Tag Archives: Briana Nicole Henry

September 16, 2021 – Sonny Makes a Choice, Wedding Blessing, L.A. Highlights, Research, Second Goodbye, Fan Fear, Another Take, Beyond Housewives & Pocket

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Music plays way too loud as Mr. Novak walks into the chapel. He and Jason give each other the eye. Spinelli asks Jason if he’s sure about this. He’s not referring to the wedding, but the other thing. Jason says, sure, and Spinelli says, let fate take its course. Monica comes in, and tells Jason that he looks so handsome. The bride is a lucky woman. He says he thinks he’s the lucky one, and she says, they disagree; that’s good. What’s a Quartermaine wedding without a little conflict? He says, true, and she asks if he’s nervous. Who is she talking to? Of course (🍷) he’s not nervous. He says he’s glad she’s there, and she says, he’s her son. Where else would she be? They hug.

Bobbie comes into Carly’s dressing room, and says she’s dazzling. Jason won’t know what hit him. She’s going to take his breath away. Not that she’ll be able to tell. Carly says she will, and Bobbie says, that’s true. If anyone can read what Jason is feeling, it’s her. Carly says he can read her too, and Bobbie says, no bridal jitters? No second thoughts? Carly says, no, and Bobbie says, because she happens to know Carly disappeared for a couple of hours this morning. She thought Carly might have a case of cold feet. Carly says, no. She was feeling nostalgic. She was remembering how she and Jason first met, and everything they’ve been through. Jason tracked her down, and they had a long talk. Bobbie says, good. She can actually get Jason to talk. If that’s not love, she doesn’t know what is. Carly says she was late for the makeup artist, but Josslyn helped her pull everything together. How did she get such an amazing daughter? Bobbie says, circle of life. One day, they come into town, hellbent on destroying you, and all of a sudden you blink, and they don’t need you anymore. Carly says, that’s not true. She’s always going to need Bobbie. They hug, and Josslyn walks in with the bouquet. She says, Maxie asked to deliver these, but she made Maxie let her. She hands the bouquet to Carly, and asks if she’s ready. Carly holds the bouquet and asks what they think. Bobbie says she’s one beautiful bride, and Josslyn tells her, what grandma said.

Cameron looks at his phone, when Trina snatches it out of his hand. She says she thinks it’s time for a digital detox, and he says he was just waiting for her. They hug, and he says, Josslyn told him that Trina’s mom was in an accident. Is she okay? What happened? Trina says, thankfully, yes. She doesn’t want to get into it right now, but let’s just say, it’s been quite a day. He says he’s glad she’s all right. He’s also glad Trina is there. Josslyn’s been so busy with her maid of honor duties, he’s been at major risk of boredom. She says, and now that she’s here? and he says, it’s time to have some fun. Or, they can be bored together. She says, sounds like a plan.

Ned tells Olivia to stop giving Austin the evil eye, and she asks how else she’s supposed to put a curse on him. He asks if a curse isn’t a little extreme, and she asks who the hell Austin thinks he is, telling her there’s something wrong with her child. Ned says, a doctor?

Maxie tells Austin that she needs to check in with the bride. Can she trust him to be on his own for ten minutes? He says he hopes so, but realistically, there’s probably one or two people left in Port Charles that he hasn’t unsettled. She asks, what Olivia is miffed at him about anyway? She usually stays out of ELQ business. He asks how she knows that, and she says, because Olivia often says, ELQ, not my business. He says, that’s probably a pretty good clue. Olivia isn’t upset at Austin the Quartermaine; she’s upset at Austin the doctor. She says, so this has to do with whatever he and Ned were talking about after he found Leo. He tells her, here’s what he’ll say. He can hardly blame Olivia for being defensive; she just cares about her kid. Maxie says, of course (🍷) she does, and he says, so do I.

On the phone, Brando tells Sasha to put her feet up, and he’ll bring her a slice of cake. He wants her and the baby to take it easy, and he’ll see her soon. Gladys walks in with Novak, and she says, he remembers her son Brando. He says, of course (🍷). It’s a pleasure to see him. They shake hands, and Gladys says, wasn’t it kind of Mr. Novak to bring her as a guest to her dear, departed cousin’s widow’s wedding? My Lord, what would Sonny make of his wife moving on so soon after meeting his maker?

Nina tries to go back inside the Tan-O, but Jax says he’s not letting her go in there. It’s too dangerous. She says, Mike’s still in there; they have to help him. She yells, Mike! and struggles with Jax.

Lying unconscious in the middle of the burning Tan-O, Sonny coughs.

Diane tells Jason that she’s happy for him and Carly. Jason says they’re happy too, and she says she’s glad to hear it. Carly was full of substantial misgivings when she first approached Diane about it. He says, she was afraid it would ruin their friendship, but Diane says, it was a little deeper than that. Carly thought it was the first step in losing him, and Diane told her it was patently absurd. He says, she did? and she says, of course (🍷). She told Carly, with all the stunts she’s pulled, all the plans gone wrong, and the messes Jason has gotten her out of, if she hadn’t lost him by now, she never will.  

Brando imagines Novak has gotten to know Sonny pretty well over the years, and Novak says, as well as you can know a respected colleague. Brando says, then well enough to know what was important to Sonny, and Novak says, the late Mr. Corinthos always said, nothing was more important than family. Brando says, then they agree that Sonny would want the two people closest to him to find happiness, and Novak says Brando makes an excellent point. Gladys says, her boy is so loyal; Sonny valued that. Novak says he couldn’t place Brando when he saw him earlier with his lovely lady at the MetroCourt, then it occurred to him – Cyrus Renault’s driver. Is that right? Brando says, that’s right, sir, and Novak says he heard what Cyrus did to Brando and his enchanting mother. An unscrupulous man; no honor. Brando says, then Novak must remember, if it weren’t for Carly, Cyrus would have killed him and his enchanting mother. Gladys says, don’t give Carly all the credit, and Brando says, Jason deserves his share as well. She says, Jason? and he says, Renault was still trying to force Carly to hand Gladys over, but Jason came back at the risk of his own freedom. If Jason hadn’t shot Renault when he did, who knows what would have happened? Novak says, true. Cyrus was a difficult man, as he’s sure Brando knows. By the way, if Brando is looking for work, the Novak association appreciates dedicated men. Gladys is all happy, and says that’s very generous of Vincent, but Brando says, considering they both barely escaped with their lives, he thinks it’s best if he and his dear mother steer clear of any association with his former line of work. He hopes Novak understands.

Ned tells Olivia, he’s just saying, she went from zero to sixty with Austin. She says, for good reason. Austin was willing to take advantage of poor, sweet, innocent Chase to his own ends. Chase was practically dead, he could barely walk, and his heart was broken into a million pieces. Then this nice guy manipulated Chase, a guest in their home, to get Edward’s papers. Ned says, this isn’t about ELQ, but she says, what if this game he’s playing with Leo is just about jockeying for position at ELQ, trying to ingratiate himself? Why take it on faith when this guy did nothing to deserve it? Ned says, they shouldn’t, but they should also leave room for the possibility that he’s on to something. She says, he’s not the doctor Leo is seeing, and Ned says, he’s not, but Leo has a connection with him, and that should count for something. Olivia gives Austin another evil eye.   

Michael tells Willow, that’s quite a dress (eh), and she says she doesn’t think anyone will be looking at her. All eyes will be on the bride. He says he’s not too sure about that, because whenever she walks into a room, he finds it impossible to look at anyone else. She says, it’s almost showtime. Shouldn’t he be getting ready? He says, what’s to prepare? He just has to stand next to Jason while Jason does all the work. Besides, after months of having to steal time with her, he doesn’t want to be rushed. She says, if she has her way, they have a lifetime ahead of them. She wants to make sure he’s okay. He says, about? and she says she knows he’s happy for his mom, but he’s got to be thinking about his father right now. He says she really does know him inside out (like this would be a hard call), and she says she’s been paying attention. He says his dad has been on his mind a lot, but right now, he doesn’t feel sad. He feels like his dad is with them.

A fireman tries to get everyone to move, but Nina says she’s not going until she knows Mike is safe. Jax says they will move, but they want to stay close until they know their friend is safe. The fireman says, fine. Follow him.   

Inside, Sonny coughs. He seems to be regaining consciousness, and sees the vision of Carly from behind. He says he knows this woman.

Carly thanks Josslyn and Bobbie for standing beside her, and Bobbie says, always. Josslyn says, and forever, when Maxie comes flying in, asking, where’s the bouquet? She trusted Josslyn with it. She better not have lost it. Carly produces it, and says, it’s right here. Maxie says, the bride is a vision, the groom is dashing, and the chapel is full of love. Let’s get this show on the road.

Gladys tells Brando, he blew that, and he says he told her, he’s only pursuing legitimate business ventures now. She says, he calls stripping a legit business venture? and he says he calls it a paying job. She says, there are jobs that pay better, and he tells her, stop. First she tries to get Carly and Jason to hire him, and now Novak? She of all people knows what that world is like, or does he have to remind her of the bullet wound she’s got to show for it? She says she was just trying to set him up for success. He claims he wants to move in with Sasha, and support her and his child, this is his chance. Vincent is clearly interested, and he’s a man with influence. He says he promised Sasha that he’d stay away from Novak’s kind of influence. She says, where is Sasha, by the way? and he says, the OB appointment didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Sasha’s blood pressure was a little elevated, so the doctor decided to put her on bed rest. Gladys says she’s sorry to hear that. Is the baby all right? He says, both the baby and Sasha are fine. It’s just a precautionary measure to protect them both. She says, if there’s anything she can do… and he says, actually there is. If she’s really concerned about Sasha’s blood pressure, stop trying to get him a job in organized crime.

Buscema asks Novak if it’s set, and Novak nods. Woo says, so there’s been no deviation from the plan? and Novak tells them, let’s just say, it will be a wedding to remember.

Diane goes over to Spinelli and says, let’s see if she’s got this straight. The rather heavyset gentleman is Vincent Novak. The other gentleman is Charles Buscema. The very elegant woman is Ms. Woo. He says he believes so, and she says, he believes so? He’s hacked into every device known that holds their secrets. He says he can neither confirm nor deny, and she says, now that they’ve established that, let’s sit back and watch the two people she never thought would, get married. He says he has to agree it surprised him at first, but now it seems inevitable. She tells him, don’t count your chickens. They watch Monica head toward Jason, and Diane says, it looks like the groom’s mother is going to make one last attempt to talk him out of it.   

Monica tells Jason, she noticed his lawyer is here. Does he think she brought a prenup for him to sign? She’d sorry. She should never have asked that. Jason says he knows it’s not ever going to be easy for her and Carly, but Carly told him that she showed up to offer them her blessing, and it meant a lot to Carly. Monica says she’d do anything for him, and they seem genuinely happy. He says they are, and she says she noticed he’s also very magnanimous; he invited his brand new cousin. He says, actually, he didn’t, when Epiphany joins them. She says, he cleans up nice.  Carly is the most obstinate, high-maintenance woman she’s ever known, but the two of them together, it works. They deserve happiness, especially him. He was always kind to her son, and always had her back. Jason says she’s always been good to him, and she says, even when she shouldn’t have been. She tells Monica that she’s not referring to anything specific, and Monica says she’s not listening. Jason says he’ll always have Epiphany’s back, and he knows she’ll always be straight with him. She says, always. Good luck. With that bride of his, he’s going to need it. Monica laughs.  

Novack approaches Jason, and says he heard there was another dust-up with his nephew Joey. Jason says Joey crashed his bachelor party, and Novak says, that boy is out of control. Which is why he got Joey a one way ticket to Gdansk. He offers his sincere regrets if any offense was taken, and Jason says, it almost sounds like an apology. Novak says, it almost was. These things have a way of working themselves out. Jason says he can be sure of that, and Maxie says, excuse me. If everyone could please be seated, the ceremony is about to begin.

Canon in D major – otherwise known as the theme from Ordinary People – plays, as Josslyn walks in. Cameron smiles at her. Here Comes the Bride starts to play. 

Nina is coughing her head off, and Jax tells her that she should see the paramedics. She won’t budge though, and he asks, what the hell happened? Nina grabs a fireman, and says, there’s one person in there. A beam collapsed, and he’s under it. The fireman says they can’t get in, but Jax says, there’s a delivery entrance where he can get to the bar. It was smoky, but clear enough for him to get Nina out. The fireman tells the others, go, and asks if they know how the fire started. Phyllis says, it was set deliberately, and he asks Nina what her friend’s name is. Nina says, his name is… Sonny, but he answers to Mike.    

Inside, Sonny sees the back of Carly like he did in the beginning. She walks away, and he says, Nina. You’ve got to help me. Please. Come back.

Carly walks down the aisle.

Sonny says, wait. Who are you? Come back.

Carly gets to the altar, and Spinelli and Diane are all giggly. Novak, Buscema, and Woo exchange looks. Carly gives Josslyn her bouquet, and winks at Michael. Everyone is smiling, and Carly and Jason join hands, eyes twinkling.

The minister says they’re gathered for the wedding of Caroline and Jason, who are long time friends. So rather than bearing witness to a new love, Jason and Carly are affirming the latest chapter in their lives together. They open with a reading from Josslyn, which I later find out is the Apache Wedding Blessing (see below).  

Sonny is by the river again, and Mike tells him to get on his feet. Sonny asks who Mike is, and Mike laughs, saying, he thinks Sonny already knows. Sonny says he remembers Mike, and Mike says, of course (🍷) he does. Who could forget a face like this? Sonny says Mike helped him when he washed up. Mike gave Sonny his jacket. Mike says, that’s a good first step. What else does he recall? Sonny says, it seemed like time stopped. He looks at his wrist, but his watch is no longer there. Mike asks if he managed to get it working, and Sonny says, yeah, he did, but he let the watch go. Mike says, well, he let go of a lot. What would Lenny say about leaving loved ones behind? Sonny says, Mike knows Lenny? He doesn’t understand. Mike shows him Lenny’s dog tags, and says, Sonny was in a bad way. He made sure Sonny got somewhere he knew he’d be safe; to a brother in arms. Sonny says he owes Mike and Lenny a lot. They helped Sonny survive and come to Nixon Falls. Sonny says, Lenny was one of the reasons why he settled down there, and Mike says, that’s beautiful, but it’s time to go home now.

A fireman says, they’re doing everything they can to rescue their friend, but the building is likely a total loss. Nina says she’s so sorry; it’s her fault. If she hadn’t lied, the Tan-O wouldn’t have gone up in smoke with Mike inside. Phyllis says, it hurts to lose the Tan-O, but it’s brick-and-mortar. As for the lie, that discussion can wait. The important thing is saving a man they both care about. A police officer asks who owns the property, and Phyllis says she does. He says the captain told him, the fire was started intentionally. Can they tell him who torched the place? Nina says she can tell him exactly who did it. His name is Peter August, and he’s a wanted man. Jax is like, huh?

Phyllis goes with the fireman, and Jax says, Peter did this? Nina says, Peter confronted her about where Maxie is keeping the baby. Then he ran into Sonny, and used that information to blackmail her. He says, she knew Peter was stalking Maxie and searching for her baby, and didn’t tell anyone? How long did she allow Peter to operate unchecked? She says, it wasn’t like that, and he says she could have died; Phyllis too. And all to keep Sonny’s identity a secret? She says, Peter threatened to kidnap James, and he knows as well as she does, as far as Peter is concerned, Maxie’s other children are expendable. Jax says, all the more reason to let go of Sonny, and she says she was going to do that exact thing, but thought she had another out. He says, Valentin? and she says she set Peter up on a false lead; Obrecht was supposed to ambush him. He says she’s kidding. She conspired with Obrecht? She says she didn’t ask for details. She just knew that when Obrecht got done with Peter, he would never hurt anyone again. Jax asks how that worked out, and she says, it worked out great. She’s proud of what she’s accomplished. Thanks for pointing that out. It really helps. Peter alluded to the fact that something happened to her aunt. Does he know anything about that? if she loses one more person she loves because of her actions, she won’t be able forgive herself.

The minister invites the bride and groom to share their vows with one another. Wake me when it’s over. Jason says they know and accept each other. They trust each other, and there’s nobody he’d rather build a life and future with. So with her hand in his, it starts the rest of their lives together.

Sonny tells Mike, Nixon Falls is his home; the Tan-O, his friends, Nina. He’s happy there. He’s got everything he needs. Mike says he knows something about embracing life and love after the slate’s been wiped clean. He found it’s possible to make new memories and find happiness without the baggage from the past. Sonny laughs, and says, this guy gets it. He doesn’t have to justify his decisions to anyone. Mike says, another thing he’s learned is that you can’t run away from the past and who you are. Not really. Sonny says, it’s working for him, but Mike says, you can’t turn away from who you are, and the past will always find you. Sonny asks, what if he doesn’t want to be found? and Mike says, he knows Sonny likes his life in Nixon Falls, and loves being Mike, but there’s only one problem with that. Mike is dead.

Nina tells Jax, obviously, she made a terrible mistake, but she had her reasons, and she’s doing her damnedest to fix them now. He says he hopes it’s not too late, because Peter is still out there, putting pretty much everyone she knows in danger. She says, laying blame doesn’t help anyone, and he says she’s right. Only one thing will help, and that’s getting the word out. Nina goes over to Phyllis, and says, waiting for… Sonny is tortuous. She asks if Phyllis needs anything. Does she want Nina to call a paramedic for her? Phyllis says it’s not herself she’s worried about. She tells Nina to listen to herself. Even now, she can’t decide what she wants to call him. Nina says, when  he comes out, she’s going to tell him the truth. Phyllis says, and if he doesn’t make it? Nina says she can’t think about that, but Phyllis says she has to. If Sonny dies in there, which man will she mourn? (I’d hazard a guess, it won’t be Sonny.) A fireman says they were able to reach the building, and Nina asks if they found him. He says, unfortunately, the hallway was engulfed. There was no way to reach the bar room. Nina asks, what exactly does that mean?

Sonny says he doesn’t know why Mike is pushing him like this. Life is good here. He’s fine. Mike laughs, and says, he can’t be fine, not until he knows his past, and knows who he is, and embrace it. Once he knows the facts, he can move forward in any direction he chooses, but he needs to know. Close his eyes. Sonny just looks at him, and Mike says, do you trust me? Sonny closes his eyes, and remembers when he was first in Port Charles. Omg, he looks like a child. He flashes back to shooting Dante, visiting Morgan’s grave, and catching Julian on the bridge. He sits down on the ground, and asks, what the hell was that? Mike says, his past, his life, and Sonny says, he’s supposed to embrace that guy, whoever he was? So much hurt, so much death because of him. Mike says, he was also generous, and loyal, and at times, even heroic. Sonny says he didn’t see a hero, and Mike crouches down in front of him. He says, despite Sonny’s flaws and sins, he was pretty damn proud of who he was. Sonny says, there’s no way he should have been, but Mike says, yes, he should. He made mistakes… Sonny says, he thinks they’re called crimes; he killed people. Mike says, he did what he did to protect his family, and Sonny says, if his family was targeted because of him, then they’re better off without him. Mike says, it’s not for him to say, and not for Sonny to say either. Those painful memories are just part of his story. Why did he stop looking for the rest of the picture? Sonny says, because he’s seen his bad side, and Mike says, so he thinks the man he was, has nothing to do with the man he thinks he is now? How did Nixon Falls Mike sniff out that con artist? How did he hustle a poker game, or handle a gun with ease? The best parts of that Mike, come from who he really is. The protector, the friend, come from who he really is. Sonny says, Mike told him that he knows something about this, and Mike says, yes. Sonny asks, what would you do? and Mike says, given the choice, he’d always choose to remember. He’d fight for everything he was. There’s a bright light, and Sonny sees Carly’s back, but this time, she turns to him and smiles.

Carly says, Jason, my dearest friend. When they met years ago, playing pool at Jake’s, there was an instant connection. She couldn’t describe it then, and still can’t. What she does know is, this isn’t chance; it’s a choice. She chooses to stand by him for the rest of their lives. Her determination isn’t as quiet as his, but it’s just as fierce. She cherishes their past, and can’t wait to step into their future together.

The fireman says the Tan-O is structurally unsound, and the hallway’s impassible. There’s no way they can reach the bar room. Nina says, their friend is still in there. They have to get him out. He says, he’s sorry. They’re doing their best they can, but there’s no way to reach him. Jax makes a call, and says, come on; pick up.  

The minister says Jason and Carly are going to light a remembrance candle; honoring those loved ones who can’t be there in body, but are with them in spirit. Maxie looks at her phone, and sees a call from Jax coming in.  

Carly walks to Sonny and Mike, and Mike says, Sonny may have found love in Nixon Falls, but he found it as someone else; as Mike. Sonny asks if Mike is saying his love isn’t real but Mike says, of course (🍷) it’s real. But there’s real love in the world he chose to forget; the love he has for others, and the love others have for him. Is he still willing to turn his back on what’s right in front of him? It’s up to him. Which home does he want to go to? He can die as Mike, or live as the man he really is. (When you put it that way…) Sonny asks if Carly is a part of that life, and Mike says, the best and the brightest.  

Jason and Carly light the candle. The minister says, this candle burns in memory of those we’ve loved and lost.

Sonny goes to Carly, and she holds out her hand. He takes it, and I feel sad. Sonny flashes back to telling Carly she’s his wife and the mother of his children. He’ll always love her. She says she loves him too, and they kiss. Back when we were all in diapers.

Sonny opens his eyes, and says, Carly.  

Tomorrow, the old speak now or forever hold your peace, Maxie wonders why Jax was calling, and Nina says they have to get Sonny out before it’s too late.

🙏 What She Read…

The prayer Josslyn read at Carly and Jason’s wedding.

💰 In this week’s highlights from Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, Fredrik got a listing for an incredibly ornate house, complete with custom-made furniture, which was included whether the buyer wanted it or not. I didn’t catch the square footage, but one of the 11 bathrooms was 1200 square feet, so that gives you an idea. It was filled with beautiful touches like handmade fabric wallpaper, and a floral wallpaper that matched the floral headboard and footboard of a bed. It also had a view to die for, but don’t they all in L.A.? Fredrik thought the 6 bedroom house had a suggested retail price of between $26 and $28 million. No surprise, the representative for the seller insisted on 28. Also included was a bright orange kitchen island, and the rep said, everyone loves orange. Um… I’d still take it though. It was built in 1987, but I would have thought it had come from the Downton Abbey days. While Fredrik was afraid he’d lose a deal over the flowered bed or too much marble, he hoped the caché would offset the orange. The only catch was, the rep wanted him to co-list it with JoshA. Fredrik sucked it up and made the call, and Josh agreed. Because of the pandemic, the usual open houses and events were out of the question, so Josh and Fredrik created a YouTube video, showcasing not just the house, but their different styles. To get even more eyes on the property, they were going to have viewers vote for who they liked best. That ought to be good. I can’t see either one of them accepting being second best.

In the meantime, since Tracy’s buyer had backed out because he felt he was too tall for the house, she had to explain that one to the seller. The seller, who was weird to begin with, not wanting anyone inside the house, got weirder, wanting a buyer with no contingencies. I was fuzzy on exactly what contingencies were in regard to real estate, so I saved you the trouble of googling. See below. Tracy ended up getting the deal done with one of the buyers with a back-up offer. JoshF got a listing for a Rat Pack throwback house, built in 1956. While the house was around 2400 square feet, and only 2 bedrooms, the lot was nearly 18,000 square feet (it’s the land, Katie Scarlett), and the view included the Hollywood sign. I loved the house, but I’m enamored of the 50s/60s/70s real estate. The owner loved the house too, but was recently divorced, and wasn’t keen on living there alone. It was kind of out of the way. At first, she was open to offers from developers, but then decided she was willing to wait for the right buyer; someone who appreciated the vibe. If she could take about $3,499,995 off the price tag, I’m her buyer.

Next time, Fredrik meets Dolph Lundgren.

🏡 What They Are…

Everything you wanted to know about real estate contingencies, but were afraid to ask. Or not.

👮🏾‍♀️ The Commissioner Has Left the Building…

It took me a while to get used to new Jordan, and then she became just Jordan. I got to like her, and now I’m back to square one.

👠 Intentional Slip…

Apparently, a tease about Ava got the interest that was hoped for.

🚗 Accidents Run In the Family…

This was pretty amusing. They left out the part where an extra roll was added to Erika’s son’s car though.

https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-11-episode-17/

💋 Of Course They Did…

It’s the ultimate crossover.

https://ew.com/tv/days-of-our-lives-beyond-salem-stars-housewives-bdsm/

🌜 Goodnight, My Someones…

We inch toward another week’s end, and ponder, just how many times did Erika’s son’s car roll? I don’t have all the answers, but I do have soap, tea, and maybe some answers for you tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay paying your fair share, and stay knowing you can’t turn away from who you are. The past will always find you.

January 29, 2021 – Nina Puts the Pieces Together, Friendly Jordans, Pine Valley Redux, No Charm Here, Only One Line, the Queen Is Back, Idols Now, Final Bow, Shy Of a Dozen Quotes & Tears

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Alexis is brought into Jordan’s office, and sees Mac. The officer uncuffs her, and leaves. She asks why they’re in Jordan’s office, and Mac says he asked if they could use it. It’s obvious she’s drunk; it’s already noted in the arrest report. There’s no reason the squad room had to witness this. He gives her some coffee, and she says, it was an accident. He says she stabbed a man with a syringe filled with lidocaine. Dante may not survive.

On the phone, Tracy asks if Luke is going to make her say it. He was right; she shouldn’t have meddled. She can’t come home yet. She has to make things right with Ned. She’ll let him know how it goes. Ned comes in, and she asks how he is. He says he wants to speak with his wife. Is she here?

At the hospital, Robert comes out of the elevator, and asks Sam what the hell is going on? He got a call saying Dante’s been stabbed with a loaded syringe. Olivia runs in, obviously upset, and asks where her son is. Sam says, all she knows is, he’s in the trauma room. Elizabeth comes out, and Olivia runs over to her. She says, please tell her that her son is alive.

Phyllis tells a doctor at the clinic, Sonny hasn’t slept in days. As she can see, he can’t stop moving. He has an enormous amount of confidence in himself to do just about anything. Sonny says he feels great right now. He wishes everyone could feel as great as he does right now. Who are they to say he’s not normal? The doctor tells him, who is he to say that he is?

Jason asks Franco if Dante knew Alexis was gunning for him. Franco says he has no idea what Dante did or didn’t know, and Jason asks, why did Dante save him?

Nina puts the necklace on the bar, and puts the halves together. Everyone waits.

Jason tells Franco, it could be it was the cop in Dante, and he reacted without thinking, but if he knew what he was doing, why would he risk himself to save Franco? Franco says Jason is right; it makes zero sense. The alarms go off, and medical staff run to Dante’s room. Elizabeth goes to the reception desk, and Olivia follows her, saying she got a call that Dante was hurt. Hurt from what? Elizabeth says Portia is doing everything she can to save him, and Olivia says, he could die? She has to be with him. Robert stops her, and more alarms go off. She asks why no one will tell her what’s going on, and Elizabeth runs past them. Robert holds Olivia.

Tracy tells Ned, Olivia isn’t in the habit of informing her of her comings and goings, and he assumes things are still pretty tense around there. She says if he’d stayed, they could have talked about it, and if Olivia asked for the separation, why is he the one who left? He says, he’s the one who cheated. He’ll see if she’s upstairs. Tracy says she went out, and asks if he told her that he was coming, and she decided to make a quick getaway. He doubts that. He told her he would wait for her to make the next move in their marriage. She asks if Olivia reached out, and he says, not yet. Tracy says, don’t chase her; it gives her all the power. Monica comes in, saying, it’s good to be home. Ned asks how the cardiology conference was, and she says, great. It’s amazing the strides they’ve made in heart surgery. Tracy says she thought Monica retired, but Monica says she’s unemployed because the hospital let her go. She’s still a doctor. Ned says, and a damn good one, and she thanks him. She asks what she’s missed. Ned says, chaos and heartbreak, all thanks to his mother.

Alexis says she never meant to hurt Dante. It was Franco. She read in The Invader that his tumor came back, and the last time he had a tumor, he tried to kill her daughter. Mac says he hasn’t forgotten Franco’s history with Sam. Did he threaten her today? Alexis says, yes. He was shouting to himself, he was out of control; he was talking to himself, and shouting at Sam… He grabbed her. He was shaking her by the arms… Mac asks if they were struggling, and she says, yes. She doesn’t know specifics; she was confused. He asks if she knew what was in the syringe, and she says, no. He says, so she grabbed a syringe with an unknown drug in hopes of killing Franco, but she plunged the needle into Dante instead. She says she didn’t mean to hurt Dante, and he says, but she did. (In my head, Bette Davis says, but you are, Blanche, to Joan Crawford.) Mac says, she may have killed him.

Sonny says he’s perfectly fine. Maybe they should get their heads checked. The doctor tells him, if he says he’s fine, she accepts that. Her job is to get Phyllis to stop worrying about him. He says he lost his memory. All he knows is, he’s a guy with a lot of energy who likes to fix things. He’s a hard worker, and Phyllis should be grateful for that instead of thinking he’s crazy. Phyllis says she doesn’t think he’s crazy, and the doctor says when Sonny first came to the clinic, bloodwork was taken, when he was John Doe. Let her take a look. Maybe there’s something to explain why… he’s such a hard worker. He says all she’s going to discover is, he’s healthy as a horse. He could win the triple crown right now if somebody just had faith in him.

Nina says, it fits. The necklace Avery found belongs to her daughter. It’s the piece of her that’s been missing. Carly asks if Nina is sure it’s the right necklace, and Nina says, it was unique and custom-made. Michael comes in, and Nina asks where Avery is. He says, Ava took her back to Windymere, and Nina says Avery said she found the necklace in the woods near a cabin. What cabin? Where’s it located? Valentin suggests they ask Ava, but Michael says, there’s no need. Avery told him everything.

Franco tells Jason that he doesn’t know why Dante would intervene. A couple of hours ago, Franco confronted Peter in his office because his paper printed an article about his tumor returning. Things got heated, and guess who came to his aid? Jason says, Dante, and Franco says, right. Dante saving his life makes less sense to him than it does to Jason.  

Alexis asks if Mac knows how Dante is doing, and he says, the hospital doesn’t know yet, but if he doesn’t make it, the charges will go from attempted murder to murder. She says, it was an accident. She thought Franco was going to hurt her daughter. Dante came out of nowhere; she didn’t mean to hurt him. It happened fast. He says there’s no justification for her actions.

Elizabeth tells Olivia, Dante’s heart-rate is returning to normal. The antidote is starting to work. He’s still critical, but they’re stabilizing him. Olivia asks when she can see him, but Elizabeth says, not yet. Give him time to recover. Olivia asks if someone can tell her what happened, and Sam says, Dante was attacked accidentally and injected with lidocaine. She’s assuming his heart stopped, and that’s why there were alarms. Olivia asks if some psycho escaped from the mental ward. Who did this? Sam says, the psycho is her mother.

Monica says, Tracy framed Alexis for drunk driving? She should know better than that. Alcoholism is a disease. She took advantage of someone with an illness. Tracy says Monica can get down off her high horse. She remembers how hard Monica worked to protect AJ. Monica says, this has nothing to with AJ; it’s all about Tracy. Why would she do something so incredibly damaging to that woman? Tracy says, why else? For Ned. For her son.

Carly asks if Avery is upset about the adults fighting over the necklace, but Michael says he calmed her down. She’s more worried she won’t get it back. Valentin asks what she said about the necklace, and Jax says, it’s none of his business. Why is he even there still? Valentin says, because he’s the one who convinced Nina that Sasha was her real daughter, and he wants to be a part of her discovering who her real daughter is. Nina asks Michael what exactly Avery said about the necklace. She only told Nina that she found it in the woods near a cabin. Michael says, she found it in a clearing near the family cabin.

Monica asks how getting Alexis arrested would benefit Ned, and Ned says she was trying to save his marriage. Something he never asked her to do. Monica wonders how having Alexis arrested would save his marriage, and Ned says he assumes Tracy thought Alexis would go to jail or rehab. Six weeks away getting sober would take her off the grid, and minimize the risk of her telling Olivia about their one-night stand. Tracy says she had every reason to believe Alexis would choose treatment. It was a win-win for Alexis and Ned. Monica tells her not to waste her breath being the good guy. No one believes her, and the police won’t either.

Alexis asks if the hospital is keeping Mac updated on Dante’s condition, and Mac says, they’ll notify him if Dante lives or dies. She says he’s got to help her; she was trying to protect Sam. He says he just realized it was her birthday, and she says, happy birthday to me. He tells her, think about it. She’s spending her birthday in police custody. Her cell phone was impounded, so no one can call her. She says everybody hates her. Sam had her arrested. Her daughters hate her because she’s drinking again. He says, if they’re angry about her drinking, how are they going to react when she’s charged with killing Dante?

Franco says, now that Peter is announcing to the world the menace of Port Charles is returning, Jason might have missed his chance. Alexis just tried to kill him. There’s a long list of people waiting to take their revenge. Looks like he’s off the hook. Elizabeth approaches, and Jason asks, how’s Dante? She says he’s still critical, but Portia is optimistic. Franco says he’d like to thank Dante, and she says, when he’s more stable. She tells Jason, he must be disappointed that Dante stopped Alexis from killing Franco.  

Sam tells Olivia, her mom was drunk. She grabbed a loaded syringe, and tried to stab Franco. Robert says, but instead, she stabbed Dante. Olivia wonders why Dante was there, and why he risked his life for a man who strapped Lulu to a bomb. Robert says, don’t forget what he did to Sam, and Sam says she has no idea why Dante took the hit, but he did. She’s so sorry for what her mom did, but Olivia says she’s not responsible for her mom’s bad behavior. Portia comes out, and Olivia asks how her son is. Portia says, he’s stabilized, and Olivia asks if she can see him, but Portia says, no visitors just yet. They’re still monitoring him closely. Sam says, it’s good news; he’s going to be okay. Olivia says she’s going to the chapel. She and God need to have a conversation.

Sonny says they’re wasting time. He could be reorganizing Phyllis’s storeroom, but she’s convinced he’s a maniac. She says, they’ve been through this. She didn’t call him a maniac. She said he was suffering from mania. He says it sounds the same to him. She says, mania is a condition that manifests itself with huge mood swings. Prolonged mania can lead to depression. Sonny says he’s not depressed; he’s feeling great. Phyllis says, he is now, but what happens if that changes? He could become seriously depressed, and suffer unimaginably. She doesn’t want to see that happen. He asks why she cares. What does she care about a complete stranger?  

Nina says, so Ava and Avery stayed at the Corinthos family cabin. Michael says Ava offered to take Avery during Mike’s last few days, and his dad agreed. He didn’t want Avery at Windymere, so Ava took her to the cabin. Carly says, Avery was very close to Mike, and Sonny didn’t want her to see him so sick. Nina asks if the necklace could have belonged to anyone else who stayed there, and Michael says, the last time it was used was when Nelle kidnapped Wiley.

Sam texts Michael, saying, Dante is in the hospital.

Franco suggests they not do this here, but Elizabeth says, why not? It’s no secret that Jason, Alexis, and countless others would like to see him dead. The news only broke this morning, and already her social media accounts are filled with death threats. Franco says, some of them are super creative, and she says she has complete strangers telling her to take the boys and leave. The strange thing is, Franco is saner than most of those people, and definitely more rational than Alexis. Sam approaches, and Elizabeth says, all the more reason Jason shouldn’t have told her what Franco wanted him to do. Now he doesn’t have to kill Franco. He can sit back and watch someone else do it. Sam says, wait. Franco said he made a plan in case he turned back into a serial killer. Was the plan to have Jason kill him?

In the chapel, Olivia holds her rosary, and says Hail Marys. Robert comes in, and asks if it’s helping. She says she hopes so. Generations of Falconaris prayed the rosary in times of trouble, and they had their share of blessings. Her son needs one now. She swears there aren’t enough curses in the world for the woman who did this. He says, Alexis was coming from a bad place, and she says, between what happened with her and Ned, going around town drunk, and now her son, she’d say Alexis is in a downward spiral. Robert flashes back to Ned telling him that the family Thanksgiving gatherings can be eventful. Robert says that he doesn’t know what he stumbled on between Ned and Alexis, but Olivia is his friend. If Ned hurts her, he’ll still be in a wheelchair at Christmas. He asks Olivia what Ned and Alexis did to her, and Olivia says, let’s just say she doesn’t want see either one of them any time soon. Ned comes in, and says he came as soon as Robert called.

Tracy asks Monica where Ned is, and Monica says, he got a call and took off. Tracy says, from Olivia? but Monica tells her, he didn’t say, but she got the feeling he would have welcomed any excuse to leave. Tracy says, she means leave her, and Monica says, can she blame him? Tracy royally screwed up. She thinks it will be a while before Ned is feeling warm and fuzzy toward her. Tracy says, she messed up, and Monica says, that’s one way of putting it. She thinks the only way to make it right is to leave – now. Tracy says, Monica is kicking her out? and Monica says, if she has to. It’s for her own good.

Alexis tells Mac she needs a lawyer, and Diane is out of town. He asks if she knows another one, and she says, Martin Grey is good, right? He says, he doesn’t know, but isn’t it ironic? If she’d taken the plea deal… She says she didn’t do it, and Mac says he’d never want her to plead guilty for a crime she didn’t commit. But if she had, she’d be in rehab, she wouldn’t be there waiting on charges of attempted murder.   

Phyllis tells Sonny, a long time ago, she made a mistake. She didn’t fulfil her due diligence with her employer. She thought she was doing the right thing, but didn’t ask enough questions, and ended up doing something absolutely wrong, and to this day, it haunts her. He asks what she did, when the doctor comes in. The doctor says she was able to access his bloodwork, and he was never tested for prescription medication. Sonny says, that’s because it wasn’t necessary, but she says she retested his blood and found a trace of lithium. He says, so what? and Phyllis says, most likely he was being treated for a psychological condition. The doctor says, lithium is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder.  

Nina says, Nelle was at the cabin? and Michael says he tracked her there after she kidnapped Wiley. While he was tending to his son, she ran off. Nina says, into the woods? and he says, probably. There are woods all around the cabin. Nina asks if he ever saw Nelle wear the necklace, but he says, not that he remembers. Nina says, maybe it was in her things, but Michael doesn’t recall. Carly says, there are tons of hiking trails; it could have belonged to anyone. Valentin says, Nina told him the nurse said the baby’s adoptive parents were from Florida, and Michael says, Nelle was from Florida.  

Mac says Alexis could be celebrating her birthday instead of a holding cell awaiting arraignment She says, all she wanted to do protect her daughter. He says he’s known her for a long time, both before and after Julian drove her to drink. She says she can’t take that, but he says her life fell apart because of Julian. She dove head first into alcoholism; it’s heartbreaking to witness. She fought her way back, and regained her sobriety and self-respect. Now she’s throwing both of them away again. She cries, and he says he has to ask; is this really the life she wants for herself?

Sam says, it makes sense now. Franco showing up at the apartment, and saying he had a plan, but hadn’t hurt anyone. Jason says, Franco is making assumptions. He never agreed to kill him. She says, of course (🍷). He wouldn’t incriminate himself, but Franco and Elizabeth think there’s a plan in place.  

Tracy says, Monica wants to evict her. How is that for her own good? Monica says, because she’s going to be arrested. She’s surprised Tracy hasn’t been arrested already. She suggests Tracy pick someplace warm, where there’s no extradition. Tracy says she’s not running. She’ll have Diane represent her. She’s gotten Sonny exonerated, and will do the same for her. Monica says Tracy happens to be guilty. Even if Diane gets her exonerated, the legal battle will deepen Ned’s anger and hurt. Tracy asks how she repairs the damage in Brunei, and Monica says, maybe by not being there, and away where they’re not reminded about what she did to Alexis, Ned and Olivia can repair their marriage. Maybe they can even forgive her, but do herself and everyone else a favor and leave now.

Robert tells Olivia, sorry. He thought she’d want her husband there. Ned says he loves her, and not to shut him out. Not now. Olivia says she doesn’t want him there. Just go. Robert thinks Ned should leave, and follows to make sure Ned isn’t in the hallway. Olivia tells God, forgiveness, right? She can’t. Not now. Not for Ned. She needs to focus on Dante right now. The Lord just brought him back, and she loves him so much. She cries.

Franco says Elizabeth is right, and she says, about what? He says, a lot of angry people would love to see him six feet under. They’re going to be a lot angrier when they find out Dante risked his life.

Sonny asks if it means he’s crazy, but the doctor says, at some point he was diagnosed, and prescribed lithium to minimize his mood swings. He says, it’s like Phyllis said, and the doctor tells him, she can’t be certain he has bipolar disorder; she’d have to see his medical records, but the lithium in his bloodwork indicates that’s the diagnosis. She’ll prepare a small dose, and they’ll see how he handles the medication. He has one of the best nurses looking after him, and Phyllis will make sure he’s okay. How does that sound? Sonny says, like a con job. He’s not doing it.

Nina says, Phyllis took her baby to Florida, and Nelle was the right age to be her daughter. She asks what Jax thinks, and Michael says he’s got to go. Carly asks if everything is okay, and he says Sam needs to see him. He tells Nina, if Nelle was her daughter, he’s sorry about everything that happened. He leaves, and Nina says, was it Nelle? Could Nelle have possibly been her daughter this whole time? Jax says, yes.   

She asks why Jax thinks Nelle is her daughter, and Carly says, because of her. Last night, she found out Nelle could have been Nina’s daughter, and went straight to Jax. Nina asks if that’s when they were talking on the patio, and Carly says they wanted to figure out a way to tell Nina that would cause her the least amount of pain. Jax tells Carly, stop.  

Portia tells Olivia, Dante received the antidote just in time. They’ll continue to monitor him, but the prognosis looks very good. Olivia thanks her, and Michael comes in. He says he would have been there sooner if he’d known. Olivia says he’s there now; that’s what’s important. She had a talk with God earlier, and He kept His promises. She’s got to say thank you. Michael tells her, say thanks for him too. If anything changes, he’ll get her. She thanks him, and says, the possibility of losing Dante now… She can’t think about it after everything they’ve already lost.

Robert doesn’t know what’s going on between Ned and his wife, but Olivia doesn’t want him around, and he thinks Ned should respect that. Ned says it’s none of his business, and Robert guesses that means no, even though Ned’s presence upsets her. It’s a new benchmark in selfishness. Ned says, Olivia is his wife, and he’ll wait as long as it take for her to realize he loves her, and he’s all the support she needs. Does Robert understand that?

Olivia thanks God for saving her son. There’s so much more she wants to say, but not to him; to someone else. It’s not going to be nice or pretty, but she’s been holding on so long, she’s got to get it off her shoulders. She hopes He understands. She crosses herself, and goes out. She looks up, and says, drunken slut. Sleeping with her husband wasn’t bad enough, she nearly killed her son. She swears, Alexis Davis, murderous bitch, she will make her pay.

Mac tells Alexis, the arrest warrant came in. He’s sending a unit to pick up Tracy for falsely accusing her of driving while drunk. Alexis asks if there’s any word on Dante, and he says, Dante is going to make it. She says, thank God, and he tells her that she should be glad Dante is going to make it. She won’t have his death on her hands, but she’s still going to be charged with aggravated felony assault and attempted murder.

Monica answers the door, and a cop says he has an arrest warrant for Tracy Angelica Quartermaine. Monica says he’s welcome to search the premises, but Tracy isn’t there. She left the country.

Franco says he loves Elizabeth, but sometimes he wishes she’d love him back a little less. Do what everyone says she should do; turn her back and split. She says, too bad. She’s not going anywhere.

Sam tells Jason that Franco was about to tell her the specific arrangements right before Alexis tried to kill him. Jason says, then Dante saved his life. Sam has no idea why Dante did that. He almost lost his life, and her mom is totally responsible. And Sam is the one who turned her in. 

Phyllis asks if she’s ever conned Sonny before. The pills will help him. He says, what if they bring him down? What if they make him tired, and he’s not able to do what he’s supposed to do? He’s gotta keep working. She says, if the medication works, it will even out his mood swings. If she sees a change she doesn’t like, she’ll bring him back to the clinic. I yell at Sonny to take the pill. He says she’s been nothing but kind to him , but she’s still a stranger. She says, of all the things he’s said and done, she can’t think of anything more hurtful. She has tears in her eyes, and Sonny says he’s sorry. He takes the pills and a cup of water from her, and swallows the pills. He smiles.   

Jax tells Nina that he can’t lie to her anymore. What Carly just said, that’s not how it happened. She needs to know the entire truth about Nelle.

On Monday, Anna needs help from someone, Cameron asks how someone can possibly say that, Laura asks Dante if he trusts Ava, and Carly says this has to be stopped.

👯‍♂️ BFF Tiff…

Even more confusing, two of the Jordans are friends.

🌲 Revisiting the Valley…

Will Martin Grey revert to Tad the Cad for the occasion?

🍹 Meddling Madison…

She’s a thirsty one.

https://pagesix.com/2021/01/27/madison-lecroy-accused-of-being-a-homewrecker/

https://nypost.com/2021/01/28/which-ex-mlb-player-is-madison-lecroy-allegedly-seeing/

🍼 Negative…

Maybe someone should teach Kathryn about that thing called birth control.

https://pagesix.com/2021/01/28/southern-charm-star-kathryn-dennis-is-not-pregnant/

Because, why not? We’re here anyway.

https://pagesix.com/slideshow/kathryn-dennis-transformation-through-the-years/

🧨 A New Equalizer In Town…

This looks good.

https://www.essence.com/articles/first-look-queen-latifah-the-equalizer/

🎤 In Case You Were Wondering…

Where do you go from Idol?

https://www.eonline.com/ap/news/1232653/american-idol-alums-where-are-they-now

🥀 Late and Great…

Another grand lady gone.

https://people.com/movies/cicely-tyson-dies-at-96/

📣 Quotes of the Week

In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself. – Jiddu Krishnamurti

True success, deep satisfaction, and longevity are promoted by learning to shift gears to find the best rhythm for each moment. – Stephan Rechtschaffen

The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. – Winston S. Churchill

Self-confidence is the most attractive quality a person can have. How can anyone see how awesome you are if you can’t see it yourself?Unknown

Sounds like someone’s been listening to their shrink. – Eve (Kassie DePaiva), Days of Our Lives

If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now. – Marie Osmond  (Who knew she was such a philosopher?)

It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Vision without action is daydream. Action without vision is nightmare.Japanese Proverb

Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness. – Steve Maraboli

If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive. – Audre Lorde

Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.Dr. Mae Jemison

🤸 Time To Split…

It’s been one helluva long week. Otherwise known as those five days out of seven you used to work if you’re still stuck in Covidville. See you on Deck, and until then, stay safe, stay cautious, and stay not stabbing the wrong guy with a syringe.

July 21, 2020 – When Curtis Said Back Off, Eventful, a Resort Feel, a Wall, No Wives, Emmy App, Soap Legend, a Wedding, Another Rosé, Gia’s Choice, Bunny Speaks, Dancing Changes, New Reality, Learn Something, a Cake & Alright

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Moving slowly toward new episodes, today’s GH Flashback was from May, 7th, 2020. Read the condensed version here, or for the whole deal, go to:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/08/may-7-2020-the-plan-is-in-motion-the-curse-is-lifted-warring-restaurants-beverly-hills-drama-breaking-the-wall-a-surprise-for-jax-tuccis-negroni-happy-dog-loafs-light/

At the hospital, Finn apologized to Willow, saying Chase could be a knucklehead, but suggesting she cut him some slack. Chase wasn’t an expert at relationships. Laura was having lunch at the MetroCourt, and asked Carly to join her. Carly said Michael’s custody case was tomorrow. She’d done everything she could to strengthen the case, but there was no way to be sure. Trina showed up at the hospital to see Portia, who’d thought Josslyn’s driver was bringing her home. Sonny and Jason met Curtis at the pier. Sonny asked about TJ’s memory of the kidnapping, and Curtis recalled when he’d talked to TJ. He told Sonny that TJ didn’t remember much, and Sonny said that was a good thing. The less TJ remembered, the safer he’d be from Cyrus. Mac talked to Jordan about the kidnapping, and flashed back to TJ telling him that he remembered water being nearby, and possible construction.

Carly told Laura that Nelle was a nightmare, and remembered all of her interactions with Nelle. Laura said it seemed Nelle wanted to bring down GH, and Carly said Bobbie and Monica were collateral damage; Nelle wanted to force Michael’s hand in the custody case. Laura said she didn’t think insurance was going to cover it, when Cyrus walked into the MetroCourt. Curtis told Sonny, he didn’t think anyone at the PCPD had found a link between TJ and Cyrus, but Mac was getting close. Curtis flashed back to Mac showing him and Jordan where he thought TJ had been held. He told Sonny that Jordan didn’t know about their meeting. He wasn’t sure she was ready to talk about what needed to happen next, but he was. Mac told Jordan that he didn’t understand why TJ’s phone was used to text her. Jordan remembered getting false messages from TJ, saying he just needed time away to think. Finn told Willow, he wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t want to see Chase again, but did Chase explain things to her? She said Chase apologized, and she knew he was sorry, but that didn’t change anything. Sasha and Michael came out of the hospital elevator. Laura told Carly that Nelle was saying they’d conspired to give Wiley surgery without her permission, and Carly flashed back to Nelle insisting she didn’t sign the consent form, Michael saying she did, and Bobbie telling Nelle that it was in Wiley’s chart. Laura told Carly that she didn’t think the insurance covered that kind of thing, but even if they paid Nelle off, she didn’t think they could survive the negative press. Cyrus approached their table, and said it sounded dire.

Mac wondered why there was no ransom demand, and Jordan said maybe the kidnappers were biding their time. He asked, why? but she said she didn’t know, and asked if TJ remembered something more. Mac told her, no, and she said it sound like he had a theory, so lay it on her.  Curtis told Sonny, the less he knew about Sonny’s methods the better, but Jordan couldn’t be near what happened next. It was his understanding that once Cyrus’s sentence was vacated, Sonny was supposed to handle him. Wasn’t it how he maintained peace and protected his loved ones? With all due respect, Curtis wondered what was taking so long. Trina said she wanted to spend extra time with Portia, but Portia wondered if Trina was there because she didn’t want to be home alone. Trina admitted that was it, and Portia told her what happened was the exception, not the rule, and the town was kept safe by the PCPD. Trina said the Commissioner had thrown her father under the bus, and she remembered Jordan explaining that Taggert had tampered with evidence. Trina asked how Portia could trust anything to do with Jordan.

Carly told Cyrus that it was a private conversation. He said he didn’t mean to intrude, and she said, but yet he had, after eavesdropping. He told her that after being in prison for so long, he was drawn to the female siren song. They’d been talking about the future of GH, which he thought concerned everyone in the city. Laura assured him that everyone would be kept posted, and he said that erased his concerns. Carly said she must have missed the part where he’d said what he wanted, and Cyrus asked for her and Sonny’s address, saying he wanted to send them an invitation to his housewarming. They’d graciously welcomed him to Port Charles, and he wanted to return the gesture. Jason told Curtis that they couldn’t rush things, and sometimes you had to let things play out. If you forced them, they could go sideways quickly. Curtis said he had a family now, and all he could think about was how one bullet separated Trina and Cameron from life and death, and Trina calling out for the father they couldn’t save. Sonny said it couldn’t happen at a worse time, and Curtis told him that Stella had filled him in on Mike’s condition. Sonny said he was doing what he could, and he was going to solve the problem. Curtis had his word. The plan was already in motion. Mac told Jordan if the kidnapping wasn’t financially motivated, the only other reason would be to use TJ as leverage, but TJ’s only connection was to her. Jordan said TJ had been returned, and Mac asked if there had been no demands. Jordan flashed back to visiting Cyrus in prison, Cyrus taunting her, using doublespeak without actually admitting he’d kidnapped TJ, and being sent a picture of TJ in captivity. She remembered the visit from Harmony where Harmony told her that Cyrus wanted to bring a shipment through, and she was to preoccupy the police. Jordan asked Harmony what guarantee she had Cyrus would release TJ, and Harmony said the only guarantee was what Cyrus would do to him if Jordan didn’t do what he’d asked. She thought about Sonny telling her that she couldn’t stay silent, admitting to Sonny that Cyrus had her son, and Sonny saying he took Cyrus’s personal reasons for being in Port Charles to mean her. Jordan told Mac that she’d heard nothing, and Mac said he thought of her as a friend, not just a boss. She said the feeling was mutual, and he told her that if she wanted to talk, he was there.

Finn asked Sasha, what happened? and she said it was no big deal; just a bloody nose. Finn took her to an exam room, and Willow asked Michael if he wanted to talk about it. He said he and Brook were at the boxing gym, and ran into Chase and Sasha. Then Brook accidentally punched Sasha in the nose. Willow wondered why Chase hadn’t driven her there. Carly told Cyrus it was thoughtful, but their calendar was booked. Cyrus said he wanted to send the invite anyway, and she said he could send it there, or to the coffee warehouse; he knew the address. Carly flashed back to the shooting, and Cyrus asked why he would. She said it was as easy to find as a pub in Brooklyn (where there had been a parallel shooting). Cyrus hoped Laura’s schedule was more accommodating, but Laura said a major crime wave was keeping her busy; she had to pass. Cyrus was sure Sonny didn’t like to burden Carly with the details of coffee importing, but they’d reached an understanding. Laura asked, about what? and he said, a conflict of interest, but they’d cleared it up. He was planning a memorable Port Charles debut, and said Laura could expect an invite; he knew where she lived. Carly said he made it sound ominous, but he said it wasn’t intentional, and he’d put them both on his Christmas card list. He left, and Laura followed shortly after, having been put off her lunch. Curtis asked Sonny what he should do, and Sonny said, just live his life. The best thing to do was put on a normal front. What he had in mind took time. Curtis asked, how much time? and Sonny said it depended. Jason said if they attacked now, while Cyrus was parading around as the wronged party, it would draw unwanted attention. Sonny said that was the last thing he or Jordan needed. He and Cyrus had reached a truce. He needed to dig in and play nice, until he found the right moment. Curtis flashed back to Jordan wondering how she could stop Cyrus without risking the lives of her loved ones, and if she should confess that she was in on the frame. Curtis told Sonny, while he threaded this narrow needle, Jordan was stuck on a tightrope with a killer. Jordan told Mac that she appreciated his loyalty and friendship, but there was nothing she wasn’t telling him. She knew how it looked. Mac said he had to ask, and she said she was glad the right man was on the case. She had confidence he’d get to the bottom of it. Mac said he said stay on it until he did.

Curtis came by Jordan’s office, and asked if she wanted to join him in a late dinner. She said she would, but wanted to check on TJ first. Mac watched them leave. Finn examined Sasha, and said, the good news was, her nose wasn’t broken, but he wanted her to keep ice on it. She said, so much for the new face of Deception; they hadn’t even launched yet. She was grateful no paparazzi were around. She said Chase told her that Finn knew everything, and Finn said he wanted Chase to walk away from their well-intentioned disaster before it got worse. He flashed back to telling Chase to let Willow decide. Find her and fix it. Sasha said, so they should come clean, and then what? Everyone would be happy? He said it would be better than what they were doing now, and she said it would be for her and Chase, but Michael and Willow could never be happy if Nelle got Wiley. Portia told Trina that she didn’t like what Jordan had done, but Trina’s father had trusted Jordan. Even if they didn’t know his reasons, his opinion should count for something. He would have wanted Trina to move forward, and focus on her future not his past. Trina said he would have wanted to watch her grow up, and it wasn’t fair. Portia held Trina while she cried a little. Carly told Sonny that he’d just missed Cyrus pretending to be nice, and denying he was threatening. He’d wanted their address to invite them to his housewarming, She’d said  he already had it, since he’d tried to gun them down in three different locations, and then he made it clear that he knew Laura’s address. She wondered how much longer Port Charles would have to endure him. Trina told Portia that she felt better; because she had a great mom, not because she despised Jordan any less. Portia said Jordan wasn’t responsible for Taggert’s death, and Trina said, no – he is. As Cyrus walked by, she confronted him, saying she knew who he was. He said he was sorry about her father, and she said he didn’t sound sorry. He told her there must be a misunderstanding, when Curtis showed up, and told him, back off. Stay the hell away from her.

Finn told Sasha there would be some bruising, but no scar. He said he’d noticed how she’d looked at Michael. She loved Michael, and Chase loved Willow, but they thought the best solution was to play God with everyone’s lives. Michael told Willow that Chase was busy reading Brook the riot act, so he brought Sasha to the hospital. It was hard turning off the feelings. Tomorrow was the hearing, and they had to be ready. Willow assured him that they would be. Sonny went to the MetroCourt, and Carly asked him if he remembered the time they got married so she could spy on him. He said, which time? and she said, either one.  She told him everything stayed between them, and asked if there was anything she needed to know. Sonny said for now it was best to wait until she needed to know. She asked him to promise that he was going to end the craziness with Cyrus, and he promised. She said, when? and he flashed back to telling Cyrus that he could live in Port Charles, but had to conduct business elsewhere. He couldn’t move his merchandise through Sonny’s territory, and it couldn’t touch Sonny or his associates. Cyrus said they had a deal. Sonny also recalled telling Jason that he was biding his time, and when Cyrus stopped looking for Sonny out of the corner of his eye, he was going to take Cyrus out. Sonny told Carly, sooner than Cyrus thinks. Laura went to the PCPD looking for Jordan, but Mac said she’d left. He asked if he could help Laura, and she said, not unless he could get rid of Cyrus. Cyrus told Curtis they hadn’t been introduced, and Curtis said Cyrus knew good and damn well he was Jordan’s husband. Curtis knew everything about Cyrus, and told him to play his game somewhere else, and stay away from Trina and Portia.

🏥 In Case You Missed It…

GH has some virtual fan events going on. There are no crowds, and you don’t have to wear a mask. Unless you want to.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/virtual-fan-events

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

JoshF was forty-five minutes late to see a house in Long Beach, an hour and a half outside of Beverly Hills on a good traffic day. His problem wasn’t traffic though; it was fighting with the GPS on Bobby’s car. The house hadn’t been on the market in nearly fifty years. Seller Julie, whose parents had bought the house after she left for college, met Josh, and showed him around. Casa Oceana was 7,692 square feet, and had spectacular unobstructed views. Built in 1928, it was designed by Roland Coate, who’d done a lot of Spanish revival, which included courtyards. They not only gave a house an indoor/outdoor feel, but prior to air conditioning, it was a place to cool off. Although renovations had been done in 1977-79, the owners kept the original wood beamed ceilings. The most interesting feature was in the chef’s kitchen, a 1970s ceramic induction cooktop, where the heating elements were in the tiles. There were 3 bedrooms and 7 baths, a chauffeur’s quarters that had been turned into a guest suite, and a 56,000 square foot lot. Julie was a stickler for time – I thought, geez, at least Josh had been honest; he could have said it was traffic – but she loved how Josh noticed details other brokers hadn’t, as well as being in agreement with her price point of just under $12 million. Julie gave him the listing, and he thought there would be a ton of interest because no one had seen it, but that didn’t mean it would sell. The buyer would probably have to put $5-6 million into renovations, especially since there were only 3 bedrooms. BTW, Josh’s commission would be $300K. I know they put in a lot of work, but it must be nice to make several years’ salary for most people in one shot.

Tracy’s own house was being sold, but she’d stepped away, since she couldn’t be objective. This didn’t stop her from reminding team member Gina about her house’s special features a million times. She met with Douglas/Elliman agent Tim, along with other investors at La Mirada, their property in Pasadena. Like Tracy with her own home, Tim felt he was too close to the property to be the broker, and wanted to keep it at arm’s length. The group had sunk several million into renovations, the imported tiles alone costing $10K. The house had 4 bedrooms and 3½ baths, engineered white oak flooring, and was on nearly 2 acres. Tracy told Tim, it was $10 million just for the dirt. In her interview, she said mid-century modern sold well because of its simplicity in design, making it easier to renovate, and Pasadena was on fire because of the value. They agreed on a price of $3.325 million.

JoshA and Heather had a new baby boy, Ace, and Josh said Lexie was being the best older sister. He drove to an area of Hollywood Hills that was populated by new money, and attracted young entertainment buyers. He met with seller Ken to look at a 7,456 square foot home with an open floor plan. The seller had put in $2.1 million in renovations, putting in Viking appliances, custom Italian cabinetry, and imported stone countertops. The master suite was huge, 1500 square feet, along with a 300 square foot closet. The house was 4 bedrooms and 6 baths, had a salt water pool, and was on a 26,791 square foot lot. Josh thought it was the epitome of Hollywood Hills, and perfect for someone looking for super clean and modern. Ken needed to go back to New York, and had no choice but to sell it. He wanted to build something for himself in New York, and wanted to move quickly. Josh said it was about comps and the market. The house had been on the market for four months; the listing was stale, and the market was uncertain. He thought Ken should ask for $13 million, but Ken said he’d talked to other agents who agreed with him that he should ask for $15 million, and he’d get back to Josh. In Josh’s interview, he said brokers told sellers what they wanted to hear to get the listing.

JoshF walked into his staff meeting with a bag of panama hats. He told his team about Casa Oceana, and said it had a resort feel, making him want to throw a party. There was something inspiring about it. He thought the party should be daytime casual, and planned on using airplane banner advertising to promote it.

Tracy and Gina went to a high-end vintage clothing store called Timeless Vixen, looking for outfits for the La Mirada open house. Tracy decided she would use a theme, and wanted to pattern it after photographer Slim Aarons. She said his photographs were quintessential of mid-century architecture, with pops of color, perfect for an older house. Tracy zeroed in on a piece of Balenciaga couture, a jacket once owned by Mick Jagger, going for $22K. She told Gina that she needed to sell her house quickly. Gina said she’d gotten an offer of $19 million for Tracy’s house, and Tracy said she didn’t want to play hardball, but wanted to be aggressive with her first counter offer. Her asking price was $23 million, and she countered with $21.9. She thought it was surreal talking about the sale of her own house. She was excited, but used to being on the other side. Gina said Tracy couldn’t buy the jacket yet, and Tracy asked if it could be put on layaway.

JoshF, Bobby, Wilie, and Hilary (Director of Operations) went to Casa Oceana to set up for the party, and watched Josh’s plane go by. In his interview, Josh yelled, da plane! Da plane! then told the group that he’d always wanted his name in the sky. We found out that the plane cost $2500 to rent. Good to know. Josh said they had booze, panama hats, and booze, and someone was going to buy the house for the land and view, not because it was staged. Afterward, he told us, on paper the event went wonderfully, but there were about 290 looky-loos who weren’t even qualified to buy it.

For Tracy’s La Miranda open house, she’d gotten models in full mod wardrobe and makeup, lots of yellow flowers, and fondue in the kitchen. It was a whole moment, and she was into it, even wearing a yellow outfit to match the flowers. She told potential buyers that it was one of the most stylish, functional homes in the area. When she pointed out the Jack and Jill bathroom, I had to go, ugh. Why? Why would you want to brush your teeth next to someone else? It’s not a competition. At the open house, Gina said she knew it wasn’t the ideal time, but the potential buyer for Tracy’s house had come up to her counter of $21.9 million. Tracy said she knew she would miss it, but a new chapter was exciting. She looked forward to something different.

Street artist Gregory Siff did a wall mural outside of the Altman Brothers office building. In his interview, Josh said when people took selfies, his name would be behind them. The mural was really cool – a wall of icons depicting Josh, Matt, and everything that was in their orbit. Josh had one request, that Gregory include his dog Diego, who he’d just lost. Josh got choked up, so I did too, having just lost my oldest dog in May. In Josh’s interview, he said that he’d rescued Diego fourteen years ago, and he was the first dog Josh had lost. In good times and bad, Diego had always been happy to see him. Ken called, and told Josh that he’d talked again to other brokers who thought he could get more for his house. He wanted the most money, and needed to move. Josh said he was a straight shooter and knew the area best. People were telling Ken what he wanted to hear, and it wasn’t the truth. In his interview, Josh said the house would be marketed incorrectly, and would end where it was going to end anyway. It was frustrating. He told Ken that he hoped he was proven wrong, but he wasn’t wrong often. He told Matt that it was bad for the market. It would have a domino effect, where other people would think their houses were worth more. Matt told him to focus on the future. Boy, do I understand this. I’ve gotten into arguments with people wanting me to sell there stuff on eBay for more than it’s worth, and I tell them the same thing, good luck with that.

JoshF said that Casa Oceana needed quality buyers, not just traffic. He decided to have private showings at dusk, when you could hear the ocean waves. While the house needed a facelift, he would steer the potential buyers toward the positives, like the historic character. Most of the people invited were interested in more bedrooms, and wanted to push back the price. Josh was concerned the listing was going to get stale. People just didn’t have the imagination for the property, and it was unfortunate.

Tracy had five days to find a rental, but didn’t seem too concerned. She spoke with Curt, a long-time agent at Douglas/Elliman in Beverly Hills, who said he had a celebrity client wanting to relocate to Pasadena because they wanted more space. They liked La Mirada, but the outside needed to be adjusted. They wanted a $100K landscaping job that would give them more privacy. Tracy thought $100K seemed steep to privatize, and she had other showings coming up. They’d have other offers. Curt said he was there now, and the privacy was a deal breaker. Tracy thought they had a bit to go before they got there. She called Tim, who she knew wasn’t going to spend that much landscaping to privatize the property. She suggested they cap it at $30K. He could sell the house today, and it was a good offer in record-breaking time. She told Curt $30K, Curt said $60K, and she said the maximum without uncertainty was $30K, and she was comfortable with his client walking. Curt told her, his authority was to get as much as he could, and he took the deal. Tracy told Curt, we get sh*t done.

Next time, and intuitive astrologer senses a presence in a 1920 Mediterranean. JoshF’s client is former glee cast member Becca Tobin, Becca says a red room feels like murder, and JoshA has a difficult client

MillionDollarListing-AltmanWall

The Altman Brothers Wall

🚫 After seeing an ad for RHOBH going to Rome, I started to think maybe the Housewives should be banned from entering all other countries. Make that cities too. Hell, can we keep them in quarantine forever?

🏆 More Emmys Than You Can Handle…

Yes, there’s an app for that.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/download-the-emmys-app

🌟 Goodbye To a Legend…

Phyllis Somerville did it all, and then some.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/veteran-actress-and-soap-alum-phyllis-somerville-dead-at-76

👰🏾 Jordan In Quarantine…

She’s definitely keeping busy.

https://extratv.com/2020/07/16/briana-nicole-henry-talks-quarantine-wedding-plus-general-hospital-production-rumors/

🍷 Everything’s Coming Up Rosé…

Is it me, or is everybody coming out with one?

https://floodmagazine.com/79563/yeah-yeah-yeahs-karen-o-and-napa-valley-winery-ashes-diamonds-collaborated-on-a-rose/

🔪 Under the Knife…

Have we learned nothing from Jennifer Grey?

https://extratv.com/2020/07/17/teresa-giudices-19-year-old-daughter-gia-undergoes-plastic-surgery/

👠 Putting Her Heel Down…

Lady Bunny is not having your cancelation.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/18/drag-queen-icon-lady-bunny-isnt-worried-about-cancel-culture/

💃🏾 Dancing With Tyra…

She’s ready to rumba.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/16/we-hear-episode-103-tyra-makes-moves-as-the-new-dwts-host/

And Tom takes it like a gentleman.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/16/tom-bergeron-jokes-about-tyra-banks-quickly-replacing-him-on-dwts/

🪓 A Reality Show To Die For…

It gives a whole new meaning to the word eliminated.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-cw-killer-camp-eliminations-slasher-movie/

📖 Read All About Her…

Much of bigotry comes from lack of knowledge about those different from us, so in an effort to broaden horizons, I give you Stagecoach Mary.

https://www.history.com/news/meet-stagecoach-mary-the-daring-black-pioneer-who-protected-wild-west-stagecoaches

And a journey in modern self-acceptance.

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/gay-black-woman-self-acceptance-journey

🎂 A Peacock Lays a Cake…

And here I thought terms of use contained just that. I’ll have to start actually reading them.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/theres-a-cake-recipe-hidden-in-peacocks-terms-of-use-so-we-baked-it/

🌃 Another Day Done…

Hopefully, it’s another day closer to whatever phase you want to be in. Regardless, stay safe, stay discovering new things, and stay open to changing your viewpoint because of them.