What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Today’s GH was another Nurse’s Ball flashback from May 25th, 2016. Emma and Ned channeled Elton John, singing Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, there were more plugs for Aveeno, and Robin was in attendance. Brad and Lucas planned on tying the knot, when Bobbie felt ill, and Lucas took her to the hospital. Carly tried to get Ava to give up custody of Avery, and Ava said Carly was drunk or delusional, Carly showed her the video of her bondage session with DA Paul (remember him? you should), and threatened to post it on the internet. When Ava laughed, Carly sent the video to Paul, who didn’t think it was so funny. Epiphany found Obrecht tied up in a closet wearing a Heidi outfit, and when Jake had a bout of stage fright before making his debut, Franco told him to think of the audience as a bunch of ducks, claiming it worked every time. Jake still froze, but Franco stepped in, playing percussion, while Jake sang a duet of I-don’t-know-what-song with Who-the-hell-is-that-guy? #3. The talent part of the show ended with Magic Milo and his Magic Wands doing a magical dance, that once again finished with Nurses Ball printed on their magical butts. Diane told Drew that he was being sued because he’d purchased Aurora with money allegedly gleaned from organized crime, even though Spinelli was allegedly the best money launderer in the world. There was some hair pulling in the bathroom between Carly and Ava, until Ava got the flashdrive from Carly and flushed it down the toilet. But Carly said it was in the cloud, and Ava just lost custody of Avery. The episode ended with Lucy saying the Nurse’s Ball was about love support for a worthy cause and each other, and announcing the union of Brad and Lucas. However, Lucas didn’t make it, since he was knocked out next to Bobbie’s hospital bed.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht – Reunion (@ Home)
While all of the reunions have been virtual these days, had this been under normal circumstances, I’m certain this would have been what I call a cheap reunion, and taken place in the Clubhouse. Glenn was aboard the Perceval III outside Spain; Paget and Ciara were in Italy, and hadn’t been outside in two months; Parker was back with his true love Kaiti on a ranch in Colorado; Byron was in Majorca; Madison was also in Colorado; Georgia was back at her home base in South Africa; Jenna was in Canada; and Adam, along with dog Tex, was in Oregon. Tex is an absolutely gorgeous (I think) Australian Shepherd, multi-colored, with piercing David Bowie eyes.
Andy asked Ciara if she was bothered by Georgia’s flirting with Paget, and Ciara said, while Georgia should have been more respectful, she wouldn’t have wanted to be with someone who would want someone else. Georgia said she flirted with everyone, and even asked Glenn to marry her so she could get a green card. Ciara should have thrown her overboard. Paget said he apologized to Ciara when he watched it back, realizing how he would feel if the shoe was on the other foot. Madison rolled her eyes during the Reunion just about as much as she did on all season. Andy asked if the threesome ever landed, but that was a no. Did Andy even watch the show? That was a no five seconds after it was a maybe.
Chris joined from England, where he was getting his back issues worked on, and hoped to get back to yachting soon. I’m not sure why they even had him on, unless it was because of contractual obligations. I really liked Chris, and was disappointed that he contributed little to the dialogue other than his status, and it was goodbye. Parker said he regretted his emotions getting the best of him at times, but still thought he did well. He didn’t regret resigning because he got the love of his life back, and Glenn thought Parker’s head was now in right place. Madison whined that Jenna had crossed the line in joking around. She also dropped a hint that she might possibly be dating Luke from Summer House. While Luke is super-hot, they’re about on the same emotional level and deserve each other. If she ends up on the next Summer House season, I’ll definitely pay more attention. Ciara and Paget were downing a lot of wine, and when Andy pointed it out, Ciara said, when in Rome… We revisited the pack of dudes who were nightmare guests, one of them actually bench pressing Madison. Andy asked if any of them ever called to apologize, and while the weightlifter hadn’t, Ciara said Marshall – aka shrimp cocktail guy – apologized for acting like an entitled moron (my words).
Special guest Captain Sandy made an appearance, but it was another case of here’s your hat, what’s your hurry? and she was gone faster than Chris. I’m guessing she was just there to plug remind us that the new season of Below Deck Mediterranean was coming up next.
Andy asked if Adam and Jenna were still dating, and Jenna said the situation on the show was difficult for them. After the show, they’d gone to San Francisco together, where Jenna met Adam’s family. Then they did a lot of traveling in the van, including going to Jenna’s hometown twice, the last time for Christmas. We went back over the whole Adam being a d*ck about Jenna and Georgia having dated the same guy. Adam said it had nothing to do with that, but it was the way they were gloating over it. I don’t think that’s the word I would use, but I understood why he would have been irritated at them joking around about it in front of him. However, since his communication level at the time was zero, I’m still not giving him a pass for that one. Georgia took this to a different level, saying that Adam made Jenna ashamed of something in her past, and you shouldn’t have to break bits of yourself to suit others. She’s 100% right, but in this instance, I don’t think it was that deep. Andy asked if Jenna and Adam would ever get back together, but Adam said it was nobody’s business. Truth!
Madison said Jenna made her life a living hell, and they went on and on and on about this, but nothing seemed resolved. Jenna ended up crying, and apologizing for what seemed like the bajillionth time, and Madison said she was over it. This was the most lackadaisical reunion ever, and barely seemed to have an ending. Andy asked Adam what his biggest regret was, and Adam said he didn’t like answering a question like that. He didn’t like having regrets, and learned from all of his decisions. In this case, he learned that he despises yachting. At that point, everyone waved goodbye.
Below Deck Mediterranean
Mallorca, Spain; 24 hours before charter. A producer asks Hannah if she speaks Spanish, and Hannah says she doesn’t even speak enough Spanish to say she doesn’t speak Spanish. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says Hannah started last season well, but didn’t finish on a great note. We flashed back to the captain telling Hannah that yachting was not her passion. She says she brought Hannah back because she believes Hannah wants to do a good job; she wants to kill it. In Hannah’s interview, she says yachting might not be her career, but she’s passionate about doing a good job until she gets knocked up. Chef Kiko from South Brazil arrives, and Captain Sandy is nervous, considering what she went through with Mila. She doesn’t believe the paperwork anymore. She tells Kiko to make her proud. Malia is back, and in her interview, she tells us that she was promoted to lead deckhand last season, and now she’s bosun. She doesn’t want to get in shouting matches or boatmances; she’s more serious about it now. They have all ladies in charge this time around, and Captain Sandy tells her, dive in. In Malia’s interview, she says the last time, she liked Hannah at first, then they hated each other, and somewhere in the middle of that, they found their way back to being meh.
Deckhand Pete comes on board next, saying, The Unit has arrived. Ugh. In Hannah’s interview, she suggests he get American tattooed on his forehead. Alex is next, and in chatting with Kiko, we find out Kiko went to school in Boston. Hannah is happy to find out stew Lara has six seasons of experience, although she’d also been a chief stew. We flash back to Bugsy (season two), and in her interview, Hannah says, ugh. Are we doing this again? She hopes history doesn’t repeat itself. Deckhand Rob, and third stew Jessica arrive. In her interview, Jessica lists the myriad of jobs she’s had, including waitressing at Hooters. Alex knows Jessica from their last boat, and says she’s like an older sister and wingwoman. Rob thinks Jessica is attractive. The provisions come in, and Pete says he’s ready to be the Italian stallion. As Tanner would say, Jiminy Cricket.
Captain Sandy has a crew meeting, and says they’re all being thrown in head first. It’s a new boat – 185 feet – and she has a high bar and standard. She’s been hardened from her last crew. In the captain’s interview, she says, when you’re faced with people who are insubordinate – we flash back to Conrad – and with no motivation – we flash back to Hannah, et al – it makes you a better leader. She tells the crew, either you bring it home or take it home. She says their collective main goal is to impress the client, but the crew’s main goal is to impress her. If not, someone gets fired. We’re introduced to engineer Martin, first mate David, and second engineer Warren, all of whom, we will never see again. Hannah goes over the stews’ duties with them, and Kiko curses his life in the galley, Malia tells the deckhands to treat her like one of the boys. Pete seems like he belongs more on Jersey Shore. Hannah says one of the biggest things they need to put focus on is table décor, and Lara says, it’s one of her favorite things to do. Hannah tells her to be as creative as she can be. Lara jokes around, but Hannah isn’t receptive. In Lara’s interview, she says Hannah seems uptight, and doesn’t have a good sense of humor. Malia makes small talk, asking about everyone’s status, and Pete says he has an 8½ year old. He calls Malia sweetheart, and she’s like, what?
At the preference sheet meeting, Captain Sandy says the new primary’s name is Chris Harris. Based in Seattle, he’s an entrepreneur, with businesses ranging from nightclubs to textiles. His sister Jessica, who works for him, will be celebrating her 29th birthday, and they’re bringing along their closest friends. In Kiko’s interview, he says working on charters is harder than private yachts, since on a private yacht, you know your boss. The captain tells them that she wants the water toys out – every one, every time – whenever she drops anchor. No one can find the beer, and Lara pretends she misunderstood Hannah when she’d asked if Lara had seen it. Either that, or she’s not as smart as she seems. The beer is finally located on the aft deck.
Malia says, it’s a huge boat, and washing it down takes time. When Pete becomes a bit overbearing, she says when she needs him to take over, she’ll let him know. Lara shows Jessica how to make a fancy shape with towels for the guest beds, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Kate’s (Below Deck OG) penis. Sorry, poor choice of words on a couple of levels. In Rob’s interview, he says he was a professional model, and went into yachting to take a step back, and revaluate. He found there’s more to life than what you look like. In Hannah’s interview, she says she met someone when she was home in Australia. It’s the first time she’s seen the potential for longevity; marriage and making babies. If she can’t give 100% to her job, there’s no point in being there. Malia thinks Pete might be tough to work with, and bunkmate Hannah thinks it’s going to be Lara for her.
Everyone is on deck at 7:30 am. Captain Sandy tells Hannah, it’s game day, and Pete says, let’s make today our bitch. In the crew mess, Rob tells dad jokes. He tells everyone that owls are forgetful because they’re always saying, who? He also heard a rumor about peanut butter, but he doesn’t want to spread it. Aw, I like him. The guests arrive, and are met with champagne. Captain Sandy tells them that Hannah will give them a tour of the Wellington, and they’ll head for their first anchorage. I’ve already toured the boat (link below if you haven’t) – it’s amazing, and massive. Kiko starts lunch, and the captain begins to pull out. In her interview, she says, usually the wing station is outside, but she can’t see sh*t here. Alex drops the wrong line, and in Malia’s interview, she says, this is a big vessel. There’s no going slow. They finally move out, and Malia breathes a sigh of relief.
In her interview, Lara informs us that if a man doesn’t treat her right, it’s like a switch flips, and she forgets about them. It’s a gift. Hannah asks Jessica how many shots she’s put in the guests’ drinks, and Jessica says she poured for eight seconds. In Hannah’s interview, she says, at least Jessica has a good attitude. Jessica says either she killed it, or she killed them. The guests seem like a nice group of people; smart, and unusually normal. They’re waiting on lunch, but don’t get rowdy and start pounding the table with the silverware or carting off one of the stews like King Kong. In Kiko’s interview, he says he worked for Putin’s godson, who loved his food. While the deckhands put the jet skis in the water, Malia asks if Pete started the engine, and he calls her sweetheart again. Lunch was scheduled for 1:30 and it’s almost 3. Hannah tries to hurry Kiko, who is babbling about his family life when he was growing up. The guests applaud when the food comes out. Captain Sandy asks how the lunch was, and a few of them thought the fish was gooey. She says they spent a lot of money to be there, and she’ll talk to the chef. She wants to make sure they’re given what they want. She goes to the galley, and says she wants to try the texture of the shrimp. She thinks it’s delicious, but not firm. Kiko explains that’s because it was in a stew. The guests play in the water.
In her interview, Hannah says she initially wanted Lara on service, since she’s first stew, but she needs someone who can back her up and be supportive; not someone with an attitude. She switched them for the first charter, so she doesn’t throw herself off the boat. She tells Lara not to take it personally. Chris and another guest go off on jet skis, and Malia tells Pete and Alex to keep their eyes on them. Lara whines to Hannah about having to start at 6:30 am when she was originally told 8:30, but Hannah says they discussed rotating. Lara says she wasn’t told it was 6:30, and Hannah says she just told her. In Lara’s interview, she says she doesn’t take well to this type of thing, and only takes so much before she gets pissed off.
Jessica wants to get in the water, and Lara says, on the last boat she worked, the owner let them do what they wanted. Jessica says her last boat was like that too, and they take a selfie. Hannah pulls out all the stuff that can be used for décor, and Jessica says, it’s sad. In Hannah’s interview, she says she can only work with what she has. She tells Lara to start setting up the table for dinner. Alex and Pete ogle Lara as she figures out a centerpiece. Malia tells them to bring in the toys, and the slide is the usual pita. In his interview, Kiko describes himself as a lover chef. He presents food with love, and puts his heart and soul into it. Hannah tells Lara to clean the cabins, and in Lara’s interview, she complains that she’s being treated like a third stew. She doesn’t like doing cabins anymore. Uh-oh. Chef Kiko is making risotto, the most troublesome dish on the planet. Hannah tells him that she can be helpful when the chef’s not screaming at her. The guests are presented with truffle risotto and filet mignon. Chris thinks the meat is wrong, but I’m not sure if he means it’s gone bad or is badly cooked. The captain checks on dinner, and suggests he get another steak. She brings it back to Kiko, and says the guest complained it was dry. (Question answered) She tells him, give it more reduction sauce. Talk about a hands on captain.
Lara asks if she can eat, and sits in the crew mess, while Kiko makes another steak for Chris. Chris pronounces it delicious, and much better. Dessert is a chocolate brownie with vanilla bean ice cream and a mixed berry confit. I’ll take six, please. Captain Sandy tells Kiko, good job. In Kiko’s interview, he says the captain is making him more confident, so he knows he can do it. Lara starts to eat, and Hannah radios her to start clearing the main deck. Hannah starts without her, and wonders how long it takes for a stew to eat. Lara tries radioing back, but can’t seem to get the radio to work. Lara finally goes upstairs, and Hannah says she’d like to be acknowledged when she asks Lara to do something. In her interview, Lara says if someone is mean to her, she’s going to be mean back. What is the problem with these people that they don’t understand a job means you have a boss who tells you what to do? Lara gripes about not having time, and Hannah says, if she was Lara, she’d start showing some respect.
This season, fire-eaters, acrobats, a return guest, twelve guests for dinner (hint: that’s big), Hannah hopes history doesn’t repeat itself, Captain Sandy gets mad, Malia confronts Pete about the sweetheart thing, a storm blows things off-course, and Hannah has to explain the pantry to Jessica.
🚣🏽♂️ Meet the Crew…
While the jury is still out, I see Malia having trouble with Unit Pete and Alex down the road. Mostly Pete.
https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck-mediterranean/about
⛴ Tour the Boat…
It’s pretty impressive. Let Captain Sandy give you a personal tour.
🐻 Smarter Than the Av-er-age Bear…
He was probably looking for the pic-a-nic basket.
https://www.prevention.com/life/a32685365/black-bear-breaks-into-car-screaming-viral-video/
💀 It’s Creepy and It’s Kooky…
Still stuck at home? After looking at these, you might be glad.
https://the-line-up.com/virtual-tours-creepiest-places-in-the-world
🍷 For the Sommelier In You…
And it’s cheaper than flying there.
https://www.liquor.com/virtual-wine-trips-4846347
☀️ The Unofficial Start Of Summer Has Begun…
Weekends have gotten like vacations used to be. (I think I remember those…) By the time I relax, it’s over. I hear Five Below is open again, so apparently, civilization is starting to return. When you get out in it, keep it peaceful. Stay safe, stay out of chaos, and stay believing things will be better. And never say, it can’t get worse.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 