Tag Archives: Britney Spears

September 18, 2023 – Valentin Gets a Shock From the Security Footage, Sad Farewell, Just the Same, Popular On Deck, Least Favorites, Not So Bizarre, Wrong Turn & Endless

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna looks at the writing on the bathroom mirror, when Valentin comes in and touches her shoulder. Startled, she turns around.

On the phone, Nina says, the minute Gladys gets this message, she wants an update. Call her. Does she understand? She’s Sasha’s guardian. Gladys is supposed to be giving her any updates on Sasha. Call her. Lucy comes in and says, that’s why she’s here. She needs to know exactly what’s going on with Sasha.

Blair puts her hand on Martin’s shoulder and leans down, saying, hello sweetheart, and kissing him on the cheek. She asks if he isn’t going to be a gentleman and invite her to have a seat. She sits and says, don’t mind if I do. Thank you.

Elizabeth says, the patients don’t know how lucky they are to have Stella’s help, and Stella says she’s the lucky one. At her age to have the most fulfilling job of her life? It’s pretty special. Looking at Stella’s paperwork, Elizabeth says, six out of these eleven patients have the same doctor, and Stella says, you always want the best doctor you can get, and sometimes these complicated cases take the total focus of the doctors, and the patients can be a little intimidated by some of the doctors. Elizabeth wonders if she means they don’t ask all the questions they want the answers to, and Stella says, that’s where she comes in. Hopefully, she gives them the answers they need. She can see that Dr. Bronson has to deal with all kinds of neurological complications and incurable conditions. Elizabeth says, like ALS.

Gregory walks into Alexis’s office as Esme slams a folder onto Alexis’s desk. He asks if everything is all right, and she says, yes. She was just arranging some things for Alexis. He says, good luck with that. She has her own very random system of order. Does Esme need his help? Esme says, no, thank you. Is there anything she can help him with? He says, Alexis left a message that she’d be here for a while. He was hoping to catch her. It’s late. Shouldn’t Esme be getting home? Esme says, that’s why she was finding more work to do. She doesn’t exactly want to go home yet.

Chase goes into his apartment, and says he’s got Brook’s favorite. He sees her holding her head, and asks, what is it? She says she got fired, and he says, what? But Maxie was in such high spirits when she came over earlier today. Brook says, she was just too nice to involve him, and he says he’s so sorry. She says she’s not even upset about the job. She’s upset because she lost her best friend.

Walking down the hall with Alexis, Finn says he hopes Molly and Kristina can work through their problem. She says, he figured it was the two of them, huh? and he says he just got the impression it wasn’t Sam. She says, true. The two of them are driving her crazy, but she knows she needs to let them work it out on their own. He didn’t share. Is he okay? He says he’s just trying to honor his father’s wishes, and she says she admires that. He says his dad wants them to go on like everything’s normal, and she asks if Gregory told Chase, but Finn says, no, he didn’t.

Valentin and Anna walk back to the living room area, and Valentin says, whoever got in here… She says, was trying to get to her. Well, it’s working.

Blair wonders if Martin wasn’t even going to say hello, but he says he didn’t see her. She says, he saw her, all right, and Trish comes by. Martin asks if he could please have… Blair tells her to bring him another drink, and she’ll have what she was having over there before, please. Trish leaves, and Martin asks what Blair is doing here. She says, if she didn’t know better, she’d think he wasn’t happy to see her, and he says he’s not. Nor is he happy with her meeting with the likes of Tracy Quartermaine, of all people. Blair says she thought he didn’t see her, and he says he might have caught a glimpse. She says, but he was distracted by his friend, the gorgeous brunette. He didn’t want to introduce her to ex-wife #3? Blair would love to meet her. Where did she disappear to?

Nina says, if Lucy is looking for Olivia… but Lucy says she’s not; she’s looking for Nina. She spoke with Nina’s assistant who said she was here. She just needs to ask Nina something. Martin is down in the lobby waiting and she doesn’t have a lot of time. Just please tell her about Sasha. Nina says, as Lucy clearly heard when she barged into the office, she left word for Gladys to give her an update when she hears anything. Lucy says she doesn’t have time to wait. She needs to know what’s happening with Sasha right now.

Chase asks, what happened with Maxie? and Brook says she was trying to convince herself there was something she could do to make it right, but Maxie made it perfectly clear that there is nothing she can do to make up for it. He says he takes it that Maxie found out Tracy got the information about The Deceptor from her, and she says, yeah. Deep down, she knew they would. Maxie could lose her livelihood. She just moved; she’s got three kids she’s got to support. He says, the case hasn’t been settled yet, and she says, but it doesn’t look good and it’s all her fault. And now she’s getting exactly what she deserves. Maxie hates her.

Alexis says, Gregory told her that he was going to Chase’s apartment the other day to tell him, but Finn says, he changed his mind. Chase called him this morning asking about a new baseball glove for Violet. He doesn’t know. It’s not going to be easy for either one of them when his father finally does tell Chase. Alexis says, it’s not easy for anyone, and it’s certainly not easy for Finn. Finn says, all he’s wanted to do since his father told him is help him. He’s been researching ALS day and night. What he’d really like to do is talk to Dr. Bronson about his case. She says, but he can’t do that, can he? and he says, it’s his dad’s illness, so legally and ethically, he has to get his permission. He’s concerned bringing it up right now will just upset him more. She says, he and Dr. Bronson are both doctors. She’s sure he would understand and share with Finn what he could, but Finn says, doctors don’t really like that, and he doesn’t want to go behind his father’s back. She says, he’s right; it was a terrible idea. He says, they’ll be at a point where his father won’t be able to walk anymore; he won’t be able to speak. But it’s still up to him when and how much he wants Finn to be involved.

Gregory asks Esme why she wouldn’t want to go home to that adorable son of hers, and she says, it’s not Ace she’s avoiding; it’s Spencer. But she doesn’t want to bother him with her problems. He says, she’s not bothering him, and she says, it’s just that she and Spencer have been spending a lot of time together taking care of Ace, and she thought everything was going really well. Spencer adores his little brother, and Ace lights up every time Spencer walks in the room. It felt like for the first time in her life she knew what it was like to be part of a family. He says, sounds like a good start to him, and she says, until she overheard Spencer talking to Alexis about going out of town for the weekend with his girlfriend Trina. He asked Alexis to check up on her, and in spite of what she thought, it’s very clear Spencer doesn’t trust her. So much for family.

Marshall comes into the hospital and tells Stella that they need to talk. She says she’s a little busy, but he says, it’s important. Elizabeth says, Stella is overdue for a break, and Stella thanks her, leaving for a more private spot with Marshall. She asks if everything is good with Curtis, and he says, at least for now. She asks, what’s that supposed to mean? and he says, Curtis is thinking of selling The Savoy. She tells him, bite your tongue. That will be the death of him.

Valentin says, they were sloppy this time, and Anna says, this seems very deliberate to her. It seems very personal. She just bought this. She picks up a white shirt streaked with red, and says she bought it because she doesn’t have any clothes because they burned up in the fire. She’s only worn this one time. She doesn’t even like it, and the only reason it’s ruined is… He says, because it’s hers? and she says, because it’s hers. His stuff isn’t here. It makes her think, whoever’s doing this wants one thing. They want to leave her with nothing. He says, and then what? It’s more than that. The message in the bathroom: You think you’re safe, but you’re not. It’s a direct threat.

Martin tells Blair, that woman who was just here? They just met. He’s not even sure he remembers her name. Blair clinks her glass against his, and says, Lucy Coe. Lucy owns Deception, the cosmetics company, just like her. Some people might even consider them rivals. But she hears on the street that Lucy’s company’s not doing that well. He says, let him guess. A little bird named Tracy Quartermaine told her that. She says, possibly, and he says, enough is enough. What exactly is she doing here with Tracy tonight? She says, he’s an intelligent man. She’s sure he can figure it out.

Nina says, all they know for sure is, apparently Cody Bell took Sasha out of Ferncliff, and Lucy asks how he managed that. Nina says, he got checked in as a patient, and Lucy says, Cody’s not crazy. Nina says, no, he’s not crazy, but he convinced someone he needs help, and he’s on the verge of being charged with kidnapping. Lucy says, there is no way that Cody kidnapped Sasha.

Chase says, Maxie may be angry, but once she has time to think it through… Brook says, think what through? She betrayed Maxie, Lucy, and Sasha. He says, she made a mistake, and he knows for a fact Maxie has made mistakes in the past. And they know Tracy and what she’s capable of. They’ll understand the pressure Brook was under. Brook says, that’s the part she feels the worst about. Letting Tracy blackmail her because she was too afraid of him finding out the truth. She should have trusted him enough to tell him the truth himself. He says, it’s too late for that, gets up, and goes into the other room.

Alexis says, Finn’s a good son, and she knows it’s even harder for him to let his father handle his own medical decisions because he’s a doctor. He says, between the two of them, it’s tearing him up inside, but he has to admit and accept his limitations. She says, good luck with that. It doesn’t always work out so well for her. He says, his father is lucky to have her in his life, and she says she’s lucky to have him in hers. She’s just trying to keep things as normal as possible because he said he wanted to maintain a normal life for as long as he could. Finn says, it’s not easy to go along with, is it? and she says she thinks they all have their own unique ways of imagining how they’re going to deal with the… He says, the transition? and she says she hated that word when people used to substitute that for dying. And now, she thinks it’s really appropriate. She doesn’t know if it’s going to make things any better or not, but he’s not alone. They’re in this together. She takes his hand, and he says, it means a lot.

Gregory tells Esme, sometimes, even family can let you down, but they will almost always be there for you when you really need them. The bonds of family don’t easily break. Esme says she realizes she was this horrible person before, but she’s trying really hard to make a new beginning. She wants to be the best receptionist, and more important, she wants to be the best mom she can be for Ace, and she’s trying really hard to build a new relationship with Spencer based on respect, because he is Ace’s big brother. But what’s the point, because Spencer only sees her as the person she was, not who she is now. Just like everybody else. Gregory says, if it means anything, Alexis had her doubts, but she sees Esme for who she is now. And so does he. Is it okay if he gives her a little advice? She says, anything, please, and he says, sometimes when you only look at the big picture, it can be really frustrating and infuriating. So try to focus on the short term. Maybe the one thing that happened today that made her smile. She asks if that works for him.

Stella tells Marshall, Curtis can’t sell The Savoy. He’s so proud of that club. It keeps him motivated; it inspires him. He says, she’s right about that, and she says, that’s more important than ever for him to keep fighting to recover. He’s got friends and co-workers there. Didn’t he go back to work? Marshall says, he did, and you can see how he is at the club, the way he interacts with all the people. It’s like he has his finger on the pulse of Port Charles. Stella says, it sounds like exactly what he needs to keep fighting to recover. Why on earth would he want to sell? Marshall says, he may have gotten an offer he can’t refuse.

Anna asks if Valentin doesn’t think someone who’s burned down her house and broken in here has had ample opportunity to kill her already. He tells her that he’s not saying someone doesn’t enjoy torturing her a little bit, but she knows that message in the bathroom is a threat. She says she knows that, but this doesn’t look like someone who works for Pikeman or the WSB, and he says, okay. So it’s not professional looking, but burning her house down? Taking a shot at her at the MetroCourt pool? Now this? This is not a coincidence. She says, okay, and he says he’s not taking any chances. They hug, and she gets an odd look on her face.

Martin says, Blair gave Tracy the rights and copyright on her attempts to develop a beauty wand, but Blair says she gave Tracy absolutely nothing. However, she did pay a very handsome sum for those rights. He’s a lawyer. He knows by only owning those rights Tracy could file suit against Lucy and Deception. He says, the fact that Blair would do something like that, with someone like that, to hurt someone like Lucy Coe? Shame on her. That is just vile. She says, no. What is vile is him whispering her original idea into his girlfriend’s ear and making her think it was her idea just to get her in his bed. He says, that’s not what happened, and anyway, Lucy’s product actually works. Hers never did. She says, Lucy would have never even gotten it off the ground if it hadn’t been an idea he stole from her. You know what, buddy? It’s going to cost you big time.

Lucy tells Nina that Sasha didn’t want to admit it, but she thinks Cody cares for Sasha much more than just as a friend. He did come to her rescue when she had that problem at the Home & Heart show. Nina says, that was a terrible trick somebody played on her, and Lucy says, it was so cruel, but she did handle it. Sasha was okay, and Cody was there for her then too. She just wondered if maybe he feels like he’s rescuing her by breaking her out of Ferncliff; he’s coming to her aid. She’s really worried about Sasha, but Deception is also in a very precarious position right now, and she needs to know if Sasha is coming back. If she’s not able to come back, Lucy simply has to replace her as soon as possible.

Elizabeth sees Finn at the reception desk, but then goes to the computer. He says, she was coming over to say hello, then took a detour to the computer, and she says, actually, she wasn’t going to say hello. She was going to tell him something; now she’s not. She’s not sure it’s a good idea. He says, now she has to tell him, and she says, okay, but first, she recognizes this isn’t her place. TJ told her about an incident he had with Dr. Bronson, and then Stella was just telling her about some of her patients. It only confirmed what she’s been feeling since she took over as head nurse. He asks, what’s going on? and she says she doesn’t think Dr. Bronson is the right doctor for his dad.

Chase makes a drink, and Brook says, too late for what? For them? He says, no. Too late for her regret in not telling him. Because she did. She shared everything with him. She says, he’s so understanding, and he says, she did what she did because she was desperate for him to get his job back. He loves her for that. He loves her for so many reasons, but doesn’t want to spend time just rehashing the past. She says she knows everything is going to turn out all right as long as she has him by her side. She just hates what she did to her friends. He says he doesn’t understand. How could her grandmother put her in that position? She knew how close Brook was to Maxie, yet she still made Brook feel like she had to betray her best friend. Who would do that to their granddaughter?

Alexis approaches her office door and stops, hearing Gregory say, actually, it has been working for him. He finds if he focuses on a good thing during the day that happened, big or small, it makes a difference in his outlook. Esme says, what about today? and he says, today was really special. Today he tried lavender ice cream for the first time. It was amazing. He can’t believe what he’s been missing out on. (My stomach turns at the thought, but to each his own.) Outside, Alexis smiles, and Gregory asks, what about Esme? She says, that’s easy. Today, after Ace burped, he gave her the biggest smile. She could tell he thought it was funny, and it made her think how lucky she is to be his mom. He says, that sounds even better than his lavender ice cream. Why doesn’t she get home to Ace? He thinks he can handle rearranging her boss’s desk. She thanks him, when Alexis walks in, and Esme says, she’s back. Gregory falters a little, and Alexis runs over to him, asking if he’s okay.

Valentin asks if Anna will be okay on her own, and she asks where he’s going. He says he’s going to check the security footage and see if they can identify who did this, and she asks if he doesn’t think a professional would know there’s security cameras on every floor. They would have disabled them, or at least hidden their identity as best they can. He says, they’re going to find out. In the meantime, she can call the police and have them meet her here. She says, maybe forensics will find something, and he says, they’re going to find who did this and they’re going to stop them. He leaves.

Martin asks what Blair thinks this is going to cost him. Lucy’s the one being sued by Tracy Quartermaine. She says, and she’s the one paying him $50,000 a month in alimony, and he says, if she didn’t want to pay, maybe she shouldn’t have spent so much time jumping in and out of the sack with David Vickers. (Hey! I remember him!) She wasn’t exactly discreet. As he recalls, she was caught in flagrante. She says, because he hired that stupid detective, but he says, that had nothing to do with the money. That was because that sweet Southern judge thought $50,000 was adequate and reasonable compensation for his pain and suffering. She says, he’s just suffering so much with Lucy Coe, and he says, she’s definitely what he’d call a step up. She tells him, Tracy says he’s really hooked on her, so when Lucy loses Deception – and she will – he’ll have no choice but to make her wife #4. Marry Lucy, and when that happens, she won’t have to pay him another single dime.

Stella says, what is this Godfather talk? and Marshall says, a prominent businesswoman named Selina Wu offered Curtis a lot of money. Stella says, and he wants to sell? but Marshall says he’s not sure. But she’s trying to convince him that in his current condition, it would be too difficult for him to run the club. She says, too difficult because he’s in a wheelchair? These people make her crazy when they automatically assume anyone with a disability is incapable of holding down a job. If they saw a fraction of the grit and bravery she sees people display every day, they’d be ashamed of themselves. He says, as well they should. He knows what she does here is very important to the doctors and to the patients. He’s hoping that maybe she can find a way to lift Curtis up the way she does her patients. She says she’s going to do her best. Curits needs that club. It’s his lifeline to get out of the house. Marshall says, make him feel like he’s doing something worthy. His son can’t lose that club.

Esme asks if Gregory is all right, and he says he’s fine. Alexis says, it’s her fault. It’s that corner rug; it keeps coming up. They’ve got to get maintenance to look at that and tape it down. She thanks Esme for staying late. She’s sure her son needs his mom, and she’ll see Esme in the morning. Esme thanks Gregory again, and leaves. Alexis closes the door, and he asks how much she heard. She says, enough to know he lifted Esme’s spirits when she needed it.

Finn asks if Elizabeth is accusing Dr. Bronson of something, but she says, no. She thinks he’s a great neurologist. He says, okay. Tell him what she really thinks. She says she thinks diagnostically, there’s no one better than Dr. Bronson, but there are things that happen, or should happen, after the diagnosis… in her opinion. He says, that’s what he wants to hear, her opinion, and she says she can only compare him to Finn and some of the other specialists they have here. He says, all the nurses make fun of his bedside manner, and she says, and they still think he’s an amazing doctor because he’s responsive to his patients. He listens to them, he answers their questions, he treats them with respect. He doesn’t just diagnose, then follow standard procedure either. Dr. Bronson does. He says, and she thinks that’s how Dr. Bronson is treating his father? and she says, he diagnosed ALS. His main focus is treating the ALS by the book, rather than treating Gregory, the patient.

Nina says, let her get this straight. Lucy’s concern for Sasha is, what Sasha is going through might cost her money? Lucy says, no. Of course (🍷) not. She adores Sasha. Everybody does, but Nina is a businesswoman. She knows they can’t just be responsible for their own personal feelings. She’s responsible for employees; they could lose their jobs. The whole company. The timing of Sasha’s predicament is really bad, because Tracy is coming after them, and they could lose absolutely everything. Nina opens the door and says she thinks it’s time for Lucy to leave. Lucy says, what? and Nina says, Lucy heard her, as Valentin comes around the door. He knocks and says he could use Nina’s help, but Lucy says, no, wait. They’re not finished with their conversation. Nina says, their conversation is over. Goodbye, Lucy. Lucy says, wow, okay, and gives Valentin a look as she passes him. He goes into Nina’s office, closing the door, and says he can explain everything, but right now, he needs to show him all the security footage she has for the hallway outside of Anna’s hotel suite.

Gregory tells Alexis that he’s glad he could help Esme. She’s dealing with a lot. Alexis says, she’s not the only one, and he says, she’s young. Her life is just beginning. She says, and his is not over. She thought he was going to tell Chase that he has ALS. He says he was, and he went to Chase’s apartment with every intention of doing just that. But Brook had just moved in and the two of them seemed so very happy. He just couldn’t ruin it.

Elizabeth says, Finn doesn’t seem surprised, and he says he’s not. He had the same reservations about Dr. Bronson. He thought maybe because Dr. Bronson was treating his father, he was too close to be objective. She says she is being objective. And she’s not saying Dr. Bronson isn’t a good doctor for certain people, but his dad… Finn says, is dying, and he needs a more compassionate kind of care, and she says, yeah. He says, the problem is, his father chose Dr. Bronson, and he can’t just step in now and start dictating treatment. She says, Finn is an excellent doctor with exceptional experience. This is his lane. And she thinks his dad would feel reassured and supported by his opinions. Finn wouldn’t be telling him what to do. He’d just be offering his father an alternative.

Brook says, Chase must have been in town long enough to have heard the infamous stories of the Quartermaines bickering and backstabbing. Chase says, all the stories can’t be true, and she says she never wanted to believe they were either. She’s done her fair share of conniving and deceiving her family, but she really thought they were in a good place; that they could really count on each other. Now her dad thinks he’s someone else, and her grandmother… She’s always been calculating and tough. Brook actually admired her for it. But now she realizes, Tracy is deliberately destructive. Tracy is taking down Deception because she can, and she helped Tracy do it. Chase has no idea how lucky he is to come from a family that’s open and honest with each other.

Martin asks, what the hell is Blair talking about? and she says, follow the breadcrumbs, Marty. She won’t hesitate to talk to Lucy and tell her that he stole The Deceptor idea from her and gave it to Lucy. Then she’ll lose everything. Then, being angry and broke, Lucy will have no choice but to sue him, and she’ll be Lucy’s star witness. So she thinks him losing 50 grand a month is a small price to pay. Doesn’t he? He won’t lose Lucy and he won’t lose the rest of his money. Think about it, okay? She gets up, and stands behind him, kissing his cheek again. She says, it’s so nice to see him, and leaves. He sees Lucy in the hallway, messing with her phone, and runs over to her. He gives her a passionate embrace and kisses her, turning her so she can’t see Blair. At the elevator, Blair leans over and watches.

Nina says she can pull up the security footage from Olivia’s computer, but first, Valentin needs to tell her what’s going on. Is Anna okay? He says, no, she’s not okay. Someone broke into her hotel suite while they were at dinner tonight. There was a threatening message written on the bathroom mirror, her room was ransacked, and her clothes were strewn all over the place covered with red ink. Nina says, oh my God, and gets on the computer. She says, that would be the latest security footage from tonight, and he says, in the last two, three hours. She says she’s so sorry. She thought Anna would be okay here. He says he was hoping so too. Now he just wants to know who did this.

Anna looks at the message on the mirror again, focusing on: You think you’re safe. You’re not. She flashes back to the shooting at the pool and walking into her burning house.

Brook gets in the elevator after taking a last look, and Lucy says, wow. She doesn’t know what that was for, but Martin almost made her forget all her problems. They walk back into the restaurant, and he says, that’s what I’m here for, darlin’.

Gregory tells Alexis, it felt really good just now with Esme. To be able to lift someone’s spirits instead of depress them. She says, he does not depress anyone. To the contrary. He brings joy and happiness into many people’s lives, including his sons and yours truly. And his work here is invaluable. He says, take advantage of him for as long as she can, and she says she intends to. How is he feeling? He says, she saw. More unsteady more often. Dr. Bronson has made it clear he’s deteriorating rapidly, but he has every intention of living the best life he can for as long as he can. She says, good, and he says, but there’s something she needs to know. She says, of course (🍷), and he asks if she’s ever tried lavender ice cream. She says, yum, and he laughs.

Finn tells Elizabeth that he’ll talk to his dad about his treatment. Hopefully, he won’t be too resistant to sharing information. She says, then he can just take it from there, and he says, in the meantime, he’ll research some neurologists in the surrounding area and New York City. He has some colleagues who should be able to give him some good names. That way, when he talks to his father, he’ll have some alternatives. Elizabeth says, if he needs help with the research, she’s here, and he says he’s counting on it. He thanks her for giving him the push he needed.

Chase tells Brook that his family hasn’t always been open and honest. Growing up, Finn wasn’t around. She says, they worked that out, and he says, yeah. He’s glad they did. Because of all the time they missed, he feels like the time they have now is even more special. He never would have thought his father, his brother, and himself having a tea party with Violet would be the highlight of his week. She says she feels the same way about spending time with her dad and Leo, and he says, and now, he won’t just have his family together; he’ll have her too. She says she’s pretty lucky too, and they kiss.

Marshall says he’s so glad Stella is back in town doing the work she loves at this hospital. She says she didn’t mind being a jetsetter for a while, but she did miss her family and this job. He asks if they’re working her to death, and she says, it’s fine, but it will be nice to not be alone. Felicia Scorpio is joining their staff, and she has the feeling Felicia’s got the fire to make a difference. Marshall says, it’s not surprising Stella would be attracted to someone with the fire, because she is the original firecracker. It’s good to have her back, and the family are closer together. She says, he didn’t always feel that way, but he says, it’s water under the bridge. He lost Irene, and somehow it feels like she’s still a part of them, especially with Curtis and Trina and her. She says, they’re lucky to have the family they have, and he says, yeah, they are. So they’re going to keep this together. She can talk to Curtis about the club, and he thinks between the two of them, they’ll be able to set him straight and keep him from making a mistake he’ll live to regret. She says, yes.

Anna continues to stare at the message, and finally walks away.

Nina tells Valentin that she was able to pull up the footage. He said the last three hours? He says, maximum, and she says she’ll fast forward. He frowns at the screen.

Anna comes out to the living room, and flashes back to asking Valentin why he’s involved with Sonny, and who is the third party? He says, a defense contractor… Pikeman.

Valentin tells Nina, wait. Go back. She says she didn’t see anything, but he says, just go back. She does, and he frowns again.

Anna surveys the mess, and flashes back to Dante telling her that Valentin withheld the truth from her. When she told Valentin what she knew, he had no choice but to come clean. They don’t have to call it a lie if she doesn’t want to, but they both know he did lie about where he was the night of the fire. She picks up her phone and makes a call. She says she’d like to report a break-in.

Valentin asks Nina to go back again and freeze it. They both look astonished, and she says, oh my God. It can’t be.

Tomorrow, Sasha says, they have to stop this before it gets any worse; Eddie/Ned says he might just take Olivia up on that; Valentin asks Nina, please do not show this to anyone else; and Sonny tells Dex, don’t be too sure about that.

🥀 Way Too Young…

It was so sad to hear this.

https://people.com/billy-miller-soap-opera-general-hospital-the-young-and-the-restless-dead-at-43-7970876

🧂It Used To…

This show was promising in the first season, then just slid into the usual Housewives screeching and finger pointing.

Yachtie Come Back…

Ileisha is the only (real) chef who never threw a temper tantrum. Major kudos. But where is Kate on this list?

👠 Andy’s Hate List…

Carole’s not entirely wrong, and how dare Kenya get married and pregnant off-air? #TeamTwirl

📱 I saw a headline in OK Magazine  that said: Bizarre Behavior: Britney Spears posts whatever she wants on social media without thinking of the consequences. Apparently, whoever wrote that has never been on social media if they think it’s bizarre behavior.

🐻 Looking For a Pic-A-Nic Basket…

Apparently, it’s an even smaller world than they thought.

https://ew.com/amusement-parks/wild-bear-magic-kingdom-disney-world-ride-closures/

🤺 Main Character Energy…

Make a pit stop tomorrow for some soap and tea for two or more. Until then, stay safe, stay always picking up after your dog, and stay focusing on a good thing during the day that happened, big or small. It makes a difference in your outlook.

November 12, 2021 – Chase Starts To Figure It Out, G’Day Mate, a Patriarch Departs, Returning Wife, Freed, Quantum Goodbye, More Games, a Balanced Number Of Quotes & Rose Hip

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny sees Spencer at Kelly’s, and says, when Josslyn told him Spencer was getting a job there, he almost didn’t believe her. He’s a workin’ man. Congratulations. Spencer says, congratulations for what? Having a job that needs no experience, and pays accordingly? Sonny says, everybody’s got to start somewhere. He didn’t start at the top. But he’s working; how does it feel? Spencer says, like the worst mistake he ever made in his life.

At the hospital. Maxie says, good morning, to Austin. He returns the greeting, and asks what she’s doing there. Wasn’t she there last night? She says she was, but Bobbie’s car broke down, and she gave her a ride. She thought since she was in the building, she’d say hello, but if he’s busy… He says he’s sorry. He had a really terrible night last night, but it’s nice to see her. Chase walks in and says, Maxie’s saved him a trip to the Deception office. He needs to speak with her and Austin. Austin says they’re kind of in the middle of something, and Chase says, something more important than finding Maxie’s missing daughter?

Valentin flashes back to Austin telling him that Gladys thinks Brook is pulling a scam on him. Gladys comes to his room, and asks how he does it. He must be exhausted, but still looks incredibly handsome. He tells her, what can he say? When she’s around, he perks right up.

Portia goes to The Savoy, and Curtis tells her, good morning, and kisses her. She says, it is now. She’s so happy for him. The audience reaction to the artist was amazing. The Savoy was already on its way to being one of the best spots in town, but last night kicked it into another gear. Curtis says, in more ways than one, and she asks what he means. He says, he may have some unwanted help he needs to get rid of.

At the gallery, Trina gives Ned a flyer for the Photo Ark exhibit. She says, it’s the same ad that’s been running online for weeks (weeks?), but she wanted him to see a hard copy. He says, it looks terrific, and thanks her again for bringing the project to his attention. She says she should be thanking him and ELQ for underwriting the exhibit. It’s so important to her, and she’s thrilled they get to be the gallery that displays it to the people of Port Charles. He says, when you run a large organization, you’re constantly approached for donations because people know they’re tax deductible. It’s always nice when the project is so well-intentioned. He’s proud to see ELQ involved with this. She says he’s also doing this for his wife, right? Because Olivia is a big animal lover? Trina bets he can’t wait to see her face when he brings her tonight.

Olivia looks at the painting Ned gave her, and wonders where she’s going to hang it. Robert comes in, saying, a large gentleman from Belarus said he could come in. He hopes it’s okay. She says, much better than okay, and hugs him. She can’t believe Ned punched him over a stupid, meaningless little kiss. He says, let’s be realistic. That kiss was anything but meaningless.

Chase wants to ask Maxie and Austin questions about the night Louise was kidnapped, and Maxie says they’ve already given statements, and answered a bunch of questions. Chase says, that was before Peter resurfaced, and said he has no idea where his daughter is. That brings them back to square one. Their best shot to find Maxie’s daughter is to revisit the night she was born. Since fake nurse Chloe is dead, that leaves the two of them. Austin asks how he knows Peter’s not lying, and Chase says, Nina said Peter was blackmailing her to find Louise. It doesn’t sound like something he would do if he was lying. Austin says, Peter is malignant and ruthless. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t say or do to pursue his own agenda. Chase says, that sounds like someone else he knows, and Maxie says, okay, that’s enough. She can see Chase is letting his personal feelings color his investigation. Does she need to report him to Mac?

Valentin asks why Gladys would be surprised that he delights in the pleasure of her company. Gladys says she didn’t know how he’d be feeling… physically, and he says he’s a little over being stuck in this hospital bed, so why doesn’t she stick around and entertain him? He’s got nothing but time; tell him a story. She says she’s happy to help him fill some time, and closes the door. She sits next to the bed, and says she’s got a terrific story about her neighbor Ethel’s cousin… but he says, no. Tell him a work story. She says she answers phones for Miss Bossy Pants. She doesn’t do anything as important as him. He says, they both know the assistant knows where all the bodies are buried.

At the Bistro, Brook asks Ned what the plan is for the ELQ vote next week. He asks if she can give him five minutes until the caffeine kicks in, but she says, it’s too important to wait. He says he has plenty of time to strategize over the next week, especially now that Austin has withdrawn his claim to the ELQ shares. The last major threat is gone. She says, Valentin Cassadine is the major threat. You’d better believe he’s spending all this time figuring out how to outmaneuver them. He says, last he checked, Valentin was recovering at GH, and she says, so? That just means he has nothing but time to figure out a way to beat them. Don’t pop the champagne just yet. He says, good point. He’ll call Michael again. She says, he seems distracted, but he says he’s fine. She says, tell his face that. He hasn’t cracked a smile yet. Does this have anything to do with Olivia? He says he walked in on her kissing Robert Scorpio. She says, oh no. Is he sure he didn’t misinterpret it? He says, no, but of course (🍷) he reacted like a jealous fool, and punched Robert in the face, for all the good it did. He thinks it’s time to face the fact his marriage is over.

Robert tells Olivia, they’re friends, good friends. But there’s also something more. It’s a pull, and attraction, call it whatever you like, but now that she kissed him, they can’t deny this any longer. She says he’s right, and going to Monte Carlo with him just made it stronger. He says he woudn’t have called her if he’d known she and Ned were having problems back then, and she says, she and Ned have been having problems for a while. He says he can’t help but notice, they’re drawn to each other when she’s having issues, and she asks what he’s saying. He says she seems to use him not to deal with stuff with Nedly.

Portia asks if Curtis still thinks Linc showing up wasn’t a coincidence, and he says, he’s convinced someone sent him there as a front. Think about this. The band he originally scheduled, cancels out of nowhere with a flimsy excuse. According to Brook, Linc is a pariah in Port Charles, and he shows up with an artist that’s eager to perform in a club that was recently in the news for mob activity. Portia says, when he puts it all together, it sounds way too convenient, and he says, someone must want him to owe Linc a favor. She asks who he thinks might have sent Linc, and he says he thinks it’s like Dante warned. He believes the mob is trying to get a foothold in The Savoy.

Sitting at a table, Sonny asks what prompted Spencer to get the job, and Spencer says his dad put Ava in charge of his trust. He refuses to be under her thumb, so he renounced his inheritance, and all that goes with being a Cassadine, including his father. Sonny says he respects Spencer’s decision not to take the easy way out; he’s being his own person. That’s amazing. He’s proud of Spencer. Spencer says, don’t be too proud. He was thisclose to crawling back to his father, and telling him and Ava whatever they wanted to hear, doing whatever they wanted. Sonny asks, what stopped him? and Spencer says, a friend called him out.

Trina puts out companion books to the exhibit, when Esme walks in, and says, this is so exciting. Trina says she still has a lot to set up for the show tonight, and Esme says she’s so stoked. She’ll be there to cheer Trina on, since she has it all mapped out; it’s Disney+ day, so they’re going to be watching Jungle Cruise. (Plugging the parent company, I see.) Trina says, really? Us too. Esme says, us? and Trina says, her and Joss, maybe Cam. After the exhibit, they’re going back to their dorm room, microwave some popcorn, kick back, and stream the movie. It’s a good way to decompress. Esme says she and Spence are going to watch the movie before the exhibit. Interesting how their plans are the opposite. Trina tells Esme, she wouldn’t say the opposite, but Esme says, she would, which is probably for the best. She and Spence need to do their own thing. Trina says, well, enjoy the movie; she still has a lot to set up. Esme says, if Trina doesn’t mind, she just has one question first. She needs to know exactly what’s going on between Trina and Spencer.

Sonny asks what Spencer’s friend said to make him change his mind, and Spencer says, she made him realize he really does value his self-respect, which is a lot more compelling in theory than the reality of working an eight-hour shift there. Part of him wonders if he should just go back to his father and play nice. It’s just that every time he shows up there, he can’t help but feel, whose life is this? Sonny says, Carly caught him up on everything when he was gone. Spencer’s life now is at Kelly’s because of the decisions he made, good or bad. He has to own up to that, and when he does, then he can figure out where he goes from there.

Trina asks what Esme is talking about; nothing is going on between her and Spencer. Esme says, all she knows, is Spencer gave up his trust fund, and severed all ties with his father. All because of Trina. That doesn’t sound like nothing to her. Trina says she didn’t stick her nose in Spencer’s business. He purposely sought her out, asked for advice, and she gave it. That’s it. Whatever Spencer decided to do, that’s on him. He makes his own decisions. Esme says, not when it comes to Trina. Spence seems to be taking her advice a lot these days. She can’t help but wonder. Is Trina trying to steal her boyfriend?

Chase says, he knows it’s traumatizing for Maxie, but truly believes the only way they’ll solve the case is to revisit the night she gave birth. But if she’s not ready to do that, he understands. Austin says he can’t speak for Maxie, but he’s ready to do it. Maxie says he doesn’t have to, but he says there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help her find Louise. Chase thanks him, and says he appreciates Austin’s cooperation. He tells Maxie that she can go, but Maxie says, that’s not going to happen. Someone needs to keep Chase in line. Austin says, go ahead; ask away.

Gladys says Valentin is right. As Brook’s executive assistant, she’s privy to sensitive information that most of the other office drones know nothing about. He asks if it’s sensitive information he should know something about, but she says he has his own assistant, doesn’t he? If he or she isn’t keeping him well-informed, maybe it’s time to find a new one. He could always poach her from Brook. He says, last time she was there, she said she had something important to tell him, then Brook came in and ushered her right out. Brook’s not here now. What did she want to say? She says, it was nothing important… She can’t tell him, because if she does, somebody could get hurt.

Olivia tells Robert, she’s tired of fighting. She just wants to be happy. Is that so wrong? He says, of course (🍷) not – they sit – but she’s not going to find it with him. She says, he makes her laugh, and she knows he cares about her. He says,  both true, but she’s made no secret of the fact she’s followed his career. She likes the adventure and danger. In her eyes, he’s this hero, this larger than life character, this ideal. She says, he knows that’s just a bunch of BS. She sees him as a real person. She sees him as her friend. He asks if she’s telling him, when Ned doesn’t provide her with what she requires at home, she doesn’t turn to him, this fantasy figure? This thing too good to be true? She asks why she wouldn’t want a partner she can count on standing be her side. After everything she’s been through in this life, doesn’t she deserve that? He says, all that and more, and she says she doesn’t get that from Ned. She can’t rely on Ned anymore.

Portia says, Curtis opened the club because he was looking for a fresh start; as a way to leave behind all the danger and violence of his life as a P.I. Now it seems like that danger is knocking on his door again. He says he’s going to slam the door in danger’s face, and she says, how? She knows he likes Sonny and Jason, but if he asks for their protection, this place will still be known for its mob connections. He says he left a message for Linc to call him back. The first thing he needs to know is who Linc is working for. She hopes he finds out. She sees how hard he works for this place. She hates that someone is trying to corrupt it. He takes her hands, and says she’s adorable. She’s been his biggest cheerleader for The Savoy, ever since the first time they came there on Valentin’s Day for one of his last P.I. cases. She says, of course (🍷) she supports him. She sees how happy this place has made him, and hates that someone is trying to come in and disturb the peace he’s found. He says, this is his baby, and he’ll put a stop to anyone who tries to take what’s his.

Ned thanks Brook for the vote of confidence, and she says, they live in the same house. She’s watched him and Olivia over the past few months, and they seemed to be falling back in love. He’s just going to throw in the towel because their problems haven’t gone away? Nobody’s problems just disappear; that’s called being in a relationship, isn’t it? He says he thought they were both fighting for their marriage. Then he suggested they take Leo to a specialist, and Olivia shuts him out. That is not the sign of a healing marriage. From Olivia’s point-of-view, because he didn’t rubber stamp her beliefs, he’s not supporting her. She can’t see he’s only trying to help Leo. He loves that little boy. She asks if it’s occurred to him that maybe Olivia doesn’t need him to solve this problem, and he asks, how can she if she’s not even open to the possibility that Leo might have an issue? Brook says she hasn’t been a mother long, but if a doctor said something was wrong with Bailey, her first reaction would be to be scared. They all know Olivia is a terrific mother. Instead of telling what do, and leaping into action, maybe he should try just listening to her. Help her face whatever fears she’s having. He says, how can he when Olivia goes running off to Robert the first chance she gets? She says, Olivia is his wife, not Robert’s. He has to figure this thing out, or is he telling her that he’d be okay with losing Olivia?

Olivia tells Robert that she’s felt alone so many times in this marriage. When Valentin was trying a hostile takeover of ELQ, Ned just kept putting the company in front of his family, and had the nerve to be angry with her for going to Europe to try and save her own son, when Ned’s daughter was in the hospital at the same time. Then he wrongly assumes they’re having some kind of affair. Does he give her the benefit of the doubt? Does he ask her? No. He jumps right in bed with Alexis. Robert says he thought they worked that out, and she says, they tried. For a while, it seemed like Ned was becoming a man she could trust again, then this whole thing with Leo happens, and once again, he can’t take her side. He says, Ned thinks the world of Leo, and she says, that’s not in question. He’s not being a partner to her. Robert asks, is that the problem? From where he’s standing, it looks like she’s scared.

Spencer tells Sonny, he knows he made a mistake, and he’s paying for it now. He has this humiliating minimum wage job. He turned down Ava’s horrible deal, which would have made his life much easier, but he didn’t want to be under Ava’s control. He feels like he’s doing a pretty good job of manning up here. What else can he do to prove it to Sonny? Sonny says, Spencer broke his trust. It’s going to take a while to get it back. Spencer says, really? That’s all Sonny has to say? Sonny’s not even going to give him a hint where to start? Sonny tells him, stop looking for shortcuts. He always felt Spencer’s father gave him too many privileges. This isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about working hard. He’s got to get used to that.

Valentin asks Gladys, who will get hurt? and she says, she just means gossip in general. When people say things they shouldn’t, others can get hurt. He says, no. The other day, she had something specific to tell him, and Brook rushed her away. Does it have something to do with Brook? Is it something that concerns him? She says, he totally misunderstood what she was saying, and he says he doesn’t know why she’s being evasive, but there’s something she should know. He can be very generous to those who are kind enough to help him. She says, good to know, and he says, likewise, he can be very uncharitable to those who cross him. She needs to ask herself, does she want to be on his bad side?

Portia goes to get some sparkling water, and sees the sketch. She asks Curtis, what happened with that mystery man TJ’s patient who ran into her, and also came there, always asking questions about Curtis? Did he ever show up again? He says not that he’s aware of; why? She says she doesn’t know if it’s worth mentioning. She has no proof; it’s just a feeling. He says he’s a big believer in feelings. Go ahead. She says, a man shows up asking questions about him, and now the mob seems to be making a move on The Savoy. Could they be related? He says he just doesn’t know. According to Nika, the man asked just as many questions about live music as he did about him. On the other hand, he can’t rule anything out. She says she’s got to go to work, but please be careful. He says she knows he will, and she kisses him goodbye. She leaves, and Curtis’s phone rings. He thanks Linc for getting back to him so soon. Linc says, congratulations on his big success last night. It’s all over social media. Curtis says he noticed that. He couldn’t have done anything without Linc’s last minute save. Linc says, The Savoy’s a great spot. His guy really loved playing there. He’s just happy he could connect the two of them. Curtis says, that’s exactly why he called. Why doesn’t Linc come to The Savoy, and they can discuss a potential future partnership?

Sonny tells Spencer, there’s always more than one option in life. Has he considered apologizing to Ava? Spencer says, Sonny did not just suggest that, and Sonny says she’s not his favorite person in the world, but she is the mother of his daughter. It’s not about Ava; it’s about Spencer. Spencer says, so Sonny is saying, if he apologizes to Ava, he’ll trust him again? but Sonny says, this isn’t a transaction. If Spencer apologizes to Ava, he has to do it sincerely because he messed up and he’s going to own up to that. Spencer says he has owned up to it, but Sonny says, Spencer’s behavior has hurt a lot of people, including his daughter. Spencer’s not a kid anymore. He can’t just excuse everything away. He knows better than that, because if he doesn’t, Sonny can’t help him.

Gladys says, if she didn’t know any better, she’d say Valentin was threatening her. He says he doesn’t want to threaten her, but this is her last chance. Please tell him what she knows. She tells him, she’ll say this much; he shouldn’t trust Brook. He says, why not? but she tells him, that’s all she can say. He says, then she disappoints him. Chase comes to the room, and says if Valentin is up for it, he has a few questions. Gladys says, good timing. She and Valentin are done. She jets, and Chase asks if he wants to know. Valentin says, must be happy hour somewhere. What can he do for Chase? Chase asks how well Valentin knows Austin.

Austin says Maxie really went after Chase. He’s only trying to do his job. She says she thinks Chase is a good guy. She’s just sick of everyone being suspicious of Austin. It’s frustrating. Her baby is out there somewhere, and the police are focusing on the wrong guy. He thanks her, and says he’s lucky to have her in his corner. She says, likewise, and Austin sees Gladys waiting for the elevator. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she had the worst morning. He says he’s sorry to hear that. Does she want to get some coffee, and tell him all about it? She says, not today; she has a lot on her plate. Maxie asks if Brook knows she’s not at the office, and Gladys tells her to try lightening up, or she’s going to need a ton of Deception’s wrinkle cream. She gets in the elevator, and Maxie says she didn’t know Austin was friends with Gladys.

Ned tells Brook, of course (🍷) he doesn’t want his marriage to end. He loves Olivia, but if they can’t get on the same page, what chance do they have? She says she knows he wants what’s best for Leo, and so does Olivia. Maybe they could come together on that common ground, and go from there. He says, it takes two people to make a marriage work. He’s beginning to wonder if Olivia’s heart just isn’t in it anymore.

Olivia tells Robert, the only thing she’s afraid of is spending the rest of her life in a marriage with a partner who doesn’t support or trust her. He says, she doesn’t think for a moment Ned might be thinking the same thing? Think for one minute. What if Ned is right about Leo? Simply do what he suggests, and if he’s wrong, he’ll back off. She says, it doesn’t sound so threatening when he says it like that, and he says, he’s always looked at her as a very brave woman. Is she prepared be wrong in this case? She says she would do anything for Leo, and he says, there she has it. She can be the hero in her own story.

Sonny leaves Kelly’s, and Brook is outside. She hugs him, and says she heard what happened to him. She’s so happy to see him with her own eyes. She’s glad he’s home safe. He says, so is he. Michael told him she had a daughter. She says, Bailey; she’s perfect. Every day she’s changing and discovering something new; Brook can’t keep up. He says, it’s a great age. It’s a magical age. If they’re talking, it’s even better, but you don’t want them to be teenagers, because then they start talking back to you. Brook laughs, and Gladys stands by the gate. He tells Brook to bring Bailey by the house, so he can see her, instead of watching Valentin lurking around. She says he’s got it, and looks over to see Gladys. Sonny follows her gaze, and Gladys smiles broadly.

Chase tells Valentin, now that he’s back to work, he’s looking into Maxie’s baby’s kidnapping. Valentin has done business with Austin; has he ever said anything about the case? Valentin says, Austin was particularly helpful when he and Anna visited Pawtuck, investigating the case. He seemed legitimately interested in helping find Louise. Chase thanks him, and says, if he thinks of anything else, Valentin knows where to find him. Valentin says he’s got it, and Chase wishes him a speedy recovery. Brook would never admit it, but he knows she misses having Valentin around the house. Valentin says he knows Chase and Brook are tight, and he’d never ask Chase to betray her trust, but is she okay? She seems a little frazzled. Chase says, she’s definitely stressed about something. Seeing Linc, her old music producer, at The Savoy last night didn’t help. Valentin says, is he still around? He’s awful. Is she okay? Chase says he stepped in, and kept Linc away from Brook. Valentin says, she gave Yuri the slip, huh? She tends to do that. There was one night she got Yuri to build Bailey’s crib, despite the fact that there was plenty other staff who could have done that. That was the night she snuck out for girls night, and of course (🍷) she ended up giving birth to Bailey in a hotel room. If Yuri had been there, he would have made sure she got to a hospital, and Valentin could have been there for the birth of his daughter, but it didn’t happen. She made sure she was all alone.

Robert says he’ll always be there for Olivia, and they hug. Ned walks in, and Robert says, oops, gotta go, and leaves.

Trina says, steal Esme’s boyfriend? She doesn’t know why Esme thinks that, but no. That’s not her. She and Spence are friends, and that’s it. If Esme has a problem with that, she can take it up with him. Esme says, okay then; they’re good. She feels really silly about how much she needed to hear Trina say that, but Trina understands where she’s coming from, right? Trina says, no, she doesn’t, and Esme says, it’s just that certain friendships can push the boundaries of what’s appropriate and what’s not. Spence talking to her about his inheritance and his dad is just way too intimate. Trina asks if Esme is telling her not to be friends with Spencer, and Esme says, she’s just gently suggesting that the next time Spence tries to engage Trina in such an intimate conversation, just remind him that certain topics are off limits for friends of the opposite sex. Trina says, they’ll have to agree to disagree, because if any friend comes to her with a problem, she’s going to help, no question about it. Because that’s who she is. She walks in the back.

Curtis thanks Linc for coming in, and says he knows Linc is a busy man, so he’ll get to the point. Now that he’s launched The Savoy, things are going well, he’s focusing on his next goal. How to make this the number one place in Port Charles to listen to live music. To do that, he’s going to need help; help from someone like Linc, and his many contacts. Linc says he’d be up for that, and Curtis says, before they enter into a partnership, he needs to know he can trust Linc. So he’s giving Linc the opportunity to tell him anything he needs to know about who he does business with. Linc says, if Curtis doesn’t trust him, he can’t partner with Curtis, and starts to leave. Curtis says he’s not going anywhere until he admits  that he wasn’t here by coincidence the other night; someone sent him. Linc says Curtis is right; he owed someone a favor. That’s all. Curtis asks, who? and Linc says, someone who wants to remain anonymous. Curtis says he used to be a cop; after that, a P.I. He could start going through all the skeletons in Linc’s closet if he wanted to. Why not make it easier on both of them, and just talk to him. Is Linc working with the mob? Linc says, no, absolutely not, and Curtis says, then who sent him? Curtis goes around to the other side of the bar, and gets the sketch. He shows it to Linc, and says, was it this man? Linc doesn’t say anything, and Curtis tells him, he’ll take that as a yes. Obviously, Linc knows this man; who is he? Linc tells Curtis, he can’t say, and Curtis says, Linc told him that he’s not with the mob, so let him tell Linc something. There’s no way he’s going to let some jerk muscle his way in on his business. Linc says, he’s just the messenger, and Curtis slaps the sketch on the bar, and grabs Linc by the lapels. He says, whoever he is, he’s been asking questions about him and his family all over town. Who is he? Marshall yells, let him be. He points to Linc, and says, you, get lost. He tells Curtis, I’m the one you want, my man.

Ned asks what Olivia and Robert were talking about, and Olivia says, they were just clearing the air. He hands her the flyer, and says, there’s an exhibit tonight at the Jerome gallery. It’s being underwritten by ELQ Charities. If she can make it, she should come. She says, ELQ is making a matching donation to the local animal shelter. He says he knows it’s an important charity to her, and leaves. She looks at the painting.

Trina comes back out, and says, Esme’s still here? Esme says, because she wants Trina to know she respects her being such a good friend to Spence, and she appreciates Trina listening to what she had to say. She hopes Trina will think about it. She’ll see her at the show tonight. Break a leg. I’d be afraid Esme meant that literally. Outside, Esme uncurls her palm, and there are bloody crescents where her nails have dug into it.

Gladys says she feels like Sonny has been avoiding her, and Brook says she wonders why. Gladys says, they have to catch up. They have so much to talk about. He suggests she start with her telling Cyrus that he and his family were harboring Dev illegally. She says, it’s just something that came out in conversation, and he says, he bets. He tells Brook to bring Bailey by, and leaves. Brook asks if Gladys really thought Sonny would side with her over his niece.

Austin tells Maxie that he ran into Gladys at The Savoy the other night, and they sat at the bar and chatted. She seems like somebody who could use someone to talk to right now. Maxie says, take her advice, steer clear of Gladys. She’ll do whatever it takes to get ahead. He says, this is kind of ironic, coming from the woman who calls Brook Lyn Quartermaine her BFF. He doesn’t know what Maxie sees in her, but he doesn’t question it; he just accepts it. She can’t afford him the same courtesy? She says, she’s in his corner, remember? Gladys is shady. Austin says, at least she’s up front about it, and walks off.

Brook asks Gladys what that comment to Sonny was about, and Gladys swears she hasn’t told anyone Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father. Brook says, keep it that way, or Pauly’s gonna be pissed. Gladys storms into Kelly’s, and Chase asks, who’s Pauly? Brook turns around to see him standing behind her.

On the phone, Valentin tells Yuri that Brook is in danger from Peter August. It’s imperative that he watch her every move; everyone she sees, everywhere she goes. It’s the only way they’re going to protect her. Valentin is counting on him. He needs to know every last detail of her day.

Brook tells Chase, they were just discussing some Deception business. Just because he’s a detective, doesn’t mean he gets to sneak up on people like that. How long was he standing there? He says he just got here. Why is she lying to him? She says she has no idea what he’s talking about, and he says, she’s lying about the night Bailey was born.

On Monday, Brando tells Gladys that it’s rude to turn down an invitation, Scotty asks if someone wants to walk out of jail free as a bird, Valentin says he and Anna can’t stop from making a deal with the devil, and Curtis wants to know what someone is doing here.

🐨 Where’s Ingo…?

The saga is here and gone. Apparently, it wasn’t the transphobia that got him in the end.

It didn’t help though.

His side.

🥀 Final Bow…

Another soap legend laid to rest.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/11/10/jerry-douglas-died-young-and-restless-patriarch-john-abbott/6381565001/

🍊 Like a Bad Penny…

It’s probably like childbirth. She forgot how painful it is, so she’s doing it again.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-orange-county-season-16-trailer-heather-dubrow-returns/

And her first order of business.

🦋 Gilded Cage Opened…

Normally, I might not care that much about something like this, but when I heard she had an IUD put in against her will, plus she wanted more children, that was just no. I’m very happy to hear this nightmare is over for her.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/11/12/britney-spears-conservatorship/6379139001/

🏃🏻 Last Leap…

He was one of the busiest men in Hollywood.

🐙 Playing a Second Round…

Contains a SPOILER for the ending of Squid Games, and it’s at the beginning of the article. DO NOT enter here if you’re still contemplating watching it for the first time.

https://ew.com/tv/squid-game-creator-hwang-dong-hyuk-alternate-ending-season-2-plans/

🐣 Quotes of the Week

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock

If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people. – Virginia Woolf

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

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. – Albert Einstein (The first guy to figure out Survivor…)

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou

You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive. – Merce Cunningham

The old man was nuttier than a squirrel turd. – Little Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson), The Lord God Bird

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. – W. Clement Stone

🦥 Dreaming On…

Time to pull down the blinds on another workweek or just keep doing what you’re doing, if that’s your chosen path. See you at Dead time. Until then, stay safe, stay firm in your ideals, and stay knowing it’s not about shortcuts; it’s about working hard.