Tag Archives: Charles Shaughnessy

March 14, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Charlotte Comes Home, Soap Suds, This Week’s Reality, Weekend Watch, Wild In the Wild, 4+4 Quotes & Cheap Seats

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites:

Monday:

Isaiah said he’d leave if Jordan wanted, and she said she didn’t want, but he had a problem with her investigating Sidwell. He said he’d prefer she stay away, but she said Sidwell liked her, giving her an advantage law enforcement didn’t have. If their being together hinged on the investigation, she guessed that was it. Dante asked Maxie about James, and she said it was a clean break, and they were good until James did something else stupid. Dante said he needed her help with Lulu. He was worried she was going to get in a situation she couldn’t get out of. Brook said Lulu was willing to step on lives regardless of consequences. Telling Dante would blow up lives. At the Quartermaine family crypt, Tracy promised her parents to protect the Quartermaine legacy, but Drew was outside with a county surveyor and a demolition guy. (FYI: That’s not how any of this works.) Drew told the guy to blow it up, and Martin said they’d best make sure they could back up their claims. Drew wished he could see Tracy’s face when she found out, when Tracy came out of the crypt and asked what was going on. Ned asked why Lois was okay with Gio becoming Sonny’s charity case, but she said Gio was family. In Buenos Aires, Anna and Jason did surveillance on Valentin, but there was no sign of Charlotte. Anna said, if they were in there, they were alone. Inside with the curtain’s drawn, Charlotte said she didn’t like it there, but Valentin said they weren’t staying long. It was time they said goodbye. Jason said they had a fifteen-minute window to get Charlotte and get out when the guards changed, but Anna thought it was too easy.

Ned said taking money from Sonny came with a risk, but Lois said it was minimal and Gio wasn’t alone. It took Sonny’s financial support to make sure Gio’s talent was cultivated. Ned asked why Lois hadn’t come to him instead of Sonny. Martin said the building had been seized and should be vacated, Drew adding that they had a court order. Tracy ripped it up and said she was calling the police, but Drew said the law was on their side. Dante said Maxie knew something, but Maxie said Lulu wasn’t returning her phone calls and Martin had no clue Lulu had broken into his hotel room. Dante said he didn’t want to know. Lulu was out of control. Brook told Lulu that her son was an adult by now and might not know he was adopted. It was the child’s choice if they wanted to know their birth parents, not hers, Dante’s, or Lulu’s. If Dante knew, he would want to find his child. Lulu said, give him that standing. Drew said it was public land, and Tracy called her surveyor. Drew said, as congressman, he’d gotten someone to protect the public interest. Edward had to steal public land, even though he already had plenty. The area was protected, and Tracy wasn’t getting her way. Emma and Gio showed up, and Emma said, leave the old lady alone. Valentin told Charlotte that this was his fault. They were a good team, but it was dangerous for her to stay with him. He’d texted Rocco pretending to be her, and Lulu was probably on her way already. Charlotte admitted missing Lulu, but didn’t want to leave him. Anna said Valentin had to know the WSB was looking for him after attacking Jack, and Jason said he was expecting them. She said he was expecting someone, when a car pulled in. Anna said that meant the WSB was there, and they had to move. Isaiah said he accepted Jordan’s terms and asked if she’d walk away the second they disagreed. She joked that it depended on the disagreement, but no. He said they’d need to do grocery shopping then.

Drew said the Quartermaines had appropriated public land, and Tracy was interfering with county business. The mausoleum was on protected land. Tracy said she was being denied access to her parents’ final resting place. Emma said Edward had saved her life, and Drew said he was Congressman Drew Quartermaine. Tracy said, Cain. He would never be a Quartermaine. Emma said none of them had jurisdiction and were trespassing, and Tracy called Chase. Lois said Ned was generous, but Sonny didn’t have family or support growing up. He had a good heart, and it was up to Gio who supported him. Gio ran in and told Lois and Ned what was going on at the crypt. Drew said Lulu kept tearing into Brook and he had to defend Brook, but it hurt Lulu. He’d asked Lulu to have patience, but she’d said he was taking Brook’s side. The problem was, they couldn’t talk anymore. Maxie said, because of Sam, and Dante said he was trying to keep the family together. Something was going on with Rocco too. He thought it was the tension between him and Lulu. Brook said she’d do anything to protect her son’s happiness, but Lulu said Brook just didn’t want Dante to hate her. Brook said she’d choose her child’s happiness over all. Lulu had always been threatened by her relationship with Dante, and she should ask herself if exposing Brook to Dante was worth hurting him. How could he miss a son he didn’t know he had? It was agony for her and if Lulu told Dante, Lulu would subject him to the same agony she’d lived with for 21 years. Dante would try to find their son, like Lulu did with Charlotte. Where did that leave Rocco? He knew his dad was there for him, but he’d be abandoned both parents. Charlotte asked if Valentin was letting them find him, and Valentin said she deserved a better life. Anna ran in with Jason and said the kill squad was behind them. Take Charlotte and go.

Tracy told Chase to arrest the trespassers, but Drew said the county surveyor’s preliminary findings shows a portion of the property extended beyond the property line. Tracy said her surveyor found differently, and Emma asked if they had to tear down the crypt. Drew said they could move it, but Tracy thought that was obscene. Gio asked, what was the difference? and Martin said the land was protected and it was illegal to build. Tracy said Drew hated the family, and Emma said he was abusing his power. She started to film and told Drew that he should be helping his constituents instead of traumatizing them. Lulu told Brook not to throw her son in her face, and Brook said she lived with him. When Lulu was in Prague, he was afraid she’d get hurt. He’d just gotten his mom back and she left him again. Lulu said Brook was using her kid to justify lying about her own son. It was lucky she’d given him up and a good thing she was nobody’s mother. Brook took a swing at her, but Lulu grabbed her hand. Dante said Rocco had been struggling since Lulu woke up, and ever since she went to Prague, he was terrified that he was going to lose her. He couldn’t talk to Lulu, but he could talk to Brook, which didn’t make Lulu less mad. For fifteen years, their feud had been going on. Maxie said it wasn’t because of that. Lulu was still in love with him. Anna said, let her handle the WSB, and told Jason not to fire his weapon. Valentin made himself scarce, when two guys arrived. Anna told them that she was the Police Commissioner of Port Charles, New York. Don’t shoot. They asked where Valentin was, and she said he’d just left. One guy told the other to search, but Anna told them to call Jack. The guy said Jack wasn’t running the op.

Anna said, the mission had changed, and they needed to talk to Brennan. Since they obviously weren’t buying it, Jason grabbed one guy, knocking him out, and Anna took care of the other. She thought Valentin was long gone, but he came out with Charlotte and said, not this time. Drew said Tracy wasn’t a downtrodden member of his constituency, but an entitled bully used to getting what she wanted. Tracy said he was using his public office to retaliate against the family that threw him out. Still filming, Emma said, congress was in session now, yet Drew was still here. Your votes in action, Port Charles. Lois and Ned arrived, and Lois said she thought Drew’s constituents had bigger problems. Drew was there when Alexis and Martin tried to work this out, and Tracy had been willing to bend. Drew said he was following the law, and Tracy said his surveyor’s findings were preliminary, yet he got an order without confirmation to seize the building. Emma continued to film. Isaiah showed Jordan how buy groceries online since they had to stay in, and he promised to make cooking with him worth her while. Her phone rang and it was Ned. Dante said Lulu was going to marry Dustin, but Maxie said, the night of the explosion, Lulu broke things off because she was still in love with Dante. Lulu told her and was about to tell him, when she collapsed. She wasn’t telling Dante now and instead, pushing him away and trying hard not to love him. Classic Lulu. Dante said, Lulu had been gone so long, he fell for Sam, and Maxie said Lulu didn’t want him to know. She thought Dante needed to be patient with her. Lulu was doing the best she could. Brook cried as she told Lulu that she was a mother. She went through 12 hours of labor and gave her baby to a stranger from an adoption agency. She couldn’t even let herself hold him. She didn’t know if she’d had a boy or a girl until Lulu told her. Lulu said she was sorry. She assumed Brook knew. Brook said, and Lulu assumed it was easy for her, but it wasn’t. She loved her baby with all her heart and still did. She had to believe she gave him a better life. Lulu asked if Brook didn’t want to know for sure, and Brook said, more than anything, but not at the expense of her child’s happiness or Dante’s. If he wanted to find his birth parents, he would. Brook begged Lulu to leave it alone.

Maxie said Rocco needed both of his parents, and Dante said he knew Lulu was a great mom and she loved their son. Maxie said Lulu knew he was a great dad. They needed to come together. Rocco needed extra assurance. Lulu said she didn’t agree with any of this, but didn’t want to be the one to blow up Dante’s life or her child’s. She wasn’t going to tell Dante. She thought he should know, but thought Brook should be the one to tell him. Brook said she needed the past to stay in the past, and Lulu said Brook should know, she never would have found out if Brook’s mother hadn’t talked to her Uncle Martin. The secret wasn’t in the past. It was now. Brook said she knew, and Lulu left. Brook texted her mom that she needed to see her asap. Ned said he’d called Jordan to help him keep the peace, but Drew said there was nothing to negotiate. The law was the law. Tracy wondered why Martin said Drew was willing to drop it if she allowed him to retain the name, and Emma said, busted. Tracy said she was referring to the meeting where Lois was a witness, and Jordan said she felt Drew was provoking the family and using public funds to fight his personal battle. That wasn’t who he was. Drew asked who he was. Cain or Quartermaine? Valentin thanked Anna and said he was expecting Lulu. Anna asked if he knew about the text, and he said he sent the text. He needed charlotte to be safe. They were going to send another kill squad when the first one didn’t check in. Charlotte asked where her mom was, and Anna said she’d explain it on the way. Charlotte said she didn’t want to go with them, but Jason said he promised Rocco that he’d bring her home and that’s what was going to happen. Valentin said, je t’aime, mon petite, and Charlotte said, je t’aime, papa. He held her for a moment, and then she went out with Jason. Valentin told Anna that he felt like this was the last time he’d see her, but she said it didn’t have to be that way. Come with them and let her bring him in.

Lulu knocked at Maxie’s door, saying she needed to talk to her, but Dante answered. Charlotte asked Jason if Anna was going to kill her father, but he said she wouldn’t do that. They came to bring her home. She probably wanted to try and save Valentin too. Valentin said Anna always came through for him. He was glad he got to say goodbye. She said it didn’t have to be goodbye. Come back. They could make a plea deal. Valentin said he knew too much, and he’d tried to kill Jack. They both knew the WSB wasn’t going to let him live. For Charlotte’s sake, he was free to do what he had to do. Anna told him not to throw his life away, and he said there was a time he thought she loved him, and they were the best months of his life. She said she didn’t think she loved him, and took his hand, saying, part of her always would. He thanked her for that and told her, take care. Charlotte left with Anna and Jason. Tracy said Drew could call himself Smith for all she cared, but he’d never be a Quartermaine. Emma said Drew made his decision based on Tracy’s and had abused his position for his own petty revenge, then searched for, how to recall a congressman. Tracy said he liked that she had grit, and Gio said he did too. The surveyor tried to mark the ground, but Tracy knocked his wheelie thing out of his hand. Drew said that was assault, and Chase asked if the surveyor wanted to press charges. Because he was obviously being paid off, he looked at Martin, who nodded. Chase said he’d forego the handcuffs, told her the Miranda rights, and led her away. Back at the Quartermaines’, Brook walked into the living room and Lois followed. She said she’d gotten Brook’s text. Brook closed the door, and Lois said she looked upset. What could she do to help? Brook asked how much she hadn’t been told about the baby.

Tuesday:

Buenos Aires. Anna brought Charlotte to a room, and Charlotte said her papa was running for his life and it was all Anna’s fault. Sasha went to Carly’s office and Carly asked if she was coming to work at the MetroCourt. Sasha said she was tempted, but decided to stay at the Quartermaines, and Carly said it was Sasha’s life, and she could do what she wanted. Sasha said that was a refreshing take, and Carly asked what had changed Sasha’s mind. Portia went to Curtis’s office and said Drew was probably missing the place, but Curtis said Drew had nobody to blame but himself. At the station, Drew said he hoped there was a free cell in case nothing could be done until morning. Tracy said she didn’t touch the surveyor. It was despicable. Alan was taken way too soon, but the silver lining was, he never had to meet Drew. Laura met Martin, who said Drew was rapidly spinning out control. At the crypt, Emma said she doubted they were going to bulldoze it at night, but Gio said he was staying. Emma said she had the best idea and would be right back. Lulu said she was looking for Maxie and didn’t expect Dante to be there. Dante said James broke his arm and got a cast, so Spinelli and Maxie took him and Georgie out for ice cream as a consolation prize. He was babysitting Bailey Lou. Lulu said she wasn’t surprised, since he was an amazing father. Brook asked what Lois hadn’t told her about her child. Martin had an entire file on her baby and knew Dante was the father. Why? Gloria came in and asked, what in the Bensonhurst is going on here?

Dante told Lulu she was a great mom. It was incredible seeing her and Rocco connect again. Lulu said the last few days had been weird, like Rocco couldn’t be in the same room with her. She’d been preoccupied with finding Charlotte and wondered if Rocco felt like she was choosing his sister over him. Charlotte said she’d never forgive Anna for using her papa and driving him away, and Anna said Charlotte didn’t understand… but Charlotte said Anna had ruined their lives and she hated Anna. Jason came in and asked Anna to give them a minute. Anna left, and Jason said Anna was the reason Charlotte and her father were still alive. Portia told Curtis that she had been grateful to Drew for saving Trina, but she was astonished at how he was treating his family and friends. She didn’t think it was possible for someone to change that much, but Curtis did what needed to be done and won. Curtis said, here’s hoping, and Portia asked if he really wanted Drew as an enemy. He got what he wanted. Maybe now was the perfect time for a truce. Curtis said he wasn’t the one continuing the fight. She needed to talk to Drew. Laura asked how Drew found out about the property line, and Martin said he may or may not have mentioned it. It was his job and his duty to represent his client. Chase came out and told Laura that he’d been ordered by the congressman to lock up his wife’s grandmother in a cell. Laura asked what she could do to help. Drew said he was sick of the hypocrisy, and Tracy said she was sick of the sound of his voice, yet here they were. Drew said, after all the horrible things the Quartermaines had done, all he did was fall in love. Tracy said, falling in love was one thing, and acting on it was another. She loved the way he always left the detail out that it was his nephew’s wife. He said she held him to different standards and she said she did. He blew up Willow’s marriage, betrayed Michael’s trust, and severely hurt the woman who welcomed him with opened arms in to her home – Monica. Brook told Gloria that it was a personal legal matter, but Gloria said it was her Brook was talking to. Brook had been talking to her mother about her baby.

Emma brought chairs, blankets, and a lantern to make Gio’s stakeout more comfortable. She said Drew was a jerk, laying into poor, old Tracy, and Gio suggested she not let Tracy hear any part of that. Tracy could handle herself. Don’t jump into the Quartermaine mess. Emma said it was her thing. Her mom said she was a born crusader. Gio said at least he knew where his mom was and could visit. If someone threatened to move her, he’d be in a cell next to Tracy. Brook said, Lois had told her grandma? and Lois said she’d needed to confide in someone. She didn’t know how to navigate the situation and wanted to make sure Brook and her baby were protected. Gloria said she’d left Brook’s past in the past, and Brook asked, then why talk to a lawyer? Lois flashed back to talking to Martin and asking if it was possible for Brook to find her child. Brook said Lois had told her, everything was fine, but she wondered if that was true. It must not be, or why else would she talk to Martin? Gloria said she’d told Lois to talk to him. Martin told Laura that he was sorry. He’d wanted to use the property as a bargaining chip, so Tracy would drop the cease and desist. Laura said, now the crypt would have to be moved and asked if Chase thought the charges would stick. Chase said, they could, and Martin said she should have just given in. Laura asked if he’d met Tracy, and he asked, what was so special about the Quartermaine name? Laura said Tracy was protecting the family in the only way she knew how.

Tracy said Drew had repaid Monica’s generosity by destroying her grandson’s marriage and happiness in favor of his own. He didn’t deserve Monica’s generosity and should leave Port Charles. Drew said Tracy had been kicked out of Port Charles by the family more than once. What made her think it wouldn’t happen again. Sasha said, the truth was… and Carly said Sasha liked working for the Quartermaines. Sasha said she thought they needed her, and Carly said, of course (🍷) they did, but don’t put herself on the back burner. Sasha said she was in a better financial position. She’d negotiated her way to the beginning of a nest egg. Carly said it was an achievement, but the one thing that made her situation different from the other single mom’s – the baby’s father. Jason said Anna saved Charlotte and Valentin’s lives, but Charlotte said they didn’t need her help. Jason said Anna was the first one to warn her dad. He wanted to turn Valentin in, but Anna convinced him to give him a head start. She’s the reason he had a chance to run and she tracked Charlotte to keep her safe. Charlotte said that Anna felt guilty for shooting her, and he said that was part of it, but Charlotte was her dad’s whole world. Anna was protecting her for him. She cared about them both. Charlotte could feel however she wanted, but Anna at least deserved her respect. Charlotte asked if the WSB would have really killed them.

Jason told Anna that Charlotte was sleeping, and Anna said she needed a favor. Take Charlotte back to Port Charles in one piece. She was going to get a room and make her own way back. It was too hard for Charlotte to be around her, and it felt cruel to force it. Jason said he thought Anna was making a mistake. Portia told Curtis that she remembered the old Drew, the good guy, the hero. That’s why he ran for congress in the first place. Curtis said, Drew’s motives changed, and she agreed 100%. But maybe Curtis could afford to let him keep some of his dignity and back off. Curtis said, Drew’s reputation had been tarnished, and it wasn’t on him to fix. She said, but he didn’t need to rub it in Drew’s face. if he could accommodate Drew a tiny bit, it might work out in his favor. Curtis said he was furious with Drew, but not interested in payback. Aurora was a non-starter, but if there was a path to peace, he was here for it. As long as the terms were reasonable. She said that was all she was asking for, when Jordan came in and said she needed to speak with Curtis. The situation with Drew had gone from bad to worse. Drew was officially out of control.

Drew told Tracy that things were going to change. He was the black sheep now, but not for long. He was a Quartermaine and would get his way. Then she would be on the outside, wondering how she got there. The answer is him. Chase told Drew that the mayor would like a word. Drew went into the squad room and said he was sorry Tracy dragged Laura down there, but Martin said, that was him. Laura urged Drew to do the right thing. Stand down and drop the charges against Tracy. He asked, why? and she said, to be blunt, if he didn’t, it wouldn’t bode well for him, politically or otherwise. Dante told Lulu that he didn’t think Rocco was jealous of Charlotte. Rocco was perceptive, like Lulu, and he could see that she was worried about Charlotte and was trying to give her space. Lulu said it was strange. She was Rocco’s mother, but she’d missed a pivotal stage and was out of the loop. She knew nothing about parenting a teenage boy. Dante said parents never felt like they were doing the right thing. She and Rocco both had to make up for lost time, and she was doing it with grace, love, and patience. He wouldn’t handle be close to handling it as well. Emma said she’d bring a file if Gio and Tracy were locked up and Gio said he liked Tracy. She gave it to you straight, even if you didn’t want to hear it. And she could take as good as she gave. She actually listened to him. Emma said she thought Tracy was smart. She wished she could stay with Gio, and Gio said the lab animals couldn’t free themselves. Emma said she wanted to take him real camping, but in the meantime, stay warm. Gloria told Brook that she’d advised Lois to consult a lawyer to make sure Brook and her baby protected were protected. They’d decided on a closed adoption. Brook said, so her baby could have a happy and stable life, and Gloria said, Brook too. They wanted her to have time to grow up, fall in love, and have a family of her own. Brook said she wasn’t 16 anymore. It made sense then, but made less sense now. She needed to know who adopted her son and where he was.

Sasha said her experience with Jason was different, and Carly said Jason would never tell Sasha how to be a mother, but if she needed anything, he’d be there in a heartbeat. He was the most loyal person she knew. Don’t do him a disservice by cutting him out of the baby’s life. Sasha said the father respected her wishes and said he’d support her in any way he could. It was the second greatest gift he could give her. Curtis said he never thought he’d be sympathetic to the Quartermaines, but Portia said it was family drama. Stay out of it. Jordan said it wasn’t about the Quartermaines. It was about how Drew was abusing his power. First, he blocked the esplanade, then wanted to move it for his personal gain. Now he was focused on settling the score with his family when he needed to be doing his job – enacting laws, securing school funds, and fulfilling his campaign promises. Curtis said, public outcry was the only thing that would stop him, and Jordan said, good thing she knew the head of a media company. Curtis said he made no promises, but he’d see what he could do. Drew told Laura that he wasn’t making this up. They broke the law. The land was public, and they took it. He owed his constituents not to turn a blind eye just because they were family. Laura asked if he thought putting Tracy in jail overnight was the pathway to justice, and Martin said it seemed like more trouble than it was worth. Drew said, fine. Tracy could go home. He’d talk to the surveyor and get the charges dropped, but this was far from over. Gloria said Lois didn’t know the details, and Brook said, but Gloria did. Gloria said she hadn’t been contact since the papers were signed for the closed adoption. Brook said, what if she wanted to find him? They knew she and Chase were trying to start a family. What if she gave away the only child she was going to have? Gloria said, Brook was his birth mother. Act like it. Let the young man be. Don’t put her pain on her son. She made the right decision. Abide by it. Brook said Gloria might be right, but it didn’t feel that way now, and she left. Lois told Gloria that Brook couldn’t know Gio was her son.

Jason told Anna that the only person to blame for Valentin’s situation was Valentin. He may not get out of this one. Anna said, if Charlotte needed someone to blame, it might as well be her, but Jason said Charlotte needed an example. She saw Anna’s mistakes and saw what she did after her mistakes. She saw Anna was accountable and keeping her word. She didn’t need Anna to disappear. Anna said she wasn’t sure she could do that, and Jason said he’d never seen her run. Don’t start now. Gloria said they couldn’t tell Brook. It wasn’t fair to her or Gio. Gio knew who he was and worshiped his mother. They couldn’t take that away. Lois said, Camilla was dead. His birth mother was right here. Don’t they need each other? Brook saw Gio outside the crypt and asked what he was doing. He said his grandma got in a fight with a surveyor and Chase arrested her, and Brook said, it must have been interesting. Gio said he was standing guard, and Brook asked if she could join him. He said he’d love some company. He was keeping his word to Tracy. Why was she here? Brook said, to clear her head. Her other grandmother was here. Gio said, that’s great… unless it wasn’t, and Brook said she knew her grandmother would do anything for her. Gio said Gloria was solid and could be trusted, and Brook said she could trust her grandmother and her mom, but what they were asking her to accept was hard to live with. Lulu said she owed Dante an apology. She was short with him at the Quartermaine’s. He said he was sorry too, and she said they were acting like grown-ups. He said he didn’t think he’d made it better by defending Brook. He didn’t think he’d said enough about how it was a miracle having her back after all this time. He didn’t want to take her being here for granted. She said she needed to tell him something, when Bailey Lou started crying. He said duty called. Hold that thought.

Anna asked if Jason was calling her a coward, and he asked if she was going to run. She said she was going to see it through and keep an eye on Charlotte. Charlotte was smart, resourceful, and believed she was invincible. It was a dangerous combination and Anna thought they’d come after Valentin. He was a target and she was saving Charlotte from herself. It would be a challenge. Jason said he’d take the first watch, and Anna lied down on the couch. Sasha told Carly that she was aware she had it better than most single moms. She asked the father to step back and he didn’t fight her. Carly said that might change when the baby was born, and Sasha said she promised if she needed help from the father, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask. Portia told Curtis, let Drew implode on his own. Let Tracy handle the Quartermaines. Curtis said Drew was failing to represent the people who elected him, and that included them. He wasn’t going to stand by and watch. He got on the phone and said, Brian, rally the troops. There was going to be a big Aurora Media push to expose Drew Quartermaine’s abuse of his office. Martin said Drew was a US Congressman, and didn’t need an enemy like Tracy, but Drew said, everyone else might be afraid of Tracy, but not him. He was going to break her.

Laura asked if Tracy would like the good news or the bad news first, and Tracy said, good. Laura said Tracy could go home tonight, but she didn’t think Drew would back down. Tracy was going to have a battle on her hands. Tracy said, give her the bad news, and Laura said she felt Tracy’s parents would say, choose her battles wisely. Tracy said she was. She wouldn’t allow some grifter to steal the family name and force her to move her parents’ final resting place. If Drew wanted a battle, bring it on. Bailey Lou played with some toys and Dante said, extra play time made it even for the ice cream. He asked what Lulu wanted to say, but Lulu said she couldn’t remember. It must not have been that important. Gloria told Lois that if they told Brook that Gio was her son, it would ruin three lives – Brook’s, Dante’s, and Gio’s. Think of why they made that decision. Lois said, to protect Brook and her child, and Gloria said, nothing has changed. They needed to protect them now. Lois started to cry. Brook apologized for being cryptic, and Gio said they were at a crypt. (BA-DUM-CHH!) Brook said she trusted someone, and they didn’t tell her something they should have. She couldn’t tell him anything else. He said she didn’t have to. They could just sit, look at the stars, and dream of heat. For what it was worth (🍷), Lois and Gloria loved her. Brook said she knew, but they were a lot. He must miss his mom so much. He said, so much every day, and Brook said he had people looking out for him. He had a whole crazy family, like it or not.

Wednesday:

In the steam room, Chase told Dante that he could tell something had changed, and Dante said he and Lulu talked. The Golden Bachelorette guy was in Nina’s office, and she said she’d been a fan of his (Jeffrey Beckett) for a long time. She never read anything like his work as a wildlife journalist. Crimson’s nature and travel series was lucky to have someone of his caliber involved. Plus, he cleaned up nicely for man of the wild. Elizabeth helped Lucky into the house. His condition needed to be watched for the next 24 hours and since Doc and Laura were working, he was stuck with her. He said he guessed it was okay, and she said, just okay? They moved closer on the sofa and the doorbell rang. It was Carly with a food basket, asking, how’s the hero? At the café, Kristina asked if Alexis read the smack piece on Congressman Cutthroat, Drew’s new nickname. He’d used his political influence to get exhumation of esteemed members of the Quartermaine fam and in his quest for revenge, had Tracy arrested. Alexis wondered, what the hell he was thinking and how did they protect Scout? In Curtis’s office, Laura asked if he was behind the article and Curtis said he was. She told him, way to go, and they high-fived. Drew brought flowers to Willow at the hospital, and she suggested they go to the breakroom. He asked if the article got to her and was she embarrassed seen with him. Portia asked Ric to tell her that he found a way out without her losing her career or marriage, but he said it was much worse than she thought.

Carly thanked Lucky and Elizabeth for figuring it out and bringing Cyrus to justice. She asked what Lucky was going to do now that he was home, but he said he had no plans. Carly said she was leaving so they could get into the basket (is that what we’re calling it now?), and she left. Lucky asked Elizabeth, where were we? Nina said although Jeffrey was there for a fitting and photoshoot, she was glad they had time to meet, and he said he didn’t get many calls from magazines. She said they were branching out to satisfy their readers interest in travel and nature, and they talked about his next trip to Turkey. (BTW, dude is no actor.) Nina asked how his wife felt about him being gone all the time, and he said he wasn’t married, but had the feeling he was going to meet someone special soon and had learned to trust his instincts. Nina was straightening his tie, when Ava came in. Alexis looked at the photo of a mean faced Drew on her tablet, and told Kristina, of course (🍷) DeWitt wrote it. That seedy little worm would write anything for clicks. Kristina said she remembered too well when he wrote about her and Blaze, but Drew deserved it. Alexis said, Scout didn’t. There had to be something she could do to protect Scout. Willow told Drew that The Invader was nothing but lies, but she felt like all eyes were on them and wanted to keep a low profile. It had nothing to do with her feelings for him. She asked if he knew who was behind the article, and he said, no, but he had his suspicions. Ric told Portia that if she’d just altered the results, she might lose her job, but the results were tied to a criminal trial, and she faced the possibility of jail time. She could be charged with obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence, fraud, and criminal negligence. If he hadn’t gotten independent tests done, Heather could have wrongfully ended up in prison. Keep playing by Drew’s rules and make sure he never tells anyone. Portia said it was too late. Drew was going to expose her today.

Dante told Chase that he and Lulu ended up babysitting Baily Lou together and both let their guards down. It was their first real talk since she’d woken up. The first time he felt they’d been in sync and had an honest conversation. They talked about Rocco, Charlotte, and Brook. He’d been defending Brook, and it made Lulu feel like he was picking her side. He had to stop doing it. Chase said he never would have thought the animosity would still be there, and Dante said, him too. It had been four years, but he had to be okay with it and let Lulu be Lulu. He didn’t want to be in the middle, but wanted to focus on Lulu being back in their lives and being happy again. Ava said she and Jeffrey had met when she had a Joel Sartore exhibit, and Jeffrey said he remembered. Nina said he was doing a new series for Crimson, and he asked how they knew each other. Ava said they were good friends, and he said good friends were hard to come by. Ava said they certainly were. Kristina said she had a favor to ask Willow. She’d had a video chat with Michael and he missed the kids. Willow said, the kids missed him too, and Kristina asked it would be okay for her to take videos of the kids sending messages to their dad and send them to Michael. He needed all the support he could get. Willow said the kids would love it and she appreciated the update. She had one condition – please focus on them and Michael and say nothing negative about Drew. Kristina told her that she’d never say anything bad in front of the kids. It wasn’t easy for them. Willow said she wished everyone was a bit more like Kristina. Portia told Ric about the article in the Invader. Drew would assume Curtis was behind it and if she couldn’t influence Curtis, Drew had no reason to keep her secret. But wasn’t what Drew was doing illegal? Ric said she couldn’t expose Drew without exposing herself, and she said it was going to be impossible to hide. He said she had two choices. Convince Drew that Curtis had nothing to do with the article or tell Curtis everything now. She might lose her job, but it was a chance to save her marriage. She said maybe she could save both. Lucky suggested he and Elizabeth have a date later, but thought they could get a head start. They kissed, when the door opened and Aiden walked in.

On the phone, Portia asked Curtis to stop by her office. It was important. Laura told Curtis that her opinion of Drew had changed. She hadn’t seen him do one thing he said he’d do during the campaign. (Welcome to politics!) All she’d seen him do was pose for the camera and abuse his power. She applauded anyone willing to expose him. Curtis said Drew’s biggest weakness was his need to be seen as a hero, and she wondered if they could use that to get him act like a hero. Alexis interrupted, but Laura said she was late again and left. Curtis said it was always a pleasure, and Alexis said she hoped he felt like that after what she was going to ask. Jeffrey left, and Ava said she could see Nina had moved on from Drew. Nina said she definitely had, but she wouldn’t be with a rugged wilderness man any time soon. She asked Ava, what’s up? and Ava said she’d had difficulty regarding her finances lately. Nina wondered if Ava was there to ask for a loan. At the hospital, Kristina was about to get in the elevator, when she saw Ric and turned around, but Ric followed her. He told her that her trip to the ballet with Avery wasn’t happening. Carly approached Willow and said she didn’t want to fight. She wouldn’t be there if she didn’t still genuinely care for Willow. She was worried how the negative press would affect her grandchildren. Wiley was old enough to hear things in school. Willow said she’d explain it was untrue, but Carly said it wasn’t. Drew was really doing these things. He’d sunk to a new low. Drew came out of nowhere, since he doesn’t do his actual job, and said, leave Willow alone. Did Carly ever mind her own business? Carly said if it affected her grandchildren and it was her business, but she’d be happy to talk to Congressman Cutthroat.

Dante told Chase that Lulu thought Rocco was acting strange because she was focused on finding Charlotte, but he didn’t think so. Chase said he was kind of the fun uncle and could talk to Rocco. Dante told him to go for it, and Chase said when they were Rocco’s age and distracted, it was about girls. Dante said he’d walked in on Danny and Rocco having an argument over girl. He never talked to his mom about that kind of thing. Chase asked if Dante thought his mom would have liked the girls he was with, and Dante said, one in particular. Elizabeth told Aiden that his dad was staying the night, and Aiden said he was sorry he’d miss it since he was staying at a friend’s house. Ava said she hated asking Nina for a favor. When she married Nikolas, she spent quite bit and thought she’d always have money. She had a generous settlement until the Cassadine curse kicked in. Nina said, of course (🍷) she was willing to give Ava a loan. She’d been waiting for Ava to ask. What took her so long? Drew told Carly that he didn’t care what names he was called. He wasn’t in the wrong. The Quartermaine crypt was on public land. She wondered how he could be the same man who held her at Virginia’s grave (irony!), and he said that was wrong, but this was wrong too. Carly said, it destroyed her and he was doing the same thing. Did family mean nothing to him? He said he was doing it to keep his place in the family that Tracy was stripping him from, and she said that wasn’t the way to do it. If he continued to justify his actions, she saw a recall in his future. Willow said Tracy was no saint. Drew was only fighting fire with fire. It was the only language Tracy understood, and Carly knew that better than anyone. Carly said she came to have a calm conversation with Willow, but there was no point, so she’d leave them to it. Kristina asked Ric, why not? and Ric said it wasn’t her dad’s day. She said it was a special one night only performance and it was impossible to get tickets. She’d talk to her dad and they could switch days. He said it would just confuse Avery, but Kristina said he was going to upset Avery just to get back at her. He said maybe she shouldn’t promise what she couldn’t deliver. Next time check a calendar.

Nina said, it wasn’t a loan, it was a gift, but Ava said she couldn’t. Not even from Nina. She’d have Ric draw up paperwork and a repayment schedule. Money could change things, people, and friendships, and she wouldn’t let it change theirs. Nina said it wouldn’t, but Ava said she’d lost their friendship once and didn’t want to risk it again. Nina said she felt the same way, when Carly came in and said she needed to talk to Nina. Ava said she and Nina would talk later and left. Nina asked, what’s the emergency? and Carly said it was about Drew and Willow. They had to put their plan in motion now. Sasha was waiting in an examining room when Willow came in. She said, Sasha was her next patient, and Sasha said if Willow had a problem with her, say it. Willow asked how Sasha could be such a hypocrite. Sasha turned on her the second she saw Willow kissing Michael’s uncle on 4th of July. Sasha said she didn’t, and Willow said Sasha did way worse. She dated Michael and now she was pregnant by his other uncle. (Wow. That’s a stretch to say that’s worse.) Drew went to Portia’s office and said he was disappointed in her. He thought she’d get Curtis to see reason and move on. Instead, he’s the one behind the article. Portia said she didn’t think so. The Quartermaines were a huge family. It could have been anybody. Curtis had Aurora Media, so why would he use a rag like The Invader when he had reputable sources at his fingertips. Drew said she had a good point, but it could be a great point if she could convince Curtis to do a series of articles focusing on him being a family man, a hard-working congressman (ha-ha-ha! he’s never at work), and an ex-Navy SEAL. Portia said if she defended him any more than she was, it would tip off Curtis, and he said that was unfortunate for her. She said it was one thing to go after Curtis directly, but it was a whole other thing to go after him through his wife. If he found out Drew was blackmailing her, he’d go to a whole other level. Was Drew sure he was ready to take that on? Alexis told Curtis that it was about the article in The Invader. Drew came across as a villain and Tracy a hapless innocent. Nothing could be further from the truth. Curtis asked, which part? and Alexis said, DeWitt wasn’t going to publish a retraction, but she was hoping Curtis might write an article present Drew as more balanced to protect his image. She was worried about the public turning on him and how her granddaughter would feel. Curtis had the resources to help. He said he was sympathetic about Scout, but Drew made himself look bad, not the article. He valued her friendship, but couldn’t help. Did she ever think that by shielding Drew from the consequences of his actions and not holding him accountable, that she was enabling him? Aiden told Elizabeth and Lucky that he was meeting his friends at the movies. It was nice having them together. Aiden left, Lucky said, alone at last, and they started kissing again. Ava came back to her apartment to find Kristina waiting outside her door.

Elizabeth and Lucky began to get busy, when the doorbell rang. Laura said she was sorry she didn’t call, but wanted to thank Elizabeth for bringing Lucky home. She hugged Lucky and suggested they all have dinner tonight. Lucky said, that would be perfect, and he and Elizabeth forced smiles. Ava asked what brought Kristina by, and Kristina said she ran into Ric, and he said she couldn’t take Avery to the ballet. Ava said it was her day and Avery’s schedule had to stay consistent. Kristina said it wasn’t about Avery. It was about getting back at her. Ava was going to deprive Avery of a magical night that would be a core memory lasting a lifetime. Ava said Avery was still going, but with her. The theater owner was a friend, and she got front row center. Kristina said, bitch, and Ric popped out, telling her to watch her temper. Remember the last time she lost it. She said there was a special place in hell for both of them. Chase told Dante that Rocco would grow out of it. They did. He was glad Dante talked to Lulu. Dante said he was relieved. He asked how things were going with Brook, and Chase said, the same. They didn’t know how they were going to become parents. Dante said, take their time. Whatever happened, Chase was going to be a great dad. He was a natural. Chase said it meant a lot coming from him, and Dante said Chase could come to him with everything. Chase said with his dad gone and Finn in Seattle, there weren’t a lot of guys to talk to. His friendship with Dante was important to him. Dante said it was to him too. Sasha said her and Willow’s situations weren’t remotely similar. She and Michael were long over. Willow said she thought there were more similarities than Sasha was willing to admit. The one big difference was, her mom was never a con artist. (Um…) Sasha said Willow didn’t know her mother, and Willow said when Sasha’s plan didn’t work out with Michael’s money, she went after Jason. Sasha said Willow was so, so wrong, and suggested they talk about Willow landing her husband’s very wealthy very uncle. Coincidence? Speaking of coincidence, she thought the article about Drew was what was bothering Willow. It made her realize she’d thrown her life away. She blew up her life and family over a sleaze and couldn’t admit she was wrong.

Portia told Drew that there had to be another way she could help that wasn’t about Curtis writing a puff piece. Drew said they could do a press conference. He could discuss his pediatric sports initiative (🍷– new drinking game! you’ll see) and she could represent GH. Portia said she didn’t see how it would help, but Drew aid, her being there would force Curtis to cover the story and paint him in the best possible light. Curtis walked in and asked what the hell Drew was doing there. Carly told Nina to stall Willow. Keep Willow at her place or find her a place of her own. Whatever it took to keep her and the kids from moving in with Drew. Drew was pushing it and they had to believe somehow Willow knew it was a bad idea. The longer they could keep Willow from moving in with Drew, the better. Meanwhile, they’d work on exposing Drew. Nina asked how she suggested they do it, and Carly said they needed to get in his house and find something so undeniable that Willow would never look at him the same way. Nina asked, what if there was nothing to find? and Carly said they’d make sure there was.

Thursday:

Jason and Anna were flying back to Port Charles with Charlotte. Charlotte wanted to call her mom, but Anna said, hold on. Maxie, Lulu, and Carly were at a table at the MetroCourt, when Jack came in with Jordan. Jordan told Jack that she was the liaison for the WSB, and he said he didn’t think the mayor was his biggest fan. Jordan said, if they eased the tension, it would be better for sharing information. The WSB possessed information that was helpful. Jack asked what she’d like to know, and she said, not what, but who. What did he know about Jenz Sidwell?  Portia wondered if there was another way for her to help Drew that didn’t involve Curtis writing a puff piece, and Drew said he was having a press conference to discuss his pediatric sports initiative (🍷) and she could represent GH. It would force Curtis to print a story painting him in a positive light. Curtis came in and asked what the hell Drew was doing there, and Drew said he was presenting a business proposal to Curtis’s wife. Curtis asked Portia to tell him what was going on. Sasha said, when the article dropped, Willow realized she blew up her life and family over a sleaze and couldn’t admit she was wrong. Willow said she was absolutely wrong to cheat on Michael, but who was Sasha to judge her? No one knew what led up to it except her, Drew, and Michael. Sasha asked if she was sure about that. Lucas was about to leave the bar in Miami when he found a credit card on the floor. As he looked at it, a man approached and said he believed it was his.  Elizabeth asked if Lucky was expecting anyone else to pop in, and he said, no. Her? She said, nope. It was just them for the rest of the night. He said he liked the sound of that and she said she did too, and they kissed.

Anna said she wanted to wait until they were in Port Charles before letting Lulu know Charlotte was back, and Charlotte asked if Anna thought those men would find her papa. Jason said Valentin made the right call by letting her come with them. He could move faster alone. Anna said there was no one better at disappearing and the men didn’t stand a chance, but she knew that didn’t make it hurt less. Jack told Jordan that Sidwell’s dealings in rare earth and minerals weren’t just gold and diamonds. The minerals he spoke of were strictly regulated by those in weapons manufacturing. Jordan asked if he thought that’s why Sidwell was in Port Charles. Did he want to use their port to smuggle his goods? He said there was no evidence of it, but it was in both their interests to keep an eye on Sidwell. Was there something she wanted to share with the class? She said she had one interesting tidbit. Carly was making a valiant effort not to notice him, but failing miserably. Lulu asked, what’s so fascinating? but Carly said, nothing. Lulu asked why she was staring at Jack, but Carly said she was just making sure her patrons were happy. Why would she care who Jack spent time with? While Portia was busy on the phone, Drew told Curtis that he was spearheading a pediatric sports initiative (🍷). He was surprised Trina hadn’t mentioned it since her friend Kai was involved, lending them his local celebrity status. Curtis said, and Drew was in his wife’s office because… Drew said she was Co-Chief of Staff and the initiative involved GH. Portia had already agreed to be at the press conference. Portia said she wished Drew wouldn’t put words in her mouth.

Elizabeth’s doorbell rang and she said it was like Grand Central Station. She opened the door to Ric and told him it wasn’t the best time, but he said it was important and would just take a minute. Lucky said he thought this night couldn’t get better, and Ric said he wanted to start by thanking Lucky. In Miami, the man said that Lucas found his card and offered to show Lucas his ID, but Lucas said it wasn’t necessary. The man introduced himself as Marco and offered to buy Lucas a drink as thanks. Sasha said everyone saw Willow mooning over Drew. She found excuses to be with or around him and even Michael noticed. Willow said her and Michael’s issues started before Sasha moved in and they all made mistakes – her, Drew, and Michael. Sasha said she thought the only mistake Michael made was trusting Willow. Willow told Michael that it was just a harmless crush, that her heart was still with him and the kids. He believed her and when he found out she acted on her feelings, he was devastated. So yes, Sasha would judge her and not feel bad about it. Willow said Sasha got pregnant at the beginning of November, around the time Jason was mourning Sam, and Sasha said, Jason and Sam hadn’t been together in years. Willow said, but their love story was epic and an obstacle to anyone who wanted Jason. (Is she confusing Sam with Carly?) Sasha saw an opening and took it. (This is possibly the most difficult suspension of disbelief for me, since Sasha could so get Willow fired.)

Jason asked why Anna didn’t want Charlotte to call Lulu, and Anna said she didn’t think the WSB would go after Charlotte, but if Brennan didn’t send the men, someone else had a vested interest in shutting Valentin up permanently. Jason said, it might be easier to use Charlotte to lure Valentin than find him, and Anna said, Charlotte’s phone could be tapped. She needed to contact someone else first. Marco said he was in Miami for a client meeting, and Lucas said he was there for a medical symposium. His ex was also on the trip, and it didn’t end well. Portia said she hadn’t given Drew an answer yet, and Drew said, it was just wishful thinking. Portia said the program was his baby and he should take all the credit, but Drew said it was a partnership. What happened to one of them would happen to the other, and the intention was to benefit the kids. Portia said then she’d do it, and Drew said it was a worthy cause. It would also generate a ton if positive publicity for GH, creating an influx of donors, which would help all of the patients. He knew how quickly things would change, and bringing money in would help her keep her position. Curtis said it would also help people forget Congressman Cutthroat, and Drew said he’d like to offer Curtis and Aurora the opportunity to cover the kick off. Willow said, while she was acting on her sincere feelings, Sasha acted out of greed. Jason was wealthy and adding the Quartermaine connection, her having his baby was the best con she ever pulled. Sasha wondered, what about Willow telling Michael that she would love, honor, and cherish him until death they did part? Think what she wanted about Sasha’s choices, but she didn’t break any vows or hearts. Willow said, give it time, and left. Anna called Jack and told him that she had Charlotte Cassadine. He said he didn’t suppose she had Valentin as well, and she said, negative. They were on a jet and would be at the Sussex airfield in an hour. She needed him to bring Lulu there without alerting anyone. Was it something he could do? He said, not a problem, and Anna told Jason that Jack was going to meet them on the tarmac. Jason asked if she was sure about trusting Jack. How did she know the men weren’t lying, were there under Jack’s orders, and they were delivering him the means to eliminate Valentin?

 Anna said, Jack may be on the hunt, but he knew if anything happened to Charlotte on his watch, Carly would never forgive him. Jason said Jack didn’t care about Carly, but Anna said he did. When it came to Carly, he didn’t have an ulterior motive. She thought he was smitten. She wasn’t saying he was a good guy, but he wanted to see Charlotte reunited with her mother as much as they did. Ric thanked Lucky for saving Elizabeth and gave Elizabeth a manila envelope. He said it was a hard copy of the Medical Review Board’s final decision. She was officially exonerated from responsibility in the deaths of Sylvia Mullen, Dex Heller, and Sam McCall. He also got her back pay for the days of work she was forced to miss. She thanked him, and he said his only regret was that Terry had to call him to represent her. It was good to have such a good friend, but Elizabeth should have called him in the first place. She said she didn’t know Terry had called and didn’t know how serious it was until she was in the middle of it. He said if she ever needed a lawyer or wondered if she might, he should be her first call. He couldn’t bust down doors or duke it out with lunatics, but if she called, he’d always pick up. Lucky rolled his eyes. Marco said Lucas’s ex being there couldn’t be easy, and Lucas said, ex-husband. Marco asked how long they were married, and Lucas said, three years and they had a son. He apologized and said, Marco offered to buy him a drink, not listen to his sob story, and Marco ordered two more. He said he loved long stories, the sobbier, the better. Tell him about his son.

Curtis said Aurora wasn’t the only game in town and Drew could find another media outlet, but Drew said, Curtis’s wife was on board. It would look bad if Curtis didn’t cover it. It was a win-win for all of them. Curtis said he needed time to think about it, and Drew said, fair enough. He left, and Curtis said, what the hell was that? Maxie, Lulu, and Carly discussed the Quartermaine crypt incident, and Jack told Jordan that he hated to cut the evening short. Jordan’s phone rang, and she said she’d be there as soon as she could. Jack went to Lulu and said he was sorry to interrupt, but she had to come with him. It was urgent. Lulu asked if it was about the search for Valentin, but he said he couldn’t give her any details. She’d have to trust him. Carly said she could trust Jack, and Lulu left with him. Maxie asked Carly, what was going on with her and Agent Brennan? Anna thanked Jason for coming and having her back. He didn’t need to get involved. He said he did, but Anna said she let Valentin escape. Jason said he went along with it, and she said, because she asked him to. He said he chose to. It was on him too. They both let Valentin take Charlotte. Anna said, and now they were bringing her back. Lucas told Marco that he gave Wiley back to his father, he and Brad got divorced, and Brad spent six months in prison. Marco said Lucas’s ex must have loved him. He did a terrible thing, but believed it was to spare Lucas pain. He risked his freedom. He risked everything. Lucas said Marco was the first person to hear the story and have that reaction, and Marco asked if Lucas disagreed. Lucas said, no. That was the part that killed him. He knew Brad did it because Brad loved him. He’d always wanted a family of their own, and Brad thought it would break his heart not to have a child, so Brad gave him one. Marco said, and broke his heart anyway, and Lucas said, it hurt a lot of other people, and no amount of love or good intentions can change that. Marco said, it couldn’t erase Lucas’s time with Wiley or Brad either. Wiley may not be his son, but was still a part of him. He was a child of Lucas’s heart and always would be. Lucas said he had a year and a half of being a dad. The memory was his forever, and no one could take it away. Ric told Elizabeth to put the papers in her records asap, and she went upstairs. Lucky suggested Ric send a messenger next time, and Ric asked if he detected hostility. Lucky said, just impatience, and Ric said he meant it when he said Lucky was a hero. And it got him a nice comfy spot to recover. Lucky said it was harder when random people kept dropping by with unnecessary things, and Ric asked if he could drop Lucky off at his mother’s so she could tuck him in. Lucky said thanks for the offer, but he was solid, and Ric said, that was the first word that came to mind when someone thought about Lucky – solid and reliable. Elizabeth could do so much better. Lucky said, like with Ric? Portia told Curtis that she agreed with Drew about the initiative. It would be good for the kids and for the entire hospital. As a doctor and as a mother, she had to support it, no matter what she thought or felt about Drew.

Curtis said if it was just Drew, there was no way he’d get involved, but did Portia want him to cover it? She said she did, for the reasons she said, but also for Trina. Kai was involved and Curtis’s support would mean so much. Don’t let Drew’s awfulness keep him from contributing to a good cause. Don’t let Drew have that kind of power. Jordan went to Drew’s office and said she didn’t have much time. Make it quick. He told her that he was having a press conference to announce his pediatric sports initiative (🍷). Portia agreed to be part of it and he was hoping Aurora would provide coverage. He’d love for her to be there as a representative of the mayor’s office. Jordan said, give her a break. Drew was trying to get himself a nice bouquet to cover the stench of The Invader article. Drew asked if she was going to help organize the support of the community or walk away just to spite him. Jordan said she’d take it under consideration, and left. Lulu asked why they were watching a jet landing and Jack said her daughter was on it. He didn’t have any details, but Anna told him to bring her. He assumed it was to secure her safety. Lulu started to cry and said she couldn’t believe it. Her daughter…

Marco asked if Lucas was doing better, and Lucas said he wasn’t in Boston drowning himself in work. He’d gone to Boston, didn’t date at all, and barely had contact with his friends and family. Marco asked, what changed? and Lucas said his mom died. Marco said he was sorry to hear that, and Lucas said, it was a wake-up call. Our time here was so limited, and they had to do as much with it as they could. Love people while they were still here. Marco said, so he went home, and Lucas said he still worked a lot. There was no action on the dating front, but he wasn’t hiding from life, so there was that. Marco said it was a lot. It took courage to face the things that scared you. How was it? Lucas said his family and friends were great. Shockingly, it hadn’t been so horrible seeing Brad. Marco said, it stirred up old emotions, and Lucas said, sort of. He remembered why they fell in love and how happy they were once upon a time. Brad helped him through a terrible time and made him less lonely. Marco said someone who did that would always have a place in your heart. Not the place they used to, but a place. Lucas said, when he found out Brad was at the symposium, he thought it was a sign. Brad was the kind, supportive person he fell for, and he started to feel something he hadn’t felt in a very long time. They were just at the brink of putting it back together, but then Brad decided to tell him how he got to go on the trip, and he’s still the same lying manipulative person he was. Still driven by love for him, but maybe that was the problem. Marco said, love? and Lucas said it couldn’t be the only answer to loneliness. Marco said, companionship came in all shapes and sizes, and Lucas said maybe it was as simple as finding a gorgeous man and taking it from there. He added, more accurately, from here, and kissed Marco. Jordan went to see Portia and said she spoke to Drew about his new pediatric sports initiative (🍷), and Portia said he asked her to be at the press conference. Jordan said she heard Portia was on board. Drew also said Aurora might get involved. Is that the truth?

Carly told Maxie that she and Jack’s lives were incompatible, and Maxie asked how he took it. Carly said, quietly. He walked away and she hasn’t seen him until now. Maxie said it sounded like the rejection hurt his feelings, but Carly said Jack had a woman in every city. She was just the one in Port Charles. She couldn’t go down that road when Jack would never commit. Maxie asked, to what? What kind of commitment was Carly looking for? Sasha got her ultrasound, and the nurse (not Willow) asked if she’d like to know the sex. Coming out of the elevator, Drew saw Willow and asked if she was okay. She seemed down. Willow said she was coming from a difficult patient, and Drew said he wouldn’t blame her if she’d let the Congressman Cutthroat nonsense get to her, but she said she already told him that she didn’t read that garbage and didn’t listen to anyone who told her about it. He said it seemed like there was more than just a difficult patient that got to her. Anna and Jason brought Charlotte to Lulu.

Ric said he’d get out of Elizabeth’s hair, and she thanked him for everything. He told her that he meant what he said, and she asked if he wasn’t trying to annoy Lucky. He said it was an added bonus, but he wanted her to be happy. He left and Elizabeth said, finally, they were alone, but Lucky had fallen asleep. Maxie asked what Carly was looking for. Did she want to settle down and get married? Carly said she would be happy never to be married again, and Maxie wondered if she could possibly be overthinking things. If she died tomorrow, would she regret not sleeping with Jack? Curtis said he was going to cover the press conference, and Jordan said, if they were on board, she’d be there. She left, and Portia thanked Curtis. Curtis thanked her for helping see the right thing to do and they hugged. Willow told Drew that she could handle it and so could he, but Scout and Wiley were a different story. Drew said he was working on reminding everyone of the good work he was doing on behalf of the citizens. The old headlines would be gone and forgotten. It was going to work out. Willow told him that when he said it, she believed it, and they kissed. Sasha came out and looked at her sonogram, then saw Drew and Willow. Lucas asked Marco, what now? and Marco said he thought Lucas should give him his room key. Lucas slid the key to Marco. Charlotte and Lulu hugged, and Lulu said, Charlotte was finally home.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada:

We see bingo cards and tchotchkes being set out. Yuri says, O-65, retire and thrive… Correct? Gloria says, perfect, and Gio says he never heard that before. Got it! Lois says she’s got nothing, and Gloria says she taught Yuri all the bingo lingo. That man is a natural. Gio says he can’t believe she brought her bingo kit from Bensonhurst, and Gloria says she never leaves home without it. Yuri says, call your doctor. Time for a shot of B-12. Gio says, bingo! and shows his card. Gloria says, a four-corner win, and Lois says she’s impressed. It’s hard to beat ma. Gloria says, they all know Gio is a star and can do pretty much anything, when Brook walks in. She says, of course (🍷) Gloria brought her bingo set with her, and Gloria says she can’t risk getting rusty. Gio says, Brook can take his spot. He’s got to meet Emma. Gloria says, Brook is lucky. That seat is hot. Yuri says he’ll bring the car around for Gio, and Gio tells them, see you later, and leaves. Gloria says, Emma? and Brook says, Emma Scorpio Drake. She’s the Police Commissioner’s granddaughter. Gloria asks, what’s going on with them? and Brook wonders if they’re all going to pretend they just found out, when all along they knew the baby was Dante’s.

On the phone, Laura says she doesn’t want to be interrupted… Yes, it’s that important.

Lulu brings Charlotte home to Laura’s apartment and looks at her. Charlotte says, it’s okay. She’s really here. Lulu says she can’t believe it. She’s been dreaming about this for so long. She smooths Charlotte’s hair and says, there’s so much she wants to tell her, but she wanted to wait until they were alone. They hug, and Lulu says, thank God she’s here and safe. Charlotte says, don’t thank God. Thank papa.

Sonny thanks Isaiah for making a house call, since doctors don’t do that anymore, but Isaiah says, some do for some patients. Sonny says he appreciates it. He doesn’t want his children knowing about his condition. Isaiah says, he’s welcome. His blood pressure is a lot better. Sonny actually seems to be listening to his advice. Sonny says he’s been taking his medication and reducing stress. He even called a truce with his daughter’s mother. It seemed to help. Kristina walks in with Rocco and asks, what’s going on? Rocco asks if Sonny is okay.

At Trina’s apartment, Kai asks if their third date is living up to their first, and Trina says, when he asked her to the museum, he didn’t say it was a date. On Valentine’s Day, she didn’t know it was a date, so it doesn’t count. And since they’re staying in tonight, this doesn’t either. He says, Valentine’s Day was definitely a date and so was painting. They were good dates too. What can he do to make tonight feel more datelike? Would a kiss help? She says, it might, and they kiss. She says, yeah. It definitely feels like a date now, and they kiss again.

On the phone in his hotel room, Jack asks, what’s the update on Josslyn Jax… Is that right? Good to hear. Keep pushing her. There’s a knock at the door and he says, they’ll talk tomorrow. He opens the door to Carly and says, if he remembers correctly, the last time they spoke, she wanted nothing to do with him. So what is she doing here now? She says, fixing a huge mistake, and kisses him.

Trina’s phone rings, but she says she’ll ignore it. Kai says, what if it’s an emergency? and she answers. She asks Ava, what’s going on? and Ava says, thank God. She locked herself out of the gallery and can’t find her key. It’s freezing and her phone is dying. Can Trina come quickly please? Trina tells Kai that Ava locked herself out of the gallery and needs to be let in before she freezes. He says he gets it. Ava is her boss and friend. He was about to head out anyway. Trina thanks him for being cool about it. She’ll see him tomorrow. He says, for sure, and leaves.  

Gloria says, no one is pretending anything. Brook’s been avoiding her all day and she thought that meant Brook didn’t want to talk about it. Brook tells Gloria that she didn’t know what to say. Finding out Gloria knew all along knocked the wind out of her. Gloria says she’s sorry to hear that, and Brook says she told her ma alone. She had no idea Lois ran off and told Gloria. It makes her wonder who else knows.

Lulu says she’s glad Charlotte’s father kept her safe, but she wouldn’t have been in danger in the first place if he hadn’t taken her on the run. Charlotte asks why it matters. She’s here now only because of her papa. Lulu says she didn’t even know Charlotte was coming until before the plane landed. How did Anna and Jason know where she was? Charlotte says, papa texted Rocco and told him where they were. He thought Rocco would tell Lulu and Lulu would come and get her, but Jason found out. Lulu says, Valentin wanted Charlotte back in Port Charles because he was worried about her safety after someone took a shot at him in the Prague café. Charlotte says, he was trying to do what was best for her, even if it means he doesn’t see her every day anymore, and Lulu says, Rocco didn’t tell her that he’d gotten the text. She would have been on the first plane. Charlotte says, papa thought so too, and Lulu says, Rocco’s been avoiding her and she couldn’t figure out why. It makes sense now. She never once gave up hope that Charlotte would come home. Charlotte says she knows, and Lulu says she wishes it had been her that came to get Charlotte, not Anna and Jason. Charlotte says, actually, she was glad Lulu wasn’t there.

Jack says he thought Carly didn’t want to do this, but Carly says she overthought it. It’s what she does and it’s not great. She shouldn’t have thought the worst about him. He says, she changed her mind and he’s supposed to forget and be at her beck and call? How does he know she won’t change her mind again tomorrow? She says, he doesn’t, but she won’t, and he says, he knew she had doubts, but he thought it was about the WSB and how dangerous his job is. She’d be putting herself at risk. But she questioned his character and his feelings for her. That’s a very different thing. She says she knows, and he says he was very clear and very consistent about the way he feels. If she still doubts his intentions, she was right to end whatever it is they had. She says she was completely wrong. That’s why she’s here. He asks, what changed her mind? They haven’t not spoken, so it’s not him. Why the change of heart?

Sonny tells Kristina, everything is fine. He’s just under the weather and called Lucky to get ahold of Dr. Gannon to check him out. They know each other? Kristina says, they met at Charlie’s. Nice to see him. Isaiah says, her too, and she says she brought Rocco by to see the new place. Rocco says, it’s not new. He’s been here, but not since Charlotte lived here. Sonny says he made some changes, especially in the backyard. Does Rocco want to check it out? Rocco says, cool, and he and Sonny leave. Isaiah says he’s going to go, but Kristina says, if her dad had a cold, he would have had Isaiah call in a prescription, not have him come to his home and examine him. What’s really going on with her dad?

Trina lets herself into the dark gallery and says she got here as fast as she could. She turns on the light and her family and friends yell, surprise! She says she can’t believe they did this, and Curtis says, she didn’t think they’d forget her birthday. Trina says she knows her parents are successful and driven and figured they’d be running the hospital and Aurora, but Portia says, they’re never too busy to celebrate their birthday girl. Stella asks if she can get in on that birthday love, and hugs Trina. Trina thanks her for coming, and Stella says she wouldn’t miss wishing Trina a happy birthday. She knows Trina is going to have an incredible year, and it will only get better. Trina says she likes the sound of that, and Stella says she was supposed to be a distraction, but she thought of someone better for the job. Trina sees Kai, who smiles at her, and Stella says, was she right or was she right? Trina says, she was right, as always.

Charlotte says she’s glad Lulu wasn’t there. It was so dangerous. After papa sent the text, Jason and Anna showed up and told them to run. Lulu says, it must have been terrifying, and Charlotte says, it was. She and papa hid, but they could hear everything. The WSB came in and Jason and Anna had to fight them off. She doesn’t think Lulu could take them on like that. Lulu says she’s scrappier than she looks and would do what it takes to keep Charlotte and her brother. Charlotte says she knows. She’s happy to be home, but it feels kinda weird. Lulu says, good weird or bad weird? and Charlotte says, good weird. Lulu says she knows the feeling. It will feel normal soon, she promises. Charlotte wonders how, without her papa.

Outside, Sonny asks what Rocco thinks, and Rocco says, looks good. Sonny asks if it’s missing anything, and Rocco says, Charlotte. It feels weird being here without her. Sonny asks if they’re close. Does he miss her a lot? Rocco says he does. Can he tell Sonny something? Sonny says, anything, and Rocco says he got a text from Charlotte, but didn’t tell either of his parents. He remembered how dangerous it was last time. He told Danny, who told his dad, and Jason promised to bring Charlotte home. Sonny says, he did the right thing. He was looking out for his family and in a tough spot, but he handled it like a champ. Rocco says, but he hasn’t heard from Jason. What if he can’t find Charlotte? Sonny says, Jason is good at finding people, but if Rocco doesn’t hear from him soon, he’ll step in. Rocco thanks him, and Sonny says, you’ve got it.

Isaiah says, whatever questions Kristina has, the answer is the same. Talk to her dad. Kristina says, since he’s here, there must be something to ask about that he’s not telling her, and he says, ask her dad. Kristina says she thinks he’d tell her if it was bad, but he doesn’t have to. Obviously, it’s bad if he’s here. If Sonny was fine, he wouldn’t be trying to cover it up. Isaiah says he’s not covering up anything. He’s respecting the oath he took and doctor/patient confidentiality, which is the law. She says she’s Sonny’s daughter. He’d tell her if Sonny was in the hospital. Be honest. It’s kind of the same thing. Isaiah says, it’s not, when Sonny and Rocco come back. Sonny asks, what’s going on? and Kristina says, Dr. Gannon confirmed something serious is going on. What is it? Sonny looks at Isaiah, who shakes his head.

Jack asks, what changed? and Carly says she realized that life is short. If something happened to either one of them, she’d regret not exploring whatever this is. She’s sorry. She was wrong. And she doesn’t usually admit to either. He says, sorry for what? and she says, not trusting him. She saw him with Vivian and Vivian was flirting. He was so nonchalant, it threw her, and she dismissed all the good things he’d done. But she realized ending things had nothing to do with him. He says, what about Vivian? and she says, that was just an excuse. She got so scared because of how much she was starting to feel for him. She tried to push him away and that’s not her. She’s not the kind of person to run from her feelings. He says, or much of anything else. Exactly what kind of person is she? She says, stick around and find out, and they kiss.

Lulu says, Charlotte knows she wishes Valentin could be here, for Charlotte’s sake. She’d love if it was different, but Charlotte is safer here and has stability. She can’t live life on the run. Charlotte says, it wasn’t that bad. She and papa saw a lot of different places and he made sure she had everything she needed. Lulu says, now that she has Charlotte here, there’s so much she wants to ask. She has so much to tell her and not just about Charlotte’s time away. Her time too. She missed so much in the last four years. Charlotte says she can’t wait to tell Lulu everything. She’s happy to be back home. It might not seem like it, but it is. Lulu says she knows Charlotte had a crazy day. Who is she kidding? Charlotte had a crazy year. Charlotte says she knows things were weird, but her papa always kept her safe and brought up Lulu whenever he could. Lulu says she knows how much Charlotte loves her papa, and she’s so grateful he kept her safe. She’s more grateful that he sent the text, so Charlotte would be brought home. She knows how hard it was for him. Charlotte says she couldn’t believe it when he told her, and Lulu says she’s sure it was lonely being out there with just her dad, and Charlotte says, it was. Lulu says, they need to make up for that. She’s going to make a quick call.

Gloria says she swears on the family bible. No one else knows about the baby. Brook asks how she can be sure, and Gloria says she’d never betray a trust that way. Lois says, listen to her grandma. Gloria knows all the family secrets and never let any of them slip. Gloria says she sensed something was eating away at Lois, and Lois says, Gloria had to pull it out of her. Brook asks why Gloria wouldn’t tell, and Gloria says she was respecting Brook’s privacy and the privacy of Brook’s mother. She never talked about it. Brook says, never? Not even at confession? Gloria says, not a word. She put it in the vault, and it stayed there where it belongs, and she suggests they do the same.  

Laura tells Trina, happy birthday, and hands her a giftbag. She says, these are from Ace. He made the card himself. Trina says, it’s ridiculously cute, and thanks Laura for letting him make it for her. She thanks Laura for being here, and Laura says, there’s no place else she’d rather be. Besides, she thinks it’s what Spencer would want, for her to be here. She knows last year was tough and she’s very glad to see Trina in a better place and willing to celebrate her birthday. Trina says, that doesn’t mean she forgot Spencer or doesn’t miss him every day, and Laura says she’d never think that about her. Neither of them will ever forget Spencer. He was one of a kind. Trina says, yeah, and Laura says, he loved her so much. He would be so happy to see how happy Trina is. She missed seeing the light in Trina’s eyes and she’s glad it’s back. Spencer would be very glad it’s back. Her phone rings, and she says, sorry. It’s her daughter. Trina moves on and Lulu asks if Laura can come home. She has a surprise for her.

Jack leads Carly to the bedroom. They get busy and there’s a song part.

Kai says he’s in a group of athletes who are working at the hospital, visiting sick kids in the pediatrics wing. He tries to spend as much time there as he can. It’s fun in the middle of the hard stuff. Trina says, it’s sweet of him to get involved, and he says he met the guy who came up with the program. He’s a congressman. Emma says, the guy who slept with his nephew’s wife? and Kai says, he seemed okay. He doesn’t know about the guy’s personal life and doesn’t care. The program is changing lives. Emma says, that part is great. Is he sure that he’s not taking on too much? If he wants to back out of her animal fundraiser, she understands. He says, since he’s not playing football, he has plenty of time, when Curtis comes out. He says, it’s time for cake, and the cake is brought out. Trina says, it’s gorgeous (agreed), and Portia says, sing Happy Birthday! They sing and Trina smiles. Kai says, make a wish, and Stella says, make it good. Trina blows out the candles and everyone applauds.  

As they bask in the afterglow, Jack says, this isn’t at all what he expected when he opened the door and saw Carly standing there. She says, he showed up at her hotel room and gave her one hell of a kiss in Germany. She thought she’d return the favor. He says he’s glad she did. He’s been thinking about this for a long time. She says, her too.

Laura comes into the apartment and is immediately absorbed in taking off her coat. She says, sorry she’s late. She got stuck at the party saying goodbye to so many people…  She sees Charlotte, quietly freaks out, and they hug.  

Gio gives Trina a giftbag and says, it’s from Josslyn. She’s sorry she couldn’t be here, but she’s still in Easter Island. She made sure she had it sent to the Quartermaines’ in trust of him delivering it. Trina takes out a sleep-aid set and says, Josslyn is amazing. Josslyn knows she has a hard time sleeping. She loves Josslyn so much. Stella says, here’s the last one, and Emma says, it’s from her. The guy in the bookstore said it’s a must have. Trina opens the present and it’s the same art book Spencer got her shortly after they met. She thanks Emma and says, it’s amazing. She thanks everybody for all the thoughtful, amazing gifts and says, go have another slice of cake and more to drink and just party. Portia tells Trina, happy birthday, and kisses her cheek. Trina looks sadly at the book.

Isaiah says he didn’t tell Kristina anything, and Sonny asks if Rocco doesn’t have homework. Kristina says, since Isaiah is on his way out, could he drop Rocco home at the Quartermaines’? Isaiah says he’d be happy to, and Rocco thanks Sonny for the tour. Sonny says, anytime, and Rocco leaves with Isaiah. Kristina says, Sonny knows she’s going to find out. What’s going on? She can always tell when he’s lying, so tell her. Whatever it is, it’s worse in her head. What she’s imagining isn’t good. What’s going on? Sonny says he doesn’t want her to worry. What he’s got is treatable. He’s fine. She says, treatable? Just tell her what’s going on. He says, there’s something wrong with his heart.

Lulu asks if Charlotte is sure she’s all right, and Charlotte says she’s fine. Just tired. She’s going to go shower. Laura suggests she lie down and get some rest, and Charlotte says, that’s probably a good idea. Laura says, they can catch up tomorrow. She wants to hear about everything Charlotte was doing. Charlotte says, most of it was boring, and Lulu says, don’t get too comfortable. She’s got the idea there might be more visitors. Laura says she’s really happy Charlotte is home, and Charlotte goes to shower. Laura asks if they found Valentin, but Lulu says, no. He’s still out there somewhere, but he’s the reason Charlotte is here. Charlotte said he took good care of her and made sure Charlotte didn’t forget her. Laura says, that doesn’t surprise her. She knows how much Valentin loves Charlotte, but she’s still better off away from him. Lulu agrees and says she hopes he stays away for Charlotte’s sake.

Brook says, all these years, she thought she was keeping the secret from Gloria, but Gloria was keeping the same secret from her. Gloria says, if the devil himself was mad at her for not telling, so be it. She would do anything for Brook. She would suffer anything. As long as her girls and their future was protected. She loves them both so much. Lois says, they love her too… even though sometimes she makes it hard, and Brook says, yeah, but this brought up so many things she wasn’t letting herself think about for so many years. It’s going to take time to wrap her head around it. (Hello 1960s!) Lois tells her, take all the time she needs. They’ll be here when she’s ready. Brook leaves.

Jack tells Carly that he needs to refresh and is taking a quick shower. He gets out of bed and heads for the shower and says, that was an invitation to join him. She says she knows, but someone has to answer the door for room service, and she’s a little bit thirsty. He says, suit herself, and she stays in the bed, looking all happy. She hears him singing in the shower and gets up.

Gio says, Emma’s been great lately, and she asks what he means. He says, she put an activist group together and moved forward. She kept him company at the crypt and gave Kai a good pep talk. She asks why he’s surprised, and he says, the first times they met, she didn’t come across as someone who would do that. She seems different. She says, this is who she is now, and he says, it makes him wonder who the real Emma is. She says she’d like to know her too.

Stella asks Curtis about meeting with Congressman Henderson, and Curtis says, he helped with some obstacles. Drew is now focused on his pediatric sports initiative (🍷) and he’s planning a press conference. Portia is going to talk, and Aurora Media is covering it. He hates that he’s helping rehab Drew’s image. Stella suggests he pick his battle. He can elevate Portia, but if he gets in the way, he could hinder her success. She deserves to shine. Drew be damned.

Portia thanks Ava for referring Ric and being there, and Ava says, of course (🍷). She thanks Portia for confiding in her. If the truth came out, it could hurt Trina. Portia says, it could have been devastating.

Trina slips out of the party.

Ava tells Portia, Drew has a lot of powerful enemies – Nina, Carly, Curtis, Jason, Michael. All the Quartermaines hate him and it’s only a matter of time before his house of cards collapses and one of his many other enemies takes care of him for her. Portia says, someone needs to do something and do it soon.

Curtis can’t find Trina and hopes she’s okay, but Stella says she was here quite a while. It was almost like having the old Trina back, but she might have gotten overwhelmed. A party like this might have had her thinking about Spencer. Curtis says he hates to think it put a black mark on Trina’s special night, but Stella says, it didn’t. Grief doesn’t have a timeline and it’s often felt in our happiest moments.

Kai looks around the party, then sends a text.

Sitting on the window seat in her dark apartment, Trina takes out the art book Spencer gave her. She looks at the inscription and holds the book to her chest.

Lois checks to make sure Brook is gone, and Gloria says, if Brook is this upset about finding out she knew about the baby, imagine how angry she’ll be that they know who the baby is. Lois says she knows, and Gloria says, Brook can never know, and what they did tonight proved why.

Rocco comes home and Lulu asks, how was grandpa’s house? Rocco says, he changed stuff, and it was weird without Charlotte. Charlotte comes out and says, it doesn’t have to be weird anymore, and they hug.

Carly joins Jack in the shower, and he says he had a feeling she’d change her mind. She tells him, make room, but before she can take her robe off, there’s a knock at the door. She says she’ll be right back, and he gives her a kiss and says, hurry.

Kristina says, Sonny has a heart condition? How long has this been going on? He says he’s okay. He’s fine. She says, then why didn’t he want to tell her? and he says, she’d worry for no reason. She says, of course (🍷) she’d worry. What did Dr. Gannon say? He says, it’s from an injury that happened a long time ago and Isaiah put him on the right path. He’ll have to do a procedure, but everything will be fine. He just has to reduce stress. She says, that’s why he agreed to joint custody. he didn’t want the stress of a trial. He says, that’s part of the reason. He didn’t want to watch Ric put her and Avery on the stand. He didn’t want to put either of his daughters through that.  

Carly finds a serving cart in the hallway with a bucket of champagne and two glasses on it. She makes a happy sound, brings them into the room, and closes the door. Valentin comes out from around the corner, and boy, does he look pissed.

On Monday, Anna says, the marshal is here to serve an arrest warrant; Brook says, Drew picked a fight with the wrong broad: and Jack tells Carly, don’t! and knocks the glass out of her hand.  

🧼  All the Soap News Fit To Print…

It looks like there will be a new lawyer in town and maybe a love interest for Lucas.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adrian-anchondo-cast-as-marco-on-general-hospital

Gloria returns!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ellen-travolta-returns-to-general-hospital-2

Maybe he had a good time, but it was painful to watch. This guy is no actor. He sounded like he was reading it and didn’t even read it well.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/the-golden-bachelorettes-guy-gansert-guests-on-gh

Two requests of the fans.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-cameron-mathison-makes-a-special-request

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/eva-larues-warning-to-her-fans

Side gigs. I haven’t read Jon Lindstrom’s book yet, but I want to. Although now I can just wait and see the movie. Well done!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jon-lindstroms-book-to-become-a-movie

I don’t know how exciting this is, but if she’s happy, I’m happy.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-announces-an-exciting-new-project

This was weird/sad, but it sounded like he was getting treatment.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/rick-springfield-learns-he-has-brain-damage

Victor has moved on from the building.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/days-of-our-lives/charles-shaughnessy-returns-to-days-of-our-lives

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I didn’t see this, but it seems to fluctuate between dangerous accidents and nookie.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Boz was hosting a trip to St. Lucia and informed us that it’s the only country named after a woman. We watched as the women packed, and I’m not sure why Erika called my shorts ho shorts, but I was offended. Aren’t shorts supposed to be short? When getting a less than enthusiastic response about an outfit from son Phoenix, Dorit told him, it’s Poca Rabone, like that meant something to him. Boz said getting them all together to travel was like herding cats, so they were meeting in Miami. In her interview, Boz said, beautiful views, delicious cocktails, a steel drum band. Who would complain? Really? Has she met them? In Jennifer’s interview, she talked about not fitting in when she was young, and Sutton cried over her long road with the women and how Garcelle had been the only one to support her. Kyle would say, you two, but never point the finger at Dorit alone. Mauricio visited Kyle and talked about going on  It was the usual, just in a different vacation setting. PK met with Dorit, where the D-word was used, yet Dorit is still in the denial phase. Kyle, however, was sliding into acceptance after Mauricio visited and told her about his quest for weed spiritual healing.

Some non-news. Maybe she’s a girlfriend; maybe she’s not.

Denise Richards and Her Wild Things

I love this show so much. A lot of episode 3 revolved around a Cuban iguana named Godzilla who had passed away at age 30. He’d belonged to Charlie’s ex, Brooke, and was dropped off at Denise’s house when Brooke went to rehab. He liked Fig Newtons and had an entire suite to himself. They had him for nine months, and a memorial was planned. There were a lot of flowers, as well as some heartfelt speeches. Denise also met with Erika (RHOBH) and they clinked glasses and made up. Another thing I love about Denise is her love of animals. She even got a little picnic table for the squirrels outside, one of whom she called Fat Fred, but she insisted she wasn’t fat shaming him. Sami was getting a nose job and said she’d been bullied in school about looking like her dad. Recently, someone had made a comment that she’d never be as pretty as her mom. WTF? Ugh. It’s one of the things I hate about the internet. Anonymity has created mean AF a-holes.

Summer House

Kyle discussed his misdirected rage texting with Paige and said he was super upset. Aww. Poor baby. He’s always super upset about something. I’m pretty sure he lives off of super upset energy. One thing I really hate about this group is their tendency to play telephone. Really, their tendency to just make sh*t up to suit themselves. Lexi had asked Jesse not to be so flirtatious in his comments on the other girls’ social media and somehow this got changed to her demanding he not comment at all. And that literally came from horse Jesse’s mouth. She needs to dump this dude asap. One minute he’s all in love like never before, and the next, he’s making it up as he goes along. The tail end of the show was in NYC with Paige and Craig. When Paige said she never wanted to live a slow life, that said everything. While no judgement about relationships that are ephemeral, if you’re not on the same page regarding commitment, it’s for certain someone is going to get their heart broken.

Southern Charm

Craig told Paige about making up with Austen and how he thought his admission that he couldn’t drink was like holding up a mirror to Austen. He might not be wrong. Paige complimented Craig on his self-awareness. Austen later came by for a visit, and I forgot which show I was watching for a moment. The big topic once again involved JT. Venita wanted him to be her plus one at a summer soiree Madison was giving. JT was hesitant, but said he’d think about it. He talked to Leva about it and said he didn’t know if it was appropriate while he had a girlfriend, and also admitted he’d probably encouraged Venita by flirting. But the best was yet to come when Leva told him that Ryan used the same barber, who apparently told him that JT said some Black girl was trying to bust up his relationship. Once again, although I’m no fan of JT, I couldn’t see him saying something like that. Neither could Leva or Venita, but in Venita’s interview, she said, Ryan’s husband was Black, so why would he lie? Why indeed. JT was livid, since it made him sound racist. On top of it, racist about someone he cared for. Leva said he should call the barber immediately and get it cleared up for Venita’s sake. Translation: So we can get it on the show. He did and the barber seemed surprised, saying, the only thing he remembered JT telling him was that there was a cute Black girl named Venita on the show. When JT called Venita to tell her, I’m pretty sure all she heard though was that he loved her.

On the upside, Brett got the cancer all-clear on his last test and Molly and Taylor took their dogs out for ice cream.

What’s JT up to? Not much. No surprise. I can’t blame him for jetting though. The Reunion should be interesting.

Random Reality Items

VPR 2.0 is on the way.

This is the weirdest thing ever and I can’t believe it’s still going on.

Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.

What a shame. Hopefully, those left in the cast invested in real estate.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Extinction: The G.M.O. Chronicles. Amazon Prime. I am a die-hard zombie fan and I did enjoy this. There was precious little info out there and this review is less than stellar. There is the trailer though.

Okay. This guy liked it more, but there are a few small spoilers.

The Night Eats the World. Amazon Prime. This film won awards, and I didn’t hate it, but there were long stretches of not much going on and the main character chatting with – or rather, to – a zombie he had corralled in a stalled elevator. Be forewarned, the ending is not a happy one.

https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/night-eats-the-world-review-zombies-tribeca-1201954987/

Beyond the Gates. CBS/Paramount+. I finally got serious about watching this and I’m hooked on watching it with my dinner now. It’s oddly old-fashioned and trendy at the same time. Beautiful people, an inclusive cast, fabulous wardrobes, and a gun drawn at a wedding. You can’t really ask for more.

https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2025/03/cbs-beyond-the-gates-promo-tv-critics

🙀 Things You Don’t See Every Day…

🦒 I’m not letting my dogs read this. It might give them ideas.

https://people.com/athletic-giraffe-escapes-arizona-zoo-to-get-snacks-11695093

🐻‍❄️ Pretty as a picture. Oh wait, it is.

https://people.com/photo-sleeping-polar-bear-wins-nature-photography-contest-11690907

🐾 It’s a ferret! It’s a ferret’s ghost! It’s a stoat!

https://people.com/rarely-seen-animal-caught-on-camera-in-pennsylvania-11693659

👄 Quotes of the Week

Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult. – Charlotte Whitton

You’re in pretty good shape for the shape you are in. – Dr. Seuss

You are not your resumé; you are your work. – Seth Godin

Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises. – Samuel Butler

You aren’t learning anything when you’re talking. – Lyndon B. Johnson

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. – Vincent van Gogh

Remember: Always walk in the light. And if you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. Love the light. – Roberta Flack

The mosquitos are d*ckheads out here. – Channelle (Aisha Dee), Apple Cider Vinegar

🍀 Top O’ the Month To Ya…

Until next week, stay safe; stay not using St. Patrick’s Day to be a green beer drunken mess (also don’t be another kind of Karen and drive drunk); and stay loving people while they’re still here.

April 20, 2023 – Victor’s Voyage Is Almost Over, Soap Shuffle, Happy Anniversary Twice, Scandoval Scraps, Confirmation, Fat Cat & Landscape

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone in the nook, Ned says, they have to deal with this right now. Brook walks in, and he says, they have to mitigate the damage as soon as possible. Call him back. Brook says, that sounded bad. What’s going on? He says, if they don’t do something soon, Valentin could destroy ELQ.

Carly looks at the flower girl basket, and flashes back to Ava telling her, time is running out. This might be the last chance for Nina and Willow. She knows Carly is capable of rising above; she did with Ava for Avery’s sake. Won’t she do it with Nina for Willow’s? The doorbell rings, and Carly opens the door to Nina, who asks, what’s she doing here? Where’s Ava? Carly says, she’s not here, and Nina breezes past her into the house. Nina asks where Ava is, and Carly says, she’s out. Nina asks how long she’ll be gone, but Carly doesn’t know. Hopefully, not too long. Is something wrong? Nina says, yeah, her daughter’s dying, and Carly says, they’re trying to support her as best they can. Nina says, of course (🍷) they all are; she shouldn’t have snapped. She really needs to talk to Ava. She asks again what Carly is doing here, and Carly says she was here when Avery had to leave, so she stayed to watch Avery. Nina says she’s here now, and promises not to leave until Ava gets home. She’ll watch Avery. Carly can go. Carly says she doesn’t think so.

Ava knocks at Portia’s office door, and says she just heard; Trina is missing? Portia says, Trina is on the Haunted Star, and Ava says, so it’s true. Victor kidnapped her too. Portia says, you would think that, but she chose to go on that boat. Her daughter is in danger, and this is all Spencer Cassadine’s fault.

Drew sees Curtis at the hospital, and Curtis thanks him for coming right away. They bro hug, and Drew says he just heard Trina is missing. Curtis says, it was just confirmed she’s on the Haunted Star, and Drew says, what the hell. Victor took her along with Spencer, the baby, and Dr. Obrecht. What’s the purpose in kidnapping all of them? Curtis says, Trina wasn’t kidnapped. Victor doesn’t even know she’s on board. He’s just not sure how long she can stay hidden from him and his men.

Victor says he’s so glad Trina could join them, and Trina tells Ambrose to get his hands off of her, shaking him loose. Spencer flies across the room, but Watkins intercepts him, drawing his gun. Trina tells Spencer that she’s okay. Don’t do anything to make them hurt him. Victor says, how touching. He suggests Spencer take her advice and settle down, or he’ll have them take Trina away. Let him officially welcome her on board. She really is a little slip of a thing. No wonder his man missed her when she slipped on board. Trina says she’s not a little slip of a thing, and Victor says, his apologies; poor choice of words. However, it’s too bad Spencer disobeyed orders, and told her where he was going. Trina says, Spencer told her nothing. She had a feeling something was bothering him, and she followed him herself. Victor says, how industrious of her. Has she enjoyed the cruise so far? Obrecht is brought in, and asks where Trina came from. Victor says, allow him to introduce la saboteur, the reason for their delay. The stowaway who’s been scurrying around the ship, causing all kinds of trouble for their engines. Obrecht says she wondered why they’d stopped, and Victor says, it was the sabotage, plus the missing walkie-talkie that made him think they’d had an uninvited guest on board. So he had his men call a fake drill. He figured she would assume Spencer’s cabin was unguarded and make her way there. And voila, here we are. Trina looks at Spencer, who mouths, it’s okay, and Victor says, she shouldn’t feel too badly about it. It’s a common mistake to equate initial success with ongoing effectiveness. One assumes if something worked once, it will go on working indefinitely. Trina’s advantage was surprise. Once she lost that… here we are. But she is clever, he’ll give her that. So perhaps she’ll help him decide what to do with her.

Nina asks Carly, why not leave? She’s here. She’ll watch Avery. Carly says she promised Ava that she’d stay, but Nina says, that’s not the reason. Carly doesn’t trust her alone with Avery. Carly says she promised Ava that she would stay. She wants to be here when Avery wakes up. Draw any conclusion Nina wants. Nina says, that’s ridiculous. Avery is very comfortable with her, and in the past few months, she’s spent a lot more time with her than Carly has. Carly says, if Nina insists on staying, that’s fine, but they shouldn’t talk to each other. It’s a big house. Pick whatever room she wants, just don’t wake up Avery. Nina says she wouldn’t wake up a sleeping child. Carly really thinks the worst of her, doesn’t she? (Nina hasn’t gotten that by now?) Carly shakes her head, and picks up the basket, and Nina says, it was Carly’s idea, wasn’t it? Carly told Michael not to invite her to Willow’s wedding.

Brook asks Ned if ELQ is in trouble. She knows there was a dip in the market recently, but what does that have to do with Valentin? He says, she knows about the ELQ stock drop? and she says, it’s their family business; yes, she keeps up. She knows the stock took a hit when Valentin’s death was announced, but Ned stepped in as CEO, and things stabilized. He’s been the consistent leader he always was. Ned says he demonstrated to the shareholders and the market that ELQ was still strong. Then news came out about Valentin’s death being a ploy, and that’s when the stock took another hit. It appears the market doesn’t like the idea of a conman running the company. She says, but Valentin didn’t fake his own death because of ELQ. It’s not like he was embezzling money and took off. Ned says, it doesn’t matter. With all the craziness and corruption that goes on in Wall Street these days, people are skittish. Once shareholders and financial partners lose faith in a company, that company’s days are numbered.

Ava says, Portia has raised a very intelligent and courageous young woman, but what was Trina thinking sneaking onto that boat like that? Portia says, she wasn’t thinking; she was following. She was following Spencer into some shady situation, like a moth to a flame. She’s so utterly terrified right now, she can’t even tell Ava. She can’t go home because Curtis isn’t there, and it makes it even more lonely. And she can’t work. All she can do is think of all the different ways Trina could be hurting. Ava says she understands, but they need to keep in mind how smart and capable Trina is. Portia says, not when it comes to Spencer. She loses all common sense when it comes to him. How many times has he lied to her? When he first met her, he said his name was Victor, probably because he idolizes his Great Uncle Victor. Ava says, he may have at the time, but he doesn’t any longer.

Drew says, so Trina managed to get a phone call out? and Curtis says, amazingly, she called Portia on a satellite phone she found. Portia came out and flagged down Jordan, Laura, and him to listen in on speaker phone. Trina even managed to give them the ship’s heading with Laura’s help. Drew says, that’s great. The heading narrows things down, but did she say anything about an exact location? Curtis says, the ship’s GPS was disabled, so they were unable to track the ship remotely. Then she said she had to go, so Curtis told her to leave the phone there. He hated telling her to do that, but if Victor knew one of his phone’s was missing, it would alert him that he had a stowaway. Drew says, that was a good call, and Curtis says, maybe, but he hasn’t had any contact from Trina since, and it’s driving him crazy. Laura convinced him not to storm the PCPD, so he’s been staying close here, seeing if Trina can manage another call to Portia. Drew says, Portia’s here? and Curtis says, she’s in her office. Drew says, and Curtis is out here? Curtis says, yeah, and Drew says he’s sorry they can’t be going through this together, but Curtis says, given the situation, it’s probably best. Anyway, he needed to talk to Drew. He called Drew here for a reason. Drew says, whatever he can do, and Curtis says he needs Drew to tell him more about his connection to Victor Cassadine.

Spencer says, leave Trina alone, but Victor says, Spencer’s hardly in a position to protect her. Spencer says, that’s not going to stop him from trying, and Victor asks for a word with Obrecht… now. He asks if Obrecht enjoyed her reading, and she says, the properties, the pathogen are fascinating; very complex, and virtually unstoppable. He asks if she’s saying it’s beyond her capabilities. Is she not capable of producing a vaccine? She says, nein. She’s already produced several protocols that are capable of working. He says he knew she’d rise to the challenge, but she says she hasn’t agreed to help him. He says, yet.

Spencer asks if Trina is sure she’s all right, and Ambrose says, watch his step, but Spencer says, they’re just talking. Watkins says, let them talk. They can’t plan anything with them standing right here. Trina says she’s okay; the guard didn’t try to hurt her. She’s sorry she fell for the trap. She blew it. Spencer says, it’s okay. She ran circles around these morons for 24 hours, and she stopped the ship. That’s all that matters. She says, at least she did that, and he says, it’s okay. She may have saved them. They’re going to get out of this.

Carly says, and Nina wonders why she didn’t want to leave Avery with her. She’s delusional. If Michael and Willow didn’t invite her to their wedding, it’s because they didn’t want her there. Nina says, be honest with her. When Carly found out Michael was going to invite Sonny to the wedding, Carly didn’t encourage Willow to shut her out? Carly says, Michael invited Sonny? and Nina says, Michael and Willow didn’t ask Carly’s permission for Michael to invite his own father to his wedding? Will wonders never cease. Carly says she gets it. Michael invited Sonny, and not Nina, and Sonny accepted, even though Nina was excluded. Nina says she wanted Sonny to go to the wedding because she knows how much his relationship with his son means to him. Carly says, maybe more than she thought. It sounds like Sonny has finally gotten his priorities straight. She doesn’t give a damn what Sonny does anymore, but he is Michael and Donna’s father. And it just makes her glad that Sonny is finally choosing to put his family ahead of Nina.

Curtis tells Drew that he and Laura were talking about Esme, and how tricky her memory situation is. Then he remembered Drew telling him that Victor used the tarot card on him to trigger his memory. Drew says, it didn’t work. Where is Curtis going with this? Curtis says, Victor was hellbent on getting Drew to remember something. According to Drew, he went to a lot of trouble. Drew says he thinks that’s the reason Victor put up with Peter August as long as he did, because Peter was promising to deliver something he was supposed to remember. Curtis wonders if it’s something that could lead them to where Victor’s headed, and Drew says he gets why Curtis is going down this road – Trina might be his daughter – but he’s grasping at straws. Curtis says he’ll take a straw, and Drew says, all he knows is, Victor wanted information about something called Operation Demeter. Curtis says, it means nothing to Drew? and Drew says he’s reasonably certain that it’s a black op he was involved in when he was a Navy SEAL, but he has huge gaps about that time in his life. He tried to remember. He tried to do everything. He sat for hours going over his service records, although most of it was redacted. He tried to piece together everything that was listed there, but he just couldn’t remember; he’s got nothing. Curtis says, okay. Drew was involved in the plot to overthrow Victor with Valentin and Anna, right? Drew says, just at the very end, but yeah, and Curtis says he needs Drew to tell him everything he knows about Victor Cassadine.

Portia tells Ava that Spencer has caused Trina non-stop heartache, but now she’s vulnerable. Did Trina tell Ava what happened after the wedding? Ava says she knows Curtis might be Trina’s father, and Portia asks if Trina told her that they’ve been estranged ever since. The same thing with Curtis. She messed up. She kept the truth from all of them because she wanted to give Trina the best life she possibly could. At least that’s what she told herself anyway. Ava says, the lies seem to catch up with them, don’t they? She knows all about making mistakes in the name of doing what’s best for your child. Portia was just being the best mom she could be. Portia thanks her for that, but says, the damage is already done. Trina thinks Spencer is the only one she can count on, so she followed him into danger. Portia wishes Trina had never met him. If Trina survives this, Portia promises she’ll make sure Trina never sees Spencer again.

Victor has Spencer and Trina brought out on the deck, and Spencer asks what they’re doing out here. Victor says he’s getting tired of Spencer’s shortsightedness, and Spencer says, there’s nothing they can see by darkness. Victor says, and even more tired of his games. He’s giving Spencer one last chance to join him. He’s not just offering Spencer part of his legacy, he’s offering Spencer a front row seat. To be a part of the glorious future of our planet unburdened by overpopulation. He already has Ace to carry on the Cassadine name, but he was hoping to have Spencer by his side. Spencer says, by his side when he reduces the world’s population. It’s sick. Victor says, hard choices have to be made to balance the ratio of people to natural resources on this planet. Without antibiotics and modern medicine, population attrition would have already happened naturally. (Not necessarily but go on.) He’s just trying to right the scale. Spencer says he can’t be a part of this, but Victor tell him not to fool himself. There is steel in that spine. Spencer took his father’s son from him, and drove him out. He certainly possesses that clarity of mind and purpose to do whatever’s necessary. Spencer is a Cassadine. Trina says, Spencer is nothing like Victor. He has a good heart, despite what his family wants him to be. He told her about Victor and Helena, and he will never be that person. Victor says, Spencer is way too smart to throw away his legacy for a pretty face, but Spencer says, Trina is so much more than that. She’s the bravest person he knows. She never shies away from the truth, and she knows right from wrong. Thanks to her, he’s starting to figure that out for himself. He doesn’t share Victor’s vision, and he’ll never join Victor, no matter what Victor does to him. Victor says, Spencer breaks his heart. Throw her over the side. Watkins picks Trina up, and another guard holds Spencer back. Obrecht almost runs to them, but gets a grip.

Ava tells Portia that she knows Spencer pretty well, and it’s true he was once reckless and vindictive, entitled, petty, but now… Portia says, don’t tell her that he’s a changed man, but Ava says, since he met Trina, there’s been a shift in him. Portia says, Trina shouldn’t have to be Spencer Cassadine’s conscience, and Ava says, no argument there. But this change since he’s come back to Port Charles can be directly tied to Trina. Portia says, and any pain Trina had can be tied directly back to Spencer, and Ava says she can’t argue that, but Trina chooses to be with Spencer, and she thinks they need to respect that. Portia and Trina will never reconcile if Portia keeps badmouthing him. Portia says, and that may be a moot point. They may never reconcile if Trina doesn’t make it back.

Brook says, no disrespect, but doesn’t Ned think he might be overreacting? ELQ has had downturns in the past, and always come out stronger. Ned says he doesn’t overreact; the market does. A good investor lives for this. Their stock drops, and shareholders get nervous and start selling. Next thing you know, in come the corporate raiders. First sign of weakness, and the sharks start circling. He’s going to have to make some tough decisions to streamline and cut costs, but he really doesn’t want to have to fire thousands of employees to do it. Brook says, it’s that bad, huh? What can we do? He says, they have to reassure the market that ELQ is stable, strong. Valentin hasn’t even talked yet to the press and explain his actions. Brook says, that’s because Anna’s been in ICU, and Ned says he’s not asking Valentin to hold a press conference. He could make a written statement. The longer he stays silent, the worse it looks. Valentin won’t return his phone calls. Brook says, it’s not the first thing on his mind, but Ned says, it should be. Anna’s being well taken care of at GH. Valentin is their CEO. The health and well-being of this company is his responsibility, and Ned thought he knew that. The Quartermaines have always understood. Whether it’s grandfather, him, or Michael, they understand that to keep ELQ strong and stable, you need committed leadership. (Really? Michael understood that?) Ned is starting to regret siding with Valentin when Michael and Drew wanted him ousted.

Nina tells Carly that she’s never asked Sonny to choose between her and his family, and never will. She wanted him to go to that wedding, even if it’s without her. Carly says, that’s very noble. She’s sure Sonny appreciates the sacrifice. (Hmm… She doesn’t sound sarcastic…) Nina says, she’s not just missing her daughter’s wedding; she’s missing what could be her last days. The daughter she’s never really been able to know, and that’s Carly’s fault. Carly says, Nina and Willow have known each other for years. Nina was unfair to Willow when she was Charlotte’s teacher. She attacked Michael and Willow in open court. The list goes on and on and on. It’s no wonder Willow doesn’t like her. Nina says, that was before they knew they were mother and daughter, and Carly says, exactly. It was all right for Nina to be a bitch to Willow when she wasn’t a relative, and the only thing that’s different now, is Nina knows Willow is her daughter. Then suddenly, Willow is wonderful. Willow has been wonderful all along, but Nina couldn’t see it. (This is one of the things that pisses me off about Carly. Like she doesn’t turn a blind eye to her own children’s faults and treat them differently than strangers.) Nina still doesn’t see it. Willow is a person, with wants and needs in her level of comfort. But Nina doesn’t care. The only thing she cares about is that Willow is hers. Her possession; her daughter. No wonder Willow doesn’t want to be with Nina or around her. Instead of facing that fact, Nina wants to blame it all on her. Nina says she’s made mistakes, but it’s Carly’s fault she doesn’t have a chance to earn Willow’s forgiveness because they’re running out of time because her daughter’s dying. It is Carly’s fault.

Drew tells Curtis, since Victor came back to Port Charles, he’s been focused on locating a code that’s etched in one of the diamonds I the Ice Princess necklace. Curtis says, so all of the killings – Luke Spencer, the Deputy Mayor; Anna, Lucy, Valentin going missing – that was all over a necklace? Drew says, Valentin learned that the code is actually a set of coordinates indicating a bunker Victor’s brother Mikkos hid something in that Victor wants. Curtis says, so now Victor has the necklace? and Drew says, he acquired it the night of the Nurses Ball. Curtis says, the same night he left on the Haunted Star, and Drew says, yeah. (What a pair of rocket scientists, eh?) Presumably he has the location of Mikkos’s bunker, and that’s where he’s headed. Curtis says, and Victor thought Drew knew the location of the bunker? and Drew says, yeah. Curtis says, then Drew needs to remember. Somehow, whatever it takes. Trina’s life depends on it.

Victor says, hold, and everything stops. He asks if Spencer will do as he says, and Spencer says he’ll go along with whatever Victor wants, whatever he says, as long as Trina doesn’t get hurt. Victor says, so he’ll stop resisting, and Spencer says, yes, as long as Trina’s safe. Please. He’ll go along with Victor’s plan. He’ll be by Victor’s side to shape the world. Victor tells Watkins to release Trina, and the other guard lets go of Spencer. Trina runs to Spencer, and he holds her, saying, that’s all right; people are coming. Victor says, that’s where he’s wrong. No one can save them. Spencer says he just told Victor that he’d do whatever Victor wants, and Victor asks if Spencer thinks he’s stupid enough to believe anything Spencer says. He was looking for a partner; someone to share his vision. Instead, he got an ungrateful, duplicitous whelp ready to stab him in the back at a moment’s notice. (Take that RHONJ.) Fine. Spencer and Trina can both drown. The guards grab Trina and Spencer again.

Brook hopes Ned isn’t thinking of asking Michael and Drew for help with ousting Valentin, because the last time he did that, Ned double-crossed them, and their relationship hasn’t been the same since. Ned says, it wasn’t a double-cross; it was a tactical adjustment. And he did what was best for ELQ. She says, he did what was best for himself, and he says he did think his position at ELQ would be stronger if Valentin remained CEO, but let’s be clear, at the time, ELQ was thriving under Valentin’s leadership. There was no reason to vote him out. She says, but now circumstances have changed, and Ned says, yes. Because Valentin is all wrapped up in his family’s business, while ELQ suffers. He understands what Valentin is going through right now on a personal level, but it won’t change his business decision. Valentin has to go.

Carly says she didn’t give Willow leukemia, and she didn’t kidnap Liesl to delay the bone marrow transplant, and Nina says, of course (🍷) not. But if Carly had told the truth about that DNA test, Willow would have gotten that bone marrow transplant months ago, and she’d already be cancer free. Carly says, they didn’t know about Willow’s diagnosis months ago, and Nina asks if she doesn’t understand. If Willow had known she was her mother – whether Willow accepted her or not – when the possibility of a bone marrow transplant came up, Willow would have come to her immediately, instead of waiting months and months through that farce that Drew put everyone through looking for her birth parents. She was here all along. Carly says she told Nina, the second she found out Willow had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, she told Nina that she wasn’t a match. Nina says, but Liesl was a match, and she would have gotten tested immediately, and this whole nightmare would have been done and over with.

Portia tells Ava that she’s so sorry. She didn’t realize she had any more tears to cry. Ava says, please don’t be sorry. She gets it; she’s a mom too. Portia hopes it’s not too late for her and Trina, and Ava says, it’s not. She knows that because Trina called Portia. When she was in danger and scared, she called her mom. Portia says, and Trina told her that she loved her. She didn’t think she’d hear those words again from Trina, but now she wonders if it’s going to be the last time. She starts to cry again, and Ava says, those will be the first words Trina says when she sees Portia again. Believe it. Ava says she should get home to Avery, and Portia thanks her. Ava says, if she hears anything… Portia says, of course (🍷) she’ll keep Ava updated, and Ava says, when Trina comes home, they have all the time they need to work things out. She tells Portia, everything is going to work out, and leaves.

Spencer says, Victor wants to kill him? Is that what Victor did to his father? Victor says he doesn’t know where Nikolas ran off to, and doesn’t really care. Spencer is just as much of a disappointment. At least he has Ace and can raise him as he pleases. Spencer says, please, Ace needs him, and Victor says, goodbye, Spencer. He starts to walk away, but Obrecht steps in front of him, and says, stop this nonsense. He asks if she wants to join them, but she says, no. She wants to use them.

Carly says, if Nina wants to know the cold, hard truth, she kept the DNA results a secret for Willow’s sake. Willow told her that she didn’t want to find her birth mother because she was afraid she’d turn out to be someone like Nina. Nina disrespected Willow at every turn. She accused Willow of having an affair. She bothered Willow over and over again when Nina knew she was having a difficult pregnancy. She knew it would devastate Willow to find out a woman she hated was her mother. So don’t look at her as the cause of the non-relationship with her daughter. Take a look in the mirror. The blame lies solely on Nina.  Nina says she should have the rest of Willow’s life to make it up to her, but she doesn’t because Willow’s life is measured in days, and that’s Carly. She stole that time from them. She did that. Nina walks out.

Drew says, if he knew anything that could lead them to Victor, he’d tell Curtis in a heartbeat, but he just can’t remember. Curtis says he’s sorry for pushing Drew for information he doesn’t have, and Drew says, Trina managed to get her hands on a satellite phone once; maybe she can do it again. Curtis says, maybe. Even before he realized Trina might be his daughter, he just loved her to pieces. She’s so fun and so bright, and she definitely keeps him on his toes. And she’s principled; he likes that. She’s an amazing young woman. So imagine her keeping it together under those circumstances; so focused and so brave. She had to be terrified. Drew asks if Curtis knows who he sounds like. He sounds like a proud father, and Trina sounds just like Curtis, unable to sit back without doing anything. Curtis sees Portia, and jets over to her. He asks if Trina called again, but she says, no. She didn’t even realize he was still here. He says he couldn’t leave, not while Trina’s out there somewhere in danger.

Victor tells his guys to wait, and Obrecht asks why he’d toss Trina and Spencer overboard when they can still be of use. She needs subjects to test any vaccine she develops. Victor asks if she’s saying she’s on board (no pun intended?), and she’ll join his cause, and she says she thinks his cause is madness. But she sees he’s committed to it, and doesn’t want to die, so out of self-preservation. He asks if she’s sure that’s all it is, and she says she certainly doesn’t have any personal feelings for him, if that’s what he’s implying. However, the science has merit. The research. She’s intrigued by creating a vaccine to combat such a complex pathogen. It will be a singular achievement. He says, there’s nothing else like it, and she says, if it fails, it’s of no consequence to her. She’s been living a half-life since Britta’s death, but this challenge has awakened her. She feels alive again. It might even keep her going.

Spencer tells Trina that he’s so sorry. This is all his fault. She says, she followed him, but he says, if he’d left her alone, she’d still be safe now. She says, then he’d be alone, but he says he’d know she was okay. She says, but then she’d wonder if he was. At least this way they’re together. He says he has to find a way to save her and his brother, and Trina says, someone will come and save them. They just need a little time. He says, maybe Dr. Obrecht will give them just that. He just wishes he knew what she was thinking. Trina says she hates the idea of being a test subject, and he says, so does he, but if Obrecht can convince his uncle that she needs them alive, maybe it will buy them more time to figure out a solution before they’re turned into human guinea pigs.

Brook says, Michael and Drew are going to know something’s up the moment Ned tries to reconcile with them, and he says, with all that’s going on with Willow, he’s already made overtures to Michael. Michael knows it’s from his heart. As far as him and Drew, he sees a path there. Drew’s a reasonable guy. This is worth pursuing. She says, huh, and he says he thought she’d be thrilled; the possibility of some Quartermaine family unity for a change. She says she is, it’s just… blindsiding Valentin and ousting (WOTD) him when his life is in upheaval and his guard is down, and Ned says, it’s business. Valentin’s a businessman. She says, he’s also a Cassadine. Valentin isn’t someone Ned wants as his enemy.

Drew tells Curtis and Portia that he wishes he could help. The only thing he knows about Operation Demeter is the name. Curtis wonders if they could pressure the Navy to unseal the records. What about Robert’s connection with the WSB? Drew says, the Navy won’t answer to the WSB. They won’t even acknowledge the op existed. Portia says she can’t believe in this whole wide world there isn’t someone who can tell them what Operation Demeter was. Drew says, wait a minute. Maybe there is.

Ava comes back to Windymere, and thanks Carly for keeping an eye on Avery. Carly asks if there’s any word on Trina, but Ava says, unfortunately, it’s still a waiting game. Carly says, Avery’s fine; she never woke up. Ava says, good, and asks if everything is okay. Carly says, Nina was here, and Ava asks how it went. Carly tells Ava, if she ever feels compelled to give her advice – don’t – and walks out.  

Nina gets in her car, and flashes back to Carly telling her the cold, hard truth; that Willow didn’t want to find her birth mother for fear she’d turn out to be someone like Nina, and to look in the mirror. Nina calls Carly a bitch, and says, nothing is ever your fault, is it? She flashes back to Ava telling her, if Carly bought Aurora stock knowing a merger was on the horizon, that’s insider trading, and Carly and Drew would be open to prosecution. Nina says, it might be time for Carly to face some consequences of her own, and drives away.

Watkins says, copy that, and tells Victor, Ambrose says the engine should be repaired within the hour. Victor says, that’s good news, and tells Trina, it seems she didn’t cost them that much time. Spencer asks what he’s going to do with them, but Victor says, Spencer doesn’t get to ask questions. He tells a guard to take them and lock them up, and Trina says, he’s not going to kill them? Victor tells her, as Dr. Obrecht said, they’re still useful to him, and when that’s no longer so, he’ll dispose of them. Obrecht says, a wise choice, but she’ll need healthy subjects to work on the vaccine. He must feed and water them like any lab rat, so the tests are uncompromised. Spencer tells Trina that they’re going to make it out of this, but Victor says he doesn’t see how that’s possible. The voyage is almost over. Despite the delay, they should arrive at Mikkos’s bunker by morning. Then Liesl can get to work.

Tomorrow, Cody tells Brook that someone is the last person in the world he wants to hurt; Sasha asks if there’s some other reason Gladys wants to leave town; and Alexis asks TJ if there’s any hope.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Goodbye Hello…

Two leaving, one coming, a return, and an anniversary. Victor, we loved hating you.

💐 Anniversary Times Two…

Today – April 21st! Although that’s just if you want to watch it live. I’m sure it will remain on YouTube in perpetuity. This guy does a good interview.

🍸 Random Tidbits…

More on those red flags from yesterday’s Vanderpump Rules.

https://jezebel.com/scandoval-sandoval-leviss-vanderpump-rules-episode-1850356425

Ariana’s new man. Good for her.

https://www.tmz.com/2023/04/16/ariana-madix-cozy-new-man-coachella-scandoval/

No, Billie Lee. You most definitely have to pick sides. Sandoval was a scumbag, and Ariana got the short end of the stick. End of story. You do look good though.

💎 Now That the Rat’s Away…

It’s not like she joined the cast, but she might make it more palatable.

https://www.etonline.com/denise-richards-confirms-shes-returning-to-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-203079

🐈‍⬛ Here Kitty, Kitty…Wow…

This was on the news here tonight. That’s one big cat.

https://people.com/pets/patches-40-pound-fat-cat-adopted-in-richmond/

👀 Looking For Waldo…

Slide into my blog tomorrow for soap, a choice tea selection, words I’ve heard, and music befitting the occasion. Until then, stay safe, stay smoking them if you’ve got them, and stay not equating initial success with ongoing effectiveness.

September 7, 2021 – The Bride Goes Missing, Watching Rules, New Victor On New Victor, What a Tease, C-List Split, Lost Too Soon & Last

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia comes into The Savoy, and tells Curtis that she was glad to get his text. He says he’s sorry, and she asks, why? He says because he asked her to come down there, now he’s all caught up with this. She says, no big deal. Is there a problem with the club? He says, it’s not the club; he’s on a case. She says she thought he left all that P.I. stuff behind him, and he says, he did, but this one’s personal. Did he ever tell her about his good friend Drew Cain? She says, he was Oscar’s dad, right? Sam’s ex? He says, he disappeared in a plane crash a few years ago. Sam has reason to believe he’s still alive. So going with that theory could set them up for some really good news, or something really disappointing. Sam comes in.

Josslyn comes into the living room with Trina, and says, good morning, bride-to-be, and Carly says she only slept a little. Josslyn says her too; she’s so excited. Trina wanted to say hi before Carly’s big day. Trina says, happy wedding, and Carly thanks her. Trina says she knows Carly and Jason are going to be really happy together, and Carly says, that’s the plan.

Jason sits in the interrogation room at the station, when Dante comes in. He says, sorry. Jason wasn’t the one who wanted to fight, but he’s the one they got ahold of. Previous charges were dropped two months ago, but the DA wants to go over the entire incident report. It’s bureaucratic BS. Jason tell him, don’t worry about it. He doesn’t want special treatment. Dante says he’s not giving any to Jason. Here they are again. On opposite sides, when there’s so much that connects them. It’s too bad Jason doesn’t just ditch the career criminal thing. They could break bread one of these days.

On the terrace, Trina tells Josslyn that her dad was asking all kinds of questions about the sauce. It must have been a big hit. Josslyn says, yeah… and Trina asks if it went bad or something, but Josslyn says, no. The sauce was delicious. She knows it’s going to sound insane, but that sauce tasted exactly like Sonny’s.

Nina gets to the Tan-O, but before she goes inside, she flashes back to Sonny telling her that he’s in love with her. She goes inside, and says, oh my God. What happened? There’s lumber and boxes everywhere, and Sonny says, Lenny left them a surprise.

Jordan and Shawn go through papers, and Jordan says, none of these names are ringing any bells. She’s sorry, but they might have to brace themselves for the possibility that the manifest from Naomie’s flight is another dead end. He says, there has to be something in there to lead them to Hayden’s shooter, because whoever it was, wanted her dead so badly, when he started asking questions six years later, they offed her mother. To go through that much trouble, this person has something major to hide, and he wants to find out what it is.

Nikolas and Spencer sit at a table by the pool (🍷), and Spencer takes a selfie. He says, Esme wanted them to have a fun day, and Nikolas says he is. Spencer says he looks like he’d like to be literally anywhere else. Nikolas says he’s sorry. The six weeks are up, and as soon as Ava gets Scotty back to work, their divorce is going to be finalized. Forgive him if he’s not in a festive mood, but he’d understand if Spencer is.

On he phone at the gallery, Ava says she knows the paperwork is ready, but she’s just not ready to go through with it yet… Does it sound like she cares what they think? She hangs up, and someone startles her.

Sam says Curtis told her that he has an update on a lead, and he says he talked to the nurse who took care of Nina at Creighton-Clark. She gave him the contact information of a guy she worked with in the records department. Apparently, he dealt with both patients and the record company. Sam says, that’s amazing, and Curtis says, there’s just one catch.

On the phone, Dante says, there is no charge… He would, but the system’s down. He can’t have access and needs authorization, so can they put it through?… There’s nothing to resolve. He’s not going to prison. It was a drunk and disorderly, so make it happen. He hangs up, and says he hopes this doesn’t ruin Jason’s wedding day. Jason says, it is what it is. As for him, he just has to put a suit on. Dante sits down, and asks if Carly is going to make Jason wear a tie, but Jason doesn’t know. He guesses he’ll find out when he opens the garment bag. He says, it must be strange to Dante; him marrying Carly after all the years she was married to Sonny. Dante says, not really. He thinks Sonny would approve. It was always the three of them, since Dante was working undercover. They were a unit – Jason, Sonny, and Carly. He remembers being amazed at how devoted Jason and Carly were to Sonny. Jason says, it’s because of everything Sonny did for them. He was a great friend, a great mentor, just a stand-up guy. Dante says, he didn’t see it that way. When he first got there, all he could think was about sending Sonny to prison. So he put that case together against him, but… Even then, there were days he didn’t want to do it. He shot at Sonny many times, even though Sonny was his father. Jason says, Dante didn’t think of him that way yet, and Dante says, no. Finally, all these years later, he’s glad he didn’t put Sonny away.  

Carly flashes back to Jason saying they’ll be each other’s safety net; that he needs her to stand by him, no matter what. She says, always, and he says, they’ll figure the rest out later. The doorbell rings, and Carly opens the door to Monica, who says she knows it’s a busy day, but she wonders if Carly has the time to talk.

Sonny tells Nina that Lenny always complained about the ceiling. She says, he mentioned there was a bad leak a couple of years ago; the plywood is rotten and beams have to come down. Sonny says, Lenny assigned him to it. Lenny was going to take down the wallpaper and paint the whole place. He ordered the supplies before he got his diagnosis, and the lumberyard order came this morning. The rest is coming later. She asks if it can be returned, but he says, a lot of it is custom, but Lenny wanted it, so he feels like he owes Lenny to give it to him. She says, in the meantime, there’s not a lot of room for customers, but he says he doesn’t think that’s going to be a problem for Phyllis. She says, Phyllis isn’t in a rush to open it without Lenny. It’s just another argument for renovation. If the Tan-O opens with a different look, there won’t be so many memories attached. I’m thinking, maybe he should ask Phyllis about it first, but he says, now Nina knows what he’s planning to do for the next two or three months. If she wants, she can pitch in. She runs a magazine and has great taste as a designer consultant. That is, if he didn’t scare her off.

Josslyn asks Trina, what’s up with her? Something is obviously wrong. Trina says, it’s nothing. She guesses she’s feeling guilty. Josslyn says, about what? and Trina says, not liking Spencer’s girlfriend. Josslyn says, don’t.   

Ava says Esme scared her half to death, and Esme apologizes. She says she’s been told she has a knack for sneaking up on people. She swears it’s not intentional. She introduces herself, and Ava says she’s Spencer’s friend. Esme says Spencer is her boyfriend. Spencer’s told her so much about Ava; it’s nice to meet her face to face. Ava says, it’s her pleasure, and asks what she can do for Esme. Esme says she’s thinking of purchasing a piece. Her parents strongly advised her to invest in artwork as she got older. Ava says she sounds like she was born into money, and Esme says, yes and no. Her parents couldn’t have children of their own, so she and her siblings were adopted. Ava says, adopted and rich; lucky her. Esme says she’s quite fortunate, and Ava says, it sounds like she had a happy home. Esme says, she supposes everyone was happy enough. Her parents were cool with each other. There was love there, but nothing like Ava and Spencer’s father.

Trina tells Josslyn, Esme’s been nothing but nice to her. She doesn’t know why she doesn’t like Esme. Maybe it’s because she’s into Spencer. Josslyn says, Trina doesn’t like Esme because there’s nothing to like, and Trina asks Josslyn to tell her how she really feels. Josslyn says, she’s a bitch with a capital B. Trina’s seen the way she treats Spencer, like he’s her property. She’s clearly threatened by Trina. Trina asks if she thinks so, and Josslyn says, it’s so obvious. So don’t trick herself into looking for something that isn’t there. Sweet innocent Esme doesn’t exist.

Esme says, Spencer told her all about Ava and his dad, and she has to admit it’s romantic. Nikolas doesn’t want to let Ava go, and it would have to be something uber extreme to get him to stay away. Ava says she just wasn’t sure how far she wanted to take it… Unfortunately, all of her pieces are spoken for. Esme says, too bad. Let her know if anything changes. Ava says she certainly will, and Esme says, safe travels. Ava thanks her, and Esme leaves. Ava makes a call, and says, that thing they talked about? She’s convinced. Do it.   

Nikolas says, before he disappeared, he doesn’t think Spencer is aware of how far he’d fallen. He crossed some serious lines, and did some unforgivable things. Spencer says, like what? and Nikolas says he doesn’t want to go into details, but he was a bad person. Ava motivated him to change his ways. Spencer can think what he wants about her, but Ava is the reason he’s more the man and father Spencer remembers, and not the man he became during those dark times.  

TJ comes into Jordan’s office, and she says, what a surprise. He says, even though he’s about to cancel their dinner? and she says, never mind; get out. They hug, and Shawn comes over. TJ asks, what’s going on? and Shawn says he’s helping Jordan with an investigation. TJ asks if that isn’t a little out of his wheelhouse, but Shawn says, it could lead to finding out who shot Hayden Barnes. TJ says he thought Shawn decided to move on with his life, and Shawn says, he did, but some things need closure, and this is one of those things. His guilt became a shield that prevented a real investigation, and from him being a father. TJ says Shawn taught him to drive. He taught TJ to shave and put on a tie, and TJ asked Shawn about his first girlfriend. He’s not saying Shawn shouldn’t pursue this – he thinks Shawn should – but don’t forget he was TJ’s father in all the right ways, even before they knew it.

Dante tells Jason, that’s a helluva thing for a cop to say, huh? He believes in the law, but didn’t apply it in that instance. Jason says he thinks it’s Dante’s call. Who was he hurting? He’s the one who got shot. If Dante didn’t want to turn Sonny in, or wanted to cover for Sonny because Sonny was his friend, that’s his decision. Dante says he doesn’t regret protecting Sonny, and Jason says, that’s good, because all of their lives would have taken a completely different path if he hadn’t. Dante says he doesn’t think he’s had a chance to wrap his mind around the fact that Sonny is gone.

Monica says she realized she’d never given Jason and Carly her blessing. Not that Carly needs or wants it. Carly says Monica doesn’t have to pretend to like her. She gets it; Monica is AJ’s mom. She doesn’t expect Monica to see the issues they had from her side. Monica says, that’s just the thing. With the truth coming out about Austin, it occurred to her that the Quartermaines can be very cruel to each other, and causes a lot of pain; the cheating, the backstabbing, the blackmailing. But they manage to get past it because they’re family. Whether she likes it or not, that’s what Carly is about to become.

Sonny says he knows he put Nina on the spot when he told her that he loved her. She says, there he goes again, and he says, sorry; he can’t help it. She says she was wrestling with all this last night, and he says he didn’t mean to make her wrestle. She says she knows he didn’t, and he says he just had to tell her how he felt. He doesn’t want her to feel pressure to feel the same, but she says, how could she not feel the same way? Geez. I feel the same way. Sonny looks hot all scruffy.

Shawn says they’re low on coffee, and leaves to get refills. TJ looks at Jordan, and she says, what? He says, come on. Since when does she add civilians to police investigations? She says she enlists outside investigators all the time, and he says, which Shawn is not. She asks, what’s his point? and he says she’s bending a lot of rules, and he knows in a large part that’s because of him. He thanks her, and she says, she does love him little bit, so… He says they’ve been talking a lot about Shawn’s role in his life, but he doesn’t want her to forget how important she is to him; what a spectacular mom she is. She’s his hero. She says, she is? Does he have any idea how proud she is of him? He’s her son, the doctor. He’s the smartest, most compassionate, loyal, and loving person she knows. There is very little credit to be had here. He is who he is because he’s an extraordinary person. To whatever extent she was able to guide, love, and support him, it’s the best thing she’s ever done. He’s the best thing she’s ever done. They hug, and she says she loves him so much. He says he loves her too.

Sam asks Curtis, what’s the problem? Is this guy far away or something? Curtis says, somewhere near the Finger Lakes (upstate NY), and Portia says, that’s lucky. Curtis says, they’re asking for access corporate and patient files. This guy was hesitant about releasing them unless they meet in person. Sam says, great. Finger Lakes, here we come. Portia asks if these are medical files he’s talking about, and Curtis says, some of them. She says, then he’s going to need to fill out a HIPPA form, unless he has a doctor with him. Sam says, how convenient. They have a great doctor right here.

Dante tells Jason, he was barely home when Sonny disappeared, and he was so messed up before he went away. Not that there was anything wrong between him and Sonny, but all the good stuff had dwindled before they had a chance to rebuild it. Go to a Yankees game, have a meal, be with Rocco together… Jason says, all the things that make them see what they have in common, and Dante says he never knew Sonny the way most kids know their dad, but he grew to admire Sonny, and look up to him more like a father/friend. Jason says, they called each other brothers, but it was also father and son. (Ha-ha! I typed don by accident.) Aside from Carly, Sonny was the first person to treat him with respect. Dante says, after his accident? and Jason says, yeah. Sonny taught him so much. Not a lot of people approve of it, but he was always grateful, and it was always his choice. Sonny didn’t force a gun in his hand, but Sonny made sure he knew how to pick one up. Dante guesses his line work isn’t what Sonny would have chosen for him, and Jason says, did Sonny wish Dante wasn’t a cop? Yeah. Dante was his son. He didn’t want to be in opposition of Dante. He didn’t want Dante to lie or look the other way; it’s not a comfortable place to be. Dante says, it’s not, and Jason says, Sonny admired Dante; his courage, honor, and commitment to his job. Most of all, he respected Dante, and that means a lot. Dante says, that’s how he knows Sonny would be okay with Jason marrying Carly. He respected Jason more than anyone. Dante’s phone rings, and he says, here we are. Jason is finally free to go. They shake hands, and Dante says, good luck. Jason thanks him and leaves.

Carly hesitates to remind Monica, but it’s not the first time she’s marrying into the Quartermaines. Monica says, they remember, and Carly says, they weren’t exactly welcoming. Monica says she thinks she was girding herself for the pain she knew Carly’s marriage to AJ would cause. Not just because of AJ’s troubles, or the fact they were so good at exploiting each other’s weaknesses. Carly says, they were experts, and Monica says, it was crystal clear to everyone back then, including AJ – maybe especially AJ – that her heart belonged to Jason. And Jason, for all he loved Robin, it was clear their bond was unbreakable.

Nina tells Sonny was the last thing she was expecting when she walked in; to find him. She saw him as a sign that she… He taught her that we don’t have to be stuck in the circumstances of our lives. If we just let go of the baggage of the past, we find out who we are inside. He taught her that. This place has really become her home, and he’s an enormous part of that. There are a million reasons why they shouldn’t be together. All those reasons, and the fear that what they have will collapse when he finds out who he is; with all of that, she still can’t stay away from him. There’s a lot of risk and vulnerability when you open your heart to someone, and she’s willing to do that with him. If that’s not love, she doesn’t know what is. He asks what she’s saying, and she takes his hand. She tells him, what she’s saying is, she loves him too.

Trina tells Josslyn, Esme said something she can’t get out of her head. She called Kiki Loren. No one ever called Kiki that. Not the staff at GH, not her mom, no one. How did she know that was Kiki’s name? Josslyn says, maybe she read it in the article about Ava’s car being lit on fire, but Trina says, the article referred to her as Kiki. Josslyn says, maybe some other legal document? She looks at her phone, and says, it doesn’t seem to be bothering Spencer. He’s busy taking selfies at the MetroCourt pool (🍷). Trina says, of course (🍷) he is. Enough about Esme. Josslyn needs to get ready for her mom’s wedding. See her there? Josslyn says she can’t wait. They hug, and Trina leaves.

Spencer asks if Nikolas thinks absolution is possible without atonement, and Nikolas guesses not. Spencer says he thinks they better talk about something… Esme interrupts, saying, she’s sorry she’s late. Nikolas looks fabulous. Nikolas thanks her, and asks if they need anything from the bar, but they’re both good. He leaves, and Esme says she knows that look. Spencer is second guessing breaking up Ava and his father, isn’t he?

A woman sees Nikolas, and says she knows him. She’s seen his face in The Invader. He’s Nikolas Cassadine. Nikolas confirms he is, and she asks him to hold a paper. He takes it from her, and she thanks him, saying, he’s just been served.  

Shawn comes back, and TJ says he has to run. He needs to get to the hospital, but a raincheck on dinner. Jordan says, absolutely. Shawn says he’s not sure how Jordan takes her coffee, so he brought a little of everything, which is impossible since he only has two cups with him. TJ says he has to run, but good luck. Shawn thanks him, and TJ leaves. Jordan says, she did one thing right, that’s for sure. Her phone rings, and she answers. She writes something down, and says, great intel; thanks. Shawn says, good news? and she says, the passenger next to Hayden’s mother wasn’t a stranger. They booked their seats together. Shawn says, so they’re close enough to travel together, but he’s nowhere to be found after Naomie dies. She says she’s got his address, and Shawn asks if she feels like a road trip.

Sam tells Curtis, Portia coming with them might be their best shot. He’s more inclined to trust them if they have a doctor with them. If it’s okay with Portia. Portia says she doesn’t want them to break the law. If she can help, she’s in. Curtis asks if she’s sure, and she says, yeah. Sam says, let’s go, but Curtis says, hold on. He was thinking Sam should stay. Sam asks, why? and he says he knows it’s important to her, but think about it. A bunch of people showing up could scare him away. If it’s just him and Portia, he can hide under the radar as the doctor’s boyfriend, and he’ll never know Curtis is a P.I. Sam says, it makes sense, and he says he’ll keep her posted. She thanks him, and tells him, good luck. Portia asks if Curtis wants to drive, or should she, and he says, he’ll drive. She says, of course (🍷).

Sonny asks if this is really happening, and Nina says, it is. Him without a past, and her, trying desperately to forget hers. He says, they shouldn’t fit, but somehow they do, and she says, she was broken, and he put her back together. It’s a huge gamble, and she doesn’t know how they’ll last, but she wants, she needs to see this through. Sonny tells her to say it again; she knows what part he wants to hear again. She says she loves him. She doesn’t know what to do with that. They kiss.  

Carly says Monica is right. Her heart belonged to Jason fully and completely, and she screwed it up big time. She could have lost him forever, but instead they landed in this beautiful place. He’s the best friend she’s ever had. Monica tells her that she’s sure Jason would say the same about her, and Carly says she appreciates Monica coming to see her. Monica says she’s really glad, because it could have totally gone the other way. They’re never going to be best friends, but for Jason and Michael’s sake, Monica would like to try and be civil in-laws. Carly says she’d really like that, and Monica says, then she’ll see Carly at the wedding. Carly says, of course (🍷), and Monica says, it’s interesting, all Carly went through to secure Jason’s love back then, and she finally gets it now. Monica leaves, and Carly ponders this.

Jordan tells Shawn, sorry, but she’s going solo. He says didn’t they agree to work together, and she says, to the extent that they could, but he’s not a cop and he’s not a P.I. He has no legal standing. On top of that, he and Sam were the last people to see Naomie Dreyfuss. And they both discovered her body. If she includes him to go interview a person of interest… He says, it starts to feel like a cover up, and she says, at the very least. Or it could taint the investigation, or even be grounds to have potential evidence or testimony thrown out. He says he definitely doesn’t want that, and Jordan says, if it leads to anything, he’ll be the first to know. She promises. He says, so she’s going alone, and she tells him that she already said that. He says, now? and she says, no time like the present. He tells her, be careful, and she says she’s got this. It’s not her first investigation. She’s a professional. He says, be careful anyway, and she says she will, and heads out.  

Spencer tells Esme, his dad was on some guilt trip that went way over his head, but he realized they’ll never be able to have a true, honest relationship with this secret between them. She asks if he could have a relationship with Nikolas if he stays with Ava. He has to pick his poison. There’s no way he can live with his father if his father is still with Ava. If she had to guess, she’d say he’d probably get used to keeping a secret from him. And if he’s having a tough time, he’s got her. She’s always looking out for him. She said that earlier when she went to see Ava. Trina comes in, and says, what about Ava?

Nikolas asks what the hell the woman is talking about. She starts to walk away, and he looks at the paper, and says, wait. This is a restraining order. His wife got the court to say he has to stay 100 feet away from her, and he’s just hearing about it now? She must have filed the paperwork days ago. The woman says, the state of New York allows for the filer to choose the method of delivery and notification. Have a nice day. He says, you’ve got to be kidding me.

Sam finds Dante at the station, and asks if he has any leads. Curtis is following up Drew’s case, but he doesn’t want her there. She can’t go with him because he doesn’t want her to scare the guy off. Dante says she is pretty scary, and she says she thought maybe the two of them could figure out another path to go down. She really thinks there’s a connection between Drew’s flight and Leethy Unlimited. He asks if she wants to wait and see what Curtis comes back with, but she says she can’t just do nothing. He says, in general or today?

Josslyn walks into the living room looking at her phone. She says she just heard from Olivia. She’s running late because of Leo. She looks up, and there’s no Carly. She says, mom?

Trina asks Esme, why bother Ava when she’s trying to pack up her life? and Esme says she wasn’t trying to bother Ava. She was just wishing her well before she left. Overprotective, aren’t we? Spencer says, Trina and Ava got close when Trina worked for Ava. She’s Trina’s mentor. Esme says she’s sure Trina is like a daughter to Ava, especially after Kiki passed away. Trina asks if she means Loren. That’s what she called Kiki the other day. Esme says, her given name, and Trina says, and the name on her hospital ID badge. The one they found near Ava’s car where it was burnt to a crisp.    

Ava puts her keys in her bag, when Nikolas comes into the gallery. She says he cannot be there, and he says, because of this? He holds up the paper, and says, a restraining order? Why? Because she’s worried he won’t stay away, or she knows she can’t?

Standing on a porch, Jordan checks the address on her phone. She tries the door, but it’s locked. She goes to a window, and tries that, but it doesn’t budge. Curtis says, Jordan, startling her. She turns around, and Curtis is there with Portia. He asks what she’s doing there, and she says, working on a case. He says, so are they.   

Sam asks, what’s special about today? and Dante says, really? She says, oh. He means Carly and Jason’s wedding. He says, yeah, that, and she says, would she like to escape the buzz? Yes. Would she like to focus on something else? Also yes. He says, you know what? He thinks he’s got a solution for that.

Jason walks in, and tells Josslyn, don’t worry. He’s just there to pick up his suit. He’s not going to mess with tradition, and try to see her mom. She says, that’s not going to be a problem. Her mom is gone.

Sonny and Nina are still kissing, and she says, so what now? He says he’s thinking this occasion calls for going to Philadelphia. She laughs, and says, why? He says he thinks they should find a restaurant, listen to some music afterwards, and just do it up. She says, okay. She loves that idea. He says, he has to get some stuff organized and sorted out, but he’ll be at her place in a couple of hours. She says she can’t wait, and he leans in for a kiss, but she pulls back. She says she’ll see him later. She leaves, and walks out, smiling. Until she sees Jax.   

Tomorrow, Esme suggests she and Trina talk about the big fat elephant, Ava asks who’s going to keep her safe from Nikolas, Jax says his business is Nina and what she’s been up to, and Sonny asks if someone has a problem with his name.

👠 The Two Toms did a Vanderpump Rules watch party, watching themselves in drag, while in drag. Host Tom S. was a fail, since he was sporting a mustache, but Schwartz looked quite cute. The VPR episode also including LVP first discussing the partnership for TomTom with Ken. And the best thing of all? Giggy! Oh, how he’s missed.

🕶 The Dish About Victor…

New Victor tells us what it’s like.

https://www.soapcentral.com/general-hospital/news/2021/0907-charles-shaughnessy-opens-up-about-playing-general-hospitals-victor-cassadine-i-consider-myself-incredibly-fortunate.php

🩲 Taking It Off…

In case you were wondering about Brando’s side job.

👎🏻 Next…

Well, he was old and had kids.

https://people.com/tv/scott-disick-and-amelia-hamlin-break-up-sources/

Sobbing into her smile.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1301452/lisa-rinna-just-weighed-in-on-daughter-amelia-hamlins-breakup-with-scott-disick

🌠 A Legend Lost…

A sad farewell to Michael K. Williams. He was amazing in Lovecraft Country.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/07/entertainment/michael-k-williams-tributes-trnd/index.html

🛴 Home, James…

Since I had a meeting tonight for MupoEntertainment.com, it will be bi-coastal Wives tomorrow, with RHONY and RHOBH. Until then, stay safe, stay expressing your emotions in a healthy way, and stay letting go of past baggage to find out who you are inside. But don’t hide in Nixon Falls to do it.

September 2, 2021 – Obrecht Gets a Big Surprise, Villainous Comeback, Don’t Bother, New Normal in L.A. & Wake Me

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava comes into the hospital and asks if Epiphany can give her some information on a patient that was brought in last night, a certain attorney. Epiphany says she’s not Scotty’s family, but Ava says she is a very important client. Epiphany says she can only give the information to his family, and Ava stomps of. PC Pioneer Wyatt approaches the desk, and Epiphany asks if she can help him, but he says he thinks he can be of help to one of their patients.

Ava hears Anna talking to Britt about Scotty’s condition. Britt says, he’s still disoriented, but despite parachuting out of a plane unconscious, he has no broken bones or serious injuries. Jordan asks if she can see him, and Anna says, the sooner they talk to him, the sooner they can unravel this story about him literally crashing into Finn’s campsite. Britt says, at least he’s safe and sound, which is more than she can say about her mother.

Obrecht wakes up wearing silk pajamas in a beautiful bed. She says, where am I? and calls for Scotty.

Ava sneaks into Scotty’s room, and he wakes up saying, my schnitzel, my Liesl. Ava asks if it’s really true he dropped from the sky, but he says he doesn’t know. He’s in a hospital bed, isn’t he? He looks around and says he guesses so. She says she’s so glad he’s okay. She hopes he knows that. He takes her hand, and says he didn’t know she still cared about him. She says of course (🍷) she does; of course (🍷) she cares. It’s been six weeks since he filed for her divorce. She needs to know if it’s gone through.

A waitress brings a check to Spencer at the MetroCourt, and he tells her to put it on his account. She says her manager said he’s no longer on the account. He says, thanks, dad, and Esme says lunch is on her. He says he guesses it’s true what his grandmother said. His independence is dependent on his father’s money. Esme thinks it’s high time he and his dad got past their differences, but he says, not when his dad accused him of being Ava’s stalker. She wonders where he’d get such an outrageous idea, and Spencer says Nikolas stabbed him. She says, with a fake knife. He says he didn’t know it was fake when he saw it. How can he ever forgive Nikolas? She says she doesn’t know. Ask his dad. He turns around to see Nikolas behind him.

Trina walks into the gallery, answering her phone. It’s Jax, calling from the Spring Ridge visiting area. He says, it’s Josslyn’s dad. Does she have a minute? She asks if Josslyn is okay, and Jax says she’s fine. In fact, she cooked him a lovely dinner last night. She says she knows, she helped Josslyn get ready. He says the marinara sauce was the highlight, and she says, didn’t he love it? She told Josslyn it would be epic. He says he thought for sure Josslyn picked it up from a specialty gourmet store, but then she told him that Trina was given the jar when they came to Nixon Falls to pick him up. She says, pretty spectacular, right? He says, it was pretty memorable. In fact, he’s dying to meet the person who made it.

Epiphany is on the beginning credits! I don’t always see them, so she might have been there before, but I’m excited.

Trina says she never met the person who made the sauce. All she knows is, the lady who runs the roadhouse in Nixon Falls… She forgot the name. He says, the Tan-O? and she says, that’s it. She said the bartender made it. He says, she didn’t happen to mention his name, did she? She says, no, why? and he says he guesses Josslyn’s never told her about his work. He’s a venture capitalist, and he’s always looking for new investments. This sauce was so good, he’s thinking of pursuing it. She says, Nina Reeves is friends with the nice lady who owned the bar. She’s sure Nina will know the name of the bartender. He says she’s right. If anyone knows, it’s Nina. He flashes back to thinking he saw Sonny in a cowboy hat when he was on the stretcher, and thanks Trina, saying, she’s been a great help. Alexis comes out and says, clearly Jax didn’t come to cheer her up. What’s wrong?

Spencer asks if this was Esme’s idea, and Nikolas says, don’t blame Esme. He appreciates her reaching out and asking him to join them. She says she always thought Spencer didn’t want anything to do with him, but now that she’s seen the two of them together in person, she can see they care about each other. Spencer says, some people just have a funny way of showing it. You know, with fake knives. Esme says, come on. She knows him, and he gives as good as he gets. Nikolas sits down, and says he doesn’t blame Spencer for wanting nothing to do with him, but he needs to hear this. Everything he’s done, even staying away all those years… Spencer says, Nikolas means letting him think he died, and Nikolas says, everything he’s done, he’s done out of love.

Jordan tells Britt, local law enforcement did a thorough search of the camp area where Scotty parachuted down. There’s no indication that her mom, or anyone else, parachuted with him. Britt asks why Anna is so interested in her mother’s whereabouts. She thought they hated each other. Anna says, they’ve come to a bit of a truce, but Obrecht being missing makes her think somebody else is involved… like Peter maybe. Britt says, then where is she? Where’s the plane? God knows, her mother is resourceful, but she’s not Houdini. She can’t just vanish into thin air.

Obrecht turns on the lamp, and gets out of bed. She says, what is this place? She looks around a gorgeous room, filled with antiques, and asks what she’s doing there. She remembers being on the plane with Scotty, and putting on the oxygen mask, and says, my God. She has to find Scotty. She runs to the door, but it’s locked. She yells, open this door! They can’t do this to her. She’s Liesl Obrecht, dammit! She pounds on the door, and yells for someone to open it.

Ava tells Scotty, she’s not trying to be insensitive; she knows he’s having a stressful time of it. But from what she hears, skydiving can be very exhilarating. He says, the bum’s rush out the door? He doesn’t think so. She says, the point is, he survived. Her stalker is still out there, waiting to strike at her or her loved ones. He told her that her divorce would take six weeks to go through. Isn’t there anybody he could call to nudge it along? Jordan and Anna walk in, and Jordan asks what Ava is doing there. Ava says she’s visiting her very good friend, and her attorney; their lives may depend on it. Anna says she’s not sure badgering Scotty is going to be conducive to his recovery, and Jordan steers Ava out. Ava says she’s counting on him; don’t let her down. He gives her a thumbs up, and Anna tells him, just relax.

Epiphany tells Britt there’s someone else asking about Scotty. This is Wyatt Hoover. Wyatt says, PC Pioneer, second class. He’s a volunteer ranger and was on duty last night when Scotty landed in the campground. He guesses he could say Scotty crashed. Britt says, crashed would be more accurate. What can she do for him? He says he was cleaning up the debris from the fall, and found this. He shows her the locket, and says he thought it might belong to Mr. Baldwin. She asks to look at it, and opens it, seeing the pictures of her and Nathan. Wyatt says, it’s her, and she says, the locket belongs to my mother.

Alexis asks Jax, what’s going on? and he says he made two pretty big decisions this year, and thought he was 100% correct, but they both kind of blew up in his face. She says, but that’s old news. It’s not like him to rehash the past. He says, it’s not about the past. He has another big decision to make, and he’s on the brink of doing something he thinks is right, but what if he’s wrong again?

Ava walks into the gallery and sees Trina working. She says, it never gets old, and Trina says, what never gets old? Ava says, the love of art, and Trina says she hopes not, considering she wants a career in it. Ava says she was just thinking about the young high school kid who showed up there, wanting to be an intern. She arrived with such a natural love of art, and the desire to learn all she could. Trina says she still can’t believe her internship turned into a job. Ava’s been such a mentor to her. Wait. That doesn’t even sound right. She hopes Ava knows that when Trina thinks about her, yes, she’s a boss and mentor, but she also considers Ava a friend. Ava says, oh, Trina, her eyes tearing up, and Trina asks if she said something wrong. Ava says she’s so honored to be Trina’s friend. Trina’s been more than that to her. She’s been another daughter to her. Not that she wants to step on Trina’s mother’s toes or would want Trina to take Kiki’s place. She doesn’t use the word often or lightly, but she cherishes Trina. That’s why she knows it’s going to be so difficult to say goodbye.  

Spencer says, Nikolas loved him so much, he wanted Spencer to believe he was dead, even though he was the only parent Spencer had, since his mom passed away before he even knew her. Is that the kind of self-serving garbage Nikolas expects him to believe? Esme says his dad’s there; let him explain his point-of-view. Nikolas says, he knows sometimes his methods are wrong… okay, they’re often wrong, but Spencer has to remember, Valentin shot Nikolas with every intention of killing him. Knowing how the Cassadine family operates, he couldn’t take that chance of Spencer being targeted next. So he laid low while he planned his return and his revenge. Esme wonders why Spencer left out so many details. She finds this fascinating stuff. Spencer says, because Valentin hasn’t been a threat for years, and quite frankly, he’s not even a Cassadine. Or is Nikolas insinuating Ava’s stalker isn’t the only threat out there?

Obrecht digs through drawers, and says, there has to be a knife. Or a bobby pin. Anything to pick that lock. A man dressed like a butler, complete with white gloves, comes in with a cart carrying a meal service. She says, it’s about time. She demands to know what is going on. He says, good evening, fraulein doctor, and she asks, what’s this? He says, dinner, lifting the food cover. Compliments of her host. She says, how kind, and grabs the knife. She tells hm, open that door, or she’ll cut him like a mackerel. A man comes in behind her, and wrests the knife out of her hand. The butler says, that’s a very fine glass of wine. Her host has thought of everything.    

Britt brings Wyatt to Scotty’s room, and says he has a visitor. Scotty says, a PC Pioneer. He used to be one himself, and still buys Christmas trees from them. Wyatt thanks Scotty on behalf of the PC Pioneers. They’re grateful for his support. He says he understands from Finn, Wyatt was there and helped out when he hit the ground. Wyatt says he was able to help get Scotty out of the parachute; he has his honor badge in knots. Scotty thanks him for coming and checking on him, and Wyatt says he did want to check on Scotty, but also return something he found when he was cleaning the crash site. Britt shows him the locket, and says, it belonged to her mother. Does he recognize it? He says, when everything went haywire on the plane, Obrecht gave it to him, and he stuck it in his pocket. Britt says she was hoping her mother made it out after all, and dropped it during her own parachute jump. Wyatt says if he’d observed any other parachutes, he’d have notified the authorities, but it was only Mr. Baldwin. Britt thanks him, and says she’s sure her mother will be grateful to have it back.

Jordan tells Anna that she confirmed a plane left Port Charles yesterday. A charter carrying Obrecht and Scotty; the destination St. Lucia in the Caribbean. Anna says she knew Obrecht was going to a medical conference there, but a private plane and Scotty? She understands taking advantage of the off-season low rates, but why not fly commercial? Jordan says, another question that needs answering, although Britt touched on the biggest mystery; what happened to the plane? Anna asks what the FAA said, and Jordan says, only that the plane feel off the radar shortly after take-off. There’s no May Day call, no report of a transponder signal, no evidence of a crash. The plane could be anywhere between there and St. Lucia. Anna says, or it could mean something else altogether.

Jax tells Alexis, his first mistake was helping Nina get visitation to Wiley. He says this like Nina asked him to do it. Alexis asks what he did, and he says he was on his way to the Quartermaine gatehouse to talk to Michael. Michael is his stepson, and they have a pretty good relationship – they had a pretty good relationship. He accidentally saw Michael and Willow together. She says, together together, and he says, yes. She says, isn’t Willow married to Chase? and he says, it’s a moot point anyway, since she’s annulling the marriage, but at the time, he used it as leverage to secure Nina’s visitation to Wiley. She says, he blackmailed Michael? and he says he didn’t see it that way. He used it as leverage, and doesn’t know whether they can get their friendship back. She asks what his other mistake was, and he says, when he found out Carly was taking over Sonny’s family business, of course (🍷) Josslyn was his first priority for safety. She says, an understandable goal. What did he do? He says he secretly recorded Carly in a conversation, and tried to get her to incriminate herself. She laughs, and he says, go ahead, please; let him have it. She says she’s in no position to judge. So he told her about how his first and second mistakes blew up in his face, and now he’s going to make another move that’s going to blow up in his face. What’s going on? He says he doesn’t have any details yet, and he’s still trying to connect the dots, but a friend he cares deeply about is making a huge mistake that could affect many other lives.

Trina says, Ava is leaving Port Charles? and Ava says, it breaks her heart, but she has no other choice. Trina says, her mother taught her there are always more than one choice, but Ava says, it’s the only good choice. Keeping Avery safe is her number one priority. Trina says she understands that, but didn’t she get a divorce? Isn’t that enough to satisfy whoever’s been stalking her? Ava says, no, it doesn’t seem to be. The only way to keep Avery safe is to stay away from Nikolas, and the only way is to leave Port Charles, which means she has to sell Charlie’s and give up everything that ties her here. Except the gallery. She’s not selling the gallery. She’s hired a manger, and made it clear that Trina has a job there for as long as she wants one. Trina says, she doesn’t think Ava is listening. It’s not about the job; it’s about their friendship. She starts to cry, and says she needs Ava. Ava hugs her.

Nikolas tells Spencer, he has no reason to believe another Cassadine is plotting something, but given their family’s history, it’s always wise to look both ways before crossing the street. Esme tells Spencer, he’s trying. Can’t Spencer give him that? Spencer says, what he sees is someone who wants it both ways. The freedom to do what he wants, and the ability to justify it afterwards. Nikolas asks if he’s the only one. Be honest. Hasn’t Spencer ever done the same thing; believed the ends justified the means? Spencer says he thought they were talking about Nikolas and his mistakes. Nikolas says they are. He’s not going to lose his son. He’s already lost Ava. Spencer says, there it is. See how it always comes back to Ava? Nikolas wants her so bad, he can have her. He just won’t have Spencer. Spencer gets up, and says he got along without Nikolas for years; he’ll do it again. He walks away, and Nikolas starts to get up, but Esme says, let her. She tells Spencer, wait, and Spencer says, don’t defend him. She says she doesn’t have to. He’s making Nikolas’s case for him.

Scotty tells Britt, nothing will make him feel better except seeing her mother, and Britt says he really cares about her; it’s not just a random hook-up. He says, not at all. When they were together, grieving over Franco, things changed. When they were up in the jet, and there was all this turbulence, they thought it was curtains. But they were together, and ready for the worst if it happened. She says, but it didn’t. Somehow, he survived, and they have to believe her mother did too. He says, he really needs Obrecht, and Britt takes his hand, saying, Obrecht needs him too. Even more incredible, Britt realizes she needs her mother too. 

Anna and Jordan come back, and Anna asks if Scotty thinks he can tell them the truth about what really happened on the plane. Britt asks why they’re assuming Scotty’s keeping something from them, and Jordan says, certain things aren’t adding up. Scotty says, don’t blame him. The last thing he remembers is putting the oxygen mask on, and when he came to, he’d dropped into Finn and Elizabeth’s campsite. Literally. Anna asks, why spend all that money on a private plane? and he says he was targeted by one of those low-budget jet companies. He thinks he was scammed. Anna says, too good to be true, and he nods. She asks why he was headed to St. Lucia, and he says, that’s where Obrecht’s medical conference was.

As the butler leaves, Obrecht says, do they think she doesn’t know who’s behind this? She looks forward to giving him the justice he deserves. She tries to get out the door, but the other guy blocks her, and slides out himself, slamming it shut. She says, Peter August. She’s not swallowing his food, which has obviously been poisoned. If he’s going to kill her, he’s going to have to find the courage to do it with his own two hands. She turns around, and sees a man there. She says, it can’t be… Victor Cassadine (see below). He says, hello Liesl. As Mark Twain once said, the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.

Alexis asks Jax what he’s going to do, and who is he going to do it to? He tells her again, he doesn’t have all the details yet, and he’s not willing to name names. She says, not to worry. She already knows why he came there to talk to her. He says, really? Because he doesn’t even know yet. He gets up, and she follows him. She says, he’s gun-shy. In the past year, he’s followed his gut two times, and it’s blown up in his face. He just wants to hear his theory out loud. He wants to voice the question, should he cross the line again? He says, if his gut feeling is right, someone else has crossed the line, and he’d be pulling them back. But if he takes that step, he’ll set things in motion, and they might not stop until… She says, someone gets hurt? Are they talking physically or emotionally? He tells her, considering who the people who are involved, he’d say both. She says, he came to her for advice. Let her think for a second… No. Walk away. That’s it. He says, and leave the person he cares about all alone? She says, how does he know they’re all alone? Maybe they’ve put their trust somebody else. He says, that is a distinct possibility, and she says, let someone else do the heavy lifting. From one fixer to another, butt out. You don’t have to save everybody. From the looks of things, if he tries, he’s going to get really burned.

Ava asks Trina, this is about Spencer, isn’t it? What’s going on? She thought the two of them were clicking. Trina says she thought so too. Until the night of the party, when Esme showed up. Ava says, who’s Esme? and Trina says, Spencer’s girlfriend from boarding school. Ava says, she’s so sorry, and Trina says, they’re a lot alike; worldly and sophisticated. Ava says, so is Trina. She works at an art gallery. Trina says, it doesn’t matter. Spencer was a wreck the night of his party, then Esme shows up, and he pulls it together. Or maybe he was covering. What his dad did was so messed up. Ava says, she tried to warn Nikolas. She hopes they can mend fences when she’s gone. Trina says, what about Avery? and Ava says, she’s doing this for Avery. She can’t let anything happen to Avery, and she’s frightened, especially now that the stalker threw Kiki in her face. Don’t give up on Spencer. Trina says she thought he liked her, and Ava says she’s sure he does. How could he not? Yeah, it was poor form to flirt with her, and not tell her that he had a girlfriend. Trina asks how he could do this to her, and Ava says, he’s a teenage boy. Teenage boys are not known for their maturity or discretion. Ava thanks Spencer needs a friend like Trina. She thinks he needs Trina more than he knows.

Esme says Spencer is guilty of the same double standard he accuses his father of. He’s declaring his freedom, but still expecting him to pay for everything. He says, the  price of being Nikolas Cassadine’s son is too high, and she says she wasn’t aware he was fielding other offers. Ava’s out of the house, and maybe out of his father’s life for good. Wasn’t that the goal? Her advice? Figure it out with his dad, or get used to the guest room at his grandmother’s, knowing Doc will be keeping his expert eyes on him. He asks if those are really his only options, and she says, go get a job and rent a room somewhere, and where does she fit in? Their original plan had her living in an estate on a private island. Not that she doesn’t care about him regardless, but be honest. They’re both high maintenance, and Windymere is their best option.  

Obrecht tells Victor, this makes no sense. He’s supposed to be dead. He burned to a crisp in the fire at Creighton-Clark. He says, not to mention, she shot him. She says she was thinking about her son. He says he still can’t believe she thought killing him, and letting Faison live was the lesser of the two evils. She says, it was at the time, and he asks how that worked out for her. He’s truly sorry for her loss. The good, like Nathan, always die young, while the rest of them survive, whatever it takes. She says she doesn’t care how he escaped. She cares that Scotty is still breathing. What has Victor done with him? Victor says, Scotty took a leap of faith, so to speak, and she says, he didn’t. He tells her, don’t worry. Yes, he was thrown from the plane, but also yes, he was wearing a parachute. Does she really think he’d be so cruel to someone she cares about? She says, in a heartbeat. That’s if he actually had a heart. He says he has a pulse, and pulls her to him. It’s beating for her. Can’t she hear it? I love this already.

Scotty says Obrecht was going to a conference on Huntington’s and other inherited diseases. He was just tagging along; a little scuba diving, some island time. Anna asks, who else was on the plane? and he says, there were two pilots and a flight attendant. Jordan says, and shortly after takeoff they hit some turbulence? He says, Obrecht thought there was something wrong with the pilot, so she headed for the cockpit, but he said, no. He lead her back to her seat, and buckled her up. The oxygen masks dropped down, and they started gulping up oxygen. The next thing he remembers, he was on the ground. They were about 3000 miles away from the Devil’s Triangle. Britt asks Anna if she thinks the plane could have been hijacked, and Anna says, it’s possible, but by whom? Scotty flashes back to Obrecht saying she has to survive this. She has to help Nina. Anna says, what is it? Does he know who could have done this? Epiphany brings in Scotty’s blood test results, and Britt looks at them, frowning. Jordan says, what is it?

Alexis asks what Jax thinks, and he says he thinks his last two interventions were a complete disaster. So third time’s the charm? She says, she woudn’t be incarcerated if she didn’t try to take the law into her own hands, and I laugh. But she was drunk, so she can blame it on the booze. If Jax does something, and it blows up in his face, he’ll have no one to blame but himself. He’ll never be able to live with himself. He says, if he does nothing, will he be able to live with himself? In either scenario, a lot of people are going to be affected. A guard walks over, and Alexis tells Jax, visiting time is over. He thanks her for listening, and her advice. He’ll see her later. He starts to leave, and she says she thinks he made his decision before he came there. Good luck. He says, thanks.

Trina tells Ava, thanks for the talk, but she’s got to get back to work. Ava says, no. She wants Trina to take the rest of the day off. Find Spencer. Stake your claim. Trina says, he’s not her property, and Ava says, he’s not what’s-her-name’s either. She may have a history with Spencer, but so does Trina. Trina flashes back to telling Spencer that she doesn’t know what to believe, and him saying he’s sorry. If she tells Ava, Cam, and Joss that he pretended to be Victor, he’ll understand. She says, but he doesn’t want her to. Ava asks, what’s wrong? and Trina says, nothing. Just promise she won’t leave before saying goodbye. Ava says, she won’t. Now go find Spencer.

Spencer comes back to the table with Esme, and tells Nikolas, it pains him to say it, but Nikolas is right. He’s the last person who should throw stones. Esme says, in case Nikolas is rusty at Spencerspeak, that’s his way of saying he wants to put things back together. Spencer says, not how it was though. Better. Nikolas says, he wants that too. He’s grateful Esme was able to bring them back together, and Esme says, if Spencer is happy, she’s happy. Nikolas says, he hopes this marks a new day in Cassadine history, where all of the family ghosts are left where they belong – in the past.

Obrecht asks what Victor wants of her, and he says, the same thing he’s always wanted; her companionship. She says, he always had an agenda within another agenda, and he says, isn’t it enough that he saw her getting close to another man? She says, he had her under surveillance? and he says, she rises from the ashes, again and again, but when she turned to Mr. Baldwin, that attachment seemed distressingly real. She says, it is real. If he hurts one hair…  He says, let him go. He managed to heal himself from the physical wounds she inflicted, but he doesn’t think he could bear the emotional scars of losing her to another man. She says, deal with it, and he says, never. As soon as she accepts that, the better off she’ll be.

Scotty asks what his bloodwork says, and Britt says, there are indications of trace amounts of trichloromethane in his bloodstream. He asks if she can say that in English, and she says, chloroform. Jordan says, he told them the last thing he remembers is putting the oxygen mask on, and Anna says, what if he wasn’t breathing oxygen? What if he was being drugged to pass out, so they could strap a parachute on him without him knowing who was responsible? Britt says, who’s they and what do they want? and Scotty asks, why they would want Obrecht? Britt says she knows her mom has no shortage of enemies, but why go to all that trouble? Anna’s phone dings, and she says, it’s a message from the WSB. Scotty asks if they found Obrecht; is she okay? Anna says, they seem to be dealing with a master magician. Not only as an airplane and a person disappeared by sleight of hand, there’s something else. Britt asks, who else is missing? and Anna says, not who. It’s what. She asks Scotty what the name of the convention was that Obrecht was attending, and he says, some convention for inherited diseases. Jordan names the hotel, and asks if that’s correct, and Scotty asks, what’s the point of this? How is it helping them find Obrecht? Anna says, the convention never happened, and Jordan says, and the organization hosting it, doesn’t exist

Victor tells Obrecht, try to enjoy her accommodations, and she tries to watch what code he puts into the keypad to unlock the door. He says he thinks she’ll find he’s anticipated her every need, and leaves. She yells, a gilded cage is still a cage! She’ll find a way to escape to be with Scotty.  

Trina comes out of the elevator, and sees Spencer, Esme, and Nikolas. She says she was not expecting to see this, and Nikolas says, it seems Esme has a future in negotiating treaties. Thanks to her, he and Spencer have taken the first steps toward reconciliation. He goes over to the hostess, and puts Spencer back on his account. He waves goodbye, and Trina sits down. Spencer says she looks upset, and she says she just left the gallery. Ava said the stalker won. She’s leaving town. Esme says, that is sad, but it’s understandable she’s doing it to protect her daughter. She doesn’t want to see the same thing happen to Avery that happened to Loren. Trina says, who’s Loren? Does she mean Kiki? Oops.

Ava turns out the lights at the gallery. As she’s leaving, Jax comes in. She asks what brings him there, and he says he needs to talk about Nina.

Tomorrow, Jax says he’s not leaving until he gets answers, Sam asks Curtis why she’s not welcome at the Savoy, and Sonny asks Nina if she came to any conclusions.

💘 He Loves Liesl…

There’s a new Victor in town. In an interesting side note, Thaao Penghlis, who played Victor off and on from 1981 to 2015, will be interviewed on the new season of Mupo & Friends. You’ll be able to catch it in September on YouTube or at MupoEntertainment.com. I do the copywriting (i.e. I write the questions), and I’d asked him about playing Victor. Apparently, they’d wanted him, but he had a soapy conflict. I wonder if he spilled any beans? I’ll post the link when it’s going to air, but you can also set a reminder on YouTube.

🍹 Craig was on the two Toms’ Southern Charm watch party remotely. That was the best thing about it. Seriously, none of their random guests would make it on People’s Couch. Those people were actually funny.

💰 I half-watched Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and covid affected L.A. a little differently than NYC. It was both a buyer’s and seller’s market, although people were still looking for a bargain. Fredrik showed his clients a house that David and James – who now have different looks, but I still can’t keep it straight who’s who – were selling. They came to a deal, but the seller wanted it kept on the DL so he could speak to his wife first. No surprise, Fredrik opened his big mouth. During a party at Fredrik’s house, David and/or James confronted Fredrik. Tracy walked away, not wanting to be part of it, and I didn’t blame her. JoshA said he’d had his own beef with Fredrik, and it was water under the bridge, but you had to know who you were getting into bed with. Fredrik whined that he was sorry, but it wasn’t like he’d put it on Instagram. It was unclear whether this had or would affect the deal. JoshF was also obsessed with Tracy’s dog, Jake, as we all would be. He’s adorable. Jake, not JoshF, who’s annoying AF.

This season, fabulous houses you will never be able to afford, and Fredrik meets Dolph Lundgren, who says, you lie, you die.  

🔁 Leaving To Come Back…

On tap for tomorrow, tea time, wise words, and a whole lotta soap. Until then stay safe, stay forbearing, and stay maybe not trusting your gut so much if it’s consistently wrong.