Tag Archives: Fear the Walking Dead

Oct21

October 20, 2023 – Alexis Blindsides Judge Kim, Mr. Christmas, Salt Shaking, Villainous, VanderSecrets, About Fear, Mary Deleted, Reasons Why, All Dressed Up, Seven Quotes Plus a Tagline & Everybody

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna tells her bodyguard that she’s not used to having one, and she really appreciates everything he’s doing. He says, not a problem, Miss Devane, and she asks him to call her Anna. She asks if he saw anything suspicious when she was with her friends, but he says, there was nothing out of the ordinary. She says, nobody paid special attention to her or… He says he watched the surrounding area the whole time and saw nothing that was a threat to her.

As they approach the house, Charlotte asks why Valentin insisted on picking her up early from school. He says, because he has a surprise for her, and opens the door. Laura is there and Charlotte runs to her, hugging her, and saying she missed Laura so much.

Esme brings Ace into the hospital and Spencer runs up to him, saying, Ace has a doctor’s appointment today. That’s so cool. He asks why Esme didn’t tell him that Ace had a doctor’s appointment today.

Robert sees Diane at the fitness studio and says, it’s Killer Miller. What’s she doing here at this time of day? Hold on. Does her infamous client Mr. Corinthos know she’s here doing yoga, and not sitting around clutching her cellphone, waiting for his beck and call?

Elizabeth goes into Drew’s room, and he says, she’s not his regular nurse. She says, he’s not her regular patient. She asks how he’s feeling, and he says, good. Maybe a little too good.

Gregory says he’s read Judge Kim’s opinions, and he considers himself an originalist. Correct? The judge says, yes. He believes the meaning of our Constitution doesn’t change over time. Alexis says she was just reading an article about Ascher Alexander, and he shares that view. Gregory asks if that isn’t the millionaire investment banker? and Alexis says, mm-hmm. Kim says he’s certainly heard of him, but he wouldn’t know if Alexander would agree with any of his judicial opinions. He’s never met the man. Alexis says, really. Interesting. So he flew to St. Thomas on this man’s private jet to go deep sea fishing, and yet he’s never met him? Visibly uncomfortable, Kim says, with all due respect to her sources, he believes she’s been misinformed, but Alexis says, on the contrary. She can provide dates, records, flight manifests, or anything else she needs to prove he did fly to the Caribbean with Ascher Alexander. It seems to be a major conflict of interest. Would he care to comment?

Meeting Dante at the Bistro, Cody asks what he’s got there, and Dante says, just some paperwork he has to file for administrative leave. Cody says, Sam told him about that. Does this mean he gets to just hang around the house in his PJs and still get paid? Dante says, no, not quite. The PCPD is going to do an investigation to see if his reasons for shooting the perp were justified. Cody says, he’s a great cop. Just doing his job, right? Nothing’s simple. Everything’s so damn complicated. It’s pretty frustrating. Dante asks what he’s talking about, and Cody says, it seems like you do the right thing and get the wrong outcome.

Elizabeth says, once Drew’s made a full recovery and is cleared by the doctors, he’ll be sent back to Pentenville. It’s got to be tough. Drew says, in the meantime, he gets the pleasure of her company, and she says, nice deflection. He says, she’s got to fill him in on the boys; how’s Cameron doing? She takes his blood pressure and says, the boys are actually really well. Cameron is loving being at Stanford. Academically, he’s doing well, and as for soccer, he’s not a starter yet – he hasn’t played enough games – but he’s proven himself to be a very valuable player. Drew says, that’s fantastic. What about Aiden? She says, he’s still baking. He made a pie the other day; it was so delicious. Drew says, when she talks about Aiden’s baking, his mouth starts watering, and she says, he’s very talented, and he’s determined. He plans on going to the most prestigious pastry academy in Paris. And he wants to pay for it himself. Drew says, wow. How’s he going to manage that? She says, he started his own little business. He has a website and everything. He’s selling fancy cupcakes. He ships them out or delivers them if they’re local. She keeps telling him to talk to Carly and see if she can sell them at Kelly’s. Drew says, that’s a good idea. He’ll put in a good word for him with Carly. She says, he would love that, and he asks, how’s Jake? She says, Jake has a girlfriend.

Alexis says, since Judge Kim is claiming not to know Ascher Alexander, she’s assuming he neglected to report this deep-sea fishing trip on his tax filings or any other gifts or accommodations he received from this very influential friend. Is she right in that assumption? The judge gets up and says he agreed to be interviewed on his judicial philosophy, not to answer questions about where or with whom he chooses to vacation. Although he shouldn’t be surprised by this blatant ambush. He remembers her reputation as an attorney. That is, when she could still practice law. Cheap tricks and judicial violations. No wonder she was disbarred. Gregory says, so far, they haven’t heard a denial.

Diane says, for Robert’s information, she’s often here at this time of day. It’s the only time the studio offers this particular class. And might she remind him, she works for herself, unlike him. So no matter how demanding her clients are, her life is her own to schedule. But him, a public servant taking a three-hour lunch break to pump some iron? She wonders what The Invader would have to say about that.

Doc joins Esme, and Spencer says, it just that the first he heard about Ace’s appointment with his pediatrician was this morning when he got a confirmation text from the doctor’s office, so a heads up would have been nice. Esme says, it’s really not a big deal. The pediatrician had a cancellation this morning and offered the spot to Ace, so she took it. Doc was nice enough to offer them a ride to the hospital. Spencer says he appreciates Doc doing that; he’s sorry that Doc had to. Doc says, it was no trouble, and Spencer says he would have taken them himself had he known. Esme says, it’s just as well. Spencer was with Trina, and she didn’t want to interrupt that. Spencer says, they’ve talked about this multiple times, including in that parenting class she suggested they take with one another. He wants to be at all of Ace’s medical appointments, even the small ones. She says, and what for? and he says he’s Ace’s older brother. She tells him, and she’s his mother and she’s perfectly capable of looking after her own son.

Charlotte says she’s missed Laura so much, and Laura says she missed Charlotte too. And she’s sorry she was away so long. Charlotte asks if she found Uncle Nikolas, and Laura says she didn’t actually see Uncle Nikolas. Charlotte says, that’s too bad, but Laura says, that’s okay. She does know he’s all right. She thinks he’s traveling right now. He needs a little time to himself. Charlotte asks if she knows when he’ll be back in Port Charles, and Laura says she’s not sure, but she didn’t want to wait to see Charlotte any longer. She wants to hear everything about Charlotte’s life. She wants to hear about school and her friends and her classes. Valentin says, this third wheel is going to let them catch up. He has some errands to run. He’ll be back later. He kisses the top of Charlotte’s head and leaves. Charlotte watches him go, and Laura asks if she’s worried about her father.

Gregory tells Judge Kim, with all due respect, a simple denial of this fishing trip would clear up any misunderstanding. He denies he took the trip; he denies he was a passenger on Alexander’s jet? Kim says, this interview is over, but Alexis says, he agreed to this interview on the record, which means she’s free to publish anything and everything that was said here today, which in the end, could prove very embarrassing to him. It might also stall his rise to the Federal Circuit. Kim says, she lured him here under false pretenses, and she says, all he has to do is commute the sentence, the unfair, harsh sentence he imposed on Drew Cain, to time served and set him free. Then this interview will never see the light of day. Kim says, so that’s what this is all about. Blackmail? She belongs in a prison cell next to Drew Cain. He walks out. Um… That didn’t go well. Maybe she played that hand too quickly.

Robert asks if Diane is questioning his work ethic, and she says, he’s questioning hers. He says he’s just happy to see her, and she says, that’s how he shows it? He says, yeah, and she laughs. She says she thinks they’re so used to sparring with each other in court, that’s become their default M.O. He says he’s thinking maybe they should change that, and she says, then what would they do for fun?

Dante tells Cody, Sasha went through a pretty big ordeal. Maybe her leaving town isn’t a bad idea. Cody says, it’s a terrible idea and he told her so. Sasha wouldn’t listen to him. Dante asks what he said to her, and Cody says, he told her, moving to Austin without a job or friends or family would be a mistake. Dante says, and? and Cody says, and what? Dante asks what else he said to her, and Cody says, nothing. Dante says, he didn’t tell Sasha that he wanted her to stay? and Cody says, no. Dante asks, why not?

A nurse tells Esme that the doctor is ready to see Ace now, and Spencer picks up the diaper bag, but Esme says she’s got it, taking it from him. She says she’d prefer to speak to the pediatrician alone, and follows the nurse. Spencer says, what the hell was that about? and Doc says, that was Esme exerting her parental rights, which Spencer does not share.

Charlotte say she thinks papa is worried about her, and Laura says, most parents do worry about their kids. Is there something specific she thinks her dad’s worried about? Charlotte says, he’s never pulled her out of school early to see Laura. She knows Laura was gone, but she could have just seen her tonight, so why did he pick her up early from school? Laura says she thinks she can solve this mystery. She requested this special meeting because Charlotte is her number one priority ahead of everything else, and she wanted to have this time together before she had to go back and assume her mayoral duties. Charlotte says, now that Laura’s back, she doesn’t feel so alone now, and they hug.

Valentin asks if Anna has been sitting alone in the dining room since her meeting with Jordan, and she says she has. He asks, why? and kisses her. He could have just as easily met her in her room. She says she doesn’t like being alone in her suite, but he says, she’s not alone, is she? She has Sonny’s bodyguard watching over her. She says she just feels trapped… vulnerable, and isolated from the rest of the world. Like a sitting duck, waiting for whoever’s after her to strike again.

Cody tells Dante that he didn’t let Sasha know he wanted her to stay in Port Charles because he did what he always does; he made it about himself. Dante asks, how so? and Cody says he doesn’t even know how it happened. He started talking about people making mistakes and how everyone does it, and the next thing he knows, he’s confessing to her that Mac Scorpio is his biological father and he lied to Mac about it. Dante asks what he was thinking, and Cody says he wasn’t. Dante says, he really did make it all about himself, and Cody says he knows. He was desperate. He really doesn’t want her to go.

Valentin says, Anna doesn’t have to stay here alone if she doesn’t feel safe. She has other alternatives. She says she’s not staying with him, because he has Charlotte to consider, and she’s not about to bring whatever danger is after her down on Charlotte. He says she’s right. He’s going to have to get along with his daughter right now and it’s not a good time, but he did buy that house for the two of them. She says, regardless of what she just said, she is fine here, but he says he disagrees. She doesn’t have to stay here alone. She has plenty of friends In Port Charles she can turn to.

Robert says, you want to have fun with moi? and Diane says, if it hasn’t been made clear, she does. She enjoys spending time with him. What she doesn’t enjoy is being made to think she’s an afterthought or a default friend. He says, wait a minute. He’d like them not to be just friends, and she says, meaning? He says, why don’t they pick up where they left off? She says, absolutely not.

Alexis tells Gregory, what difference does it make? She just let that guy leave with the upper hand. What was she thinking? That she was going to hammer him so hard, he would admit he’s corrupt in taking gifts from special interests? Gregory says, she doesn’t know what he was thinking when he left, and she says, that guy is scum, but he has an excellent legal mind, and he did what he should have done. He walked out. And her? She’s left with half an interview where he didn’t admit to doing anything wrong and zero leverage to help Drew.

Drew asks, who’s the lucky girl? and Elizabeth says, Charlotte Cassadine. He says, good for them. He loves hearing all this good news. She says, Charlotte wasn’t her favorite person when she was little, but she’s grown up a lot. She thinks Charlotte might actually be good for Jake. He says, in what ways? and she says, her boy is so shy and reserved, and Charlotte is very confident, and it seems to be rubbing off on him. It’s the first time since Franco’s death that Jake doesn’t seem down all the time. He says he’s really glad to hear that, and she says, and Charlotte is the most popular girl in the class, so dating her has really boosted his self-esteem. He says, that’s great. He loves Jake like Jake was his own son. She says she knows. Jake loves Drew too. Drew means a lot to all of them. A guard comes in and says, the transfer paperwork’s been approved. He’ll be taking Drew to Pentenville.

Laura says she knows Charlotte doesn’t know very much about her or her childhood, but to tell her the truth, she was very alone as a kid. And it was really painful. She guesses she just wanted Charlotte to know that she’s not alone because Charlotte has her, and she also has her dad. Charlotte says, Laura is right. She does have her and papa, but that’s it. She doesn’t have any friends at school. Laura says she’s so sorry and asks if Charlotte is having trouble making friends. Charlotte says, yes and no. She thinks she’s just been away from Port Charles for too long. All her old friends are into different things now. They just keep their distance from her. (I’m confused. Didn’t Elizabeth just say she was the most popular girl in class?) Laura says, Elizabeth told her that Charlotte and Jake have become friends. Sometimes all you need is one good friend. Charlotte says she and Jake are friends, and he’s really nice, but he’s a boy. That’s a lot different when you don’t have another girl to talk about things with. Laura says, Charlotte’s got her, and Charlotte says, yeah, but Laura’s her grandma. It’s not the same. She just doesn’t have someone to hang out with. And papa’s never around; he’s always busy. Laura says, yeah. He spends an awful lot of time with Anna, doesn’t he?

Anna tells Valentin that she’s not going to impose herself on Jordan like that. Or Mac and Felicia. That’s just too much to ask. He says he doesn’t think any of them would feel like it was an imposition. Mac and Jordan have law enforcement training, so if whoever’s targeting her is… She says, the solution is not for her to hole up with her friends and bring danger to their door. The solution is for her to go after whoever’s trying to dismantle her life and shut them down.

Spencer tells Doc, there’s really no need for people to keep reminding him that he’s not Ace’s father. He gets that. But Ace’s father, who is also his father, is missing in action because he doesn’t care that he has  two sons. Doc says, Spencer doesn’t know what’s going on in Nikolas’s head any more than he does. Benefit of the doubt is always the healthiest approach until you know the facts. (Not according to Dr. Phil.) Spencer says, his grandmother, who is the kindest, sweetest, most determined person on the planet, has finally had to admit to herself that his father isn’t coming back. And someone needs to fill that void. Someone needs to be there for him. Someone who’s not Esme. To be honest, Spencer doesn’t much care what the official title is, be it father or brother, he’s going to step up and take care of his baby brother. He’s going to do it. Doc says, he should care. His love and commitment to Ace is commendable, but he doesn’t have any actual parental rights where Ace is concerned. He understands that, yeah? Spencer says he understands that, and he’d really like to stop hearing that from people like Doc and everybody else. Doc says, he’s heard this before? and Spencer says, yes. He gets it. From a legal standpoint, Esme has the final say. Doc says, that’s right, and Spencer says, fortunately, with the exception of this… he guesses they’ll chalk it up to a miscommunication, he and Esme have been able to work together to take care of Ace, and he’s not expecting that’s going to change any time soon.

Robert tells Diane that he’s a little confused. He thinks he’s getting mixed signals. She says, nope. She doesn’t send mixed signals. Picking up where they left off would leave such a bad taste in her mouth. It would just remind her of how she was used for Holly’s agenda and how she was treated when Holly was around. He says he’s sorry, and she thanks him, but asks him to let her finish. She’s been back and forth in her head about him. The moment she starts to think, even for a second, about what a great guy he is – funny, charming – she’s blindsided again by yet another revelation about something, anything in his past. So he wants to know where she is right now with this? He says, definitely, and she says, good. She’ll tell him.

Cody says he’s been going on and on about his troubles when Dante, his best friend, is under investigation at work for shooting someone. Dante says, it’s nothing. This is just police procedure. It’s easier than doing math homework with Rocco. Dante sucks at math. Cody thanks him, and Dante says, for what? Cody says, for everything he’s done. Not just for him since he got here to Port Charles, but for Sasha too. He doesn’t know if they could have pulled this off without Dante and Sam. He’s a good friend. So is Sam. Dante says, she came around, huh? and Cody says he knew that was going to happen; he’s irresistible. Dante says he doesn’t know if Sasha thinks so. He’s sorry all this stuff is happening with Sasha. He knows she’s come to mean a lot to Cody.

Laura says, when Charlotte first got back from camp, she went to live with Dante and Sam, and her dad lived with Anna. What did she think about that? Charlotte says, that was just temporary while papa was buying this house for them, so she didn’t try to think about it. She asks what Laura thinks about the house papa bought for her, and Laura says her opinion isn’t as important as Charlotte’s is, so what does she think about the house? Charlotte flashes back to Valentin telling Anna that he bought the house for them, so they could move in with Charlotte and start a life together. She tells Laura, it’s all she wanted, and Laura says, a house like this? but Charlotte says, a home for her and papa. All to themselves.

Valentin says he’s sorry this is happening to Anna. She doesn’t deserve this at all. Anna says she disagrees, because they both know she brought this down on herself. She was a double agent. She betrayed the WSB and betrayed her country. And she has to accept the fallout from that. She wipes some tears away, and he says, no. Nothing could be further from the truth. She’s being targeted. She’s having her entire life dismantled by someone’s twisted idea of vengeance. She asks why he’d say that. Why does he think it’s revenge instead of justice?

Cody says he’s just being selfish, and Dante asks, how so? Cody says, wanting Sasha to stay here in Port Charles, but Dante says he doesn’t think it’s selfish. Cody likes her and wants what’s best for her. Cody says, if he does, maybe he needs to realize this is going to be really hard for her. These reminders of Brando and Liam, and that nightmare Gladys. Dante says, they’re never going to have to worry about Gladys again. She’s not going to show up in Port Charles. Cody says, Sam told him that Dante’s dad made sure of that, and Dante says, Sonny can be persuasive. Cody laughs and says he bets.

Robert asks why he feels he’s about to get hit by the infamous Killer Miller atom bomb, and Diane says, buck up, soldier. She has the feeling Robert Scorpio can handle what she’s about to say. Besides, this a golden opportunity for someone, who shall remain nameless, but who is him, to become a better human being. He says, okay. Lay it on him. She says, no. They’re not going to pick up where they left off. There’s too much hurt and confusion and betrayal and dishonesty down that road. He asks what she’s suggesting, and she says, they wipe the slate clean. They clear the chessboard as it were. And this is great. He gets to put his paw in anywhere he wants to, because he’s starting at square one.

Alexis tells Gregory, that might have been their only chance to get Drew released and she fumbled it. He says, she didn’t fumble it. She got to him. She says she should have approached this like in negotiations where each party gets what they want. A subtle warning to Judge Kim about a potentially embarrassing career decision and then he gets a chance to clean it up before the dam breaks, and then an early, quiet release for Drew. Nothing said overtly, only implied. This is how deals are done every day, but she had to go for the jugular. She had to grandstand. Does he know why she did that? He says he thinks she’s about to tell him, and she says, because that’s what lawyers do and she’s a lawyer. Or she wants to be one and she misses it. She wanted to win and she lost big; not for her, but for Drew.

Elizabeth tells Drew, maybe they can delay this. Dr. Ashford is on duty. She could speak to him, and he could say there are more tests that need to be done tomorrow, and he can stay here an extra night. Drew says, there’s not point in delaying the inevitable. Honestly, it would probably make it more torturous. They both know he’s going to end up in prison eventually. She says, then let her call Carly for him, but he says, no. She says, why not? and he says, because he doesn’t want her to see him literally hauled out of here in chains. It would be better if she just finds out about it once he’s gone.

Dante gets up, and Cody says, he’s leaving? He thought Dante could sit around all day and listen to him sulk. Dante says, that sounds like a lot of fun, but he has to get this stuff to Mac. Seeing that Cody’s told Sasha that Mac is his father, doesn’t Cody think he should tell Mac the truth too? He thinks Mac deserves to know he’s got a son. Cody says, no way. He lied to Mac’s face about being his son. There’s no way he could look at Mac’s face and see the disappointment and hurt when he found out. Dante says he’s not going to push it, but think about what he’s keeping from Mac. This isn’t a minor thing. Cody not telling Mac that he’s his son, makes his life a lot more complicated. Dante leaves.

Robert says, as an ex-spy, he’s strategic and an excellent chess player, and Diane asks what he’s saying. He says he accepts the challenge and the conditions, and she says, excellent. She’s just going to give him a warning. He says, wait a minute. A warning. A strategic advantage to him. She says, sometimes a warning is just a warning. This is a game between her and him. If he invites anyone else to play, or even watch, then she’s going to take her queen and go home. He says, just her and him. and she says, those are her terms. He says he’s liking how this sounds already. Just them; Robert and Diane. She says, more like Diane and Robert, but here’s one more thing. Not only will she take her queen and go home, she will take the entire chessboard, and there won’t be a rematch. She leaves, and he half-smiles.

Doc says he gets it. Ace is Spencer’s little brother, and Spencer wants only the best for him. But he really doesn’t help Ace if he denies the reality of the situation. Spencer says, the reality is that he’s going to do what he can for Ace, but Doc says, the reality is, Spencer and Esme no longer have anything in common except Ace. And as their lives diverge, and they will, Spencer may have to accept a reduced role in Ace’s life. Spencer says, no. He doesn’t accept that. Esme comes back with Ace, and Spencer asks, how’d it go? Esme says, Ace is once again in the 99 percentile, and Spencer tells Ace, way to go. That’s what he’s talking about. This calls for a celebration. Why don’t they go to Kelly’s and celebrate? He thanks Doc for his help, and says he appreciates it. He’ll take it from here. He leaves with Esme, who tells Ace, a cup of hot cocoa from Kelly’s does sound good, doesn’t it?

Laura say she knows how close Charlotte is with her father, but as much as he loves her, he was never a teenage girl. But Laura was and she remembers what it felt like. And it was really, really hard sometimes, just to be yourself. She felt like no one understood her. She never knew how she fit in, in her family. She didn’t feel like she fit in at school at all, or with her friends. And she had two really successful doctor parents and that was kind of hard. She didn’t always believe everything they told her. Did she take the advice they gave her? No, she didn’t. It was a very hard time. Painful. Confusing. Can Charlotte keep a secret? Charlotte says, sure, and Laura says, when she was Charlotte’s age, she made some really big mistakes. Charlotte says, really? and Laura says, yes, she did. She takes Charlotte’s hand and says, and it was Charlotte’s great-grandmother Leslie who saved her really. She was like Laura’s rock, and Laura wants to be there for Charlotte now, the way Leslie was there for her. She wants that more than anything and wouldn’t have it any other way. So if there’s something Charlotte needs to say to someone, something that maybe she needs to share, she’s here to listen to Charlotte. Charlotte says, grandma… Laura says, yes, dear? and Charlotte says she’s really glad Laura is back. She missed her. Laura says she missed Charlotte too, and they hug.  

Valentin says, this all started at the reading of Victor’s will and Anna’s WSB file being released to the press. She says, his father’s final act of revenge on her, and he says, no doubt. He thinks there’s someone else targeting her on Victor’s behalf.

Gregory asks if Alexis has always been this hard on herself, and she says, yes, especially when she screws up like she did today, and the screw up affects somebody she cares about. He says he’s sorry. He doesn’t see it that way. He was here, and saw and heard her in action. She was great. And if anything significant happened today, it was that she made a sacrifice. She says, what sacrifice? and he says, every instinct she had was, is still, screaming to publish an exposé on Kim’s corruption, barbecue him in The Invader. But she pulled back for Drew’s sake and offered him a deal. Alexis says she came on too strong, but Gregory says, there’s no guarantee that a softer approach would have been any more effective. She says, the point is, she went after Judge Kim because she wanted to, and it was stupid and unprofessional. Alexis’s phone rings, and she thanks them for letting her know. Keep her posted. She tells Gregory, that was a friend of hers from the Federal building. She said that Judge Kim asked his clerk to pull Drew Cain’s file. Gregory says, and? and she says, apparently, he may be reconsidering Drew’s sentence. Gregory says, see? Nice work, counselor.

Elizabeth watches as Drew is wheeled out wearing leg irons, since he might make a sprint from the wheelchair. They lock eyes for a moment, and she watches as he’s wheeled into the elevator. She stands in front of the elevator, and they look at each other with sad faces as the elevator doors close.

On Monday, Brook asks, since when does granny’s opinion hold any weight with Lois; Cody says he had his chance and threw it away; and Sonny tells someone, the next thing they say could have lasting repercussions.

🎄 Nathan Rushes the Season…

I swear this guy is in every other holiday movie.

Preview Ryan Paevey’s Magical New Christmas Movie!

🧂 Salting the Lake…

This week’s shenanigans.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4, Episode 7 Recap: Tempers Rise at Angie’s Easter Brunch

It says something about you when your own son wants to hide his marriage.

https://people.com/rhoslc-recap-mary-cosby-son-robert-jr-was-secretly-married-for-a-year-8362974

🗽 Gorgeous Is Gonna Devour Cute…

Tiffany is awful, but I like her, and God help me, I might have to take Jax off the awful list. I’m surprised at how good this show is.

Tiffany Pollard Discusses Making Jax Taylor Cry and Omarosa Feud on House of Villains

https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/tiffany-pollard-a-hero-in-the-villain-house

🍸 SURish Secrets…

It’s not really all that interesting, mostly about Bravo being cheap, but keeping the Pump rolling until the new season begins.

Ariana Madix Reveals Vanderpump Rules Secrets

⚰️ One Fear Coming Up…

Sunday, October 22nd, 9 pm EST. Be dead or be there. Of course the finale is in two parts. It’s a thing now.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-series-finale/

https://screenrant.com/fear-walking-dead-season-8-two-part-finale/

🧹 Extra Extra…

Wow. It’s all pretty tame by today’s standards.

https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-deleted-scene-grocery-store-mary-steals-child/

🎃 Today’s Lesson…

More Halloween lore.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

🐶 Will Do a Trick a Treat…

I love this dog.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/pug-latte-costume

Come on. You know you want to dress your dogs up. You probably want to dress up your cats too, but we all know how that can go.

https://people.com/best-dog-halloween-costumes-8362521

https://www.etonline.com/the-best-last-minute-dog-halloween-costume-ideas-to-put-a-spell-on-everyone-hocus-pocus-baby-yoda

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us. – Susan L. Taylor

The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away. – David Viscott

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain’t nothin’ can beat teamwork. – Edward Abbey

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty. – Thomas S. Monson

To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to change often. – Winston Churchill

Once you start recognizing the truth of your story, finish the story. It happened but you’re still here, you’re still capable, powerful, you’re not your circumstance. It happened and you made it through. You’re still fully equipped with every single tool you need to fulfill your purpose. – Steve Maraboli (Or as Sweet Pea said in Sucker Punch: You’ve got your weapons. Now fight.)

For better or worse, Beanies were like crack. – Rich Kelley, The Beanie Bubble

🫦 My Real Housewives tagline: Sometimes going commando really does mean you’re carrying a machine gun. Holla!

🕸 Being Altogether Ooky…

Meet me here on Sunday for a Fear quickie. Until then, stay safe, stay bringing the appropriate hostess gift to a Halloween party – you know, like a coffin – and stay remembering, sometimes all you need is one good friend.

Oct19

October 18, 2023 – Ava’s Kidnapping Aftermath, Island Wedding, Stay Put, Early Exit, Charitable, Lake #2, Fear’s End, Final Daryl, Ranking Dragons, Modern Remake, Halloween Show-Offs & Scary

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis hoists himself into bed, when Portia asks if he wants some company.

Tracy says, blackmail is a harsh word, and Lois says, but that’s exactly what Tracy did to get Lois’s daughter to do what she wanted. Tracy says she prefers strongly suggested, but clearly that’s a moral shortcoming. Lois says she doesn’t think moral shortcoming even begins to cover it. How about epic fail as a grandmother? Is this how Tracy treats her granddaughter? Tracy says, Brook came to her for help, and she gave it to her, but Lois says, Tracy didn’t help Brook; she took advantage of her. And now Tracy has to answer to her.

In bed with Sonny, Nina says she likes them wearing their wedding bands. It makes it more official. He says he doesn’t think a big wedding would have been as special, and she agrees. She loved their intimate wedding. No stress, just love. She thanks him, not just for the wedding, but for everything. He made her perfectly happy. He says, yes, she’s perfect, and kisses her.

Kristina says she still can’t believe Blaze is in Puerto Rico, and Blaze says, well, believe it. Kristina can thank her abuela. Kristina says, thank you, abuela. She’d love to meet her. Blaze says, Kristina would love her. She’s a force of nature. Kristina says, that’s where Blaze gets it from, and Blaze says, her abuela is five feet tall and a hundred pounds, but that lady is a fireball. Kristina suggests they raise a glass to her and asks, how about a frozen margarita? Blaze says she’d love one.

As they walk down the hall, Deanna tells Austin, white male, 41, two GSWs to the back. The paramedics think the shots might have missed his spine. He’s been in and out of consciousness. They go into a room, and Austin sees that it’s Mason.

Carly walks in the door and calls for Josslyn. She says she got here as soon as she could, and asks Josslyn, what’s wrong? Before Josslyn can answer, there’s a knock at the door, and Carly opens it to a disheveled Ava with Dex and Dante. Carly asks if she’s okay and Ava says she will be once she sees her daughter. Is Avery all right?

Sam goes into Drew’s room and asks if he’s up for a visitor. He says, of course (🍷) he is. He’s always glad to see her. He knows he told her that he didn’t want Scout to see him in the hospital, but is there any chance she ignored that and brought that beautiful girl here with her? She says, Scout is at a sleepover, and he says, let him guess; she’s at the Qs getting in some dog time. Sam says, he guessed right. She can’t get enough of Annabelle II, but – Sam puts a gift bag on the tray – Scout sent her here with a little gift. She takes out a plaque and says, check that out. He says, will you look at that, and we see it’s an award to Scout for Outstanding Swimmer.

Josslyn tells Ava that Avery is perfectly fine. She’s asleep in her room upstairs and Pilar is with her. Ava says, thank God, and Josslyn says she figured it was better that Avery slept here than the police station. Ava thanks Josslyn and goes upstairs to see Avery. Carly asks Josslyn, what the hell is going on? and Dante says, they just came from the police station where Ava made her statement. Carly says, statement for what? and Dante says, it’s a long story, but Ava was abducted a couple nights ago and tonight, Joss and Dex rescued her. Dex says, they can’t take all the credit; there was a major assist from Dante. Carly asks if Josslyn is okay, and Josslyn says she’s perfectly fine. She was just at the police station with Avery and Pilar. Dex and Dante were the ones actually doing the rescuing. Carly says, this is crazy. Ava was abducted? Dante says, by Mason Gatlin.

Austin asks Deanna to get Dr. Larson for him. This patient is his cousin; he can’t take the lead. She says, right away, and leaves. Austin closes the door and asks if Mason can hear him. He’s in the hospital and Austin needs him to wake up. Mason’s eyes flutter open, and Austin says, where’s Ava?

Nina tells Sonny, it’s so peaceful here, so quiet. It’s like an oasis of tranquility. You’d never guess there was a casino on this island. He says, that’s because of the ocean. You can hear the waves and breeze going through the palm trees. The only thing better than that is sharing it with her. She says, he has such a handsome face and he’s so relaxed. She hasn’t seen him this relaxed since Nixon Falls. It’s nice to see him unwind. He’s been very stressed lately. He says, there was a situation he let go way too long, but when he gets back, he’s going to handle it.

As Kristina pours the drinks, she tells Blaze that the secret is using tequila aged in oak barrels. Blaze says, Kristina knows her stuff. She’s impressed. Kristina says, her mother wasn’t. She was less than thrilled with Kristina’s decision to become a bartender. Blaze says, first of all, there’s nothing wrong with bartending, and secondly, Kristina is doing so much more. She not only manages Charlie’s, she’s getting that youth center off the ground. Kristina says, her mother has finally made peace with her choices and come to respect her position at Charlie’s and the youth center. Why are they talking about her mother? What do they toast to? Blaze says, to her, the new Face of Deception, and they clink glasses.

Tracy tells Lois to get off her high horse. Brook is an adult, she got herself into trouble, and Brook came to her for a favor to get her out of it. Lois says, and Tracy thought blackmail was the way to do it? How could she? Tracy says she made it perfectly clear that favors come at a cost. Brook agreed to the deal and went into it with her eyes open. Lois says, Tracy forced her daughter to commit intellectual property fraud. She stole design information from Deception, a company her friends owned. She betrayed them. That’s not Tracy calling in a favor; that’s called extortion. Tracy says, potato, potahto. Brook got what she wanted. It’s only fair that Tracy should get what she wanted. End of story.

Curtis says, sure, and Portia gets into bed next to him. She says, dinner was nice, right? It was so lovely of Stella to take them out to celebrate. He says, Portia was promoted to Co-Chief of Staff. That’s definitely something worth celebrating. Portia says, hopefully, there will be many more happy occasions to come. One she can see right now, where they’ll have a big party – at The Savoy, of course (🍷) – is Trina’s graduation. He suggests they not get ahead of themselves. That’s still two years away. (I’m glad he said that. I thought I lost time or something.) She says, but time is going to fly by. He knows how things go, and he knows what a planner she is. It’s never too early to start thinking about the details. They’ll have N’neka come up with a specialty drink, something really cute, like the Trina Twist. They laugh, and she says, and they’ll have a DJ, not a band, because Trina’s going to want to dance all night long. Curtis says, yeah, and he won’t be able to dance with his daughter.🍼He’ll just be watching from the sidelines, so he guesses he’s got to get used to that view.

Tracy tells Lois, Brook brought this on herself. Chase had an opportunity to get his job back, and Brook dragged her feet. Lois asks what she’s talking about, and Tracy says, Brook was asked to write a testimonial about Chase’s sterling character, but she kept putting it off. Why? Because she was so busy managing his fledgling music career, but really, she just wanted him by her side. She acted out of pure selfishness. Lois says, and that she got from Tracy.

Portia says she knows how difficult this must be for Curtis, but he says he doesn’t think she does. She says, but she’s here for him. She puts her hand on his shoulder, and says, please don’t shut her out. He says, just stop, and she says she misses him. She misses their closeness. He says he just can’t. He told her the other day that he can’t show her love the way he used to. She says, yes, and she told him that she’d be there for him, and that’s what she’s trying to do. She’s trying to show him that, yes, their love might look different than the way it used to, but they can still connect with one another. They can connect physically. He says, she’s not hearing him. Even if he could do… this, he’s just not ready.

Kristina says, Blaze is really going to be the new Face of Deception? That’s huge. Maybe they should be switching to champagne. Blaze says, don’t pop the cork yet. She hasn’t even accepted the offer. She’s got to think about it. She doesn’t love the idea of giving up what’s left of her privacy, and she’s not sure she should split her focus. Kristina says, Blaze seems like a woman who’s capable of anything, and Blaze says, she’s at a point where she finally has control of her career, and she refuses to be obligated to anyone ever again.

Sam says, that is from the swim team awards banquet, and Drew says, that sounds pretty cool, but she says, it wasn’t actually. It was held in a gym, and they served corndogs and cupcakes. He laughs and says, it sounds pretty perfect for him right now. He wishes he could have been there. He’s so proud of Scout. He misses being at her meets and cheering her on from the bleachers. She asks what he’s talking about. He’d be the one running alongside her, saying, go, Scout. He says he’s probably embarrassed her a little bit, but Sam says, no. She loves her daddy. She was able to be there for Scout, and he was there in spirit. Scout did say she won this specifically for him. So when she dropped Scout off at the Qs, she wanted to bring it right over. He thanks her, and says, tell Scout that she’s got to take really good care of it; keep it safe. For him, for when he gets out. Because what he’s going to do is hang it up on his wall at the office and brag about her to everybody that comes in. And tell her that he loves her. Sam says she will.

Dex says, Spinelli was able to get the license plate of the car Mason was driving, and Carly says, Spinelli was involved in this too? Dante says, he was a big help actually, and Dex says, he tracked the car turning on County Road 21; said there was nothing out there except cliffs overlooking the river. Dante says, it’s a desolate area. It’s not where you want to be with a maniac like Gatlin. Dex says he saw Mason’s car on the side of the road, and just as he pulled up, Mason dragged Ava out of the car and was pulling her toward the cliff. Carly says, she could have been killed, and Dex says, then he pulled a gun and started shooting. He was able to tackle Mason, but they struggled, and Mason was about to push him off the cliff, but Dante showed up. Josslyn says, thank God. He could have died tonight. She puts her arms around him, and he holds her.

Kristina asks if Blaze always wanted to be on stage, and Blaze says, absolutely. She dreamed of being a megastar. Fill up stadiums like Beyonce and make headlines every time a new song dropped. Kristina says, wow. It kind of seems like she’s on her way. Blaze says, but she still wants to live her life and have privacy and be able to date who she wants without it being a tabloid headline, but the more popular she gets, the more impossible it becomes.

Nina asks if Sonny will do her a favor, and he says he already gave her what she wanted. What’s the problem? She says, yes, he did, but she can be really greedy when it comes to her handsome husband. He asks if she wants him to buy her a sailboat for the island and call it the Nina Star, and she says she’s not opposed to that idea, but no. Not anything material. She wants him. He says, you already have me, Mrs. Corinthos, but she says, no. She means she wants him to forget about all the problems and stresses he has and wants him to forget all his issues and keep them in Port Charles. Can he just be here in the moment with her while they’re on their honeymoon? Can he just love her? He says, yeah, and they get busy.

Ava comes downstairs in a robe and asks if Dante is still here, but Carly says, he had to get back to the station. Dex says, Dante told him to remind her about her clothes. Someone’s going to come by and collect them for DNA evidence. She says she left them in the guestroom. Dante probably wanted to find out about Mason’s status. With any luck, his bullets killed Mason. Carly says she knows Ava had a really rough time tonight. She’s sure seeing Avery made her feel better. Ava says, yeah. She was asleep of course (🍷). She didn’t wake her. She just sat by her and pet her beautiful face. Josslyn says, she didn’t know anything was going on, and Ava thanks her for that. Her biggest fear was that they would come after Avery, and she’s all Ava could think about when Mason was holding her in that basement. Carly says, they’d do anything to keep her safe. Sonny has posted more guards outside; the grounds are completely secure. Ava says she appreciates that, and Carly says she needs to get back to the hospital to be with Drew, but she doesn’t want to leave Josslyn. Dex says he’ll take care of her, and Josslyn says she’s fine. Go. She and Carly hug, and Carly says, Ava is welcome to stay the night here. She thinks it would make Avery really happy to wake up and see her. Ava says, that’s so nice, and thanks her. Carly says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Josslyn says she almost forgot, but she has something of Ava’s that she found at Windymere and thinks Ava is going to need it.

Dr. Larson says, Mr. Gatlin seems stable enough for surgery, and tells Deanna to get him prepped and ready for the OR. He tells Mason that he’s a lucky man. X-rays show the bullets didn’t pierce the spine. Austin asks if he can have a moment with his cousin before he goes to surgery, and the doctor says, no problem. He leaves, and Mason says, wish him luck, but Austin says, where’s Ava? Mason says he has no idea.

Dante approaches the door to Mason’s room, but as he’s about to go in, Jordan tells him, don’t go into that room and stay away from the patient.

Tracy tells Lois that she’s beginning to think maybe Brook hasn’t been exactly forthcoming about her departure from Deception. She wonders if Brook is concerned about not living up to Lois’s high standards of honesty and integrity. Lois says she would never judge her daughter. Love makes you do crazy things, and Brook learned from her mistakes, but that still doesn’t excuse what Tracy did. She used Lois’s daughter to get what she wanted. And for what? A cosmetics company? What did she want? Free night cream? She went after Deception to satisfy her own greed. Tracy says, she couldn’t be more wrong. She got that company for Brook.

Curtis says, when Portia came to visit him at the hospital, he couldn’t handle it. He lashed out and said the most awful things to her, and he never wants to push her away like that again. This is not that. This is different. She says, yes, he pushed her away before. She was upset, but she understood, and she understands now. She’s trying. She knows this is new. This is so raw. But he’s home and they’re going to have to find a way back to each other. But he’s going to have to let her in; he’s going to have to let her love him. He says, but he can’t love her that way. The truth is, psychologically, he doesn’t know if he ever will again. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about. She doesn’t even know how he can say something like that. She came on too strong tonight; she gets it. She’s sorry she did that. He says, she wanted to love her husband, and shouldn’t apologize for it, but she says, it’s too soon. They just need to take things slowly. They’ll take things slowly and eventually they’ll get there. He says, they’ll get there? When his wife knocks on his door for something he can’t give her, it makes him feel like less of a man.

Kristina says, it sounds like a lot to navigate, and Blaze says she’s sorry. She’s finally getting everything she ever wanted, and now she’s whining about it. Kristina says she doesn’t think Blaze is whining about it at all. To her, it just seems like Blaze is a woman who’s trying to figure out how much she wants to sacrifice to reach her goals. She should be able to live her dream without giving up her life. Blaze says she already knows one upside to being in the public eye, and Kristina says, go on. Blaze says, they never would have even met if Kristina hadn’t recognized her. So that’s definitely an argument in favor of fame.

Mason asks why Austin cares. Ava was with him when he got shot. Austin says, so she got away safely? and Mason says, last thing he remembers is Ava screaming when he got shot. Dr. Larson comes in and says, the surgeon’s ready, and asks Deanna to give him an IV.

Dante asks, what’s going on? and Jordan says, he needs to go home. He asks why he would go home. This is his suspect. He needs to question him. It’s his case. She says, not anymore, and he says he doesn’t mean any disrespect, but she’s not the Commissioner anymore; she’s Deputy Mayor. She says, the Police Commissioner was the one who called her. Mac has been keeping busy trying to keep the Pautuck PD off his back. They’re not too happy with Dante showing up in their jurisdiction and taking matters into his own hands. He asks what she wanted him to do. This guy kidnapped Ava Jerome. He was going to kill her and Dex Heller. What was he supposed to do? Show up and say, sorry, guys, you’re out of my jurisdiction? She says she gets it, but they’re making a lot of noise. Hopefully this will blow over when the investigation exonerates him. He says, investigation? That is ridiculous. She says, he shot a civilian. This is standard procedure, and he knows it, so calm down. Until the investigation is over, he’s on administrative leave and he can’t be here. So go home. She walks away.

Josslyn gives Ava her phone, and says she’s sure it’s dead right now, but there’s a charger on the desk. Ava says she wasn’t able to grab it before Mason forced her out of the house, and thanks Josslyn, plugging it in. Not just for the phone. She’s very grateful for both of them. If it wasn’t for Dex, Mason would have thrown her over that cliff. She fought as hard as she could, but she couldn’t stop him. Dex says he knows it’s hard to talk about, but did Ava ever overhear Mason talking to his boss? Does she know who he was working for? She says, no. He just drove out there and he pulled over and said he was waiting for instructions. A couple of minutes later, his phone rang. Maybe his boss wasn’t happy with him. She doesn’t know, but Mason got angry. He started the engine and she thought, okay, this is it. He’s going to bring her home and let her go. Dex asks, what changed his mind? and she says she has no idea, but all of a sudden, he just snapped. He shut the car off and dragged her out of the backseat, and Dex knows the rest. Josslyn says, it looks like she needs this, handing Ava a drink. Ava thanks her and takes a sip. She thanks them both for everything.

Carly looks at Drew through the door window, and calls Sonny. He asks if everything is okay, and she says, no. She’s really sorry to bother him on his honeymoon. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, that dirtbag Mason Gatlin… He says, Austin’s cousin? and she says, he kidnapped Ava. Sonny sits up and says, what the hell? Carly says, she’s fine. Dex and Dante found her, but she’s shaken. She had Ava spend the night at her house so she could be with Avery. He asks if Avery is okay, and Carly says, she’s fine. She doesn’t know about anything that was going on, but Ava’s kidnapping isn’t the worst of it. He asks, what could be worse than that? and she says, Cyrus Renault. He’s out of prison.

Tracy says she tried to buy Deception legally. Lucy Coe wouldn’t budge, so it became a challenge, and she had to resort to drastic measures to get the company. Now she’s giving it to Brook, lock, stock, and barrel. Lois laughs and says, so Tracy is the hero of this story. She’s doing all this out of what? The goodness of her non-existent heart? No. She doesn’t buy it. Tracy doesn’t have an altruistic bone in her entire body. Tracy says she doesn’t care whether Lois buys it or not. She’s Brook’s grandmother and she’s going to provide for her. Because she doesn’t want Brook to waste her life on music, then have nothing to show for it, like Lois did. Lois says, Tracy doesn’t get to make those choices for Brook, but Tracy says, Brook will thank her. If she hadn’t stepped in, Lucy Coe would have left her as a glorified assistant. She has a future at that company and now she owns 51% of it. Lois says, so all this is done so Tracy gets that warm fuzzy feeling for helping others? and Tracy says, yes… and she gets her 1% of ELQ back. Lois says, oh-ho! That old story again? Really? Keep her 51%, because Brook isn’t going to want any part of it. Tracy says, we’ll see.

Portia says she knows how difficult this has to be for Curtis. And not to get clinical here, but the doctor said he should be able to function in that way. He says, this is not about medicine. This is not about a diagnosis. Every doctor in the world can tell him that he can still have sex, but he knows he can’t make love, and there’s a difference here. Just because he’s capable physically doesn’t mean he’s ready psychologically. His body may be working in that way, but his mind is nowhere near ready. She says he’s not ready yet, but he will be, and he says, who knows? She says she knows. She’s not giving up on him. This is the hardest thing he’s ever had to face in his entire life, and they’re going to get through it together. He says he doesn’t know if she can help him get past this. So much of who he is, is tied to his physical ability. He’s always been athletic. He’s always pushed himself to run a little faster, to hit the bag a little harder, to add more weights to the bar. So just knowing he’d be struggling to love his beautiful wife the way she deserves to be loved? It’s humiliating. It’s infuriating. And it’s tearing him apart on the inside. She says she’s not going to give up on him. She loves him. And he’s right. She doesn’t know what this means for him. Even if they never get to a place where they share a bed in the same sense that they used to, she’s not going anywhere. She loves him. So take his time and she’s going to be there.

Austin tells Jordan that he’s looking for some information. Mason Gatlin is his cousin and Austin’s very close with Ava Jerome. He’s hoping… Could she just tell him what happened tonight? She says she shouldn’t be giving him any information. This is an ongoing investigation, and they’re still trying to put the pieces together. He says, yeah, but he’s asking. Please? She says, Mr. Gatlin was charged with kidnapping Miss Jerome and two counts of attempted murder. He was shot by an officer while attempting to murder someone. Austin asks if Ava was hurt, and she says, from what she understands, Ava was badly shaken, but unharmed. He thanks her, and walks away. He makes a call and says, come on, Ava. Pick up.

Ava’s phone rings and she sees it’s Austin, but ignores the call.

Josslyn says, Dex is a real hero, but he says he can’t take all the credit. Dante was the one who took down Mason. She says, yes, and Dex is actually the one who stopped Ava from going over a cliff. Which makes her wonder, how close did he come to going over himself?

Sam is asleep when Dante comes into the bedroom. He takes her magazine out of her hands and takes her glasses off. She opens her eyes, and he says, sorry. She says, don’t be sorry. She tried to stay up, but she fell asleep. She was so exhausted. He says, that’s okay. He kind of wants to put this day behind him. She asks if something happened, and he says, it’s kind of a long story. He’s been placed on administrative leave. He shot someone tonight and they might not make it. He gets in bed, and they cuddle.

Sonny says, son of a bitch, and Carly asks what he thinks happened. He says he doesn’t know, but he’s going to fly back home first thing in the morning. He’s got to go. He’s got to make some calls. She says, let her know what he finds out, and he says, will do. Nina asks, what’s going on? and Sonny says, of course (🍷). It was him all along. He jumps out of bed, and she says, who?

Curtis says he’s just not sure how long it will take him to get there or if he’ll get there, and Portia asks if he remembers when she told him that he didn’t know the kind of woman he married. This woman right here, she’s stubborn. But she’s also very patient. He sighs and says, it’s a lot to put up with, but she says she’s not putting up with anything. She loves him and knows how hard it must have been to be that vulnerable with her. But him opening up, sharing his insecurities, that made her feel that much closer to him. Maybe she did come in here for some physical lovin’, but she thinks they shared something just as deep. He’s letting her in and that’s a start. She kisses him and gets out of bed, but he takes her hand and says, wait. He loves her too. She says she knows he does, and leaves.

Jordan says, maybe Austin can help her. Can he think of any reason Mason would want to abduct Ava Jerome? Austin says, is she kidding? No. His cousin has always been a wild card. He has no idea why Mason does the things that he does, and Austin couldn’t speak to any of his motivations, ever. Excuse him. He has a patient he should probably check on. He jets, and Jordan says, goodnight, doctor.

Ava has one missed call and one message from Austin. She looks at the phone, but does nothing.

Dex says, Mason was tough to take down, and Josslyn says, he could have killed Dex. He says he was fighting with everything he had. At some point, when they were wrestling on the ground, he hit his head and he was dazed, so Mason had an advantage. He was losing ground a few feet from the cliff. If Dante hadn’t shown up, Mason would have pushed him over. She says, thank God for Dante, and he says, thank God for her. She’s the one who found Dante at the police station after Spinelli gave her his last known location. The fact that he’s still alive is totally on her. They kiss.

Sam says, besides Ava, what did he want? and Dante says he doesn’t know. That’s what they’re trying to figure out. She asks if Avery is okay, and he says, she’s fine. She wasn’t involved and doesn’t know what went down. She asks if he told Sonny, and he says, Carly’s doing that, which he’s glad about, because Sonny’s not going to be too happy. Sam snuggles against him.

Carly goes in to see Drew, and he says, she’s back. But it’s so late. She says she knows. She just wanted to watch him sleep. He says he thinks they can do better than that and pats the bed. She gets in with him and there’s more cuddling and snuggling.

Sonny comes to the lobby, where Kristina and Blaze are drinking, and Kristina gives him a hug. She says, this is her good friend Blaze, and he says, yeah. She’s a singer. Blaze says, he actually knows her music? and he says, no. He can’t lie, but his grandson Rocco watches her videos and listens to her music. Blaze says, Dante mentioned that. She’s flattered. And she hears congratulations are in order. Kristina says he just got married. He says, yeah. It was very fantastic, intimate, with the family, just the way he likes it. Kristina asks if he wants a drink, but he says, no. Something came up. She asks, what’s going on? Is everyone okay? He says, yeah, but they’re going to have to fly home first thing in the morning. There’s some important business he has to take care of.

Lois tells Tracy that she knows her daughter. And she’s not going to want anything to do with a company built on lies and betrayal. Tracy says, Brook may surprise Lois. She does have Quartermaine genes after all. Lois says, no. She’s not going to give up her integrity over a company. Tracys says, news flash. She already has. Maybe she’s a little more like her grandmother than Lois cares to admit, and guess what? Lois has to live with it. Tracy walks out.

Tomorrow, Anna says, if he makes another move, she’ll be ready; Finn suggests he and Elizabeth spend the weekend together; TJ tells Portia that someone was here last night, and she has a right to know; and Trina tells Spencer that the fantasy he and Esme have has gone too far.

👰🏼‍♀️ Just the Way He Likes It…

Sonny and Nina’s wedding. Just like you were there. Except for being on a tranquil island and eating fabulous food.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/sonny-and-ninas-gh-wedding-album

🚗 If She Doesn’t Want To Take That Ride…

Gladys had best stay in whatever port she’s from.

Will Gladys Return to GENERAL HOSPITAL? — Bonnie Burroughs Speaks Out!

🌡 Missed the Punchline…

It’s a little sad, but the new guy is still so much better.

Marcus Coloma Opens up About Being Recast on GH

🫶 For the Cause…

This sounds like it was a good time.

Soap Stars Reunite for a Great Cause — See the Pics!

🚣‍♀️ Wives On the Water…

This was actually an excellent show. None of that screeching at each other.

Luann de Lesseps Teases Possible Welcome to Crappie Lake Season 2

⚰️ Final Storm…

Here’s hoping the ending is worth the wait. Beginning this Sunday, October 22nd.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-series-finale-ending-storming-a-castle/

🏍 Explaining Daryl…

I don’t think the end needed an explanation, but I don’t mind a rehash. Great show, but sneeze and you miss the seasons now.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-final-carol-scene-explained/

🐉 Nothing Better To Do…

Because everyone is waiting for the strike to be over.

https://bamsmackpow.com/2023/10/17/targaryens-game-of-thrones-house-of-the-dragon-ranked/

🦃 The Forgotten Holiday…

More on Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/eli-roths-thanksgiving-is-a-modern-remake-of-a-lost-horror-movie-that-never-existed/ar-AA1iiEhf

🐕 Pups On Parade…

At least someone stepped in and saved the tradition.

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-2023-tompkins-square-park-halloween-dog-parade-has-been-saved-100423

This Saturday, October 21st, if you’re in the neighborhood and so inclined.

https://www.tompkinssquaredogrun.com/

🧟 Mashing Some Monsters…

Stop in again tomorrow for soap and the fringes of Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay donating leftover candy rather than eating it, and stay not using extortion to call in a favor. It’s not a good look.

Oct14

October 13, 2023 – The Wedding Is On, Thought, Back, Fitting, MIA, A Goodbye, Salty Talk, Postscript, Hard Times, Back To the 80s, Dead Stuff, Costumed Pets (!), Totally Ten Quotes & Monster

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis lifts weights, when there’s a knock at the door. He wheels himself over to open it, and Stella asks if it’s a bad time. He says, not at all, if she doesn’t mind waiting for him to finish another set. She says, not at all, and comes in. She asks if somebody else is here, but he says, no, just him, picking up one of the weights. He asks if she thinks they shouldn’t have left him alone, and she asks if she said that. He says, no, and she says, he’s been on his own for a while now, and he’s doing just fine. He works with the weight, and says, she’s been tracking him, huh? She says she always has; she’s not going to change now. He’s working hard; very impressive. He says he’s just trying to keep it all together, and she says, he’s doing more than keeping it together. She’s very proud of him. He thanks her and says, all these exercises, in fact everything he does, is for Trina and Portia and Marshall. She says, how’s that? and he says, every morning there’s a part of him that doesn’t want to get out of bed. Then he thinks about his family. They need him, and he will not let them down. There’s a knock at the door, and Stella says she’ll get it. She opens it to Selina and says, what do you want?

TJ tells Portia he heard a rumor going around. The buzz is totally positive. She says she has no idea what he’s talking about, but he says, spill. She says she doesn’t want to talk about it yet. Not until she gets a chance to tell Curtis, and she wants to tell him in person. He’s going to be so hurt if he finds out everyone at GH knew before he did. She’s trying to sneak out of here so she can see him. TJ says, he’s going to be thrilled.

Josslyn knocks on the door at Windymere, and Giles answers. He asks if he can help her, and she says, he probably doesn’t remember her, but she’s Josslyn Jax, Avery’s older sister. He says, of course (🍷). What can he do for her? She says she’s looking for Ava. She never picked Avery up from the nanny last night. Giles invites her in.

A guard walks Cyrus to the visiting room, and Cyrus says, another visitor during off hours? He sees Laura, and she says, hello, Cyrus.

Austin sits at his desk and flashes back to him telling the judge that Cyrus is weak because of his heart attack, and no longer a physical threat to anybody. He says, yeah, weak like a great white shark is weak. He remembers telling Mason that he did what was asked and to let Ava go, and Mason saying, neither one of them call the shots. There’s a knock at the door, and Dex says, sorry to bother him, but has he seen Ava Jerome?

Puerto Rico. Here Comes the Bride plays as Nina walks to Sonny, and everyone looks all happy. The priest welcomes everyone and says, they’ve been blessed with a beautiful day to witness the joining in matrimony of Michael Sonny Corinthos and Nina Reeves. This is a joyful occasion, and a solemn one. Marriage as a traditional ceremony is an honorable one, not to be entered into lightly, but a pledge between two people to honor, support, and love one another for the rest of your lives. Is that the pledge they’re willing to make? Nina says, we are, and Sonny says, yeah, we are.

Selina says she’s here to see her friend, but Stella says, she doesn’t have any friends here. And no way she’s buying any with that gift basket. Stella looks at the bodyguard holding a basket of fruit behind Selina, and Curtis says, it’s okay. Selina’s a business associate. Stella says, uh-huh, and Selina walks in. (Oooh. The bodyguard has a bakery box too.) Selina says, his aunt is very protective. She admires that in a family. Stella excuses herself, and Curtis asks what Selina is doing here. She says, he’s been back home for a while now. She thought she’d give him some time to get accustomed to his new life. He says, that was considerate, and she says she hopes now he’s come to his senses and is ready to sell her The Savoy.

Cyrus says, what an unexpected and wonderful surprise. He didn’t know Laura was back from her trip. She says, they just got back, and he says, and she chose to come and see him. He’s touched. She says, he cut his hair, and shaved, and… He says, since he found his true calling, he didn’t find the need to hide behind appearances, and she says, he looks great. So tell her, how is he feeling? He says, their brother told her about his little medical problem, and she says she doesn’t know that she’d call a heart attack a little medical problem, and she’s glad Marty told her. He asks if Martin also told her that it was her aura that pulled him through in his darkest hour, but she says, it was Drew Cain who saved his life. He says, without the will to live, his CPR might not have been effective, but he is a good man. She says, he’s a very good man. That’s why it’s such a shame he’s in here with… Cyrus says, with men like me. He gets the feeling checking on his health isn’t the only reason she’s here. She says she heard about his application for early release, and he asks if she’s here as his sister or the mayor.

Giles says he’s also concerned about Miss Jerome’s whereabouts, and Josslyn says, so she hasn’t been here? He says, she was home when he left. That was night before last. She didn’t mention any plans to be away, but when he came to work yesterday, she wasn’t here. She never came home. Josslyn says, so no maid or no housekeeper has seen her, and he says, no one on the staff has seen or heard from her, but he did find a broken martini glass on the floor here. He points near the fireplace, and says, it could have been an accident. Perhaps she’s staying with her friend Miss Reeves? Josslyn says, no. Nina’s in Puerto Rico getting married. He says, Dr. Gatlin-Holt’s been a frequent guest recently. He was under the impression the doctor and Miss Jerome might be close.

Austin says, recently, no, he hasn’t seen Ava, and Dex asks if he remembers the last time he saw or heard from her. Austen says, two or three days ago. Why is Dex asking him this? Dex says, she hasn’t been to her art gallery, and no one has seen or heard from her, and Austin says, Dex works for Sonny Corinthos; is he right about that? Dex says, yeah, and Austin says, a couple of days ago, Ava mentioned she was thinking of maybe taking a trip to New York. She said there was an artist she was interested in signing. Dex says, that could be very helpful, and thanks Austin for his time. Austin says, no problem, and as he walks past Dex, Dex punches him in the stomach and gets him in a headlock. As Austin struggles to breathe, Dex says, Sonny has a daughter with Ava Jerome, so he cares about her. If he finds out Austin has something to do with her disappearance, he’ll be back, and he won’t be asking questions. He lets Austin go and walks out.

In the hallway, Dex’s phone rings, and Josslyn tells him that she thinks she might have found something.

The priest says, it’s his understanding Sonny and Nina have elected to say their own vows, and Nina hands her bouquet to Willow. Sonny says he guesses Nina wants him to go, and she says, yeah. They join hands, and Sonny says he spent all morning writing his vows. They’re in his pocket, but when he looked in Nina’s eyes, he felt like he didn’t need to write his vows because he can always speak from his heart to her. He thanks her for trusting and loving him, and for seeing the better man in him than he ever saw in himself. He appreciates her kindness and her strength and her willingness to fight for their love, even though everybody was against them. When they doubted they should be together, they did everything they could to get through it, and here they are. He’s convinced more now that they belong together, because of how he feels right now in the moment. How he always does; she makes him secure. He knows she loves him and he loves her that much more, and he always will.

Selina asks Curtis to just hear her out. She’ll keep the entire staff at The Savoy – Stella walks back in – and the entire name of the club will remain. He and his entire family will have VIP memberships for life, and she’ll increase her original offer to twice what he paid for the club. He says, that’s an extremely generous offer, and she says she agrees. So what does he say? He thinks a moment and asks why she’s determined to buy his club. Why doesn’t she start her own and find a location that’s half the price? Stella says, good question.

Cyrus says, in case Laura is wondering, he has no idea how the judge is going to rule. He hasn’t heard anything yet. Now that she’s back, will she oppose his release? She says, he looks as strong and healthy as the day he got in here, but that said, she’s not a doctor. And as the mayor, she doesn’t interfere with judicial decisions. He says he supposes putting in a good word for her brother is out of the question, and she says, yes. He asks if Marty also told her that he gave away all of his money.

Dex arrives at Windymere, and Giles lets him in. Josslyn introduces Giles, and says, Giles told her that Ava hasn’t been home since night before last, and nobody on the staff has seen or heard from her. Dex says, she told him that she found something, and she says, this cellphone and this lollypop. The cellphone was under the coffee table, and the lollypop was just kind of sticking out of the couch. And Giles found a broken martini glass on the floor. Giles says, Miss Avery must have dropped the lollypop last time she was here, but Josslyn says, this isn’t Avery’s. Dex asks how she knows, and she says, because it’s grape and Avery hates grape. So somebody else had to have been here. And Ava would have never left her cellphone in case Avery needed to get in touch with her. Dex says he saw cameras everywhere as he walked up to the house. There have to be more, right? Giles says, yes, and Dex says he needs to see the footage from the minute Giles left Ava.

Nina says, to be honest, she never imagined she’d be here right now with Sonny. It’s actually the last thing she ever expected or wanted, and she fought it for a very long time. She kept telling herself that they would never work, and as she kept saying that, her heart kept falling deeper and deeper in love with him. And she couldn’t fight her heart anymore, could she? Or him. His charm, his humor, his compassion, his courage, his loyalty… his dance moves. What more could a person ask for in someone they love? Then she saw him parent his children, who he fiercely loves, and how he’s willing to fight for them, for their protection. She’s always wanted that family, since she was a little girl. Her daughter is now a part of her life – she looks at Willow – and the two of them are part of his family. He’s given her so much. He’s given her a family. And she wants to give him something. She’s going to surround him with love for his entire life; she promises him that. And they can leave all their mistakes behind them. She’ll walk with him, hand in hand, right beside him, loving him, for the rest of his life.

Selina tells Curtis that she doesn’t have the time or the inclination to open a new club. It’s too much work and she has a busy schedule. The Savoy is already established; that’s why she’ll be paying him top dollar for it. Stella asks if he heard how Selina made it sound like it’s a done deal, when Portia walks in. Selina tells her, good afternoon, and Stella says, she got here just in time. Miss Wu brought them a basket filled with treats. Why doesn’t Portia have a seat and she’ll make them some tea so they can all get to know each other better. She asks what kind of tea Selina would like, and Selina says, that’s kind of her, but she has another appointment. Stella says, that’s just too bad. Maybe another time then. She opens the front door, and Selina nods to her bodyguard. She tells Curtis that she’ll be in touch, and he thanks her for the basket. I want to know what’s in the bakery box. Selina leaves with the guard, and Stella closes the door, putting her back against it, and says, amen.

Dex looks at a tablet, and Giles says, he can see the front entrance is well-covered by several cameras. Dex says, there Giles is, leaving. This is the night before last. Ava was alone when he left? Giles says, yes. Feel free to examine the rest of the footage. He must check on a delivery. Please help Miss Jerome. He leaves, and Dex points at the tablet, saying, there. Someone’s coming in. Josslyn says she sees him, but she can’t see his face; he’s wearing a hood. They keep watching, and Dex says, they’re at about twenty minutes later. Josslyn says, there’s Ava. She’s with him, but Josslyn can’t tell if her hands are tied or if she’s just walking super close to him. Dex suggests they check the dock camera around that time… They didn’t use the launch. Josslyn says, he would still have to go back to Port Charles, no? and Dex says, right there. He has his own boat. That’s what they left on. If he and Josslyn want to see where they came ashore, they need to see the harbor security cameras and the traffic cameras from that time. They can’t do that without going to the cops. Josslyn says, there’s another way.

Josslyn knocks at an apartment door, and a voice asks, who knocks? She looks up at a camera and says, Spinelli, it’s Josslyn. You’re watching us through the security camera. Spinelli opens the door and says, greetings, clever girl. What brings them to his door?

Austin gives TJ a folder and says, the prognosis was very impressive. He coughs and drinks some water, and TJ asks if he’s all right. Austin says he’s fine. He went to a concert last night and he was very enthusiastic. TJ asks, who was the band? when Mason walks in. He says he’s sorry. His cousin here wanted to see him.

Cyrus tells Laura that he’s seen so much suffering in here, he thought his money could do more good trying to help these poor souls. She says, Marty did mention to her that he’d given some of his money to a recidivism organization, but he says, not some of his money, every dime. He says, she doesn’t believe that, and she says she guesses they’ll see, won’t they, if he’s granted his early release. He says, how little faith she has in her brother. They were ill-gotten gains. He’s come to realize and appreciate that. She says she hopes so, and he says, she doesn’t seem to doubt the generosity of her friend Sonny Corinthos when he gives away his dirty money. He’s not wrong.

The priest says, Sonny and Nina’s vows were so clearly from the heart. Now please repeat after him. They say the traditional vows; in sickness and health, forsaking all others until death do us part. The rings are exchanged, and the priest says, in the presence of God and these witnesses, they’re now husband and wife. What God has joined, let no one put asunder. He thinks they know what happens next. They laugh and Donna says, you’re supposed to kiss. They do, and everyone smiles.

Portia asks what that was about, and Stella says, that woman was trying… Curtis says, Selina came to talk business, but what is Portia doing here in the middle of the day? She says she wanted to tell him something in person, but she wanted it to be official. Stella says, for what to be official? and Portia says she’s been named Co-Chief of Staff at General Hospital. Curtis says, congratulations, and she says, it’s going to be a lot more administrative work and a lot of emails, but… Stella says, Portia knows she can handle all of that, and Curtis says, she’ll be great. Portia says, and it’s going to be a little extra money. Stella says, as it should be for all that extra work, and Curtis says, they’ll be very lucky to have her. He couldn’t be more proud of his intelligent, accomplished, and very gorgeous wife. She kisses him and says, thank you.

Dex tells Spinelli that they couldn’t download the video from the system at Windymere, so all they have is the footage he had access to. Josslyn says, they also found Ava’s cellphone at Windymere, but she doesn’t know how to get in. Can he break in? He says, he can, but it will take time Ava doesn’t have, and Dex says, let’s get back to what we’ve got. The butler departed the house at 10:57 that night. At 11:18, an unidentified figure, likely male, entered the house. There’s no footage from the interior, so we don’t know what happened inside, but at 11:59, the hooded figure left by the front door with Ava. They were close together. He appears to be leading her, and from her posture, it’s likely her hands were tied. They arrived at the docks at 12:03 am and left in a single engine outboard. That’s what we have. Spinelli says, well done, and Josslyn says, what they really need to know is where they docked the boat in Port Charles. Does he think he can get access to the harbor security and traffic cameras?

Austin tells TJ that the apologizes. His cousin is unaware of hospital protocol. Mason could have just interrupted a consultation with a patient. Mason says he’s sorry. He’s just a truck driver and doesn’t know anything about hospital protocols. So he hopes TJ can forgive him. TJ says, no problem. They’re finished. He thanks Austin and is about to leave, when he says, so Mason is a truck driver? and Mason says, used to be. Now he kind of does a little bit of everything. TJ says, it was good to see him again, Mason says, him too, and TJ leaves. He pauses for a moment outside the door, then walks on. Mason tells Austin, do not get high and mighty with him about manners. Austin said he needed to see him right away, so what’s going on? Austin says, Sonny Corinthos knows.

Laura says, Sonny has nothing to do with the way she views Cyrus, but he says he’s well-aware of that. He and Sonny were in the same kind of business for years, and he ever thought much about Sonny. But then he’d see Sonny treated with such reverence, an honored member of the Port Charles community with a respected family when he’s no better than Cyrus is. Again he’s not wrong.

Kristina congratulates Nina and welcomes her to the family, hugging her. Donna goes over to Sonny and says, her turn. He says, come here, girl. Give me a hug. He wants her to know something. Daddy always loves her. She knows that, right? She says she loves him, and they hug again. These two are too cute together. Donna asks Nina if she can call her Mama Nina now, and Nina says she would love nothing more. She hugs Donna.

Willow tells Sonny, congratulations, and hugs him. He says, her mother is the best thing that ever happened to him. He just wants her to know that she means everything to Nina. Willow smiles at him, and tells Nina, congratulations. Nina thanks her, and says, it means so much that she’s here. Willow hugs her, and I feel sick thinking about this all falling apart. Michael hugs Sonny and tells Nina, congratulations. Welcome to the family. He kisses her on the cheek.  

Stella says, this is definitely cause for a celebration, and Portia agrees. Stella says she’s taking the two of them out for dinner tonight to celebrate. Marshall and Trina too. Portia says, they can actually have dinner in here tonight, have some champagne. It’ll be a little bit more relaxing, right? Curtis says, no. Auntie’s right. This is a big deal and they should celebrate it, right? Stella tells him, you said it, baby.

Laura tells Cyrus that she supposes she and Sonny have the sort of friendship that surprises some people, but she had no idea it upset him that much. He says he’s sorry. He’s not upset at Sonny. He supposes he just envies Sonny’s life, and how Sonny seems to have a closer relationship with his sister than he does. She says she’s known Sonny for a very long time, and he says, he knows it’s unlikely, but if he does get his release, perhaps he and Laura can build a bond that’s even stronger than the one she has with Sonny. She kind of shrugs and smiles, and the guard says, time’s up. Cyrus says, wish me luck, and she tells him, good luck. He laughs and pats her hand. He thanks her so much for coming. He hopes to see her again very soon. He leaves with the guard.

Just for the record, I’m aware they spell the prison Pentonville on the show, but I think Pentenville looks more like penitentiary, so, artistic license. Like with Windymere.

Dex says, there. That was the boat. Josslyn is surprised he can see it, and Spinelli says, keen powers of observation. Here they are. Dex says, Pier 17, and Spinelli, the abductor, if that’s what he is, chose his spot well. See what’s around the pier? It’s all warehouses. They’d be deserted at that hour, so even if Ava were to call for help, he doesn’t think she’d be heard. Josslyn says, wait. He took off his hood. Dex asks if Spinelli can tighten it, and Spinelli says, yes, of course (🍷), but the cameras are not high res; it might be grainy. Dex says he knows that guy. That’s Austin Gatlin-Holt’s cousin… Mason.

Austin says, one of Sonny’s guys was here asking about Ava, and Mason says, so? Austin says, what does he mean, so? No one’s heard from her in a couple of days. Mason says, because she’s locked in a basement somewhere. Who cares? Austin says he cares. He cares very much. Mason says, that’s sweet. His cousin is in love. Austin says he’s not joking around here. Don’t you hurt her. Mason says, Austin knows better than to threaten him, and Austin asks if it isn’t enough that Ava spent all this time thinking she killed Nikolas, and Nikolas is alive and well. He’s fine; he’s in Europe. Mason says he didn’t tell the guy to take off. He and Cyrus were the ones who kept him alive in the first place. Austin says, Nikolas is Cyrus’s nephew, and Mason says, forgive him. Cyrus has never struck him as the sentimental type about family, but Austin says, maybe they’re wrong about that. Mason needs to convince Cyrus to leave Ava alone. If that guy comes back for him… Mason says, put him off, but Austin says, no. He thought he already had. He punched Austin in the gut and grabbed him in a chokehold. He said, if anything happens to Ava, he’s coming back for Austin. Mason says, looks like you’ve got a problem, cuz.

Sonny and Nina, and Michael and Willow slow dance, while Kristina dances with the kids. Michael’s phone dings, and he says he has to take this real quick. He’ll be back. Willow calls Wiley over to dance with her, and Sonny asks if he can dance with his little girl. Donna says, yeah, and much cuteness happens. Willow suggests Wiley ask his grandmother to dance, and Wiley asks Nina if she wants to dance. She says, does she? Yeah. They dance as much as you can dance with a three-foot height difference. On the side, Michael says he’s at a family function. He can’t talk long. So, they have the name of the person who turned Drew Cain in to the SEC?

We don’t see his face, but a man tells Michael, the SEC was contacted by a lawyer named Martin Grey, acting on behalf of a client. Michael says, Grey was just a go-between. He needs the name of the person who pointed the SEC to his mom and Drew… He turns around and looks at Nina having a grand old time with Wiley. Ugh. I mean, I get it. She did wrong, but I still feel badly about it since it all finally came together, and everyone is so happy.

Curtis reaches for his water, and Portia tries to help, but he says he’s got it. Doesn’t she have to go back to the hospital, Co-Chief of Staff? She laughs and says she does actually, and he says he’s going to take a shower and he’ll see her tonight. She says she can’t wait, and he wheels himself out of the room. Stella suggests Portia take the basket over to the hospital for the nurses to enjoy, and Portia says, okay. When she gets closer, Stella lowers her voice and says, Portia doesn’t have to do everything. She just got a wonderful well-deserved job and she’ll be making more money. Portia says, right, and The Savoy is making money, and Stella says, but Curtis isn’t there. In his mind, he’s not making a dime. Curtis needs her, he needs all of them, to live out their lives as normally as possible and not walk on eggshells around him. He can go out the restaurant and have a fine time. Portia says she was just thinking he’ll be more comfortable here, that’s all, but Stella says, if something is making Curtis uncomfortable, he’s a grown man and he can tell them himself. Believe her. She knows Curtis and he will. Portia says, okay, and thanks her. They hug, and Stella hands Portia the basket. Portia asks if she’s sure, and Stella says, absolutely. They don’t want nothing that woman has to offer, but she will be keeping the baked goods. Portia takes the basket and leaves.

Josslyn asks if Dex is sure that’s the same guy, and Dex says, positive. Maybe Mason has ties to someone working against Sonny; he’s not sure who yet. Josslyn asks how he can tell from this picture, and Dex says, when he was following Mason, he always had a lollypop in his mouth. Josslyn says, that would explain the grape lollypop at Ava’s, and Spinelli says, here we go. The vehicle that Ava and Mason got in is registered to a Pautuck Trucking Company, Pautuck, New York. Dex says he’s going to need a list of all the employees employed by the trucking company and their addresses, as well as any properties owned or leased by the trucking company. He tells Josslyn, that’s where they’ll find Ava.

Austin says, Mason’s right. He has a problem. Because for some reason, Cyrus hates Sonny Corinthos. Can Mason please explain that to him, because he doesn’t understand. Isn’t there enough to go around for everybody? There’s plenty there. At least there used to be. Mason says he doesn’t get it either. Honestly, he thinks the whole thing started when the boss found out Mayor Collins was his sister. Austin asks, what’s that got to do with anything? and Mason says he doesn’t know. He’s just telling Austin, that’s when Cyrus started mentioning Sonny more and more. He would rant on and on about Corinthos and the life he had. Austin says, what life? They both have the same life. They’re mob bosses. Mason says, he called Sonny respectable. It’s almost as if it’s something he wanted for himself and doesn’t have. Austin says, so his life is in danger because Cyrus is jealous of Sonny Corinthos, but Mason says he thinks it goes deeper than that. Austin says, if that guy comes back, Sonny’s guy, he’s going to spill his guts. And they’re next move is to come after Mason, and then Mason will be as dead as him. Mason tells him, don’t do anything stupid. Austin’s only protection from Sonny is the boss, so just do as he’s told. Let the boss handle Sonny. He leaves.

Wiley and Donna chant, cake, cake, cake, and pound on the table. Sonny and Nina get ready to cut the cake, and Michael watches from the sidelines.

The guard says, this is it, opening the door, and Cyrus goes out into the sunshine wearing civilian clothes. He takes an envelope of the possessions he came with from the guard, and the guard says, he knows his way out. Cyrus says he certainly does, and tosses the envelope into a trashcan on his way to the gate.

Sonny and Nina cut the cake, and Sonny feeds Nina a piece. Michael watches.

Before going through the gate, Cyrus takes a deep breath and smiles.

Sonny and Nina wipe icing off of Donna and Wiley’s faces. Michael glares at Nina. This is bad.

The prison gate opens, and Cyrus walks out. He turns to look back at the prison.

Sonny and Nina kiss and drink champagne. Michael glares some more.

Cyrus gets in a car, and it drives away.

On Monday, Cody wonders if Sasha is going to walk away from her life after just getting it back; Willow says, Michael never told her who he was talking to; and Kristina asks what someone is doing here.

💭 A thought: Interesting that Nina and Cyrus have parallel goals of wanting a family and are both going about it all wrong.

🩺 The Doctor Was Out…

This is embarrassing. He’s my absolute favorite soap actor and I didn’t even realize he’d been gone for so long. Well, nice to have him back.

Roger Howarth Announces His Return

🧳In Sonny’s Defense…

The punishment fit the crime; being exiled to Bridgeport. And one of the funniest interactions ever, starting with her opening the door to give Sam the boot and him standing there.

Maurice Benard Defends Gladys’ Punishment on GH

🕵🏾 The Latest in Waldos…

It’s time to put him back on the canvas. Taggert is definitely underused.

Where Is Taggert on GH? — Réal Andrews Speaks Out

🥀 Ringing Down the Curtain…

He had a wonderful run.

GH Alum Mark Goddard Dead at 87

🗽 Her Face Is Irrelevant…

Doubtful she was joking considering her ego. Tribecca does not need her endorsement.

RHONY’s Jessel Taank Jokes She Made Tribeca ‘Relevant’

🧂 Four Teaspoons Of Salt…

This week in RHOSLC.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4, Episode 6 Recap: This Is Utah

The slam.

Mary Cosby Slammed After Body-Shaming Heather Gay on WWHL

The non-clap back.

Heather Gay Responds to Mary Cosby’s Body-Shaming by Thanking ‘Inclusive’ Gucci

To be filed under don’t care.

https://people.com/jen-shah-husband-sharrieff-shah-sends-50th-birthday-well-wishes-prison-exclusive-8303004

🍊 Orange You Done Yet…?

Fancy Pants Heather’s hint.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/style-living/rhoc-season-17-reunion-recap-heather-dubrows-new-house

It was pretty bold for one just released from banishment.

Tamra Judge Slammed For Attacking Andy Cohen at RHOC Reunion

Apparently not too bold though, since the status quo stays the same.

Real Housewives of Orange County Cast Will Remain the Same for Season 18

💎 Possible Final Word…

So, they’re separated, but not divorcing, and it’s no one’s fault.

https://pagesix.com/2023/10/13/kyle-richards-mauricio-umansky-having-a-hard-time-before-separation/
Garcelle Beauvais ‘Shocked’ by Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky Split Despite Them ‘Having a Hard Time’

👠 Those 80s Ladies…

Normally, this wouldn’t be my type of film, but I do like an 80s flashback.

https://ew.com/tv/ladies-of-the-80s-lifetime-movie-first-look-photos/

https://people.com/ladies-of-the-80s-a-divas-christmas-lifetime-first-look-photos-8305219

⚰️ News Of the Departed…

Reddest herring in the world.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-melissa-mcbride-season-2/

It makes sense since Jadis was a huge part of the Rick story.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-adds-terry-o-quinn-pollyanna-mcintosh-teaser-photos/

There better be some good explanation of why Victor went from antihero to antichrist.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-season-8-scene-madison-victor-reunite-kinda/

Dead at the con.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/new-york-comic-con-2023-recap-the-walking-dead-universe-rick-michonne-daryl-dixon-carol-fear/#1

🐩 Best In Costume…

I could look at this stuff all day.

https://www.thelist.com/646383/the-best-celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes-ever/

https://www.hola.com/us/lifestyle/20211022325485/celebrity-halloween-costumes-pets-roundup-gallery-1/

📣 Quotes of the Week

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. – Bertrand Russell

If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content. – Leo Tolstoy

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor. – Horatio Nelson

Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man. – Schopenhauer

Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. – Joshua L. Liebman

Our experiences don’t define us. It’s what we’ve learned from them that matters. – Monkey D. Garp (Vincent Regan), One Piece

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. – Mahatma Gandhi,

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. – Henry David Thoreau

Few things will make you feel better than a job brilliantly done. – Robin S. Sharma

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping. – Gertrude Stein

🪄 Putting a Spell On You…

Visit again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s happening in the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay never blowing out a Jack O’Lantern before midnight on Halloween, and stay being aware of hospital protocol before you barge into a doctor’s office.

Sep23

September 22, 2023 – Drew Gets a Nasty Surprise, Blazing Again, In His Memory, Influenced, She’s In, Surviving, Lego Rick, Best In Dead, Almost Fear, Senior Swimmer, Pets (!) For the Win, 10 Quotes Plus Mine & Last

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis wheels himself into the hospital, and Portia says she didn’t expect to see him here. She was just about to head home. He says he had a follow-up appointment and was hoping to catch her. She asks what she can do for him… Is it that bad? He says, no, but it is important. It’s about their daughter.

Trina works on a paper in her dorm room, when there’s a knock at the door. She says she’s busy; go away. The knocking continues, and she says, go away. Spencer asks if she’s too busy for her boyfriend, and begins drumming on the door. She says, okay, okay, and opens the door. She says, yes, she’s even too busy for him, and he makes a pouty face.

Jordan comes out of the hospital elevator, and TJ runs over and hugs her. He asks what she’s doing here, and she says her neighbor had surgery. She thought she’d stop by and visit her. He says, that’s nice of her, although he’d expect nothing less from his amazing mother, and she says, someone’s in a good mood. He says he’s pumped. Dr. Chang asked him to assist in surgery this morning. She says she’s guessing that’s a big deal, and he says, she has no idea. Dr. Chang is the best in his field, and there he was, right by his side. The doctor even asked TJ to join him in his next surgery. Jordan says, that’s great. She’s so proud of him. He thanks her and says, now he has to do even more research because he has to be at the top of his game for the next surgery. She says, luckily, he has time to study now. When a baby comes into the picture, things are going to change.

On the phone outside the courtroom, Molly tells a women that they’ll have to set up a meeting with DA Scorpio. Alexis comes along, and Molly tells the woman that they’ll talk later. Alexis says she knew Molly was in court today and wanted to see how she did. Did she win? Molly says, no. The judge sided with the defendant, and DA Scorpio is going to want to hear a play-by-play of what went wrong. Alexis says, nothing went wrong. Molly’s perfect. She’s sure it was the judge… bias. Look what happened to Drew. Molly’s phone rings, and she sees it’s Andrea. She tells Andrea that she’s kind of in the middle of something… Why does Andrea need to see her right away?

Blaze walks into Charlie’s, when her phone rings. She says she just got to Charlie’s… Don’t worry. Not a problem. She’ll just answer some emails on her phone… Blaze will see her when she gets here. Kristina says, oh my God. Blaze.

Carly thanks Diane for coming back to Sonny’s old kitchen the house with her, and Diane says she goes where Carly needs her. She stares longingly at the moss bowl🎍, and Carly says she didn’t want to have this conversation in public. The last thing they need is for anybody to hear what they’re saying. Diane said she had some information on the judge, but most important, is it enough to get Drew out of Pentenville?

Drew goes into the shower and gets nakey, camera angles and set pieces strategically blocking his lower half. He runs the shower, and two inmates walk in. Drew doesn’t see them because he’s facing the wall instead of the doorway, like anyone would be likely to do that when they’re by themselves in a prison.

Molly says she’s in the courthouse… Okay, that works. She’ll wait for Andrea here. Alexis asks if there’s a problem, but Molly says she’s not sure. Andrea was having breakfast next door and wants to see her in person. Alexis asks if she said what it was about, but Molly says, no, which means it’s bad news, right? If it was good news, Andrea would have told her what it was. Alexis says, they don’t know that, and Molly says, she didn’t sound happy. She seemed nervous. Alexis tells her, just relax. Andrea will be here any second. In the meantime, does Molly want her to wait? Molly asks if she has time, and Alexis says she always has time for her. She suggests they sit down, and Molly asks if she’s sure. Alexis says, she’ll just text Gregory and tell him that she’s going to be a little late this morning. Molly says, Alexis is spending a lot of time with him. Did she and Diane have an argument or something? Alexis says, the only thing she and Diane argue about is exercise. Is she not allowed to have more than one friend? There. She’s available to Molly for the rest of the morning. Molly asks her to thank Gregory for her, and Alexis says she will. She has to admit he was a great hire, and for a stuffy professor, he’s actually a lot of fun. He has great stories. Molly says she’s glad to hear that. She really likes him and hopes he stays around a long time.

Blaze says she’s sorry. Does she know Kristina? Kristina says, yes… no. Blaze doesn’t know her, but she knows Blaze. She loves Blaze’s music. Blaze thanks her, and Kristina says, her latest single is amazing. It’s on all of her playlists all the time; her cooking playlist, her running playlist, her productivity playlist. Her fangirl moment is going to come to an end now. Can she get Blaze a table? Blaze says she’s meeting someone here, but they’re running late. She thinks she’ll just wait at the bar. Kristina says, the first round’s on her; she insists. What can she get Blaze? A Bloody Mary? A mimosa? Blaze says, just some sparkling water. She’s here for a business meeting.

Trina says she’s working on her essay for her art seminar, and Spencer asks if she didn’t say her goal was to have more of a work/life balance at PCU. She says she did, but not if she wants her essay to be good, and she does. He says, she just started her junior year at PCU. If he has to guess, he bets she has two more weeks for this at least. Is he right? She says she’ll take him up on that bet, because he’ll lose in a heartbeat. It’s due on Tuesday. He says, oh, Tuesday, pulling her into his lap. In other words, she has plenty of time for a little bit of fun. He kisses her.

Portia asks, what’s going on with their daughter? and Curtis says, while they were playing video games last night… She says, the ones they said she wasn’t very good at, and he says he doesn’t think she’s figured out the buttons just yet. She says, he has to teach her. She wants to be down with them, and wants it to be a family affair. He says, of course (🍷). They’re getting a little off topic. While they were playing video games, Trina told him that she was planning a trip. He wondered if she mentioned that to Portia. Portia says, Trina hasn’t, but she’s certainly not surprised. Trina’s been pretty busy; moving back into the dorm, working part time at the gallery, and plus that huge class schedule she still has. She’s sure Trina just hasn’t told her yet. So where’s she going? Another art gallery probably. He says, no. It’s not art or school related. She’s taking a trip to Manhattan… with Spencer.

Diane says, as Carly knows, she just had breakfast with Robert Scorpio, and Carly says, Diane told her that he might have some insight as to why the judge gave Drew such a ridiculous sentence. Diane says, Robert told her that Judge Kim has career aspirations well beyond his current seat on the bench, and Carly says, like what? Diane says, like the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The Second Circuit Court could be a huge steppingstone to the Supreme Court. For that you need an impressive judicial record, friends in the Justice Department… Carly says she gets all that. What does this have to do with Drew?

For a guy with a short haircut, Drew spends an inordinate amount of time washing his hair. One of the inmates nods to the other, and they approach. Drew feels their presence, turns around, and the fight starts. Drew slams one of them to the ground, but the other grabs Drew’s neck, and pushes him up against the wall, shoving his face under the shower stream.

Andrea finds Molly, who asks, what’s going on?

Drew finally gets the better of the inmate trying to strangle him under the water, but the other one gets up and jumps back into the fray. He gets Drew down, and they kick the crap out of him. Looking at these two goons, I find it hard to believe they could get the best of Drew, even nakey and wet, but he lies unconscious. We see blood go down the drain with the water.

Diane says, Judge Kim appears to be, could be, paving the way for the Justice Department to offer Carly a deal. Judge Kim hands Drew an overly harsh sentence. The Feds are well aware Carly is frantic to get Drew out of Pentenville. That’s their leverage. They offer to release him from prison in exchange for… Carly says, in exchange for information on Sonny, and Diane says, there you go.

Portia says, Trina and Spencer are going to New York City, and Curtis says he doesn’t want to betray her trust, but that’s what Trina told him. And he got the feeling Trina expected her to tell Portia. She asks, when is this happening? For how long? He says, this weekend, a couple of days. That’s the way he understands it. She says, okay, and he says he knows Spencer is a tricky subject for her and Trina, and he’s sorry if he upset her. She says, Trina’s a junior in college. If she wants to go away for the weekend, she has every right to, and she certainly doesn’t have to tell her mother about it in advance. He says, that’s not how he expected her to react. Is she really as calm about this as she seems?

Kristina asks if she can get Blaze a refill, and Blaze says, sure. Kristina says she understands this is totally none of her business, so feel free to say so, but does this meeting Blaze is having possibly have anything to do with her next album? Blaze says, no. She’s looking for new management because her last manager was a total creep. Thank God that’s over. Kristina says she remembers that whole thing blew up at the Nurses Ball. She’s sure everyone wants to sign Blaze though. Blaze says, they do, but after Linc, she realizes she needs more control over her career. It’s hard to find people with vision. Most just want you to churn out the same songs year after year; the old, shut up and sing. They don’t want to hear she plays four instruments and writes as well. She has a voice, and it’s her fault she stayed with Linc for as long as she did, because he wouldn’t listen to it. She won’t make that mistake again.

TJ tells Jordan that he’s fully prepared for their lives to change, if and when a baby comes along. He understands he won’t be able to devote as much time to medicine, and that’s not a problem. Everything will take a backseat to the baby. He shouldn’t even be talking like this. They don’t even know if the IVF was successful. Jordan asks how long before they find out if it worked, and he says, Andrea should know in a few days. But he and Molly are trying to give her space. They’re trying to resist the urge to text her every morning asking if she’s pregnant. Jordan says she knows it can’t be easy, and he says, it’s not. Molly’s been through so much disappointment since they started trying to have a baby. He doesn’t want her hopes up if it doesn’t happen this time. She says, but it could.

Molly says, before Andrea tells her why she needed to see her, she needs to say something first. This whole surrogate experience has been hard on her and TJ, but she’s also tried to put herself in Andrea’s shoes. She must feel so much responsibility to make this happen for them, and she just wants Andrea to know, if she has bad news, and it didn’t take… Andrea tries to interrupt, but Molly keeps on going. And if she doesn’t want to be their surrogate anymore, Molly completely understands. Alexis says, Molly is just so smart. Sometimes she overthinks things. Andrea says she’s not here with bad news; just the opposite in fact. She’s pregnant. Molly says, really? and Andrea says, they should have Dr. Navarro confirm, but the home test says she’s pregnant. She and Molly hug.

One of the inmates gives Drew another kick, but his cohort says, that’s enough. The job’s done. They leave, and we see more blood go down the drain.

Portia tells Curtis, is she thrilled that Trina is going away for the weekend to Manhattan with Spencer? Of course (🍷) not, but what is she supposed to do? March over to her dorm and forbid her to go? Curtis says he knows how much she doesn’t trust Spencer, so the idea did occur to him, and she says, if she thought for a second that would work, she’d be at Trina’s dorm in a heartbeat. But she knows better. She’s learned by now that she can’t pressure their daughter. She learned the hard way. Trina is a lot like Curtis in that way. He says, and she’s not stubborn at all, and she says, okay. Trina inherited her streak from both her parents. He says he should probably get to his check-up, so they’ll talk tonight.

Trina tells Spencer, stop, and he asks, what’s wrong? Is she not having fun? She says, that’s not the point. He’s distracting her and she needs to finish this paper before they go to the city. He says he knows it’s hard, but it’s going to be okay. She’s such a perfectionist, and he knows she’s such a good student, but they’re going to be back from their trip on Monday and she’ll be able to turn in her paper on Tuesday. He admires how smart she is. This all looks very impressive. She probably doubled the amount of research she needed for this paper, but she’s going to have time to finish this when they get back from their trip. She says, he’s probably right, and he says he is right. She says, but if she doesn’t finish  this paper before they go, she’ll be thinking about it all weekend, and she wants this weekend to be about them. All she wants to be thinking about is him, and her, and them being together.

TJ asks if Jordan really thinks it could happen. He’s been trying not to let himself go there, thinking he’ll somehow jinx it, but what if it worked and Andrea is pregnant? She says, then it will be the best news in the world. He says, wow. That means in nine months, Baby Ashford-Davis could be here? What if they’re not ready? Or if they don’t know what they’re doing? Or if… Jordan says, no one knows how to do this the first time around, and he says, in medical school, he’d just open a book and study and have the answers. There’s no book to tell him how to be a good dad. What if he can’t do it?

Andrea says, when she took the test and found out she was pregnant, all she could think about was telling Molly. And yes, it’s incredibly premature, and they should schedule an appointment with Dr. Navarro, but when she saw the result, it made her so incredibly happy, she figured Molly would feel the same way. Molly says she is; she does. And Andrea 100% made the right call in telling her because they’re in this together. Oh my God. She’s got to tell TJ. He has a really busy day at the hospital. Maybe she should wait to tell him tonight. Andrea says she’ll let Molly make that call, and Molly says, if Andrea is pregnant, she needs to eat something. Andrea says she just had breakfast, but if Molly hasn’t eaten, she could maybe have a juice or something. It does feel like they should celebrate, right? Molly says, absolutely, and asks if Alexis would like to join them, but Alexis tells them to go celebrate together. As they’re about to leave, Alexis calls Molly over, and says she’s very happy for them. She doesn’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but she just wants Molly to remember it’s early. Things happen. She’s not saying they will, but she doesn’t want Molly to get ahead of herself. Molly says she knows. Alexis is right and Molly hears what she’s saying, but this is the first good news she’s had in a really long time, and she wants to really celebrate. Alexis hugs her.

Kristina says, Blaze and Chase were so good at the Nurses Ball this year, and Blaze thanks her. She says she loved Danielle Ponder, and Kristina says, her little sister’s obsessed with her. Blaze asks how many sisters she has, and Kristina says, two brothers and four sisters. Blaze says, wow, and Kristina says, that’s a lot, right? She and her sisters have performed a few times at the Nurses Ball. Blaze says, Kristina sings? She needs to hear more about that.

Carly tells Diane, so we’re doing this again. The only way to get Drew out of Pentenville is if she gives the Feds information on Sonny? Diane says, this is all still pure speculation on her part. And Robert’s part. They have no proof that the Feds, the Justice Department, are involved in any way. There’s no firm deal on the table. This could just be a political stunt by Judge Kim to move him up the ladder. It could also be the reason he gave Drew this insane sentence. Carly tells Diane that she doesn’t know what to say, and Diane says, say nothing. It’s only her obligation to present Carly with all the options. Carly says, it’s not an option. If the Feds came to her and offered her a deal, she’s not going to take it. Diane knows that. She knows Sonny’s not her husband anymore, but he’s still her family, and she’s not going to be the one who puts him in prison. Diane says, not even if it means saving Drew? and Carly says, not even if it means saving Drew. Diane says, atta girl.

Cyrus walks into the shower area, and sees Drew lying unconscious, the shower running. He checks Drew’s pulse, and yells for the guard. He shouts, a prisoner’s been attacked! Come quick!

Blaze says, what Kristina is telling her is that she’s more than a bartender, that she has hidden talent. Kristina says she is in fact more than just a bartender. She manages this place. Blaze says, good for her, and Kristina thanks her and says, clearly between the two of them, Blaze is the professional singer here; she’s just having fun. Blaze says, that’s all that really matters, because if she’s not having fun, neither is the audience. Kristina says she doesn’t know how Blaze does it. She gets terrified standing onstage. Once she’s there and in the moment, she can enjoy herself, but it’s a worthy cause and they raised some money, so that’s all that counts. Kristina’s phone rings, and she tells Blaze that she’ll be right back.

Jordan tells TJ, there are tons of books on parenting, and numerous websites with advice on infant care, but the bottom line? There’s no roadmap for raising a child. It’s on the job training. He says, what if he fails? There’s no trick to changing a diaper, but how does he make his child feel comfortable? How does he make them feel safe and secure? Jordan says she’s not the best person to be giving parenting advice. She missed a lot of his upbringing, and it’s something she’ll regret for the rest of her life. But what she does know is, he’s an amazing person with an incredible partner. He and Molly will figure this out together. He thanks her and says, for the record, she’s an amazing mom and she’ll make an incredible grandma. She says she’s still rethinking that name. She’s too young to be called grandma. Doesn’t he think? He says, absolutely, and they laugh.

Alexis says, speaking of celebrating, would it be all right with Molly if she told Sam and Kristina that Andrea is pregnant? Molly asks, what happened to her saying it’s still too early? and Alexis says she knows what she said. If Molly lets her tell them, she’ll make sure they’re cautiously optimistic. She just wants to make sure all the Davis girls are on the same page with Molly and TJ. And whatever happens, let’s all be supportive. Molly asks if this is where Alexis tries to get her and Kristina talking, and Alexis says, absolutely. Is it so wrong for a mother to want her children to talk to each other? Molly says she guesses they’re going to find out sooner or later. Go for it. She gives Alexis a kiss on the cheek and says she loves her. Alexis says she loves Molly, and Molly leaves to join Andrea.

Spencer says, Trina has no idea the fantastic weekend he has planned for her. There’s no way she would even be able to think about, even for a second, some silly paper she has to write. Trina says, first of all, her paper isn’t silly. Art is going to be her career. She takes her work very seriously. He says he knows, and she says, she doesn’t want to be thinking about her paper when they go on their trip. Which is why she needs him to go. She pushes him toward the door, and he says, but even if she didn’t finish her paper, he doubts she’d be able to think about school while she’s there, because… Never mind. That’s okay. She says, what? and he says, never mind, opening the door. She says, what is it? Tell her. He asks if she really wants to know, and she says she does. He closes the door and says, he got them tickets to see Moulin Rouge. She says she listens to the original cast album all the time, and he says he knows. It’s almost like they’re dating and he knows these things about her. They have amazing seats; they’re going to be in the third row, center stage. (Those are good. Never sit in the first row. You’ll be looking up their noses.) And he got them dinner reservations, at Essence. She says, that place is supposed to be the hardest place to get reservations at, and he says he has great connections. She says, maybe he’s right. It will be amazing. She can’t wait. She hugs him, and he says, she doesn’t have to wait. He’s already packed, so why don’t they get her packed and get out of here?

Esme comes out of the hospital elevator, toting Ace, and Portia asks if everything is all right with him. Esme says, he’s fine. He had his normal pediatrician appointment this morning, and she tried to make it as early as possible, so she doesn’t miss too much work. Portia says, that’s commendable of her, and she seems to be doing a wonderful job with Ace. That’s a happy baby. Esme says she can’t take all the credit. Spencer’s actually been a really big help. She appreciates Portia suggesting that parenting class they took together. It was really helpful to get them on the same page. Portia says, that’s great, but her expression doesn’t look like it’s great.

Spencer says, what he knows of late September in Manhattan is that it could be anything weatherwise, so Trina will want to be prepared for hot and cold. She’s going to want to bring something fancy for the theatre, and he thinks she should pack something casual in case they want to go for a walk around Central Park. So where does she want to start? She’s going to look amazing no matter what she wears, so don’t give him that look. She thanks him for the compliment, but she doesn’t need his help packing. He says, this is to speed things up, not slow them down. The sooner they get on the road, the sooner they get to New York, the sooner they have some fun. She tells him that she’s going to keep saying this until it sinks into his thick skull. She’s not packing until she finishes her essay. And she can’t finish her essay until he leaves. What part of that is confusing? He says he completely understands. He just has a different goal, because he knows her, and if he had to guess, he’d say that essay is probably finished. He’s thinking she has to do a little bit of proof reading and editing. She smiles, and he says, she’s so busted. That’s exactly what it is, and she can do all of that on Monday when they get back from their trip. Let’s go. She says, he’s wrong, but he says he doesn’t believe her. She says, he can believe her or not, but if he really wants to speed up this departure, he’ll go. The door’s over there.

Esme says she’s surprised at how good Portia’s been to her, as a doctor, and almost as a friend. Portia says she’s sure Esme’s heard of the oath the doctor’s take; first do no harm. For her, she took that to mean, be of service and help people. Esme says she’s not surprised Portia is kind and caring as a person. She’s just a little surprised Portia is extending that kindness to her, especially considering the awful things she did to Portia’s daughter. Portia says, but Esme’s a different person than when she did those things to Trina and her friends, right? Esme says she’s really just trying to be a better person for her son, and Portia says, that’s the person she’s reacting to. She’s reacting to Esme, the mom of beautiful Baby Ace. Esme thanks her and says she really can’t tell Portia how much that means to her that she can come to Portia for advice about Ace. Portia says she was a young mother too, so she gets it. She knows how hard it can be, and sometimes you just need some help. And with Laura and Doc out of the country, she just thought Esme might need some extra support. So if Esme needs anything else, she knows where Portia is. Esme says, sounds good, and thanks her.

Carly tells Diane that she hates that Drew is being used as a pawn by this judge for his career. Not to mention, this wouldn’t be happening to Drew if it wasn’t for his involvement with her. But not turning evidence to free Drew is less about Sonny and more about her kids. If Sonny goes to prison, they’re in danger. They’d all have targets on their backs, and Drew wouldn’t want that. Diane says, now she’s not understanding. Is Carly saying she’s regretting being involved with Drew? Carly says, no. She regrets what her world has done to Drew. Diane says, but Drew is not new to Port Charles. He’s been around the block. He was aware of how complicated Carly’s life is, and he chose to be involved with her anyway. Carly says, that’s not making her feel any better, and Diane tells her that she’s just saying, don’t torture herself with gratuitous guilt. And certainly don’t blame herself for the bad conduct of this overambitious judge. Carly says, but can they prove that conduct? Can they prove that judge gave Drew a ridiculous sentence just for political gain? Because right now, that’s the only chance they’ve got.

Cyrus turns off the shower, and covers Drew with a towel. A guard walks in, and Cyrus says he found Drew like this. He’s barely breathing. He needs a hospital now. The guard runs back out.

Spencer asks how much time Trina thinks she’ll need, and I wish he would stop shouting. He talks fast and loud. She says she doesn’t exactly know, but he added about an hour for interrupting her. He asks if she’s really saying she’s sorry he showed up, and she kisses him. He says, that’s the last things she should do if she wants him to leave, and she says, go. He says, she can’t kiss him like that and expect him to go. No. She says, yes – she pushes him out the door – because she needs to finish her paper if he wants her to kiss him like that in New York. He says she doesn’t play fair, and she says, no, she doesn’t, kissing him one more time and closing the door. He yells, type fast, Trina Robinson. New York City awaits.

Esme says, Ace did good today, and Portia says, he’s a pro. Such a big guy. Esme says it was nice to see Portia, and Portia says, it was nice to see her too. Take care. She tickles Ace’s tummy, and Esme leaves. Curtis comes out of the elevator, and Portia asks how his check-up went. He says he’s still in a wheelchair, but aside from that, all good. She says she wanted to tell him that she really appreciates him. She thanks him for filling her in on Trina’s trip. He says, we are Trina’s parents. We’re in this together.

Blaze is enjoying watching something on her phone, and Kristina asks what she’s watching. Blaze says, you. At the Nurses Ball a few years back. Kristina was singing Sara Bareilles song, and she’s good. Kristina says, Blaze did not look her up, but Blaze says, of course (🍷) she did. It took her all of 30 seconds to find it online. It’s hazy, but Kristina totally misrepresented this. First of all, it’s not an easy song to sing, and this choreography is really good. She hopes if the Nurses Ball ever asks Kristina to perform again, she’ll do it. Kristina says she absolutely will not, and Blaze says, who’s the professional singer here? Kristina says, that would be Blaze, and Blaze says, exactly. So just take the compliment. Kristina says, okay, she will. If Blaze stops watching that. Blaze says, deal, taking out her earbuds, and Kristina thanks her for the compliment.

Alexis calls Gregory, and says she just got some really great news, and she thinks she made a breakthrough with Kristina and Molly… Right? The reason she’s calling is that she’s in such a good mood, she doesn’t feel like going to work today. So she was wondering, after she runs a few errands, what does he say to them crossing something off his bucket list?

Diane tells Carly that she thinks if there were evidence against Judge Kim for unfairly sentencing people to advance his own career, some reporter would have already dug it up. She’s just saying she’s here to present all options. Of course (🍷) she’s going to try. Of course (🍷). But they need to have realistic expectations. It’s a long shot. Carly says, a long shot is better than no shot at all. Where do they start? Diane says she needs to see if there’s a precedent for a judge delivering a politically motivated sentence (I can’t imagine there isn’t), and if that sentence was then overturned. Because that could go a long way in getting Drew’s case seen before another judge. Carly thanks her, and Diane’s phone rings. She answers, and says, yes… Yes. She’s going to command a full explanation… That’s right. Bye. Carly asks, who was that? What’s going on? Is it bad? Diane says, yes. It’s very bad. Drew was attacked in Pentenville. Carly says, how bad is it? and Diane says, he’s in an ambulance on his way to General Hospital. Carly says she has to get to him right now.

On Monday, Brook says she wants to sign Blaze as her first client; Jake says he has to talk to Elizabeth about Charlotte; Valentin tells Nina that he has a plan to make them all move right past it; and Carly says, Sonny promised to protect Drew.

🎤 We Noticed…

Next stop, The Savoy.

Jacqueline Grace Lopez Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🥀 Hats Off To Billy…

I don’t remember him being in AMC, but then again, I remember very little about AMC at this point. Except for Susan Lucci waiting on getting that Emmy. He must have been pretty young.

THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Special Tribute to Billy Miller

In related news.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/maurice-benards-emotional-message-to-fans

🍊 Not Her Finest Hour…

No surprise, everyone has an opinion.

https://people.com/housewives-respond-to-shannon-beador-alleged-dui-hit-and-run-7971761

https://pagesix.com/2023/09/19/shannon-beador-dui-hit-and-run-video-shows-crash-into-home/

https://www.eonline.com/news/1386192/rhocs-emily-simpson-speaks-out-on-shannon-beadors-dui-arrest

👠 She’s On Board…

My guilty pleasure. I saw them twice when they last got together, and they put on an amazing show. I can’t imagine what the ticket prices would be for it now though.

https://extratv.com/2023/09/21/mel-b-says-victoria-beckham-is-on-board-for-spice-girls-reunion-exclusive/

🌴 In Case You Wondered…

What it takes to outwit, outplay, and outlast. I used to think Jeff Probst was the antichrist until Andy Cohen came along.

https://ew.com/tv/survivor-45-behind-the-scenes-casting-cover-story/

🎉 He Finally Made It…

They definitely captured Rick’s worried expression.

https://screenrant.com/walking-dead-rick-grimes-lego-project/

🏹 Simply the Best…

Dead City was impressive, but Daryl is definitely the one to beat right now.

https://www.gamesradar.com/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-fans-best-franchise-has-been-in-years-reddit/

⚰️ Just Around the Corner…

October 22 – be there or be dead.

“Fear the Walking Dead” Final Season Trailer – The Last Six Episodes Premiere on October 22

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-trailer-season-8-the-walking-dead-sanctuary-dwight-sherry/

🐟 Oldest In the Tank…

I hear he has a seeing eye crab. It almost seems cruel to keep him in an aquarium, but then again, it would be the worst to see him get set free and immediately get eaten by a shark.

https://people.com/worlds-oldest-aquarium-fish-older-than-scientists-thought-7971807

🐩 The Real Award…

Grammy winners loved pets too.

https://celebritypets.net/grammy-award-winners-2023-meet-their-celebrity-pets/

📰 Quotes of the Week…

For it’s not light that is needed, but fire; it’s not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind and the earthquake in our hearts. – Frederick Douglass

We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience. – John Dewey

Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out. – Robert Collier

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. – Plato

Do one thing every day that scares you. – Mary Schmich

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. – Henry David Thoreau

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. – Herman Melville

Success only comes to those who dare to attempt. – Mallika Tripathi

Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your wife is well educated and well mannered, and you’re just, oh well. – Carl McMillan (Reno Wilson), Mike & Molly

Integrity: Don’t leave home without it. – me

🍁 Equinoxing Autumn…

Meet me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and tea tidbits. Until then, stay safe, stay never taking the last piece of pizza without asking first (especially if it’s mine), and stay keeping in mind a long shot is better than no shot at all.

Sep2

September 1, 2023 – Pikeman’s Shipment Comes In, On Or Not, OC In the Shade, Jersey Peek, Indecisive, VanderNotes, Messy Med, Over, Dead Talk, Praising Pups (!), Decapod Of Quotes & Pink

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone in the elevator, Sonny says, that’s excellent news. They’ll be in touch. Cyrus’s voice says, it is not often that we get to live in and appreciate the humility of the Lord, but on days when our salvation is imminent, our faith calls us to give thanks in an especially joyful way.

We see Cyrus preaching to a group in the library, and he says, hear me when I tell you something – God is coming. And we who have waited with faith and patience and humility are privileged to bear witness. Rejoice, my brothers, rejoice! Amen. The group applauds.

Carly runs into Kelly’s, telling Josslyn that she’s sorry she’s late. She knows the concert starts soon. Josslyn says, don’t worry about it. She guesses Carly didn’t see her text. She’s not going.

Brook says, Chase isn’t joking, and he says he’s 100% serious. She says, he wants her to move in with him, and he says, yes. She says, no.

Olivia brings Ned out by the pool. It’s empty, and he says, slow night, huh? She says, not exactly. She sent everyone home. He asks, why? and she says she wanted them to be alone out here. He says, to do what exactly? and she says, remember. Ned, remember us. Remember who you used to be.

At the Bistro, Charlotte asks why Valentin has that look, and he says, what look would that be? She says, the look he gets when he’s about to tell her something she won’t like.

Maxie turns on the lights at Lulu’s house, and goes in with Georgie, James, and Felicia. Georgie says, this was her big surprise, a visit to Aunt Lulu’s house? James says he’s surprised. He thought they were going to a Woodchuck’s game. Felicia tells him that they’re going to the game soon, but right now, they’re on an amazing adventure. Georgie asks, what is this amazing adventure? and Felicia says, they’re here to explore. James says, explore what? and Felicia says, the house. Maxie says, and maybe stake out which bedroom is going to be his new room, and James says, she means… Maxie says, no more sharing. They’re moving in here. This is their new house. Funny. I don’t remember Lulu’s house being this huge. I’ll just say it. This ain’t your Lulu’s house.

On the phone at the MetroCourt, Nina says, unfortunately, that’s a question for Olivia and she’s not here, so they’ll have to wait. She tosses down the phone, looking harried, and looks up to see Sonny come in. She says, this is a nice surprise. She didn’t know he was coming here tonight. They hug, and he says, this is the best joint in town, especially the view. She says she’s glad he likes it. There’s something she really needs to talk to him about… Kristina walks in, and asks if Nina is joining them, but Nina says, no. This dinner is just for the two of them. She has to work. Olivia asked her to be on the floor tonight. She starts to leave, but Sonny asks what she had to tell him. She says she can take care of it herself. It’s really nothing. Enjoy their dinner. There’s a great steak special tonight. Sonny says, then he’s got it all. He has great steak, a gorgeous fiancé, a brilliant daughter. He’s got it all right here, right? The three of them smile.

Ned starts to leave, but Olivia tells him, wait. His daughter Brook, Ned’s daughter, is in a lot of pain right now because of something Tracy did. She ran out of the house because of his mother. He says, don’t put that on him, and she says, of course (🍷) not, but he was always the bridge between the two of them. He could always sort it out. There are people who still need him; his mother and his daughter and their son… the kid… Leo? For their sake, can he please just try?

Nina says she’ll send the waitress over, and Sonny thanks Kristina for being so supportive of him. Kristina says she genuinely likes Nina. Not everyone’s against him too. She can see how happy Nina makes him. She puts her hand on his.

Cyrus tells the group, today is the day for miracles. A time of righteousness, and yes, vengeance. But without the dark, there can be no light; and without vengeance, there can be no righteousness. So let us pray that this vengeance passes by unscathed, so that we may testify to the cleansing power of our Creator. The Warden Garten watches as he speaks, and he says, for all the world’s a cage, and we are all inmates in God’s celestial play, trying to break free from the grip of licentiousness, arrogance, and evil. As it says in Deuteronomy 23:14; for the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee. Therefore shall they camp be holy that He see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee. He looks at the warden.

Willow comes into the restaurant with Wiley, who runs to Nina. She hugs him, and Sonny tells Kristina, look how happy she is.

Josslyn tells Carly that they can’t go to the concert anymore because suddenly, Dex has to do something for Sonny. Carly says, oh, and Josslyn says she hates that Carly knows exactly how she’s feeling. Carly says, so Dex has to work for Sonny and Josslyn has to make alternate plans. Been there, done that. Josslyn says, it’s not that; it’s the situation. She knows she said she was moving on and trying to put it behind her, but she hates that Dex is putting himself in danger. Carly says, that’s who Dex was when Josslyn met him. He’s a guy who takes risks, for better or worse. Josslyn says, yeah, but now he’s protecting Sonny, and taking those risks because of Carly and because of Michael. Carly says, and that’s his choice, and it’s for his protection. Josslyn says she knows. It’s just, some days are harder than others. Carly says she gets that, but if Josslyn got into this thinking she was going to change Dex, that’s not going to happen.

Chase says, Brook doesn’t want to live with him? and she says she doesn’t think he’s thought this through. He says he has, and she says, oh really? Because a whole two and a half second deliberation isn’t exactly thorough. He says, it’s not like they haven’t lived together before, and she says, exactly. That’s what she’s saying. The first time, she drove him absolutely crazy, and the second time was for Bailey. He says, the third time will be for love.

Charlotte says, Maxie and her family are living at her mom’s house? and Valentin says, her mother always loved Maxie and her children. Doesn’t she think it might be nice to have some people living in that house? It’s been sitting empty. She says, yeah, but she just wishes it was her mom coming home to live there. He says he does too, but how does she feel about Maxie and her kids moving in? She says, why bother asking her when it’s already done? and he says, the decision to rent was Dante’s. He’s just asking because he cares about her feelings, so why doesn’t she tell him? She says, it’s just another place, like all of the places she’s lived. None of them last.

James runs through the living room saying, this house is huge, and there’s a backyard. He can make a treehouse. Wait. How many rooms are there? Felicia suggests they take a reconnaissance mission and count the rooms. Ready for take-off? Let’s go. They run out, and Maxie asks Georgie, what’s going on? Doesn’t she like the house? Georgie says, of course (🍷) she likes it. She remembers playing here when she was little. It seemed even bigger then. But this is Aunt Lulu’s house.

Josslyn says she doesn’t want to change Dex. Why would Carly say that? Carly says she’s been down this road, many times. She wouldn’t be Josslyn’s mother if she didn’t want to spare Josslyn from unnecessary pain. Josslyn says she’s not in pain, and Carly says, Josslyn doesn’t have to convince her; she just has to be honest with herself. Worrying about Dex, knowing he’s always in danger, is a heavy burden. And if she decides she doesn’t want to do this anymore and doesn’t want to be a part of that life, that’s okay. She just has to admit it to herself, and then she has to tell Dex. Josslyn tells Carly not to put her history with Sonny on her. She’s just disappointed, and that doesn’t mean she wants to break up with Dex. Actually, she thinks she’s still going to go to the concert because she has a bunch of friends going. Carly says, great, and Josslyn says, don’t wait up for her. Carly says, okay, and Josslyn leaves.

Brook says, Chase knows she loves him, right? and he says, yes… She says, part of the reason she does is, he’s like a knight. When someone’s in trouble, he can’t help but want to fix it. He says, she’s not just someone. They’re in a good place, and he can see she’s hurting at home. She says she appreciates his concern, but she doesn’t think living together is what they need right now.

Nina says she’s so surprised to see Wiley. She’s glad he came. Wiley sees Sonny, and says he wants to see grandpa. Nina looks at Willow, who nods, and she brings Wiley over to Sonny. Wiley and Sonny high-five, and Kristina tells Wiley that he’s looking sharp. Wiley suggests they go to grandpa’s and have a barbecue and play baseball, but Sonny says, where he lives is kind of high up. You can’t play baseball. Nina says, but if you stand on the terrace, you can see all of Port Charles. Wiley says, really? and tells Willow, let’s all go to grandpa’s and have picnic on the terrace. Kristina can come too, and Amelia and Nina, Grandpa Sonny… Michael comes out of the elevator, and Wiley continues, mommy, daddy, and Leo too? Sonny says, he can invite anybody he wants, and Willow goes over to Michael. He asks if it’s a party, and she says, yeah. Nina was here when she arrived, then Wiley saw Sonny and went to say hello. He says, if it’s okay with her, it’s okay with him. Wiley runs to Michael, who hugs him. Michael smiles at Sonny, then realizes he’s smiling at Sonny.

Maxie tells Georgie, Aunt Lulu is her best friend, and she thinks Aunt Lulu would want them to fill this place with laughter and memories, just like the memories they made with her when she lived here. Georgie asks if it won’t make Maxie miss Aunt Lulu more if they live here, and Maxie takes her hand, saying, she’ll miss Aunt Lulu no matter where they live. That’s not going to change, but being here does make Maxie feel a teeny bit closer to her. It’s almost like she gave us a little present, right? Maxie wouldn’t have brought them here if she didn’t feel good about it. Lulu asks if she can paint her room purple, and Maxie says she can. (I painted my room purple when I was around Georgie’s age. Is that a thing when you’re a tween?) Felicia comes back with James, and he says, guess what? There’s four bedrooms, one for each of them. And he’s already picked his. Georgie says, no fair. She’s older and she gets to pick first. James says he forgot. Age before beauty. He runs off, Georgie chasing him. Felicia says she’s so glad Maxie is doing this, and Maxie says, so is she.

Ned asks what Olivia wants him to do. He’s not making any guarantees. She says she understands it. She just wants to walk him through what happened that night. He says, the night of the supposed accident, and she says, see if it comes back to him. He asks how she can walk him through it if she wasn’t here. He heard it was just Tracy and Drew who saw him fall. She leads him to the other side of the room, and says, Drew told her everything that happened. They can just give it a try. He says, all right, whatever. Lay it on him. She says, he started out over here – she walks across  the room – and he saw Drew and Tracy arguing over here. So just walk to her… slowly, and see if anything feels familiar. Okay? Is he ready? He says, ready, and starts to walk.

Brook says she and Chase are in a really good place and she wants to keep it that way, but he says, moving in isn’t going to change that. If anything, it’ll bring them closer. She says, or closer to World War III. She drove him crazy when she was just temporarily couch surfing. She’s not the neatest person. She leaves her stuff everywhere. She thrives in creative clutter. He says, so they had a few discussions about clutter, and she says, more than a few. He was counting the days until she left him to his Zen world of order. He says, then when she left, his place felt empty. He missed her, and it hasn’t felt right since she left. Make it right. Move back in with him.

Local guy Steve goes into Kelly’s, and Carly asks if he wants the usual. He says he likes what she’s done with the place. It’s gotten a lot nicer since she took over. She says, it was a personal project, and he tells her, this might not be his place to say, but he thought she should know. Her ex-husband is in for a world of trouble.

Warden Garten gestures that she wants to talk to Cyrus, and he suggests the group take a break to reflect on their redemption. Cyrus says he hopes the warden hasn’t come to stop their study. He and his friends are just trying to let go of their past so they can look toward a righteous future. She says, don’t worry. She’s not here to break up his group. She just wanted to see it for herself. She’s impressed. He says, her support means a great deal, and she says, he genuinely seems like a changed man. He says, after his heart attack, he’s come to see life in a new light. His faith was rejuvenated. She says, while she might not share his exact faith, she’s relying on him for a common cause. He says, trust him. He wants nothing but the best. He believes everything is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to be. She says, let’s hope so, and he says he has only one purpose now; to bring about God’s will on earth. She says she’d hate for him to disappoint her after all his progress, and starts to leave, but he calls to her and she stops. He says, sometimes the most unexpected alliances can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes. Who knows what a difference he and his flock together can achieve? She smiles at him, and I have no clue what to make of this.

A wooden crate stamped with the Pikeman name and logo is unloaded on the docks. Dex says, they’re late, and Gabe (?) says, sometimes there are delays. This shipment’s too important for them not to pick up. They’ll be here. Dex says, the sooner the better. The boss wants this stuff out of here. He looks out to the water using binoculars.

Nina says hi to Michael, and tells him that she’ll get them a table. She calls Trish over, and tells Wiley that it was so good to see him. They go to their table, and Wiley asks Michael if they can have Grandpa Sonny and Nina over for baseball and a barbecue. They live up too high. They can have a party with everyone at their house. Michael says, if that’s what Wiley wants, he thinks they can make it happen.

Sonny tells Kristina that he can’t believe how fast Wiley is growing. Such a nice surprise. Was that her? She says, no. She wishes she could take credit for that, but she can’t tell a lie. That was pure synchronicity. (I would have said serendipity, but okay.) Sonny asks why she wanted to meet for dinner, and she asks if she has to have a reason. He says, she always does, and she guesses that’s true. She wanted him to be the first to know that the LGBTQIA+ foundation board is complete. The Corinthos-Davis House is a go. He says, that’s fantastic, and she says she’s so excited, and she couldn’t have done it without him.

Olivia says, this is the spot where Ned fell. Drew said, Ned came rushing toward him over here, and had something really important to tell him. Nina walks in, and says she doesn’t mean to interrupt whatever they’re doing, but she heard Olivia closed the pool, and she wanted to see if everything’s okay. Olivia says she should have warned Nina. They’re just doing a little exercise. They’re trying to see if they can stimulate Eddie’s memory. Nina asks if she’s sure that’s wise, and Olivia says she thinks it could help. Nina says she knows head trauma is unpredictable and would hate for Olivia to risk anything, and Olivia thanks her, but says she thinks they’ll be okay. Nina says she doesn’t mean anything by that. She hopes their experiment works. Good luck. She strides out of the room, taking a last look at them before she goes.

Valentin says, it’s really done a number on Charlotte, all this shuffling around, moving from place to place. It can’t have been easy, and if it hurt her, he’s sorry. It’s his fault. She says she always knew he’d be with her if he could. He’s in between places, living with Anna while she was at camp. With grandma away, she can’t stay at her place with Spencer and Esme. Dante and Sam are nice, but… He says, it’s not her home. That’s what he’s always wanted to give her, a stable place to call home. Listen to him. Things are changing as they speak. She says she knows. Things are always changing. That’s the only thing that stays the same.

Maxie tells Felicia that she’s going to be totally honest. It feels really strange to be here after all this time. She knows they had to get out of that apartment, and she was putting her finances together so she could get a place. Then Tracy’s horrible lawsuit happened. So she was happy when Sam suggested they rent this place. Can Felicia imagine trying to juggle a lawsuit and a mortgage at the same time? She would have been pulling her hair out. Felicia says, Tracy Quartermaine leaves a trail of destruction wherever she goes. She doesn’t like to wish ill on anyone, but she’ll be so glad when they wipe that smug smile off Tracy’s face and win the lawsuit. And they will win, because they have the truth on their side. Maxie says she’s not so sure about that. Tracy Quartermaine is ruthless. And she’ll do anything to win, including using her own granddaughter as a spy.

Brook asks Chase if he knows the expression, be careful what you wish for; you just might get it. He says he knows it. Whatever happened to the fearless BLQ who leaps before she looks? She says, maybe she became a little more cautious because she sprained her ankle a few too many times. She has something to lose now – him. And she doesn’t want him to regret her moving in. He says he’s not going to regret it, but she says, he might. And not just because she’s messy. She does stuff. She does stupid stuff that she regrets, like getting mixed up in Tracy’s dirty tricks.

Carly says she doesn’t want to cause Steve any problems, but what does he mean, trouble? He looks around and says, it’s probably nothing, but he passed what seemed to be a staging area down by Elm, the fisherman village. It looked like Feds. They’re definitely not local. And he heard the name Corinthos.

Cyrus says, today is the day our unspoken adversary is just one step behind, and those of us who have been in his employ, willingly or not, are now called upon to awaken and cast off his infernal darkness. Wake up! Your life is waiting for you. The warden tells the guard that she wishes more inmates were as inspired as Cyrus, and she leaves. Cyrus smiles.

Nina flashes back to Ned overhearing her talking to Martin, and that she’s the one who turned Drew and Carly in to the SEC, when he’s being accused of it. Willow calls to her, and Nina goes over to their table. She asks if everything is all right. Did they get everything they ordered? Willow says, they did, and thanks her. She says, Wiley had the idea they should have a barbecue with baseball at their house. Wiley tells Nina that he has a new mitt, and Willow asks if that sounds like something Nina would like to join them for. Nina looks at Michael, who nods, and she says she’d love to go.

Kristina tells Sonny that she doesn’t want to jinx it, but she thinks Wiley might be the key to Michael and Willow accepting Nina. Sonny says, they’ve been through a lot and he thinks things are finally starting to turn. She says she’s so happy for them both, and he says he thinks she’s leading the way with this new center. He’s proud of her.

Olivia says, anything? but Ned says he doesn’t know. He’s told so often about what happened that night, he feels like he might remember… but he doesn’t. This is just another pool. She says, okay. She knew it was a long shot. He says he’s sorry to disappoint her, but she says, no. He was amazing. She thanks him so much for trying. He says she’s been pretty good to him and he’s been really hard on her. He just wants to say he’s sorry. She tells him that he’s forgiven. He says, friends? and holds out his hand. She takes it, and says, friends. For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss her.

Brook says, it’s not just about her and Chase moving in together, although that’s definitely nerve-wracking. She doesn’t have the greatest track record, and this whole situation with Tracy is just another thing she messed up. He says he’s not asking for or expecting her to be perfect. He loves her just the way she is, flaws and all. He’s not trying to rescue her. Her moving in makes sense… to him anyway. How about her? When she strips away all the worries and regrets of the past, how does she feel about it? She starts to cough.

Carly brings out Steve’s to-go bag, and says, it’s on her. He says, she doesn’t have to do that, but she says she appreciates the information he gave her. He thanks her and leaves. I like Steve. He has a pleasant way about him. Carly is about to call Sonny, when Chase runs in and asks if he can have a glass of water for Brook.

Nina asks if it would be okay if she brought Wiley over and taught him how to make a Roy Rogers. And Wiley can tell her all about his new mitt. Michael asks Wile, what do you say? and Wiley asks Willow, can he please? Willow says, all right, but just a small one. They don’t want all that sugar. Nina says, they definitely don’t, and hustles him away. Michael asks if Willow is sure she’s okay with this. She’s been having a lot of Nina lately. Willow says, it’s fine. She’s not 100% comfortable with Nina, but Wiley is. Micheal agrees, and she says, they have to start somewhere. The important thing is bringing this whole family back together.

At the bar, Nina tells Wiley, now they add the sugar free cola, and Kristina tells Sonny that they can go over there if he wants, but he says, Nina’s got it covered. He wants to hear more about her Board. She says, they have Dr. Randolph, Michael, and he knows Diane… His phone rings, and he sees it’s Carly. Kristina says he can take it, but he tells her, this is more important, and shuts his phone off. Off all the times, eh?

Cyrus says, we may be tarred with a brush whose mark can never be removed, but that does not mean we can’t contribute to God’s work. Perhaps we may never sit at the foot of His majestic throne, but we can know that our lives have not been lived in vain. There is a way for each and every one of us to do our part of the Divine work, no matter how small that part may seem. For the Lord said, the lowest among us, the most damnedest among us is capable of redemption. And he who protects the innocent is the first among men.

Another crate is put on the dock, and Dex says, they’re here. He runs down the stairs, and tells another guy that he wants everything ready for a quick transfer. His phone rings, and he tells Gabe that he’s got to take this. He’ll be back when the ship docks. Gabe says he’s got it, and Dex slips around the corner. He says, Miss Spencer? and Carly says, Josslyn told her that he was doing a job for Sonny tonight. He’s like, uh… and she says, whatever it is, get out of there. There’s going to be a raid. Dex looks out, and she asks if he can hear her. Get out of there now.

As they check out the kitchen, Felicia says she has a good feeling about Maxie being here. Almost as if the house is welcoming her. It wants Maxie to make it into a home again. Maxie says she thinks Lulu would want that too. To a new beginning, like Felicia at the hospital. Felicia says, she’s right. That came as a surprise. She never saw herself working as a volunteer at General Hospital. Maxie says she’s sure Felicia will be a lot better at it than she was. Felicia says she loves Maxie, and she’s so proud of her. She starts to cry, and Maxie hugs her, saying, don’t cry. She loves Felicia too. James calls from the other room, and Maxie and Felicia dash in. James says his room has a secret hiding spot, and Georgie says she’s got the view and the window seat. James says, Bailey can have the little room, and Georgie asks when they’re moving in. Maxie says, not soon enough. Should they go home and start packing? James and Georgie nod, and they all file out, Maxie pausing and smiling before she turns out the light.

Valentin says he knows he let Charlotte down, but she says, let’s not talk about that. He says he’s made mistakes. He’s made far more mistakes than he cares to mention. It’s taken him way to long to get her the stable life she deserves. She says she doesn’t care how long it took. She just wishes they could be together all the time. He says, they will be. He just has to get these last details in place. And until then, know this. She’s the most important person in his world. It’ll always be the two of them. She goes over to him and hugs him. She says, just the two of us, papa.

Chase brings Brook the water, and she gulps some down. She says she literally talked herself hoarse trying to come up with all the reasons she shouldn’t live with him. He says, she knows she has to take care of her throat, and she says, she does want this. She wants nothing more than to live with him. He says he knew she would see it his way eventually. He holds out his hand and says, let’s go home. They stroll out of the courtyard hand in hand.

Dex says, the boat is docking, and Carly says, forget about that. There is no time. He has to get out of there. As he’s about to go back out, floodlights come on and the Feds are there. One says, put their hands where he can see them. They’re all under arrest. Get on the ground now. All of the guys on the dock comply, but Dex remains unseen. He peeks out, sees what’s going on, and runs up the stairs.

Cyrus says, today, the Almighty will focus His cleansing vengeance on those who collaborate with our great enemy. Proverbs 2:22: The wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. He smiles.

Olivia says, the least she can do is buy Ned a drink after going through that poolside psycho drama with her. He says he’ll never turn down top-shelf, and she says, there’s a little Quartermaine left in him. (I was thinking more Larry Ashton.) They go to the bar, and Nina watches.

Willow tells Wiley, that was delicious, and he says, with two cherries. She and Michael smile at each other.

Since everyone is way too happy, when Kristina starts to tell Sonny about the upcoming first Board meeting, a bunch of guys come out of the elevator approach the table. One says, Mr. Corinthos, you’re under arrest for violations of the National Security Act, and shows his badge. Kristina says, what the hell? and gets up, but one of the Feds grabs her. Sonny tells him to get his hands off of his daughter, and the arresting Fed tells Sonny, do not escalate this. Sonny says he’s not escalating nothing, when Michael comes over and says, there’s no problem here, putting his hand on Kristina’s back. Kristina says, tell them; they’re arresting dad. Sonny tells Kristina that it’s okay, and they cuff him.

Wiley asks Willow what they’re doing to grandpa. Where are they taking him? Putting him on her lap, Willow tells him, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay.

Sonny tells Kristina, this is going to be cleared up, and the Feds march him to the elevator. Kristina tells Michael, do something.

Cyrus says, the Lord trieth the righteous, but the wicked and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth. Upon the wicked, He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone – Sonny is led into the elevator – and horrible tempests; this shall be the portion of their cup. The elevator door closes.

On Monday Tuesday, Carly says, Michael needs to tell her the truth right now; Austin asks what Nikolas is going to do; Dex tells Josslyn that somebody turned Sonny in; Cyrus says, Drew is no longer under Sonny’s protection; and Sonny tells someone that he’s not saying anything without his lawyer present.

🧼 Not Laboring…

No GH on Monday.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-opera-soaps-holiday-schedule

🍊 Follow the Bouncing Orange…

It was pretty funny when Gina said, the next time Shannon told the story, she’d be a murderer, since she made it worse each time.

RHOC’s Tamra Judge Accuses Jen Pedranti of “Playing Victim” Over Shannon’s “CPS” Comment as Jen Claps Back, Plus Gina Seemingly Shades Shannon

📸 What’s Wrong With This Picture…?

Where the hell is Biscuit in the post about his/her birthday?

Is Teresa Giudice Getting Demoted on RHONJ? Plus Jenn Fessler’s New Role is Revealed as She Seemingly Addresses Feud Rumors With Marg and Is Spotted Filming With Rachel While She Cries

💎 Stuck In the Middle…

It still doesn’t make any sense. What does separated, but living under the same roof even mean? Are they seeing other people? If they are, it seems like it would be difficult to work out their issues. If they’re not, then aren’t they just still married, but not getting busy? And her answer to the fan question is a non-answer.

RHOBH’s Kyle Richards Admits Separation From Mauricio Has Been “Very Hard” as She Reacts to “Loaded” Question From Fan

🍸 Latest On the Ruling Class…

He must be a keeper if he hasn’t run yet.

Daniel Wai Joins Pump Rules Cast Trip With Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval
https://pagesix.com/2023/09/01/ariana-madixs-bf-daniel-wai-joins-pump-rules-trip-with-sandoval/

Not a real surprise.

Vanderpump Rules’ Stassi Schroeder Backs Up Raquel Leviss’ Story About Tom’s Production Threats, Recalls Crying Over Footage as Film Team “Covered” for Male Cast Members

⚓️ A Fun Time Was Had…

I’m not sure who looks worse, the guests or the crew.

Below Deck Mediterranean Season 8 Explosive Trailer Revealed

🏖 Breakup In the House…

Yeah. Nobody saw this coming.

https://www.etonline.com/summer-house-stars-carl-radke-and-lindsay-hubbard-call-off-engagement-exclusive-210637

https://stylecaster.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/1631823/why-lindsday-hubbard-carl-radke-break-up/

Rumor: Carl Radke Rang Summer House Producers to Film Lindsay Hubbard Breakup

⚰️ On the Undead Front…

How’d they manage this?

‘The Walking Dead’ Spinoffs & ‘Interview With The Vampire’ To Resume Production As AMC Networks Strikes Significant Agreements With SAG-AFTRA

He’s a busy dude.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/08/30/watch-colman-domingo-civil-rights-rustin-trailer/

🐶 Just Like Us…

Celebrities celebrating their pups.

https://people.com/halle-berry-brooke-shields-justin-theroux-and-more-celebrate-national-dog-day-7853272

🪗 Quotes of the Week

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

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

The expert in anything was once a beginner. – Helen Hayes

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. – Stephen King

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it. – John Locke

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

Believe you can and you are halfway there. – Theodore Roosevelt

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. – George Bernard Shaw

If I can’t eat it, bang it, or bet on it, it’s not in my phone. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

🛸 The Future Is Now…

Jump into September on Tuesday for a lotta soap and a little tea. Until then, stay safe, stay always returning your shopping cart to the proper place, and stay being careful what you wish for; you just might get it.

Aug26

August 25, 2023 – Cody Asks Sam For Help, Newbie, Atlanta Receipts, Called Out, No Shock, Leaky Deck, VanderLock, Tasty Move, New Horror, Dead News, Second Last, Stray Training, Apple Pups, 9 Crisp Quotes & Out

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow comes into the hospital, and Elizabeth asks if she’s had a setback, but Willow says, just the opposite. She wants to get back to work. Does Elizabeth have room for one more nurse?

Finn sets up the backgammon board, and Tracy says she hopes he’s been practicing. He’s going to need it. He asks if she’s kidding. He has an eight-year-old daughter, and there’s not a day that goes by that there isn’t new disease at the hospital to challenge him. Does she really think he has time to practice backgammon? She looks at him, and he says, okay. The minute he knew she was back in town, he started practicing his ass off. She says, good choice – she takes a paper out of her pocket – because according to her calculations, Tracy-47, Finn-29. He says, 47-29? She kept that all this time? She asks what he thinks and he says, of course (🍷) she kept it; she’s winning. She says she loves to win, and shakes the dice.

Cody says he’s desperate here. Sasha’s in trouble, and Sam could be his only chance. She says, to get himself locked up in Ferncliff? and he says, to help Sasha. She says she thinks it’s a terrible plan, but he says, it’s the only plan he’s got. Please. She says she won’t help him, much less be the one who commits him.

On his phone at the Crimson office, Sonny asks what Brick’s got for him. Has the fake information Betty stole from his computer been downloaded?… He gets that, but he’s impatient. It’s just that he wants some answers. He may have to figure this out. Nina comes out of the elevator, and Sonny says, he’ll see Brick later. Nina comes in and asks, what’s wrong? Sonny says, nothing. A beautiful woman is in front of him. What could be wrong with that? She says, nothing’s wrong with that, and they hug. Absolutely nothing.

At the pool, Molly thanks Alexis for coming, and Alexis says, of course (🍷) she would be here. She knows how much this means to Molly and TJ. Molly says she really wants Alexis to like her, and Alexis says she thinks it’s more important that Molly and TJ like her. Molly says, they really do, when Andrea comes in. Molly introduces her to Alexis, and they sit at a table. Kristina appears in the doorway and sees them.

On the phone, Brook says, so it’s all true?… She can’t say she’s completely surprised. She could kill her with her bare hands… No, no. Not them. A certain member of her family.

Tracy asks, how’s Finn’s father? and Finn says, he’s… fine. She says, fine? Really? She was supposed to have dinner a few days ago at the MetroCourt with her sister-in-law who had to cancel. There, she ran into Finn’s father, who coerced her into having dinner with him. Finn asks, how bad was the dinner? and she says, actually, the food was much improved now that Carly Spencer is no longer running the show. He says he meant, how was his dad’s company? and she says, he’s charming, but he couldn’t hide the fact that his hand was cramping. What’s wrong with him? Finn says he’ll have to ask her not to pursue that line of questioning, and she asks, why? He says he’d prefer not to lie to her, and she says, fine. He shakes the dice, and asks how Ned is doing. She says, he’s still singing on streetcorners and hanging out with her favorite person, Sonny Corinthos. And how is Detective Chase? He says, Chase is convinced Tracy is forcing Brook to give up her music career to work at Deception, and she says she needs to ask him not to pursue that line of questioning. He asks, why? and she says she’d prefer not to lie to him. He laughs.

Willow tells Elizabeth that she’s feeling stronger every day. She’s got her energy back and she’s really starting to feel like her old self again. Elizabeth says, that’s such great news, and Willow says she loves her time with Michael and the kids, but what she really wants is to get back to nursing. Taking care of people who need help, like she did when she was getting her transplant. This hospital is full of excellent nurses who took such amazing care of her and really supported her when she needed it. She’s not sure what she would have done without them. Elizabeth says, they do have excellent nurses here, but Willow wasn’t just any patient; she’s one of them. Willow says she wants to pay it forward and give that type of care to other patients who need it. Elizabeth says, that’s why they do this, and she’s all for Willow coming back to GH because she’s an amazing nurse, and she can’t wait to have Willow back on rotation, as soon as her doctors approve her return. It would be a bad way to repay all those nurses by coming back too soon and pushing herself too hard, compromising her immune system. Willow says, of course (🍷). She agrees. That’s why she’s here, to talk to Dr. Randolph and see when she’ll be approved. Elizabeth says, great. This place needs people like Willow, and she can’t wait to get that documentation that says Willow is ready to work.

Sonny says he doesn’t want to keep Nina from her work. Maybe she should see if something urgent came up. Nina says she’s just fine in his arms. Besides, there’s nothing that can’t wait. He asks if she’s sure about that, and she says she would have gotten a text or an email from one of her assistants. He says, maybe its one of those old fashioned phone things. Why doesn’t she just check it out? She asks why he’s acting so weird, and he says he doesn’t want her to miss something important. She goes to her desk and finds a jewelry box, and asks, what’s this? He says he doesn’t know; maybe she should open it. She opens it, and says, oh! revealing a stunning diamond pendant necklace. She says she loves it; it’s beautiful. He says, it’s going to be even more beautiful when he puts it on her, and she asks if it’s an apology for being so secretive with her. He says, yes and no, and she asks, which is it? He says, why doesn’t she turn around and he’ll put it on her. She says, it’s gorgeous (it gets my vote), and he says, it’s absolutely amazing, putting the necklace on her. He hooks the clasp, and she asks how it looks. He says, she looks beautiful and that just compliments it, and she says, he always has a way of making her feel special. What happened to him to put him so at ease? He says he’s just happy, but she says when she saw him in his office the other night talking to Ava, they both seemed pretty tense.

Sam says, even if she wanted to – which she doesn’t – she couldn’t have Cody committed because she’s not related to him. Therefore, there’s no legal standing to do it. He says, easy fix, and she says she can’t wait to hear this. He says he gives her power of attorney. She becomes his medical executor. She says, so he appoints her one day, and she has him committed the next. That’s not going to look suspicious at all, is it? He says, it’s good enough to get him into Ferncliff, and if people start asking questions afterward, who cares? She says she cares. This is a bad idea. He says, no, it’s not. It could work. She says, this is a pointless discussion because she’s not going to do it, and he says, why? She says, because she’s not going to do anything that’s going to make Sasha worse.

Andrea says, the view from up here is amazing, and Alexis says, you can see most of Port Charles from up here. Kristina says, TJ likes to come here and go swimming to blow off steam, and afterward they grab something to eat. Alexis notices Kristina, who ducks out. Molly and Andrea discuss the food there, and their favorite dishes. Alexis looks over and sees Kristina is gone.

Tracy says she wins, and Finn says he has the feeling that’s her favorite phrase. She says, it’s definitely one of her favorites. Isn’t he even going to try to beat her? He says, just wait til next game, and she says she appreciates his enthusiasm, adding something to the paper. She says, the running score is now 48 to 29, and he tells her that she doesn’t have to say it so loud. He’s surprised she doesn’t have her own Quartermaine score tab stationery with a little family crest on it. He can see it now; one for Brook, two for Tracy, Ned zero. She says, that’s a clever idea, and he says, you’re welcome. She asks what they’re going to talk about now that he’s removed his father from the topic of conversation and she’s removed her granddaughter? She knows he doesn’t want to waste any more time talking about stationery. He says he discovered a fascinating new bacteria… but she says, no. Infectious diseases is off the table. He says he has a topic, and she says, Monica’s cheap china or business cards? He says, what about Luke?

Gregory comes into the hospital, and Elizabeth asks if he’s here to see Finn, but he says, actually, he was hoping to have a word with her. She says, sure. Is everything okay? He tells her, let’s just say, it’s extremely important.

Sam tells Cody, they’ve been over this. Sasha has suffered a psychotic break. Right now she needs medical attention because she’s dangerous and delusional. He says, no, she isn’t, and Sam asks what he’s talking about. He has a scar on his side where Sasha stabbed him. He says he’s telling her that Sasha is being drugged, and somehow, Gladys is responsible for it. How is he the only one who sees it? She says, he may think that, but Sasha also has a history of mental illness, and he says he knows all about her history, but one minute she’s fine, and the next minute, she’s hallucinating. How does that happen? He’s telling her, something isn’t right. She says, okay. Say he does get in to see Sasha and he pushes her further into her delusion. He says he wouldn’t, but she says, he doesn’t know that. Or maybe even the worst-case scenario. Maybe she thinks he’s Cyrus Renault again and attacks him a second time, and he’s not so lucky and winds up in the hospital, or worse. He says he’s thought through all that. He’ll be on his guard this time, and he can defend himself from Sasha. She says she’s not worried about him, and he says, gee, thanks. She says she’s worried about Sasha and him traumatizing her more. Is he willing to take that risk?

Sonny says he understands why Nina feels excluded, and she says, good, because she did. First, Dex and Gabe wouldn’t let her in the penthouse. Then when she went to his office, she found him talking with Ava, and she seemed to be in the know about what was going on. He says, because he and Ava share Avery, and she says, but then he tells her that it’s for her safety that she doesn’t know. Who wouldn’t feel left out? He says, because some things in his business are better left unsaid. They’ve gone over this a thousand times and he doesn’t want to put her in danger. She says, he’s willing to put Ava’s life in danger? and he takes her hand. He says he came here to apologize for making her feel like an outsider. He doesn’t let her in on things because it puts her at risk. She knows everything else. She says she feels like Frank or Gabe when his office door is shut in her face, and he says he doesn’t ever want her to feel like an employee. She says she knew from day one what she was getting into when she fell in love with him, and she accepts all of him; this charming, amazing man in front of her, and the ruthless businessman. She loves all of him. He says he doesn’t ever want her to forget how much he loves her. That’s all that matters. She says, just let her in. Maybe she can help him. She can handle it. He says, some things are best not knowing.

Kristina goes to the reception desk and asks if Dr. Randolph is in. Walking by, Willow says, Dr. Randolph had an emergency that pulled her away, and Kristina hugs her. She says, Willow looks great. It’s nice to see her out. Willow says, it’s great to be out. She’s feeling a lot better. Kristina says she’s sorry she didn’t come see Willow. She didn’t know when Willow was accepting visitors again. Willow says, it’s okay. After she left the hospital, she had to restrict her visitors to a small group, since her immune system might be compromised, but now she’s almost fully recovered, so they can see each other any time. Kristina says, that’s amazing news, and Willow says she couldn’t be more grateful for what Liesl did for her. She’s actually here to see Dr. Randolph too. She’s hoping to get the all-clear to go back to work. What about Kristina? Is she okay? Kristina says, not really. Actually, it’s probably best she doesn’t see Dr. Randolph today.

Elizabeth tells Gregory, she’s officially on break, so she’s all his. What’s going on? Are Finn and Violet okay? He says, they’re fine, and they sit down. He needs her to accept his apology. She says, for what? and he says he’s been keeping something from her, from everyone close to him. But the time has come for him to be up front and transparent. He waited too long. He never should have agreed to watch Violet the other night. She asks, what happened? and he says he fell, and Violet came in and saw him on the floor. She says she’s sure it was scary for Violet, but she’s going to be okay. What about him? Is he hurt? Does he want to see a doctor? He says, no. The fall was nothing serious, but Violet was worried and so was he. He told Finn and now he’s telling her. He has ALS.

Tracy tells Finn that she keeps forgetting Luke is gone. The fact that he’s not around to drive her crazy is something she finds impossible to wrap her head around. Finn says, she really misses him, doesn’t she? and she says, yeah. He has her at loose ends, so she concentrates on her good friend – she nods to him – and focuses on a business project she’s involved in. He asks if she wants to talk about it, or is it one of those subjects they shouldn’t pursue a line of questioning? She says she prefers not to lie to him, and he laughs. Brook storms in and says, how could she? Tracy says, they’re in the middle of a game, and Brook swipes the board onto the floor. She says, now they’re not.

Nina and Sonny sit at a table, fully set for dinner in her office, and she says, one of the perks of having her office in the MetroCourt is that she can have them send dinner down when they’re feeling hungry and romantic. He says, speaking of romantic, they haven’t even talked about the details for the wedding, and she says, they’ve been a little preoccupied. Him with whatever he’s doing and Michael, and her with  the MetroCourt and the magazine and Willow. He asks if they can focus on themselves. They haven’t even set a date when she wants to marry him. She says she’s glad he asked because she wants a winter wedding, and she wants their table centerpieces to be filled with anemones and orchids and roses, and she was thinking about wearing an off-white gown. He says, she thought about this? and she says, a little. He says, a lot, and she says, if they have a winter wedding, she saw these amazing emerald and gold invitations; they’re gorgeous. And he would look dashing in a burgundy tux, and she could picture them in Crimson’s January issue. He says he’s not very comfortable with being splashed across her magazine, but he does like a winter wedding because they have time to plan and she can have what she wants. She says, there’s another reason she wants to wait for winter. She wants to make sure Willow is fully recovered. If they have a wedding before Willow is completely cleared, she thinks it would be disrespectful to her. He says, Nina wants her to come around so she can be part of the wedding.

Kristina says she doesn’t know if Willow heard, but she’s starting an LGBTQIA+ youth center here in Port Charles. Willow says, Michael told her. She thinks it’s an amazing idea. Kristina says she asked Dr. Randolph if she would be on the board of directors, and Willows says, she would be excellent. What did she say? Kristina says, she seemed interested, but she didn’t commit yet, so she’s here hopefully to convince her to get on board. (No pun intended?) Willow says, she will, and Kristina says she’s glad she ran into Willow first. She’s realizing she’s not quite in the right head space to talk to Dr. Randolph today, and the worst thing she could possibly do is throw herself into business to distract herself and potential risk messing things up for the foundation. Willow says, distract herself from what? and Kristina says, from feeling left out of her sister’s life.

Alexis asks what led Andrea to wanting to become a surrogate, and Andrea tells her, like she said, she’s married. She and Ben have a young son, Randy; he’s just a baby. Her husband is a plumber and she used to work as an executive assistant. Alexis says, so she’s no longer working, and Andrea says she really wanted to stay home with her son and not look for another job, and she and her husband decided being a surrogate would allow her to do that. Randy’s young enough that he won’t remember her being pregnant. Someday they’ll explain to him of course (🍷), when he’s old enough to understand. Alexis says, it’s good to come clean about things like that, and Andrea says, at this point, he’s so young, he won’t anticipate a sibling when he sees her pregnant. So it won’t mean anything to him. Alexis asks, what will it mean to her?

Cody tells Sam that he can’t think of anything more traumatic than Sasha being trapped in Ferncliff. Please, just hear him out. She sits down, and he says, so Sasha had a breakdown after her baby and husband died within a year. Then she started using drugs; that’s when she cracked. That’s when she smashed in the windshield. Sam asks if he’s trying to prove her point, and he says he gets it, but then Sasha got help. She made a full recovery and was doing so great, she was even able to go back on TV selling Deception’s beauty products. And just when she’s ready to dump Gladys as her guardian and start taking control of her own affairs, she cracks again, even worse than before, leaving greedy Gladys in control of her money. Come on. Doesn’t Sam find that way too convenient?

Finn points to the game on the floor and says he was going to win. It doesn’t matter; Tracy and Brook should talk. He’ll show himself out. Tracy says she apologizes for the rudeness of her granddaughter. She was clearly raised by her mother. He says he’ll call Tracy later and leaves. Brook asks why she did it. Why? Tracy says, do what? and Brook says, go after Deception and in the process hurt her friends. Tracy says, please. She’s told Brook time and again, there are no friends in business. Does Brook think her great grandfather could have built ELQ into what it is today by making friends? Besides, they got what was coming to them. Brook asks how she can say that, and Tracy says, Lucy Coe stole the designs for The Deceptor. Brook says, from who? Tracy? Tracy says, no, and Brook asks, then who? Tracy says, from the company she’s working with, and Brook says, so there it is. Tracy just revealed the whole plot. Tracy used her. Tracy says, Brook used her to get Chase back his job, and Brook says, and Tracy used that to blackmail her into hurting her friends so she could help some random company. For what? Some revenge on Lucy Coe? Some bizarre vendetta? What’s happened to her? My guess: Tracy is working with Martin’s ex-wife number three, whose idea he inadvertently passed to Lucy.

Cody tells Sam, Sasha isn’t in Ferncliff because she’s a danger to him or herself. She’s in Ferncliff because she’s a threat to Gladys controlling her money. Sam asks if he really believes Gladys had Sasha drugged and sent to Ferncliff so she could remain in control of Sasha’s assets, and he says he’s played cards with Gladys. She’s an addict, like anyone who’s addicted to booze or coke. She says, that’s a big accusation to make, and he says, yeah, and Gladys has an even bigger debt to pay. Addicts are liars. He has no idea what lies Gladys has told herself to justify what she’s doing to Sasha. Frankly, he doesn’t care. All he cares about here is the victim. So is Sam going to let Sasha just rot in Ferncliff, or is she going to help him get in there and help her?

Sonny tells Nina, Willow’s on the road to making a full recovery, so they have to believe that. Nina says she does. She saw Willow earlier at Kelly’s and she looked a lot better. She just doesn’t want to tempt fate. He says, she’s going through a lot; she’s been through a lot. She’s a fighter. Nina says, she is a fighter, but it’s hard not to worry about her, and he says, they’re always going to worry about their kids. Nothing’s going to change that. But Nina’s been doing a lot of praying, and her prayers seem to be answered. Nina says, Sonny knows her a little too well, and he tells her not to forget that. He knows how important it is to have Willow at their wedding. Nina says, they’ve made a lot of progress. They’ve had some really good conversations, and Willow has made it clear she wants more of a relationship with her. He says, that’s great, and she says, it’s just going to be a long, hard road to rebuild that trust, but she wants Willow at the wedding, and they both know she won’t attend as long as Michael’s not there. (I dunno about that.) How does he feel about that? He says, if Michael wants to show up, nothing would make him happier. If you’d asked him six months ago if there was a chance Michael would come to their wedding – they laugh – he would say, no way. But you‘ve got to have hope, and he and Michael are doing a lot better. She says, that’s great, because she knows how important that is to him. He says, they’ve got to be thankful for everything they’ve got, and things seem to be looking up for them.

Willow says, Kristina can talk to her. What happened? Kristina says she knows she can trust Willow with this, and the secret is going to be out in nine months anyway. Molly and TJ have been having some infertility issues; Molly specifically has been. Willow says, poor Molly, and Kristina says, she’s been taking it really hard, and ever since they found out, she – they – have been talking about ways to have a baby of their own. So Kristina stepped up and committed the unpardonable sin of offering to be their surrogate. Willow says, wow. That is quite an offer. She’s taking it that it didn’t go over well. Kristina says, but it should have. You’d think Molly would see it as the selfless and loving gift she intended it to be. Instead, she’s insulted and completely shut Kristina out.

Andrea says she’s sure Alexis knows, there’s no greater joy than being a mom, and she was blessed with an easy and healthy pregnancy. If she can somehow pass that joy on to Molly and TJ by being their surrogate and giving them the gift of being parents, she’s also providing for her family and she’s willing to do it. Molly says, she and TJ can’t thank Molly enough. And they’ll both be there for Andrea every step of the way. Andrea says, luckily, she does know what to anticipate with the pregnancy, and going into it, knowing she’s carrying Molly and TJ’s baby and not her own, will make it possible for her to do this. That’s why she signed the contract. Alexis says she knows something about contracts, having been a lawyer for most of her life. She also knows what they can’t do. They really can’t capture the emotional part of what it means to have a child. So she thanks Andrea. It’s an incredible gift Andrea is giving to her child.

Elizabeth says she’s so sorry this is happening to him, and Gregory thanks her. It’s been a struggle to wrap his mind around it. (There’s a lot of that going around.) He put off facing it for as long as he could, which is why he hid his diagnosis from Finn and Chase for so long. He still hasn’t found the strength to tell Chase. Now that Finn knows, on the one hand, he’s relieved; on the other hand, he knows his son. She says, he’ll do everything he can for Gregory, and he says, that’s what he’s afraid of. Finn will act as both his doctor and his son, and he’ll forget to feel. But he’ll need to be in touch with those feelings, and for that he’ll need Elizabeth. Gregory dreads what’s ahead for him, but knowing Finn has her beside him, supporting him, he can dread it a little less.

Tracy says, what’s happened to her? What’s happened to Brook? Chase has softened her beyond recognition. Brook says, thank you, but Tracy says, that wasn’t a compliment. Brook says, Luke’s death has hardened Tracy more than she could have possibly imagined. She’s not only destroyed a company, she’s destroyed dreams. Does she understand that? Tracy says, please, and Brook says, if there’s any merit to this suit, it could bankrupt Deception. Tracy says, well, then Lucy Coe hasn’t kept very good books if her company’s that financially fragile, and Brook says, she’s unbelievable. This could leave Deception vulnerable to a hostile takeover. Or it could crumble before it ever has a chance to get back up on its feet. Tracy says, that’s the plan.

Elizabeth says she’ll do everything she can to support Finn, and Gregory. And she’ll be there for Chase and Violet. Gregory tells her that he had no doubt she’d say that, and thanks her. She asks, who else knows? and he says, at this point, it’s her, Finn, and Alexis Davis. He knows he’s being a coward, but he’s dreading telling Chase. She says, he’s anything but a coward. Facing this alone for months takes way more strength than he’s willing to admit. He’ll find the right moment to tell Chase. He says, Chase is the baby of the family, but boy, the optimist; the one who believes no matter how bad things get, it’s going to be okay in the end. He doesn’t know how to tell Chase that he’s sick, getting sicker, and one day, he’ll be helpless. There are days when he doesn’t believe it himself, but then his hands cramp up, or he struggles to stand up, or he falls down like he did with Violet, and it hits him. He’s going to die. This is real. She says, yeah, it’s real. There are still good days ahead, and she’s going to help him enjoy them. He thanks her and they hug, and Finn sees them.

Brook says, what plan? What is Tracy really after? She hasn’t been interested in ELQ in years, and that’s money to run a small country. What’s really going on here? Who sets out to ruin people’s lives? Oh wait. She’s sorry. Of course (🍷). A Quartermaine. Well look how well that’s turned out for this family. No wonder her dad woke up thinking he was someone else. Who’d want to be Tracy’s kid? Brook stomps out, and Tracy ponders this.

Andrea thanks Molly and Alexis for the lovely meal and even lovelier company. She’s so glad she’s in the position to help Molly and TJ. Molly says, they’re the fortunate ones to have found Andrea, and Andrea tells Alexis, it’s been a pleasure. Alexis says, it was a pleasure for her as well. It was a wonderful night. Andrea leaves, and Molly asks what Alexis thinks, and please, be honest. This is too important for anything else. Alexis says she likes Andrea. She thinks Andrea has a good head on her shoulders, and a good understanding of what it’s like to be a surrogate. Molly says she’s so relieved to hear Alexis say that, and Alexis says she thinks Molly and TJ are going to make fantastic parents. Molly thanks her, and they hug.

Kristina tells Willow, if she’s honest, it feels like Molly is punishing her because she can have a baby and Molly can’t. She knows that sounds harsh. Willow says, Kristina has a right to her feelings. She won’t pretend to know the answers, but one thing she’s learned is that babies are great bridge builders. Once the child is there and you’re interacting with this small miracle and the immediacy of them, it makes the old wounds seem less painful. So don’t assume she and Molly will feel this way forever. It’s very possible once the baby gets here, Kristina will just be aunty and Molly will be mom, and neither one of them will feel the need to be so territorial. It’ll all get easier. Kristina says she really hopes Willow is right, and she hopes the same for Kristina and Nina. She knows there’s negative history there and she gets it, but she’s been spending some time with Nina and she’s really a good person. Kristina’s dad loves her a lot. Maybe it’s like Willow just said, the immediacy will make the old wounds seem less painful. She hopes things get easier for Willow too, and Nina. Willow says she likes the sound of that.

Nina says, she and Sonny need to have these romantic dinners more often, and he says he knows. He’ll see what he can do. They kiss and his phone rings. He says he’s got to get this, and she says, go. He steps away and asks, what’s the update?

Cody says, what if it was Sam in Ferncliff? Or one of her sisters? Alone and afraid, being held against your will, being told by the doctors and staff that you’re crazy. Wouldn’t she want someone to check on her and make sure she’s safe? Wouldn’t she want someone to do something for her if she wasn’t? Wouldn’t she want someone to save her if they could? Or would she prefer everyone just stands on the sideline, does nothing, and hopes for the best? Because when that doesn’t work out, her and everyone she loves are going to regret it for the rest of their lives. Sam says, okay. She’ll do it. She’ll have him committed.

On Monday, Marshall asks if Portia has any good news; Lucy calls Martin an idiot; Trina tells Josslyn, there’s got to be a way to bring them back together; and Stella tells Curtis that he’s not giving up.

⚖️ New Lawyer In Town…

Too bad Nora wasn’t available. Then we’d have both Pine Valley and Llanview representing.

Carly Hughes Cast on GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🍑 Peach Of a Reunion…

I’ve been watching this off and on, but I still can’t get the image out of my head of Shereé and Marlo screeching at each other in gibberish back in (I think) season 4. No one seems to have matured much since then either.

VIDEO: See RHOA Season 15 Reunion Trailer! Kenya Serves Marlo a Subpoena, Drew’s “Incriminating” Texts With Ty Are Exposed as Ralph & Drew Face Off, and Kandi Accuses Drew of “Gaslighting”

🍊 Clap This…

Tamra can make justifications and excuses all she wants, but that episode was disgusting, and she hasn’t changed for the better in all these years.

RHOC’s Tamra Judge Claps Back After Bethenny Calls Out “Naked Wasted” Drama With Gretchen and Accuses Her of Going After Son Ryan, Plus Claims Narrative Aired is “Completely False”

🛟 His Ship Is Sinking…

Never liked him. Never will.

Former ‘Below Deck’ Production Member Accuses Gary King of Sexual Misconduct

https://people.com/below-deck-sailing-yacht-gary-king-accused-alleged-sexual-misconduct-7852575

⛴ The Latest In Decks…

Not sure how I’m going to feel about Captain Lee’s replacement.

Everything That’s Leaked About Below Deck Season 11

🍸 Because Can’t Let It Go…

Why doesn’t he just leave already? No matter what she says, this can’t be comfortable for her.

https://ew.com/tv/vanderpump-rules-ariana-madix-sleeps-with-door-locked-tom-sandoval/

At least she has something to balance it out.

Ariana Madix Opens up About ‘Calming’ Relationship With Daniel Wai

🍜 Tastes Change…

It’s a wonder she didn’t end up in the hospital from exhaustion.

Padma Lakshmi Reveals Why She Left Top Chef

👹 Delicacies Of Horror…

Some of what to expect in AHS season 12.

https://ew.com/tv/everything-we-know-about-american-horror-story-12-delicate/

AHS trivia. Maybe they should do an AHS: Barbie.

https://ew.com/tv/margot-robbie-almost-starred-in-american-horror-story-asylum/

⚰️ Dead Review…

Apparently, it doesn’t take much to impress him. Just because you’re not repeating the same lines over and over doesn’t make it art. TBD.

https://winteriscoming.net/2023/08/24/norman-reedus-teases-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-making-art/

For the life of me, I can’t remember this guy.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/08/24/fear-walking-dead-watch-return-troy-otto/

Teasing Rick and Michonne. Mostly Michonne.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/08/22/walking-dead-ones-live-teaser-cast-release/

Maggie’s plans in the City.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/26/walking-dead-city-season-2-maggies-plan-negan/

🏞 Mapping the Last…

They’re ready to roll. Now if the strike would just end.

https://ew.com/awards/the-last-of-us-season-2-mapped-out-craig-mazin/

🐶 No Dogs Under 17 Allowed…

I think this says it all: For years, I have been saying, Somebody needs to make an R-rated talking dog movie, the animal trainer says.

https://people.com/strays-dog-casting-training-exclusive-7692967

🦮 Pets in 3D…

I love it! Kudos to Apple. 🍎

https://people.com/dogs-with-prostheses-star-apple-iphone-campaign-the-invincibles-7724735

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. – Neale Donald Walsch

You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals. – Booker T. Washington (Well, if I ever reach my goals, it will be one helluva yardstick.)

New beginnings are disguised as painful endings. – Lao Tzu

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave. – Calvin Coolidge

Nobody can make you a doormat unless you lay down on the floor. – Judge Star Jones, Divorce Court

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us. – Susan L. Taylor

Today stretches ahead of you waiting to be shaped. You are the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to you. – Steve Maraboli

The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest. – Deepika Padukone

Don’t spend major time on minor things. – Jim Rohn

🍒 Outside the Club…

While you’re enjoying what’s left of the summer, stop by on Monday really Tuesday for soap and random cups of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay tempering your ambition with courtesy, and stay being thankful for everything you’ve got.

Aug19

August 18, 2023 – Anna Discovers the Truth, PS, Back Again, Drama Chat, Ultimate Legacy, Sharing, VanderMash, The Con, From Dead To Flowers, Tasty, Unusually Cute, An Eighter Of Quotes & Never Gonna

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny shows up at his old Carly’s place late at night, and she says, please tell her everyone’s okay. He says, everyone is okay, and she tells him that Donna’s been asleep for a while. He says he figured, and she says, yet here he is. He must want a favor.

Tracy sits in the nook with her head on the table and a towel over it. Eddie/Ned puts on the light, and she groans and says, whoever you are, go away. She pulls the towel off her head and ha-ha-ha! It’s Tracy with a hangover looking more disheveled than we’ve ever seen her.

Kristina says she was under the impression that things were good between her and Molly, and Molly says, they were… They are. Kristina says, but not good enough for Molly to invite her to a family gathering, but Molly says, it wasn’t a family gathering. Kristina says, except for one sister it was, and Molly says, it’s getting late and TJ’s going to be getting back… Kristina says, TJ is the one who told her about Kristina’s sushi party; the one she had for their mother, their sister, and her mother-in-law. She guesses her invitation got lost in the mail.

Getting ready for bed, Dante says his terrible day is over, and Sam says, he wouldn’t believe what happened to her tonight. He says, try him, when his phone rings. He says, Detective Falconari… You checked the surrounding areas too?… So Valentin Cassadine’s car never entered the ELQ parking garage the night Anna Devane’s townhouse burned down… Okay. He hangs up and says, why are you lying to Anna?

Anna and Valentin go into a room at the MetroCourt, and he says, it’s a lot nicer than the place she stayed last night. The MetroCourt was booked, but it’s available now. She can have it as long as she wants to. She says she guesses this is home, but he says, it’s not home; it’s just temporary. As far as hotels go, it’s pretty comfortable. She’s always liked staying in hotels. She says, but she had a home to come back to and now she doesn’t.

Gregory tries to sweep the beads from the table into his hand, but some of them end up on the floor. Finn comes in and says he’ll get that. He picks up the beads and sits next to Gregory on the couch. He asks if Gregory is okay, and Gregory says, he’s fine. He’s just tired… and clumsy. Finn asks if that’s why he fell, or is it something else? After a pause, Gregory says, it’s something else… something awful, and Finn asks if he’s sick. Gregory nods, and Finn asks if he’s been diagnosed. Gregory says, yes, and Finn says, maybe he can help. Will Gregory tell him what it is? Gregory says, ALS.

Eddie/Ned says, good evening, and Tracy says, it would have to be him. He says he never took her for someone who was a hard partier, and she holds up her hand, saying, stop talking and just leave. She reaches for a bottle of aspirin and knocks it on the floor. She groans and puts her head in her hands. Ned picks it up and says, she’s drunk as a skunk, but she says, no. She’s not drunk. She just wishes the room would stop spinning.

Anna looks through some shopping bags and tells Valentin that she doesn’t even know what she bought. What’s wrong with her? He says, her house burned down, and she says she’s been through worse. He says, that’s true, and she says she wasn’t in any danger. She was out running. Thank God Charlotte wasn’t there. She was with Dante and Sam, and Valentin was at ELQ. She needs to get it into her head that she has a lot to be thankful for, and she needs to just move on. They sit down, and Valentin says, she’s not a machine. She lost her house. It was a violation, and they can be thankful no one was killed, but she doesn’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt. She says, it really does, and he says he’s with her. She’s going to get through this. They’re going to get through this together, and they’ll find who did this to her and stop them from doing it again. Does she trust him?

Carly says, if this is about Avery having another sleepover, she’s welcome here anytime, but Sonny says, the Avery situation is under control. Carly says she’s glad to hear that. Ava must be relieved. She was really worried about… something. He says he’s not here for a favor. Actually, he’s in a position to do her a favor. She says, no thank you.

Sam wonders what’s up, but Dante says, it’s nothing that can’t wait. But there is something that can’t wait. Sam asks, what? and he says, this, and kisses her. No matter what kind of day he has, he knows when he gets to see her, everything’s going to be okay. She says, he stole her line, and he says, it’s his line because he just said it. She tells him that she was going to say, when she has a day where she thinks she won’t be able to sleep at night, she thinks about coming in here and getting into bed with him and turning out the lights, and everything else just melts away. They kiss, and he says, maybe the should talk a little bit before they turn out the lights. Her first. She says, he can go first, but he says, she knows how rock-paper-scissors work. She says, since she was twelve, and they play. She picks rock and he picks scissors, and rock beats scissors. She says, her crazy day. Where does she start? Molly and Kristina are headed for World War III.

Molly says, this is so typical, and Kristina says, Molly not inviting her to something? She agrees. Molly says, no. Kristina’s reaction. Is she not allowed to have a dinner party and invite who she wants? Kristina says, Molly invited everyone in the family but her, and Molly says, fine, she’ll say it; Kristina wasn’t invited. But despite what Kristina always thinks, it wasn’t about her. It was about Molly and TJ. She wanted to share the good news with mom and Sam and Jordan that they found a surrogate.

Finn says, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and Gregory says, yeah. Finn says, there are other conditions that have the same early symptoms. Is he certain? Gregory says, yes. When he told Finn he was going to Milwaukee for a seminar, he was actually in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic. They did extensive testing and the results were conclusive. Finn says, that trip was over six months ago. He’s known all this time? Gregory says he’s sorry. He couldn’t bring himself to tell Finn. Finn asks, why not?

Anna comes out from her shower, and sees Valentin pouring some wine. She says, he read her mind, and he asks what they’re going to toast to, handing her a glass. She says she has no idea, and he says, then to us. To our future together, which can only get less complicated and less dangerous. She says she’d like to believe that, and they clink glasses. He says, she may not believe it now, but they have a lot to be grateful for, and she promises not to keep wallowing in self-pity. He says, it’s not self-pity. She’s been traumatized and she’s dealing with some very powerful emotions. She’ll work through them. She says, and they’re going to find out who’s behind this, and he says, yes, but in the meantime, he has something to talk to her about. It’s something important. He’s going to buy season tickets to the ballet in New York. Charlotte still loves dance, and he knows she does too, so why doesn’t he buy three tickets? She can join them. She says her house just burned to the ground, and someone is trying to kill her, and he’s talking about Swan Lake. He says he can’t think of anything he’d rather do than spend time with the two women he loves most in this world. And he likes Swan Lake. She says she likes it too, and he’s about to kiss her, when there’s a knock at the door. Anna wonders who it is, and he opens it to Martin. Anna says, it’s a bit late for a business call, and Valentin says, whatever this is, he’ll deal with it quickly. He goes out into the hall with Martin and closes the door.

Tracy tosses a couple of pills in her mouth and drinks some water. Ned says, Leo told him that a guy like him needs 15½ cups of water a day, and she says, Leo’s a very smart kid. She can’t tell him how grateful she is Leo’s not here now. She holds her head, and Ned says, she doesn’t seem very experienced at this sort of thing. She says, if by that he means she doesn’t look like someone who gets drunk all the time, she didn’t get drunk this time. He says, she didn’t? and she says, no, she did not. Well, she did, but it wasn’t her fault. Somebody insisted on putting too much alcohol in those Mai Tais at the MetroCourt pool… ugh. He asks if some old bartender was trying to loosen her up for her dough, but she says, no. Actually, it was not some old bartender trying to loosen her up; it was Ned’s daughter. Not that he even acknowledges that he has one. She rubs her forehead.

Finn says he doesn’t understand. Gregory didn’t think he could handle it? Gregory says, it wasn’t Finn; it was him. After all these years, they were finally getting to spend time together as a family; Finn, his brother, Violet, and him. It was so special. Finn says, it is, and Gregory says, the big stuff, Christmas and Halloween with Violet; and the little things, him bringing over muffins from Eckert’s or showing Violet videos of Uncle Chase singing. Finn says, it wouldn’t have changed, but Gregory says, of course (🍷) it would. It will. It already has. When he looks at Finn, he can see it in Finn’s eyes, he knows what this disease does. Finn knows he’s dying.

Sonny says, Carly’s not even going to listen to him? and she asks if he can’t listen to her. Did he not hear her down at the police station? He says, that was different. He was there to help Ned and she was there, so he thought he’d help her. She says, he decided she needed help. He didn’t listen to her. He says, and when she turned him down, she spent the night there. She says, and she was fine with that. She can take care of herself. He says he’s sure she can, and she says, it’s taken a while, but they’re both moving on. They respect each other and want each other to be happy. And as he can see, there’s no For Sale sign in the front yard because Kelly’s is doing great. She’s going to take care of herself on her own, so whatever his favor is, no thank you; she doesn’t want it.

Dante asks why Molly didn’t invite Kristina, and Sam says, because she was revealing her big news that she and TJ had found a surrogate who was perfect. She thinks Molly didn’t want to hurt Kristina’s feelings. He says he understands that. It is Molly’s decision. Sam says she understands that too. She also understands Kristina being hurt. She’s sorry. She shouldn’t be going on like this. He asks, why? and she says, because of the situation he and Lulu had with Maxie. He says, that’s okay. It was a long time ago. TJ and Molly have to realize this is a big decision. You can’t take this lightly. She asks if he thinks Molly’s making the right choice by not having Kristina be the surrogate.

Kristina says, that’s great. She hadn’t realized Molly and TJ were even interviewing surrogates yet. Molly says, they wanted to keep it quiet, and Kristina says she gets that. She’s sure mom, Sam, and Jordan were thrilled to hear the news. Molly says, they were very happy for her and TJ. This is what they want. Kristina says she knows, and Molly says, the woman they found is perfect, and she’s willing to go through the process right away. Kristina says, that’s very exciting, and Kristina says, it is. After everything they’ve gone through, there’s still a good chance she and TJ could have a child within the next year. Kristina says she’s happy Molly is so happy, and Molly says she planned on telling her first thing tomorrow. Kristina says, just not tonight with the rest of the family, and Molly says she wanted it to be a happy occasion. She knew mom, Sam, and Jordan would be happy for them. Kristina says, and she wouldn’t? She would have spoiled all that? Molly says she doesn’t know. They’ve been getting along so well, but she didn’t want to take the chance that tonight would turn into a discussion about why they turned to a surrogate instead of Kristina. Kristina says, now that everyone is gone and Molly brought it up, why are they paying a stranger to have their baby when she was willing to do it?

Finn says, six months. They could have done so many things. Gregory says, the last six months have been perfect. What he didn’t want was to be a burden to Finn, or have Finn spend time with him out of some sense of obligation. Finn says, that wouldn’t have happened, but Gregory says, of course (🍷) it would. He knows Finn and Chase. He’s so proud of both of them, and he and Finn finally got the time to know each other. Finn says, that’s meant everything to him. He’s the one who’s sorry. He’s sorry for costing them all that time. Gregory says, there’s no need to rehash that now. Getting to know Finn and getting to understand and appreciate his incredible accomplishments over the years has been so rewarding for him. Finn and his brother make it almost impossible for him not to be one of those obnoxious bragging fathers. Finn says he’s one of those too, when it comes to Violet, and Gregory says, Violet, what a gift she is. Every single moment he spends with his granddaughter is even better than he imagined. Finn says, she pretty much thinks her grandfather’s the greatest guy in the world, and Gregory asks how she’s going to feel when all he can do is sit and stare at her, when he can’t even speak her name?

Ned asks, why would Brook give Tracy too much booze? and Tracy says, Brook’s up to something and she should have known the minute she saw the fire eater. He says, fire eater? and she says, it was a luau, with tiki torches and leis. He says, sounds like fun, and she says, he would think so. She should have gone right back down to the lobby and ordered a car. He says, it sounds like maybe she had a lot of fun. What’s wrong with that? She rubs her temples, and says, that’s all he ever thinks of; having fun and being Eddie Maine. Anything to avoid facing the reality of his life.

Valentin says, Martin understands this is critical, and Martin says he does. Valentin asks if he’d act like it, and Martin says, his fee, as exorbitant as it is, grants him 24-hour access, but doesn’t give him or any other client the right to abuse him. Valentin says, point taken. He has a lot on his mind. Martin says he understands, and yes, it’s hot off the wire. He gives Valentin an envelope, and Valentin checks out some paperwork inside. He says, looks good, and thanks Martin, opening the door. Martin says, he’s welcome. Although why he insisted on doing this tonight instead of first thing tomorrow morning makes no sense to him. Anna hears that part, and Valentin goes inside and sets down the envelope. Anna asks if it’s important, but he says, not really. Why Martin insisted on coming by in the middle of the night makes no sense to him.

Ned says, Tracy wants him to face the reality of his life, which means she wants him to ride around in limousines and pretend to be some hotshot tax dodging executive. She says, it’s a start. Or he could just stop singing on street corners, and running around all night to sleazy bars, and getting arrested for fighting. He asks if it’s embarrassing to her somehow, and she says, it’s embarrassing to the whole family. He says, so it’s best to just shut Eddie up? and she says, he’s not Eddie. He says, and she wants to prove that by having someone strap him to a table and have electricity shot through his head. She says, what? and he says, I’m on to you, lady. He overheard her tell Olivia that she wants him committed.

Carly says she doesn’t know if Sonny knows this, but Drew is in solitary confinement. Sonny says he knows, and Carly says, of course (🍷) he knows; he’s protecting Drew. She’s really worried about him. She knows he went through worse in Crete, but still. Sonny says, he’s been through a lot. He’ll get through this. She asks if Sonny thinks he can get a message to Drew, and he says he might be able to do better than that.

Finn says, Gregory has to give Violet more credit. She constantly surprises him by how much she understands. Gregory says he hopes Finn is right, and Finn asks what the doctors told him in terms of prognosis. Gregory says, luckily, he was still in the first stage when he went to the Mayo Clinic; muscle cramps and occasional difficulty walking. Finn says, and now? and Gregory says, it’s progressed. His hands cramp more frequently than before. Finn asks, what happened tonight? and Gregory says he was trying to help Violet make some bracelets. He could barely hold on to the thread. He doesn’t think she noticed, but then she got up to get some clasps from her bedroom and he tried to stand up to shake out his hands, and that’s when he fell. Thank God she wasn’t here to see it. Finn says, but she came back in, and Gregory says he told her he tripped over the coffee table (he did not; he said it was probably a bead on the floor). She had to watch him struggle to get back up on the couch. He knows he can’t hide his disease any longer, and he’s so ashamed about tonight.

Molly says she’s so glad she didn’t invite Kristina tonight, and Kristina says, she’s made that perfectly clear. Just answer the question. Why would she rather a stranger have her baby as a surrogate, when her own sister offered to do it for her months ago? Molly says, with a surrogate, they sign a legal, binding document, and Kristina says she knows how it works; she rents out her womb and throws in her egg at a discount. Molly says, both sides benefit. She gets money she needs for her family, and they get the child they want. Kristina says, the child they want; there it is. As opposed to the child she’s offering to give them that they clearly do not want. Molly says, the surrogate is performing a service, not racing around town working on some pie-in-the-sky project, and letting everyone know she’s saving her poor sister from her own infertility. Kristina says, if Molly has some stranger as her surrogate, she’s not even going to be related to the baby.

Sam says she’s sorry. She shouldn’t have put Dante on the spot like that. It’s a really confusing situation. He says he gets it, and stop apologizing. They’ll be playing rock-paper-scissors all night long. It’s a personal thing for Molly and TJ, that’s all. He’s sure Kristina had the best of intentions when she offered to be their surrogate. Sam says she understands that, but Kristina and Molly haven’t been close lately. He says he knows she loves her sisters and wants to fix all kinds of things for them, but maybe this one… She says she should let them work it out for themselves. He says, maybe, and she says, he’s right. Now it’s his turn. Spill. He says, it was just kind of a regular weird day, and Cody shows up at the station while Gladys is there, filing a restraining order against Cody on Sasha’s behalf. Cody loses his mind completely in the middle of the squad room, saying, Gladys is the one having Sasha drugged. He lost it. He went crazy, and Dante and Mac had to restrain him. She asks if he had to arrest Cody, but he says, not this time. Those two hate each other. She says, Cody and Gladys? Definitely. He says, and the whole time this is happening, he’s investigating Anna’s townhouse burning down.

Valentin asks if Anna left him some hot water, but she says she feels like the MetroCourt has an unlimited supply. He says, give him five minutes, and goes to the shower. She’s about to look at the envelope, when her phone rings. Dante says, sorry to call so late, but there’s something he thought she should know. He had one of their tech guys look at the ELQ security footage from the night her house burned. Valentin’s car never exited or entered the ELQ parking garage. He had them check the surrounding area to see if the car was parked somewhere else too, but they got nothing. She says she sees, and he says, Valentin told her the reason he went to ELQ was, there was a water main break and he was concerned about the mainframe computer? She says, that’s right, and he says, there was no water main break. She says, thanks for that information, and listens to hear if the shower is still running. She takes the envelope, and looks at the papers inside. It’s an invoice or something with Pikeman’s letterhead.

Tracy says she did ask Olivia to commit Ned, and he says, because he embarrasses her? She says, because this can’t go on. She thought just maybe if he was in a hospital, they could help him stop faking this ridiculous… He says he’s not faking anything. He is Eddie Maine. And by the way, he didn’t ask to be in this house. They all want him here. So he’s trying to make them understand he can’t choose to be who he is. He’s Eddie Maine and there’s nothing he can do about it. She says, okay. He’s Eddie Maine, but she’s Ned Quartermaine’s mother, and she’s never going to stop fighting for her son.

Finn says, Gregory has nothing to be ashamed of, but Gregory says he does. He’s so selfish to put his daughter at risk. Finn says, that’s okay, but Gregory says, no. He shouldn’t have agreed to watch her alone tonight. Somehow, he convinced himself he’d be okay. Finn says, it turned out okay, but Gregory says he had no right to take that risk. The other night, he went to one of those hatchet throwing places and he did it. Maybe it’s human nature, but he thinks he’s been trying to convince himself that he can beat this thing, or at least hold it off, but that’s just denial. He needs to stop that before he puts someone else in danger like he did Violet. Finn says, it’s happening to Gregory and he has to figure it out on his own, and Gregory says he needs to stop driving. He shouldn’t have been driving this long. Finn says, so stop driving. No one’s going to judge him for how he’s handled this so far. No one’s going to judge him. Finn wishes he’d had someone to talk to besides his doctor. Doing this all on his own all this time must have been hell. Gregory says, Alexis knows. She was snooping around and they got in a big argument, and he collapsed. He had to tell her. He couldn’t bring himself to tell Finn. He didn’t want to see the look on Finn’s face that he’s seeing right now.

Carly asks if this is the favor Sonny came over here to talk to her about, and he says, before she turns him down, hear him out. She says she’s listening, and he says, when he got news of Drew’s situation, he did some digging and he has a connection with someone who could arrange for Drew to get out of solitary early. So when he’s released, she’ll be able to go see him. She asks if Drew is going to owe anybody anything, but he says, absolutely not. She asks what it’s costing him, and he says, from the look on her face, it means everything to him. She sits next to him on the sofa and says, Drew’s going to wonder why the sudden change. He says, when she talks to him, just tell him no strings attached. It’s just a gift from him. She says, he knows Sonny is protecting him. She doesn’t know how he’s going to feel about this. Sonny says, it’s not a gift to him; it’s a gift to her. She asks if there are any stipulations for her if she accepts.

Sam comes back in the bedroom and says, it looks like Dante’s rotten day is still with him. He says, it’s just hitting close to home this one, and she says, and he can’t get into specifics. He says he can tell her that Valentin is being dishonest with Anna, and she laughs, saying, when has Valentin ever been honest? He says, she’s right, but it’s weird. Valentin really cared about Anna, and she cares about him. He told her all this pretty surprising stuff, then he lies about where he was the other night. Sam says she’s not that surprised about it. She knows he lives a complicated life. Who knows what he’s got going on? Dante says, he wants to know what Valentin’s got going on because his daughter’s in the room down the hall.

Anna lies awake, but pretends to sleep when Valentin gets into bed. He turns out the light, and she opens her eyes. She says, he lied to her.

Gregory says he understands. Finn’s a doctor; one of the best. He knows all about this hideous disease. Finn knows what it’s going to do to him. Finn says he looks at Gregory now, and he looks fine; he looks good. Gregory says, that’s what’s so hard to grasp. He looks in the mirror, he feels good, but he knows this thing is in there somewhere. Finn says he also sees the man he grew up with. The man who used to toss him so high in the air, and he was never once afraid Gregory wouldn’t catch him. Gregory says he remembers that guy too. As you get older, try to hang on to that self-image as long as you can. The thought that he’ll be less than that for Finn, for Violet… Finn says, never less. He’s still that man, and he will always be that man, no matter what happens. Gregory thanks him for that, and Finn says, he knows what Gregory is facing, so there’s no point in trying to tell him no, because he’ll be by Gregory’s side every step of the way from here on out. Gregory tells him, do what you have to do, but he has one favor to ask, and Finn says, anything. Gregory says, help me tell your brother. Because he’s afraid it’s going to crush Chase. Finn says, it will, and they’ll be there for him. He tells Gregory that he loves him and starts to cry. Gregory says he loves Finn too, and they hug.

Ned asks if loving her son means locking him away somewhere, and Tracy says, stop being so dramatic. If he overheard her saying that, he also overheard Olivia refuse. And she’s his… She has final say. He says, but he’s watched Tracy. She can be very persuasive. What’s to stop her from changing Olivia’s mind about putting him away? She says, answer her something. If he’s so worried about them having him put away, why is he still here? Why isn’t he at Sonny’s? He says, Sonny is a nice enough guy, but too many goombahs around. Tracy says, there it is. She knew it. You are in there, Ned. Somewhere.

Sonny says, there’s no strings attached in there for Carly either, but he’s sure Drew is going to be happy to get out of that little cell. He wants to be clear, this is for her – or not. It’s her decision. She says, he’s unbelievable, and he says, yes. She says, he came to the police station the other night and he was so offended when she said he couldn’t help her. He came up with a favor he knew she couldn’t turn down. He says, maybe he’s just being nice, and she says, yeah, he is, but he still wins. He asks if that’s a yes, and she says, yes, please get Drew out of solitary. He says, all right, and gets up. He’ll let her know when it’s done. He heads for the door, and she says, thank you. He says, you’re welcome, and leaves.

Molly says, that was mean, even for Kristina, and Kristina says, that came out wrong. Molly says she thinks Kristina said exactly what she meant, and Kristina says, fine. If they’re saying what they really mean, why doesn’t Molly say what she really means. She would rather have a baby from a stranger than one from her own sister. Molly says, yes, and it’s true she might not be biologically related to the baby, but TJ will be, and that baby is going to be created for them as a result of their love for each other. Kristina says, if she had the baby for Molly… Molly says, if she did, it would be a gift for my sister, and no one would ever be allowed to forget it. Kristina says, wow. She guesses she never realized how selfish and insecure Molly is. She leaves.

Sam says, Charlotte is Rocco’s sister, so she and Dante need to find a way to get along with Valentin. Dante says he knows, and he’s glad she’s here with them, especially with a threat to Anna. She says, burning down someone’s house is definitely a threat. Any theory on why Valentin would lie to Anna? He says, not yet. He never really trusted that guy. She says, as much as they don’t trust him, she really does believe Valentin loves Charlotte, and she doesn’t think he’d ever do anything to hurt her. Dante says he agrees. Intentionally, he wouldn’t hurt her, and he probably loves Anna. She says, but he doesn’t think Anna trusts him, and he says, no, and neither can they.

Valentin asks what Anna said, and she glances at the Pikeman envelope as she turns to him and says, he lied to her. He said he was going to be five minutes, and he was way closer to fifteen. He says he’s sorry; the water felt good. He kisses her, and she says she’s so exhausted. He says, so sleep, and kisses her forehead. They turn back to back, but their eyes stay open.

Tomorrow, Carly tells someone that she’ll be there; Anna tells Valentin, it’s unsettling when someone you know is acting strangely; Sonny says, maybe we should just call this off; and Cyrus tells someone, we meet again.

💣 GH FYI: Mason did say the boss was a woman. So I’m not crazy. Well, maybe I am, but I didn’t imagine that. The theory is that there are already enough female villains on the canvas – i.e. Selina and Gladys – so they changed the boss to a man. Still, just a wee bit insulting to viewers’ intelligence.

👨‍👧‍👧 One Of the Boys…

Jake pops back before they can excuse his absence with back to school.

Hudson West Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🗽 Discuss Amongst Yourselves…

The new RHONY cast talks about their favorite subject – themselves.

Real Housewives of New York Open Up About Season 14 Reboot

🦕 Old New York…

Well, if the Countess says it’s cool, it can’t possibly be uncool. But did they get the yacht?

Luann de Lesseps Promises ‘Good Drama’ on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip

🦘 Not Down Under…

More on the Deck drama that rocked the franchise. I actually tried to catch this episode the other night, but came in too late. And I’m not desperate enough to hunt it down on Peacock. Not yet anyway. João ended up as one of the replacements, much to the mini distress of Aesha.

Aesha Scott Shares What Didn’t Air on Below Deck as Producer Addresses Luke & Laura’s Firings and Reveals Team’s “Valiant Effort” to Intervene, Plus Captain Jason Speaks

🍸 VanderBreak Is Officially Over…

I couldn’t figure out how Graham was bait here, but we know she’s prone to flights of fantasy.

Raquel Leviss Accuses LVP of Not Genuinely Caring, Claims James Taught Dog Graham to Bite, & Dog Was Used as “Bait” for Vanderpump Rules Return, Slams “Villain Narrative,” Plus Talks Family & Podcast Plans, & Death Threats

I’ll definitely be getting Ariana’s new book. I requested and got Fancy AF Cocktails for Christmas after it came out, but this looks a whole lot juicier better. I dunno about Scheana’s music, although I have to admit Good As Gold is on one of my playlists.

Brock Davies Fires Back at Raquel’s Podcast Interview as Ariana Madix Announces New Book Will Cover ‘Scandoval’ Drama & Relationship With Tom Sandoval, Plus Scheana Releases Music About Scandal

The minutiae.

Kristen Doute Claims Raquel Leviss Was “Telling Some Truths” After She Alleges James is “Violent,” Denies Being Silenced With Pump Rules Spinoff as Raquel Reacts to Kristen’s Shocking Comments

🎪 More Bravo Than You Can Shake a Stick At…

All the guests at BravoCon 2023.

Full List of BravoCon 2023 Bravolebs Revealed

💐 Not Those Flowers, Lizzie…

This looks suspiciously like a V.C. Andrews book.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/08/04/alycia-debnam-carey-lost-flowers-alice-hart/

🌍 Padma Is the New Waldo…

Where in the world is she?

https://www.padmalakshmi.com/taste-the-nation

🐙 Behold the Unusual…

I want them all.

https://www.alwayspets.com/s/cutest-unusual-pets-754c25d1fa0043c2

🐚 Quotes of the Week

Immature love says, I love you because I need you. Mature love says, I need you because I love you. – Erich Fromm

If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes. – John Wooden

What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will. – Epictetus

Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death. – Albert Einstein

You can’t make somebody your number one if you’re always their number two. – Judge Star Jones, Divorce Court

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C.S. Lewis

It’s not easy having a good time. Even smiling makes my face ache. – Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), The Rocky Horror Picture Show

🧋 Drinking the Milkshakes In My Yard…

Let’s reconvene on Monday really Tuesday for soap and whatever tea I can pull out of a hat. Until then, stay safe, stay living your best life as your best self, even if it’s only in your mind, and stay never judging how someone is handling their illness.

Jul29

July 28, 2023 – Sonny Turns the Tables, Reject Dress, The Loud Woman, VanderStatus, Roadblock, Not Barbie, About Those Dead, Kitty Cooper, Funny Pets (!), Quotes of Eight & Rain

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chechnya, Russia. Valentin and Laura walk into a mansion that’s obviously unoccupied. He says, there’s no car in the driveway and no lights on, and she says, it’s deserted. He says, none of the Cassadines have been here in years, when a man runs down the stairs, holding a gun and yelling in Russian.

Dante brings Charlotte to see Lulu in a hospital that looks suspiciously like GH. Charlotte says she wants to see her mom, but she’s worried about her grandmother too. Is it safe for her to be in Russia? Papa knows his way around, but she’s nervous about grandma. Dante says, she’s going to be okay. Charlotte’s dad is with her and Doc is with her; she’s in good hands. Is she ready? Charlotte nods, and they go inside Lulu’s room.

Spencer thinks about calling Trina, and Esme asks if he’s heard from his grandmother. He says, nothing, and Esme says she hasn’t heard anything either. Not that she’s family, but she’s worried. Does he think it’s a bad sign he hasn’t heard from her? He says he doesn’t know, and she asks if he thinks she’s in trouble. He says he doesn’t know, but even if she was, there isn’t a damn thing he can do about it. Just leave it alone.

Kristina lets herself in to Molly’s apartment and says, it’s her favorite sister. Molly says she’s not surprised to see Kristina since she texted, but she’s surprised because that wasn’t very Kristina-like. Kristina says she’s working on being much more sisterlike. How is she doing? Molly says, A for effort. How does Kristina think she’s doing? Kristina says, there’s a definite learning curve, but whenever she’s in doubt, she asks herself, what would her younger, wiser, more beautiful sister do?

In his office, Michael discusses the budget with someone on the phone, when there’s a knock at the door. Carly comes in, and Michael says he’s got to go. Send him the accurate numbers by the end of the day. She says she’s sorry she just barged in. His assistant said she could come. She’s so happy to see him back in the office. He says, it’s not exactly by choice, and she says, he hasn’t left Willow’s side for months, but this must mean she’s continuing to get better. He says he’s very grateful her strength is coming back. When she tells him to stop hovering, he guesses it’s a good thing, but it means he has to give her some space. So he decided to come back to the office. Now that Drew is… She says, in prison. He can say it. She didn’t come here to talk about Drew, but she does have something she needs to talk to him about. He says, what about? and she says, his father.

Sonny does some work in his office, when his phone rings. It’s Nina, and he asks where she is. She says she’s at the MetroCourt. She’s trying to get some work done, but can’t keep her mind off the situation with Willow. He says he thought she told him things were better, but she says, Willow’s not the problem. It’s Michael. Ava walks into Sonny’s office, and says, they need to talk. Sonny tells Nina that he has to go. He has to take care of something. He asks Ava, what’s the problem? and she says, the problem is him. He told her that he was going to take care of that woman. This is how he takes care of it? He sends Avery off with that psychopath? She shows him a picture of Betty and Avery on her phone.

Avery swims in the pool, and Betty tells her, it’s time to go, but she says, just one more. Please. She swims off and Josslyn walks in. Avery calls to her, and Josslyn asks what she’s doing. Avery says she had swim class today and learned this. She floats on her back, and Josslyn says, amazing. Avery is better than she is. She could go to the Olympics with that. Dex stands near the entrance, and Trina sees him. She tells him, if he’s looking for Joss, she’s right over there. He says he’s not. He’s actually working. Avery tells Josslyn that she has a new nanny. Her name is Betty. Betty and Josslyn smile at each other.

Ava says she stopped by Sonny’s apartment to see Avery, and the guard said she’s out with that Mary Poppins from hell. Sonny says, relax. Betty took Avery to the MetroCourt pool for her swimming lessons. Ava says, don’t tell her to relax. The woman is violent. Betty smacked her face. What if she hurts Avery? What if she kidnaps Avery? What was he thinking? He says, Betty is their best bet to lead them to whoever blackmailed Ava, but she says she already told him. It’s that creep Mason. He says, Mason is taking orders from somebody else. They have to find out who it is and Betty’s going to steer them right to his boss.

Josslyn says she didn’t realize Avery had a new nanny. What happened to Pilar? Betty says she has no idea. She interviewed with Ava Jerome, Avery’s mother. Josslyn says she knows Ava, and Betty says, Mr. Corinthos joined them and asked her to start today. Josslyn says, she must have really impressed him, and Betty says, who is Josslyn again? Josslyn tells her that she’s Josslyn Jax, Avery’s older sister, but Betty says she’s confused. Miss Jerome told her that Avery has a half-sister, but she’s younger than Avery. Either Josslyn is big for her age, or she’s not really Avery’s sister.

Michael asks if something is up with Sonny, and Carly says she was hoping he could tell her. Has he heard anything from Dex? Michael says, so far, he’s sticking to the agreement. He’s keeping tabs on Sonny and letting Michael know if there are any big deals in the works. Carly says, so what’s the latest? and Michael says, last night, Dex found a dead body. Carly asks if he knows who it was, and Michael says, apparently, it’s a guy with a connection to Dr. Gatlin-Holt. Carly asks if Austin isn’t seeing Ava. She saw them together at the Nurses Ball. He says he doesn’t know, but Dex called Sonny and told him that he found a dead body near a dumpster, and surprisingly, Sonny told him to call the police. She says, that doesn’t make any sense. Why would Sonny have Dex call the police? I’m not sure why everyone is so shocked. Sonny didn’t know Gordon and has nothing to do with him, so why wouldn’t he be a good citizen?

Kristina says she’s not here for Molly’s sage advice; she’s here to serve her sister. What can she get Kristina? She sees Kristina has water and snacks. She knows – a smoothie. Molly says, Sam beat her to it, and Kristina says, Sam the good sister. She knows one thing she doesn’t think Sam got for Kristina, and takes a stuffed horse out of her bag. Kristina says, Valiant, and takes the horse. This is exactly what she needed.

Esme asks if her concern for Spencer’s grandmother is bothering him. For all they know, she could be locked up in some Russian prison, but clearly he’s not worried, so she’ll keep it to herself from now on. He says he’s sorry he snapped at her. He’s very worried and concerned about his grandmother, but right now, he’s far more worried about Trina. Her father was shot and he could also be paralyzed, and he has no idea how to help her. Esme says, getting upset with her isn’t going to fix anything, but why doesn’t he call Trina and tell her that he’s thinking about her?

The man asks in Russian what Valentin and Laura are doing here, and Valentin answers in Russian, they mean no harm. They’re looking for someone. He tells them, get out, and in Russian, Laura says, we come in peace. The man says he speaks English. They’re trespassing. Now get out. Laura says, they don’t want to hurt anyone. All they want is information. They’re looking for someone. He asks who they’re looking for, and Valentin says, Nikolas Cassadine. The man says, Cassadines are evil, and spits. They’re all gone. What is that American expression? Good riddance. They’re very dangerous people. Stay away from that family. Laura says, he doesn’t understand. Nikolas Cassadine is her son, and they’ve got to find him. The man asks why they’re looking in Chechnya. Has he been kidnapped? Or is he running from authorities? Valentin says, they don’t know. That’s what they’re trying to find out. Laura says, he disappeared from his home in the United States five months ago and they have no idea what happened to him. The man says, if he’s a Cassadine, nothing good.

Charlotte tells Lulu (who we never really see) about winning a ribbon in her equestrian show. Dante says, she was amazing. Rocco’s doing amazing as well. He doesn’t know how, but Rocco’s got straight As. He’s always talking about every girl in his class; he’s got a crush every week. Charlotte says, Lulu is missing so much. She’s starting high school in the fall. She spent so many years at boarding school, but she’s happier staying in Port Charles and being close to her family. But Lulu isn’t there. She has to wake up and come back to them. Dante says he’ll give Charlotte time with her mom, and gets up. He says, they’ll see Lulu soon. They miss her. He leaves, and Charlotte says, Dante’s right. They really, really miss her, but she misses Lulu more.

Ava says, Sonny can follow any lead he wants, just please don’t involve their daughter. He says, does she really think he’d put his daughter at risk? Ava says, that’s what he’s doing right now, but he says, she’s not at risk. He’s going to take care of this like he said he was. She’s going to have to trust him.

Avery gets out of the pool, and Josslyn puts a towel around her. She asks Avery to do her a favor and tell her new nanny who she is, and Avery says, Josslyn’s her big sister. Josslyn says, the branches of their family are very complicated. She’d be happy to draw Betty a diagram. Betty says, that won’t be necessary, but thanks for the offer. They’re both smiling, but I don’t think they’re smiling in their heads. Josslyn says, Betty’s probably right. She’ll be gone before she can memorize any names. Betty tells Avery, time to go, and Josslyn says, nice meeting you. Betty says nothing, and leaves with Avery. Dex watches, then follows. Trina asks Josslyn what that was all about, and Josslyn says she has no idea, but she needs to find out. She has to call Sonny. What the hell is he thinking letting that girl look after Avery? Trina says, don’t call Sonny, and Josslyn asks, why? Trina says she has the feeling something else is going on. When she got here, Josslyn’s boyfriend was over there, but it didn’t look like he was soaking up rays. He was keeping a low profile watching Avery and the nanny. He never took his eyes off them. That’s got to mean something, right? Josslyn says, but what?

Michael tells Carly that he’s not sure how all this fits together, but Dex will get more information soon. He really needs to thank her. Carly says, for what? and he says, she’s the one who encouraged this arrangement with Dex. It’s nice to know they have somebody they can trust in Sonny’s organization. It works out for both of them, since Sonny thinks he has a trustworthy lieutenant, and they don’t get blindsided by his illegal dealings. She says she thinks this is about more than getting information from Dex. She thinks a part of him wants Dex to protect his father. He says he’s not saying he can forgive or even wants to forgive Sonny, but a part of him still cares about Sonny. Carly says she’ll take that as a plan and hugs him.

Kristina kisses the stuffed horse, and says she’s missed him. Where has he been hiding all these years? She thought she lost him. Kristina says, he was in some mislabeled box. She was in mom’s attic looking for pieces to sell at the community fundraiser, and she saw this box labeled law books. She opened it up, and there was Valiant, right there on top of the New York Penal Code. Molly says she’s so grateful Kristina found him. She knows it must sound silly, but this little guy meant so much to her. Kristina says, Molly was the only four-year-old on this planet who would name their stuffed animal Valiant and actually knew what it was. Kristina had stuffed animals named like the rest of them; Fluffy, Stuffy, Coco. Molly says, one time when she was six or seven, she had friends over and showed them Valiant, and they all made fun of his name. Kristina came storming in the room, saying they were all stupid, and if they didn’t stop making fun of Molly, she was going to pour maple syrup in their hair. Kristina says she remembers that. Then they ran out the door so fast. She thinks it’s the last time they came over to their house. She thinks she made life a lot harder for Kristina than it needed to be. Sorry. Kristina says she’s not. She was proud of her big sister then, and she still is.

Laura says, this is about her son, and asks the man if he has any children. He says, da. Two daughters. She says, then he must understand what she’s going through now. Is there anything he can tell her? He says he’s sorry he was harsh with her. He would help her if he could, but he has no idea where this Nikolas Cassadine is. Valentin asks if this is his house, and the man says he bought it for his family. But it was all done through lawyers. He never saw the previous owner. Valentin says, lucky him.

Spencer says he wants to be there for Trina, but it’s complicated, and Esme asks, why? He says, Trina’s mother isn’t a fan of any Cassadine, particularly him, and he does understand why she doesn’t like him. His father has done a lot of damage, but even he pales in comparison to his Uncle Victor. To make matters worse, she’s holding the other side of his family accountable for her husband’s shooting. Esme says, what? and he says he told her it was complicated. Curtis Ashford was shot, and Dr. Robinson thinks the bullet was meant for his Uncle Sonny. She says, so Trina’s mom pretty much hates everyone related to him? and he says, yeah, with the exception of his grandmother and Ace, and one of them is a baby and the other isn’t even in this country.

Josslyn tells Trina that she’s happy Dex is looking out for Avery, but she gets bad vibes from that girl. Trina is absorbed with her phone, and Josslyn asks if she’s there. Trina says she’s sorry. She was hoping there would be a message from Spencer. Josslyn asks why she doesn’t text him, and Trina says she would, but it wouldn’t be right. Josslyn asks what that means, and Trina says her mom is dealing with so much since Curtis was shot, and she never liked Spencer, so she’s trying to keep her distance from him. She doesn’t want to add more stress. Josslyn says, but she misses him, and Trina says, yeah. Josslyn says she understands Trina’s mom needs support, but Trina needs support too. She bets the only reason Spencer isn’t reaching out is because he doesn’t want to put pressure on Trina. But if Trina needs him, let him know. She won’t regret it.

Molly says she appreciates Kristina looking out for her, and Kristina says, it’s usually the other way around. She was always jumping from one thing to the next, getting herself in these difficult situations, and leaving an absolute mess in her wake. But there she was, her Molly, cleaning up her messes. Molly says she just never wanted Kristina to get in trouble, and Kristina asks if Molly remembers doing her homework for her. Molly was like three grades below her and would do her homework. She covered for Kristina when she was in trouble with mom, and comforted her when she cried or was upset. Molly always took care of her. Molly says, not always. She didn’t take care of Kristina when her abusive boyfriend Kiefer Bauer was beating her up.

Betty comes into Pozzulo’s with Avery, who runs to Ava, hugging her. Avery tells Ava that she can float on her back, and Ava says she’s so proud of Avery. Betty says, Avery had a terrific lesson. She could barely get Avery out of the water when it was time to go. Sonny says he wants to hear all about it, but right now he wants Avery to stay with Frank. He and Betty need to have a conversation. Maybe Frank can give Avery some biscotti. Frank says, sounds good, and Sonny, Ava, and Betty go into Sonny’s office. Sonny says he knows it’s Betty’s first day and Avery seems to like her a lot. That’s important to him. Betty says, he has a wonderful daughter, and he says, anybody who can make his daughter that happy, is okay by him. Betty asks if he’d like her to take Avery to his place, but he says, no. She can pick Avery up there tomorrow morning. They’re not going to need her for the rest of the day. He gives her some cash, she thanks him, and she leaves. Avery and Frank are playing cards while they have biscotti, and Betty tells Avery, see you tomorrow. Ava comes out, and Sonny says he has a phone call to make, closing his office door.

The man says, Laura seems like a nice woman, but it’s obvious her son has left her. It must be painful. She says she doesn’t believe her son would just leave her. He has kids and she doesn’t believe he’d abandon them. Maybe he was forced to leave. The man says he’s sorry. He wishes he could help her, but there’s nothing he can do. Please show themselves out. He leaves, and Valentin says, where do they go from here?

Charlotte tells Lulu that the other girls talk about doing things with their mothers; shopping, getting manicures, going away for the weekend. She just smiles and pretends it’s okay. Sam and Grandmother take her out, but it’s just not the same. She never actually told her friends what really happened to Lulu. If she doesn’t tell them where Lulu is, she can believe it isn’t real; that she’s just away for a little while, and she’ll be back soon. So she has to wake up. Charlotte puts her head down on the bed and cries.

Esme says, it’s such a beautiful day. As soon as Ace wakes up, why don’t she and Spencer take him to the park? He says he has a better idea. Why don’t they take him to the MetroCourt pool, and they can dip his feet in the water. He’ll love it. She says, yes, absolutely. She just got him a bathing suit and he has a matching hat. He’ll look adorable. She goes into the other room, and Spencer opens the front door. Trina is there, and he says he’s surprised to see her… in the best way. She says she’s sorry for just showing up without calling, but he says, don’t apologize. Come in. She’s always welcome here. She says she’s glad to hear him say that. These last few days have just been really hard, and she’s missed him. He hugs her, and Esme watches.

Carly goes into Sonny’s office, and Ava asks, what brings her here? Carly says she came to pick up Avery. Avery is coming with her for a sleepover with Donna and Josslyn. Sonny says he appreciates her doing this on short notice, and Ava says, how short? When did Sonny set this up? Carly says, he called her just a few minutes ago. What’s going on here?

Kristina asks why Molly would bring up Kiefer. She hasn’t thought about him in years. Molly says, really? and Kristina says, no. That’s not true. She just doesn’t like to admit how often she does think about that time in her life, but she does. Especially now, working with troubled teens. So many of them are in abusive relationships, and it just brings her back to Kiefer. She tries to help them, but she can’t even help herself. Molly says she should have helped Kristina. She knew something was wrong and she should have said something. She could hear Kristina crying in her room every night, and she knew something was wrong. Every time she asked Kristina, Kristina got upset and said to leave her alone. So she did. She’s so sorry. She should have pushed harder to get Kristina to open up. Kristina takes Molly’s hand, and says, she has nothing to be sorry for. It’s on her. She couldn’t find a way to get herself out of that hole. Sometimes she wonders if that’s when everything started. Molly says, when what started? and Kristina says, her life just derailed when she was with Kiefer. Ever since then, she tries, but she’s never been able to get it back on track.

Michael opens his office door to Nina, who thanks him for seeing her. She knows she’s not his favorite person right now. He asks what he can do for her, and she asks if they can make peace for Willow’s sake.

Sonny says he just thought Avery would like to spend some time with her sisters, and Carly says, whatever. The girls will be thrilled to have Avery. They walk out, and Carly tells Avery, let’s get this sleepover started. Avery heads for the door, and Carly looks at Sonny and Ava. She says, whatever, and follows.

Nina says she and Willow had a wonderful visit the other day, but Michael says he doesn’t quite remember it that way. She says, if he remembers correctly, she was at the hospital checking on Sasha, he stepped outside, and she and Willow made significant progress. He asks, what exactly does that mean? and she says, it means she and Willow communicate better when he’s not in the room. He says he’s pretty busy, so can she get to the point? and she says her point is, at best, he just tolerates her and wishes she wasn’t in Willow’s life, but she’s Willow’s mother. Michael says she’s mentioned that once or twice, and she says she now knows Willow is open to the idea of them having a relationship. And she’s wondering, is he open to that too?

Molly says, Kristina has gotten her life back on track. Look what she’s doing with the youth center. She’s going to make a difference in these kids’ lives. She thought that made Kristina happy. Kristina says, it does, but she doesn’t know if she’s enough for them. These kids are so desperate for help, and she doesn’t know if she has the skills or the tools to adequately help them. Soon her center is going to be up and running, and her name is going to be on that building, but it’s not going to be hers. She thinks she’s been fooling herself this whole time, thinking she can make a difference and help these kids, but she doesn’t know if she can. Molly tells her, don’t say that. She knows Kristina can. Kristina says, stop. Molly is here with an injured leg and she’s doing it again; she’s comforting Kristina. Molly says, because that’s what she does when she loves someone. And before Kristina talks herself out of being useful to these kids, take the time to educate herself. No one knows how to take on a project like that without experience. So take some classes. Study management. Talk to people who’ve done this before. She can do this. Kristina asks why she’s so sure, and Molly says, because she believes in Kristina. She’s just got to believe in herself.

Esme says, Spencer told her about Trina’s dad. She’s so sorry. It must be so scary thinking he could be paralyzed. Trina says, it’s been awful, and Esme says she’s going to check on Ace. He’s about to get up from his nap and she’s going to take him to the park. She leaves, and Spencer says he’s so sorry for what Trina’s going through. How is she holding up? She says she’s so worried for Curtis. She’s trying to stay strong for her mom, but she doesn’t know what to do to make her feel better. He says he does. Stay away from him.

Laura asks if Valentin think the owner would mind if they had a look around the house, and he says, she could ask him, but he doesn’t think they’re going to find any clues around here. She says she guesses he’s probably right, but she did get the feeling he was telling them the truth. He says, they need to regroup; think of somewhere else Nikolas could be hiding. She says, what if he’s not hiding? What if he’s being held against his will? Victor could have turned on him just like he turned on Valentin and Spencer. Valentin says, Victor’s dead. Nikolas could be anywhere. Doc is probably back at the hotel by now. Let’s get the hell out of here.

Dante says it’s tough for Charlotte to see her mom like that, but the doctors say maybe she can hear them, so it’s important they’re here as much as they can be. Charlotte says she knows. She just wants her mom to come home – their home. She went by there the other day and looked in the window. It made her sad. Everything was covered in sheets and so quiet. Not like it used to be. He says, they had some really good memories there, didn’t they? and she says she just doesn’t like seeing it so empty. She bets mom would want someone to live there.

Trina says, the last thing she wants is to stay away from Spencer. She needs him more than ever. He’s the thing that gives her strength to hang on right now. He says he thinks she’s the first person who’s ever said that to him, and she says she doesn’t care what people say. They don’t know him like she does. She needs him. He says he’s always here for her, but he thinks it’s going to add a lot of stress to her mom’s life right now if she knows he’s spending time with her. She says she hates to admit it, but she thinks he might be right. She doesn’t want to stay away from him, but it would probably be best to keep their relationship low key for now. He says, yeah, he gets it. He’s the last person her mom wants to see, so he’ll steer clear of her, and if Trina needs him, he’ll be here whenever. She says, now would be a good time, and they kiss.

In the bedroom, Esme tells Ace, sorry, buddy. She wanted to take him to the pool today, but his big brother has other plans. She guesses that means Trina is more important than they are. It’s just her and him; they’ve only got each other. Unless she takes steps to change that situation.

Michael says he’ll support any decision his wife makes. If she wants to have a relationship with Nina, he has no problem with that. She tells him that his attitude says otherwise, and he asks what she’s trying to say. She says, while he’s polite to her somewhat in front of Willow, it’s clear he wants nothing to do with her and just wants her to go away. Willow knows that, and it’s just a matter of time before Wiley and Amelia feel it as well. She knows she’s made mistakes. She just wants to rectify them and make peace. Kristina barges in and asks if she’s interrupting something, but Michael says, no. Nina was just leaving. Nina says she guesses she was just leaving, and asks Michael to please give her a second chance. That’s all she’s asking. Whether he likes it or not, they’re family and she’s not giving up. She gives Kristina a quick kiss as she goes by, and when she’s gone, Kristina asks why Michael is being such a bastard to Nina.

Dex goes over to Josslyn, who’s lying on a chaise lounge, and she says she wanted to ask him something. Trina said she saw him earlier, and it looked like he was doing surveillance on Avery and her nanny. Does he want to tell her what that’s about? He says, Sonny asked him to keep an eye on Avery and the new nanny, so he was tailing her. Josslyn says, Avery’s her sister, so she kind of has a right to know, and he says he’d tell her if he knew, but Sonny hasn’t shared the details. But he thinks it has something to do with Ava Jerome.

Ava says, please tell her that he’s not bringing Carly into this. Sonny has to promise her that he’s not going to tell Carly what she did to Nikolas. He says, that she killed him? and she says, it was an accident. She didn’t mean to do it. He says he won’t tell Carly about Nikolas unless he has to, and she asks what that means. He says, the good thing is, Betty bought his act. She thinks she’s spying on him, but it’s the other way around. She’s going to lead them to whoever’s behind this. And when he finds them, they’re not going to know what hit them.

On Monday, Sonny asks if Anna is still planning to use herself as bait; Kristina says she thought someone would never ask; Tracy says, Gregory is surprisingly charming; Martin says, it must be his lucky night; and Drew tells someone, get the hell away from him.

👧🏼 New Kid On the Block…

The latest in Georgies.

Eden Harker Is the New Georgie on GENERAL HOSPITAL!

👗 The Right Choice…

Jen dishes on the wedding of the century and her rejected Reunion dress.

https://pagesix.com/video/jennifer-fessler-reveals-rejected-rhonj-reunion-dress-best-pic-from-teresa-giudices-wedding/

🍊 Don’t Say It…

It really doesn’t sound like all that big a deal, but oh yeah, it’s Shannon.

VIDEO: Tamra Judge Reveals What Heather Told Her About Shannon’s Relationship as Shannon Calls Heather a “Mother-F**ker” in RHOC Sneak Peek, Plus Tamra Accuses Jennifer and Ryan of “Threatening” Heather Amin

Was she kicked out or just looking for her Uber? I want to know what the argument was about.

https://pagesix.com/2023/07/27/wasted-shannon-beador-kicked-out-of-bar-after-screaming-at-ex-john-janssens-daughter/

🍸 Good Luck With This…

Who will and won’t film with the undesirable Tom.

Where Does Tom Sandoval Stand With the Rest of the Vanderpump Rules Cast?

🥪 Something About Them…

I thought it was open already, they’ve had so many soft launches.

REPORT: Ariana Madix and Katie’s Sandwich Shop Faces “Six-Figure” Road Block Before They Can Open, Plus Ariana Refuses to Film One-on-One With Tom Sandoval for Vanderpump Rules

👶 Comes With Accessory Baby…

This is actually a pretty funny idea.

https://pagesix.com/2023/07/27/kathryn-dennis-reclaims-her-salacious-pregnancies-with-midge-costume/

⚰️ Let’s Talk About Dead…

FWD, coming to your TV in October.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/24/fear-walking-dead-season-8-part-2-release-date/

Obviously not a real New Yorker.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/28/walking-dead-city-jeffrey-dean-morgan-leave/

I’m hoping it goes on forever.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/27/walking-dead-dead-city-limited-series/

The name isn’t what you thought it was.

https://ew.com/events/comic-con/rick-and-michonne-walking-dead-title-teaser-explained-ones-who-live/

We are from France.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/28/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-hope-france/

🐱 He Is Not a Cat…

Although he does kind of look like one.

https://ew.com/tv/anderson-cooper-compared-dog-cat-live-with-kelly-mark/

🐕 Comedic Companions…

These are great! How come I never catch my pets doing this stuff? By the time I get the camera, they get bored and walk away or they’ve moved on to something else. I have a lot of pictures of tails.

https://people.com/finalists-announced-of-the-2023-comedy-pet-photography-awards-see-photos-7561437

🪶 Quotes of the Week

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it. – François de La Rochefoucauld

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little; do something. – Sydney Smith

You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past. – Richard Bach (I’m not too sure about that past thing… maybe a different viewpoint of the past.)

Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable. – Theodore Vail

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. – Carl Jung

Everyone must choose one of two pains: The pain of discipline or the pain of regret. – Jim Rohn

I don’t do anything in order to cause trouble. It just so happens that what I do naturally causes trouble. I’m proud to be a troublemaker. – Sinead O’Connor

So let me get this hetero-straight. So you’s a vampire, that can come out in the daytime? … Oh there goes the damn neighborhood. – Lafayette Reynolds (Nelsan Ellis), True Blood

🔮 I Ain’t Got No Crystal Ball…

Come back for more soap and tea on Monday really Tuesday. FYI, Below Deck Down Under is airing a new season on Mondays, but I’m Decked out. Until then, stay safe, stay always being polite to waitstaff, and stay talking to people who’ve done it before when you take on a big project without experience.

Jul8

July 7, 2023 – Tracy Joins Finn’s Family Dinner, Why, On the Edge, Hotlanta, Crappie, Off Camera Drama, Bye-Bye Fame, VanderNext, She Wins, Dead Talk, Lotsa Cute, Not Ten Quotes & Habit

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt bar, Violet finishes another Shirley Temple, and tells Finn, that was delicious. She asks for another, and he says, she knows it’s 100% sugar, right? She nods enthusiastically, when Chase comes up behind her, and says, guess who? She says, Uncle Chase! and he asks what they’re doing at the bar. She says, they’re having cocktails before dinner. Everybody knows that’s when you have cocktails. He says, we already know that, do we? He asks if they’ve seen Brook, and Violet says, Brook bought her a Shirley Temple. Finn says he didn’t know Brook was joining them, and Chase asks if it’s okay. Finn says, absolutely. He last saw her by the pool with Tracy. Chase says he’d better rescue her… He’d better find her.

Tracy asks, why on earth would Brook confess to downloading proprietary information on The Deceptor? Why didn’t she just let Maxie take the fall? Brook says, because she has a conscience? A soul? A shred of decency? Tracy says, and she doesn’t? and Brook says, and she couldn’t stand to see Maxie and Lucy fight. Tracy asks, why not? and Brook says, because she likes them. That’s why she hates doing this so much. Tracy says she thinks Brook misspoke. She loves working at Deception. Otherwise, her boyfriend Detective Chase is going to know just what role Tracy played in getting his badge back. Chase walks in, and says, just the two he was looking for. Finn said they were by the pool. Brook says, they were, but they’re done, and Chase says, good evening, to Tracy. She asks if he had a busy day keeping the citizens of Port Charles safe.

Anna and Jordan sit at a table poolside, and Anna says she’s glad Jordan called. They haven’t really seen one another since her past was splashed across the newspapers. Jordan says, for the record, that’s not why she hasn’t called. Anna says she knows, but it has to be hard to process how she’s going to be friends with… basically a traitor. Jordan says, not for a second. How’s she handling all that? Anna says she guesses she’s been able to wait out her relevance in the news cycle. It’s almost insulting how reporters stop harassing you and just move on to the next thing. Jordan tells Anna to count her blessings, and Anna says her life is probably returning to a new normal. Jordan asks if she thinks it’s normal to find the word murderer spray painted across her front door.

Elizabeth asks how things are with Trina and Curtis, and Portia says, Trina approached her yesterday, and it’s the first time since the wedding. Elizabeth says, that’s amazing, but what about Curtis? and Portia says, they’ve yet to talk… because she’s been avoiding him.

Curtis says, sorry for the interruption, but TJ says, it’s cool. Curtis has a club to run. He should probably be going and get out of Curtis’s hair (which is funny, since Curtis doesn’t have hair). Curtis says he’ll always make time for TJ, and TJ says he appreciates that. Curtis says he appreciates TJ coming to him. TJ and Molly have been dealing with some pretty heavy stuff. TJ says, that’s an understatement, and Curtis says, if TJ wants to talk, he’s here. TJ thanks him, and says, because right now, he doesn’t know how to talk to Molly about having a child or not having a child without making her feel pressured. Curtis says, which reminds him. TJ never answered his question. How would he feel if Molly decides she doesn’t want to have children? The Davis girls walk in, and Molly locks eyes with TJ.

Having dinner at the MetroCourt, Sonny tells Dante that he has a confession to make, and Dante asks if he should take his phone out to record it. Sonny says, it’s nothing like that. He called Dante out to dinner under false pretenses. He needs a favor. He and Nina are getting married, and he wanted to know if Dante wanted to be his best man.

Brook says, nice talking to Tracy, but she and Chase have dinner plans. Tracy says, romantic night? Just the two of them? Chase says, actually, they’re meeting his brother. He and Violet are at the bar. Brook says, they can’t keep them waiting, and she and Chase leave.

Anna asks how Jordan knew about the spray paint on her door, and Jordan says, how does she think? Anna says, Valentin, and Jordan says, he called her before he left town. He told her about the vandalism at Anna’s house. It’s funny. She checked, but there was no police report on the incident. Anna says she didn’t make a report. It’s kids. It’s just a prank. It’s not a major crime. Valentin shouldn’t have bothered Jordan with that. Jordan says, Valentin is worried about her. He feels it’s a bad time to be gone, and from what she’s hearing, she agrees. Anna thanks her for her concern, but surely as the new Deputy Mayor, she’s got bigger things to focus on. How is the new job going? Jordan says, nice try and don’t call her Shirley, but Anna says she’s interested. Jordan is embarking on a whole new career. Jordan says she hasn’t really started yet; there’s not much to tell. Back to Anna. Has their been any fallout from the article? What about from her family? Anna says, nobody’s thrilled. Robin understands, but Emma… It’s more difficult with her. She’s just hoping with time, Emma gives her the benefit of the doubt. And her friends are her friends. Jordan takes Anna’s hands, and says she’ll always be one of them. Anna says she’s grateful for that, and she does feel, as lucky as she is with the people who love her, there are those that are really angry, and they have a right to be. Because she did hurt a lot of people. Jordan says, that was a long time ago. She’s helped countless others since then, and what she did was dangerous, no matter whose side she was on. Anna says she was on both. Ask Robin. Jordan says, undercover work is risky and complicated, both physically and emotionally. It takes a toll on you, your relationships, your whole life. Believe her. She knows. Anna says she knows Jordan does. What is she looking forward to in this new job? Jordan says, honestly, she’s hoping it will distract her from the rest of her life, and Anna says, what happened with her and the… Jordan says, the kiss, and Anna says, yeah, that. Jordan says, yes and no.

Curtis says he sees the Davis women showed up in full force tonight, and Alexis says, they sure did. Molly asks what TJ is doing here, and Alexis suggests they get a table, and let Molly and TJ have some privacy. Curtis says he’ll set them up. First drinks are on him. Kristina says, he should know, they’re drinking champagne, and Alexis says, club soda for her. Curtis says he’d expect nothing less, and tells them to enjoy their night. They go to their table, and Curtis asks if he can talk to Sam. She asks, what’s up? and he says he just wanted to check in; how’s Drew? She says, that’s a good question. Her head is still spinning. She doesn’t know how Drew’s plea deal went so wrong. Curtis says he heard that judge might be running for office, so maybe the judge wanted to prove he wasn’t soft on white collar crimes. She says, it still doesn’t justify Drew missing three years of his daughter’s life.

TJ says he’s sorry. He just came to talk to his Uncle Curtis. he was planning on leaving before she got here. He guesses he lost track of time. She’s here now, so he guesses he’ll head out. He tells her to have fun with her mom and sisters, and he’ll see her at home. Okay? She says, nothing about this is okay.

Dante says he’ll be honored to be Sonny’s best man, and Sonny says he appreciates Dante’s support when it comes to his relationship with Nina. Dante says, you got to do what makes you happy. Does he know when the big day is? Sonny says, sometime in the fall, and Dante says, pretty close. Sonny says, they want to keep it simple. Nina doesn’t want a big wedding. Dante asks if that’s the only reason, and Sonny asks if Dante thinks no one is going to show up at his wedding. Dante laughs, and says, Sonny could have a point, but that’s not what he was saying. Does Sonny think he should keep a low profile about this wedding because there could be trouble?

Elizabeth says, the last time she and Portia talked about Curtis, Portia was afraid she’d say something out of anger she didn’t mean. She doesn’t know what happened between them, but is Portia still angry… Portia says, yes, and Elizabeth says, no hesitation there. Portia says she’s angry and extremely hurt. The whole situation is sad, and she misses Curtis and knows that they need to talk. A part of her is worried that maybe it’s already too late. Given everything that’s already happened, and given everything they’ve done to each other at this point, do they even want to try again? Elizabeth says, that’s why Portia’s been avoiding him, and Portia says she knows they need to talk. Elizabeth says she totally gets why they haven’t, and why Portia keeps putting it off. After so much hurt, she has to consider is it even fair to ask him to risk his heart again. Portia asks if Elizabeth and Finn are talking about getting back together again, but Elizabeth says, they’re talking about Portia. Portia says, Elizabeth and Finn are getting closer again, aren’t they? and Elizabeth says, they have been talking about doing stuff together as a family for the kids. Portia says, that’s good, and Elizabeth says, it is, but she doesn’t think she should push it. It isn’t just about her and Finn. Violet’s happiness is also at stake. That little girl wants her and her dad to get back together so badly, she arranged for them to go on a date last night. Portia says, that sweet faced little girl is absolutely sneaky, and Elizabeth says, she is. After dinner, Finn just kept apologizing for Violet having the wrong idea about them. And if he wants to just be friends, she doesn’t want to jeopardize that. If they were to try again, and for some reason Elizabeth couldn’t make it work, she doesn’t want to be responsible for breaking that little girl’s heart again. Portia asks if it’s really Violet’s heart Elizabeth is worried about breaking, or is it her own?

Violet says, Chase lost Brook, and Finn says, Chase just found her. How did he lose her again so fast? Chase says, she told him she had something urgent, and asks, where’s dad? Finn says, he should be here any minute, and Violet says, grandpa’s sleeping over tonight. Does Uncle Chase want to sleep over too? He can bring Brook. Chase says, another time. How’s this weekend? She asks if he promises, when Tracy comes over. She says, they meet again, and Finn says, it’s been a whole twenty minutes, but always a pleasure. Violet says, Auntie Tracy, look. They’re having cocktails. Tracy says, you’re starting early, but Violet says, it’s not early; it’s almost dinnertime. Tracy says, that’s not what she meant, but she won’t intrude. She just wants to get some take-out. She hates dining alone. Violet says, she doesn’t have to eat alone, and asks Finn if Auntie Tracy can have dinner with them. Finn says he doesn’t think she’d… and Tracy says she’d loved to. She thanks Violet for her kind invitation, and Violet says, now they’ll have the same number of boys and girls. Tracy says, but Brook is joining them, and Violet says she knows. It will be Uncle Chase and Brook, her and Daddy, and Auntie Tracy and… grandpa! She runs over to Gregory, and he picks her up. Tracy says, this is going to be fun, and Chase asks Gregory how it’s going.

Molly says she can’t believe it’s come to this, and TJ says he swears he wasn’t trying to intrude on her night out. He knows she needs time. She says, that’s not why she’s upset. She’s upset because he thought he needed to sneak out before she got here. Has she made him feel like she can’t stand to be around him? He says, she hasn’t, but to be fair, she didn’t seem all that happy to see him. She says she was just surprised, and he says, then demanding to know what he’s doing here at his uncle’s club. She says she thought maybe this was… He says, like an ambush? and she says, maybe. Everything is so scrambled right now, but one thing she does know is that she’d never want to chase him away. He says, and he wants he to know that he’d understand if she needs some time away from him, but she says she’d never need that. What she needs is a break from her fertility issues, but not from her life partner; never from him. She would never want to shut him out, but if he wants to talk, they should talk. He says, not tonight. She needs a break. Go have fun. She says, only if he stays, and he says, if she insists, and they kiss.

Coming out of the elevator, Brook sees Tracy sitting down for dinner, and says, why God? What have I done to deserve this? On second thought, God, don’t answer that. At the table, Gregory says he didn’t realize Tracy was joining them, and Tracy says, how could she refuse his delightful granddaughter’s invitation? Brook comes over to the table, and Gregory says, speaking of delightful granddaughters… Tracy asks how many he has, and Brook says, he was talking about her. Chase says, she is delightful, and Finn says, now that she’s finally here, try not to lose her again. Chase says, never, and Tracy says she needs a drink. What’s everybody having? Violet says, the Shirley Temples are delightful (WOTD), and Tracy says she needs something stronger. Much, much stronger.

Elizabeth says she doesn’t want to hurt Finn, Violet, or her boys any more than she already has, and Portia says, she’s making it seem like everything that went down was her fault. Elizabeth says, wasn’t it though? but Portia says, no. From what she recalls, they both made plenty of mistakes, and they both were trying to protect people they care about, including one another. What if Finn does wants to try it out again? (Um.. it’s not a car.) Elizabeth says, what if he doesn’t? and Portia says she knows how hard it can be to put your heart on the line. She let her fear come between her and Curtis, and now she’ll never know what would have happened if she’d just told Curtis the truth from the beginning. And Elizabeth will never know what’s going to happen if she doesn’t tell Finn how she really feels. Elizabeth says, Portia’s right. She’s going for it. She walks out the door, and Portia says, she’s going for it right now? Elizabeth says, if she doesn’t do it right now, she’s going to lose her nerve. She knows Finn and Violet are having a date right now at the MetroCourt. So she’s just going to head over there, and see what happens. Portia says, that’s a great idea, but why doesn’t Elizabeth go home first, take a shower, and put something on she feels good in, and then meet him? She can show him what he’s really missing. Elizabeth says she has a better idea.

Anna says, Portia’s brother? To get over Curtis, Jordan slept with… Jordan says, his brother-in-law. Anna says, whoa, and Jordan says she knows; she was there. Had she known who he was, she certainly wouldn’t have told him that she recently kissed her ex-husband. Anna says, would she have slept with him anyway? and Jordan says, no… No. The point is that when Zeke realized who she was, he told Portia about the kiss. Anna says, no, and Jordan says, which was completely unnecessary. Curtis decided he wants to saved his marriage, which is the only reason she was with Zeke in the first place. Anna says, it’s the only reason? and Jordan says, well, not the only reason. Zeke is charming… and funny… and… Anna says, is he hot? and Jordan says, stupidly hot. There’s no reason he should be related to anyone she knows, but it doesn’t really matter now. Anna asks if Zeke left town or something, and Jordan sees Zeke walk in.

Dante says, something went down the night of the Nurses Ball; there were shots fired in the warehouse district; Sonny’s been beefing up his security detail. That’s the word on the street. Sonny says he doesn’t know what to tell Dante, and Dante asks, where’s Dex? Sonny says, why? and Dante says, he’s usually joined at Sonny’s hip. He was even staying with Sonny for a while, wasn’t he? Sonny says, what’s with the questions? What is Dante fishing for?

Sonny says he invited Dante here ask him to be his best man, and Dante says, and he proudly accepted. Sonny says, so what’s with all the questions? Unless the PCPD is trying to pin something on him. Dante says he’s not trying to pin anything on Sonny. They have an agreement, right? Sonny says, right, and Dante says, Sonny doesn’t tell him about his business, and he doesn’t ask. Sonny says, but here he is asking, and Dante says he’s not asking as a cop; he’s asking as Sonny’s son. He doesn’t want details. He’s just noticed some changes in Sonny’s routine. Sonny says he has everything under control. Dante doesn’t have to worry about it. Dante says he can’t help it, and Sonny asks if it’s because he’s a cop. Dante says, no. Because he’s Sonny’s son.

Violet shows Tracy some stuff on her phone, and everyone is laughing and having a good time. Chase asks if Brook is feeling okay, and she says she guesses. She’s sorry her grandmother hijacked their dinner. He says he’s kind of surprised she stayed. Brook doesn’t think… No. That’s a crazy idea. She says, what? and he says he’s just wondering. Does she think Tracy’s lonely? Brook says, she’s something all right.

In the hallway with Curtis, Sam says, so how are things going between him, Trina, and Portia? Curtis says, things with him and Trina were going good, but now he’s messed things up with Portia. She asks what he messed up, and he says he just hopes he and Trina can get through it. He always Admired Portia and Trina’s relationship, and subconsciously, he always knew if he was to establish a relationship with Trina, it would be secondary. There’s something about knowing that she’s his daughter, that he’s her biological father, that makes it different. Sam says she gets that. Before he found out, Portia connected him to Trina, but now he has his own connection whether he and Portia stay together or not. He says he sure hopes they do. He just hopes he and Trina can learn to be father and daughter no matter what. She says, they will, and he asks how she knows. She says she knows him, and that gives her faith that things will work out. He says, sometimes it feels like it takes a lifetime to get to know someone. Then you look back, and you realize it’s just a blink of an eye. Take his father for instance. He thought he’d never let that man back in his life after he abandoned them, but look at them now. He just wishes he’d let Marshall in sooner. She says, exactly, and sooner or later, Trina is going to realize that. Then she’s going to regret all the time she spent being angry at Curtis and judging him. Because in the end, we never have enough time with the people we love.

In the locker room, a nurse tells Portia, looking good, and asks if she’s going home. Portia says, nope. She’s going out. The nurse says, good for her, and Portia heads out.

Anna asks if that’s him, and Jordan says, mm-hm. Zeke comes over to the table, and says hi to Jordan. Jordan introduces her good friend Anna to Portia’s brother Zeke. Anna says, nice to meet him, and he says he didn’t mean to interrupt. Anna says she has to make a phone call, and Jordan says, really? Anna says, really, so if they’ll excuse her… She leaves, and Jordan says, he doesn’t have to stay. He says he knows his timing was bad, coming to her office when Curtis was there, and she says, ya think so? He asks her to please hear him out.

Anna calls Sonny, and asks where he is. She has to talk to him about something. He says he’s with Dante at the MetroCourt. They’re just wrapping up dinner. He can come to her. Where is she? She says she’s here too; she’s up by the pool. He says he’ll be there.

Zeke says he knows Jordan is mad about him telling his sister that she kissed Curtis, but she says she’s not mad at him. He asks if she’s sure. She seemed mad. She still seems mad. She says she was mad at him because he didn’t give her a heads up, not because he told Portia about her and Curtis. Portia is his sister, and he wants to protect her. She gets that. If Portia had found out about the kiss and he didn’t tell her, she’d feel betrayed. And family like that shouldn’t keep secrets from each other. Zeke barely knows her. He says he’d like to change that, now that they’ve cleared the air. Let’s just start over. She says she thinks it’s a little late for that, and he says, it doesn’t have to be, but it’s up to her. How about it? Will she give him another chance?

Dante asks if Sonny is cool with Anna, and Sonny says, she’s good. She just wants to talk to him. He and Dante are good? Dante says, they’re great. He just wants Sonny to be careful. Sonny says, Dante too. She’s by the pool. Does he want to say hi? Dante says he’d like to, but he should be getting home with dessert for the kids. Especially Scout; she could use the pick-me-up. Sonny asks how she’s doing, and Dante says, she’s doing her best, but not great. It’s tough. Sonny says, give her his love, and Dante says, same with Anna. Keep him posted with what he and Nina got going. He doesn’t want to be shirking his duties as best man. They hug, and Sonny leaves.

Gregory asks Brook how it is being back at Deception, and Brook says she’s glad to be back. Tracy says, things must be very busy over there with the success of their new product. What is it called?… The Deceptor. Brook says, yes, they’re very busy, and Gregory says, last time they spoke, she was excited about focusing on her song writing. Will she still be able to do that if she’s working full-time?

Anna thanks Sonny for meeting her, and he says she looks good. She thanks him, and says, better than she did the other night probably. She thanks him for coming over when he did. It made her feel a little less lonely. He says, she didn’t have to see him to thank him, but she says, that’s not what she’s doing. She has a message from Valentin.

Zeke says, his and Jordan’s night together wasn’t just about sex. At least not for him. She says, it was for her… At least that’s what she wanted it to be. He says, but it wasn’t. He thought they at least had some potential. Before everything that went down, before all that crazy, he was looking forward to seeing her again. She says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she felt the same way, and he says, great. Then let’s start over. She says she just started a new job, and she’s beyond busy, and he says, he’s a lawyer. He’s always busy too. But they’re both pretty free right now. Have dinner with him.  

Alexis asks Kristina to tell her about the plans for the shelter, and Kristina says she’s glad Alexis asked. She had a really interesting lunch with the head of the food pantry. Alexis says, where she’s volunteering, and Kristina says, he really helped her understand the whole manpower end of things, like how much staff they have to hire, and what tasks volunteers can handle. Alexis says, that’s great, and Kristina says, it’s a lot, but now that she understands what she’s up against, she thinks she can pull this off. Alexis says she knows Kristina can pull this off, and she’s very proud of her. Kristina says, this may come as a shock, but she’s proud of herself too. Getting this shelter off the ground is going to be a lot of work, way more than she imagined, but she’s going to see this through to the end. Alexis says she knew if Kristina found the right thing, she would soar, and Kristina says she doesn’t know if she’s soaring. She doesn’t know if she’s even on the runway. There’s so much she doesn’t know. Alexis says, if she doesn’t know, she’ll learn. If it’s too much, she can hire someone to advise her. She knows this is going to be great. Kristina can do this. Kristina thanks her.

Tracy says, Brook is just being practical. It’s always good to have back-up when you’re working in the arts. Gregory hopes she keeps writing songs. He really enjoys listening to them, especially when Chase is singing. Chase says, inspiration happens when it happens. Brook can do anything she sets her mind to. Whatever it is, it will work out. Brook says, Finn’s been quiet, and Chase asks how she can tell. Brook asks what he’s been up to, and Finn says, besides work, nothing much. Violet says, daddy, tell them about your date.

TJ asks if the shelter will provide basic medical care, and Kristina says she wants it to. LGBTQIA+ teens tend to avoid going to doctors because they’re concerned their gender identity isn’t going to be accepted, but she doesn’t know if it’s feasible. TJ says, let him know if he can help on that end, or anything at all. Whatever she needs. Kristina thanks him, and Molly says, he should be on the board. Kristina says, it’s not for profit, so she needs to assemble a board before she breaks ground; before she does anything really. Alexis says, she can’t do everything herself. She’s running a business. She’s the boss. Delegation is the key. Molly asks, who is she and what has she done with their mother? and Kristina says she’s worried that she’ll miss being with the kids directly and helping them, being behind a desk all day. Sam comes back with Curtis, and says, then plan it. That’s what mom or Molly would do. Molly says, she has to set time aside on her schedule to talk to the kids one-on-one, and TJ says, that way she can see what kids need more structure, and the ones who need more freedom. Curtis tells TJ, let’s get that champagne, and TJ leaves with him. By the bar, Curtis asks if things are good with TJ and Molly, and TJ says, somehow, they are. Curtis was right; they’ll get through this. He doesn’t know if a kid is in his future, but Molly definitely is. Curtis says he’s glad, and asks if TJ minds if he takes off. TJ says, no, and thanks him for listening. Curtis says, any time, and TJ asks where he’s headed. Curtis says he thinks it’s time he takes his own advice, and leaves.

The champagne has been poured, and TJ is back at the table. Molly asks if he’s ready to dance, and he says he thought she’d never ask. Molly asks if the others are coming, but Sam and Alexis beg off. Kristina says she’ll be there in a minute, and Molly says, don’t wait too long. She and TJ go onto the dance floor. Sam says, it looks like Molly is feeling better, and Alexis says she’s glad Molly is giving herself a break from all the pressure she’s putting on herself. Kristina says she wants to really make sure Molly knows she’s not alone in this, but Sam says, Molly knows they all have her back. Kristina says, of course (🍷). She knows that it’s their decision, but she wishes they’d move forward with having a baby. Sam says, so does she, if that’s what makes them happy, but she doesn’t want to pressure them about anything. Kristina says, of course (🍷), of course (🍷). She knows, but just wishes they could help make their decision easier… That’s it. Why didn’t she think of that before?

Anna says, obviously Sonny is aware Valentin went with Laura to find her son, right? and Sonny says, Charlotte’s staying with Sam and Dante. Dante filled him in, but he’s surprised that Valentin would have her pass along a message. He and Valentin don’t really say much to each other. Anna says, normally, she wouldn’t be a go-between with something quite so precarious, not even for Valentin, and Sonny says, why now? She says, Sonny is involved in a business venture with Valentin? Or rather, Valentin is involved with him. This is all she knows. She doesn’t know any of the details. She doesn’t think she really wants to. But right before he left, Valentin gave her the message. Knowing Sonny would rather do any kind of business in person than over the phone, he wanted her to pass on the message. Sonny says, go ahead, and she says, he’s not to speak to anyone new. If his contact person is to change, do not proceed until he’s spoken with his original contact person. Does that make sense? Sonny says, yeah, and she asks, does he want to tell her what’s going on with Valentin? Why Sonny would be in any kind of business with him?

Jordan says she doesn’t know how this is going to work, and Zeke says, only one way to find out, right? She says, and then what? This situation is just too messy. He says, when she told him that she was done with her ex, did she mean it? and she says, they are over. Whatever happens between Portia and Curtis, she’s moving on. He says, then what’s stopping them from seeing each other? and she says, reality? She’s sure Portia’s already given him an earful on why he should avoid her like the plague. He says he doesn’t let his family dictate who he sees. Does she? She says she doesn’t want to cause problems between him and his sister, and he says, Portia will cope. Portia walks in, and Jordan says, you think so? He turns and sees her.

Violet yawns, and Finn says he thinks someone’s tired and they’re going to be heading home. He reaches for Violet, who insists she’s not tired, as we all did at her age, and he picks her up. Tracy thanks him so much for allowing her to join his family for dinner, and he says, it was surprisingly fun having her here. She says, for her as well, and thanks him. She looks at Gregory, and says, and you? He says, yes? and she says, he’s a lucky man. He says he knows, and thanks her. He tells Chase that he’ll see him at the next tea party, and tells Brook, it’s always a pleasure. She says, he can’t imagine how nice that is to hear, and he says he thinks he can. He leaves with Finn and Violet, and Tracy says she’ll see Brook at home. Don’t stay out too late. She has work tomorrow. Brook says, goodnight, granny, I laugh, and Tracy leaves. Brook asks what Chase says about her and him getting a nightcap at the pool bar, and he says he’d love to. She says, great. The sooner, the better. He says, there’s something he needs to ask her first.

Elizabeth comes out of the elevator, and sees Finn, who says, hi. Violet says, she looks like a princess, and Elizabeth thanks her. Finn says, she looks beautiful, and she thanks him. She asks if they’re leaving, and Gregory says he and Violet are heading home, but Finn can stay. Finn says, he can stay? and Violet nods. Finn tells Elizabeth that he can stay, and hands off Violet to Gregory.

Brook says, whatever it is, can she and Chase talk about it on the way to the bar? and he asks, what’s going on with her? Something’s been off with her all evening. She says she knows, and her name is granny. She’s always on edge around her. Chase says, it’s not just Tracy. When his dad asked Brook about her job, he knew he was right. She says, about what? and he says, her work at Deception. Her heart’s not in it. She doesn’t want to be there. Brook says, of course (🍷) she does. It’s a day job. He says, exactly. She’d rather be writing music and managing artists. So he has to ask; why did she go back?

Kristina says, it solves so many problems. It’s perfect. Alexis says she shudders to think. What? Sam says, what’s her big idea? and Kristina says she can be Molly and TJ’s surrogate. Molly overhears.

Portia says, so this is why Zeke isn’t taking her calls. He’s on a little date with Jordan? Jordan says, that’s not what’s… She and Portia both see Curtis walk in.

Sonny asks what else Valentin said, when Dante walks in. He looks up, and yells, everybody down! We hear a gunshot.

On Monday, Spencer tells Esme, this is him cooperating; TJ asks why Molly doesn’t want to be around her mom and her sisters; Dex asks if Sonny is okay; and Chase reports that shots were fired at the MetroCourt pool.

🩺 Having His Reasons…

He’s one of my favorite actors. I got to see him as Ben in a revival of Follies on Broadway. He was filling in for someone else, and when I found that out, I thought, meh, but he was amazing. I’m glad he took this gig.

Gregory Harrison Reveals Why He Joined the Cast of GH

👩‍❤️‍👨 The Struggle Is Real…

Two Wives. Two roller coaster marriages.

REPORT: Kyle Richards and Mauricio Have Been “Struggling in Their Relationship” & “Spending Time Apart” Before Alleged Separation, Plus When Kyle Met Rumored Flame Morgan Wade’s Mom

As Dr. Phil says, better to come from a broken home than to live in one.

Breaking: Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann Call Off Divorce!

🍑 Next Peach…

The upcoming season of RHOA.

Real Housewives of Atlanta Midseason Trailer Has Been Released

🗽 Andy Says It’s Good…

This sounds like a fun one.

https://www.etonline.com/sonja-morgan-and-luann-de-lesseps-on-their-crappie-lake-adventure-and-rhonys-return-to-scary-island

📹 Taking Their Word…

Juicy Joe’s phone call was definitely cringeworthy.

The Most Dramatic Real Housewives Moments That Happened Off Camera

🎸 And Stay Out…

My heart is bleeding for him. For those not familiar with sarcasm, that’s an example.

Signs That Tom Sandoval’s Pump Rules Fame Is Going Away for Good

🍸 Rules Coming Up…

The latest on the next season of VPR.

PHOTOS: Tom Sandoval Has Tense Chat With Tom Schwartz Amid Filming on Vanderpump Rules, Find Out What They Were Discussing as He Also Joins Lisa Vanderpump at PUMP

💃🏼 Dancing Like Everyone’s Watching…

For once, good triumphs over evil, and we all get to see it.

https://people.com/ariana-madix-joining-dancing-with-the-stars-7557819

⚰️ Unearthing The Dead…

Everyone’s looking for Rick.

https://screenrant.com/rick-grimes-walking-dead-biggest-priority-fear-spinoff/

The Fear reunion I’ve been waiting for.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/06/fear-walking-dead-final-season-madison-victor-reunion/

There are no small parts.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/03/walking-dead-city-actors-play-tribespeople/

A preview of the next Dead City episode.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/07/07/walking-dead-city-episode-4-sneak-peek/

🦎 Fuzzballs And Fluffballs And A Lizard, Oh My…

I spent more time than I care to admit looking at this page.

https://toofab.com/2023/01/01/celebrities-who-love-to-show-off-adorable-pets/

🎋 Quotes of the Week

Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there’s a tomorrow. Maybe for you there’s one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through your fingers. So much time you can waste it. But for some of us there’s only today. And the truth is, you never really know. – Lauren Oliver

The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth. – Niels Bohr

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. – the 14th Dalai Lama

No one forgets the truth, Frank. They just get better at lying. – April Wheeler (Kate Winslet), Revolutionary Road

We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark. – Whoopi Goldberg

Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else. – Les Brown

Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed – there’s so little competition. – Elbert Hubbard

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. – Mark Twain

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.  – Jimi Hendrix

🍺 Didn’t Come Here, Ain’t Leaving…

Come back on Monday really Tuesday for soap and a double Decker. Until then, stay safe, stay not making loud phone calls on the train (text for Pete’s sake), and stay remembering, in the end, we never have enough time with the people we love.

Jul4

July 4, 2023 – Big Oops, Yesterday’s GH, Together Or Not, Morgan May Spin, No Dracarys Here, Today & America

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What I Watched Today

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

My bad. I swear I read the soaps weren’t on Monday, and since most people were off Monday, it made sense. Oops. So here’s a quick(er) recap of yesterday’s GH. Tomorrow, we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled more information than you need.

General Hospital

Sam goes to see Carly and the moss bowl🎍. Sam tells Carly about Drew having to say goodbye to Scout, then having to console Scout afterward. Scout’s devastated. She lost her dad once, and now she did again.

Drew drops by Sonny’s penthouse, and tells him that he’s leaving for Pentenville today. Sonny wonders why he’s here instead of with his family, and Drew says, unfinished business.

Dante stops by Mac’s office, and Mac says, something interesting crossed his desk that he thinks Dante should see.

Sasha has an appointment with Dr. Montague, and Gladys tells her not to push herself too hard. Gladys knows she wants to end the guardianship, but she can’t rush mental health. Sasha says she just got an email from Gelhorn Jewelers. They’ve dropped the larceny charges against Cody. Gladys is sure they have their reasons, and Sasha has the feeling Gladys knows what they are.

At the pool, Scotty asks Cody to sign an affidavit so they can do business with the WSB. He has the feeling they’re going to play hardball. Cody asks if he’s going to be investigated, and Scotty tells him that the S in WSB stands for Security. Is that going to be a problem?

Michael tells Willow that Dr. Randolph isn’t meeting with them today, but sending someone familiar with the case. They have to believe it’s good news. TJ comes in and asks how Willow is feeling. She says anxious, and asks if he has the results. He says he asked Terry if he could deliver the news; it’s life changing. As a friend, he felt it might be better coming from him. From all accounts, the bone marrow transplant was a success.

Mac tells Dante that Gelhorn Jewelers dropped the charges against Cody after determining the clasp on Glady’s bracelet was faulty. A witness came forward. Dante reads that a waiter discovered the bracelet on the floor, and thought it belonged to the jacket above it. That’s weird. Mac says the waiter slipped the bracelet into Cody’s pocket, leading him to slip handcuffs on Cody. He imagined himself Cody’s father, not his arresting officer. Dante flashes back to finding out Mac is Cody’s father, and Mac says he wants to deliver the news himself.

Cody tells Scotty that the charges about the bracelet won’t stick. All it cost him was a new friend.

Sasha says, Gladys didn’t seem surprised or upset, and Gladys explains about the waiter finding the bracelet and putting it in Cody’s pocket. Sasha asks if Gladys is ready to admit the truth that she was wrong about Cody.

Drew tells Sonny that he’s said most of his goodbyes, and spent time with Scout. At least it’s not forever. Drew brought a guitar with him for Ned/Eddie. He’s hoping Ned’s favorite guitar will help bring back some memories. Sonny says, Ned took off, but he’s got his eye on Ned, and he’s not the only one.

Carly asks Sam to be honest about how she feels, and Sam says she’s unhappy and pretty angry. She wishes Drew would have made a different choice, and Carly says she does too. Sam says, Drew deserves peace and happiness, and sacrificed it again because of Carly. Carly doesn’t blame Sam for feeling the way she does, and wants to fix it for Drew, and Sam says, but Drew wants to fix it for Carly, which speaks volumes about how much he cares.

Sonny says he knows Drew was made an offer to flip on him. Drew could have given them damaging information and didn’t. Drew says, Carly would never turn Sonny in and neither would he. Besides it’s his debt to pay. Sonny says he’s not going to forget what Drew did for him and Carly. He has eyes in Pentenville who will look out for Drew. Drew says he appreciates it, but doesn’t think he’ll need it. Sonny tells him, keep your eyes open and your chin up.

Gladys says she was wrong about Cody, but he was wrong about her too. She’s not some diabolical mother-in-law. Sasha asks why Gladys didn’t tell her before she got the email, and Gladys says she didn’t want to distract Sasha before her appointment. She also thought Sasha would be angry because she’d blamed Sasha’s friend, but Sasha says, it was just a big misunderstanding. But the person Gladys should apologize to is Cody. Dr. Montague is ready for Sasha, and Gladys says she hopes she didn’t cause problems for Sasha and Cody, but Sasha says, there is no her and Cody.

Scotty says, after Cody signs the affidavit, he’ll have plenty of friends, and they’ll all look like Benjamin Franklin. It should prove he’s Leopold Taub’s son. Taub had no living relatives, so no one is going to contest it. This, and his birth certificate, will do the trick, unless the WSB decides to exhume Taub’s body. Can Cody cry on cue? The WSB were stupid and careless in losing the necklace, and Cody will suffer when they dig up dear old dad. They should push for it. Cody says, please don’t.

TJ says, they need six months to a year to know if Willow is for sure in remission, but they’re encouraged; there are no visible leukemia cells in the blood or bone. Willow can go home. Her immune system is still compromised, so they’ll have to make consideration for that. Willow wonders if it’s a dream, but TJ says, once she gets her meds and instructions, she can go home. Michael says he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. The gatehouse isn’t ready. Willow suggests they stay somewhere else temporarily, but Michael wonders if it’s safe. The kids carry germs; they can’t risk infection. TJ says, exposure to illness like chicken pox could be deadly because all her immunizations were wiped out, but they’ll go over it before she leaves. She says, it sounds like she’ll still be in isolation.

Sam says she realized Drew and Carly were a couple before Carly did. She’s happy for them, and if there was no other way out, she’s glad Drew stepped up for Carly. Her family needs her. Carly says she misses him already, and asks if Sam wants coffee. Sam says she hasn’t had coffee today because the kitchen is Dante’s domain, and tells Carly that they need to talk about all that Carly’s lost.

Gladys goes to Sonny’s, and asks if he talked to Sasha about not ending the guardianship. He says he did, and doesn’t blame Gladys for being concerned.

Sasha tells Dr. Montague that things are back on track, and he says he doesn’t want her to view the sessions as vehicles to prove herself to him. His purpose is to see if the guardianship should be ended, but he’s also here to help, and needs her to be honest. She says she is, but he says, she seemed troubled since she walked in. Does she want to tell him what’s making her so anxious?

Mac and Dante go to the pool, and tell Cody that they have news. Mac says the jeweler’s insurance company dropped the charges, and Cody says, that’s great. Dante says, Cody gets more excited about a chicken parmesan, and Cody says, to be fair. Mama Q’s chicken parm is perfection, but he knew he was innocent. What changed their minds? Mac says, a witness came forward and said they put the bracelet in Cody’s pocket, and Scotty says, the truth prevailed. He leaves to file the affidavit, and Mac asks to talk to Cody. Before Scotty can jet, Dante asks him what he and Cody are up to.

Drew hands over his possessions and gets frisked. There’s a song part while he does the equivalent of checking in; fingerprinting, photo, that sort of thing. A guard takes him to his cell, and from the hallway Cyrus says, it’s certainly not the MetroCourt, but it may be a step up from a leaky makeshift prison on a Greek island.

Mac tells Cody that he’s glad the charges were dropped but he had to do it, and Cody says he won’t hold it against Mac. Mac says he’s glad to see Cody and Scotty are on good terms, considering Cody punched Scotty when he first got to Port Charles. So Cody trusts Scotty? Careful with that.

Dante asks what the letter was about that Cody was signing, but Scotty says he’s not at liberty to talk about that. Dante wonders if Scotty is representing Cody in another matter, but Scotty says, Dante knows about lawyer/client privilege. Why is he concerned? Dante says he’s concerned that Cody is being scammed by Scotty.

Sasha says, what isn’t making her anxious these days? She guesses she feels the pressure of getting this right. He says, it sounds normal, and understandable. Has she tried meditation? She says she prefers yoga, but he asks her to try an app he recommends. She says she would like to feel more centered, and he says he has something else for her.

TJ says, Michaels concerns are valid. At first, Willow can only have physical contact with immediate family and a small number of friends, It’s crucial she avoids close contact with anyone’s who’s sick, and recommends they all wear masks. A nurse will be by with the information and medication. Willow says, he’s been invaluable as a doctor and friend, and he says he has to leave before he blushes. Michael says, the nightmare’s over, and she says, maybe they’ll get their happily ever after.

Carly tells Sam that it’s hard for her to wrap her head around all she’s lost in the past two years. Her husband, Jason, her hotel, now Drew. The $5 million SEC fine pales in comparison. Sam asks if she has it, but Carly says, even if she secures a loan, she still can’t afford it. She’s sick thinking about Drew in prison, and what she’s going to face out here. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do. What really pisses her off is that they’re in this position because of spite.

Drew says, Cyrus knows him, but who’s he? and Cyrus says he’s Drew’s brother in Christ. Blessed are ye who weep now, for ye shall laugh. He’s glad Drew isn’t weeping over his circumstances, and Drew says he’s learned time passes either way. Cyrus says his group would benefit from Drew’s outlook. They meet twice weekly in the library. Their brotherhood is founded on shared values, not on prejudice or partisanship. The minute he heard Drew was headed to Pentenville, he knew Drew’s place was with them.

Michael says, the gatehouse will be immaculate for Willow’s arrival, and he has no problem gatekeeping. Her health is all that matters. She promises to be good, and he asks who she wants to see. Sasha, Chase? She says, yes to both, but there might be someone else she wants to add.

Sam says, Carly has people who will help, but Carly says she’s not going to take a handout. Sam asks, what about Donna? and Carly says, thankfully, she’ll always be taken care of by her father. Sam says, what about Donna’s mother? but Carly says she’s handled setbacks before. The MetroCourt was a real blow, but she handled it and she’ll handle this. She just doesn’t know how yet. Sam admires her grit, and Carly says, they have that in common. Sam says, something she’s learned in the past few years is, it’s okay to ask for help and push your foolish pride aside.

Sonny tells Gladys that Sasha admitted she was nervous about ending the guardianship, and Gladys says, see? She’s not ready. Sonny says, it seems realistic to him. Nothing Sasha said indicated she’s not ready. So if she’s ready and the doctor and judge say yes, they’re going to stay out of her way.

The doctor gives Sasha a prescription bottle, and tells her to take five milligrams three times daily; it’s a mild sedative. It will help manage her anxiety and is often prescribed in conjunction with antidepressants. She asks if it’s habit-forming, and he says he’ll be monitoring her intake. He’s confident it won’t be a problem… unless she doesn’t feel in control. She says she does feel in control – totally.

Dante says he doesn’t want to see Cody getting in any more trouble, but Scotty says, everything they’re working on is aboveboard. There’s no scheme here.

Cody says, it seems Mac is always warning him against someone, and Mac says he’s not putting Scotty in Selina’s category, but he wants Cody to be careful around her. He promised not to interfere, and he won’t. Cody says, Scotty’s his legal counsel, and Mac apologizes. He’s prying. They might not be related, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want what’s best for Cody.

Drew asks why all the interest in him, and Cyrus tells him, don’t be so modest. His story is well known. Business mogul, prominent family, philanthropist. Navy SEAL hero turned prisoner, turned free man. Drew says, turned prisoner again, and Cyrus says, yet one more chapter in Drew’s fascinating story. Far from the end. It’s easy to lose faith behind bars, and he believes Drew’s presence at their meeting will help restore faith to some of their brothers. He thinks Drew will find great comfort in this book of prayers. He hands Drew a Bible, and Drew says he didn’t catch Cyrus’s name. Cyrus says, just call him Brother Cy, and Drew says, as in Cyrus? Cyrus says, Renault, and Drew says, Laura’s brother? Cyrus asks how his dear sister is, and Drew says, the Cyrus Renault whose drug trafficking caused overdoses and nearly killed Sasha Gilmore? Cyrus says his past is lamentable, and Drew says, he tried to kill Britt Westbourne. Cyrus says, thank God he wasn’t successful, and Drew says, Cyrus can thank his late brother Jason Morgan for that. He hands back the Bible, and says, and God help Cyrus, if Cyrus ever approaches him again.

TJ says, it’s official. Willow’s discharge is being processed. She can stay as long as she wants, but she’s free to leave once she’s reviewed all of her medication and instructions. He can’t stress enough that they need to protect her immune system, and not see people outside of her limited bubble. Michael says, they’ve got it, and they thank TJ. He says he’s so happy for them, and leaves. Willow says, he’s been a godsend, and Michael asks if she wants to add TJ to her bubble. She says, yes, but she was thinking of someone else, and he might not be happy. He says, whatever she wants, and she says she thinks her bubble should include Nina.

Carly tells Sam, maybe she’s being prideful, but it’s her mess. She has to clean it up, but she’s risen from the ashes before. Sam trusts Carly will get the clarity she needs. As long as she keeps her iron will, a roof over her head, and her freedom, she’ll think of something. Carly says, Sam’s right, and thanks to Sam, she’s figured out a way to use all three.

Gladys tells Sonny that Sasha has no idea of how stressful it will be to be on her own, having responsibility for her finances… having to make decisions where Deception is concerned. She might buckle under the weight. Sonny says, she’s made her point, but she has to understand something. It’s not up to her anymore. Give it up. Gladys leaves.

Dr. Montague says, Sasha is doing good, and if it continues, he’ll be able to give the judge a positive report. She thanks him for listening. It means everything. He says, they all need support. Talk therapy, meditation, and the prescription are all parts of a consistent wellness plan. He’ll see her next week. He goes into his office and calls Gladys. She asks if he did it, and he says, her daughter-in-law is on a new prescription regimen. It’s only a matter of time. If Gladys having second thoughts, he can invent an excuse for Sasha to bring back the medication. Gladys says, no. Let’s move forward. It’s the only move she has left.

Dante wants Scotty’s assurance nothing shady is going on, and Cody’s not going to get burned by what he just signed. Scotty asks what kind of a lawyer Dante takes him for, and Dante says, a sketchy one with a bag of tricks. Scotty says, this time it’s torts, not tricks. And just for his information, all lawyers have a sketchy bag of tricks. Dante says, tort? Like a civil lawsuit? Scotty tells him not to worry about Cody, and leaves.

Cody says he doesn’t mind Mac looking out of him. It’s unnerving, but nice. Mac says, don’t think of him as a cop, but a friend, and Cody says he already does.

Cyrus says, unlike them, the word of the Lord is free; no strings attached. Drew says, forgive him if he doesn’t believe that, and Cyrus says he does. He’s a big believer in the power of forgiveness, as he is in second chances. Take the book and don’t throw it away until he peruses its pages. He’ll find its lessons very useful. Drew takes it, and Cyrus leaves. Drew opens the Bible, and finds it’s hollowed out with a screwdriver inside.

Tomorrow, Cody asks Dante, what if he doesn’t want out of it; Lucy tells Maxie that there’s a snake in their midst; Sonny tells Nina, never say never; and Tracy asks someone if they’re in or they’re out.

🔁 It’s On, It’s Off, It’s Confusing…

Take your pick. Although even if Allison Dubois was right (which was actually the first thing I thought of), it doesn’t make her any less of an a-hole.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/other/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-couple-kyle-richards-mauricio-umansky-split-report-medium-allison-dubois-reacts/ar-AA1dntq5

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-kyle-richards-mauricio-umansky-separated/

https://pagesix.com/2023/07/04/kyle-richards-mauricio-umansky-slam-wrondoing-amid-separation/
https://pagesix.com/2023/07/04/kyle-richards-mauricio-umansky-hang-together-amid-split/

⚰️ Spinning Into the Spin…

I can take or leave Rick, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Morgan again. I miss him already.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-lennie-james-morgan-rick-reunion/

🐉 She Knows Something, Jon Snow…

I doubt anyone thought otherwise, but who knows with this show?

https://ew.com/tv/emilia-clarke-wont-be-in-jon-snow-spin-off-game-of-thrones/

🎆 Declare This…

The facts of the day.

https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/july-04/

😔 It’s Not Really the Hardest Word…

Sorry again. I was actually going to double-check yesterday, but I was all wrapped up in Netflixland. For real, there’s no new Deck tonight; just never before seen nonsense and nobody needs to see more than we have already. Join me tomorrow for soap and OC smack talk. Until then, stay safe, stay leaving the fireworks to the professionals, and stay forming brotherhoods on shared values, not on prejudice or partisanship.