it’s okay. He asks if Mike is ready to go, and Mike tells Dante to keep Michael out of trouble. Dante says he doesn’t get in much trouble, and Mike tells Michael to get in some and keep them on their toes. He says it was a great breakfast, and to tell Morgan that he missed him. Sonny and Mike leave. Dante feels badly for Mike, but worse for Sonny. Michael says once he loses Mike, Sonny won’t have anyone else to remember his life with.

Jason repeats that there was no reference to Henrik’s birthday, and asks how Anna knew. She says Obrecht told her, but there’s no birth certificate and no official record.

Peter tells Maxie that she’s too hard on herself. Up until now, all she could do is get the mail, and she just spent the entire night there. She’s brave. Every day she has to face all she’s lost. She gets out of bed and goes to work, making something substantial and beautiful. She says she doesn’t do it alone, and he says, but she does it in the face of tremendous loss. She gets through the day in spite of it. She’s a hero.

Griff remembers talking to Anna, and then Peter, about Huntington’s disease. He flashes back to telling Peter that he’ll respect his privacy, no matter what. Ava asks if she can come back in. She can tell he’s worried, and asks if the test results were discouraging. He says they aren’t what he’d hoped for, but what he expected. She asks if he wants to talk about it. He tells her what he suspected about a patient proved to be true, and he doesn’t know what to do with the information. It’s not as simple as just telling them, and it’s not just the patient who needs the information. To make matters worse, what he did was unethical and illegal, and he did it anyway.

Lulu asks Nina if she has a moment, and asks how Maxie is doing. Nina says, not speaking to you, and Nina doesn’t want to either. Lulu says they both care about Maxie. Nina tells her that Maxie is devastated, but unbroken; fragile, but fierce. She comes to work every day, which proves she’s unstoppable. Lulu says she always has been. She’s relentless and remarkable, and Lulu wishes she could tell her. Nina says she’s not giving Maxie a message. Lulu accepts that her friendship with Maxie may be beyond saving, but she’s going to tie up the loose ends with Faison, no matter what. Nina tells her to knock herself out, but she never wants to hear her name again. Lulu says she understands, and Nina walks out.

Ava says Griff just wanted to help, and broke the rules. He says, not just the rules, the law. She tells him without naming names, would they be better off not knowing? Griff says, no, and she asks if the information – however he got it – help. He tells her it might even save a life. He went out on a limb to get an answer. He found it, and now has to decide what to do with what he’s learned.

Jason tells Anna that Spinelli plans to pass himself off as Henrik to gain access to Faison’s safe deposit boxes. Anna says he’ll end up in a foreign prison. She asks if they’ve thought this through, and suggests it might be a mind game thought up by Faison. Jason says they can find Henrik’s alias and last known whereabouts. She asks how he’s going to approach Henrik, and he says, with a gun. Anna tells him that he has to think it through, about how Henrik grew up; under the thumb of an oppressive tyrant. He was an unwilling participant turned traitor; he switched sides. Jason should be trying to find a way to undo that, and not jump to conclusions. Jason thinks he might not be an innocent victim. He could be like his father. She says he’s not, and Jason asks how she knows that. Anna says Faison was unique. Jason asks how she doesn’t know there isn’t some woman in the same position as she was, and Henrik isn’t targeting her as they speak? How would she feel if he allowed that to happen?

Maxie tells Peter to go home and change his clothes, so they can avoid horrible office rumors. He tells her to be kind to herself; it’s tough enough. She says, the best way out is through itRobert Frost. He’s impressed, but she says, don’t be. She thought it was Winston Churchill until Spinelli corrected her. There’s a knock at the door, and Spinelli brings Georgie in. Maxie introduces her to Peter. Georgie tells Maxie they came to make her feel better. Maxie says she’s sad because Nathan went away, but it’s working already. Spinelli tells Georgie that Maxie might not want to talk about it, but Maxie says, it’s okay. She loved him so much, and misses him a lot, but it’s a funny thing about feelings; you can have so many at one time. Even though she’s sad because Nathan is gone, she’s still so happy to see Georgie. Peter smiles.

Michael tells Dante that he spoke to Doc, and there are different approaches the medical community is taking with dementia. Dante asks if Michael thinks something can help, and Michael tells him Doc had an idea.

Mike says Sonny is quiet. Sonny says he’s just working. Mike says he didn’t mean to bother him, but Sonny says he has to take break and would rather talk to him. Mike asks what’s going on; is it the business? Sonny says the business is fine. Mike says he knows he’s not a kingpin, and Sonny says, lucky him, but he’s been through tight spots. If Sonny needs advice, just ask. Sonny says he might take him up on it. He asks if Mike remembers Richie. He ran numbers in the back of a bodega. Mike says he’s sorry; it’s not ringing any bells. He used to remember everything, like the guy who made breakfast – Tony. How could he forget? Sonny tells him, don’t worry; it was a long time ago. Mike says something about Tony is important.

Griff asks Ava what she’d do in his position. Ava can’t believe he’s asking her to figure out the right thing to do. She’s going to approach his question in two ways. What she would have done before she fell in love with him, is whatever would have benefited her the most, consequences be damned, and keep her mouth shut. He asks what she’d do now, and she says she’d ask the advice of the kindest, most compassionate person she knows – him. Even if it’s unethical, illegal, or a mistake of gargantuan proportions, one thing she knows for certain, is that he acts in the best interest of others. He doesn’t need her to tell him. He already knows.

Anna asks Jason if he read the manuscript. If he had, then he would have seen a deeper, complex humanity than Faison had. Looking at the character, she saw he has introspection, a capacity for empathy alien to Faison. Jason thinks he could be even more dangerous, and she says he’s forgetting Henrik kept him alive. He says, drugged and restrained, and she says, alive and breathing. He wouldn’t be here – Jason finishes, if he hadn’t escaped. He says he was kept there for years, and followed back from Russia. They drugged and kidnapped Sam on Henrik’s orders. Why is she defending this guy? Why is Jason assuming Henrik gave those orders?

Mike tells Sonny that he took a date to Tony’s. He was really nervous, and wanted to impress her, so he went all out. She was beautiful, with a wicked smile. She must have been something for him to remember. He struggles with her name, and Sonny asks if it was Adela. Mike says, yeah; she was really something.

Maxie tells Georgie to check out the nursery. There might be a present for her in there. Spinelli says it’s joyful beyond description to see them together. She thanks him, saying it’s already starting feel like home again. He wishes he could do more. Maxie says she can bear the unbearable. Even if Nathan isn’t coming back, the baby will have a big sister. Spinelli says she’ll have him too, and he’ll provide help to the best of his ability. Maxie says she has great friends, and he says, her chosen family. She has so many people willing to step up for her already. She says, already? She says what he means, is that she already has people close to her as opposed to Peter. She accuses Spinelli of not liking him, and Spinelli says he barely knows him, but he’s curious as to why she’s leaning on him so much. She says when she sees Nina or Obrecht, they’re just as devastated. Her mom and Mac love her, but they’re worried about her, and she can’t bear their pain on top of hers. Maybe she’s being selfish, but on the other hand, Peter barely knew Nathan. He was there when Nathan got shot, but he’s not grieving. She doesn’t have to make him feel better. Spinelli says there’s someone else, and she says, don’t you dare bring up Lulu.

Valentin goes over to Lulu’s table, and says, she’s tying up loose ends with Faison? She tells him, it’s called integrity; he should try it. He asks if she has a lead on Henrik, and she asks why he’s interested. He says Faison killed his wife’s brother, and he has considerable resources. She asks if he’s suggesting they be partners. He says, not in a quest for justice, but revenge.

Anna doesn’t condone what Henrik did, but thinks it’s important that Jason understand. He says Henrik could be an ongoing threat. She says he was trapped in a prison of his father’s making; forced to do things against his nature. He’s already paid a steep price for being Faison’s son.

At the MetroCourt, Peter takes out the new PK Sinclair book. He says, a new book, a clean bill of health, and best of all, his father is dead. Nina – who is getting to be like a freaking wizard – suddenly appears, and asks where that came from.

Sonny gives Mike some coffee. Mike says Sonny should meet his son. He thinks they’d like each other. Another stab in my heart.

Dante asks if Michael thinks it will work; it sounds out there. Michael says it’s worth a shot. He’s willing to do anything to give Sonny more time with Mike before he slips away. Dante says, let’s do it. I’m hoping it’s an ’80s cruise.

Spinelli knows the wound with Lulu is fresh, and Maxie says she understands Lulu didn’t shoot him, but she knew the risk. Nathan took risks to protect them. He put his life at risk for his family, but Lulu put his life at risk for her own career. It’s like a huge joke. She did it for the greater glory of being Lulu Spencer. She thinks being a Spencer makes her special, and she regrets nothing. She’s never wrong. Spinelli says as angry as she is, and blames and hates Lulu, he knows she loves and needs her. Maxie says she needs Nathan, and he’s dead because of Lulu. Spinelli says with all her flaws and failings, Lulu is her oldest and dearest friend. Oldest friends know us best, and above anyone, are the truest.

Valentin tells Lulu that Henrik could be anywhere, and he has contacts all over the world. Why not use them? She asks why he doesn’t find Henrik himself, but he says he’s busy. She wonders what makes him sure Henrik isn’t there. Maybe he knew everyone assumed he’d leave Port Charles, so he stayed behind. Faison hid on Spoon Island for quite some time. Valentin asks if she’s suggesting Henrik is hiding in his basement, and Lulu says, for all they know, he’s still in Port Charles, right under their noses.

Nina asks Peter how he got an advance copy of the new book. Peter says he’s in publishing, being polite in not adding that was a stupid question. She gives him some paperwork, saying he saved her a trip to his office.

Ava sees Griff’s folder, and thinks about opening it, but she doesn’t. She puts it in a cupboard. Probably to be opened later.

Unaware Griff is listening, Jason tells Anna that if Henrik took over where Faison left off, he’s dangerous. Anna thinks they should try to help him. Jason says, not help. They need to stop him, and eliminate him, whatever it takes.

Tomorrow, Sonny tells Dante he’s grateful, Bobbie tells Scotty that his secret is safe with her, and Sonny has a surprise for Mike.

💭 Bravo is having another Ice Cube/Friday takeover, along with the three-part Married to Medicine Reunion – even scarier than the show – but soon we will have more Housewives than we can handle. I also can’t wait for Southern Charm, which I consistently want to call Southern Comfort, a 1981 film that’s well worth watching. I’ll let it speak for itself.

🐍 👀 It’s the land of hospitality. Unless you don’t belong there.