Tag Archives: film

May3

May 2, 2019 – Everyone Grieves Over Oscar, Runway to Rio, Movie Thought, Cherlize’s Corner & Another Rio

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Sam hugs Jason, and says she almost got caught. He asks if she’s sure she didn’t. She is, but says Shiloh has file on her, and it’s really creepy.

Shiloh walks into Willow’s classroom, and says he knew she’d make an excellent teacher. She tells him the school is going to be filled with parents in a minute. He says he probably knows some of them; it will be good to say hello. He says he and her mother spoke. They talked through everything,

On the phone, Chase tells Valerie that he’s sure Alexis knows they’re watching, and she’s being careful. Michael is at Kelly’s, and he’ll let her know what he finds out. He goes inside, and asks Michael if he’s heard from Kristina. If he doesn’t have her stashed away somewhere, she could be in danger.

Franco sees Cameron at the hospital. He says it’s been days, and asks Cameron to stand still long enough to hear him out.

Josslyn touches her cheek and smiles. She looks at Oscar, and says his name. She goes to the bed, and touches his hand. She touches his face, and feels his chest. She says if he can hear her, she loves him. Kim and Drew come in, and Kim runs to the bed. She feels for a pulse, shakes Oscar a little, and looks at Drew. Drew says, he’s gone? Kim gets in the bed, holds Oscar, and cries. Josslyn goes out of the room, and Kim says, no, no, no.

Ned and Monica come in to find Josslyn crying on the stairs. Ned puts his arm around her, and says he’s so sorry. Does she want him to call her mom? She says, no; she’ll call in a minute. They have plenty of time now. He holds her, and she cries.

Kim and Drew lie on either side of Oscar. Monica comes in and cries when she sees them. Drew holds her, and she says, what a beautiful young man. Okay, Alan. Look after our grandson.

Willow tells Shiloh not to call Harmony her mother. Mothers don’t do what she did. Shiloh says Harmony thinks she’d be most productive in Beechers Corners. Everything he’s done is for her, so she can rightfully take her place next to him of her own free will.

Michael tells Chase that he approached the commissioner about opening an investigation. She and the DA shut him down. Kristina disappeared to consider her options. Chase says Kristina isn’t the only person who’s life could get blown up. If what he’s doing backfires, other people will suffer.

Josslyn tells Ned that she was reading to Oscar. Her eyes started getting heavy, so she closed them for a second. When she opened them, he was so still; real still. Olivia walks in, sees them, and starts to cry. Josslyn says, Oscar died.

Monica says she’ll make the necessary calls. Kim thanks her. Monica hugs Drew, and he thanks her. Drew tells Kim that Oscar must have been ready to go. Kim says, look at his face. He’s gone, and he’s still trying make things easier on us. Drew says, he tried stay as long as he could. He tells Kim, they have to be strong, and Kim cries in his arms.

Franco tells Cameron that he was wrong to say Cameron isn’t a good brother. He’s an excellent brother. Cameron says they think he’s ashamed of Aiden, but they’re wrong; he loves his brother. He wishes the entire world would see Aiden like he does – funny, smart, and sweet – but they don’t. Kids are mean and bullies. They don’t mean gay as a compliment, so to telling Aiden to be himself is setting him up to get hurt. They’re making him a target. Maybe saying he should be less gay was wrong the way to protect him, but that’s what he was trying to do. Franco says he has his brother’s back. Franco does too, whether Cameron likes him or not. Cameron says he has to go to work. Franco says thanks for hearing him out, but Cameron is already walking away.

Josslyn calls Carly, and says, please come. She needs her. Carly says she’s on her way. Before she gets in the elevator, she sees Elizabeth, and tells her she just got a call from Josslyn. She thinks it just happened, and she’s on her way over. Elizabeth says she’ll get Cameron.

Chase asks Michael if he can say where Kristina is. Michael says, if he needs help, he won’t hesitate to reach out. He leaves, and Chase calls Valerie. He says, nothing yet, but he’s going to follow Michael’s trail, and see where it leads.

Willow tells Shiloh that she wants nothing to do with DOD or him. He says if he truly thought she was leaving him, he’d have to release her from her Pledge, but since she has a special place in his heart and life, he’ll give her time to reconsider her options. He tells her not to make him wait too long. Even a man with his discipline has limits to his patience.

Ned sees Drew on the stairs. Drew says when Oscar and Kim moved in, this is where they would sit and wait. It’s close enough to Oscar’s room, in case he needed help, but it’s far enough to give him privacy. Oscar won’t need his help ever again. He’ll never need help, but he’s still sitting there because it doesn’t fell right to leave. This was the spot. Ned sits next to him, and says in the short time that he got to know Oscar, he could tell Oscar was a remarkable person. Drew says, he got that from his mom, but Ned says Drew is incredibly brave and loyal, and looks out for the people he loves. Ned doesn’t know Kim, but he knows who she reminds him of. Oscar is very lucky to have him as a father, and they’re all lucky to have known Oscar as long as they did.

Kim tells Oscar, here we are. Just you and me. Just like the day he was born. The first time she held him and felt his warmth, his heartbeat was so strong and fast; he was just perfect. Perfect to her. When she held him, it was like he was saying not only was he was hers but she was his too. When he came into this world, he got bigger, but today, he just got a lot smaller. She’s not going to be any good a this, because she doesn’t know how to do this. She puts her head next to his.

Sam tells Jason, she’s so sorry. Oscar was so good to his little sister. She and Scout will miss him Jason says, he was a good kid. He tells Sam that he should go. Sam ask if he can check on Danny and Scout while he’s there. She doesn’t want them to know what’s really going on. Maybe she and Jason can tell them together. They exchange I love yous, and he kisses her goodbye. He lets out a huge breath when he’s in the hallway outside.

Franco tells Elizabeth that he spoke with Cameron. Elizabeth says, it’s Oscar. He’s gone. Franco says, okay. He should call Drew. She asks him to help her find Cameron. He needs to hear it from her.

Shiloh runs into Michael in the hallway at the school. He says, Mr. Quartermaine, or is it Corinthos? Michael says, it depends on the day. Shiloh asks if Michael has children at the school, and Michael says he’s sponsoring an environmental project for Willow’s class. He’s checking on the process. He asks if Shiloh has a child there. Shiloh says he’s still friends with Willow, and he stopped by to say hello. Shiloh moves on, and Michael goes into Willow’s classroom. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, fine. He asks what Shiloh wanted, and she says, what he always wants – her.

Ned tells Josslyn that Oscar knew her heart was set on them preforming together at the Nurses’ Ball. He also knew he might not be able to, and didn’t want to let her down. He gives her a paper, and she says, this is their song. Ned says he actually asked if he could help, but he didn’t do much. He acted as Oscar’s hands, and played what Oscar wanted him to, giving a suggestion or two. Josslyn says, it’s finished, and Ned says, Oscar finished it for her.

Carly tells Kim she’s so sorry. They hug, and Carly she goes to Josslyn. Josslyn hugs Carly, and asks if Carly will help her. She doesn’t know what to do.

In Oscar’s room, Drew says he can’t stop thinking about the first few times they tried to meet. What a disaster those were. Every time it was his fault, but Oscar didn’t let that stop them. They made sure they got through it. Oscar wanted to know everything about him. He’d wondered about his father his whole life, and when they finally met, neither one of them knew a damn thing about him. He never stopped feeling guilty about not giving Oscar the answers he was looking for. No matter who he is, he’s a better man because he knows Oscar.

Drew tells Oscar that Kilimanjaro isn’t as hard to climb as he might think. There are some places you can climb right up, and it’s not as hard, until you get close to the summit, where it’s steep, and the air gets thin. He would have carried Oscar on his back. They could stand under the stars every night on the way up and on the way down. He came looking for a strong father, and thought Drew was strong enough to climb the entire mountain. He gets next to Oscar on the bed, and says he can’t thank Oscar enough for coming into his life. Oscar has been the beat of his heart. For the rest of his life, he’ll be on top of a mountain. Drew cries.

Monica puts Oscar’s photo on the mantel, next to the picture of Lila and Edward. Jason comes in, and hugs her.

Michael asks Willow to tell him what he can do to help. She says, let her talk to his sister. If it keeps another woman from being taken in by that psychopath, she won’t feel so helpless. He says he came to ask her to talk to Kristina. She tells him, set it up. She’s done being bullied by Shiloh.

Sam opens the door to find Shiloh. He says she doesn’t seem pleased to see him. She says she always is, and asks him in. He says she didn’t answer when he called, and he was concerned. She looks at her phone, and says, there he is. She’s sorry she missed it. She asks if he remembers Oscar. He says, Drew’s boy. He’s a great kid. She says, he passed away, so she’s been a little preoccupied. Shiloh says he’s so sorry. The dead don’t need us to wallow in their absence. Right now, this is about her, and the path she’s going to follow; what she’s going to do, and the journey she’s about to embrace. It’s also time for her to join the Trust. He gives her a recorder.

Jason hugs Josslyn. Drew comes in, and says, apparently, Jason is executor. He asks if Jason knows about the Kilimanjaro Project. Jason does. Oscar was very specific about what he wants and how to do it. Kim asks what it’s about, and Drew says, apparently (WOTD), Oscar donated a portion of his estate to start the Kilimanjaro Foundation to help teens, healthy or otherwise, to mountain climb. Josslyn asks if she can see him. Kim says, of course (🍷 – and a few more just because this is sad 🍷🍷). Carly asks if Josslyn wants her to come, but Josslyn says, no. She’s not scare of seeing him. Just the opposite. The thought of never seeing him again… She goes upstairs.

Elizabeth tells Cameron, there’s no easy way to say this. She’s so sorry, but Oscar passed away a little while ago. Cameron says they all knew it was going to happen. Franco says, it’s still hard to lose a friend. Cameron says he was more Josslyn’s friend than his. They got along okay, but were never close. Elizabeth tells him, it’s okay to be sad. She can call his supervisor, and say he can’t work. Cameron says he’s okay. He’ll see them at home later. He leaves, and Elizabeth says that’s not how she expected it to go.

Cameron goes out to the stairwell, and leans against the wall. He slides down to the floor, and cries.

Josslyn thanks Oscar for finishing the music. She asks if he remembers saying he was scared of dying because she’d miss him. She doesn’t want him to miss her. She wants him to go somewhere beautiful and wonderful. Looking down from the stars onto Mount Kilimanjaro. Somewhere that doesn’t hurt. She wants him to be okay. She leans on his chest, saying, he’s the only person she can say this to. Everyone else will think she was dreaming. She felt it when he kissed her goodbye on her cheek. She heard him say he loved her before he left. She loves him too. She’ll love him forever.

Chase goes to Willow’s classroom. Apparently (ha-ha), all those parents she said were showing up momentarily, still aren’t there. She says, thank God. She’s so happy see him. Did he see Michael leaving? He just stopped by about his sister. She agreed to tell Kristina about her experience with DOD. Chase says, so Michael knows where she is? Willow says he’s supposed to take her to see Kristina. If she can prevent Kristina from going back to Shiloh, that’s exactly what she’s going to do. I can’t believe she just gave Michael away.

Carly tells Jason that she can’t believe what Josslyn is going through. It’s unfair. Josslyn is just a teenager; she shouldn’t have to feel this. She’s growing up faster than Carly wants her to. She’s an amazing kid. She doesn’t regret one day of loving Oscar; she doesn’t regret any of it. Carly doesn’t want her to hurt like this. Jason takes her hand, and says she’s just got to be there for Josslyn. Carly puts her head on his shoulder.

Shiloh tells Sam that Trust members are required to give him a piece of private information. Information, that if it ever got out, would be detrimental to them or a member of their family. Sam asks if he wants her to give him a secret that might hurt someone she loves.

Chase tells Willow that he understands she wants to help. After she sees Kristina, he wants her to tell him. If she’s being held against her will, Willow could be complicit in a kidnapping. Willow says, the only crime will be if Kristina gets sent back.

Sam asks Shiloh why the Trust requires a gesture like that. Shouldn’t the Trust be based on… trust? He thought she had more faith in him and DOD. She was so close.

Josslyn texts Cameron, Oscar is gone. He texts back, I’m so… Changes it to, he was… and changes that to, are you… But instead of sending anything, he shuts off the phone, throws it, and cries.

Carly tells Josslyn, they’re here to take Oscar. She doesn’t have to be there. Josslyn says, no. She wants to. Carly says, okay, and helps Josslyn up. The song about goodbye plays, as Drew carries Oscar’s body to the gurney and lays him down. Kim covers him, and touches his face. She kisses his forehead, and weeps. Josslyn cries in Carly’s arms. The guys from the coroner’s office wheel Oscar out. We end with a tableau of Ned and Olivia, Josslyn and Carly, Drew and Kim, and Jason and Monica. Everyone is a mess, including me.

Tomorrow, Valerie tells Chase it just got interesting, Alexis has initiated Plan B, and Jason tells Sam to make the Pledge about him. Question. How would Shiloh even know if she wasn’t making something up? Not sure what the big deal is there.

👙 I’m actually starting to enjoy Project Runway. Tonight’s challenge was to create a mini collection for Morena Baccarin – aka Deadpool’s wife – who was going to Rio on vacation. The designers were split into three teams, and were instructed to showcase three cohesive looks that tell a vacation fashion story. Stylist to the stars, Marni Senofonte, was a guest judge, along with Elaine Welteroth, who was sitting in for Karlie. Besides Karlie having another commitment, Nina was running a fever, and wisely stayed home. Beachy and color were a main focus. No surprise, because, Rio. I wondered if Morena had been in the fashion industry, since she used the term pant; as in that pant, and as opposed to those pants, which the average person would say. My husband even made a comment when she said it, kind of making fun, but I was too busy to stop and lecture him on it. I also wondered wth was going on with Marni’s ears. Was that Jesus Christ hanging from them? A random dude with outstretched arms? Or maybe a weird iris? Brandon found Renee’s banana yellow drop crotch genie pants upsetting. I don’t know if I’d go that far, but they were a hard no. I thought Venny’s sun dress was cute, but the judges and Morena thought it was too cute, like something for a teenager. Hester bounced back, and was the big winner, with a reversible bathing suit that laced on the sides and had a matching wrap skirt. Jamall had immunity, which was good for him, since he created a mess, or as Morena said, all kinds of bad. It was supposed to be a bathing suit (I guess), but the net skirt was attached, and went between her legs. One judge suggested that she’d end up drowning, and would be found with fish in the net. it was a tough choice between that, and Renee’s banana pants, but the pants, and Renee, were out. Renee seems like a cool lady, and was very laid back about being eliminated. She was also wearing an amazing plaid jacket that I’d pay a lot for if I had the money. She was going home to get married, and said she wanted to prove it was okay to make a decision later in life to follow your dream. Unlike her class act, once again Tessa was a bummer. When Hester was being given her win, Tessa told the others it was no big deal that Hester’s suit was reversible. And when Hester returned, Tessa said she didn’t love Hester’s look, while everyone else was celebrating her win. She’s like a petulant fourteen-year-old. I’m not liking that one. Next week, the designers have to come up with an Elton john performance piece. The best quote tonight came from Hester – I think for me, if I’m freaking out but not crying, that’s good.

A fun blow-by-blow Runway recap:

https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/project-runway-recap-blame-it-on-rio-live-blog-news/

🔫 Speaking of Deadpool, I watched Deadpool 2 last weekend, and I loved it so much, I immediately wanted to see it again. I love me some Josh Brolin, it was a lot of fun with a touch of poignancy, and the soundtrack rocked.

👀 On Watch What Happens Live, a viewer asked if Charlize Theron had turned down the Wonder Woman role. She said no, but her agent had heard buzz about the movie, and said something to her about possibly being in it. She said she wasn’t familiar with Wonder Woman’s character, and asked what she does. The agent said, no. She should consider the role of Wonder Woman’s mother. She knew then, that she had turned a corner.

🌴 Because It’s On Runway Theme…

I’m also tired, and it was the first thing that came to mind. You could do worse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apr1

March 31, 2019 – A Storm Hits the Dead, a Little Talk, a Little Tyler, Some Sparkle, Two Films & Doggos

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

Ezekiel speaks into a radio. He says, it’s finally broke and they can’t fix it. They kept trying to hold on, but things fall apart. We see them trying to fix broken pipes, water spewing everywhere. He continues, the cold set in, the fires raged, the rot spread. We see the entire place is a mess. He says, there’s no one left to keep fighting. They have to know when it’s over; if only for now. They need help. Shelter. From the storms to come.

Daryl gives Lydia a plate, and tells her that she should eat something. In a voice over, Ezekiel says they’ll never forget the magic they felt in this place; the love. Carol goes through a memory box, Henry’s drawings, a birthday card, a tiger pin. She wipes tears from her face. Ezekiel continues, the acts of courage. Cowards die many times before their deaths. He looks at the constitution they signed, and touches it. The brave taste death but once. He blows out the candle, and all is dark.

Michonne and Aaron lead the people from the Kingdom out, some in a covered wagon, some on horses. Ezekiel holds the gate open, and they all go through. He and Carol close the gate, and Ezekiel mounts his horse. He says, as they head into an uncertain future, they must be valiant. All of them together.

While walking, Michonne talks to Yumiko, asking if the council has had no security resolution. Have they heard nothing from Maggie? Yumiko says, the council sent another letter, but they haven’t heard back. They see some spread out zombies in a field, and a dude whose name I don’t remember tells Lydia her people are watching them now. They followed the rules; isn’t it enough? Daryl tells him, lay off. Lydia says he doesn’t have to protect her; she started this mess, but Daryl says it doesn’t mean they get to talk to her like that. She doesn’t want to cause more problems. He says it’s their problem, not hers.

A quarter zombie makes growly noises, and they continue on. Daryl tells Carol, Henry wanted Lydia there when no one else did. She’s a good kid. Carol says every time she looks at Lydia, all she sees is him. Daryl asks what she sees when she looks at him, and Carol says, him. Jerry says they got a mother of a storm coming. Ezekiel says they’ll have to travel through the night, and get to a waystation before it hits.

In Alexandria, Rosita tells Gabriel, both the heaters are dead. He suggests keeping each other warm. Eugene comes in, and tells them all of the heat sources are in bad shape. Their best bet is an old school winter. Ezekiel says they’ll divide up, and go to the buildings with the largest fireplaces. Rosita says, they’ll stock up on firewood, keep toasty, and wait it out. Ezekiel says they can’t leave Negan; he’ll freeze. They have to let him out.

Two snow dusted zombies come out of the forest. Daryl shoots one, and Carol shoots the other. Ezekiel tells everyone to keep going; he and Daryl will catch up. Lydia lingers on the side of the road. The group walks past, and she’s gone.

Daryl pulls his arrow out of the zombie’s head. Ezekiel asks if he’s given much thought to his plan after this. Daryl asks, why? and Ezekiel says the past few months have been difficult for him and Carol. They could use a fresh start. He suggests Daryl stay at Hilltop, saying it would be easier if it was just them. Daryl asks if he thinks that’s what Carol wants, and Ezekiel says Carol wants the same thing he does. She wants to hold her son again. He’s not trying to be the bad guy. He just wants to get back a piece of what he lost; what they lost. After everything that’s happened, does Daryl think he can give them that? Daryl walks away.

Lydia goes through the woods. It’s cold and snowing. She sees a zombie stuck in the frozen lake, its head, upper chest, and one arm showing. She approaches it, and its jaws snap. She takes off one glove, and pushes her sleeve up. She puts her hand out. Its mouth gets close. She closes her eyes, and a tear rolls down her cheek. Carol sees her. They look at each other. The zombie is obviously frustrated.

Jerry tells Ezekiel, even if they haul ass overnight, they’re not going to make it to the shelter. They need to find a waystation. Ezekiel asks if anyone has a place in mind. Michonne says, yeah. Carol comes back with Lydia.

The group goes inside a building. Magna says, people actually lived here? Michonne says, welcome to the Sanctuary.

Sitting in a big room in front of a fireplace, Negan says he’s memorized every square inch of this room, and it still feels like a party. Rosita says, a party from hell. He says it smells like a barn, and they’re bored sh*tless – Judith says, language. He says, sorry, and continues. They have this hot love quadrangle to entertain them; it’s like Christmas. He asks Gabriel, since his girl’s doctor is also her baby daddy, does he wonder what’s going on when she has appointments? Gabriel says he could be less predictable, and Negan says, that hurts. Gabriel says they’d never let it ruin their long-standing friendships and mutual respect, and Negan says, that is a very mature attitude, Father Not the Father. Siddiq tells Judith not to stand so close to the window. Daryl said to take care of her until they got back to Hilltop, and they don’t know where he is. Negan asks if anyone smells something. Siddiq tells him, stop being an a-hole, but Rosita says, he’s right. Something smells funky. Eugene yells, get away from the fire place! And something causes a small explosion in the firebox.

Eugene says it’s as he suspected. He says a whole lot of complicated words very fast, which I take as meaning there was gunk in the flu, and they can’t build another fire if they still want to breathe. Negan says he missed Eugene, but Eugene can’t say the same. Siddiq says, without the fire, they’ll never get warm enough. Rosita says they should leave before the temperature gets any lower. Gabriel asks if they have a contingency plan. She says Aaron’s house. It will be tight quarters, but they’ll make it work. Negan asks if not one of them is going to untie him, and Rosita says they can tell Michonne it was an accident.

They bundle up and form a line. Eugene opens the door to a beginning blizzard.

Carol snoozes on the steps. A fire has been made in the Sanctuary. Daryl sits next to her, and offers her his flask, but she shakes her head. He says they’re going to make it, and she nods. She asks if something happened with him and Ezekiel, but he says, no. Carol says Ezekiel blames him, because can’t let himself blame her. She feels like she’s losing herself again. She’s trying to hang on but doesn’t know what she’s doing. She cries a little. Daryl says he could take her away. Keep her safe on his own. She asks if he wants to go, and he says, no. What does she want him to do?

Ezekiel breaks wood for the fire. He says, the snow has never hit this hard this early. It could last days, and they can’t; not there. Maybe he could bring back some supplies from a waystation. Michonne says she thought of that, but they could get caught in the storm, and end up worse off. She wants to see a map, and points out a waystation across the river. Aaron says there’s no way they can make it in these conditions. Carol says they need a bridge, but the creeks and ponds are frozen over. They can probably walk across it if they don’t all go at once. Michonne shows them it’s a straight shot. Carol says they didn’t agree to the borders; they’re hers, not theirs. Ezekiel says they don’t know how fight them yet, but Michonne says if they cross at night, they won’t know. Yumiko says they could be watching, and Daryl says, all the more reason to go. Ezekiel says not the elderly and children. They can’t take horses and wagons over the ice. Michonne says, on foot is risky, but they’re low on food, and the storm could make the roads unpassable for weeks. Unless they make it to a waystation, they’ll die.

Michonne tells Ezekiel, sorry. She wishes there was another way. Ezekiel wants to do right by them. The Kingdom fell. He should have seen it coming, and had them go out sooner. If it wasn’t for him, they wouldn’t be there. She says, if not for him, they wouldn’t be there at all. The time they spent apart, she thought it made them stronger, but it didn’t. That… woman was able to walk among them because they didn’t know each other. They can’t let it happen again. They’ve come too far to give up the Kingdom. The Kingdom hasn’t fallen; it’s right there. The charter they signed means something. These people aren’t just his; they’re theirs. And they’re going to get them home. Ezekiel says if their seen crossing the border, it could start something. She says they’ll make sure they don’t.

The group starts walking. They come to the pikes where the heads were, and pause. They continue on.

The blizzard gets worse. They hold to each other. Judith hears Dog barking in the distance, and runs after him. Negan runs after her.

Ezekiel holds up his hand to stop. They see shadowy figures ahead, and Daryl shoots. Nothing moves. They move forward and see it’s zombiesicles. Michonne cracks their frozen heads off, and they shatter. Daryl signals to keep moving. They’re at the water, and Daryl says he’ll go ahead to check it out. Lydia hangs on the outskirts. Daryl tests the ice, and thinks they’re good. Ezekiel tells them, assume eyes are on the border. He tells Daryl to get others the ready. Daryl asks where Lydia is, and Carol says she’ll find her; get everyone across. Ezekiel says, let’s move. A zombie pops out of the snow behind Daryl. Another grabs Ezekiel’s ankle. This is not good.

More come out. They’re everywhere, grabbing at everyone. The group keeps moving, and zombie heads get stabbed. Daryl shoots at the ones coming out of the forest. Michonne works her katana. Someone asks if it’s them, but Michonne says, no. Jerry says, get them across, and gathers Nabila and their children.

Carol finds Lydia in a shelter, and asks what the she’s hell doing. Lydia doesn’t know, but knows she can’t cross the river. She knows what’s on the other side. The same thing as on this side. It won’t make their problems go away. It won’t achieve sh*t. They think it will make it better. If they hadn’t taken her, all those people would still be alive. Carol’s son’s is dead because of her. Henry said she was a good person. She shakes her head, and says, he was wrong. As long as she’s with them, it will never stop. She says Carol knows she’s right. There’s only one way to fix this, and she sees it. It can be Carol. No one else has to know.

The zombies keep coming out of the snow, and out of the forest. One gets Daryl down. He struggles with it, and it’s so close to his face. He throws it off, and grabs an icicle, stabbing it in the eye.

Lydia begs Carol, saying everything will be better when she’s gone. She takes the end of Carol’s pokey stick, which looks like it has a giant drill bit on the end, and points it at herself.  She says, this is how they keep from losing anyone else. She begs Carol, just do it. Lydia is sorry it has to be her, but it does. She’s too weak, like her mother said. Carol’s eyes fill with tears. She strides past Lydia, and jabs a zombie instead. She tells Lydia, she’s not weak. They have to go. She takes Lydia’s hand.

The storm gets worse. It’s hard to see and hear. For me too. Negan falls. He yells, but doesn’t see Judith. Dog barks, and Judith comes out with Dog; she has him tethered, and Negan picks her up. He doesn’t know what direction to go in, but Dog leads them. Good Dog. Negan sets Judith down behind a shack, and gives her his coat. He says something about nuggets – chicken nuggets? what? –  but I can’t hear above the wind. He’s hurt, and ties his leg with a piece of his shirt. He tells her they’ll get out of this, picks her up, and moves on.

It’s morning. Ezekiel and the others arrive at Hilltop. There’s a frozen zombie out front, and Daryl shatters its head. Lydia looks at a painting of Herschel. Jerry says Hilltop can be the new Kingdom, and wonders if they can make Kingtop a thing. Daryl tells Lydia, try to get some sleep. They head to Alexandria in the morning. Lydia says Hilltop seems nicer, and Daryl says, it is. She asks why he left, and he says, one day; try to get some sleep. Carol looks out the window. Ezekiel stands behind her, and says, they made it. She says, did they? She’s going Alexandria with the others. Ezekiel knows she has to do this, but he won’t ever stop loving her. She takes off her ring, but he won’t take it back. She doesn’t regret anything. He leaves, and she cries quietly.

The breakaway group gets to Alexandria, where Judith is waiting for Michonne. Michonne asks her what happened, and in typical kid fashion, Judith responds with, it’s cold. Michonne hugs her little boy. Daryl throws snowballs. He and Lydia play with the kids. Everyone joins in.

Siddiq tends to Negan’s wound. Michonne comes in, and he says, look who’s here. She thanks him for saving Judith. He always did have a flare for the dramatic. Negan says the last time they were there together, Rick had slit his throat open. This ain’t nothing. She’s a special girl, a damn spitfire, and Michonne has been through enough. Michonne tells him, get better. He says, Doctor Baby Daddy says they got caught in the storm with the royalty brigade. Is everyone okay? She says, does he care? He says he doesn’t know them from Adam, but he knows what it’s like to lose a kingdom, and see things fall apart. It sucks ass. Michonne says, the Sanctuary is a sh*thole now, and he says he could have told her that. All she had to do was ask. So they cut through their territory; ballsy. Michonne pulls up a chair and sits. She says they don’t even know if the Whisperers knew they were there. The point is, they came together and made it. Negan says, a common enemy, a common goal, and Michonne says, or facing evil brings good people together. Negan says, same thing. Except no one ever thinks they’re the evil one.

At the Whisperers camp, the most boring place ever, Beta tells Alpha the time away was good for the pack – and her. Alpha says, it has, but she made mistakes. Mistakes she can’t make again. Beta says, and she won’t. She’s strong. She says she needs to be, for what comes next. Beta says, she will be. She holds out her arms, and he whips her. She takes it like a man, and even smiles a little.

Ezekiel says they’ll make it through this winter of discontent. When the snow melts, and the winds quit, who knows what glories the summer may bring? We see he’s talking to Judith over the radio, and she says, maybe they’ll come back to the Kingdom. He says just because they’ve left the house, doesn’t mean they’ve lost their home. She says she’ll tell her mom that he said hi. Over and out.

After Ezekiel leaves the room, the radio crackles. A voice says, is anybody out there?

🔊 Melissa McBride (Carol) made a good point on Talking Dead tonight – Carol got to keep the ring. They also called the drill bit thingy on Carol’s pokey stick a rebar. Good to know. I guess.

😀 He likes me! Tyler Perry likes me again! Starting this week, If Loving You Is Wrong moves to Tuesdays at 10 pm.

💖 Sparkle Like No One Is Watching…

I knew Kameron’s Sparkle Dog line would be a hit. Check out how the other half’s doggos live.

https://pagesix.com/video/this-housewives-dogs-life-is-better-than-yours/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20190330&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-7739448-711673032

🎬 Because I Still Pay So Much For Cable…

I try to actually watch those 500+ channels I get robbed pay for. This weekend, I took a look at Venom. Like Deadpool, it was better, and funnier, than I expected it to be. In a nutshell, a reporter doing an investigation on a dicey scientist’s experiment, merges with an alien, and becomes an anti-hero. I was surprised to see Escorpion (Emilio RIvera) from Z Nation show up, and there was also a very amusing cameo toward the end too. No spoiler, in case you haven’t seen it. Even the end credits were well done, although I haven’t seen a more obvious plug for a sequel since The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Leaving that channel roll, I then caught a 2001 offering, Down – otherwise known as The Shaft. I’m not making a joke, that’s how IMDb lists it. You wouldn’t think elevators would be that creepy, but late at night in a big empty office building, they are. The familiar faces didn’t stop coming in this one. Mr. Tortelli, and the head vampire from The Lost Boys (Dan Hedaya and Edward Herrmann, respectively) Ron Perlman, and one of my all-time favorites, Michael Ironside. Who still can kick ass at nearly seventy years old. It was as Oscar worthy as Sharknado, but it had its moments, and it’s great if you don’t want to think too hard. Especially when the source of the killing is revealed. What was that? you’ll be saying to yourself. The best way to describe it is like The Poseidon Adventure, but inside an elevator, and without all the water.

🐶 In Case You Want To Brush Up…

The players in the Puppygate game. This is going to go on all season, isn’t it? Heaving huge sigh…

https://www.eonline.com/news/1022630/attempting-to-unravel-rhobh-s-confusing-puppygate-controversy-breaking-down-the-accusations-players-and-timeline?source=email&medium=emn-content-1&cmpid=evening&content=emn-news

🐕 Better Than Monday…

An explanation of doggos.

Mar25

March 24, 2019 – An Alpha Asserts Herself, a Note On Meg, Puppies & Mickey

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What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

Miles fights off a zombie in the woods, when Hilde pops out and finishes it off. She tells him, happy anniversary. He asks, where’s his present? and she says she found something she thinks he’ll like. She parts some trees, and shows him Hilltop.

Wooden coins are being made. An H is carved on them.

Hilde gives Miles one of the coins. She tells him, happy anniversary. It’s been five years. The H is for Hilltop; home. He says she should make more; people will love them. It’s a symbol of hope, and people always need more of that. They’re headed to the fair. They put some things in a wagon, and two guys get in back. Hilde tells Miles that she’s going to trade the coins for the perfect gift. He’ll see. She puts a carved chest, also carved with an H, on her lap.

A mess of belongings litters the woods. Hilde lies dead in the rubble. Alpha sings as she scalps Hilde. Wooden coins are scattered everywhere.

Ezekiel speaks to the crowd. He stands before them today at the start of a new tomorrow, made possible by the sacrifices of many over the years. A man with a mission to build a community, and strengthen the bonds between them. It took too long to create what Rick and Carl Grimes envisioned. Jesus brought them together, but they’ve always been bound to each other. They fought their way back to each other. The river crossing might be gone, but they rebuilt a bridge. The crowd applauds, and Ezekiel continues, they’ve reunited, not against a common enemy, but for their common good. He tells them, eat, drink, trade, and be merry. They have a lot of lost time to make up for. Jerry announces, the First Annual Inter-Community Reunification Fair begins. Ezekiel says, too many words. Let the Fair of New Beginnings begin. Fiddle music plays.

Carol tells Ezekiel that he sounded good. He feels it’s his duty to go with her; he’s Henry’s father. She says, he’s also the king. It’s bad enough she’s leaving. If they both go, the people will wonder why. He put a month’s work into the fair. The Kingdom needs him; his people need him.

Kelly tells Magna her sister is out there. Magna says, no, she’s not. The gate opens, and Daryl, Michonne, and the other come through. Carol hugs Henry, and tells him that he can’t ever run away like that again. He promises he won’t. Ezekiel joins them in a three-way hug. Carol hugs Daryl. Ezekiel sees Michonne, who says she was in the neighborhood. They shake hands. Carol asks if Judith remembers them. Judith says she’s been drawing pictures of them since she was little. Caroline of the Kingdom. She says Carol’s hair got long. Tara notices Lydia, and says, the plan was to bring Henry back; just Henry. Michonne tells Ezekiel, gather the leaders. They have a lot to talk about.

Michonne tells the leaders that she hasn’t always seen eye to eye with everyone there, but she never stopped caring about them. She was trying to protect her family, and do right by her people. Alexandria’s future is there; together with them. She lost sight of that, but she’s here now; they’re here now. Gabriel says the council took an informal vote, and the council members are willing to grant asylum to Lydia. She’s one of them, and he hopes they’ll join them in considering her the same. Lydia thanks him, and says she’ll do whatever she can to help. Tara says Lydia’s mother will come after Hilltop, not Alexandria. She has to do right by her people. She thought they were on the same page. Michonne says she wanted Lydia to run away, and when she didn’t, Michonne was angry. But she knows why that’s not okay. She knows why Rick didn’t trust her at the prison. She knows why he didn’t trust Tara when she was on the other side of the Governor’s fighting line. A representative from Oceanside (not Cyndie) says she was going to kill her Tara when she washed up. Tara says, fair. Michonne says, Lydia didn’t choose where she came from, but chose where she wanted to be; just like everybody in this room. Tara says Daryl is right about the skin jobs. They don’t have enough people. Daryl says he’ll get a group together to protect Hilltop, and Ezekiel says they need to gather any spare fighters. Carol says they should go today. Gabriel says it’s a short term solution, and Michonne says they have to present a united front. An attack against one of them, is an attack against all of them. Gabriel says they’ll make the Whisperers think twice about going against Hilltop. Everyone agrees, and Tara asks how they seal the deal; spit shake, blood oath? Ezekiel says he has just the thing, and brings out Michonne’s constitution. Michonne wonders how he got it, and Tara says she might have taken a few things when she left. She did what she thought was right. She’s sorry about the way it went down. Michonne thanks her, and says she was right. Tara says, her too. Ezekiel says he never doubted it for a moment, and signs. His signature is huge, and Gabriel says what I’m thinking – John Hancock. Ezekiel says, eat your heart out. Carol signs Queen Carol. The Oceanside rep (Rachel Ward?), Tara, and Michonne sign. Michonne gives the pen to Gabriel, saying he’s head of council. He signs, and there’s a mini Declaration of Independence tableau.

The fair continues. Lydia walks with Henry. Enid answers medical questions. Earl talks to people about his trade. Eugene harangues Judith from a dunk tank, and she hits the target, dunking him. Lydia asks Henry what they’re going to do with all the stuff; how will they have room. Henry says, they just do; it’s how people express themselves, and asks if she sees anything she likes. She doesn’t know how to answer that. Daryl walks his bike toward the gate. Lydia says she should go too. They’re in danger because of her. Henry says, because of him. Henry wishes he could go, but Ezekiel says he just got there. He expects to see them both at the movies, and Lydia gets excited, saying it’s unexpected. Carol says she’ll get used to it. She tells Henry to go; she won’t leave without saying goodbye. Ezekiel tells Carol, their son is taking a date to the movies tonight. Carol says, everything he said sounds completely possible.

Luke and Alden are arguing, and Luke tells Enid, technically, he lost a bet. He’s playing guitar, and instead of just Luke, he wants it to be Luke and friends. Enid says she wants to hear her crooner boyfriend croon. He is her boyfriend, Isn’t he? Alden says he is. Luke says, congrats, and suggests they get back to their task. Alden says Luke lost the bet, but Luke says Enid wants to hear him sing. Alden says he’ll think about it, as he walks away with Enid.

Connie signs to Kelly that she’s never seen Luke excited. She asks Kelly, what’s wrong? Kelly signs, you left without saying goodbye. Connie puts her hand on Kelly’s arm, but Kelly shakes it off. She signs, any goodbye could be the last. Her sister ran off. Connie didn’t think. They were going to let the baby die. It brought back a lot of feelings she’d thought she dealt with, but guesses not. She just pushes it down. Kelly says she gets it, and hugs Connie.

Michonne tells Siddiq she’s leaving. He says she just got there. He can take her place if she wants to rest, but she says, stick with the plan. She tells him to enjoy the fair, and keep an eye on Judith. Don’t let her be too hard on Jerry. They watch Jerry play horsie with the kids. Siddiq says Judith is more experienced than anyone. Michonne asks, how come? and he says he’ll tell her when he sees her at Hilltop.

Addy asks Henry if he’s got a second to come with her. She’s sorry for ratting him out, that he was in the clubhouse. She didn’t want to get him in trouble, and only caused more. Henry says, everything worked out the way it’s supposed to. Lydia watches from a picnic bench. Gage and Rodney approach her. They tell her they’re friends of Addy’s. Addy has a thing for Henry, and by the looks of it, he has a thing for her too. They’re a tight knit community, and hope she doesn’t plan on causing problems. Lydia gets up and walks away.

Tara says maybe they should go together, but Dianne says, if they go now, people would notice. Tara says she has some details to hammer out, but can join them tomorrow. She thanks them for volunteering, and says, be safe. Michonne hugs Judith. Magna and Yumiko tell Luke goodbye. Connie writes, be safe, to Daryl. He says, her too, and asks her to feed Dog. I might note that Dog goes off with her, tail wagging, not even looking back at Daryl. Man’s best friend.

Henry thanks Daryl for keeping them out of trouble. Ezekiel tells Daryl that Hilltop’s door is always open to him. They’d be honored if he’d consider calling the Kingdom his home. He says he’ll think about it. Carol hugs Henry. She knows Ezekiel has a lot on his mind, but tells him, enjoy the fair. He deserves it. He says he won’t enjoy anything until she’s back. They kiss.

Daryl leads on his motorcycle with the others on horses and in a horse drawn cart behind him.

The Highwaymen work hard, wiping out zombies. Ozzy tells them to double back. Daryl and company arrive, and Ozzy says they were clearing the roads, and spotted tracks. He shows them the mess from Hilde and Miles, and Magna says they’re from Hilltop, but Ozzy says Hilltop didn’t do this. Magna says, the skins? Do they know them? Ozzy says, strange times, strange ways to cope. That would be his guess. They put up a fight, and were drug this way. Daryl says they can’t rush in, but Dianne says they could be alive, but if they were followed, the whole community is in danger. Daryl suggests they split up. Carol says she and Michonne will go with Daryl; the rest go to Hilltop. Ozzy says she’ll owe them a couple of movies when they’re done. Magna asks Yumiko if she thinks they survived. Yumiko says, they came back. She tells Magna they have to go and make sure. They’re just splitting up for now. They kiss. Surprise relationship! For me anyway. I didn’t read the graphic novels.

Darkness has fallen. The group continues through the woods. Daryl finds a bloody stick. Carol says she doesn’t know if there’s a happy ending here. Daryl thinks they should head back. They hear zombie noises, and shoot a couple of them with arrows. More come at them, and Michonne chops with her sword, while Carol stabs them in the head with a knife. They turn to run, but another bunch of zombies block they’re path. They’re surrounded. Carol looks panicked. They slice, dice, stab, and chop. It looks like the zombies are all are down, but more come out of the forest. They put their backs to each other, forming a circle. There are zombies all around them, one with a gun. Beta tells them to drop their weapons. He won’t ask twice. He says they just had to give him the girl; no one else had to die. Now that deal is done.

We peddle back to Daryl and the group leaving Hilltop Jerry tells Nabila that he gives Michonne props. He can’t believe she came. A woman with long blonde hair looks around. It’s Alpha, cleaned up and disguised with Hilde’s hair.

Rosita goes to Eugene’s workshop, and asks where he’s been, and he says she must have missed him at the dunk tank. He’s been making ham radio parts. If he can get it up and running, it will allow them to talk to each other. Despite their distance and differences, it would be nice to communicate. Rosita tells Eugene that they can still talk. She knows a lot is changing, but that doesn’t mean things need to change between them. She knows what he did for Gabriel, for them, and thanks him. He says it was more like a have to versus want to situation. She starts messing with the radio parts. He says he thought she would be getting some much needed R & R, but she says, it’s more like a have to versus want to situation. They work on the radio together.

A girl tells Henry that he looks lost. He says he’s looking for someone. Enid tells Gabriel the communities can learn techniques from each other. Find out each other’s weaknesses, strengths, and talents; have each other’s backs. Gabriel thinks it’s a good idea. Enid leaves, and Gabriel asks if Tara is okay. She says she just wants to get on the road; they’re leaving at first light. Gabriel says there’s no reason for anyone else to go, but Tara wants people to know that she’s there for them when trouble comes, and they can count on her. He says they have no reason not to. She says when she comes back, they’ll talk about training facilities.

Luke argues with Alden about starting with a mid-tempo ballad. He says, the people need hope. They demand it; no, they deserve it. Alden can’t believe he let Luke talk him into this. Enid says she’ll only make fun of him the tiniest bit for the rest of their lives.

Henry finds Lydia, and asks if something happened. Alpha continues to look around. She sees drawing of Ezekiel and Carol. Tammy and Earl go by with the baby. Tammy says they should name him Adam after the first man. Alpha overhears them and gives them the side-eye.

Henry can’t believe Gage and Rodney. It’s not true; they were being jerks. He doesn’t know if Addy likes him, but he doesn’t like her. He likes Lydia. She likes him too. He kisses her. They hear a noise, and Henry tells her it’s just one of the pipes; it happens all the time, but he should check on it. He says he’ll sit next to her at the movies. He kisses her, and leaves.

Ezekiel asks Alpha is she’s finding her way all right. He introduces himself, and she says, she’s Debra from Alexandria, but everyone calls her Debbie. She can’t believe Michonne came. He says he wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it. She says it’s a shame they’ve never met, and tells him the Kingdom is amazing. He thinks they clean up well. She heard the queen is taking care of official business, but looks forward to meeting her. She asks if Ezekiel can point her toward the clothing booths. It’s sweater weather soon, and she wants to be ready. She has a feeling it’s going to be a hard winter. He says he has just the thing, and takes her arm.

People get ready for the movie. A guy sells popcorn in the aisles. There’s a cartoon before the film, and everyone is all excited and clapping. Henry still isn’t there, and Lydia seems restless. She starts getting into the cartoon, laughing, when she feels a hand on her knee. She looks next to her, and it’s Alpha. Alpha puts her finger to her lips.

Daryl and Michonne are surrounded, but he tells Alpha that she’s not getting Lydia back. Alpha says this isn’t about her daughter. She ran into trouble on the road; it was unavoidable. Her people like to keep moving. Michonne says they granted Lydia asylum. If they try to take her by force, there will be retaliation. Alpha asks Michonne her name, and asks Daryl if Michonne speaks for him. He says they speak for each other. She says her daughter is not a concern. She was weak. Daryl says, was? What does that mean? She says their group is in no position to threaten her. It’s a habit that needs to be broke. She cocks her gun, and takes Daryl from the group.

A new day dawns as Alpha brings Daryl up a rocky hill. He looks down on a million zombies. She says her people are among them. The only reason they’re alive is because she let them live. He asks what she wants, and she says, nothing. They have nothing to offer her. She’s seen how they live. She’s walked their streets. It’s a joke; a shrine to a long dead world. Her people, the Whisperers, live as nature intended. He asks if that’s the bullsh*t she feeds her sheep so they follow her. She says they follow because she’s the Alpha, and if an Alpha doesn’t assert herself, it will be chaos. He asks what she’s done. She says his friends at camp are fine, but tell them next time they cross her line, her horde will cross theirs. South of the river is hers; he’ll see the border as he leaves. She tells him, go. His friends are waiting for him. He should push her off that cliff.

Backtracking to the fair, Alpha pushes Lydia up against a wall, calling her a coward. She tells Lydia, come with her, but Lydia says, no. She believes in these people Alpha says, that’s poison talk. Lydia says she’s staying there. They care about each other, and care about her. They keep her safe. They’d kill Alpha to protect her; she just has to scream. Walk away and leave them alone or she will scream. Alpha says she’s only doing the hard thing; the thing mothers have to do to protect their young. As she talks, Alpha pets Lydia’s hair, and caresses her face. Lydia shows Alpha the brand on her arm, and say she knows what Alpha has done. She lives with it every day, but she doesn’t want Alpha to get hurt. She just wants her to go. She says, please, mommy. She’s giving Alpha a choice, which is more than Alpha has ever given her. Alpha says she was just trying to make Lydia strong, but she’s not one of them. She never was. Alpha backs up, looks Lydia over, and leaves. Lydia cries.

Forward to being with Daryl, Alpha says she doesn’t think they can protect her daughter, but she hopes she’s wrong. Daryl says she is.

Carol meets Daryl. They hug. Sad music plays. The group heads back.

Beta says, Lydia, but Alpha wants to be alone. He leaves, and Alpha cries quietly. She sees a Whisperer watching, and gestures for him to come to her. She stabs him in the neck, wipes the blade on her pants, and looks to the sky.

Michonne finds Siddiq tied to a tree. She asks, what happened? He points, and they go up a hill. Michonne looks horrified. Daryl looks puzzled. I wonder, wtf is it? They continue to walk. Ohh, it’s heads on pikes. Everyone is stunned. Yumiko cries.

Eugene asks if Nabila has seen Frankie. Gage asks if anyone has seen Rodney; they were supposed to meet. Gabriel tells Eugene that he needs to speak with Tara when she gets back. While Luke and Alden sing, Alden looks around for Enid. Lydia grabs Ezekiel, telling him that her mom was there, and she can’t find Henry.

We see the heads. Ozzy, Alek (Ozzy’s sidekick), DJ, Tammy, Frankie, Rodney, Addy, Enid, and Tara. Their mouths move a little, which is pretty freaking creepy. Siddiq cries.

Daryl stops Carol before she gets there. We see Henry’s head last. Everyone is pulverized.

Siddiq stands on a stage. He says he was there. He was taken with the others, and he saw. He was supposed to die with them, and he was ready to. Then Alpha whispered to him, tell them. Something hit him, and everything went black. When he woke up, he was alone. What happened was evil. He thinks Alpha left him alive to tell that story. To scare them, and drive them apart again, but he wants to tell a different story. Before the end, Ozzy found them. We see them fighting. Siddiq says the Highwaymen gave them an opening and everyone fought back; fought like hell. What they did was more than brave. They defended each other; sacrificed themselves for each other. Some of them didn’t even know each other. We see more of the fight. Siddiq continues, at the very end – we see Alpha approach Henry – in the end, their time was cut short. Ours keeps going, so we have to keep going for them, and for all of us. They need to honor them, and remember these friends were family, and died as heroes. That’s the story he wants to tell. That he wants them all to remember.

Daryl and Lydia stand near the pikes where the heads were. Lydia takes her necklace off, and puts it where Henry was. She and Daryl walk off together. We see the necklace – a wooden pendant with an H carved in it. It starts to snow. Winter ain’t just coming on Game of Thrones.

I told you we can’t have anything nice around here.

Next time, the finale. Zombies rise from the snow, and Lydia disappears. Oddly enough, this episode was titled, The Calm Before. I can’t imagine the storm to come.

🐋 This weekend, I watched The Meg. It was predictable, but fun, and there was a tiny twist at the end that was a real first. As an added bonus, Mickey was played in Taiwanese over the ending credits. A giant shark and foreign pop? What more could I ask for?

🐕 A Belated…

Happy National Puppy Day!

Juliet'sBabies1-2 (2)

🎶 It Won’t Negate Monday, But…

It won’t hurt either.

 

 

Jan8

January 7, 2019 – Sam Makes a Connection, a Winter Wonderland Ice Queen Fierce Party, LVP’s Orbit, More Roll Calls, Weekend Watching, Coltie & After the Holidaze

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

I missed the beginning. Only until the opening credits.

Alexis drops by Sam’s place. She was hoping to spend one-on-one time with her favorite middle daughter. Sam thought Kristina had texted; she moved out. Alexis asks if she moved in with Sonny, and Sam say, no. She moved in with Daisy and some other friends. Alexis says that’s the house situation Oscar is living in; good for her. Sam asks who she is and what has she done with her mother? Alexis says they’re nice to Oscar, and she hopes they’ll be as welcoming to Kristina. She’s an adult, can make her own decisions, and she respects that. Sam isn’t buying it, and Alexis tells her, as they say in the program, fake it till you make it. Jason comes in, and Alexis asks Sam when the move happened. Sam says Kristina had been getting more involved with the Dawn of Day people, a space opened up, and she grabbed it. She and Jason had questions, so they went over and asked. Alexis asks what she thinks, and Sam says, it feels like home. Alexis likes the system of Sam worrying first. She thanks Sam and Jason, saying it’s nice that Kristina has the two of them to look out for her, and leaves.

Josslyn has Oscar’s critique of Of Mice and Men. He got an A-. He says he’s sorry, bringing shame on her, him, and their ancestors. She’s brought his schoolwork, and asks what he wants to do, and he tells her that he has a special assignment. He shows her the journal; her favorite project. He’s been adding to it, and says he wants to spend he longest day in the mountains, from sunrise to sunset.

Julian tells Drew, message received, but Drew isn’t done. He wonders if Kim spent too many nights with her son, and wasn’t giving Julian enough attention, so he ended the relationship over nothing. Julian doesn’t want to discuss it with Drew, but Drew says Kim trusted him. She believed in him when everyone warned her not to. Julian says, everyone was right; congratulate them. Drew calls him Charlie, and says he’ll give him credit for one thing. He kept up the charade longer than Drew thought he would.

Kim tells Terry that Oscar is looking better, and he’s eating. Josslyn even has him doing homework, and thinking about the SATs and where to go to college; his future. Terry says, the most important thing is, he’s opened himself up to love. Clinically, and scientifically, love helps.

At the gym, not-Doc asks Laura if she should be wandering around alone with a killer on the loose. She asks if that’s why he followed her, and he says she can’t be too careful. She thanks him for that, and for what he said at the meeting. She thinks it’s odd to receive and endorsement from a soon-to-be ex, but he says Port Charles needs a fighter like her in office; he meant what he said. She tells him that she did too. If elected, she’ll be an advocate for mental health, starting with Ferncliff. He tells her no one respects and understands commitment to reform like he does, but she needs to prioritize the needs of the entire city. While she’s looking after the greater good, he volunteers to keep an eye on what happens at Ferncliff.

Sam looks at the laptop, and tells Jason that she understands why Dawn of Day is appealing to Kristina. It’s about empowerment, confidence in community, and excellence through action. They do a lot of volunteering; at the food pantry, the homeless shelter, the soup kitchen. There are no red flags. Jason says, bad guys don’t advertise that they’re bad guys. Sam says, it all seems sincere, but something is up. They’re hiding something or have an agenda. She asks how the book is, and Jason says it basically covers what Shiloh told them, but in more detail. Troublemaker Hank almost got killed in Afghanistan, and Drew saved him. He reads, it wasn’t just Hank’s body lifted off the field, but his soul was in Drew’s hands. Drew’s singular choice to save him not only changed Hank’s life, but his world. Sam thinks he’s laying it on thick. Kristina is looking for a spiritual identity; she’s drifting, and he’s giving her direction. Jason asks if she doesn’t like it, and Sam says, no; does he? He says he’s more interesting in Hank’s life before he became Shiloh. Why did he have to reinvent himself? What’s he running from?

Kristina brings Shiloh to Oscar’s room, and introduces him to Josslyn. Oscar says it’s nice of Shiloh to let him crash at his house, but Shiloh says, it’s everyone’s house. They miss Oscar, and he’s looking forward to getting to know him better. Josslyn knows what the group does, but asks what about Shiloh specifically? Shiloh says he gives space for people to listen, and learn to trust themselves. Josslyn says, like a therapist or guru? Shiloh doesn’t think of himself as a leader. It’s a community; he just paves the way. Kristina suggests Josslyn join them at the next meeting. Shiloh says she’s more than welcome. Oscar wants to start paying Shiloh back, but Shiloh says the community is paid by serving others.

Julian tells Drew that he doesn’t owe him any explanations. Drew says he’s a selfish SOB, like he always was. He guesses a dying kid interfered with the relationship, and asks when Julian’s motivation ran out. Julian says when he saw Drew and Kim kissing.

Not-Doc tells Laura, the patients at Ferncliff are criminally insane; damaged beyond repair. Laura asks if that means he doesn’t want to advocate for them. They both have mental health issues in their past, and she thought they agreed. He’s concerned some of the patients might be manipulative, and if their found sane, they’ll be shipped to prison. Laura asks if he didn’t once ask what worse punishment can there be than to live with a broken mind? While their talking, not-Doc has been wrapping an exercise band around his hands. Laura says he’s cutting off his own circulation.

Not-Doc says it’s a nervous habit. Laura asks, since when? and he snaps that it’s new; he’s working it through. She asks if he’s all right, and he says he’s fine. She says there’s no one there; just them. Is there something he needs to tell her? Now’s his chance. He says she knows him well. There is something he’s wanted to say since she came home. It needed to be the right time. He stretches the band, and says, maybe the moment has arrived. Scotty walks in, and says he came to hit a heavy bag. He might have to knock out a knife wielding lunatic. Not-Doc says leave it to Scotty to bring fists to a knife fight, and Scotty says leave it to Doc to wear a suit at the gym. He asks if they’re getting back together, and not-Doc says, no. It’s none of Scotty’s business. Laura says they’re friends, and it is. Scotty tells them about the self-defense class, saying he thinks everyone should take it. They don’t know who will be next.

Oscar marvels over his dad saving and inspiring Shiloh. Josslyn asks how it’s possible no one made the connection, but Shiloh says he didn’t know who Oscar’s parents were. Oscar asks if Shiloh saw his dad, and if Drew remembered him. Shiloh says he saw Drew, but he didn’t remember. Drew told him about his condition, but he’s made an impressive life for himself. Oscar says his dad is a great guy. Shiloh says, even if Drew didn’t have a memory issue, he might not recognize him. He put the angry boy behind him. Oscar wonders if Shiloh can tell him about Drew’s time in the service. Shiloh says he’d be more than happy to, if it’s cool with Oscar’s dad. Kim walks in, asking if there’s a party she wasn’t invited to. Kristina introduces her to Shiloh, who hopes he didn’t cause friction. Kim is glad he gave Oscar a place to stay while they were sorting things out. Shiloh says they love Oscar, and wonder when he’s coming back. Oscar tells Kim that he wants to come home tomorrow, if it’s cool with her. She says nothing would make her happier. They hug.

Sam tells Jason that Dawn of Day first filed their incorporation under D. H. Archer; a personal marketing platform. She says that D.H. is David Henry. He’s the only son and surviving child of Henry Archer, one of her husbands.

Oscar explains about the trial, and Kristina asks if it hurt. He says, no; it just made him tired. Kim sees Terry outside the room, and says she has to check on the smaller babies. She excuses herself, and in the hallway, Terry tells her, it’s time to call Drew. Oscar’s test results are in.

Drew says Julian broke things off because of a little New Year’s Eve kiss between exes? Julian tells him, don’t say it’s nothing. Alexis wants to interject before they say things they’ll regret. Drew says he won’t regret anything, but Alexis says it doesn’t appear they’ll say anything that will help Kim. Maybe they should go in their separate corners. Julian wants Drew to hear this. He got tired of spending night after night alone, but New Year’s Eve was supposed to be their night. Kim preferred spending it with Drew, so he responded in kind. Drew said he didn’t wait two seconds to ask what was going on before he slept with someone else, and Julian says, what’s good for the goose. Drew gets a text from Kim saying the test results are in. He tells Julian that he didn’t deserve Kim, and jets. Alexis asks why Julian just lied to Drew.

Sam tells Jason that Henry was one of her first big ones. He was huge in advertising, and wanted a pretty, much younger woman on his arm. She wasn’t his first, and she’s sure she wasn’t his last. Jason thinks she must have met Shiloh, but she doesn’t remember meeting him. She thinks he refused to come to the wedding on the grounds she was a gold-digging tramp, who would be taking his inheritance. He wasn’t entirely wrong. Jason says Henry must have talked about him, and Sam says Henry called him David. She thinks calling himself Hank was his way of rebelling. She got the impression that he was living off of hi trust fund. Jason says he must have known about her. Wouldn’t he have recognized her? She says, maybe he was waiting to see if she recognized him.

Alexis tells Julian, bailing after one kiss is wimpy of him. He says he’s clearly not what Kim needs. It’s a family crisis, and he’s not part of the family. He’s not walking away, just giving up.

Scotty tells Laura and not-Doc the last victim was a producer who was making a documentary about Ryan. He was a nice guy, and had asked questions about the killing spree, but that’s not the creepy part. All of the interview footage is missing. Laura asks if they think the killer took it, and Scotty says that’s the theory. Maybe he stumbled on something about Ryan the killer didn’t want anyone to know. Laura wonders what could have any consequence, and Scotty says maybe the killer is a copycat, and is trying to circumvent any leads. The police think they’re getting cocky, and will try to murder the wrong person at the wrong time, and be sent to prison for the rest of their miserable life.

Oscar thinks it’s cool that Shiloh knew his dad. Josslyn asks him to bring his attention back to his first day out. She’s already told her mom that she’s not going to school, and suggests lunch at Kelly’s, Oscar agrees, and she says, then what? He wants to go to the docks. He’s sick of staring at the walls, and just wants to look out on the water. Josslyn says, done, and he suggests following it with ping pong at the Quartermaine’s – if she doesn’t mind losing. Oscar suddenly looks pensive, and asks, what happens after tomorrow when he goes back to school? Do they know what’s going on? He doesn’t want them to look differently at him. Josslyn says, it doesn’t matter. She’ll be with him, and no matter what happens, they’ll face it together.

On her tablet, Terry shows Drew and Kim Oscar’s tumor before treatment, and the tumor yesterday. Kim takes the tablet. Drew says he’s the only non-doctor in the room. Can they explain what they’re looking at? Kim says it hasn’t shrunk. Terry says it’s almost nine centimeters, and the growth in the brain tissue is entangled in major blood vessels. The treatment failed. Drew asks what it means, and Kim says, it’s still inoperable. Oscar is going to die.

Not-Doc admires Scotty’s confidence in the police. Scotty says the killer thinks a lot of himself – or herself – but no one is untouchable. Not-Doc says no one caught the Zodiac killer or Jack the Ripper. Scotty is sure they got what was coming to them. Gail always told him, what goes around comes around, and you need to think before you act. Laura says she remembers Gail telling them that, and he says, most of the time, she was right. Laura says, Gail is a wonderful woman, and she’s glad he persevered. Scotty tells them, Gail passed away.

Sam tells Jason, whoever Shiloh is, he’s made no attempt to hide his personal history. He grew up with wealth being the chief motivator, and wanted to reinvent a meaningful purpose, making a welcoming community. Buzzwords; he seems like he’s full of crap. Jason says there are too many coincidences connected with Shiloh, Drew, and Oscar. And now Kristina. There are too many people he cares about in Shiloh’s orbit.

Julian tells Alexis that Kim chose Drew. Alexis says she kissed Drew, and chose Julian. She doesn’t want it to end as much as he doesn’t. Julian says she told him Oscar was her whole world, and now her world is crumbing. Alexis says, if that’s true, doesn’t she need him more? He says he’s not the right man for the job.

Terry tells Kim that she’s correct. Oscar’s tumor didn’t shrink, and remains inoperable. She’s sorry. Drew says they appreciate how hard she’s fought, and Terry says he’s a wonderful kid. She’s been privileged to get to know him. Kim asks how much time, but she’s not sure. Up until recently, it’s been slow growing. The best they can do is monitor it, and be available for whatever he needs. As for a timeline, it’s too soon to tell. Kim says, so there’s time, and Terry says, there is. She leaves to give them privacy. Drew says they knew it was a long shot. Kim cries, and says, it was. Drew says they’re going to have to tell him. Kim agrees, but says, he’s having such a good day. Josslyn is there; Kristina showed up with a friend; and he’s eating again. What if this is his last happy day? Drew says they can’t let it be. Kim asks to leave it one more day. Give him one more day of hope. They don’t know how many days he’ll have left. Drew knows it’s hard, but they gave him their word. It’s his life, and whatever control is left, they have to give it to him.

Laura tells Scotty that she’s sorry; it’s a tremendous loss. Scotty says Gail thought the world of her, and Laura says she felt the same about Gail. Scotty feels like an orphan. The Baldwin family is disappearing. It was important to them when they were young. Scotty’s parents always had advice. He and Laura married young, and they were there to tell him what he was doing right or wrong. Now there’s no one to remember them but him. Laura tells him to forget the workout, and suggest they go to Kelly’s for coffee. They should get it to go, walk to the pier, and watch the ferry. Scotty says Lee loved to fish there. Laura says he can tell her stories, and then it will be two of them remembering. She tells not-Doc if he wants to talk… but he says, never mind. It was just a passing thought. Laura and Scotty leave, and not-Doc looks at the band. He wraps it around a rope of the boxing ring.

Alexis says the person Julian slept with doesn’t exist, do they? Why lie to Drew and Kim that he slept with an imaginary person? Julian says there was a line he had to cross to get Kim away. Alexis says he didn’t make Kim think it was her, did he? He says, no; however, he didn’t deny it.

Sam makes circles on a paper, saying this is what they have so far. They’ll start with Oscar; he’s Jason’s nephew. Then they’ll go with Drew, his brother. Drew saved Hank/Shiloh, who is the son of her old mark, Henry Archer, and who’s now living with her sister Kristina. Who’s in the middle? Jason says Sam is, Linda Black. Sam says Kristina starts hanging out with him, and she begins getting email under her old alias’s name. Jason says it’s no coincidence. Sam says, no, but there she is, in the bullseye.

Kristina tells Shiloh that she can’t believe he took the time to come. He says all they need is each other. That’s why he’s there. He asks if she’s all settled. It’s her home, and he’s 100% committed to helping her discover what she needs to about herself. She can always come to him.

Drew and Kim go to Oscar’s room. Seeing their faces, he asks what’s wrong. Kim asks Josslyn for a moment alone, but Oscar wants her to stay. Josslyn says only if it’s okay with his parents, and Drew thinks it’s a good idea. He closes the door. We don’t hear them. We only see Oscar’s face as they tell him.

Tomorrow, Josslyn wants to take Oscar to one of those places, Franco tells Elizabeth the trial didn’t work, and Sam says she’s being set up.

Vanderpump Rules

Meanwhile, at Vanderpump Dogs, the SUR employees arrive with their pets. Lisa tells them that Yulin is starting again. The situation has improved, but it’s still going on. She’s hoping her campaign will stop the torture and garner attention. Everyone puts on tattoos saying, stop the torture. She wants all dog lovers to wear the tattoo and post it on social media. Even Kristen. The group discusses James. Everyone agrees that he should be gone, and Stassi says they’ll be able to have dinner at SUR again. James shows up, saying he’s not missing the dog event. He’s going to try get back in Lisa’s good graces. Jax thinks it takes something like this to wake him up. In her interview, Kristen says just showing up with a cute puppy doesn’t make you a good person. Charles Manson had dogs. I dunno about that. Usually people make that reference to Hitler, who definitely had a dog. Scheana blathers on about wanting to be single, even though it sounds like she has a new man in her sights. In Jax’s interview, he says, Scheana has one speed; psycho stalker girlfriend.

Stassi is getting excited about her joint birthday party, but stressed out. Ariana is stressed out about James, who is going to be disinvited. Stassi wonders what he’s thinking when he acts like an a-hole, which is 98% of the time. Lisa sees James, and asks how he’s doing. She’s going to talk to his mother, and tell her that James needs support from her. There needs to be a major shift in his attitude. In her interview, Lisa says James was only twenty when she met him. His parents asked her to give him a job. She thought he was destined for success, and feels like this is a personal failure. She knows sometimes she shouldn’t be as involved as she is, but can’t help it. James insists he’s changing his ways.

Ariana asks if Raquel is coming. and Stassi says she is. Ariana calls James over, and explains there are people coming to the party who aren’t comfortable with him being there. He asks if he’s being disinvited, and Stassi says, if Katie and Brittany can’t be at their workplace without being wary of him, how can they be at a party? In James’s interview, he says he thought Ariana was his friend, and it’s sucky that she’s joining forces with Stassi. Ariana says she wants him to come, but not at the discomfort of others. In his interview, he adds that he though she was a leader, but he guesses she’s a follower. I guess he’s not a listener.

Lala and Brittany go to a spa for a booty smoothie. Lala explains, it’s a facial for your bum area. In her interview, Lala says, the booty takes a beating, and her dude is an ass man… and a vagina man… and a boob man… He’s just a man. Afterwards, she says her booty is ready to get some play. She asks Brittany if anyone has asked if she’s worried about Jax. She heard Tom and Ariana talking about how his track record shouldn’t be ignored. We flash back to Tom saying Jax is emotional over his dad, but when it wears off, he’ll be back to his old ways. Brittany says she’s not looking past it, but it feels like a new relationship. In Brittany’s interview, she says she’s disappointed, since Tom and Ariana were just helping them celebrate. She tells Lala she didn’t have Jax’s back last year, but now he’s her family. She’s following her heart.

Beau brings food to Stassi’s place. In her interview, Stassi says after dating five months, she and Beau went to Europe. He surprised her by taking her to several cemeteries. She tells him the cheese won’t taste the same as in Italy. She tells us that he’s different from Patrick. He doesn’t use words she doesn’t understand to be condescending. We flash back to that. In Stassi’s interview, she tells Patrick that she hopes she’s not viewing this myopically, but she feels galvanized by her relationship, you effing d*ck. She’s excited being thirty; it’s a milestone, and she’s proud. She has a great relationship and great friends. Twenty three year old Stassi wasn’t grateful for anything. Now she’s thankful she’s an effing adult.

At Scheana’s new apartment, Adam helps put a daybed together. In her interview, Scheana says she’s attracted to him, but he tells her that he doesn’t want a relationship. She keeps making suggestive comments, but he ignores it. She doesn’t mind flirting with him. Maybe one time he’ll say yes. I don’t know if I’d call what she’s doing flirting. More like a blatant come-on. Which is fine, but he really doesn’t seem interested. He asks about the party, and she assumed the two of them are going together. It’s a winter theme, using Game of Thrones for inspiration. Scheana doesn’t watch it. She claims he’d said it’s her only flaw.

Lisa visits TomTom. She’s ready for it to be open. They’re behind schedule, and have a deadline that she wants to stick with, despite the unforeseen hurdles. James’s mother Jackie stops by. She tells Lisa that she’s nine moths sober. Lisa says she should be proud, and tells Jackie that she’s concerned about James. He has unbelievable disrespect for women. Jackie stops her there, saying she gets the whole movement, but when women come at James, where does he go? Clearly she isn’t interested in preparing her son for the real world. Lisa says his drinking isn’t helping, but Jackie says they’re not talking about that. She says when the alcohol is coupled with him being attacked, how is he supposed to defend himself? Lisa says, not like that, and blurts out that James lost his job. Jackie starts to cry, and asks what he did. She wants to know what set him off. Lisa is much more of a soft touch than I am. This woman is so pissing me off, making it sound like James’s bad behavior is someone else’s fault. No wonder he’s the way he is. I want to smack her, especially since she’s borderline angry at Lisa for being truthful. Lisa says if she’s defending him, it’s not helping. Jackie says she wants to understand. Lisa tells her that she doesn’t have to be there. James should be in therapy, and learning to control his anger. He has to change the way he speaks to women. Jackie says she’s working up the nerve to have balls toward him, because she made mistakes as a mother. She’s allowed him to speak that way, even to her. In Lisa’s interview, she says she has admiration for Jackie’s honesty. There’s no perfect parent, but a sober parent makes wiser decisions. Jackie asks Lisa to give Tuesday night back to James. It scares her, taking everything away, pounding someone when they’re already low. She begs Lisa to do it – for her. Lisa puts her head in her hands, and says right now she can’t put him in SUR; the way he’s spoken to some of the girls. Jackie says Lisa is his mother figure, and Lisa says, no; Jackie is. She needs Jackie to be strong for her son. I’m glad Lisa drew the line there.

We hear Christmas music, which always weirds me out in warm-weather climates. Stassi, Ariana, Katie, and Kristen go to the Almost Christmas store. Kristen explains they’re doing a winter wonderland, ice queen, fierce themed party. In her interview, Stassi says, it’s going to be stress free, and fun as sh*t. She and Ariana both love a theme, and this year, their friends don’t have to choose which party to go to. Stassi sees some weird animated elves, and says it wouldn’t be her birthday without something creepy. They pick out some elves and trees, and set up the delivery. Stassi says she’s thirty, in a healthy relationship, loves her apartment, and loves her dogs. Katie tells her that her little meltdowns don’t matter as much, and Stassi realizes she can’t have meltdowns anymore. We flash back to some of them, and she says she’s past birthday meltdowns… she thinks.

Tom and Schwartz visit Villa Rosa, where Lisa is nursing a bird she found that flew in, and hit a window. In her interview, Lisa says she thinks she was put on the earth to help every wounded bird that comes her way. She asks Schwartz to count the busser shirts, while she talks to tom. She says Tom is the only person who sees James as someone struggling. Tom doesn’t think James has ever had a close friend. The bird Lisa has been holding suddenly springs to life, climbing up the front of her. In his interview, Tom says, Lisa is like Snow White. She can nurse a bird back to health by holding it against her bosom. Lisa thinks James needs therapy. She tells Tom with the help of them and his mom, he can hope toward a better future. In Lisa’s interview, she says if James changes the way he deals with people and moves on, he’ll be fine. She wants the best for him. She tells Tom that James might not be working for her, but she’s not deserting him. Schwarz comes out, and Lisa tells them to take the shirts, and decide where the logo should go. Schwartz counted fifty-seven, but Lisa says there should be eighty-four. They recount the shirts, and she’s correct. In his interview, Schwartz says he’s always had a knack for numbers.

Stassi says everyone is doing their part to help set up the party. Kristen got the house, Brittany got the bartender, and Beau is helping set up. We see Carter using a VR headset. She tells Ariana that one of the perks of being in the industry are that they have hookups everywhere. She and Ariana get their makeup done. In her interview, Stassi says they both decided to be bejeweled beautiful ice queens, with the same hair, makeup, and outfit, so they’re not out-hotting each other. Brittany gets her makeup done, and the ice sculpture comes. Jax shows Brittany what he’s wearing. She tells him about what Ariana and Tom said. She says they don’t think Jax might have really changed, and it’s just that his dad passed away. In Jax’s interview, he wonders what right Tom has to question him. He doesn’t ask questions about Ariana not wanting to marry Tom. He tells Brittany, apparently, Tom and Ariana’s relationship is perfect. Ariana doesn’t want marriage, and Tom sees his friends doing well, so he wants to break them down. Brittany thinks he should talk to Tom. Jax says he was going ask Tom to be his best man. Why be there if he’s not going to be supportive?

At James and Raquel’s place, things aren’t as festive. James is puttering around in the kitchen, when Lisa knocks on the door. In his interview, James says, it’s like the Queen of London visiting the peasants in the old tower. His couch is clean, but he still wants to put a tea towel down for her to sit on. He says Raquel is doing some modeling, and going to the party afterward. Lisa thinks if her partner wasn’t invited, her allegiance would be with her partner. James says he’s not mad. He has bigger things to worry about. She spoke to his mother, and sees a vast difference in how she is. James says he’s proud of her. In James’s interview, he says he and his brothers would come home to their mom drinking, and it would cause fights. He moved out at eighteen. Lisa tells him, being a drunk is not an option, and she hopes she never sees him drunk again. He tells her that his dad is staying with his old roommate Paul. Lisa asks if he’s helping his family, and James says, why wouldn’t he? In Lisa’s interview, she says James’s one redeeming quality is that he stepped up to help his family. At twenty-six, it’s a big responsibility. She tells him that he’s coming across as a humble human, and it’s better than him being an aggressive pr*ck. She says she’s not giving up on him. He thanks her for caring. it means the world to him.

Ariana and Stassi put the finishing touches on their costumes. Stassi thinks Katie looks scary hot as a winter warrior princess. Schwartz, who’s dressed as a bath salt elf, wonders what would happened if they conceived a baby in these outfits? Everyone trickles in. Tom is wearing a custom-made headpiece. He says he centered the costume around it, then found a fur jacket, and the outfit magically came together. He’s the Winter Duke of the North. Okay. Katie introduces the birthday queens. Stassi and Ariana toast each other. In her interview, Ariana says she heard about Stassi’s butt shot tragedy, so she gets a redo. She bends over Stassi’s lap, but Stassi just drinks out of a glass in her hand. Then Stassi puts a glass between her boobs, and pours it into Ariana’s mouth. Or tries to anyway. It just looks messy and awkward, and I’m wondering, why are they doing this? In Katie’s interview, she’s glad Stassi is being the weirdo she is. Patrick wouldn’t have it, but Beau loves her for who she is. Scheana never thought Ariana was this into Stassi, and says, it’s effing weird.

Raquel arrives in silver sequins. In her interview, Kristen says she doesn’t like Raquel, but likes the thought of James home alone. She brings Raquel a welcome drink, and Raquel asks if there’s anything in it. Kristen says, you can’t taste roofies, and Raquel says, that’s reassuring. Beau is wearing an outfit with a lot of tiny, blinking Christmas lights, and Stassi’s mom tells him that he should have a light on his package, appalling both Stassi and me. In his interview, Beau says he’s never had a girlfriend’s mom talk about his package. Awkward. What’s with these people? Last time it was Patrick commenting on Lisa’s ass.

Jax says he’s heard Tom’s been talking negatively about his relationship. He wants Tom handling his bachelor party, and to be his best man. Tom says he was just concerned, and hoping Jax’s father’s death isn’t too much of a catalyst. In Tom’s interview, he says, Jax is a recovering sociopath. He doesn’t want the engagement to turn into something Jax is excited about, then gets bored with, and moves on. Jax says he would never talk about Tom’s relationship. Tom says he’s concerned about when the dust settles, and it’s not something that’s always on Jax’s mind. Jax says after all the things they went through, Brittany still wanted to work it out. Tom says he’s known Jax a long time, and Jax says he knows he has bad tendencies, but he’s doing the right thing. In his interview, Jax says, unlike how Tom is treating him now, he’ll be happy when Tom is engaged, but he knows that’s never going to happen. They hug it out.

The queens wear garbage bags over their outfits, and drink from a blood fountain. I have no clue what it is, but I don’t think it’s real blood. Lala wants to wear Tom’s headpiece in real life. He says she can borrow it. Stassi thanks Raquel for coming, and Raquel says she heard Katie wouldn’t be comfortable with James there. Ariana says she’d love for him to be there, and Stassi says she wouldn’t. Raquel says he hasn’t had a drink since then, but Ariana thinks it’s too fresh. Raquel says she’s trying to get him where they all want him to be. Stassi wants him to be normal, but he body shamed her best friend. Is Raquel stupid? Raquel tells Stassi not to say she’s stupid, and Stassi tells Raquel that she deserves more. When she was in her early twenties, she thought the same thing. In her interview, Stassi understands what it’s like to be in a relationship with someone sh*tty. We flash back to Jax, some other guy whose name I don’t remember, and Patrick. Stassi says she was defending him constantly; she gets Raquel. Raquel says it’s unwanted wisdom, so Stassi gives up. Other guests don bags, and drink from the fountain. Stassi gets stuck on someone else’s costume. In her interview, she says she’s more relaxed this birthday, and a lot has to do with Beau. He’s the best, and she freaking loves him. She asks if she sounds like Scheana talking about Rob. Her worst nightmare.

It’s almost 2 am, and Stassi takes off her makeup. She texts Beau that she’s tired, and asks him to come to bed. She tries to call, and it goes to voicemail. In her interview, she says she wants him in bed with her at the end of the night, so she knows everything is okay. She wants him to love her, and she wants to know she’s loved. He’s still partying and laughing with the other dudes. She leaves a message. She knows he’s read her texts, and he’s legitimately ignoring her. Being left is a big deal; it kills her. She slams down the phone and cries.

Next time, Stassi confronts Beau about her concern that he’ll leave her, the girls have a smashing party, Stassi’s mother embarrasses her, and a staff meeting is held about James.

🌴 The new season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills premieres on Tuesday, February 9th at 9 pm.

🍝 He Just Can’t Help Himself…

It’s not about the pasta.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2018/12/vanderpump-rules-recap-james-kennedy-slams-cheating-accusations-drunken-rage/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

💋 When I Was Sniffing Around the Bravo Site…

I found Giggy! This pup version of VPR is very cute.

http://www.bravotv.com/vanderpump-rules/season-7/videos/introducing-vanderpup-rules

🔊 More Roll Calls…

Soap Dead

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/remembering-daytime-stars-who-died-2018-169072

SciFi Dead

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2018/12/31/remembering-celebrities-lost-2018/?utm_source=Comicbook.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=190101_005922_Comicbook.com%20Daily%20Newsletter&utm_content=Image

The Walking Dead Dead

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💀 While we’re on the subject, The Walking Dead returns for the back half of its ninth season on February 10th, 2019 at 9 pm.

📺 👀 My Weekend Viewing…

Last weekend, I continued my Downton Abbey binge, but took a break for A Quiet Place. You probably already know the gist of the film. A family has to hide from monsters who find their prey by sound, so there’s precious little of it. This also makes the actors have to work at least twice as hard, so it had to be a labor of love for Jim John Krasinski, as he wrote it, directed it, and starred in it. And I doubt he got three paychecks. He and real life wife Emily Blunt are superb, as are the kids. I was impressed and riveted. Since it’s just premiering on cable, I don’t want to give the ending away, but let me say this. At first, I was like, I want my money back. Then I thought, ‘twas feedback killed the beast. And finally, I was, ha-ha-ha! Girls rule! Catch it if you can

In other viewing, we’re at the Couples Tell All point on 90 Day Fiancé, as I feverishly work on my dissertation of the season. And quite a season it was, with two couples having a baby – one on the scene before the season started, and another born during. There was witchy-poo Leida, who finally trumped Jax for worst human being on earth, and might as well have said she’s just in it for the green card and whatever else she can get. We also have Colt and Larissa, possibly the most popular with the fans, but not necessarily in a good way. I was skeptical of her intentions, since dude lives with his mother and a bunch of cats. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but come on. She’s a hottie from Brazil. I’m not sure what it is he has – I don’t see it – but I think she really wants him. Things went from bad to worse, with Colt’s cousin hammering insults at her while Colt just looked at the sky. Then, on a subsequent occasion, Colt called the police when he couldn’t handle Larissa in an argument. This turned out to be a seriously bad move. Even though he told them not to come, they showed up, and even though he declined to press charges, the state had other ideas. No surprise, this doesn’t look good when applying for a green card. They got married anyway, and, well, a conversation for another blog.

The weirdest thing was, I had a dream about Colt. We were co-workers at a restaurant. I have no idea what that means. Sundays have turned out to give great TV – 90 Day Fiancé, Dirty John, and Return to Amish. It’s a night I’d rather watch than write about, although I take notes on 90 Day Fiancé. That show is such crap, but I could watch it all day. I guess that’s how some people feel about Big Brother. I tried watching that, but I just couldn’t stick with it. Dirty John is at the opposite end of the spectrum, with excellent writing and acting.

In other news, while browsing entertainment articles online, I saw an article praising George Clooney for being “humble and approachable” on the set of Catch-22. Why wouldn’t he be? Why is he being given kudos for something that would be expected at any other job?

👰 A Taste of 90…

Those crazy kids.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2018/12/90-day-fiance-colt-johnson-larissa-dos-santos-filming-next-season-marital-issues/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🎸 I Got Those Post-Holiday Blues…

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Or work…

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Nov20

November 19, 2018 – Ava Sets Up Griff, a Femme Fatale Gathering, Aunt Viv, Aquaman & Some Stones

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Ava slips the sleep aid sample into Sasha’s soup when the tray is unattended. Room service delivers it, and Ava dashes to the door once they’re gone to keep it from closing.

Michael knows the board put Griff through the wringer, and thanks him for sticking it out. Griff says he loves his job and just wants to get back home.

At the hospital, Kiki sees Franco. She tells him classes are going well, she’s training for a half-marathon, and oh yeah, she has a long lost half-sister. He can’t fake surprise, since Nina already introduced them. She says she thought the universe gave her a sister to replace her mom, but karma had the last laugh. Sasha is more than she bargained for.

At Charlie’s, Sam tells Julian that she’s supposed to meet Kristina. Julian says he’ll make her a drink while she’s while waiting. She’s not too sure about that, and he says he serves customers all day, and nothing happens to them. She says they’re not related to him.

Curtis and Jordan have a meal at the MetroCourt. He says she looks radiant. She says tomorrow, she’s marrying her handsome, sexy, incredible fiancé. He says life could be better with one thing, and she tells him, tomorrow. Tonight, she’s getting spa treatments. He says she can’t look more beautiful.

Monica asks Oscar what he thought of the tour of the Quartermaine mansion. He says he had no idea how much the Quartermaines had done for Port Charles. He knew about Lila’s Kids, but not how much they’d done for Charles Street, GH, the botanical gardens. She says he’s one of them, and part of the legacy. She’s shown him how the family has shaped the community, and wonders how he will contribute to the world before he closes the door so easily.

Kim tells Drew when they meet with Diane, they need to be clear on their expectations, and she needs to explain in detail what they need to do to prepare. Drew says they need to know how to prepare themselves for the outcome. Kim says it’s going to be difficult. They won’t have a lot of time to get Oscar ready for the medical trial. Drew says, no. He meant prepare for the other outcome. If Oscar wins, they need to prepare on how to honor his wishes. Kim says he means how to let their son die on his own terms.

Ava peeks into Sasha’s room, and calls her name. There’s no answer, so Ava goes inside, and sees Sasha sleeping on the bed. She says, sweet dreams, princess. She arranges some of Sasha’s underwear on the bed, and pours champagne in to two glasses, putting Sasha’s lips on one. She picks up Sasha’s phone, and texts Griff, saying, sorry about the miscommunication and asking Griff to meet her in her room. She texts that Kiki is on her way too.

Mike insists he’s treating Stella to pie at Kelly’s. She says he treated last time, so she is or she’s going home. Michael comes in, and Mike asks if Michael is there for pie; he’s treating. Mike sees Griff, and thinks he knows him. Stella says he was Mike’s doctor at one time, and Griff says he’s been away a while. Mike tells him to come back already. Griff gets the text, and says he has somewhere to be. Michael has to leave too, and asks for a pie raincheck. When they’re gone, Mike tells Stella, more for them.

Franco asks Kiki, what’s the catch? She says she and Sasha went from zero to besties in a couple of days. They might share the same father, but they don’t share the same ideas and rules, as in boundaries. She’s getting weird vibes from Sasha and Griff. Franco asks who’s coming on to who? and Kiki says Sasha is a little too comfortable. Kiki tried to clear the air, and suggested they get know each other more, and grow their relationship out of the apartment. Franco says Kiki is remarkably adult, but she wonders if she’s inherited her mother’s crazy paranoia; it’s not a good look. She hopes they can be family in a healthy way, but she’s at a disadvantage since she’s only known dysfunctional. Franco says he’ll share the secret. It’s love and trust.

Jordan asks if Curtis has heard from Stella, and he says, nothing. Jordan says she’s changed her mind, and he can stay with her tonight, but he says, no way. Whatever his beautiful bride wants, his beautiful bride gets, traditions and all. She tells him to just be at the church before her, on time. She can’t do it without him. They kiss.

Julian says he heard Sam is Wiley’s godmother. Even though it’s only been a few months, it seems like Wiley has always been there, and soon enough, he will be. He tells her not to worry. He understands that he forfeited being part of Wiley’s life, so that Lucas and Brad could have their son free and clear. Sam asks if he’s going to respect the boundaries. He says if photos and secondhand stories are the only way to share in Wiley’s life, so be it.

Drew tells Kim that they have to face it. If Oscar is emancipated, he can do what wants; they can’t stop him. Kim says she accepted him quitting school, getting a job, moving out, and even hiring a lawyer; but she’ll never accept his decision to throw his life away. He’s her child, and anything she can do to save his life, she’ll do it. She doesn’t care what the court says. Drew says if Oscar wins, and refuses treatment, it’s out of their hands. She says he may be willing to give up, but she isn’t.

Jordan says, for her groom, and gives Curtis a pair of cufflinks. He likes the way she thinks, and gives her a velvet box, for his bride. It contains a bracelet with heart charm. She likes way he thinks too. He says he wants to fill the bracelet with a lifetime of happiness and love.

Kiki tells Franco that, thanks to Elizabeth, he’s come a long way from art’s bad boy. Franco says Kiki started it. She welcomed him into her life, and tamed the lone wolf. Kiki says she saw beyond what he was putting out there. Elizabeth said he was a good guy, and helped him trust it. He should never doubt himself again. The boys are lucky have him in their lives.

Julian says if Sam lets him back in her life, it will be on her terms. She looks at her phone, and says Kristina blew her off for her new friend Daisy. He tells Sam, nice talking to her, and she says, thanks for the drink.

Oscar tells Monica that he liked library. He loves to read, but the headaches prevent it. She tells him there’s a large selection of audiobooks. He wishes he’d met his grandfather and Lila. Monica says they’d be proud of him, and he says they’d think he was a quitter. She asks what he’s done that would make them think that.

Drew asks Kim if she’s planning on ignoring it if the court rules in Oscar’s favor. She asks why he’s shocked. It’s ridiculous to think he has the ability to make his own medical decisions. He’s feeling well enough now, but has no idea what’s to come. What happens when he can’t see any more, and he’s losing his balance. What will they do then? What if he wants treatment, and they’re sorry they took a sixteen-year-old at his word? It will be too late. Is he willing to live with that? She isn’t, and she’s not letting it happen. He asks what she means. She says if they lose the case, she wants to take Oscar out of the country, and force him to have treatment. It’s on them as parents, and the only hope he has. They have to save him.

Griff knocks on Sasha’s door. It opens, and he calls both Sasha and Kiki’s names. He goes in, and sees Sasha sleeping. He asks if she’s okay. Ava comes up behind him and whacks him over the head with the champagne bottle.

Kiki sees Michael, and says she knows the meeting about Griff is confidential, but can he give her any information? He say he spoke on Griff’s behalf, and several other colleagues made statements. She thanks him, but he says it’s not his call. She says she has a good feeling about it. He asks if med school agrees with her, and she says it’s hard work, but she love feeling like she has a purpose, and she’s doing something worthwhile. Remember what a wreck her life was? She’s come s long way. He says she deserves happiness, and knows Morgan would want that for her.

Stella asks Mike if Yvonne likes pie. He doesn’t know, but knows she likes to dance. When it’s music time, she’s the first on the floor. He joins her, since she can’t dance alone. He asks if Stella is jealous, and she says, maybe a little, but she’s glad he’s having fun. A man approaches the table, and asks, Stella Henry? She says, Marcus?

Oscar tells Monica that he’s not a human Guinea pig, so everyone thinks he’s giving up. Monica asks if he would have chosen differently, had he known all along. He doesn’t know. He guesses they’ll never know. Monica asks if he’d like to know what he’s up against. It’s not her specialty, but she read his file, and thinks she could answer any questions. Oscar asks what the brain tumor is going to do to him next.

Kim says a doctor in Brazil has come up with new treatments in amino therapy. They could be there in hours using the Quartermaine jet. Drew says Oscar’s not a little boy anymore. Even if they could get him on the plane, are they going to strap him down and force treatment on him? She says he’ll realize they’re doing it to help him, and he’ll see it’s the best option and accept treatment. Drew says they don’t know the doctor. They’re going to drag Oscar there, and force him into treatment. What if it’s not safe? What if it doesn’t work, or makes him worse? Kim says, that’s not going to happen. He asks if she understands that she’s taking away time she could have with him, and she says what they need is more time – by any means necessary. He says, by forcing Oscar to go to a foreign country for a treatment that may or may not work; if it doesn’t, he won’t be able to live with himself. He’ll be damned if he’ll betray Oscar, and make him be a hostage for what could be his last days of life. Kim says she won’t forgive herself if he dies and he could have been saved by forcing him into treatment.

Ava has apparently taken Griff’s clothes off, and put him in bed with Sasha. And she didn’t even break a sweat. She touches his face, and deletes Sasha from her phone. She sips champagne, and says, to true love.

Back at the hospital, Ava asks Franco if he’s seen Kiki. He says she’s around somewhere, and he can page her, but Ava asks, what would be point? He said she’d regret cutting Kiki out of her life. Now, when Kiki needs her most, and she wants to protect her, she doesn’t know if it’s possible. Franco asks what happened, and she says she saw Griff with another woman. It’s going to break Kiki’s heart.

Kiki appreciates Michael’s support. She regrets breaking up with Morgan, and feels guilty. She loved him. Michael says she deserves every happiness now. It’s been hard fought and won. She should enjoy it. She says she’ll listen if he takes his own advice. He deserves happiness too; to heal, move on, and find something good. He says he’s trying.

Marcus can’t believe it. He hugs Stella. She doesn’t know what say, and he says her being at a loss for words is impossible. She introduces Mike, who says he was sensing they knew each other. Stella says they go way back. Mike asks Marcus to join them. He must have a lot of stories. Mike bets Stella was a firecracker. Marcus says, she was something. Stella had no idea he was in Port Charles. He says his wife is being treated there, and he wanted be as close as possible. She says his wife must be thankful to have him there.

Oscar asks Monica if his headaches will get worse. Monica says they will, but can be managed short term with steroids. He’ll have increased periods of drowsiness. He tells her that his left side is weak. She says it will affect his strength and coordination. Usually more on one side than the other. Oscar asks what’s next, and she says they can’t perfectly predict the order of symptoms, or how they’re presented.

Sam sees Drew sitting on a bench outside Kelly’s, and asks if he’s all right. He’s not, and she asks if it’s Oscar. Did something happen? He says, not yet. It would be great if they could give Oscar more time, so Scout doesn’t lose her brother, and he doesn’t lose his son.

Kim storms into Charlie’s. Julian asks if everything is okay. She asks if he remembers telling her how he distanced himself from his illegal connections. She needs him call everyone he knows. She needs papers and fake passports. He asks, what’s going on? and she says she needs help to kidnap Oscar. It might be the only way to save him.

Franco asks Ava, what happened? She says she saw Griff with Sasha, having an intimate moment at the fundraiser, and again at the MetroCourt. Franco says, it sounds like a one-way street. Ava thought she was imagining things until she saw them go into Sasha’s room. No matter how angry she is, Kiki doesn’t deserve to be devastated like she was. She realizes Kiki won’t listen to her, and doesn’t know how to reach her. Franco says he’ll talk to her. She might not listen or believe him. Ava knows Griff is a liar, and he’ll just deny it. She thinks the best thing is for Kiki to see for herself. As much as it will hurt, the kindest thing is to strip her of her illusions. They’re probably in bed this minute. Franco says he knows what to do, and asks for the room number. He says their little girl needs protection, and he’s going to give it to her.

Marcus says he expected to see Stella again someday, but on the news because she holds a public office. She says she’s scaled back on her ambitions. Mike says she’s being modest. She’s saving the world one social service client at a time. He’s living proof. She says Sonny and Carly are probably looking for him. Mike says he’s going to get some cookies for Avery, and pay the bill. She’ll be able to see him at all times. Marcus says being a social worker suits her. He asks if she got married. Did someone sweep her off her feet? She says she never found the right man.

Jordan tells Curtis she hates to break this up, but she has pampering to attend to. There’s no bachelorette party, just spa treatments. When they walk into this room this time tomorrow, they’ll be side by side for the rest of their lives. They kiss in the elevator.

Sam shows Drew pictures Scout, and tells him about her new favorite spot under the kitchen sink, and how she likes to bang on pots. Like this is an unheard of activity for a child. He thanks her, saying he needed to see his daughter. She looks happy and healthy. He feels like there’s something wrong with him. He sees one kid doing fine, and feels like guilty for betraying the other one who’s not. Sam says it’s not betrayal because he’s glad one kid is okay. Oscar knows Drew would do anything to see him well. Drew says, would he?

Julian asks if Oscar’s hearing isn’t coming up, but Kim doesn’t give a damn. There’s a doctor in Brazil who’s running a similar trial, and agreed accept Oscar into it. Julian asks if it’s on the up and up. Kim says Drew won’t help force Oscar to go. Julian says, it’s a big step, dragging him to another country for treatment he doesn’t want. She says she’s a mother trying to save her child. Can he help her? Will he please help her?

Franco tells Kiki that he needs to talk to her. He doesn’t want to be the one to tell her, but Griff is with Sasha in her room. Kiki says he wouldn’t do that. Franco says someone who loves her saw them. She asks what room? He gives her the number, and says he’s going with her, but she says she’s doing this herself/ She jets before he can stop her. Ava watches.

Marcus is pleased to see Stella after all these years. She says the older she gets, the more she realizes what a small world it is. Michael comes in, saying he got Mike’s message that he needs a ride. Mike tells Marcus that he trusts he’s leaving Stella in good hands, Marcus says he is. Mike tells Stella that he’ll see her later, and leaves with Michael. Stella tells Marcus that he means well, but she’s perfectly capable of finding her way home. Marcus was hoping she’d stay and have coffee with him, so they can catch up.

Curtis suggests he and Jordan practice their honeymoon. That’s a no, but she kisses him. He says he’s going while he still can. She goes into her room, and is met with a bunch of confetti.

Oscar thanks Monica for answering his questions and q not telling him what do. She says as long as he knows what he’s asking of himself and those who love him, she’ll stand by him, no matter what his choice.

Kim says Julian knows people who can get them out. Julian says Oscar has made his wishes known, but Kim says, when he lives, Oscar will forgive him. But if he doesn’t forgive either of them, she’ll hold him in her heart forever for saving Oscar. Julian agrees to help.

Ava asks Franco if he found Kiki. He says he did, and she asks how Kiki took it. He tells her it wasn’t pretty. He didn’t like being the one who hurt her. Ava says he’s not; Griff did. When she sees what a faithless bastard he is, she’ll know he was acting in her best interest.

Griff and Sasha lie sleeping. The door to the room is cracked open.

Tomorrow, Marcus regrets the time he wasted, Curtis says they’re trapped for the night, and Laura wants not-Doc to answer questions.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Emily talks to sister-in-law Shireen about her upcoming party. She tells Shireen she’s ordered props for the photo booth, and wants a flower wall. She’s thinking about celebrating Mother’s Day with the party.

Gina tells mom Susan that she can come to the party, but it’s a femme fatale theme. Susan isn’t too keen on that, so as a consolation prize, Gina asks if she’ll watch the kids.

Vicki asks Steve if anyone will think she’s had tweaking. Steve says, no; she’s smoothed out. Vicki says it’s like tire change, then tells him to erase what she just said.

Shannon tests new food on her daughters. She’s never built her own business, and to start something that she’s created at her age if a real confidence booster. It will also create financial independence, and she won’t have to depend on and ex-husband. The turkey burger is a success. Sophie says she wants to go on birth control for acne and cramps. Shannon says it’s too early for that; is she out of her mind? In her interview, Shannon says she’s not ready to talk about birth control pills. Sophie says all her friends are on it, and Shannon says, good for them. That argument never works, so I don’t know why kids still use it.

Emily, Tamra, and Kelly go to a store called Wicked Chamber. Emily tells owner Bright about her femme fatale party. Tamra wants to look like a ho, and Bright says they can do that. In Emily’s interview, she says, inside every woman is a femme fatale who wants to come out. Tamra sees a whole lot of stripper there, and Kelly says a whole lot of ho. In her interview, Kelly tells us that she frequents the store. Tamra whacks Kelly’s butt with a whip. Emily says her mom is coming, and hasn’t been to California in five years; she’s never met the boys. In her interview, Emily says her mom went into dark depression, and hasn’t left the house in over a year. We flash back to her saying that she wants mom like Gina’s. She says she’s not keeping her mom from the children; she’s isolating herself away from everyone.

Gina calls. She’s having FOMO, and wants talk to Tamra. She says they haven’t talked since her birthday, but she’ll be at her casita tomorrow. She asks Tamra to stop by for a chat. In Tamra’s interview, she says she’s not just mad; she’s hurt. She didn’t think Gina was the kind of person to run to Shannon and talk crap. She wants work things out, but also wants to understand why Gina did that. She asks Emily to pick out a whip for her.

Tamra visits Gina. Tamra says the place is cozy; that’s probably OC for small. She feels badly that she missed Gina’s party, but Gina says it’s not a huge deal, but it was the first birthday dinner in eleven years that she didn’t celebrate with her husband. Tamra feels that she opened up about Shannon, and had never done that with anyone else. Now Shannon is saying Gina told her that everyone is saying she’s mental. We flash back to Gina telling Shannon that they were concerned about her mental health. Gina says that’s a blatant lie. She doesn’t know Shannon as a liar, but her truth is a little skewed. In her interview, Tamra says Shannon gets riled up and exaggerates, but she’s not a liar – she hopes. Gina says if she wanted to screw their friendship, she’d tell Shannon how Tamra said she can’t complain she’s fat for years and do nothing about it, or saying she’s not pulling her weight as a friend. She didn’t repeat those things, and isn’t trying to cause a problem. Tamra understands, and she’s glad they talked. Gina asks if they’re good, and Tamra totally believes they are. In her interview, Gina says she thinks it’s better for a friendship if you admit the stupid sh*t you did and move on. What Shannon tried, backfired.

Emily picks mom Carolyn up at the airport. In Emily’s interview, she says Carolyn just spent two weeks in therapy, and is a different person. She’s on a high, but there’s always the possibility of a low again. Annabelle shows her grandmother a picture she drew of them, and Carolyn says she’s keeping it forever. In her interview, Emily is concerned that if her expectations are too high, she’ll get hurt. Carolyn says she saw the boys when they were born, but not since then. She says she was there when Annabelle was born too. They get to the house, and Emily says they haven’t seen each other for a year. Carolyn says it doesn’t seem that long, and it’s hard to realize she lost a year out of her life. She wants to make up for it. In Emily’s interview, she says you have higher expectations when comes to your family, but when her mother doesn’t meet them, she feels angry, neglected, and upset. She doesn’t realize the progress that’s been made because she’s mad. She tells Carolyn that she’s setting up for the party. Carolyn thinks they’ll have a good time.

Emily gets in a corset. She says she can’t eat or breathe. Shane says looks good. If she turns blue, just apply more makeup.

Kelly has her glam squad making her up. Her date, Alex, is there, and she tells him, it takes a village. They’ve been friends for a while. In her interview, she says that Alex is thirty-five and a realtor. When she and Michael split, he called her, and she realized he’s young and hot. She asks if she looks like a hooker. He says she looks classy; high priced for sure.

Son Nicholas bugs Gina while she gets ready. She tells him that she’s going to party. He wonders if it’s at their house, but she tells him, no. In her interview, Gina says Nicholas definitely knows something is happening, and it’s not good. She’s scared and nervous, because he’s a sensitive child, and probably a ticking time bomb. Whatever Gina says, Alex answers, no. In Gina’s interview, she says how he handles the news depends on how it’s presented, and they need help with that. She’s bringing her outfit with her, because she’s embarrassed in front of her mom.

Tamra gets glammed up. She doesn’t know what hair to go with. Shannon brings out her leather jacket. She’s going to a Poison concert after the party, but Kelly thinks the jacket is too snug. In her interview, Shannon says she grew up in a privileged family, but she’s a rocker, and anything 80s rock, she’s all about it. Tamra thinks the jacket is fine, since she’s not zipping it anyway.

Tamra likes dressing the part. It’s like her sex party. We flash back to her in a lace bodysuit. She has a hang-up with the femme fatale thing; she thinks it sounds like a big orgy. Old ladies in leather get-ups with sagging boobs and whips… could be fun. She tells Shannon that Gina is sticking to guns. They talked, and Gina said she was coming from a place of concern. Shannon wonders what purpose there was in bringing it up if it wasn’t to upset her. Tamra says Kelly started it. Shannon says, of all people, since Kelly can snap. She says Emily is going to diagnose and put labels on her when she threatened someone’s life. Even people who are licensed have to spend a certain amount of time with someone before diagnosing them. It’s irresponsible and unethical to put a medical label on someone. It’s potentially damaging. In Tamra’s interview, she says Emily doesn’t know who she’s messing with. Shannon thinks Emily and Gina are both sh*t stirrers.

Emily says Pary has high expectations, and she doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers. If her mother-in-law is unhappy with her, she could wake up in a condo driving a Jetta. Everyone starts to arrive. Gina gives Shane a hug. In her interview, she says her relationship with Shane isn’t perfect – we flash back to that – but she doesn’t have to be married to him, so it is what it is. She tells Emily about not being able to dress in front of her mom.

Tamra looks like a Bond girl. Shannon comes out in a black and white dress with a matching jacket. She says here comes the old lady in a grandma dress. I wouldn’t go that far, but femme fatale it ain’t. Shannon asks Eddie if he knows Gina and Emily, and says they’re not that nice to her.

Emily is directing people with Tamra’s whip. Gina thinks she has enough going on without one. She’s only worn her thigh-high boots in bedroom. Twice, to make two of the kids. Carolyn is introduced. In Emily’s interview, she says having her mom there feels like she has part of her back. She’s optimistic about rebuilding the future. It won’t happen overnight, but these are steps forward. The rest of the girls arrive, along with their dates. Vicki notices a girl in a champagne glass, and asks if they’re supposed to wave. Tamra’s mom welcomes Carolyn to the club.

Outside on the patio, Gina asks Shannon what’s up with the silence. Tamra says she told Shannon that she and Gina talked about the situation. She thought it would be better if they all talked; the stories didn’t add up. Shannon says she makes a lot of mistakes, but she’s not a liar. Gina felt like when she initially came to the house, she didn’t say particular things, but expressed concern. There had been a lot of talk in Jamaica about Shannon, but she didn’t say those things. Shannon says she blew up at the dinner party up after she had a few shots, but she’s completely sane. We flash back to Shannon being her stupid, screeching self in Jamaica. Shannon tells Gina what was said was very careless and irresponsible. Gina says Shannon’s friends were being concerned, not her. In her interview, Gina says she was just relaying what happened. Don’t kill the messenger.

Gina tells Shannon that she was concerned about what Shannon’s friends were saying and how Shannon is acting. Shannon says she thinks Gina is a pot stirrer. Gina told her that she said Emily was in an abusive marriage. Gina says that never came out of her mouth. We flash back to Emily saying it seems like a pattern in Shannon’s life. Gina tells Shannon she never said that; she must be mistaken. Shannon says Gina tried put her in the responsible area about Emily threatening to kill Kelly. Gina tells her all she said, is that she would have handled differently. Her advice would have been don’t’ do this In her interview, Tamra doesn’t know why she’s talking. Shannon is like her ex-husband. If he’s pissed about something from ten years ago, and she’s still hearing about it.

Vicki tells Steve’s parents that she proposed to their son a couple of times. His mom says he’ll come around when he’s ready, but Vicki says, maybe she won’t be. She says the day they decide, it will be one helluva country western wedding. They’ll be riding up on horses.

Gina tells Shannon that her friends were concerned, but if she’s fine, fine. She’s trying to be Shannon’s friend too. Tamra asks if her intentions were bad, and Gina asks if she’s displayed this pattern. In Gina’s interview, she says Tamra not defending her is upsetting. She has no reason believe Gina would damage her relationships with her friends, but she’s blinded by Shannon’s bullsh*t. She tells Shannon that she doesn’t wish anything bad against her, but she thinks they don’t get each other. Her name won’t come out of Gina’s mouth again. Tamra asks what can be done to make it better.

Vicki tells Susan that she’s done with surgery. The only thing she’s changing about her body is to work out more.

Kelly and Emily join the girls outside. Shannon says she drank a lot more at the dinner, and was more emotional than normal. She’s tired of them questioning her mental capacity. She’s been working hard on being non-reactive. It’s frustrating when she knows she’s making improvements, and she has people asking if she’s okay. My problem here with her, is that she’s acting like it’s the first time she’s gone over-the-top batsh*t crazy. Kelly says she doesn’t want Shannon to have a stroke. In her interview, Kelly says Shannon knows she’s going to be honest. She cares about Shannon, and isn’t there to hurt her, but she doesn’t have to make it hard. Shannon says they haven’t discussed Emily’s diagnosis, and Emily says she didn’t make one. Shannon says, Emily, not only once, but twice, threatened Kelly, and she’s concerned about her mental capacity? Emily says if she hurt Shannon’s feelings or upset her in any way, she takes ownership. It wasn’t her intention, and she apologizes. Shannon keeps talking over Emily, and Gina tries to say something, but Shannon says she and Emily are talking. Well, Shannon is talking. In Gina’s interview, she says Shannon can’t even see when people are trying to help her. Emily hopes they get to a place where they can move forward. In her interview, Shannon has no idea if it was a sincere apology. She just wants is to get to Brett Michaels.

Gina says Vicki got rid of her gobble wobble. Vicki doesn’t know what that is, but if she had one, she wishes someone would have sent her an email. Kelly wants a facelift, and Shannon says, there’s nothing to pull. Vicki asks if Shannon is still going to the concert, and Shannon realizes she has to be there in fifteen minutes. She leaves to change. Tamra says she thinks that went well, and gets silence. Gina shrugs. In her interview, Gina says, it went awesome. Said nobody ever. Tamra says, Shannon is just Shannon. She’s effing amazing. Hmm… not quite the word I would use. One of them anyway.

Kelly points out her date, and how gorgeous he is. Shannon comes out wearing a bandana, all dressed in black, and her leather jacket. She says sorry she has to go, but Emily gets it. She says Shannon looks sexy. In Kelly’s interview, she says Shannon’s behavior is erratic; that’s what’s frustrating for Gina. Shannon promises to take pictures. In her interview, Shannon says life is incredibly good to her. She’s navigating raising three daughters on her own, launching a food like that’s doing incredibly (WOTD) well. She’ll be okay, and so will her kids. She does a selfie in the car. The text tells us she’s ten pounds from her goal wait, and she’s fine with Archie being the man of the house.

Tamra says life is amazing. Gina isn’t feeling that now, but she will. Gina says she has lot to be happy about. The text says she’s in the process of finalizing her divorce. So no sex with Matt – for now.

Vicki tells Steve she appreciates what he’s done for her for the last two weeks. He says it’s been interesting. She says if they’re even going to consider getting married, they should get premarital counseling. He’s down with that, as long as she gives him dessert. I’m not sure if he means, like cake, or it’s a euphemism for something else. In the text, we find out that they haven’t gone yet, and Vicki is still waiting for a ring.

Kelly doesn’t want a boyfriend. She’s never been alone, and it’s scary, but she’s liking it. She tells everyone that Alex has a PhD – a pretty huge d*ck. We read that she’s dating a new guy she met through Shannon, but keeping her bench full, just in case.

Emily appreciates her mom making an effort. They’ve done a 360 from where they were. Isn’t that a 180? Carolyn thanks Emily for her support. She needs and depends on it. We learn that she still wants a daughter. Shane still doesn’t, but she’s paid for embryo storage through 2019. After which, she plans to divorce him. Just kidding.

Tamra and Eddie take a picture with Sandy and Frank. Tamra says this was a rough year. She had Eddie’s heart problems, doctor’s appointments, moving. This year tested her faith. She didn’t know if she was going to lose her husband. It puts things in perspective. The text reads that she and Eddie sold their home, and are moving to a gated community. There’s no need for a housewarming party. Their neighbors are Vicki and Gina.

Gold confetti falls, and everyone dances. Kelly says this group of girls is 100%. They look up to and help each other. Vicki says, being transparent and kind; that’s what friendship is. Emily and Gina goof around, and fall into the pool. Kelly says getting wet is later for her and Alex

Next time – the Reunion Part One will be aired on Sunday at 9 pm, followed by the Dirty John premiere.

🌴 Hey! It’s Aunt Viv…

But this time, she’s Yvonne.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital-yvonne-janet-hubert-168486

🐋 All the Aquaman You Can Handle…

All the Aqua news that’s fit to print.

https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/aquaman/246714/aquaman-movie-trailer-cast-release-date-story-news

🎶 There Are Songs With Tuesday in the Title…

Take it away, Ed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov19

November 18, 2018 – Daryl Gets a Dog, Some Talk, Amish Return, a Dinner & It’s Here Again

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What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

Rosita is being chased through the woods. She stops at a tree for water, but the bottle is empty. She slumps against the tree.

Daryl, Carol, and Henry walk through a different part of the woods. Daryl is carrying firewood, and drops it at his camp near the river. Carol asks if he’s fixed the boat since last time. He’s not being very communicative, and she asks when he last ate. Apparently, he’s acquired a dog – looks like a German Shepherd mix – and he says, the dog ate yesterday. She’s not talking about that.

Michonne and Siddiq are taking Magna’s group to Hilltop. Michonne tells Siddiq he’ll feel better if he says it. Siddiq says she should have let them stay. He thinks she likes them. He’s not hearing her deny it. She says it doesn’t mean she trusts them. Luke says Magna gave Michonne the option not to trust them. She and Kelly want to get back to their camp. Magna wants her knife back. Yumiko tells Michonne, sorry about Magna; she can be hotheaded. She’s been on edge since they lost Bernie. She talks about how he used to wear a horrid shirt. It was like looking into creation in paisley. Magna said it gave her a headache, so he wore it every day for a week. Magna came around on the shirt, like they came around on Magna. Michonne says, like family. Yumiko asks if Hilltop is safe. Michonne says it is, and Yumiko asks what it’s like. Michonne says it’s been a while since she’s been there, and Yumiko says, then how does she know it’s safe? Michonne says she promised her daughter that she’d get them there, and she will. They just have to trust her.

Hilltop is looking good. There are tons of crops, blacksmithing and pottery making going on, and Enid being a doctor. Jesus listens to music on an old gramophone Tara drops by. She says he’s been spending a lot of time with records. She goes over some farming stuff, other operational issues, and a couple of complaints. She tells him, congratulations; he’s been reelected leader. He says, winning is a given when there’s no one running against you. She asks if he still thinks it’s temporary. He wants to check on Tammy’s crops, but Tara says she has a list. He tells her to ask when he gets back

Daryl shoots a snake for dinner, and stabs a zombie with the same arrow after he gets it back. He’s a multi-tasker. Carol asks if he’s just leaving the zombie, and he says it keeps the animals away. She says he’s longer than he said he’d be. He says he likes it; it’s quiet. He asks how the king is, and she says he’s having a hard time letting go. She’s taking Henry to Hilltop. He’s going to apprentice as a smithy. Daryl appreciates the visit, but wonders why she’s really there. She wants him to come with them. They have problems of their own at the Kingdom, and she’d feel better if Daryl could go with Henry. He says he can’t babysit, but she says it’s not like that. Henry is an idealist, like Ezekiel, which is important, but it can be dangerous. Daryl says he has to learn for himself. Like they did.

Magna’s camp has been torn apart. There are a few zombies lurking. Kelly stabs on in the head, and Connie stomps on another’s head. Luke wields a baseball bat. Magna looks through what’s left of her stuff. Siddiq finds a recorder, and says it was the first instrument he learned to play. His aunt gave him one. He had it a week, until his mom decided, for her own sanity, that he liked painting better. I totally understand this. When I was in fourth grade, everyone had to learn to play the recorder, and you could hear the sounds of practicing throughout the neighborhood. It’s a wonder our parents didn’t lose their minds. Michonne says, for her sanity, and takes it from him. Connie signs that Luke is obsessed with saving musical instruments.

Michonne tells DJ to take any weapons. Magna thinks they should get them back, but Michonne says she’s not letting her men take five armed people into Hilltop. If they want their weapons, they can take them, but they’re on their own. If they want a chance at something better, stay with them. Magna wonders how they’re supposed to trust her, when she’s doesn’t trust them. Michonne says then they can take their chances. Yumiko says they didn’t get brought back together just to be killed. She asks if they’ll be there by morning, and Michonne says they will. Yumiko says they have a real chance for a safe place. The sun is going down soon, and Michonne suggests they find shelter.

Aaron is riding out of the woods, and gets knocked off his horse by Jesus. Aaron says, rule number one – be aware of your surroundings. Jesus says, rule number one – look up. They spar Jesus says, not bad, and gets the best of Aaron. Aaron whacks Jesus in the face, and Jesus acts like he’s really hurt. When Aaron asks if he’s okay, Jesus gets the better of him again. When they’re done, Aaron says he heard it was election day. Jesus says that’s why he’s late. There was a party, and it’s hard to get away as it is. Aaron doesn’t suppose Maggie changed her mind about the fair. It’s important for the Kingdom; for all of them to come back together. They see a flare go up in the distance.

The find Rosita, bloody, and leaning against a tree. Aaron asks where Eugene is, and she says she left him. He was going to a barn. Zombies come toward them. Jesus says they have to go; it will be dark soon. Whatever barn Eugene is in, Jesus hopes he’s safe until tomorrow,

Daryl cooks up the snake. Carol is impressed. Henry wonders if the real reason they came here was that Carol wants Daryl to be his chaperone. This guy? He can handle himself. Daryl says it will be ready in thirty minutes, and Carol says, just enough time. Daryl says, for what?

Carol gives Daryl a haircut. He knows she thinks He’s still looking for him. Carol says, is he? She thinks he should let it go, and that his hair looks better. They eat. Henry asks how Daryl got his scars. Daryl calls the dog, who he just calls dog.

Michonne is on watch, and hears something. She goes inside a stable. She walks quietly past the horses, where there’s a dude at a workbench with his back to her. She comes up behind him, and says, drop it; turn around slow. It’s Luke. He says, he can’t. He starts to turn, and she whacks at him. Everyone comes running. Luke shows them his broken violin. I think Michonne might be just a little paranoid.

Henry wakes up, and leaves the tent. He thinks he sees Daryl from behind, and shines a light. It’s a zombie instead, but Daryl arrives in time to knife it in the head. He keeps walking. He hears Dog barking, and runs in that direction. Dog is tethered to a tree and several zombies are stuck in Daryl’s traps around him. Why are they doing this to me? Introducing another animal which will no doubt eventually get eaten. I’ve gotten to the point where, if a dog is introduced in a horror story I’m reading, I stop reading. Dog is surrounded, barking his head off, with the zombies reaching for him. Daryl approaches. A half-zombie grabs at him. He goes down, and loses his knife. Henry wants to help, but Daryl tells him, get back. Daryl manages to get his other knife out, and stabs, spears, and pikes the heads of the zombies. Henry is astounded. A zombie whose ankle is held in a trap, pulls itself free, leaving its foot behind. Henry jumps forward, and impales it. Daryl finishes the job. He says he told Henry to stay back, and Henry says, you’re welcome. Up on the hill, Carol has her bow drawn. She steps back so they don’t see her.

Jesus asks Enid how Rosita is. Enid says she’s okay, just dehydrated. He says it’s weird, seeing her after all this time. She says for her too. She asks Jesus what they were doing out there, and Jesus says, training. He’s been talking to Aaron, keeping the lines of communication open. Enid says, and avoiding being there. He wants to try to get Alexandria on board with the fair. She doesn’t think they’ll go along with it. Jesus says, it’s important, and Enid says people are noticing that he’s gone, that’s important too. She knows he thinks he’s just keeping a promise to Maggie, but he took the job. Stop pretending. She’s not there; he is. Maggie is counting on him. They’re counting on him. She’s counting on him. He needs to stay there, and keep the place together.

Daryl gets dressed, and Henry looks at the scars on his back. He tosses Henry some salve, saying it’s good for infection. Daryl thanks Henry for the help, and Henry thanks Daryl for saving him. He asks Daryl not to tell his mom. Daryl tosses a stick for Dog to fetch. He says that he’s seeing more and more zombies. Henry tells him that Carol says he’s her best friend; that she had his back no matter what. She misses him. She worries about him. Can he see that? Daryl asks if that’s what Henry wants. Daryl looking over his shoulder all the time. Henry says it’s not just about him.

Luke says, unbelievable. Michonne starts talk, but he’s like, uh-uh-uh. He says it’s an original Stradivarius. Kelly says he found it in a mansion before it was overrun. It was in a kids room. Michonne asks why he collects instruments, and Luke says, it’s art. For a long time, historians and archaeologists wondered how humans survived against the Neanderthals. With them being bigger and stronger, with better weapons, why are we still here? Why did we survive? He tells her about a flute found in a cave, and how it was realized that maybe ancient humans didn’t defeat the Neanderthals the way we look at defeat. They sat around the campfire, sharing stores, and told stories in music and painting. They created communities and identities. The communities they built grew, and the Neanderthals retreated, and died out. It’s what separates humans from animals. It brings people together in building something, and you can’t ignore that. Michonne says after all he’s seen and done, he still believes that’s all it could take? Luke says, survival of the fittest. Sharing art with each other makes them stronger. Michonne ponders this.

Michonne tells Siddiq that they’ll reach Alexandria before Hilltop, and can stop for supplies if they need them. Siddiq says she should come. It’s the least she can do after murdering Luke’s violin. Michonne thinks it’s for the best, but Siddiq tells her, don’t worry about Maggie. She doesn’t know what to do if they see each other, but Siddiq says, she’s gone. Jesus runs Hilltop now. Michonne asks where she is, and DJ runs in saying, walkers; let’s move. They run out, Michonne in the lead. Yumiko says they need their weapons. Magna uses a brick to smash a zombie in the head. Zombies start pouring in. Michonne tells DJ to get the new people their weapons. Kelly gets a slingshot thing going. The horses start getting agitated, and Michonne says, sh*t. Yumiko tells the others they know what to do. Connie and Kelly work their slingshots. Luke opens the doors of the cars in the lot, so the zombies are blocked. Yumiko uses an arrow to knock an awning down, crushing several zombies. Magna saves Yumiko’s ass when a stray zombie sneaks up on her. A zombie toddles toward them, wearing a paisley shirt. Magna is sadly transfixed, and the others stare, open-mouthed. As Bernie gets close to Magna, Michonne knifes him from behind. Siddiq says, let’s go, and urges Magna to move. They all look at Bernie’s body as they go past.

Daryl tells Carol, ready in ten minutes. Hey, she’s using one of my coffee cups. It’s metal, blue with flecks of white, for camping.

The group headed for Hilltop travels on. Everyone is bummed. Michonne says she knows what it’s like to worry about a friend, and feel guilty. Yumiko says they’ll feel better when they have home, and are safe. Michonne says they will. This is as far as she’s going. Siddiq apologizes for not telling her about Maggie sooner. She asks, where is she? and Siddiq says, someplace far away; a new community. That’s all he knows. He understands she wanted the information sooner, but he promised someone he wouldn’t. This means Michonne can come. She should. Michonne says she’s needed back home. She kept her promise to Judith. Siddiq says what about her promise to him? She says, it’s not that simple. They hear horses approaching.

Two men ride up to them. They’re carrying spears, and Michonne asks if they’re From Hilltop. They are, and Michonne says her group is from Alexandria. They’re headed there now. One of the men says they have a message. Hilltop has one of their own – Rosita. She’s been injured. Michonne tells them to let them know that Michonne and the others are headed to Hilltop. The men ride off. Michonne giddyaps. Luke tells them, hold up, and they stop. Connie sees something. They wait, as she looks around, but then she signals, it’s nothing.

Daryl rides into Hilltop. Henry wonders if Enid will recognize him; he’s bigger. Jesus says it’s a pleasant surprise. He asks what brings them there, and Carol says Henry has a stubborn interest in blacksmithing. Jesus says they can help with that.

Aaron tells Daryl that they found Rosita pretty banged up, and Eugene is missing. They’re headed out to find him now, and could use a good tracker. Daryl says he’s going. Henry wants to go too, but Carol says they need to get him settled in. Jesus says he knows where to start looking. Jesus tells Enid that he should go. She says she’ll stay, but next time, he does. Dog leads the way, Daryl follows, and the search party heads out.

Next time, Aaron says he’s never seen zombies do this before, Rosita wants to leave, Jesus kicks zombie ass, and Eugene says, it’s not a normal herd; they’re whispering to each other.

🔊 I don’t know what that fair business is about, but on Talking Dead tonight, Dan Fogler (Luke) said there was something musical coming up. That made me wonder if there’s a connection. Also, Michael Cudlitz (the late Abe) had his directorial debut with tonight’s TWD episode.

🐎 Return to Amish returned to the small screen tonight, but I have to catch it on the flipside. I can’t wait to see what Mary Schmucker, the grandmother of my dreams, and the gang are up to. Some new members have also been added to the cast.

✈ My Dinner with Hervé is on HBO rotation, and Peter Dinklage is so good, he’ll make you cry. About the tragic life (and death) of Hervé Jean-Pierre Villechaize, it goes far beyond dinner. The performances are brilliant, and the story of a frustrated artist shows incredible insight into a too-brief life.

🍹 It’ll Be All Right...

Sure, Mondays are just fine if you live in Margaritaville.

 

Nov14

November 13, 2018 – An interruption, Drew’s Decision,Worst Bosun Ever, Lala Flips Out, Grindhouse on Rotation & a Lap Dance

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Last night, I was about to publish, and poof! my internet disappeared. Since my husband gets up at the crack of dawn and was already sleeping, I left him a note. This morning, his note on my note said there was an electrical fire at Penn Station in NYC. Whether these things are related, I have no idea, but regardless, it’s back, and so am I.

General Hospital

Sorry, I missed the very beginning. If someone had told me that one day I’d be cooking lunch for dogs, I would have laughed. Moving on.

Carly tells Jason that she got a voicemail from Sonny last night saying he wasn’t coming home. He’s not replying to her calls or texts, and she’s getting worried. She doesn’t know what’s going on.

Margaux wakes up. Sonny says, she lives.

Mike thanks Stella. He appreciates everything she does. He knows she’s his case worker, but she goes above and beyond. She says she does it because she likes him, and would like to think she’s also his friend.

Margaux asks what time it is. Sonny tells her, last he checked, it was a little after seven. She has to get back to work, and Sonny says she’s probably hung over. She says, thanks to him. He gives her some coffee. It’s not his brand, but it’s what was in the kitchen. He says he’ll drive, and get them back to Port Charles in no time. She asks why he stayed there last night, and he says he knew how upsetting it was when she found out the truth. She says just because her mother put Skully up to it, doesn’t mean Sonny is blameless. Staying there didn’t absolve him from his sins. He says she was in no condition to be left alone. Being betrayed by your parents is a terrible thing. Margaux wants to get going. Both of their phones ding, and Sonny says, what the hell? His wife was back in for questioning about a murder.

Carly tells Jason, all Sonny said was that he was handling a situation out of town. Jason says he was looking for leverage against the DA; he must have found something. Sonny can handle it by himself, and he was focused on getting answers about Ferncliff. Carly asks if he has any information about her neighbor. He tells her that they found Nelle in the room. She’d been transferred from Pentonville, and was sitting on the floor, cradling a blanket and singing a lullaby to it. Carly says Nelle took a page out of her playbook, but Jason says she was nowhere near as convincing. Carly says she managed to fool the doctors. Jason tells her that he and Sam exposed her. She’s being reevaluated, and will be transferred back. That makes Carly happy, but still doesn’t answer her question. He says they couldn’t find her neighbor; he wasn’t there. He’s either transferred, released or dead. Carly says if he died, Ferncliff would do whatever they could to cover it up. Maybe he was transferred. She can’t imagine him being released, although if he was released before Halloween, the police might have someone else to question.

Curtis asks Jordan if she isn’t wasting time. Does she really think Carly is capable of a beheading. Jordan tells him it’s privileged information, but she’s mostly ruled Carly out. Her story checks out, but because of the strands of hair, she can’t eliminate Carly completely. Curtis says it sound like they were planted. Jordan suspects as much, but she’s grappling with the true motive. Was Mary Pat the main target, or was the real goal to set up Carly? And if so, why?

Sonny asks if Margaux is still after his family, but she says she had nothing do with it. She just got the text at the same time he did. There was DNA evidence, and Carly had to be called in again, but she wasn’t charged. Sonny wants to get on the road; Carly must be wondering where he is. Margaux asks what he told her.

Jason asks why Carly didn’t call him, and she says she used her one call for Diane. She was tired when she got home, and had to explain things to Josslyn. In the morning, she had to get Mike out, and Sonny wasn’t there to help with any of it. Jason knows she’s dealing with a lot, but when something happens, she needs to tell him. She wonders why he’s so concerned about her security. He says someone was just decapitated. It was a nurse she hated, and the body was found in Ava’s gallery with her DNA on it. She doesn’t think Ava would have the gall to do it, but he says it’s possible the killer was setting her up.

Curtis says if Carly isn’t the primary target, the murder might have been a means to an end. It’s ideal to set her up. The nature of the attack is vicious, and seems personal. Jordan says it’s disturbing. To shock and horrify is the hallmark of a serial killer. Maybe Franco is right, and if the killer is putting on a show, this isn’t the end.

Josslyn tells Cameron that her mother is still a person of interest. The victim was decapitated. How could they think she was involved. Cameron says it’s messed up, but tells her, don’t worry; it will blow over. Josslyn tells him that her mom said, keep acting like normal, whatever that means. Cameron says Josslyn is going through a lot. Does she want to keep pretending? Josslyn says it’s working. Even Oscar’s mother thinks they’re dating

Kim tells Drew that Oscar needs someone who shares his interests and speaks his language; someone whose opinion carries weight with him. Drew asks if she’s talking about Josslyn. She’s the last person Oscar wants to know. Kim says she was so desperate, she turned to a teenager for help. She went to Josslyn’s house, but saw she’d moved on with Cameron. She seemed happy, and it was surreal; being a normal teenage is so far out of Oscar’s reach. She ended up not saying anything. Josslyn can’t give Oscar what he needs, and Oscar would see it as a betrayal of trust. That’s why they have to fight him in court. They can’t allow him to refuse the medical trial. Monica overhears, and says, Oscar wants to do what?

At Charlie’s, Oscar asks Alexis if there’s been any progress with his case. She’s petitioned the court for a hearing, and says they’re sympathetic to the December 1st deadline for the medical trial. She asks how he feels, and he says he’s having headaches, but nothing he can’t handle. Alexis says he has to go over a few more things, and hands him a million papers. He has to decide whether to go for a GED or high school diploma, and go over health insurance information. It’s important that he review everything. He says he doesn’t know how any of that works. He just thought he had to prove he could make his own medical decisions. She says he has to show court he can live like an adult, and asks if he’s sure he’s ready to handle this. He says he needs to focus on one thing at a time. She says it’s complex, but he has to do it if he’s serious. Oscar says he’ll make it work. Julian says, speaking of work… and Oscar goes back to it. Alexis tells Julian that he’s a good kid. Julian says, he is, and he thinks he knows what she’s doing.

Drew tells Monica that Oscar doesn’t want waste time with a medical procedure that might not work or leave him brain dead. Kim says he doesn’t understand it’s his only option. Monica knows the situation well, and can see the fear and frustration they’re feeling. Her adopted daughter Emily had to make a similar choice. Drew says Scout is named Emily Scout after her. Monica explains that Emily’s mom was her best friend, and she and Alan adopted Emily after her mom died from breast cancer. When Emily was diagnosed with it, she refused treatment. She was sure the cure was worse than the disease, seeing her mother go through chemo that did no good. Kim asks if she died, and Monica says she managed to beat the cancer; she accepted treatment at the last minute. Unfortunately, she was murdered years later. Kim says she’s sorry, and Monica says she’s telling her because she understands what they’re up against. Kim asks what changed Emily’s mind about the treatment, and Monica says someone who loved her convinced her.

Josslyn tells Cameron that their astronomy project was her favorite homework assignment of the entire year. He tells her, stick with the expert. She asks if he still has the keychain, and he shows it to her with his housekeys on it. She says, no pressure if he doesn’t like it. He says he likes it for real. She knows she asks for a lot. Cameron says he could say no, and Josslyn says she didn’t give him that option, but he came through. She’s grateful, not just because she wants Oscar to regret breaking up; she has a good time with him. Last night was fun, except for the cops showing up. She wonders what Kim wanted. It had to be about Oscar. She tells Cameron she’s hungry, and drags him out.

Kim tells Monica that she thought she’d ask Josslyn to intervene, but Oscar would see it as another betrayal. Monica says the young man Emily loved was a deciding factor, along with the love of her family. Kim says, unfortunately, Oscar doesn’t think too highly of his parents right now, but Monica says he’ll come around. She’ll hope for the best, and if they need her, call. She leaves.

Carly tells Jason that she thought it was a set-up, but it hadn’t occurred to her that she might be a target. Jason asks, what about Ava? Carly says she had the same instinct, to think Ava would do this, but it’s not her style. As much as she despises Carly, it doesn’t feel like her. Jason says, worst case, she’s on some freak’s radar. Sonny comes in, and says he’s sorry Carly had to deal with the cops alone. Diane filled him in, but he should have been there. Carly asks, where was he?

Drew says it’s crazy. When he thinks about Emily, he can’t help smiling. It also hurts. He feels like he knew her and loved her, but he never met her. As irony would have it, all the people who are part of his past, who were important to him and loved him; he doesn’t know who they are. Look at them. They share a beautiful son, but he has no recollection of how it happened. Kim is sorry he can’t get his memories back. Drew says, that’s not entirely true. He was presented with another opportunity.

Mike comes in, apologizing to Sonny and Carly for interrupting. Stella took him to the farmer’s market, and they decided to have breakfast, but he forgot his wallet. Stella says he insisted on coming back, even though she’s treating. Sonny says Mike likes to treat – always. Mike asks if he just got home, and Sonny says he had business out of town. Stella tells Mike that she’ll wait in the car. Mike asks if everything is all right, and Sonny has good news. Everything that happened in Croton is over. Mike asks what he means, and Sonny says he didn’t want it weighing on Mike anymore. What happened years ago, is finished. Mike tells Sonny, if he says so. Carly asks if Mike is taking Stella to Kelly’s, but he says they’re going to Charlie’s; she likes the eggs. He gets his wallet and leaves. Sonny says it’s great that he doesn’t remember; he’s better off. Jason asks what Sonny means by finished. Carly asks where he was, and Sonny says, in Jersey with Margaux.

Margaux walks into the interrogation room, saying she didn’t mean to interrupt. Curtis says he’s on his way out, and tells Jordan, no carrot cake under any circumstances. Jordan agrees. When he’s gone, she asks Margaux if she was out late. Margaux says, that obvious? Jordan asks what’s the occasion, but Margaux says she wasn’t celebrating. Jordan asks if she’s okay.

Kim asks Drew, what kind of opportunity? He says the flashdrive was found, and she asks if he means the one with the baseline of his memories. He says, yes, and she asks if that means his memories can be restored. He says, it’s more complicated than that, but yes. Kim asks if he’s considering it. He says he ruled it out at first. Kim says, isn’t it everything he wanted? Drew says, not everything. The risks are too high. He could lose the memories he formed there. Kim says he said he ruled it out at first. Does that mean he’s reconsidering? Drew says he feels like a hypocrite. He’s asking Oscar to risk everything to restore his life to the fullest, but he’s not doing the same for his own life.

Alexis asks what Julian thinks she’s doing. He says she made a big show of taking the case. She was full of principles, and taking the moral high ground. He thinks she believes Oscar has the right to decide his fate, but thinks he won’t go through with it. That’s why she’s showing him how tough life can be if he splits with his mom. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Cameron and Josslyn come into Charlie’s, all happy and talking. Oscar sees them.

Sonny tells Carly and Jason that he confronted Margaux’s mother. She freaked out, and went for the letters. Margaux heard because he was wearing a wire. Imagine the irony. Carly asks how she reacted. Besides getting drunk. Sonny says she was hurt bad. Carly says she must know her mother didn’t pull the trigger. After the initial shock passes, she’s going to come after him harder than before.

Stella asks Mike to tell her about his lady friends, and he says none of them are as pretty as she is. She says, of course not; she’s fabulous. Mike says there might be one he enjoys hanging out with more than the others; Yvonne. Stella says, she’s a lucky lady. Tell Yvonne that she’d better do right by him, or answer to her. Curtis comes in, and sees Stella smiling.

Oscar tells Cameron and Josslyn someone will take their order shortly. Josslyn asks how he’s been, and Oscar says, cool, and asks what brings them there. She says they’re getting breakfast to go before school. She adds Oscar must get as much as he wants since he works there, but Oscar says he’s not that into it. Josslyn says she hasn’t seen him at school. How’s the new girlfriend? He says, okay. Josslyn excuses herself, and Oscar asks if Cameron is still telling him Josslyn is just a friend. Cameron says, no.

Kim says as much as Drew sympathizes with Oscar’s position, they’re his parents. Like it or not, they have to make the decisions they think best for him. She thinks it’s a case of do as I say, not as I do. Drew says, it would mean more to lead by example. Kim says he’s not thinking of going through with the procedure, is he?

Stella asks if Curtis would care to join them. Curtis says he’s meeting with the wedding planner for a cake taste. He just picked up the rings. He shows the rings to them, and Mike says, nothing but the best. Curtis says he’s only doing this once, so he wanted to make it worthwhile. He still hopes Stella will be there when he marries the woman he loves. She says she can’t, but the rings are beautiful. Any woman would be proud to wear them. Curtis walks away, and Mike says it’s a shame she won’t be there to see Curtis place the ring on his bride’s finger.

Oscar asks if Josslyn and Cameron are dating for real. Cameron says Josslyn needs someone she can count on; who respects and understands her. They like each other, and have fun together. If Oscar wants him to promise nothing is going to happen, he can’t. Josslyn comes back, and says they have no time to wait. She starts walking to the door. Cameron and Oscar look at each other, and Josslyn asks Cameron if he’s coming. Cameron leaves, and Josslyn turns back to look at Oscar.

Kim tells Drew, there’s no comparison. He went through an experimental treatment. The amino trial was studied for years, while his experience was based on a wing and a prayer. Drew says he’s not going through with it. He can’t risk losing the memories he’s made; his family, his kids, the people he’s grown to love. He doesn’t want to give up on the life he made here, and he’s no more willing to give up on Oscar’s life.

Monica goes to Charlie’s, and asks if Oscar is playing hooky. He says he’s working, and she asks how much he makes under the table. He says he pays taxes, but she says, not today. They’re spending the day together. She gives Julian some money, saying, that should cover it. She and Oscar have stuff to talk about.

Jordan tells Margaux, no wonder she was drinking. She can’t imagine how it felt. Margaux says, anger, sadness, numbness; she doesn’t know what thing do with the information. Jordan thinks she does know. Jordan is the top cop, and Margaux was hoping she’d take it out of her hands, and bury it or pass it along. Margaux doesn’t know if she can do this. Jordan says it’s her choice to make. It’s unsubstantiated, but she has to decide if closing the case is worth sending her mother to prison.

Sonny tells Carly and Jason there’s no evidence to tie him in to the murder. Jason asks if there’s any chance Skully told Jeanette. Sonny says, she was desperate. If she’d had any idea, she would have thrown it in his face. Carly says they’re back where they started. Margaux will just try to get him for something else. Sonny says he doesn’t think so. When Margaux found out the truth, it broke her. He didn’t feel good about it. Carly asks if he feels sorry for her, and Sonny says it’s not his choice. There’s no way he can undo what happened. Like there’s no way to undo how his life turned out. Margaux lost her father twice because of him. Once, when she was a girl, and last night she lost mother too. He feels badly, but should have been there for Carly. He apologizes, and Carly says she’s all right. Jason says, it’s been a tough 24-hours, and Carly might be right. Margaux has to be angry, and if she can’t take it out on her mom or Skully, she might take it out on the next best thing – Sonny.

Margaux looks at her phone.

Tomorrow, Willow announces Career Day at school. Curtis wonders why Nina hasn’t RSVP’d for the wedding, and Sasha tells Valentin the longer she stays, the more she risks being found out.

Below Deck

Caroline whines that she’s never been treated like this. Grounded like a child. She thought by working in yachting, she’d meet cool people, but that’s not the case. She feels singled out. She tells Rhylee that Kate told her if she didn’t get better, she’d have to go home. Well, yeah. You have to do the job you’re getting paid for. Not just ride around on the luxury yacht. Josiah wants Cheetos. Rhylee asks Ashton is he had a good time last night. She did. In her interview, Rhylee says Ashton only expresses interest when he’s drunk. She’s thirty-three. If she wants a fling, she’ll make the booty call.

Chandler goes over what they need to do with the deckhands. Rhylee sees the checklist, and Chandler asks her to spot clean the cushions. In his interview, Chandler says he and Rhylee could never be friends, but as professionals, they need to suck it up. He knows the captain is watching closely, so he definitely wants to redeem himself, and prove he’s the bosun Captain Lee hired.

Ashton is doing the windows in the harness. Kate gives Josiah an update on Caroline’s foot, and says she doesn’t think Caroline is lying. Caroline comes in, and says she’s not lying. In her interview, Caroline says if they’re going to talk behind her back, at least make sure she’s not there. Geez, she’s just a little paranoid. Kate tells her that sometimes crew members will fake injuries because it’s a lot of work, and she doesn’t think it’s the case here. She doesn’t think you can fake a swollen foot. In Kate’s interview, she says she’s already carrying Caroline’s weight when she’s in top health, so when she got injured, it was like, why are you here?

It’s preference sheet time. Four days, ten people, two of them children. Torrie and Albert are a power couple from St. Pete, Florida. Kate says, the four-year-old likes both sparkling and still water. One guest is gluten-free, low carb; several have allergies; and one child has a severe peanut allergy. They’ll have to make sure anything remotely peanut is off the boat. Adrian says they’re like a Japanese puzzle. Kate says, they probably met at a support group for dietary restriction weirdos. Their requests are a pig roast, snorkeling, a white party, and the water toys. Captain Lee says the children are not to be without life jackets when outside of the interior. There’s no margin for error. He says kids are dangerous as hell. He can’t impress upon everybody how important that is.

Caroline tells Ashton that Kate and Josiah were talking about her, saying they don’t think she’s lying. Ashton thinks they like gossip. In his interview, Ashton says you can feel like very much a part of the crew or at the opposite end, and extremely alone. He tells Caroline not to let it bother her. He understands where she’s coming from, and feels for her. He finds a pair of the captain’s underwear in with his clothes, and throws them at Caroline.

The captain asks Chandler if he took care of the issues they discussed, and Chandler says, it’s been good. Captain Lee tells Chandler that he has to have a clear line of communication, so there’s no confusion. In his interview, Captain Lee says with ten people, and two of them kids, they’ll need eyes on them all the time. It stretches the limit of their abilities. He tells Chandler, safety is paramount. There’s no room for error.

Kate tells Caroline the charter is going to be intense. They’re going to have extra guests and children, staying for an extra night. Kate asks if she can work at 100%. Caroling says she can. Kate says she can’t give Caroling extra breaks, because there’s going to be so much work. Josiah says it’s great that Caroline is back to work. They’re exhausted, and really need three stews. Kate says she’s happy Caroline is able to stay and work.

In Ashton’s interview, he says Rhylee has a strong personality. She and Chandler are pissed off at each other, but the way she’s handling herself makes it harder. The provisions come in. Kate says she sees a deer. No, Kate. It’s a pig for the roast. How city is she? The captain tells them to get in their whites, and meet on the aft deck asap.

The captain says here comes trouble on wheels, and welcomes the guests on board. Kate gives out flower crowns. In her interview, Kate says it’s not often there are children on a charter. People who spend a lot of money for vacation, spend a lot of money to leave the kids at home. Kate gives the tour. Kate explains the captain’s orders for life jackets for the kids. At least the parents are telling the kids to say please. The yacht heads out.

Kate tells Caroline to flip it, turn it, fold up the laundry. Josiah dances to that, and Caroline is over it. In Ross’s interview, he says the four-year-old reminds him of his son, who’s also four. His reward at the end is going home to see his kid. Rhylee asks Chandler about the game plan. They should have everything out within fifteen minutes of anchorage. Albert says the kids eat what they do, not chicken fingers. Josiah says they’re already adults. When he was their age, he just wanted burgers ad fries. The four-year-old, Pearson, wants to bang a starfish on the table. Torrie tells him that she’ll give it back after they eat, and he cries. Kate tells Josiah that she will turn this yacht right around. Ha-ha-ha!

Lunch is served. The kids actually seem cute, but I’m only seeing clips of them. Kate tells Adrian that Master Pearson is not loving the vegetables. They drop anchor. Ashton asks Rhylee to do something, and she questions it because it’s contrary to what Chandler said. It irritates Ashton when she does that, and she tells him, calm down. Rhylee complains to Ross that Chandler said to bring all the stuff out, Ashton told her not to do anything, then said to do what she wants. She’s not questioning what he was saying. Ross gets it. Chandler gripes that there’s nothing in water. They start getting everything ready, and Albert says he just wants the jet skis and trampoline today, and the slide on another day.

Caroline tells Adrian someone thinks she’s faking her injury. In Adrian’s interview, he says she’s bringing the vibe down on the whole boat. It’s draining to have someone around who’s always complaining and moping. Some of the guests do jet skiing; the kids play on their tablets. Kate tells Caroline to gather white décor from around boat.

Josiah asks Caroline, what’s up? She says she’s collecting white things. He questions what she’s gathering, and she tells him to take over. In her interview, Caroline thinks there’s a lack of communication in the interior. It’s bullsh*t. Kate says it’s a lot of pressure on Adrian. Ross tells Ashton that he spoke to Rhylee, and Ashton admits he was grumpy. Josiah asks Chandler how it’s going, and Chandler thinks it’s good. I think Chandler doesn’t know what’s going on. Ross says Rhylee needs clear instructions. Ashton understands where she’s coming from.

Kate tells Adrian, 7:30 for dinner. Kate and Josiah decorate the table for the white party. Adrian makes potato leek vichyssoise, and Albert is into it. Not so much the rest of the guests. Adrian says with ten people, who like everything different and have allergies, it stifles his creativity. He can’t be as free flowing, and needs to be calculated. He stresses, and it pisses him off.

Black Angus steak is served, but the guests don’t seem thrilled. One says the steaks are overcooked, and gives it a two out of ten. Ouch. The complain that it’s dry and bland. Kate relays that to Adrian. Ross calls Kai, his baby mama, who tells him that he has to talk to their son about hitting people. In his interview, Ross says he was immature when he and Kai were together, and they broke up. He hopes they can eventually work something out, but right now, Kai needs time to herself. She deserves to be happy. Torrie tells Caroline that for a general preference, they’d like steaks rarer. Caroline says she’ll pass the word on. Josiah tells Kate, but she’d rather not pass along the feedback. Adrian is amazing. In Kate’s interview, she says it’s not great when the guests don’t love the food, but Adrian didn’t have a lot of time, and she thinks he’s in a funk.

Adrian asks if Caroline is okay. In his interview, he says she’s bringing the vibe down on the whole boat. You never know what you’re going to get. She asks if he appreciates feedback, and when he says, yes, she tells him the guests want more sauce, less dry. In Adrian’s interview, he says he’s happy she told him, but he’s not appreciating her vibe. He knows she’s not happy, but don’t project it on him. He tells her that he understands she’s not doing well, but – and she says, keep to herself? He says he can see it on her face. She says he doesn’t know what she’s dealing with; it has nothing to do with the boat. He says his father just passed away, and he doubts it’s that. She asks if it’s a competition? He says, no, but they all have a lot of sh*t going on. She tells him to stop judging her. He says they’re all working together, and if she’s in a mood, it gets put on everyone. If she can’t handle sh*t, step up. She tells him it’s none of his business, and he says, it is. She’s sorry he has the misfortune of working with her, and he says he is too.

Kate says kids on boats are lots of work. The only benefit is they go to bed after dinner. Kate tells Caroline that she’s on at 6:30. She asks if Caroline is crying, and Caroline says she’s trying not to. She babbles about Adrian telling her not to be all sad because it affects him, and he’s sad enough because his dad died a month ago. Kate says it probably wasn’t the best delivery, but the advice is sound. Be her bubbly, upbeat self, and she’ll feel better.

Caroline looks for sugar, and Adrian ignores her. In Caroline’s interview, she says Adrian acts like he’s all about positive energy and rainbows, but it’s bullsh*t when he’s telling her to suck it up and deal with it. The captain tells Ashton the guests are going on a stingray excursion, and to make sure the tender is packed. In his interview, Ashton says dinner wasn’t his best performance. At the beginning of his career, he was called yes, but, since he always had an excuse. He doesn’t know everything, and he’s not perfect. If he’s always defending himself, he won’t learn. The guests are happy with breakfast. Pearson wants to be the boss when he grows up. I think he already has that job.

The captain tells Kate that 2 o’clock is the deadline for the guests getting to the excursion on time. Chandler calls for the water slide, and tells Rhylee to focus on getting out the stuff for the guests. Kate tells Torrie about the excursion. Chandler says they do the same thing every charter; today is no different. Ross says he thought the guests were going on an excursion. Chandler is like, what? and asks the captain about it. In his interview, Captain Lee says it’s a big deal. He doesn’t want deer in the headlights; he wants the light to go on over their heads. Ross says they’re leaving in an hour, and Chandler is wasting time getting stuff out. It makes no sense.

Caroline takes drink orders that are complicated. Something involving cucumber, jalapeno, and Prosciutto. She somehow gives the information to Kate after asking twice. In her interview, Kate says it’s a new day, and Caroline is in a great mood. It’s only a matter time before she has a mystery ailment. Chandler tells Rhylee that whatever she’s doing isn’t a priority. The captain doesn’t get it. He thought he was explicit with Chandler. He looms over the deck crew, watching from the deck above. He says, it went in one side, and out the other, without hitting any obstructions. Kate brings out the drinks. The guests whine they’ve been waiting ten minutes.

Chandler wants the rescue tender prepped for launch. Lunch is served. Torrie says, it’s not boring. Rhylee brings the tender around. Kate tells Adrian the guests are thrilled. The captain calls Ross and Chandler to the wheelhouse. He tells them to take everyone on the Intrepid until they run out of water, then switch to the rescue tender. Rhylee packs the boat, and the guests are loaded in. Kate thinks swimming with sharks isn’t an ideal activity for small children.

They get to island, which is insanely beautiful. The guests get into their fins and masks. A Golden Retriever bounds past. What are these dogs? Shark wranglers? Ashton calls Chandler, who’s busy having coffee and playing on his tablet. He calls the captain, and asks if they should come back or wait. The guests are calling when they’re ready to be picked up. Captain Lee tells Ross to head back. The guests swim with the rays and sharks, and I get jealous all over again. The guests wonder where their beer, water, and towels are, because Rhylee and Ashton are headed back with all the stuff.

Kate gets a call. Albert says they’re ready get out. They’ve had enough; the expedition didn’t go well. There are no towels or water. Kate says the tender will be sent over. She tells the deck crew what happened, and Albert says they’d better be there soon. Another guest says they feel like they’re on Gilligan’s Island. I’m pretty sure these people don’t know what doing without is. Chandler doesn’t know what’s. It’s a no-brainer. How can you take an excursion, and not take sh*t with you. Um… he was there with them. Why didn’t he notice. One of the guests thinks Chandler must be new.

Kate doesn’t want the bad mood carried into the boat. Josiah suggests cocktails, and Kate says, yes. She thinks if someone besides her, Josiah, and Adrian would help the guests enjoy Tahiti, that would be great. She tells the captain they’re under duress. In his interview, Captain Lee says when he has to eat a sh*t sandwich in a correctable situation, there aren’t enough words to describe how effed up it is. Kate asks Rhylee to meet the guests with towels and water. Josiah makes cocktails. The captain says he’s got to face the effing music.

Kate sends Caroline to do laundry, and presents Pina Coladas with gold on the top to the guests. The captain apologies to Albert. In his interview, he says as uncomfortable as he is, it’s nothing compared to how uncomfortable he’s going to make the deck crew feel. They probably won’t hear the end of it. He tells Albert that he doesn’t know why the crew neglected to disperse what was on board, but he’s going to find out and make it up to him.

Kate asks if the captain wants dinner, and he says he wants someone’s ass for dinner. She’s like, whoa. He calls the deck crew to the wheelhouse. Chandler is dreading the conversation. He wants to pack his bags and run away. Captain Lee isn’t exactly sure where to begin. It’s beyond embarrassing, and he’s effing pissed. How can they drop guests off, turn around, and not give them supplies? It’s rudimentary; Deckhand 101. They all have good qualities, but it’s as effed up a deck crew as he’s ever seen. He’s not finishing the season this way. He’s making changes, and they’re not all going to be happy. I hope he makes Rhylee bosun. That would stick it to Chandler.

Next time, Caroline says she’s physically breaking down, Rhylee tells Chandler that she’s taking it to the captain, Ashton says Chandler isn’t just dropping the ball – he’s dropping guests, and Captain Lee says the time has come to have the chat he’s been putting off.

😵 On Flipping Out, Jeff almost lost his mind when they were on their way to the airport, and Jenni had to run back to get her phone. The Lea Black project is still lingering, but tonight, Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules) also appeared as a client. Well, really her  movie producer boyfriend, who seems like a super nice guy. I think Megan quit, but it’s really hard to tell with these people. Next week is the season finale. I’m still upset about the Jenni and Jeff split, but holding out hope that they rekindle their friendship one day.

🎥 The IFC channel has Grindhouse in rotation, uncut, so if you love horror films, the old drive-ins, or horror films at the old drive-ins, this one’s for you. One of my favorites, a dual effort by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, it’s comprised of two films, Planet Terror and Death Proof. The idea was to evoke the old grindhouse pictures, churned out for the drive-ins during the 70s. They were cheap, gory, and often showed lots of boobies. These two movies have those things, but with scripts that are about a million times better, and some kick-ass stunts. Planet Terror is a zombie flick – a government experiment goes bad – with a stellar cast, featuring Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, and Bruce Willis. I have to mention the pleasant surprise also of underrated actors, Jeff Fahey, Michal Biehn, and Michael Parks. Death Proof is more of a slasher film, with Kurt Russell being a serial killer who uses his car as a weapon, and there are a few crossovers of characters from the other movie. At the beginning of Planet Terror, IFC is also airing the fake trailer for Machete, which eventually – like the Pinocchio of films – turned into a real movie. On the blue ray version, there are also several other fake trailers in between the films, but those are rarely shown on TV. They’re quite funny, and Eli Roth has promised to make a real version of the fake horror film, Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping that comes to fruition.

💃 Butterfly’s Lap Dance from Death Proof…

One of my favorite scenes. That jukebox is pretty impressive. So is Kurt Russell‘s game.

 

 

Oct28

October 27, 2018 – The Talkers Walk & a Few Movies For Your Halloween Playlist

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Z Nation

The names of those lost are read by Estes. He says the strength of the human soul will carry them through, and if they are the last generation of humans, they won’t be lost to the universe. The future of humanity is at stake. He stands in front of a memorial made of bricks containing the DNA of the dead. Red gives Sun the slide containing Lilly’s DNA.

George tells Roberta that Dante would have gone to Pacifica. They know him there, and anyone would help him. Citizen Z says he’s considered a hero. Roberta thinks as long as he’s on the run, the guiltier he seems, and there are vigilantes out to get him. CZ can’t wait to get to Pacifica. It contains the largest collection of books. Roberta asks what the population is, and George says, sixty-five adults, and six kids. It’s not perfect, but they’re trying to make it work. Everyone is equal there. Doc says, who’s have thought the apocalypse would be the great equalizer.

They see some people running. George thinks she knows them. She says they’re talkers; running from something or someone. Roberta and George follow a path, and Roberta notes that it’s seen a lot of traffic. They find a dead talker. George says someone ate his brains, and Roberta asks if that’s unusual. George says around there it is. Some guys with guns come out of the woods, and George recognizes their leader as Henry. He’s glad to see her; they didn’t know if she was alive. They saw the attack on CZ’s live cam. George says he’s there, and introduces Roberta, saying Roberta saved her in black summer. She tells Roberta that Henry was her professor. Henry thanks Roberta for saving George. In a way, she saved all of them. He tells George that they’ve doubled their patrol since the attack, and there are rumors of other outposts being attacked. He asks if she thinks Dante is involved. She says, no, and thinks it’s insane that he’s suspect. Roberta says she heard about talkers plotting against humans, but Henry says, that’s ridiculous. They’re human too. They live peace harmony. It’s not always easy, but they make it work. At least they did until last week.

Dante watches Pacifica through binoculars. He sees a caravan of cars going in, and says, let’s move.

Doc is impressed with the outpost. It’s what he thought a college would look like. George explains that they took the south end of campus, the library, and dining hall, and made them zombie proof. They have a chef, Amy, who’s a talker. CZ says she can’t eat anything she cooks. It’s like Beethoven being deaf. George says she has an opening for a taster, and thinks Doc would be perfect. He asks where he signs up.

The dining hall is empty, and George says it’s usually packed. She asks where everyone is, and the talker busboy shrugs. There are unfinished meals on the tables, and Henry says it looks like dinner was interrupted. They decide to go to the library. CZ says it’s what drew him and Kaya there. They have the largest collection of books under human control. George says they want send expeditions out to rescue books from the great libraries. Doc says Stephen King seems tame after eight years of the apocalypse.

George shows the a mural of the Pacifica family tree. It displays all the residents of Pacifica and the ancestors they can remember. There are so few survivors, they wanted to memorialize them. The yellow leaves represent humans; the green leaves, talkers; the brown leaves are those who died before the apocalypse; and the black leaves are for those who turned zombie. Doc says, it gets to you; seeing it laid out like that. Kaya’s nana is on a ladder painting, and CZ introduces her. He wants Roberta and Doc to meet his family, and Henry tells them he’s going to see where everyone is. Doc tells nana that he has something for her pipe for later.

They go to the nursery. CZ hugs his son. Kaya says he’s alive, and runs to him. He introduces Roberta and Doc, and they hug. CZ then introduces JZ, and Roberta asks who his little friend is. Kaya says she’s Ann Marie, and George says she’s a talker. Henry runs in, and tells them there’s a town hall meeting with no talkers allowed. It’s madness.

At the meeting, a guy named Danny says, Pacifica is all of them. It’s the point of the place. Another guy asks what he’s talking about. That’s utopia. This is real life. Danny says they’re not strangers or freaks His aunt is out there, and she feeds all of them. A woman named Beth is sick of the PCness, and acting like the talkers aren’t a threat to their survival. Danny says it’s their duty. Outside in the hall, Amy tells George they’ve been locked out, and the meeting is humans only. Danny is trying to convince them otherwise, but it’s scary. Why shut them out? George says she’ll sort it out, and goes in.

Mike lies on Sun’s examining table, looking pretty beat up, and she pokes at his. She asks if he feels something, and he says it feels like his right foot is there. He asks Sun to mercy him. He can’t live without his wife and kids. Sun says she can’t. She needs to know what keeps him talking. We see that Mike has no bottom half to his body. Red comes in, and tells him she’s sorry about him and his family. Sun tries to give him a biscuit, but he slaps it away. He doesn’t want anything to make it last longer. When he leaves, Sun tells Red that his family was killed in the blast, and it left him like that. It’s worse than being a zombie. The zombies don’t know they’re zombies.

10K comes to the lab, and Sun asks how he is. He wants to get out of there, but Red says he still needs to recover, and Sun is concerned about infection. 10K is worried that the longer they stay, the harder it will be to get out. Sun checks the cauterization on his arm, and says it’s healing beautifully. 10K says, it’s not. Sun tells him that Red went back and found his hand. He tells her to sew it back on, but she says, it doesn’t work like that. He can learn to live without it, and there are prosthetic options. Estes walks in, and asks if Sun has everything she needs to complete her research. It’s more important now than ever. He’s sorry about 10K’s hand, and tells him robotics can help. He has a meeting with the outpost leaders, and they’ll see where they go from here.

At the town meeting, Beth says she didn’t come this far to be eaten alive so they can feel better about themselves. George and Roberta walk in, and George asks if she can talk, and says, this isn’t like us. Roberta says, or it’s just like us. Danny says they’re discussing putting the talkers in quarantine. The other guy says, just until they know what’s going on, and Doc says, that’s a slippery slope. Beth says they have no right to put her family at risk. The talkers are dangerous. George says no one wants to put her family at risk, but Beth doesn’t want to hear that everything is going to be okay. She’s not sitting around waiting for something to happen. She storms out, and purposely bangs into Amy in the hall.

Simon (CZ) plays Simon Says with the kids. Beth stomps in, grabbing her child, saying she’s not playing with talkers. CZ says they’re just kids, and Beth says they can kill her child. Kaya says she’s hurting their feelings. They’re still children. Beth says they don’t get it.

Nameless instigator dude says, cut the bullsh*t. The talkers aren’t human. Doc thinks they’re not showing humanity themselves. George says, as long as they have biscuits, they’re fine. A woman says, what if they don’t have them? The delivery didn’t come. Dude says that’s why they need a quarantine. If George is so hell-bent on protecting them, they’ll all be safe. Henry says they’re talking about putting their families and friends into a camp. They’re not Nazis. The woman says there are more zombies than ever. What does he think is attracting them? They’re going feral. Amy comes in with the group from the hall, and asks who she’s calling feral? Danny tells her not to take it personally. Some of the humans start to chant, quarantine. A guy says no one is separating him from his wife, and a fistfight starts.

Roberta shoots into the air, and says now that she has their attention, sit down. She’s new around there, and please forgive her if she oversteps, but they say they want to form a new country. What kind would it be? The idea of quarantine comes from a place of fear. Vigilantes are spreading hate that comes from the same fear. They just came from finding a talker left to rot alive. The woman says they’re right to be afraid. Roberta says the zombie virus isn’t the only virus they need to be worried about. Acts of hate rooted in fear are a virus too, and will eat their brains faster than any talker. How can they dehumanize their neighbors, friends, and families? How can they see them as a threat? Is that a country they want to live in? It’s not one she’s willing to die for. George thanks her. She wants everyone to take a moment and look around the room, remembering who they are to each other. Each of them are there today because of the others. They’ve saved one another’s lives multiple times. They’re only alive because of each other. The talkers are their families and friends. Dude says, not anymore; they’re dead. George says, they are, but their soul is still in there. Who knew death would be on a sliding scale, but it’s the world they live in.

The woman says the talkers want to eat their brains. Amy says, not everyone’s; just hers. Ha-ha! George says as long as they get biscuits, they’re no more dangerous than humans. Probably less, considering this bunch. She knows they’re shaken by the attack at Altura, and they can’t rule out talkers being involved.  Dude ask if that’s why they’re looking for Dante, but George says he’d never be a part of it. Dude says he doesn’t know that, and neither does she. If not for him, none of them would be alive. Dude says they can’t trust the talkers, Dante included. Roberta says they have a chance at building a new world. Don’t build it on fear. George still has hope, and knows they do too. One day, the long dark howl of despair will be over. There will be an after someday, and when it comes, she wants to be able to live with herself. Roberta asks what George wants them to do, and George says, go home, rest, and remember what their dream is. One day, they’ll all be talkers. She hopes it’s different tomorrow. If Dante is on the run, it’s for a reason. Dude says, maybe he’s guilty. George says, if so, she’ll bring him to justice.

Roberta tells George that she and Doc will be on watch. Doc says, it wasn’t so pacifico tonight, but George says, they’re good people; they’re just scared. Roberta says they’re not taking chances. She walks George to her room, and Roberta wonders where George sleeps. George explains that she can’t sleep on bed anymore, and has a mat on the floor. Roberta says George did a great job calming the people. She see why they trust her. George says she did her best, and it all went to sh*t. Maybe it’s time for someone else to try. Roberta says, there is no one else, and George says she can’t be who they want her to be. Roberta says she can. There’s no one like them. They don’t get the chance to have doubts, because doubts make them hesitate, and when they hesitate, people die. She backs George 100%, but she has to ask. Does any part of her suspect Dante? George says he’s like a brother. It would be like Doc betraying Roberta. Roberta says there are few things she’s learned to depend on in the apocalypse, but Steven Beck is one of them. She asks George if she knew that was his real name, but George is already asleep.

We don’t see a face, but a guy puts a gun in his waistband.

Doc snores, as Roberta watches. The guy with the gun closes his door behind him, and Doc wakes up. Roberta motions for him to be quiet, and they go in opposite directions down the hallway. Some people are sneaking around, and Doc follows them. He gets to a door that leads outside, and he finds Roberta there. An alarm goes off. Everyone runs outside. George asks what’s going on, and Henry says, the talkers are all gone. She says, everyone? and Roberta says, everyone.

Doc, Roberta, and George arm themselves. George says they probably haven’t gotten far. Henry feels terrible; they’re probably scared. Doc says he blame them. George suggests they move quickly so they can catch up. Instigator dude says they should leave them go. They don’t belong there. Roberta says vigilantes are crucifying them. He says she doesn’t get it, and she says she does, more than he knows. CZ joins them with Kaya, saying she has intel for them. Kaya tells them the chef told her that they were headed into the woods, and they’re supposed to look for a symbol, a radiating sun. Kaya gives Roberta a paper with the symbol drawn on it, saying the chef left it behind. She told Kaya to thank Roberta for everything, and said don’t follow them. George thinks they’re safer in Pacifica than out there, but Kaya isn’t so sure. Roberta says it looks like someone is helping them, and there’s a talker underground.

Red wraps 10K’s wound. She says Sun is working on an interim solution. He asks how long it will take, but she tells him it’s hard to say with lockdown. He just wants something to pull a trigger with. Just asking, but if he’s so gung-ho about using a gun again, why isn’t he practicing shooting with his other hand?

In the woods, Roberta and company see some trucks go by. Henry says maybe it’s a delivery, but George says they’re not biscuit trucks. She finds a piece of Amy’s scarf. Some armed men come out of the woods and their leader asks if there are any talkers with them. George says she works with Estes, and he says he knows who she is. They’re looking for her pal, Dante, and he asks if she’s seen him. She says, not since the blast. Doc asks what they’re going to do with him, and the leader says, put him on trial. George asks, what court? Who are the judges? That’s what the vote was for. He says they formed a provisional court, and Estes is the judge. They’ll give Dante fair trial – then mercy him. If she helps Dante evade them in any way, she’ll be arrested too, for accessory to murder. Roberta doesn’t see where it’s a crime to help talkers, and he says, it’s the law, and he intends to enforce it. George says, there was no vote, but he says either report any contact immediately, or be subject to arrest. He tells his men, move out, and Roberta says they need find Dante before those guys do.

Sun puts blood on a slide and looks at it. She puts it in a case that says Alvin Murphy, and takes it to the memorial wall, sliding it into one of the bricks. Estes sees her, and asks why she’s not in the lab. She says she needed time to think. The last three tests were a failure, and the side effects were horrible. Estes wants her work to continue without interruption. She’s close to the protein that drives the behavior of the talkers. If they find it, they might be able to figure out what the black rain did to restore consciousness to the dead. Sun says they’re killing them in the process, but Estes says if they do nothing, the talkers will die anyway. Sun needs more time, and he says they don’t have it. If they don’t find a solution soon, they’ll have no choice but to treat talkers as zombies. They’ve seen what happens when they’re starving. He tells her that she has 48 hours.

Roberta asks Henry how long he’s known George. She’s known George since black summer. Henry says he’s known her longer than that. She was one of his students. There was something about her even then. Others got killed, but she she kept surviving, and took them with her. Doc says George seems nice, but he knows badass when he sees it. She could probably mercy a horde with her eyes closed. Roberta asks if there’s any chance that Dante is helping the talkers disappear, and George says, if he is, it’s for good reason. He’s saved too many humans to start killing them now. Doc finds the symbol painted on a tree, and calls the others over. George says they’re on the right trail, and Roberta says the paint is still wet. She tells Doc there’s something familiar about it that she can’t place.

George finds some supplies under a tarp, and says it could be a drop. They see a backpack, and she tells them it’s Dante’s. They hear a sound that Doc describes as a giant bug zapper. We see a zombie being poked with an electrified prod. George says, puppies and kittens, and Roberta says, a whole damn litter. A group of zombies moves toward them at a pretty fast clip.

Red tells 10K that he should get some food, but he says he’s not hungry. She says there’s a movie in the dining hall on a real They should go; it will take his mind off things. She says the movie is The Fugitive, and I literally LOL. I also wonder how many people will get the joke. The fugitive’s nemesis is the one-armed man. 10K says he knows what Red did, she did to save his life. Red says she’s not sorry, and she’d do it again. 10K says he’s done the same things. It’s not her. She’s the only thing keeping him going. If he can’t shoot, who is he? She says he’s ten thousand. He’s a good shot because of his mind and eyes, not because of his hand. He’ll have to learn again, and it’s all in there. She touches his head, and he says he needs to think.

Kaya tells CZ that George is sure Dante is innocent. CZ says it would be out of character. He’d lay down his life for them. Kaya asks why would anyone think did it? and CZ says, he was there before the blast, and no one has seen him since. He got it all on tape. Kaya asks where the tape is, and he says he handed it over to Estes for analyzation. She wants to see it, but he says he won’t get it back until after the investigation. Kaya says it’s uploaded to a server. CZ says she has that look in her eye again, and suggests the get started.

Doc asks when the cavalry is coming, and George says they are the cavalry. That’s what he was afraid of. These zombies are quick, and one takes Henry right off of a cliff. George goes after him, and Roberta wonders where they’re all coming from. Henry is up and running, a zombie close on his heels. George pikes it in the head, but another takes its place and knocks Henry down. George tackles the zombie, pummeling its face into oblivion. Doc says, damn. Have mercy.  George asks if Henry is okay. He thinks so, and wonders how many times she’s saved his life. She says she likes him as a human. Roberta notices the sweatshirt one of the zombies is wearing, and says this many zombies from Kalamazoo Water Park isn’t random. They hear an explosion. Kaya is on the radio saying, Pacifica…mayday… but she’s breaking up. Roberta takes the radio and asks if Kaya can hear her. Kaya says, Roberta… Pacifica…. mayday… Roberta help us. They hear another explosion, and Kaya says, attack… don’t know why… Roberta tells her, hang on; she’s coming. Henry says he’ll catch up. When the others are out of sight, he rolls up his sleeve, revealing a bite.

Sun goes into the lab, and sees Red is there. Red tells Sun that she borrowed some of her gear. There must be some way to make a trigger finger for 10K. Sun says, how about this? and shows Red a torch.

On the outskirts of Pacifica, there are dead bodies all over the place. Roberta tells the group to keep their eyes open. They could be anywhere. There’s another explosion. Roberta says not to rush in and get killed. It won’t do anyone any good. Beth is lying on the ground, bloody, and calls to George. She says, the dead; so many. Her baby; so many. They hear another blast, and Beth asks for mercy. Roberta aims her gun, but George stops her. She closes Beth’s eyes and mercies her.

Dante stands on a hill looking down at the outpost. He says, they have no idea what’s coming. Time to move. Humans don’t like being killed. We see a group with him, and Amy is among them.

Things fall around CZ at the library, as he calls for Kaya. He hears screaming. Outside, people are running, and it’s chaos.

The text says, to be continued…

Next time, Zombies + bombs = bombies, and Doc says he’s good.

👻 Beyond the Sanderson Sisters…

🎃 This Halloween, if you need a break from twenty-four hours of Hocus Pocus, and are looking for something less conventional, I have a few suggestions. The Cabin in the Woods never gets old for me, but my traditional Halloween go-to has always been The Midnight Hour. A TV movie from 1985, it was hard to find on DVD up until recently. The words TV movie alone might be off-putting, but I love this bittersweet Halloween tale. Some high school kids (who look to be about thirty-years-old) steal some costumes from a museum for their Halloween party, and cast a spell, inadvertently raising the dead. It boasts an eclectic cast, including a pre-Trek LeVar Burton, Shari Belafonte-Harper, Dick Van Patten, and Kevin McCarthy from the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It’s just not Halloween to me without it. You can watch the whole thing here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMMCG–ex_8

Another gem of a forgotten film is Ravenous, a story about soldier cannibals during the Mexican American War. Guy Pearce and Robert Carlyle star, and it doesn’t get much better. Well-written, wickedly funny, and gory as hell, it also features the most heart-pounding fall down a hill I have ever seen. You can find it on YouTube for a small fee, and you can read about it here:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ravenous

If musicals suit your Halloween mood, both Shock Treatment and Phantom of the Paradise are definite contenders. While not exactly scary (well, it depends on what you’re afraid of), they fit the spirit of the holiday. The former was released as a sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, although I’m not sure why, since the only similarity is the film’s two lead characters are named Brad and Janet (Cliff De Young and Jessica Harper, who has a voice like honey). Also written by Richard O’Brien, it features much of the same cast, but is more of an homage to the evils of reality TV and the average person’s desire for fame. It bombed at the box office, but IMO is better than RHPS in some ways. You can also find it on YouTube, and get an interesting take on it here:

https://lwlies.com/articles/shock-treatment-rocky-horror-picture-show/

Phantom of the Paradise is somewhat Rocky Horror-esque, but was written by Paul Williams. Before you laugh, know that this is no Carpenters song. With a plotline that borrows heavily from Phantom of the Opera, it’s also a story about how far one will go to achieve fame. It will cost you a couple of bucks to watch the whole thing, but you can see the trailer for free here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqcEgz25bi8

🔁 Clockwise From the Top…

The Cabin in the Woods, Phantom of the Paradise, The Midnight Hour, Ravenous, and Shock Treatment

 

Oct25

October 24, 2018 – Laura Decides to Run, Mama Dee Holds Class, Caroline Visits the Penthouse, Kate Quote, No Star, Close & Closer

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Laura visits Alexis’s office. She says she came by for advice. Alexis hopes it’s not Valentin, but Laura says not legal advice. She needs Alexis’s opinion about a life choice. She needs a straight answer about an idea. It might sound ludicrous, but Alexis understands what’s at stake. She’s thinking about running for mayor again.

Olivia-Q brings Julian’s favorite customer, Leo, to Charlie’s. She has a full day, topped off by some campaign activities. She’d thought this time it was going to be easy, since Ned is running unopposed. Julian thinks Olivia has a knack for the political life, and thanks her for bringing Leo by. She says it sounded important on the phone, and he says somebody is in trouble.

Cameron sneaks Oscar out of his house. Oscar thanks Cameron for letting him crash there. Cameron tells him to hurry. If his mom sees Oscar, he’ll call Oscar’s mom. They make plans to meet at the park. Elizabeth comes down and asks Cameron what he’s doing; she thought he’d be sleeping in. He tells her that he’s heading to the library. He’s trying for an A on his English paper. He nearly runs right into Carly on the porch, and takes off. Elizabeth asks what brings Carly by, and Carly says Elizabeth’s son and her daughter.

Diane meets with Drew for coffee. She hopes Oscar’s case doesn’t get as far as court. She has a conference call, and tells him that she’ll meet him at her office later. Curtis sees Drew, and says, there’s his best man. He tells Drew there’s been a change of venue. In another development, Stella refuses to attend, but he hopes to turn that around. Drew says he should have called. He can’t be best man.

Kim shows up at Sam’s place. She needs Sam’s help to save Oscar’s life.

Elizabeth asks Carly if Cameron has done something. Carly says not that she knows of, but he and Josslyn have been spending a lot of time together. He brought her home from the pep rally. Elizabeth understands they went with friends. Cameron says by the time they got to her house, it was just the two of them. Cameron stayed and they had a great time. She’s not opposed to it, but wants to make sure she and Elizabeth are on the same page.

Cameron meets Oscar, who asks if he’s brought food. Cameron says he was almost caught twice; once by his mom, and once by Josslyn’s mom, and he wasn’t sticking around. Oscar wonders if anything is wrong with Josslyn, but Cameron says she’d text. Unlike him, she doesn’t keep secrets or play games. Oscar says it’s not a game. Cameron wants to know why Oscar was sleeping on his floor. Oscar says he and his parents can’t agree on anything, especially the decisions about his cancer. It shouldn’t be up to them; it should be up to him. Cameron says he’s starving, and Oscar says his sympathy is overwhelming. Cameron says he’s keeping Oscar’s secret and let Oscar crash at his house. What more does he want? Oscar asks why he’s spending time with Josslyn. Cameron says Oscar did everything to push her away, hurt her, and tell her to move on. Oscar says, not with him.

Julian tells Olivia that he’s been taking stock. He wants to spend time with those he cares about while he has time left. Olivia wonders what this is about. Is he sick, or is he a target since he left the business? He says he’s healthy and there’s no hit on him. Olivia says she’s having an insane day. Why did he want her to bring their son all way over to Charlie’s?

Curtis says the wedding is in less than a month. Drew doesn’t want to leave him in the lurch, but he has family obligations that need his undivided attention. Curtis asks what he’s talking about, and Drew says he’s trying to protect someone’s privacy, but he does want to talk since it’s affect the wedding. Curtis thinks it’s admirable, but drew is falling apart on the inside. Wedding or no, Drew is still his best man. He’s got Drew’s back, and whatever he tells Curtis stays between them. Drew sits down, and says, Oscar is sick. He might not make it.

Kim knows Drew told her about the trial for a new form of amino therapy. Oscar was accepted, and it starts December 1st. It’s his best option, but there are risks that he doesn’t want to take. He refuses to participate, and wants full control over his medical decisions. He hired an attorney. Sam wonders what kind of attorney would take the case without considering the circumstances. Kim says, her mother. He told them yesterday. Then Oscar took off and didn’t come home. He’s not answering her texts or calls, and disabled her tracking device. She has no idea where he is. Sam says he probably needed a minute. She asks if they tried to explain, and Kim says Oscar doesn’t understand what’s best and right. She was overly emotional, and didn’t handle it well. Sam thinks whatever happened can be fixed; certainly by December 1st. She wonders why Kim is there, and Kim says she doesn’t think Sam’s mom will listen to her, but she might listen to Sam.

Alexis says Laura is going to take another crack at the mayoral race? Laura asks if she thinks it’s too ambitious or presumptuous. Alexis says, no, but it’s past the deadline. Laura says she can start a grass roots write-in campaign. Alexis says it’s possible, but is she sure she wants to? She just came back. Laura says Alexis came in at the last minute and almost won. As a latecomer, she probably can’t win, but she can give a voice to a community consistently overlooked. Alexis says it sounds like she’s made up her mind. Laura says she heard the last campaign was nasty, and she’s on the fence as to whether she wants to expose her family to the vitriol. Alexis says it’s unavoidable. Laura thanks her. She came for honest feedback. Alexis says she loves Ned, but he’s pragmatic to a fault. Instead of possibly getting rejected, he adapts to his opposition’s style and matches it. She’s sick of politicians compromising their morals to keep their jobs. They go along to get along, and make trade-offs that hurt people. She remembers a time when politicians were idealistic. It was a profession where they believed in something, and they need it back. Someone in a position of power who can demonstrate strength through decency. Is she willing to answer that call?

Julian tells Olivia that he’s reached a point where he realizes that family is important. Olivia wonders if he’s going through a mid-life crisis, and suggest one of her brothers hooking him up with a sweet Camaro. Julian says he thought he caught her caring for a split second. She says she’d prefer to stay alive for Leo’s sake. Leo is used to him being around, and would miss him if he was gone. He thanks her for stopping by. She says he’s changed. He’s a better man since prison. She’s not talking about the bar, but Kim. He has good thing. She tells him, try not blow it. He tells her to give his regards to Ted.

Curtis tells Drew that he’s sorry. Drew says Oscar wants privacy, so he doesn’t want it to get around. Curtis says if Drew wants, he can look for Oscar, but Drew says if he doesn’t turn up, he’ll call. Curtis says he’ll be there any time. He feels bad that Drew thought he should do this alone. Drew says he’s not alone. He and Kim teamed up, and Sam knows and has been supportive. He needs to try and stop the lawsuit. He’s sorry about wedding, and wishes he could be there. Curtis says, for what it’s worth, he’s a praying man, and he’ll be sure to keep them in his prayers. Drew says it means a lot.

Carly knows Elizabeth can’t stand her, but they have to coexist for the people they have in common. If Elizabeth wants to be snarky or roll her eyes, do it to her, not Josslyn. Elizabeth wonders what she’s talking about, and Carly says Elizabeth came to the conclusion that Josslyn put Cameron up to shoplifting and was a negative influence. She thinks Cameron is a great kid, but if Elizabeth wants to keep them apart, she’d rather Elizabeth forbid it than sabotage them. No disappointed looks or eye rolling. She expects courtesy, and she’ll do the same with Cameron. Elizabeth asks if she’s finished, and Carly says, for now, and leaves.

Cameron asks Oscar, how about some gratitude? Oscar asks if he was waiting for a chance to swoop in. Him being sick is the best thing that could have happened to Cameron. Cameron says Oscar pushed Josslyn away, lied, tried to get her to move on, and now he’s getting upset when she does. Josslyn is strong enough to know the truth, and Oscar should know that. If he doesn’t, then he doesn’t know her as well as he thinks. Oscar says none of it would have happened if he didn’t have cancer. Cameron is sorry Oscar doesn’t like how it’s happening. If he needs to crash, Cameron’s got him, but he needs to start looking for a permanent arrangement before this blows up.

Sam asks Kim what Oscar’s reasoning is, and Kim says he’s afraid it will shorten his life, or he could end up brain dead. Sam says quality of life issues are a big deal. Kim tells her all treatments have risks. If they do nothing, he’ll die. It could be a matter of months, but if the treatment works, it could extend his life and possibly save it. Sam understands, and isn’t judging her. Kim asks why she’s hesitating. Sam told her that Danny is a survivor of leukemia. She knows what it’s like to be the mother of a sick child, and why you have to do everything to save them. She asks Sam to tell her mother to stop Oscar from making the biggest mistake of his life. One that could actually end it.

Olivia sees Laura and Alexis at the MetroCourt. She says she’s opening the ballroom in January. She wants to have an inaugural celebration, since she wasn’t able to last year. Laura says she might not have one this year, and not to count her chickens before they’re hatched.

Diane and Drew show up at Alexis’s office. Alexis asks if it’s an ambush, but Drew says Diane is representing him and Kim; they’re going to fight Oscar’s case. Diane says, as his parents, they have Oscar’s best intentions at heart, and she doesn’t think it should go any further. Alexis believes she’s right, but she’s not dropping the case.

Sam isn’t sure it’s right for her to get involved, and Kim asks, why not? Sam says if it’s possible that it will leave him brain dead, she understands. Kim says, all treatment comes with a risk. He’s a child, and looking at the worst case scenario. Sam also understands that it’s his risk to take. Kim thought she would understand, but Sam says she does, more than Kim knows. Years ago, Jason had a brain tumor. Not cancer, but it would have killed him. Because of where it was, surgery came with the possibility of becoming brain dead. Jason wasn’t afraid to die, but he was afraid to live in a bed, hooked up to machines. He refused to have surgery. He wanted to live out the rest of his life with her on his own terms, and he’s alive. She begged him to have the surgery. She wanted him to live; she loved him. Kim doesn’t understand why she won’t help, and Sam says she didn’t force him. It was his choice. He knew the risk and decided. That’s what Oscar is asking for. Kim says Jason is an adult; Oscar is a child, and this is his only chance to keep on living. Sam had said they were family because of their kids, and asked if she could help. Kim doesn’t need hand holding or a casserole. She needs Sam to help save their son, and ask Alexis to talk sense into Oscar. Sam says Alexis wouldn’t have taken the case on if she didn’t think she could handle it. There’s nothing Sam can say. She doesn’t have that kind of influence As much as she hates to admit it, she thinks there might be one person who does.

Oscar looks through Charlie’s window. Julian comes out, and asks if he shouldn’t be in school. Oscar noticed he has a help wanted sign. Julian says the position is full time, but Oscar says he’s sixteen; it’s legal for him to go to work. Julian says Oscar’s mom would have his head. Oscar says Julian asked if he could help, but he was lying – just like everyone else. Julian tells him, hold on.

Olivia hopes there are no hard feelings, and Laura can leave the last campaign behind. She hopes Laura comes to the ball in a few weeks. It would also mean the world to Ned if she’d offer her endorsement. Laura says she can’t, and Olivia guesses the water isn’t under the bridge. Olivia leaves, and Carly says she was being gracious. She’s surprised Laura turned her down. Laura says she can’t endorse Ned if she’s running against him. She’s officially announcing that she’s a write-in candidate for mayor of Port Charles. Carly gives Ned credit for revitalizing the commerce, but social services are slipping through the cracks. People will be thrilled that she’s running again. Carly asks how much Doc told Laura about her time in Ferncliff.

Cameron comes home, telling Elizabeth there’s been a change in plans. Elizabeth says Carly mentioned he’d been spending a lot of time with Josslyn. He asks if she was talking about the pep rally. Josslyn brought everyone and he went as a friend. It’s what they are. Elizabeth asks, what about Oscar? He told her that they broke up, but she says it’s not that cut and dried. She tells him, try to be sensitive to Oscar’s feelings, and he wonders why she’s asking that all the time. Why isn’t she sensitive to his feelings.  She says he doesn’t want to do something he’ll regret. He says, what’s to regret? and she tells him, go wash up.

Oscar and Julian shake hands. Kim walks in and says Oscar didn’t come home. She was worried. Oscar says he’s good, and jets. Julian says Oscar really does love her; it’s just a phase. She’s not so sure. He thinks she could use a cortado. If it’s any consolation, Julian will keep an eye on him. He just gave Oscar a job. Contingent on him staying in school. Kim says he has no idea what he just did.

Drew tells Alexis that as parents, they know what’s best. Alexis understands, and he says not to patronize him. He hopes she understands she’s enabling Oscar’s refusal of the only treatment that can help. Alexis says he feels powerless due to his age and illness; he has no control. She hopes to give him a sense of control and peace by allowing him to express himself. She thinks he deserves that. Drew says, not at the expense of his own life. Alexis says, if she doesn’t do this, Oscar will go to Scotty, who will turn it into a circus. He’ll make it a national debate, using the notoriety for his own benefit, and Drew’s son get lost in the shuffle. She’ll keep it private and respectful. Drew says, it won’t matter if Oscar is dead in a few months because he turned down the chance to save his own life.

Julian asks what he did wrong. Oscar might as well be there. If his teenage rebellion means getting a job, it’s probably a good thing. Kim says Oscar wants to prove to the court he can be self-sufficient. He wants to be emancipated. He’s suing to have control over his medical treatment. Julian knew it was serious, but had no idea his life was at stake. Kim says his only chance to beat it is if they win. Julian hugs her.

Drew says he’s willing to take it to the Supreme Court if necessary. She’s looking at it as a test case on legal ethics. They’re looking at it as parents, and want to give their child the best chance to save his life. He storms out, and Alexis asks Diane to tell her that she understands. Diane does, but says as mature as Oscar appears, he’s still a child. It’s his parents’ role to ensure he’s given the best chance at life. Alexis says he hasn’t been given a choice. Who knows what he would decide? Diane tells her she’s in for a big fight, and she’ll fight with everything she has. So will Alexis, and Diane says she expects nothing less.

Laura is shocked Carly was forced into treatment without her consent. And the horrible nurse who signed for her to get the procedure; it was fraud. Carly says she’s lucky she had a friend who looked out for her and got her out, but there was another patient. She never saw his face or heard his voice, but he tapped messages in Morse code on the wall. Laura asks, what messages? and Carly says, SOS, he was being held against his will. Carly wonders what if he doesn’t belong there any more than she did? Laura thinks maybe she can help. She wants to take a tour of Ferncliff. She’d love to have Carly come with her, but if it’s too painful, she understands. Carly swore she’d never go back, but if someone is being held against their will like her, she’ll make an exception.

Elizabeth asks Cameron why Carly was asking questions about Josslyn and Oscar. Cameron doesn’t know. He goes upstairs, but comes back and asks if Elizabeth is okay. She says she is, it’s just that a friend of hers is going through a hard time. He know it sounds random, but he loves her. He knows he doesn’t say it as much as he should, but he does. She says she loves him so much, and hugs him.

Outside, Diane is glad Drew waited. He hopes he didn’t make things harder, but Diane says she and Alexis understand each other. The deck is stacked against Alexis until Oscar can prove he can support himself without parental assistance. He’s an unemployed teenager, and she hopes the court dismisses it out of hand.

Oscar walks into Alexis’s office, saying he finished up one. He got a job. What next? Seriously? A job at Charlie’s, that’s not bartending, is going to pay the bills? Sign me up.

Julian tells Kim that he’s sorry. He didn’t mean to make it worse. Maybe he should tell Oscar the deal’s off. Kim says he’ll just get a job somewhere else. She’d rather have Oscar here with him; someone she trusts. He can’t believe Alexis is taking this on. Kim asks if he thinks she’s doing this because they’re together, but he says, not for a second. She’s not petty like that. Kim thinks she still has lingering feelings for him. He hopes so. Kim says she’s desperate. She tried to get Alexis to back off, and went to Sam. Sam told her the only person who might have influence over Alexis is him.

Tomorrow, Nina suggests Sasha make Port Charles her home, Oscar wonders if Julian has other motives, and Spinelli has intriguing information about Margaux.

The Real Housewives of Dallas

D’Andra meets Jeremy at a photo studio. She loves working with him. She says the Hard Night Good Morning product was named for her. Now that her mom is retiring, it’s the first step in rebranding. She still wants to go with the original idea, but at forty-nine, she has good skin. She does look amazing without makeup. She says she’s going to be the face of the product. An eighteen-year-old holding the product isn’t a testimony to how well it works. She hired her husband for the shoot. She loves his work, and the price is good.

Kameron is at the grand opening of the Elizabeth W boutique. She was asked to help host the opening party. She met Elizabeth through a charitable organization. She knew Kameron is a fashionista, and has friends in the charity world. She knows women who would camp out to buy her clothes.

Cary asks LeeAnne how last night went, and LeeAnne says, heavy. She’s supposed to be planning a wedding, and D’Andra called her fake, saying she and Rick lived separate lives. Carly asks how long they’ve been together, and LeeAnne says over nine years. Carly says, that’s a long time to fake something. She can’t do it for thirty seconds. People need be more conscious of their words. In her interview, Cary says she’s past the drama from when LeeAnne hurt their family, but the irony isn’t lost on her that Brandi and D’Andra are making her relationship public. She hopes LeeAnne realizes how much it hurts. LeeAnne says when she pointed out that drinking is the only thing D’Andra does with Brandi, she asked if LeeAnne was calling her an alcoholic. In LeeAnne’s interview, she says if she showed up at a charity event sloshed, she wouldn’t be going to many. Nobody wants a drunk at a charity event. Cary tells her not to insert herself into the situation. She won’t win. LeeAnne says it will all come out in the wash. It always does.

D’Andra tells Jeremy that she stopped talking to LeeAnne. LeeAnne said she has a drinking problem since she’s been out with Brandi. She says there were only two instances of them drinking; her birthday, and a charity event. Jeremy says it’s none of her business. D’Andra says it’s childish. Childish and immature is how LeeAnne deals with things.

LeeAnne tells Cary that Brandi and D’Andra are bullying her. No one else has a problem with her. Brandi keeps insisting LeeAnne is unhappy, and jealous of D’Andra. We flash back to Brandi getting in LeeAnne’s face at the prom. LeeAnne says with them accusing her of all this sh*t, it can only be so long before people are saying D’Andra is drunk and an alcoholic. Cary says those are big words. Drink less; talk less. Get TF out of the way. She wonders why D’Andra invited LeeAnne to the cooking weekend, but LeeAnne says D’Andra’s mother invited her. In Dee’s interview, she says she thought they could spend some time mending fences, and there will be other people there.

LeeAnne thinks at some point she’s going to have to address the issue. In her interview, she says she spent high school with her head in in a locker, crying, because girls are mean. She doesn’t want go back in the locker. Kameron thinks LeeAnne needs to take a breath, but keep poking the bear, and it will bite. Cary hopes it doesn’t get to that.

Cary’s father put an article in a Danish newspaper to find their relatives, and cousin Camilla wrote to her. She’s a musician who works with her husband, and is having an album release in Copenhagen. She invited Cary, who wants to go. Her dad did a lot to reconnect with the family, so if she can do that, she might have a stronger relationship with her father. It’s important to him. She and Mark go over his schedule, since he’ll have to go to Zuri’s spring program. She thinks it would be fun to bring her girlfriends, and Mark thinks she should. He’ll go next time.

Cary FaceTImes with her parents, telling them about her plans to go to the concert. Her dad says her grandfather would be happy. He’s thrilled she’s making a connection. Cary says he’s tearing up, and going to make her cry. Her dad says her grandfather would probably have a tear in his eye too. Mark says it’s the best conversation Cary has had with her dad since they’ve been married.

Stephanie thinks she and Travis should get drunk and sloppy. Travis is going over the notes from Harvard, and she says she always wanted to date a Harvard man. In her interview, Stephanie says when he was gone for three weeks, she was almost a loony tune. She doesn’t like to be by herself. She deals with depression, and doesn’t want feel anxious or in a dark space. In Stephanie’s interview, she says she’s been on and off antidepressants and she sees a therapist. She’s trying to be healthier. She says nothing bothers Travis, and he tells her he has an eight hundred page book to read. He’s going to read it one page at a time, and that’s how she’ll deal with him not being there – one day at a time. In her interview, she doesn’t want this to change their dynamic. She doesn’t want him to come home and think he’s married to the village idiot. They talk about their ten year vow renewal. She says ten years is enough time, but it’s not so long that you look like Shar Peis getting married again. Travis says, ten years at a time.

Dee is hosting the cooking lesson at her best friend Marian’s house in Cedar Creek, so she doesn’t mess up her own. In her interview, D’Andra says her favorite thing, besides her husband, is cooking. It’s great for anxiety and stress, which she’s had a lot of this year. She tells Marian that she’s not really talking to LeeAnne, but she wants today to be more about fun and food. It’s been stressful lately. Dee says she and Marian used to fight, and Marian asks what she means by used to. In D’Andra’s interview, she says if Dee and Marian can get through their fights, there’s hope for her and LeeAnne.

LeeAnne and Rich arrive. In her interview, LeeAnne is hoping this is Dee’s way of telling her that she sees what’s going on, and thinks there’s a possible resolution. Dee tells everyone that men love good cooks, and the old adage is true – the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’d like to add, a woman’s too. We all love good food. In LeeAnne’s interview, she loves Dee’s idea that food is how you keep men happy. Hers is… never mind.  She makes a gesture, and we’ll just leave it there. Dee says D’Andra says it’s her fault she has a weight problem. In her interview, D’Andra says while growing up, food was an escape. Who diets in fourth grade? I slowly raise my hand. She says she’s not a size two salad eater. Dee gives D’Andra an apron that says, queen bee. LeeAnne says she can finally be queen. We flash back to the great queen debate at Beaver Creek. In D’Andra’s interview, she thinks her mom is sending a message to LeeAnne not to mess with her daughter. If she says so. The rest of the guests trickle in.

Jimmy is Kameron’s mother-in-law, and the matriarch of the Westcott family. Kameron is being groomed to take over one day. Kameron has brought her along. She says Jimmy is a fantastic cook and could have her own restaurant, but Jimmy waves away the compliment, saying, that was back in the day. In her interview, LeeAnne says she’s one of a few powerful woman in Dallas society that you wouldn’t want to cross. They’re making a meatloaf, and Dee starts by lining the pan with bacon. I think I’d have a bigger weight problem than D’Andra, and I don’t even like bacon. We learn that peppers are male and female; the female has four bumps, and the male, three. What difference it makes remains a mystery. Marian puts an entire bottle of ketchup into the meatloaf. D’Andra says they argue all the time about how much should go in, and LeeAnne wonders who would need so much ketchup? Dee instructs everyone to mix the meatloaf with their hands.

Kameron asks about Cary’s event. In her interview, D’Andra says it’s the elephant in the room, and she has to get it off her chest. She asks if LeeAnne thinks she’s an alcoholic. LeeAnne tells her that she never said that. She says she was concerned about her drinking too much with Brandi. D’Andra says that’s not what she heard. LeeAnne knows, and says she wishes Brandi would appreciate the other aspects of D’Andra’s character, other than being a drinking buddy. Kameron says nothing wrong with having drinks at an event, but it depends on the level. LeeAnne said Brandi was swaying. LeeAnne concurs, saying she was bobbing back and forth. We flash back, and yep, she was. D’Andra doesn’t remember it that way.

Dee asks LeeAnne, come and talk to Mama Dee. In her interview, LeeAnne says Dee is someone she’s always looked up to, and whose opinion she values. Dee has told her she’s like a second daughter. Dee asks how it worked out, and LeeAnne says she talked to D’Andra at Cary’s opening. She explained how hurtful it was for D’Andra to say she and Rich lead separate lives. It’s like saying he’s cheating. She doesn’t think she and Brandi understand the damage they cause. She and Rich spend all day together, and sometimes she goes out to a charity event and comes home. She wants Brandi to appreciate other aspects of D’Andra, instead of just looking at her as a drinking buddy.

Jeremy thinks whatever the girls are arguing about is bullsh*t. Rich says it will get worse before it gets better. That’s how the girls are. They have to go all the way to implosion. Jeremy is glad he has a penis. Rich says he’s glad Jeremy has a penis too.

Kameron tells D’Andra that she’s just saying be cautious. D’Andra says she’s almost fifty. She’s not going to worry about what people think of her. If she wants to play drinking games or day drink, she’s not affecting anyone’s life. Kameron says personally, she doesn’t care, but she doesn’t trust others not to talk. Two seconds after telling Brandi something, the whole world knows.

LeeAnne tells Dee that D’Andra has a lot of beautiful sides, but Brandi only wants to appreciate the side that gets drunk. Dee says she worries, since D’Andra’s father was an alcoholic, and he’s dead. She’s always warned her. LeeAnne says her grandmother warned her because there’s alcoholism in her family. In LeeAnne’s interview, she thinks Dee’s hearing her, but ultimately blood is thicker than water, and she’s water.

Jimmy tells D’Andra it’s a conservative city, and people talk. Kameron says LeeAnne cares and loves her. It hurts them if people talk about her, and the truth is, they do talk. Jimmy says if you march to a different drummer, you’re going to get criticized. D’Andra wonders why she can’t just do the things that make her happy, if she’s going to be judged anyway. Jimmy tells her LeeAnne is her friend.

Dee tells LeeAnne not to let it destroy the friendship. That would be ridiculous and stupid. She’s seventy-seven, and knows about relationships. They hug.

Jimmy says it’s impossible to stay on the road straight down the line. Whatever that means. Kameron has a friend she was counseled not to be around. Their reputation is awful, and someone might think she’s like that. In her interview, D’Andra says she knows why Jimmy is here. To warn her about Brandi, and her reputation, which is getting soiled. She wonders if it’s a warning about her friendship with Kameron. In Kameron’s interview, she says that Jimmy is like mama bear and protects her friends. She tells D’Andra, be careful.

With Bruin in tow, Brandi goes to a jewelry store with Travis to pick out something for Stephanie. She was there to help with the engagement ring ten years ago. Travis says Stephanie wants an eternity band. Brandi thinks ten years is a lot, and feels like they’re getting old now. In her interview, Brandi says ten years is a big deal LeeAnne can’t get to one. Really? She says she’s known Travis for twenty years, and he dated some winners. When Stephanie came along, Brandi told him that he was going to marry her. Stephanie depends on him; he’s her rock. She thinks it’s beautiful, and he gives Stephanie support, but she needs to feel comfortable about him being away. Travis orders a $41,500 ring.

The meal is complete. They sit outside, and the guys sit at their own table. LeeAnne says there are six sticks of butter in the mashed potatoes. In her interview, D’Andra says she’s in need of some emotional eating, and got it in. Dee gets up, and says, friendship and food go together. Life is short. One morning her husband kissed her goodbye, and said, see you at dinner, and she never saw him again. Every moment together is a miracle. They should select their friends wisely. You never know when you say goodbye if you’ll be saying hello again. She loves them all, and thanks Marian. LeeAnne says it touches her heart, and makes her a little sad. That she’s there should show D’Andra that she’s not willing quit on the friendship. She’s there. Say something.

Jeremy is a military photographer, and has awarded with Military Photo of the Year seven times. A mural of one of his famous photos is being unveiled, marines breakdancing in Africa. In her interview, D’Andra says when they were at the cooking lesson, it wasn’t the time to voice her opinion. Jimmy is an elder, and you don’t call them out for being wrong. Kameron was wrong to bring her. She doesn’t bring her mother to a dogfight; she fights herself. She’s pissed at Kameron. The speech about friendship got to her, so she invited LeeAnne and Rich. They need to talk one-on-one, and see how it shakes out.

Rich makes it for the unveiling. He says LeeAnne was going to try, but she’s at a fashion show. D’Andra understands Brandi has a baby, but LeeAnne chose to go to a fashion show. Stephanie says it’s a special moment. She and Travis have two of Jeremy’s photos hanging in their house.

Kameron says it was fun cooking. D’Andra says she thought she’d gotten a warning from Jimmy because she didn’t behave. It sounded like a warning about their friendship. Kameron says they were just telling her to be cautious because people are talking. D’Andra says it was hurtful, and she felt attacked. In her interview, Kameron is disgusted that D’Andra is even bringing her mother-in-law into the situation. To assume it’s an attack is mind-boggling. Kameron says Jimmy knows a lot of people; she’s not someone you want to piss off. D’Andra asks if that’s a threat, and Kameron says she’s trying to protect D’Andra from a trainwreck. Sometimes the truth hurts. In Kameron’s interview, she says D’Andra’s been wild lately, and people are talking. Kameron is offended, saying she’d never attack D’Andra. D’Andra says what she does is no one’s business. Kameron has had enough

Cary follows Kameron out. Kameron says she’s leaving. D’Andra is being a crazy bitch, saying Jimmy was being offensive. Cary says, talk to her. D’Andra asks Dee why they attacked her. Dee says, who cares? People talk. She’s learned how to work with it. She tells D’Andra not to feel embarrassed or upset. Let people what they want. In her interview, D’Andra says, it’s hard to walk away, and say you don’t care. Kameron tells Cary she’s done with it. People said mean hurtful things about D’Andra, and she defends, and gets treated like this. And disrespecting her mother-in-law? Peace out. Kameron gets in her car, and says, this is freaking insane.

Next time, Cary asks the girls to Copenhagen, Stephanie and Travis renew their vows, and Cary thinks the trip might be a disaster.

Below Deck

Ross tells Chandler that Rhylee can’t take instruction. Chandler should talk to the captain; nip it in the bud. Chandler wants to get through the charter, then do what they need to. Like the impetuous baby he is, Ross goes to the captain himself. He tells Captain Lee it’s not his place to say what he’s saying, but Rhylee doesn’t seem to know what’s happening in front of the guests. He thinks there’s a break in communication. In his interview, Ross says it’s frustrating. There’s no direction, and it’s making them all look bad. The captain is impressed by Ross. He knows what needs to be done, when the bosun should have the answers.

Kate calls around for local dancers and musicians. Adrian asks her if she wants to try something he’s making, and she says it’s going to be the first charter where she gains weight. In Kate’s interview, she says they’re throwing a luau. There will be dancers, fire throwers, and music. It will be spectacular. Josiah is her favorite stew she’s ever had. Rhylee has no regrets about how she dealt with Ross. They were in a dangerous situation. She’d rather he be upset than someone get injured. Ashton tells Ross there’s a Tahitian beach party tonight. Chandler is taking a nap. In his interview, Ross feels badly. He’s never thrown anyone under the bus before. It proves how frustrated he is.

Caroline tells Kate that she had issues with Chandler last night. He said he’d help, but when the time came, he went to bed. Kate thinks Caroline doesn’t understand that he has more responsibility. Usually the lower deckhands help with that. She agrees that 4:45 is too late to stay up. In her interview, Kate thinks it’s because Chandler didn’t give Caroline any attention; not that he didn’t help.

Ross says he’s just trying to pull his weight, and provide for his son and his son’s mother. It’s his motivation. Kate tells Adrian that Caroline is obsessed with Chandler. Adrian says she always looks like a  deer in headlights; it cracks him up. Caroline tells Chandler that she was totally wrong, and misunderstood what their joint role was. She apologizes. In his interview, Chandler has no idea what she’s talking about. He doesn’t thinks she knows where she is.

Captain Lee says he’ll be having dinner with the guests. Everyone changes to their blacks, and Kate decides to take Caroline with her for the picnic. They go ahead, and set up. Kate tells Caroline that she should have a baby with Chandler. If they conceive it on the boat, they can name it My Sienna. In her interview, Caroline loves everything about that idea, except everything about that idea.

Ross outs himself to Rhylee, saying he told the captain about a breakdown in communication. Captain Lee wanted him to be specific, and he mentioned her name. He’s sorry; he doesn’t know why. She asks what he said, and Ross says, nothing bad. In her interview, Rhylee says, are you effing kidding me? What has she done besides her job?

The guests go over to the beach with Josiah. Kate says, it’s a lot of work finding local musicians where you don’t speak the language, while you set up dinner on an island you’ve never been to. The guests arrive, the music starts, and they say it looks amazing. Kate is amazing. Captain Lee agrees. Adrian says one of his favorite nicknames is Merlin. He likes to do concoctions, and all of that is coming out in this dinner. Primary Alan asks Adrian to leave with him. He’s giving him all the tip money, and taking him.

Chandler says he’s getting some shuteye. In Rhylee’s interview, she says she only gets about five hours of sleep a night, and it’s effed up.

Kate asks if Josiah can hula. Caroline goes back with Ross to do turndown. When they get to the boat, Ross calls Chandler, but Rhylee says he’s on break. On the island, the native dancing starts. In her interview, Kate says, one of the great things about yachting is that you experience different cultures with the guests. That’s all she really wants to do. The fire dancers throw fire around.

Chandler and Caroline talk about traveling when the charter is over. Chandler says even though his dad is in the charter business, he’s jealous about the places Chandler has been, and he’s only twenty-eight. Caroline enjoys his company, but is being guarded. The guests head back. In his interview, Captain Lee says he’s never attended anything that came off like this. He’s blown away.

Chandler tells Ross to knock off for the night. Ashton can go too. Chandler sees all the crap left to clean up from the picnic, and radios Rhylee to meet in the beach club. He asks if she has this. In her interview, she says she wants to crash. She’s tired, but knows the junior crew get the sh*t jobs at the end of the day. Ashton tells Ross there’s no downtime. No one has had a break when they’re supposed to; it could be scheduled better. Rhylee is exhausted, and fed up with the boys. It’s wearing on her. I note that Chandler seems to get plenty of sleep.

Kate tells Caroline it went well. Caroline thinks it was more cohesive than the first charter. She says Kate and Josiah clearly have a strong connection, and she feels left out. She wonders if Kate thinks she’s ridiculous. Kate says Caroline is crazy, ridiculous, amazing, and finny. She’s the perfect third stew. In Kate’s interview, she understands why Caroline might feel left out, but she can sit with them. They’re not mean girls. This is why she doesn’t like threesomes. Someone always feels left out.

The crew prepares for the last morning of the charter. Anchor is locked, breakfast is served, and one guest says they’ll have no reason to eat after this. Nothing will taste good, and she’ll be in full depression. The crew changes to their whites. The captain wants to sync the fenders, which is a fancy way to say drop all the weights at once. When they dock, the guests don’t want to leave, but they have to. Alan says it’s the best charter they’ve ever done. He was blown away. Danyelle thanks them from the bottom of her heart. Alan takes out an envelope, saying, good tip, and another, saying, spectacular tip. He gives them both to Captain Lee. The crew applauds. Alan and Danyelle declare their love for each other.

For the past year, Caroline’s focus has been on her mom, and she can’t make friends or form relationships. Rhylee is feisty and intelligent, and she relates. While they’re changing, Rhylee complains about only getting five house of sleep. Caroline knows about Ross saying there’s a lack of communication. Rhylee says she knows how to communicate. Chandler calls for help with the luggage, and she says she’s changing, per instruction. He asks if she couldn’t see what they were doing. In her interview, she says he keeps talking about being boss. How about giving instructions beforehand? She gets some clothes on and goes to help.

Caroline knocks on the penthouse door (aka Kate and Josiah’s private bunk). Kate says it’s her penthouse too; it’s the interior penthouse. She feels badly because she and Josiah are always laughing together. They have yachtie shorthand. She wants to make an effort to include Caroline. Josiah says he and Kate are a perfect fit. They’ve both mastered the RBF.

Rhylee is tired of how she’s not allowed to speak unless she’s spoken too. Ross tells her she’s doing a great job, but she says she’s not comfortable talking to him about feelings. It’s tip time.

Captain Lee says everybody did a good job. The guests wanted a home run (a baseball reference – shades of the Mediterranean), and they did it. The food was a hit, Kate elevated the bar, and the synchronized fender drop was perfect. Alan wasn’t lying. They got $22K or $1820 each. Ashton says, yes, please. Party time. They have the night off. In his interview, Adrian says money doesn’t have that much value in his eyes. Of course not. The captain wants to see Chandler in the wheelhouse. Do as much as they can today, before they go out and wreck themselves, or rather, have fun.

The captain tells Chandler to have a seat, and asks how things are going with the crew. Chandler says everyone is trying help each other, but there’s always backlash to what’s said. An expression or comment from Rhylee on the back end. In Chandler’s interview, he says he’d be at his wit’s end if he was the captain. He’d fire her. He tells the captain that her attitude is piss poor. Captain Lee asks what he’s doing about it. Chandler says he doesn’t think they have the time to wait for a change or deal with it. In his interview, Captain Lee says Chandler has a hard-on for Rhylee, and not in the Biblical sense. He has his mind made up that she won’t work out, but all he sees is that she’s doing her job. She’s just hard to get along with. If Chandler wants him to get rid of her, he’s not doing it. He tells Chandler that they don’t have that luxury. It’s his issue to solve. One of his people felt there’s a breakdown in communication. He suggests a deck meeting before each charter, and schedule people who work best together. He’s going to need a clear line of communication so there’s no confusion. In his interview, Chandler says he’s never had a problem like this. Whoever went to the captain, should have come to him first. It makes the department look bad, him in particular.

Josiah and Kate have champagne. Kate wishes Caroline and Chandler would have sex. Josiah thinks Rhylee and Ashton would be like two crocs fighting over a ham hock or roadkill. On deck, Ashton suggests they knock off early. Chandler says they can be efficient tomorrow.

Josiah tells Kate every time they say Adrian is an alien, he doesn’t deny it. In her interview, Rhylee says she and Ashton have chemistry. She’d like to take it further, but she’s having fun flirting.

The guys sit outside and have a beer. Josiah asks if anyone thinks Chandler should hook up with Caroline, and Chandler wonders, what’s up with that? Josiah thinks they’re flirty. In Chandler’s interview, he says he likes girls who are down to earth and easy going. We’ll see. Josiah asks what Chandlers type is, and Chandler says, normal. They laugh.

Everyone gets ready to go out. Chandler says it was a tough charter. He’s hoping there are no issues tonight. The crew goes to a local lounge. They order espresso martinis, and talk about what they’re doing after the charter. Food comes. When they’re done, they have a shot. Ashton thinks Rhylee is naughty, but wants to be careful. Getting involved with a crew member can be complicated. Just ask Hannah.

Ashton asks what time they want to head back; he doesn’t want to piss everyone off. We flash back to him holding everyone up last time. Caroline goes out for a smoke. Chandler follows, and Kate says if they conceive a baby on the boat, she wants it named Sienna Kate. They go back to the car. Ashton says he’s had seven espresso martinis, and he’s still tired, He needs to drink more. Most. Uneventful. Night. Out. Ever.

Back at the boat, Rhylee and Caroline have dessert in the galley, until Chandler horns in. Rhylee leaves them alone, but nothing happens. I stick with my original assessment of the evening.

Rhylee teases Caroline that she and Chandler ate the cake like Lady and the Tramp. There’s a debate as to who the Tramp is. Kate and Josiah are wasted. Josiah says everyone is boring, and brings some ramen to Kate. She asks who he’d fired if he could. She’d fire Rhylee; she’s a moron. He loves Caroline, but thinks Kate needs to talk to her. Kate says they can’t go through another charter with so much talking . Caroline knocks on the door, and tells them she heard what they were saying. Kate tells her to come in, but Caroline says they’ll talk tomorrow. In her interview, Caroline says that they claim not to be mean girls, but they were talking behind her back. It’s upsetting, and becoming an effed up charter.

Next time, Kate wonders what’s wrong with Rhylee, the guests are disgustingly obsessed with social media, a used condom is left on a nightstand (eww!), and Caroline asks to see a doctor.

👉 Always On Point…

She has happy resting face. You know who has those? Lunatics. And Labradors. – Kate Chastain, in regard to stew Sierra, Below Deck, season four

⚾ Star was not on tonight, because, World Series.

🏁 I’m almost at the finish line of this overwhelming week, and I’m hoping I didn’t make too many editing mistakes. I haven’t had a chance to open that box from Oriental Trading yet, so I’m also hoping there wasn’t a huge mistake and it’s full of candy corn.

🏆 So Close…

FinishLine

Oct13

October 13, 2018 – Emergency Vampire Film Announcement

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What I Watched Today

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

 

I rarely post on a Saturday, but this was too important. The Fearless Vampire Killers is on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) tonight at 8 pm. I don’t know if they’re going to run it again, and it’s rarely on TV. Now’s your chance. It’s a lot of fun.

FVK3

FVK

FVK2

FVK4