Tag Archives: George Michael

Jun28

June 27, 2024 – Finn Says Goodbye To Violet, Words From His Co-Workers, Just No, Better For You, Riders, Pet (!) Safety & Wake Me

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Carly thanks Diane for coming over so quickly, and Diane says, it sounded urgent. Carly says she needs Diane to keep her out of prison.

At the new apartment, Josslyn opens the door to Dex.

Violet runs to Finn, and he asks if she had fun sleeping over. She asks, how is he? Is he feeling better?

Sam comes home, and tells Dante that Scout was nervous in the car, but when they got there, she couldn’t wait for the sleepover. She wants to make sure Danny won’t hear their conversation, and starts to check on him upstairs, but Dante says, Jason came and picked Danny up. She asks where they went.

Walking into the garage, Jason says, sorry the gym was closed, but Danny says, this is way better than working out. They go over to Jason’s bike, and Jason asks if Danny is sure he’s ready do this. Danny says, oh yeah.

Dante tells Sam that Jason was taking Danny to the gym, and Danny was stoked. He thought it would be okay with her. Was he wrong? She says, yes, but he couldn’t have known what was going on. He asks what he’s missing, and she says, Spinelli found out what the FBI is holding over Jason. Jason stayed away all this time because the Feds have evidence against Carly.

Jason says, the most important thing is safety. Not just for kids, for everybody. If he needs to know something, ask. He tells Danny that he does his own maintenance. It’s important in case you get stuck. Danny says, especially if someone is after you. Did Jason’s father teach him? Jason says, Alan? Not that he recalls. He fixed people, not machines. Danny asks when he learned, and Jason says, after his accident.

Carly tells Diane, when Sonny was in Nixon Falls and everyone but Nina thought he was dead, she went meeting with the Five Families and claimed to be head of Sonny’s organization. Diane says, no judgement, but why did she do that? and Carly says, Cyrus was trying to take over Sonny’s territory so he could pass a highly addictive narcotic through Port Charles. It was the same drug Sasha got hooked on. Diane says, it wasn’t just civic altruism, and Carly says, there was a threat to her family that was business related. Someone at the meeting was wearing a wire, and the FBI has an audio file of her committing RICO violations. Diane asks how she became aware of it, and Carly says, a reliable source hacked into their database and retrieved the file. Diane says, good. Another felony. She doesn’t want to know the source, but asks why they were doing a deep dive into the database in the first place.

Finn tells Violet not to ever worry about him, and she asks how his cut is. Did he have to go to the hospital? He says his hand is fine. He just needed a bandage. She says, there was a lot of blood, and he says he knows, but it looked worse than it was. Violet asks if they can go home now, and he says he’d love to, but she’s going to stay with Uncle Chase for a while longer. She says she wants to come home, and he says, that’s what he wants too, but he’s not going home. He’s going away. She says, he has to take her with him, but he says, it’s just for a little while. She says she doesn’t care and wants to come, but he says, she can’t go where he’s going. Daddy is sick. His hand is better, but his head and heart… He cries and says he was so sad after grandpa died, he started drinking alcohol and never should done that. That’s why he fell asleep on the floor. Violet says, can’t he stop? and he says, some people can stop. He thought he was one of them, but he was wrong. He needs to go to a special hospital where they’re going to help him stop for good. She asks, how long he’ll be gone, and he says, the doctor says three months. She says, that’s a long time. Does he really have to go? He says he does, and she says, but she can help him stop.

Josslyn asks what Dex is doing here, and he says he wanted to look at her new place. She asks how he found it, and he says he used his sharp detective skills. She said it was above the Quartermaines’ garage, so he followed that lead. She says, hidden in plain sight. She wonders how he got past the gate, and he says, it was open. He thinks someone is visiting. She tells him that he needs better detective skills, and he says he’s still learning. He knows moving is a pain, so he brought provisions. He holds up a bag from Bobbie’s, and says he brought enough for Trina. She says, Trina is taking care of her Aunt Stella, who is sick, and he asks if she needs help. She says, yes, and asks him to come in. She’s finished cleaning, but needs help moving something that’s not heavy, but awkward. Dex says, it’s nice to have another set of hands, and they move a box that not awkward at all and looks like she could have moved it herself.

Violet says, if she helps Finn, he can stay with her, and Finn says he doesn’t want to leave her ever, but if he doesn’t go, he won’t get better. What happened can never happen again. He’s sorry. She must have been afraid when she found him. She says she thought he was dead like grandpa, and he says he’s sorry. He’s proud of her for calling Tracy and getting help. It was the absolutely right thing to do. Violet cries and says she wants to take care of him, but he says, that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. He should be taking care of her. She says, they can take care of each other, and he says, they’re good at that, but he has to be able to, and right now he’s not. That’s why he has to go away, so he can come back and be the best dad, a dad she deserves. He made a terrible mistake and none of it is her fault. She’s perfect and he loves her so much, more than life itself. They hug and everyone in the room is crying.

Jason tells Danny that he was worried about AJ drinking and driving, so he got in the car with him. The car crashed, and the next thing he knew… the first thing he knew was, he didn’t know anybody. Not his family, his name, nothing. Danny says, that must have been hard, and Jason asks if he knows what TBI is. Danny says, traumatic brain injury, and Jason says, that’s what he had. Danny says, mom told him that Jason is drawn to danger and that’s why he does dangerous jobs. Jason says, he’s done dangerous work that he can’t talk about, but mom doesn’t want Danny to get hurt. He suggests they get back to the bike, and Danny asks if it’s hard to learn to ride. Jason says he wasn’t a natural, but it wasn’t hard to learn. He loved it from the start.

Carly tells Diane that she wasn’t involved with getting the file. Someone brought it to her. Diane asks if she’s being blackmailed, but Carly says she’s not. Jason is. It’s the reason he lost 3 years with his family. The FBI threatened to charge her if he didn’t become an informant, and she has it on good authority that they won’t honor the deal. Diane asks if she’s sure the authority is legit, and Carly says, if anyone would know, he would, and he said when Jason was no longer of use to the FBI, they’ll charge her anyway. Diane says she can’t disagree, and Carly says, why should Jason spend one more day under the FBI’s thumb. She wants to call their bluff. Let them charge her and they’ll fight it in court. She needs to know, what are her chances of being acquitted?

Diane asks if Carly actually conducted mob business. Did she make any illegal money transfers? Did she launder money? Did she transfer illegal or stolen goods? Carly says, no, to all of it, and Diane asks if her name is on any incriminating documents. Carly says she doesn’t think so, and Diane asks if anyone at the meeting would be willing to testify against her. Who was at the meeting? Carly says, Cyrus Renault and Selina Wu. Vincent Novak and Charles Buscema are dead. If anyone testified, they wouldn’t be long for this world. Diane asks if the FBI has the sole audio file, and Carly asks what she’s thinking. Diane says, in this age of deep fakes and digital trickery, the chain of custody of the evidence is essential. The FBI would have to produce the original file to prove it’s not altered. Carly says, her source said the file couldn’t be altered or deleted. Where does that leave her? Diane says, given her and Sonny’s long history with the Feds and her recent dust up with the SEC, she thinks the FBI might have a strong case.

Josslyn asks what Dex learned in school today, and he says, they’re doing de-escalation training. He bets that make civilian courses. She asks if he’s suggesting she take one, but he says, no. He loves how she never backs down from a fight. Don’t lose that. She asks what he learned, and he says, each situation is different. It’s a judgement call every time. Sometimes you have to rush in and act fast, but most of the time, you’re better served to take a step back and see what happens before you do something you can’t take back. She says she’s learning that herself. She’s done a few things recently that she wishes she could take back. He says him too.

Danny thanks Jason for letting him help change the oil, but Jason says, he helped Danny. Danny did the work. Danny asks when Jason is going to teach him to ride.

Sam tells Dante about the recording of Carly meeting with the Five Families, and how it’s being held over Jason’s head. He asks if she realizes what she’s done. Forget Carly. She breached and FBI file; it’s a federal crime. If she’s caught, she’ll go to prison. Sam says, the hack was bulletproof, but Dante asks if she doesn’t think they can trace it back to Spinelli. Who else knows? She says, Spinelli, Carly, and now him, and he says, now he’s an accessory. She can’t tell anyone. If the FBI finds out about Spinelli hacking their database at her request, she’ll be taken away from her kids.

Chase says, they should get going, and Finn says, Violet is going to have so much fun. He’ll be back before she knows it. She says she’ll miss him, and he says he’ll miss her. She tries to put a friendship bracelet on him, but it doesn’t fit, so he puts it in his shirt pocket and says he’s going to put it next to his heart and keep it there always. He loves her. She says she loves him too, and he and Chase go to the door. Chase opens it, and Finn blows Violet a kiss. She catches it, and they leave. Violet cries, and Brook hugs her.

Dex says, it’s a great place, and Josslyn says she lucked out. He says he used to think about someday helping her move out of the dorm and into his place, and she says, her too. He says he enjoyed dinner, and she says her too. He says, hypothetically of course (🍷), what would it take for them to get back to where they were before? and she says, before what? He says, before he told her that he was willing to kill someone for Sonny.

Chase pulls up to Sky Meadow Lodge, and Finn thanks him for letting him say goodbye to Violet. He knows it went against the restraining order. Chase says, what he did wasn’t about the restraining order. Finn needed to see Violet before he left. Finn says he’s sorry about the things he said to Chase and Brook. The things he said to Elizabeth, he can’t forgive himself, and the worst of it was that he passed out and scared his little girl. Chase says, it could have been worse, and Finn says, only Chase could find a silver lining in this. Chase says, a lot of people take a restraining order as a challenge and show up anyway. The number of domestic disturbances he’s had to break up… Kids see knock down drag outs with their parents, and he’s seen the looks on their faces as the parents are taken away. He thanks Finn for not putting Violet in the middle and making it worse for his daughter. Finn says he heard Violet thought he was dead and left her forever. How could he do that to her? Chase says, because he has an illness. That’s why he’s going away, to get well. Finn says, his kid brother, and Chase says he’s been grown up for a while now. Finn says, this is different. Now Chase is coming to his rescue. Chase says that’s just because he’s a nice guy, and Finn thanks him for taking care of his little girl. Chase says he’s Finn’s brother, and Finn says, he did the right thing. He knows Chase was trying to protect Violet, and he’ll always be grateful for that.

Danny says he hears it’s easier than riding a bike, but Jason says, they’ll have to ask his mom first. Danny says, he was just kidding, yet kinda hoping, and Jason says, maybe next time, if mom agrees. Danny says he doesn’t see that happening, and Jason says, there are other things to do. Danny says, like what? and Jason says, they’ll figure it out. He’s seen Danny can do anything he sets his mind to. Danny says, tell that to his algebra teacher, and Jason asks if he needs help with math. Danny asks if Jason is good at math, and Jason says he uses it in his job. Danny asks if Jason shoots hoops, but Jason says he hasn’t for a while.  

Sam says, Spinelli covered their tracks flawlessly, but Dante says, Cates knows Spinelli after what happened when he was shot. Sam says, it would be impossible to prove, and Dante says, they broke federal laws. That’s exactly why he didn’t want her to get involved. She says she needed to know what they had on Jason, and he asks if she’d rather stay with her kids or have them visit her in prison. She says, stay with her kids, and he says, then she’s got to leave it alone. Talk to no one, and whatever she found out, leave it alone, act like it never happened, and hope it doesn’t come out.

Chase tells Finn not to worry. He and Brook will take great care of Violet. Finn says he knows. Tell her every day that he loves her, and he’ll be back as soon as he can. Chase says, that’s what they all want, but no shortcuts. Don’t convince himself he’s got it handled or just had a slip. Finn says, it’s not his first rodeo, and Chase says, if he’s in doubt, think of how devastated Violet would be to be put through this again, and stop. Finn says, he’ll do it for Violet, but it’s not easy, and Chase says, the best thing he can do is get well for his child. Finn says, Chase is a good cop, and Chase wonders what that has to do with it. Finn says he knows Chase has seen stuff, and Chase says, it comes with the job. Finn says, but he still wants to help. It’s a quality he admires.

Brook brings Violet a snack, but she says she’s not hungry, so Brook puts it on the coffee table. She asks if Violet has any questions, and Violet says, her dad is going to a hospital. Will he be in bed? Will he be able to watch TV? Will people be nice to him? Brook says, it’s beautiful there. He won’t want to stay in bed or watch TV. He’s going to hike and swim, and the people there are kind. They’re going to help him learn how not to drink. Violet asks if it’s like camp, and Brook says, kinda like camp. Violet says, camp is fun. If her dad is away, what is she going to do? Brook says, there’s so much to do here. Name it. Violet says she’d like to go swimming, and Brook says, Uncle Chase said he’d teach her to ride a bike. Violet says, and he told her that she’s almost ready to ditch her training wheels. She’d also like to go horse riding. Brook says, coincidentally, they have a whole stable of horses. Violet knows some of them, but Brook knows the rest will love to meet her.

Josslyn tells Dex that she doesn’t know how they can put it behind them. There are people she cares about who have crossed that line, but what’s important is that he didn’t. When she told him at dinner that he didn’t have to prove anything, that he’d done good enough to redeem himself, she meant it. She thought he’d joined the PCPD for her – she knows how to make about her – but she sees he did it for himself. The longer he’s there, the more she sees that’s where he wants to be. Did she get it right? He says, 100%, and she says, then she’s happy for him. He says, to be clear, if being a cop impressed or pleased her, he’s good with that.

Dante says, Sam knows He’s right. He’s just trying to help. She says, knowing that Jason did this to save Carly… She’d thought that maybe for once he’d put his kids first, but Carly is his first priority. Always has been and always will be. Nothing else matters. If Danny knew that, it would break his heart. Dante says, she needs to make sure he never knows.

Diane says, the FBI’s case rests solely on Carly’s admission that she was head of the Corinthos organization. Even if it was just as a figurehead, it will land her in hot water, but she had a compelling reason. She walked into a room of known crime figures, pretending to be one of them, to protect her children. Carly says she was terrified, and Diane says she knows from experience how compelling Carly is as a witness and how she can play to a jury. Even with Diane’s skills, knowledge of the law, and tricky tricks, she thinks the best they can hope for is a 30% chance of acquittal. Carly says, that means there’s a 70% chance of her going to federal prison, and Diane says she doesn’t like those odds, for Carly or for Donna.

Sam leaves a message for Spinelli, and tells him, the case they’re working on, don’t do anything until he hears back from her. Danny and Jason come in, and Dante asks, how was the gym? Danny says, it was closed. They went to the garage instead and tuned up Jason’s bike. He changed the oil. Dante says, those are awesome skills to have, and Jason says he should get going. He leaves, and Sam says, it sounds like Danny had a good time. Danny says, he did. Jason is the best. He tells Dante, no offense, and Dante says, none taken. Danny goes upstairs, and Dante hugs Sam.  

Carly tells Diane that she doesn’t know how she can leave Donna with the way Sonny is acting. But it’s not fair for Jason to be under the FBI’s thumb. Diane says, Jason doesn’t need saving. Let him do whatever he’s doing, He’s capable and strategy is his thing. If Carly’s got a plan to rush in and save him, historically, how has that worked? Whatever arrangement he has going, has kept her out of prison so far. Carly says she doesn’t know for how much longer and wants to be prepared. Can they work on a defense just in case? Diane says she can work on one. She tells Carly to sit tight, and leaves.

Dex tells Josslyn that he has an early morning. Her? Josslyn says she lucked out. she has nothing tomorrow morning. Are the cadets running in the park? He says, always, and she says, maybe she’ll see him there. They leave together.

Violet says, it’s a big house, and Brook asks if she just noticed. Violet says, it’s different when she stays over. She could get lost. Brook is lucky she used to live here. Brook says, the best part is the people who live here, her family. And the greatest part of family is that when you’re sick or in trouble, the rest step up and help out. Violet says, like they’re helping her dad, and Brook says, Violet is helping him too. She’s being very brave. Violet says, it’s easy when you’ve got help, and Brook says, they’re glad to help. That’s what family is for. Violet says she’s glad they’re family, and Brook says her too. She hugs Violet.

Finn says, it’s time to do this, and Chase says, he’ll walk Finn in, but Finn says he’s got it from here. It’s not like he can make a break for it. Chase says he’s not worried, and Finn says, Chase is a lousy liar. Promise to look after Violet, give her a kiss, and tell her that he loves her. Chase says, she knows that, but he will, and Finn says he loves Chase. Chase says he loves Finn too, and Finn says, dad would be proud. Chase says, dad would be proud of Finn taking this step, and Finn says, there’s no point in stalling any longer. Chase says, on the count of three, and Finn says, one… Chase says, two… and with tears in his eyes, Finn gets out of the car. Chase watches him as he goes to the door, hesitates, then walks inside. Chase pounds on the steering wheel, puts on his seatbelt, and drives away.

Tomorrow, Brook asks what Chase thinks of Tracy’s idea; Blaze asks if Kristina is saying she’s going after custody of the baby; and Jason says, everything he did to protect Carly means nothing.

🧂 Rubbing Salt In the Wound…

I still can’t believe this. It’s an outrage.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-stars-say-goodbye-to-michael-easton

👠 If You Have the Stomach For It…

Honestly, I don’t think we need this. Not that I wouldn’t want to smash a glass on most of their heads, but because of disloyalty to hairstylists? What?

https://people.com/rhonj-danielle-cabral-condemns-violence-does-not-apologize-for-smashing-cup-on-jennifer-aydin-8385973

RHONJ’s Jennifer Aydin Reveals New Details of Fight With Danielle, Plus Danielle’s Former Hair Stylist Talks Recent Run-In With Her and Slams Her as “Delusional”

On the upside.

Tamra Judge Praises Joe Gorga for Making ‘Amazing TV’

💐 A Healthier Reality…

I’m not sure how fabulous her life is, but she travels more than I do. This is a kinder, gentler, but still very real, reality show.

https://www.etonline.com/my-big-fat-fabulous-life-first-look-whitney-meets-the-man-she-thinks-shell-marry-exclusive-227160

This one is kind of weird, but I can’t turn away. There’s a lot of angst, but no throwing of Solo cups.

https://www.etonline.com/welcome-to-plathville-season-6-trailer-shows-ethan-and-olivia-plath-dating-other-people-after

🚴 Get On Your Bike and Ride…

This seems like a film worth seeing. Very grindhouse.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/norman-reedus-filthy-the-bikeriders-specifically-related-walking-dead-daryl-dixon

https://www.themarysue.com/jeff-nichols-interview-the-bikeriders/

🎆 It’s Almost Here…

✈️ Touching the Sky…

Join me tomorrow for soap and the usual Friday festivities. Until then, stay safe, stay not assuming everyone speaks English when traveling to faraway places, and stay knowing when you have to act fast or when you’re better served to take a step back before doing something you can’t take back.

Jun27

June 26, 2024 – Finn Meets With Chase, Why Goodbye, Best Yet, Twirling Out, Lighter, New VanderStaff, Calling It Off, Celebrations, World’s Ugliest & Freedom

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Trina knocks on Sonny’s door, and says she was asked to grab Ava’s day planner. Sonny tells her to check Ava’s room, and Trina tells him that Ava said… He says, Ava told Trina that he threw her out because he did.

Kristina startles Alexis, who’s snoozing on her sofa next to her open laptop. Kristina says she knocked, and Alexis says, and when she didn’t answer? Kristina says, naturally, she let herself in. What is Alexis working on that she was so focused? Alexis slams her laptop shut, and Kristina says, not too suspicious.

Trina says she also wanted to give Sonny Ava’s suite number at the MetroCourt, but he says, that’s not necessary. She asks if he wants her to tell Ava anything, and he says, tell her that she’ll be hearing from his attorney soon. He and Ava aren’t of the same opinion that it’s not suitable to raise a child in a hotel, even part time. It was good seeing her. He opens the door, and Trina leaves.

Finn sees Chase on Gregory’s memorial bench, and Chase says he can take off, but Finn says, it’s his bench too. Good thing he came. It might be the only way to get Chase to talk to him. He doesn’t remember the hill being so steep. Another reason to stay sober. Chase says nothing, and Finn says, he remembers when Chase was furious at him for not communicating with their dad. Chase asks what Finn wants him to say, but Finn says, Chase knows exactly what he wants to hear. He’s left messages and texts. He’s desperate to know how his daughter is, and Chase couldn’t even call him back.

Chase and Finn sit on the bench, and Finn asks, how’s Violet? Chase says, confused and worried about him, and Finn says, because she walked in, and it scared her seeing him passed out. Chase says he reassured her that Finn was okay, but she’s more concerned he’ll think she abandoned him or doesn’t love him anymore. Finn says he would never think that, and Chase says, that’s what he told her. Brook’s been great with her; everybody at the Quartermaine’s has. Finn says he hopes Violet isn’t mad at him, but Chase says, he’s Violet’s hero. They have that in common. Finn says he’s a lot of things, but not a hero, and Chase says, that’s not true. He’s looked to Finn for guidance. He didn’t mean to come here, but it’s where he ended up. Finn says him too, and Chase says, that has to count for something.

Brook says she’s not sure how much Violet slept, and Tracy says, if Violet is like her, not much. Brook says, she’s playing a board game with Leo. He seemed to intrinsically know she needed distracting. Tracy says, he’s a special boy, and Brook says she’s scared about what comes next. Tracy asks if she means the big picture, and Brook says, what if Violet asks to call her father? Tracy says, Brook will think of something. She always does. Brook wonders, what if Violet asks when she’s going home? She’s like their little adorable prisoner. Tracy says, in an enormous, gilded cage, and Brook says she gets that they’re lucky. Tracy asks if she’s considered the possibility that this could be a permanent situation.

Sasha tells Cody that she feels bad for Violet. She’s not her usual boisterous self. She barely at breakfast and picked at her lunch. Cody suggests the food was subpar, and she says, excuse you. Violet looked tired too. She’s worried there’s something serious going on. Cody says, Violet just lost her grandpa. She’s probably still sad and still processing it. Why is she here and not home with her dad? Sasha says, that’s the thing. Whatever is happening has to do with Finn. She overheard Olivia and Tracy talking about Brook, Chase, and Violet moving in here permanently.

Trina delivers Ava’s planner, and Ava thanks her. She couldn’t bear the thought of facing Sonny again. She asks if there was any hint of him being upset or remorseful, but Trina says, he was cold. All about business. She wanted to get out of there. Ava asks if Natalia was there, but Trina says, Sonny was alone. She offered him Ava’s suite number… Ava says, let her guess. He didn’t want it. That’s fine. If he wants to know, he can ask the front desk. Trina says, he did have a message for her. She’ll be hearing from his attorney about whether a hotel is an appropriate place to raise Avery, even part time. He definitely was making a point. Ava says, that son of a bitch is planning to take away her daughter.

Ava says, Sonny kicked her out before she could find a place, and Trina says, it’s not fair. Ava says, it’s criminal. This isn’t a permanent solution. Him going after Avery is a payback thing. He wrongly thinks she’s responsible for his friend losing her law license, but she brought it on herself. Sonny is violent, impulsive, vindictive, and selfish. She did what she could to co-exist, and now he’s paying her back by taking her daughter. Trina asks what she’s going to do, and Ava says, fight back. Sonny isn’t the only one who knows a thing or two about threats.

Tracy tells Brook that she had a long conversation with Olivia and Monica about when and if Finn goes to rehab. She and Chase can’t move into Finn’s apartment. That’s where Violet lost her grandpa and saw her father drunk and bleeding on the floor. Chase’s apartment is a one-bedroom and they’re newlyweds. She’d like to think they’ll eventually get back to that. Brook says, they can get a bigger place. They have the money, and the situation warrants extra spending. Tracy says, Violet needs stability and consistency right now, and she’d like to offer Violet a home for as long as she needs it, provided Brook and Chase come with her.

Josslyn is cleaning the new apartment, when there’s a knock at the door. Gio says he thought he’d check in, and wonders why she’s cleaning. Josslyn says, it’s what people do, and he asks if he didn’t do enough. She says, this is a me thing. Trina was supposed to help, but she has to run errands for Ava. Gio says he gathers Josslyn isn’t a big fan, and she says she respects Trina’s relationship with Ava, but she more than dislikes her. She does have one redeeming quality. She created Avery. Although she probably shouldn’t badmouth the woman who hired him to play at the gallery. Maybe Ava has two redeeming qualities. She has great taste in musicians.

Kristina says she looked up the information from the link Alexis gave her and drew up a petition. Can Alexis look it over? Alexis asks what the gist of it is, and Kristina says, if Molly and TJ split up, the baby stays with them.

Finn says he’d do anything to change what happened and be the father Violet deserves, and Chase asks if Diane served him with the papers. He didn’t have a choice, and it wasn’t easy. Finn says he knows. He’s been so angry at Chase, Elizabeth, and the hospital, when the person he really hated was himself. He’s found himself back where he started, unable to control the urge to anaesthetize. Chase says, that’s the first step. He’s sorry Finn is here, but thankful he’s still alive. Finn says he doesn’t deserve to be, but Chase tells him, don’t say that. Finn says his daughter found him unconscious on the floor in their home and she was scared. He did that. Chase says, he didn’t mean to, but Finn says, it doesn’t matter. The choice he made caused Violet pain and it makes him want to die. Something broke in him. He’s broken.

Alexis says, us meaning? and Kristina says, the Davis family. Alexis says she thinks Kristina should ask Molly, but Kristina asks her to please look it over. Alexis says she distinctly remembers saying she wouldn’t advise Kristina, lest it look like she’s choosing sides, and Kristina says, if they split, Molly has no legal claim. Alexis says, the last time she saw them, they were fine, and Kristina says, they’ve been annoyingly agreeable since high school, but stress breaks some couples. She has to be prepared. Alexis wonders if subconsciously, deep down, Kristina wants TJ and Molly to break up, but Kristina says, no. Why? Alexis says, she just has a feeling Kristina might… There’s a knock at the door, and Alexis says she hopes it’s not Kristina’s sister. She opens the door to Sonny and says, thank God. (I’ll bet that’s the first he’s heard that in a long time.)

Josslyn asks how much Ava is paying Gio, unless it’s none of her business. He doesn’t have to answer if it’s private. He says, 100 bucks, and she says, an hour? He says, for the whole thing, and Josslyn calls Ava a cheapskate. Gio says he’s telling himself it’s good exposure. He’s living at the Quartermaines, so he has no living expenses. She says, Ava should pay him what he’s worth, and he says, she should be an agent. She says, and deal with demanding talent like him? He starts to help her, but she says, his hands are his meal ticket and he’s got to protect them at all costs.

Tracy says she knows this isn’t how Brook envisioned married life, but they have the perfect set up; a suite with adjoining rooms that’s bigger than Chase’s apartment. No offense. Brook says, none taken, and Tracy says, and this place is crawling with maternal energy. Brook says, her? but Tracy says, no. Monica, Olivia, Lois, Sasha, and Willow in the gatehouse. There are also plenty of father figures and tons of children coming in and out. Brook says, all the reasons she told Chase, and Tracy says, and he told her yes to it temporarily, but she’s offering the possibility of something more permanent. Brook says she’ll have to talk to Chase. He’s the one with emergency custody. Tracy says, they need to consider the possibility that it may become more permanent.

Ava says, separating her from her child is not happening, and Trina says she gets that Ava is upset, but fighting Sonny? Ava asks what choice she has, and Trina asks if Ava wants her to open the gallery, but Ava says, it’s Trina’s day off. Go enjoy what she has planned. The gallery will survive being closed one day. She has to get situated. Trina says, let her know if she needs anything, and Ava hugs her and thanks her. When Trina leaves, Ava gets on the phone.

Sasha says she hopes everything is okay with Finn, and Cody says him too. For Finn’s sake, but mostly for Violet’s. Sasha says she knows what it’s like growing up without a father. It’s not easy. Cody says, luckily, he had a lot of stand-ins. It helps a lot, but it’s not… Sasha says, it’s not the same as having a dad. Mac comes in and asks if it’s a bad time.

Chase says he just wants to help Finn, and Finn says he knows. Chase says he’ll give Finn whatever support he needs, but he has to take the first step. Finn takes out his phone and calls Sky Meadow Lodge. He says he believes their holding a bed for him, and the woman says, they are. He says he’ll be checking in tonight, and she says, glad to hear it. They’ll see him then. Chase says he’s proud of Finn, but Finn says, he might want to wait until he’s there. Chase says he has faith, and Finn says, 90 days. Chase says, he’s got this, and Finn asks if Chase can give him a ride. Chase says, he’ll also give him a ride home when he gets out, and Finn says he has one more favor. Chase says, anything, and Finn says he wants to say goodbye to his daughter.

Alexis asks to what she owes this visit, and Sonny says he found out Ava was the reason she was disbarred and he’s furious. She says, join the club, and he says, she had him fooled. He doesn’t know why he let Ava live with him. Alexis says, he got to spend time with Avery, and he says, if he would have known… He’s glad he knows now. He told Ava to pack her bags and move out. He should have listened to what people were telling him. Alexis says, he didn’t have the information. None of them did. Sonny says he knows they don’t see eye to eye on everything, but as far as Ava goes, they’re on the same side.

Mac says, after Cody left, Maxie went on about how Cody stepped up for the family and he wanted to thank him. Cody says he loves them, and Mac says, they love him too, especially James. He keeps asking when Mac is going with him to his next lesson. Cody says, he’s welcome any time, and Mac says, Sasha has made some new decisions too. She’s gone from the Face of Deception to a private chef. She says, Cody also lets her help out, and Mac says, she’s a welcome addition. He’s sorry for having suspicions about Cody once upon a time. He had Cody pegged as a con man who couldn’t be trusted, but that’s obviously not the truth. Cody is Superman to his family. Will he accept Mac’s apology?

Trina shows up at the apartment and says she’s sorry she’s late. Josslyn says, Trina is so late, she got a new roommate. She’s kidding. Gio is helping. Is Trina okay? Trina says she had a strange interaction with Ava. Ava went off about Sonny. Josslyn says she thought they were getting along, but Trina says, he threw her out and she was full of rage, all directed at Sonny. Josslyn says, it’s not their first showdown, and Gio asks if Ava could be a threat to Sonny. Josslyn says, physically? She doesn’t think so. Trina says she disagrees. This afternoon, Ava seemed capable of anything.

Brook looks at a photo of Edward and Lila, and Tracy asks how she’s doing. Brook says, overwhelmed but grateful Tracy is in a position to help Finn if he chooses, and that they’re collectively in a position to help Violet. She thinks Violet will be okay. Tracy says she does too, but she was talking about Brook. Taking on a child is an enormous responsibility, especially this early in a marriage. Brook says she’ll think of it as training for when she and Chase have kids of their own, and Tracy says, she’s proud of Brook. She’s handling this with enormous grace, compassion, and patience. She’s supposed to be on her honeymoon. Florence, this is not. Brook says, she hopes they get there some time, but home is just where they belong right now, and Tracy says, Brook is handling it better than she would, but Brook says she thinks under the bravado, Tracy’s got a big heart. Tracy says, don’t tell anyone, and Brook thanks her for saying all the right things, the things she needed to hear. Tracy hugs her and says, this too shall pass.

Cody says, there’s nothing to forgive, and if there were, it would be done. He loves Mac’s family. Mac says, and he fits right in, and Cody says, it feels that way to him. Mac says, it makes sense, considering Cody, Sasha, and Maxie were working together at Deception. They got to know each other. He means Cody and Maxie, and now Cody gets to spend time with Sasha. Sasha says she lives in the kitchen, but she’s here now because she’s in between meals. Cody says, they’re just co-workers, and Mac says, sure. He tells Cody to expect an observer at James’s next lesson, and leaves. Sasha says she can’t take it anymore. What’s wrong with him?

Scotty says, her favorite lawyer at her service, and Ava says, she and Sonny hit a rough patch. She has every reason to believe he’s going to go for sole custody of Avery, and she can’t let that happen. She won’t. She can’t lose another daughter. He asks if she thinks Sonny will argue that she’s unfit, and she says, most likely. He asks if she is, and she says, of course (🍷) not, but it doesn’t matter. Sonny will do what he always does. Pay someone off to get the result he wants or lie on the stand. Scotty says, either strategy could work.

Chase comes back to the Quartermaines, and tells Tracy and Brook that he saw Finn. They had a long conversation on their father’s bench. It was dicey at first, but they’re in a good place. Finn is obviously upset that they kept Violet from him, but he understands, and he said it was the right thing. Tracy asks if he’s going to rehab, and he says, Finn called to confirm it in front of him, and he’s taking Finn tonight – on one condition. Tracy says, his or Finn’s, and he says, Finn’s. He wants to see Violet before he goes.

Alexis says she was going to wait, but she can’t. She has news, and since Sonny brought up Ava – she shows them the document – she’s no longer disbarred. Her disbarment was vacated and her two-year suspension has already been served. Kristina hugs her, and Sonny says, congratulations. Alexis says she has to catch up on her continuing education, but after that, she’ll be reinstated. Sonny says, justice prevails, and Alexis says she’s joining Diane’s law firm. Sonny says, the dynamic duo, and Alexis says, Diane is still his lawyer, not her. He says, good, because he’s about to have a legal battle on his hands.

Tracy wonders, what if Finn manipulates Violet? but Chase says he’ll be observing the conversation. Finn has one chance and if he observes Finn going off the rails, he’ll shut it down. Not to give him a chance to see her when he’ll be gone for three months… Brook says, it would be cruel, and Tracy agrees. She says, Chase is Violet’s guardian, so it’s his call. Chase says he appreciates the support, and she asks, where and when the meeting will be. He says, here and now. Finn is waiting outside in his car.

Sasha says, Cody had the perfect opportunity to come clean. He obviously loves Mac’s family and wants to be part of it. She would too. Cody says he has to wait for the timing to be right. If it’s off, he might lose everything he has. It’s too big a risk. Sasha says she wants him to be happy, and he says he is. She says, the happiest he could be, and he says, it’s new territory for him, wanting to be part of something. It’s usually been me, myself, and I. Until he found out Mac was his father, he was fine with things the way they were. She says she thought they were trying a better way, and he says, old habits die hard. He almost told Mac. She says, maybe next time, he will.

Josslyn says she knows Gio loves his uncle, and Gio says, she doesn’t. She says she used to once upon a time, and he asks, what happened? Or is it none of his business? She says, family stuff. Her mom was married to Sonny, more than once. They had and have a volatile relationship, and their last breakup was pretty bad. Gio says, and she sided with her mom, and she says she did, but she made a mistake getting involved. It was none of her business. Her mom is more than capable of taking care of herself. She has the right to live her own life, and so does Sonny. She and Sonny don’t agree on pretty much anything, but she doesn’t want anything to happen to him. Gio asks if Trina thinks it’s possible that Ava poses a real threat, and Trina says she doesn’t know, but she wouldn’t rule it out.

Scotty says, Ava and Sonny both have a spotty past with the PCPD. Family court is going to look at it like bad versus even worse. Ava says, Sonny is a mob boss, but he says, allegedly. It’s not on his tax return. She says, plenty of people know he’s violent and impulsive, going from one mental health crisis to the next, and he says, they could testify or not. She has to protect herself. In cases like this, it’s usually a mutual disaster for everyone. She says she’ll take her chances. There’s no way she’s leaving Avery with Sonny permanently. Is he going to be her lawyer or not? He says he’s in, and they shake hands. He says, since he’s going up against Killer Miller, he’s going to need stunt pay.

Tracy hugs Finn and cries. He thanks her for letting him do this, but she says, it was Chase’s idea. He felt it was good for Violet, and that’s all that matters. Brook comes down the stairs and says, Violet is ready. Tracy asks Finn, is he?

Tomorrow, Jason asks someone if they’re sure they’re ready to do this; Violet begs Finn to take her with him; and Dante tells Sam that she can’t tell anybody about this.

😕 WTF Over and Over…

It doesn’t say for sure, but the wording makes it sound like he was let go. Are they kidding? He’s just done some of the best work of his career. I hate when they change writers. There are always casualties.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-says-goodbye-to-general-hospital

🍊 If He Says So…

Yeah, okay, we’ll see. Premieres July 11th.

Andy Cohen Says RHOC Season 18 Is ‘Possibly the Best Season Yet’

🍑 Gone With the Wind Minus Fabulous…

No surprise. What a shame. You’d think she’d have had enough sense to understand it was crossing the line. Which is probably pretty hard to do in the Housewives franchise.

Kenya Moore Officially Exits RHOA Following Suspension, Before Thanking Fans on Social Media

https://people.com/kenya-moore-exits-real-housewives-of-atlanta-after-suspension-for-explicit-photos-scandal-8669281

🐪 Walking On Air…

I’ve always liked Caroline. I’d love to see her and LVP together… or maybe not.

https://okmagazine.com/p/caroline-stanbury-life-real-housewives-dubai-lighter-ladies-london/

🍸 Changing the Rules…

It’s not like any of the cast we know still works there.

https://okmagazine.com/p/vpr-fans-go-wild-lisa-vanderpump-new-sur-staff-show-hiatus/

📑 What’s Mine Stays Mine…

I don’t blame her. I can understand why there might be some hurt feelings at having it sprung on him – they should have had this conversation earlier – but what’s the big deal with signing a prenup unless you’re in it for the money? Especially a dude. Come on. And why is everyone getting three wedding dresses? I swear, all you need is one per wedding.

https://extratv.com/2024/06/26/kelly-bensimon-calls-off-wedding-to-scott-litner-4-days-before-ceremony/

🪅 Nobody Does It Better…

No one will ever top PUMP/SUR for Pride Day. I’ve been to quite a few celebrations in NYC, but I only did the march once. It’s a looong walk.

Bravo’s Best Pride Celebrations

🐶 He Makes My Heart Sing…

There are no ugly dogs, just dogs that are cute in a different way. Although I’m pretty sure if they’d combed his hair, he might not have come away the winner. Congrats, you Wild Thang!

https://people.com/a-pekingese-named-wild-thang-wins-the-2024-world-s-ugliest-dog-contest-8668102

🧘‍♀️ Watching the Tide Roll Away…

Stop in tomorrow for soap, a little tea, and a little music befitting the month. Until then, stay safe, stay using your headphones when listening to music at the beach, and stay taking the first step if you need to.

Dec30

December 29, 2022 – Britt’s New Year’s Eve Birthday Bash, Returned, Why Lie, Copycat Corden, Bravo’s Finest, NYC NYE & Waiting

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Terry sees Finn at Britt’s party, and says, Elizabeth must have dragged him here, since it’s not his scene. She asks where Elizabeth is.

Elizabeth gives Nikolas a list of stuff Esme will need in the coming weeks, and he says he’ll take care of it. She says, and she’ll take care of Esme, and he says he appreciates all she’s done. She says she’s not doing it for him, and goes upstairs. The doorbell rings, and Nikolas opens the door to Laura, who tells him, Happy New Year. He says, it’s not a good time, and she says she’s sorry to hear that, and walks in.

Trina finds Spencer sitting on the deck steps on the Haunted Star. She apologizes for being late, and asks if he was waiting long. He says, it’s worth the wait; she looks beautiful. She says, him too… He knows what she means. He asks if she’s ready to do this, and she says, be seen together to generate a buzz? He suggests they post a photo on social media, and she says, they can make Esme jealous enough to become reckless. He says, one look at her, and mission accomplished, and takes the photo. Sonny and Nina board the boat, and Sonny says, when Kristina said she saw Spencer at Christmas, he said, that’s impossible. His nephew wouldn’t show up in Port Charles without coming to see him.

Michael meets Dex at the docks, and Dex says, Sonny’s cutting a deal. Michael asks, with who? and Dex says, with someone he’ll regret doing business with.

Esme’s door opens, and she says, oh, it’s Elizabeth. Kind of overdressed for nursing a prisoner, isn’t she? Elizabeth asks how she is, and Esme says, like she cares. Elizabeth says, Esme and her baby have been on her mind a lot lately, and Esme tells her, it’s not too late. Help her get out of here. Not for her sake, but for the baby.

We see a sign that says, Britch Fest! with a caricature of a woman (presumably Britt) in a martini glass. Britt comes in with Obrecht, and takes a drink from the tray of a shirtless waiter, saying, happy birthday to me. She and Obrecht clink glasses, and Obrecht says, he has nothing on mein Scotty. She goes off to find him, and Maxie and Brad join Britt. Maxie says, fashionably late she sees, and Britt says she wanted to make an entrance. Brad says she did; that ensemble is smokin’. Britt says, that’s the plan. Good job on the waiters. She knows it was Brad’s contribution. She tells Maxie, everything looks gorgeous, and Maxie tells her to note it’s prosecco, not champagne. Britt says, Maxie knows her well. Austin comes over and says, Maxie looks great. He knows Britt is his boss, but can he say, wow. She says, just for tonight, and Maxie says she and Brad are going to check on some other surprises they have up their sleeve. They leave, and Britt says, they went to so much trouble. Austin says, they love her and want to make her happy. So she should consider how they’re going to feel when they find out it’s their last opportunity.

Spencer says he’s sorry. He’d meant to come by and thank Sonny for looking out for him in Pentenville. He truly appreciated it. It’s just that so much has happened since he got out… Sonny says, relax. He’s just happy to see Spencer. They hug, and Spencer says, hopefully, he won’t need any more favors from Sonny. Nina says she was sorry to hear about Trina’s friend, Officer Cabrera, and Sonny says he heard Rory was a very good man. Trina says, he was a very good man; too good. Spencer says, Rory was there for Trina when she needed support, and Nina says, they’re going inside, and will see them later. Trina thanks Spencer for what he said about Rory, and for helping bring his killer to justice. Spencer says, she knows he’d do anything for her, but this isn’t just for her. He’s the one who brought Esme to Port Charles. That makes it his responsibility to rid the city of her forever.

Inside, Sonny says, looks like Britt went all out, and Nina says she appreciates him coming out with her. This is a bit more lively than their New Year’s Eve last year. He says she doesn’t have to thank him. He likes being by her side. She says, it’s important for her to be there for Britt. She, Britt, and Maxie made a sister pact, and they’ve been close ever since. She just wants more time with Britt. He says, Huntington’s is like Alzheimer’s. It’s a no joke disease, and she’s going to have a rough road ahead.

Austin tells Britt to just hear him out. He doesn’t think it’s a good idea, this whole running away thing. She swears if he starts hounding her, she’ll throw him overboard. And to be clear, she’s not running away. She’s making a graceful exit. He says, there’s still time to rethink that, but she says, not much. In four hours, when the countdown begins, and the topless hotties are topping off drinks, she’ll slip away, with a one-way ticket to destiny.

Finn asks where Yuri is, and Terry says, he’s sick. It’s adorable how the biggest, toughest men become babies when they get the sniffles. (She can say this because she’s not living with one.) He says, it’s a good thing Yuri knows a doctor, and she says, it’s nice to have someone to take care of, and be taken care of in return.

Laura says she knows Nikolas prefers she call before she comes over, but she didn’t want to give him the opportunity to come up with an excuse not to talk to her. He says, about what? and she says she spoke with his uncle. He asks what Victor said, but she says, no, Cyrus. She went to visit him in Pentenville. He asks what possessed her to do that, and she tells him, Cyrus said he had some information about their family. It got her to wondering what else she doesn’t know. He says, about Cyrus? but she says, about him. Nikolas told her that he’d betrayed all the people he loved the most. Can he tell her what he meant by that?

Esme says, Elizabeth cares so much about this baby, yet won’t help her, even though Elizabeth knows she didn’t hurt anyone. Elizabeth says, maybe Esme didn’t kill anyone, but she hurt a lot of people, her son included. Esme says, so this is about revenge, but Elizabeth says, it’s not. The way she sees it, Esme has two options. She can stay in this tower or face prosecution for the slew of crimes she’ll be charged with if Elizabeth turns her in. Esme says, there’s a third option. Set her free so she can leave town and raise her baby. Elizabeth asks why she’d do that. It wasn’t that long ago Esme threatened a hunger strike, and refused to take her prenatal vitamins. Esme says, she’s desperate. Can’t Elizabeth see that? She swears she’ll take care of this baby, but she needs to be free so they can be safe. Elizabeth says, on the run, no family resources, constantly looking over her shoulder. How is that any safer than a roof over her head, nutritious meals, and consistent care? Esme says, because she won’t have to live with the fear that Nikolas will kill her as soon as she gives birth.

Sonny asks where Nina went just now, but she tells him not to pay attention to her. It’s a celebration, and she refuses to be a buzzkill. He says, she can tell him anything, and she says she was thinking about her brother and Nelle, and how now she doesn’t get to see Wiley anymore. Her family is very small, and the thought of losing Britt… He says he gets it. He lost his dad; he lost Brando. Now he can’t see Michael or Wiley. Michael is going to have another child, and is he not going to be able to see that child?  Probably not. She says, he has to pay a big price to have her in his life.

At Britt’s party, Sirens blare, and someone is brought out in a wheelchair. Drag queen Alyssa Edwards pops up, and spins around. She says, they’re all so hot, she may have smoke inhalation, and asks if there’s a doctor in the house. Brad says, yes, there is, and she loves to dance. He pulls Britt over, she and the Alyssa air kiss, and everyone starts to dance. I want to be at this party.  

Nikolas says, he and Ava have been struggling for months, but Laura says, this is not about Ava. That’s not a reason Spencer would turn his back on Nikolas. His son just got out of prison; that should matter to him. He should be spending time with Spencer tonight, working on their relationship. Where is Spencer? Does Nikolas know? Does he care? He says, of course (🍷) he cares, and she asks what he’s done for his son to alienate him. She does know it’s New Year’s Eve, right?

Elizabeth says, if Esme is worried Nikolas is going to harm her, that’s not the plan. Esme says, maybe not the plan he shared with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth tells her, lie back, preparing to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. She says, maybe Esme is judging Nikolas based on her own standards. She’s wrong about Nikolas, and wrong about her too. She’s not going to let anything happen to Esme. They listen, and she says, strong heartbeat. Esme smiles, and Elizabeth asks if she’s in any discomfort or pain. Esme says, no, and Elizabeth asks if she has any other concerns. Esme says, what if there are complications? but Elizabeth says, so far, her pregnancy is progressing typically. Esme says, so far, but she’s only seen one ultrasound since she’s been pregnant, and nothing since. Elizabeth says she’s assisted in a lot of births – three of her own –  and Esme doesn’t have to worry. Women have been giving birth since the dawn of time. Esme says, Elizabeth talks like she’s a patient in a maternity ward, and she’s not; she’s a prisoner. Elizabeth is right. She’s hurt people; people who didn’t deserve it, especially Cam. But what if Elizabeth is hurting the baby by helping Nikolas? Can she live with that?

Dex says, Sonny met with a representative from Pikeman Security Group, and Michael says, they’re military contractors. They do everything from weapon design to manufacturing logistics and private squads of soldiers. What do they want from Sonny? Dex says, they want to move their product through Port Charles; they want Sonny to facilitate. Michael says, Pikeman is paying Sonny to smuggle military weapons. That’s as illegal as it gets.

Trina says, maybe Spencer is the reason Esme came to Port Charles, but she’s responsible for the devastation she caused, for the lives she’s ruined, and the ones she’s taken… if it was Esme. He says, come again? and she says, Ava told her, Ryan is convinced Esme’s not the killer. He says, like they can trust a word Ryan… blinks, and she says, maybe not, but what if they’re wrong? What if Esme’s not the killer? What if it’s someone they never even suspected? Someone who could be on this ship with them at this very moment.

Britt puts her arms around Brad and Maxie, and asks where they got Alyssa. Maxie asks if she’s surprised, and Britt says, is she ever. She loves it all. She’s never going to forget this as long as she lives.

Austin looks at a waiter’s back, and says, it’s good he asked. It’s probably just a mole, but he’d get it checked out. The waiter moves on, and Obrecht asks if Austin is on the clock. Austin says, always. She knows how it is when people find out you’re a doctor. She says, that ends when you lose your license. She hasn’t always been his biggest fan, but he’s been a good friend to her daughter. She’s grateful. He thanks her for saying that. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Britt. She says she hopes it continues. Britt needs her friends now.

Terry asks Finn if Elizabeth is showing up later or… He says he’s really not sure, and she says, Elizabeth has been hard to pin down lately. She might have to page her at GH just to catch up. Is Elizabeth okay? He says he would be the wrong guy to ask.

Esme says, help her get away, so she can be free to raise her baby in peace, and Elizabeth says she was right. Esme does care about this child. Esme says she doesn’t know if she’s mom material. She can be selfish and willful, but she does know that even if neither of them is innocent, this baby is, and she wants to give him or her a better start in life than she had. Elizabeth starts to pack up, and says she’s going to ask Nikolas to order a portable ultrasound machine. Next time, maybe they can do a scan, and give Esme a picture of her baby. Esme asks, what if it shows something bad? and Elizabeth says, they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it. If they come to it. She doesn’t want Esme to worry. She heads for the door, and Esme says, why worry when life is so wonderful. Have fun at your party. Elizabeth leaves, and Esme smiles at the Christmas tree.

Nikolas says he’s let Spencer down many times, but Laura says, that doesn’t explain why he had such a big reaction to Nikolas being unfaithful to Ava. He says, Spencer is disappointed that he’s set such a poor example, and she says, unless it’s not that Nikolas had an affair, but who he had the affair with. Who is she? He says he doesn’t want to discuss it, and she says she doesn’t really want to discuss it either, but this has affected their whole family, so she’d like to know. Elizabeth says she’s leaving now, and stops short when she sees Laura. She tells Laura hello, and says she didn’t realize Nikolas had company. Laura says, that makes two of them, and tells Elizabeth that she looks beautiful. Elizabeth thanks her, and says she’s going to Britt’s party. She’s going to be late, so she’d better go. Laura says, stay safe, have fun. Maybe they can get together soon. They have a lot of catching up to do. Elizabeth says she’d like that, and tells them, goodnight and happy new year. Nikolas says, happy new year to her too, and thanks her for stopping by. She leaves, and Laura says, please tell her it’s not Elizabeth.

Dex tells Michael, the Pikeman rep, a guy named Hume, handed Sonny a briefcase full of cash just for showing up. Michael says, so Sonny draws the line at drugs, but he’s willing to ship weapons of war, and Dex says, there’s only two reasons people want to ship under cloak of darkness. Either what they’re moving is dirty, or what they’re moving is being supplied to dirty people. Michael says, in this case, both, and Dex says, this deal is extremely lucrative for Sonny, but also extremely dicey. Michael says, this is it. This is how they bring Sonny down. Dex says, this isn’t like busting Sonny on RICO violations. Pikeman had contractors in Afghanistan; they’re heavy hitters. Think twice before messing with them. Michael asks if Dex is backing out.

Sonny says, the other day, Nina was worried about how she didn’t want to get close to Donna, but Nina says she was just having a moment. She didn’t mean to be so maudlin. He says he’s been thinking about what she said; that she didn’t want to latch on to Donna to fill a void. She says, it’s actually kind of embarrassing, that whole conversation, and he says, isn’t that what loved ones are supposed to do for us? Fill that space inside of us when we lose somebody or feel alone? She says she supposes so, and he says, that’s what she did for him. She takes his hand, and says, that’s what he does for her. He says he wants her to latch on to him, Donna, and Avery. She’s got more family than she knows. She kisses him.

Laura says, Nikolas cheated on Ava with Elizabeth? but he says he told her he doesn’t want to discuss it. She says, too late; he already confirmed it. Does he have any idea how fragile Elizabeth is right now? He says, it’s over, but she says, it doesn’t matter if it’s over; the damage has been done. No wonder Spencer is so upset; she’s family. Her sons are his cousins. What was Nikolas thinking? He says he and Elizabeth have a past, and she says, it should have stayed in the past. She thought the two of them were just friends. Does Finn know? He says, he and Elizabeth hate that they hurt Finn and Ava. That’s why they wanted to keep it quiet. They don’t want to cause any more pain. She says, no one will hear anything from her. But don’t kid himself. Secrets like this are impossible to keep. He notices the list Elizabeth left on the desk.

Dex says he’s not looking for a way out, and Michael says, good, because he needs updates on every step of this partnership between Sonny and Pikeman. He means names, dates, shipping container numbers, bills of lading, all of that. Dex says he just wants to be sure Michael knows what he’s getting himself into. Any evidence they get against Sonny will also be evidence against Pikeman. Who even knows how many laws they’re breaking by shipping this stuff? If they connect it back to him and Michael, it could get messy.

As he lights the candles, Esme says, Demetrius didn’t forget a single detail of that special meal she told him about. He remembered everything. He says, she doesn’t have to feel alone, and she pats the spot next to her on the bed, saying, join me?

Spencer puts his jacket around Trina’s shoulders, and she says, thanks, but no one’s watching them. He asks if he can’t be a friend while at the same time being a gentleman. With all due respect to Ava, he does think Esme is the likeliest suspect. She says, okay, boss. All due respect to Ava? That must have been some talk they had. He says, he and ava are never going to like each other, but Ava cares about Trina, and he knows Trina cares about her. That he can respect. She says she has something to clear up. At her party, she said they’re not friends. He says he recalls, and she says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean it. She was upset and hurt… He says he’s glad to hear it. Not that she was upset and hurt, but that they can still be friends. He doesn’t have many of those. She says, he has her, Joss, and Cam – and Britt. That’s respectable. He says, that would be the first time he’s heard the word respectable applied to him, and she says, there’s a first time for everything. He says he really is grateful, especially since he hurt them all, Britt included. She says, Britt means a lot to him, huh? and he says, she was always there when he was a kid. She stuck by his side from his bratty juvenile shenanigans to the wreck of things he’s made since he got back. He and Britt have a lot in common. They tend to push away the people in their lives they so desperately need.

Britt dances with Brad, Maxie, and one of the waiters. She dances over to Obrecht, who tells her, be careful. Don’t over-do it. Britt asks if that’s not what tonight is for, and Obrecht says she’s glad Britt is enjoying herself, she can’t get over tired; it takes a toll. Britt tells her, mutter, stop worrying, but Obrecht says she is Britt’s mutter; it’s her job to worry about Britt. Britt says, not tonight. Tonight, her job is to have fun. Please. It’s important to her. She’s so happy Obrecht has Scotty. Life will never be dull with him. Sonny brings Nina over, and Nina says, Britt looks cover worthy. Sonny says, great party, and asks how Obrecht is doing. She says, all is well, and asks them to excuse her; mein Scotty needs me. Nina asks Britt to please tell her that she’s having the time of her life, and Britt says she is. She says, Nina doesn’t need to look at her like that, and Nina says, like what? Britt says, like she’s the walking dead.

Terry asks Finn, what’s going on? and he says he and Elizabeth broke up. She says, Elizabeth didn’t breathe a word, and he says he’s not surprised. It was sudden. She asks, what happened? and they see Elizabeth walk in. She and Finn look at each other.

Nikolas grabs the list, and throws it in a drawer. He tells Laura that it pains him that he’s disappointed her again, but she says, it’s okay. She’s just worried about Spencer. He just got out of prison, and he’s coming home to this chaos. Nikolas says he’ll be a better father going forward, and Laura says, if Spencer gives him the opportunity. He says, Spencer can’t completely distance himself. His release is contingent on Victor’s custody, and Victor insists on staying at Windymere. She asks if he’s saying Spencer is legally in Victor’s custody, and he asks if it matters. She says, oh my God, yes. Victor only acts in his own self-interest. Sooner or later he’s going to use Spencer. She can’t let that happen. He asks what she’s going to do, and she says, whatever it takes, but he says, she’s no match for Victor. Leave it alone.

Britt says, they don’t have to pretend. Her mother told her that she told them. Sonny says, we just never know how much time we have in life. Look at Jason. What matters is what we do with the time we have. Nina says, how we spend our time; who we spend our time with. She takes Britt’s hand, and says, this party was a great idea. Sonny says, Jason would want to see her getting all she can out of life.

Finn walks off, and Terry says, got anything she wants to tell her? Elizabeth says, maybe one or two.

Alyssa takes the mic, and says, ladies, gents, them/theys and anyone else here to slay. Tonight is about honoring that other infamous Queen B. The MD with the B-day, Dr. Britt Westbourne. Everyone applauds, and Alyssa says, Britt’s partner in wine Brad tells her, when they’re not busy reading red carpet fashion for filth or murdering mimosas, their favorite pastime is dusting their karaoke competition. We have a mic. We have a stage. We just need two showboats willing to serve. Come make some noise for Brad and The Britch. Britt and Brad take the stage to cheers and whistles, and Britt asks what they’re going to sing. He says, it’s handled, and the music starts. They sing I Knew You Were Waiting (George Michael). There are more cheers and applause.

Terry asks why she had to find out from Finn that he and Elizabeth broke up. Explain yourself, missy. Elizabeth grabs a shot off a tray going by, and downs it. Alyssa goes on stage, and says, okay boys. Show the birthday girl what you’ve got. The waiters bring out a cake with lit candles, and Brad tells Britt, don’t worry. They all know how much she hates the birthday song. Maxie says, but there’s one tradition they must insist on. She and Brad say, make a wish, and Britt goes over to the cake. She looks at everyone around her, and says, okay.

Michael tells Dex, just get the evidence against Sonny. He’ll make sure it gets into the right hands, and doesn’t implicate either one of them. Dex says, if they expose Sonny, Sonny will have a target on his back; with the law and Pikeman. Michael says, he’ll be better off in custody, and Dex says, if he’s convicted of the charges he’ll be facing, he’ll be in prison for a very long time, possibly forever. Is Michael prepared for that? Michael says he always knew what Sonny was capable of; torturing Dex was a new low. This, running weapons through a back channel for a military organization, is not the father he knew. He doesn’t want Sonny near his family. So to answer Dex’s question, forever’s fine with him. I guess collateral damage isn’t a term Michael is familiar with? Or maybe how anyone else might feel? Like Sonny’s kids? Michael pisses me off.

Nikolas tells Laura, for his sake, don’t antagonize Victor. Victor can accuse him of terrible things. Laura asks if Victor has proof, but Nikolas says he can’t get into it. She says, then she can’t help him, and he asks what she means. She says, it’s not just about him. She’s also very worried about Spencer. If he knows something, he should tell her. He says he can’t, and she says, why? Has Victor threatened him? He says, no one is at risk if they play Victor’s game. But if she takes down Victor, she takes him down. Leave it alone or she’ll lose her son.

Esme sits at a small table in front of her finished dinner, and tells Demetrius, the steak is delicious. She’s sorry he couldn’t join her. He says he’s glad she enjoyed it, and she raises her glass, saying, to kindness, found in the most unexpected places. She pretends to swallow the wrong way, and starts coughing. She gets up, Demetrius handing her a napkin. He goes to the door, unlocks it, and she thanks him. She says, it’s meant more to her than he’ll ever know. Happy new year. He says, happy new year in Greek, and blows out the candles. He takes the tray out, and she takes a matchstick out of her cardigan pocket. She says, and happy new year to us, Ace.

Trina says, they should head inside, but Spencer says, five more minutes. She says, nobody will see them on deck, and he says, the buzz can be that they stole some time alone. She says, they’ll assume she got emotional, and needed some air. He says, and he came out to check on her, and she says, and she leaned on him for comfort? He buttons the jacket on her, and says, and in some combination of heightened emotions, and the twinkling lights… She says, and the waves and stars, and his warmth as he held her. He says, it brought back all of those old feelings; the ones they never acted on. She says, and they felt like the only two people on earth.

Tomorrow, Austin tells Britt to change her mind and stay; Laura asks if Nikolas could have a clean slate, would he do it; Michael asks Willow to marry him; Sonny tells Nina, they’ve only just begun; and Sam says, what was that?

🩺 The Doctor’s Back In…

Andre has always been a favorite of mine. This storyline should be fun.

Anthony Montgomery on His Surprise Return to GENERAL HOSPITAL

His backstory, in case you didn’t know, or like me, forgot.

What Happened to Andre on GENERAL HOSPITAL

💎 Door Number Two…

I think it’s more likely the necklace was the reason. It at least factored heavily into the decision. I still wonder what he would have done had Felicia read the results.

Josh Kelly Explains Why Cody Lied to Mac on GENERAL HOSPITAL

🖼 Not Everything’s About You…

Next he’ll be picking on teenager’s bedrooms.

https://pagesix.com/2022/12/28/andy-cohen-claims-james-corden-copied-his-wwhl-set/

🎶 Light the Corners Of My mind…

Memorable or cringeworthy? You decide.

Memorable Bravo Moments Of 2022!

It still boggles my mind how they get away with some of this nonsense. It’s pretty bad when production has to step in.

5 Memorable Times Bravo Production Had To Step In On Camera

🥂 About New Year’s Eve…

If you’re brave, crazy, or both. I’ve never gone and never will. Back in the day, my roommate did the Times Square thing, while I went elsewhere. She told me that she could barely move, someone spilled beer on her, and someone peed on her shoe. Good times…

https://www.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-new-years-eve/nye-faq

Who will be there.

https://people.com/music/new-years-rockin-eve-times-square-performers-announced/

https://www.nashicon989.com/news/dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-reveals-star-studded-lineup-of-performers/

No more for them.

Andy Cohen Says He “Won’t Be Drinking” During NYE Broadcast With Anderson Cooper

🎊 Dropping the Ball…

Tomorrow, join me for more of the same, and ending the year. Until then, stay safe, stay not driving while intoxicated, buzzed, or in any way impaired – there’s no excuse; take an Uber – and stay knowing, what matters is how we spend our time in life, because we just never know how much time we have.

Dec16

December 15, 2022 – The Hook Strikes Again, House Of Childish Awful Adults Finale & Dreamed

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis holds the heavy bag as Alexis punches and kicks it. He tells her, good. She knows how to fight. She says she wouldn’t come to the gym unless he made her, and he says he thinks it’s important they establish a winning mindset before they try to catch a serial killer before someone else dies.

Rory bangs on an apartment door, and the door moves open. He says, PCPD. Anyone home? and walks inside. The door slams shut, and Rory turns around, drawing his gun. We see a hook, and Rory shoots. In the hallway, Dante, who’s apparently been following him, takes out his radio, and says, shots fired.

At the hospital, Portia shows Elizabeth a wedding dress on her tablet, and asks if Elizabeth thinks it’s too frou-frou for her. Elizabeth tells her to just pick a wedding dress that makes her happy, and Portia says she can’t help but think; are she and Curtis making a mistake by still getting married in February? How reckless is it of them to push on, and have this ceremony that’s supposed to be all about love and connection, when Esme’s on the loose? Something about it doesn’t feel right. Elizabeth says, don’t let anyone stand in the way of her happiness, and Portia says, not even a killer like Esme? As Finn walks in, Elizabeth says, Esme will be sure to do more damage again, but she will never take another life.

Nikolas says, beautiful, startling Ava at the gallery. He apologizes, and says, her bodyguard gave him the okay to come in. She tells him about the sculpture in her hands, as she moves it, but he says, when he said beautiful, he wasn’t referring to the sculpture. Despite all that’s happened, and may happen, he loves her. He always will. She says, if only that’s all it took to fix things, right? They have to deal with Esme, and his son, and his uncle. Her mistrust, his misdeeds. What are the odds?

Dex tells Josslyn, let him help, but Spencer says, let Cameron help her. Josslyn says, she’s got it. Thank you. She deposits the toys in the Toys for Tots box, and Dex tells Cameron to cancel his order; he’ll go someplace else. Spencer says, Dex ordered, so he needs to pay, but Cameron says, no, he doesn’t. Dex says, not a problem, and stands in front of Spencer, taking out a stack of cash. He says, Spencer’s uncle pays him well, as he peels off some bills, and Spencer sucker punches him. Josslyn goes to help him up, but Dex says he’s good. He gets up, and Spencer says, go ahead; take a swing.

Trina asks if Jordan knows where she can find Rory. She asked at the front desk, but no one could tell her where he is. Jordan says, he was in her office not twenty minutes ago. He must be around here somewhere.

Gun drawn, Dante says, police! and kicks in the door.

Cameron jumps between Spencer and Dex, and tells Spencer, knock it off. Not here; not now. Josslyn thanks Cameron, and says, it wouldn’t have helped anything to knock him flat, no matter how much he deserves it. Spencer says, Dex is just embarrassed he dropped like a sack of… and Josslyn asks what he’s doing. He just got out of prison, and he’s already causing problems. What did Dex ever do to him? Spencer says, Cam just told him that Dex put her in danger, and yells at Dex to get out. Josslyn tells Dex to ignore Spencer. He doesn’t have to go anywhere. Dex says, Josslyn has no idea what he does or doesn’t have to do, and storms out.

Curtis says, Alexis is leaving? but she says, no. They haven’t even conspired yet. By the way, it was a good idea to meet here. There’s no way Jordan would frequent a place Sonny owns. He says he had that in mind when he suggested they meet here. Jordan’s all about proprieties these days. Alexis says, that’s a good quality for a cop, but Curtis says, the problem is, she overcorrected. The PCPD is being very tight-fisted about the information the general public can use that no one else has. She says, that was her intention in printing the killer’s letter, although nothing came from it. Aside from opening up a line of communication, she isn’t sure what else she can do. She’s not even sure what they can do together. Unless Jordan might confide in Curtis after all. He says, not directly anyhow.

On the phone, Jordan says, let her know when he shows up, and tells Trina that Rory’s shift ended, but he hasn’t collected his personal stuff yet. He’s probably just clearing up paperwork or something. She’s welcome to wait for him here. Trina says she doesn’t want to be in the way, but Jordan says she doubts that’s ever true of Trina. Besides, Rory will be glad to see her when he’s finished. Trina says, not for long… She just meant she shouldn’t bother him at work. She’ll go catch up with Cam at Kelly’s. Maybe she’ll see Rory there. Jordan asks, what’s wrong? but Trina says she’ll let Jordan go. Thanks for trying. She leaves, and Jordan’s desk phone rings. She answers, and says, when?… What’s Falconari’s position?… He’s stopped responding? Get the paramedics, and she’ll meet them there.

Dante sees a man on the floor, blood covering the front of him. He checks for a pulse, then hears something. He aims his gun, and says, police. Let me see your hands. Rory stumbles out, clutching a wound in his abdomen, and says, The Hook, as he collapses against Dante. Dante stumbles back, but gets Rory on the couch. Rory bleeds from his mouth.

Portia says, hey Finn. Just some pre-wedding stuff going on over here. What’s up? Finn says, nothing’s up… Please excuse me. He leaves, and passes the elevator as Gregory is coming out. Gregory says he’s glad he found Finn. His assistant said he’d be clocking out right about now. He’s taking Finn to dinner. Finn says he has a lot of case files waiting, and Gregory asks if he can’t take one night off. Finn says, he can; he doesn’t want to. Gregory says, maybe he needs to, and Finn asks if Alexis said something to him. Gregory says, Finn knows him better than that, and he knows Finn better than Finn thinks. He knows Finn is in a bad way. And it’s not just him. Violet is on to Finn. It’s taking a toll.

Portia asks, what makes Elizabeth so sure Esme won’t spill any more blood? and Elizabeth says, she can’t fly under the radar with the whole city looking for her. She’s sure Esme is just biding her time somewhere. At some point, she’ll step out into the light and get caught, and their families will have nothing more to fear from her. Please get married. It will give her something to look forward to, in addition to the justice for their kids and everyone else Esme’s hurt. Portia says, it’s a deal, but Elizabeth has to do her part too. She has to RSVP. She hasn’t got confirmation that Elizabeth or Finn are coming to the wedding.

Nikolas says, it’s never going to be easy for them, and Ava says, but the best things never are. She’s going to be here for a while. She was thinking about getting take-out. Does he want to join her? He says he wishes he could. She asks if he’s got plans, and he says he’s not hungry. Besides, he can’t stay long. He just came to give her these. He hands her some folded up papers, and she says, an early Christmas present? She unfolds them, and asks if this is from his lawyer. He says he thought it best if she got them directly from him, and she says, is he serving her? He says, it’s a divorce. It’s over.

Sam meets Maxie at the Bistro, and Maxie thanks her for coming. They hug, and Maxie says she knew things were getting dire when she was seeking advice from Cody Bell. Sam says, yikes. What’s going on? Maxie says she just needs some perspective, and Sam is the best one to give it to her. Sam says she’ll try, and they sit down. Maxie says, first, she needs to know what Sam thinks of Austin, and Sam thinks for a moment. Maxie says she can’t believe Sam didn’t tell her, and Sam says, didn’t tell her what? Maxie says, that she doesn’t like Cody, and Sam says, she doesn’t… not like him. Maxie says, Sam doesn’t not like jicama. She doesn’t not like folding laundry, even though it’s the one of the easiest household chores ever, but she doesn’t look forward to doing it, and she wouldn’t choose it if given the choice. Sam says, that’s true, but she doesn’t have to choose Austin. Maxie does. Of course (🍷) unless she doesn’t.

Ava says, Nikolas is divorcing her? and Nikolas says, now is as good a time as any. They can begin 2023 with a fresh start. She asks if he gave in to his uncle. Does he have something else on Nikolas now? Nikolas says, his uncle doesn’t have anything to do with this, and Ava asks if he expects her to believe that; after months of begging, of prostrating himself, of putting his life in her hands. He tells her to see the attached offer, and she’ll see he’s serious. This isn’t her post-nup money, but it’s more than generous. And she can take him to court and get more, but it’s best for everyone not to protract a legal battle with his uncle. With his resources, they can keep Ava mired for years and bleed her dry. She says, this isn’t happening, and he says, take a few days; sit on it. She’s a pragmatic woman. She’ll see this is the best outcome. She says, he doesn’t want to divorce her. He’s lost without her, and he knows it. Something drove him to this against his will, made him think he has no other option but to divorce her, but he does. She’ll give him one. Just tell her what’s behind this. Or who. He won’t be alone. She’ll be at his side.

Elizabeth says she’s sorry for not sending the RSVP sooner, and Portia says, that’s okay. She will be attending though, won’t she? Her wedding won’t be the same without Elizabeth and Finn. Elizabeth says she wouldn’t miss it, but she can’t speak for Finn. Things aren’t working out for them. They broke up.

Finn asks, what’s wrong with Violet? and Gregory says, she’s worried about Finn. They were supposed to go ice skating today, but after he got her laced up, she wouldn’t budge off the bench; woudn’t meet his eyes. It took a hot chocolate with extra marshmallows to pull it out of her. Finn asks what she said, and Gregory tells him, daddy’s sad. Then she asked if he knew why. Finn asks what Gregory told her, and Gregory says, that he thought so too, and he wasn’t exactly sure why. He told her the best thing they could do for Finn is make sure he knows he’s not alone. So they bagged the ice skating and made some art instead. He takes a paper out of his jacket pocket, and gives it to Finn. Finn looks at a picture Violet drew of them, and says he never thought something so helpful could hurt so much.

Spencer asks Josslyn, what is it about that punk that makes her want to protect him from Sonny? Josslyn says, Dex saved Ava’s life. If he hadn’t gotten her to the hospital in time, Avery wouldn’t have a mom. Cameron says, Spencer didn’t even know the guy, and punched him in the face. Is he dumb? Spencer says, Cameron said he couldn’t stand him, and Cameron says, so Spencer decked him for his sake? Spencer says, welcome back, Spencer. Glad you survived supermax. Thanks for being a pal. Clearly, he’s not eating here. He stomps out, and runs into Trina outside.

Jordan shows up at the apartment with two officers, and they go inside. Dante is tending to Rory, and says, Cabrera said it was The Hook. She must have jumped out the window. Jordan tells the offices to tape off the perimeter, and find out if anyone’s seen an intruder. Get a team to canvas the apartments, and set up a dragnet. Jordan looks at Rory, and tells Dante, they can’t wait for the paramedics. Let’s get him to the car. Dante and an officer carry Rory out between them, and Jordan says, they’re going to get him some help. Jordan makes a call, and says, they have a dead body in the apartment. Get the medical examiner and CSU here now.

Curtis tells Alexis that they have to be careful what they do with this information. They’re not supposed to have it. She says she’s a lawyer… She used to be a lawyer. She knows how to keep a secret. So how about if they don’t do anything with it unless they both agree? Deal? They shake hands, and she says, what’s he got? He says he talked with Trina last night, and she was talking with Ava. Apparently, Jordan is getting outside advice about the serial killer’s profile. Alexis says, from the FBI or a forensic psychologist? but Curtis says, from the devil himself, Ryan Chamberlain.

Maxie says, Austin was blackmailing Spinelli, and Sam says, blackmailing him how? Maxie says, it had to do with Society Set-Ups, and Sam says, Spinelli’s algorithm? Maxie says, Sam knew about that? It doesn’t matter, because whatever Spinelli did, Sam wouldn’t  use it against him or use his genius for her own benefit. Sam says, of course (🍷) not, but Austin is? Maxie says, Austin forced Spinelli to run her and Austin through the algorithm, which is a total violation because she didn’t sign up for Society Set-Ups in the first place. Whatever data Spinelli got on her, he got by hacking, and breaking through firewalls and stuff. Sam says, Spinelli would never use Maxie’s data against her, and Maxie says she knows that. She doesn’t love being hacked, but if there’s anyone she’d trust to do the hacking, it’s Spinelli. She just doesn’t trust Austin.

Alexis says, Jordan is consulting with Ryan Chamberlain? and Curtis says he guesses to catch a serial killer, you have to talk to a serial killer. Dex comes into the gym, and Curtis tells Alexis, he’s going to take a shower, and they’ll talk somewhere more private.

Dex flashes back to Josslyn saying he keeps surprising her by doing the right thing when she least expects it. Her mom and Jason are incredible people, who they gave everything they had to Sonny, trusting he’d do right by them. Instead, he screwed them both over. She doesn’t want him to be one of those people. He puts on gloves to punch the heavy bag.

Josslyn asks if Cameron can believe Spencer. Did he learn that in Pentenville? Cameron says, leave it to Spencer to ruin his own homecoming, and she says, he got too caught up in his own BS, and didn’t think. Cameron says, he never does.

Trina asks what Spencer is doing here, and he says, grabbing food, wreaking havoc, reaping the consequences; the usual. They say hello, and Trina says she guesses she’s still not used to seeing him around. He says, she’s not the only one. Did she know a new rule was enacted in his absence where friends are forbidden from sticking up for each other? She says, that’s a broad reading. Sticking up is good as long as it’s welcome. He says he’ll be sure to consult her next time before he butts in. Cam is so over him. She says, whatever he did, she’s guessing his heart was in the right place. He’s not the same guy who returned to Port Charles hellbent on destroying Ava. He asks if she means this is progress, and she tells him, now he just has to work on his execution. He says he’ll get on it. Hopefully, he’ll have something to show for it next time he’s in town. She says, next time? and he says he’s taking off.

Finn tells Gregory that he and Elizabeth ended things. It all came apart last night, and he thought he was holding it together for Violet’s sake, but obviously he did another bang up job. Gregory says, his daughter is extremely perceptive. She would have picked up on it blindfolded. Finn says, there never should have been anything for her to pick up on. He should have done better for her, and seen what was going on with Elizabeth sooner, and made better choices. Gregory says, Finn’s assessment of his actions might be skewed in light of recent events, and Finn says, he and Elizabeth were trying to build something together; some idea of a family, but that’s all gone. But Violet needs that. How can he take it away from her again? Gregory says, must he? He knows Finn still loves Elizabeth; love doesn’t fade away so fast. It may shrink, or be eclipsed by other feelings, but it’s still inside there, waiting to reemerge, sometimes stronger than before, if both people want it. Finn says he appreciates it, but Gregory doesn’t understand. Elizabeth… Gregory says, Elizabeth will make up her own mind. Finn needs to know what’s in his heart. Does he want to salvage their relationship? Dante and the officer bring Rory in, and Jordan says, they need help for an officer; he’s bleeding heavily. Portia yells, they need a gurney stat, and everyone gets to work. Portia asks, what happened? and Jordan says, they need the anti-venom that saved Diane Miller after her attack. Dante says, it was The Hook, and Elizabeth looks stunned.

Curtis asks if Alexis is ready to go, and Alexis asks if Curtis said Trina talked to Ava, and Curtis says, she was at Spring Ridge, and witnessed the interview. Apparently, the PCPD used her as bait for Chamberlain. He answers Jordan’s questions in exchange for Ava being present. Alexis says, remind her to pick up Ava’s tab for the next 100 years, and Curtis says, same here. Alexis says, Esme was an intern at Spring Ridge. She said she was a psych major at PCU to explain her interest in Chamberlain. Question. Did Ryan say anything that hinted where Esme could be found? He says, Trina didn’t give him the play by play. She let it slip that Chamberlain believes Esme is not the killer. Alexis asks if they’re going to take his word for it, and Curtis says he’s poured over Chamberlain’s file, and that guy hasn’t lifted a finger in anyone else’s interest except his own. If he says Esme isn’t the killer, it’s because it serves him, not the police. Jordan is on to something, and he does believe there’s more to that twisted relationship that psychopath and psychology student. She says, so what do they do with that information? and Curtis’s phone rings. He says he believes they’re about to find out, and says hey to Jordan. Jordan tells him that she’s trying to reach Taggert. Does Curtis know where he is? Curtis says, he’s traveling; he’s doing a security consult out of town. Alexis’s phone dings. It’s a text from Gregory: 911 at GH. Curtis says, Portia should be able to track him down, but Jordan says, Portia is busy. Trina is at Kelly’s. Can Curtis pick up Trina and bring her to GH immediately? He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, it’s happened again.

Ava says, there’s more to this divorce than Nikolas is saying. Why doesn’t he just tell her what it is; maybe they can salvage their marriage. He tells her, there’s nothing he can say that will fix this, but she says, give it a shot. He owes her that much. She was prepared to cut him loose. Does he remember that? Everybody urged her move on. Everybody told her that he wasn’t good enough for her. Some people said she was just lucky to survive him, and she was so close to listening to them, but she tuned them out. Just yesterday she told him she wanted to try, and he ate it up. Now he’s changed his mind? Why? He says, they were right. He’s not worthy. He’s still the faithless man today he was yesterday. She says she doesn’t understand. What’s going on? He says, he had an affair with Elizabeth.

Maxie tells Sam, Austin was so great when she met him. He delivered Bailey Lou, and got knocked unconscious for his trouble. She lied to him about what actually happened for months, and when the truth came out, he was kind and understanding. Sam says, that’s good. Maxie got to know the best part of Austin, and Maxie says, and she chose to ignore the not so great parts. Like how mean he was to Brook, and how he manipulated Chase to spy on the Quartermaines. He was super apologetic about that, but she did choose to push it to the back of her mind. But Spinelli never liked Austin, and liked him less in the last few weeks; now she knows why. Sam says, poor Spinelli, and Maxie says, it’s never fun to be blackmailed, especially when the blackmailer is dating the mother of your child. Which brings her to Georgie, who also never liked Austin. She thought Georgie was just being difficult. Now she thinks Georgie might have been right.

Ava says, Nikolas and Elizabeth. One affair wasn’t enough for him? Nikolas tells her to look at the offer and get back to him. He tries to leave, but she blocks him, and asks, how did it happen? When? Where? In the bed they shared together, or did he and Elizabeth rut around in the dirt at the Quartermaine picnic? She has a right to know. He says, it will only hurt her, but she says, why stop now? So how did they end up together. She wouldn’t have him, so he came on to Elizabeth? Or maybe it was the other way around. Did Elizabeth catch him in that bottomless pit of need so many fools are too weak to resist? He tells her, don’t talk about Elizabeth like that, and Ava starts to cry, asking, what was he getting from Elizabeth that he didn’t get from her? He says, his child. Elizabeth is pregnant. She’s having their baby.

On the phone at the hospital, Jordan says she wants every uniform and detective on this, even those not on duty. On his phone, Dante says, they’ve got to take a closer look at the exotic animal smuggler. Who he was talking to, who he was texting, who he was meeting with… Yes, all that. Thanks. Alexis comes in, and goes over to Dante. She sees the blood on his hands and asks if he’s okay. He says, it’s not his; it’s Officer Cabrera’s. She asks, isn’t that Trina’s boyfriend? Is it The Hook? Is it Esme? Jordan walks over to them, and tells Dante, get cleaned up. That’s an order. He leaves, and Alexis asks if Rory was attacked by The Hook. Jordan says, here’s her statement. Tonight, one of Port Charles finest is fighting for his life after a cowardly and brutal attack. Her department will do everything to bring this perpetrator to justice. She’ll be damned if she’s going to lose another one of her own. Alexis can quote her on that. Jordan walks away, and Gregory puts his hand on Alexis’s shoulder.

Finn works on Rory, and says, initiate the anti-venom. Elizabeth asks if he’s sure it was Esme, the person with the hook. A nurse says, they have another bleeder, and Finn says, release the anti-venom. Elizabeth says, what if the police are wrong? The anti-venom is in short supply. He says, just do it. If his wounds don’t kill him, the poison will. Elizabeth injects it into the IV.

Trina says, Spencer is taking off? and he says, as soon as the terms of his prison release are met. She asks if he’s going on vacation, but he says, vacation implies a return home, and Port Charles no longer qualifies. She says, but his family is here, his friends, and he says, and all the people who look at him like dirt. She asks if those people have more power over him than the ones who care about him, and he says, those people are few and far between, but she says, he’s wrong. If he’d open his eyes, he’d see. He says, see what? See who? His eyes are open, which is how he knows to look down when he encounters someone he’s disappointed. So he’s moving on going, and he’s going to disappoint strangers. She says, that’s not funny; that’s sad. He says, maybe, but it is true. He’s certainly not going to get what he wants here. She says, what’s that? and he says, to know how it feels when you matter so much to someone, it hurts them when you’re gone. He has the reverse down pat. He knows all about hurt, just not the part when returned. Curtis comes along, and Spencer asks, what happened? Curtis says he thinks Joss and Cam should hear this too, and they all go inside.

Cameron suggests he and Josslyn go to a nice place, just the two of them, but she says, they need to talk first. Curtis comes in, and says, Cameron, Josslyn, and Trina need to come with him to GH right away. Trina asks, why? and he says, Police Commissioner’s orders. She wants them where she can keep eyes on them, and it’s probably best if they’re under police protection. Josslyn asks, what happened? and he says, there’s been another attack. Trina asks, who? and he says he’s sorry. It’s Rory.

Maxie tells Sam, she burns her life down with Peter, then jumps into a relationship with someone who blackmails people. Sam says, it was wrong for Austin to blackmail Spinelli, but it’s not on the same level as Peter. Maxie says, the mistake is the same. With Peter she chose to ignore the red flags, and see what she wanted to see. Austin – not a psycho, thank God – but not who he pretended to be. Sam asks when Maxie got confirmation on that, and Maxie says she told Sam; it just happened. Sam asks what she did, and Maxie says she told Austin that he wasn’t who she thought he was, and walked out. Sam asks what she’s doing now, and Maxie says, venting to a friend. Sam says, exactly. Maxie’s not in denial; she’s just following her instincts. She’s taking a step back to reevaluate, and consider what she wants or doesn’t want; what she likes and doesn’t like. Then she can act accordingly. Maxie says she can do that. At least her life’s not up in flames. That’s progress.

Dex punches the heavy bag, and flashes back to falling on top of Josslyn in the dumpster; Josslyn chastising him outside Kelly’s and asking what he wants; Josslyn stitching his wound, and Dex asking if she can teach him to surf; Josslyn nursing him in her dorm room; and Dex kissing her. He remembers saying, that wasn’t  supposed to happen, and Josslyn saying, well, it did.

Gregory brings Alexis coffee, and she thanks him. She asks if he has an update on Rory’s condition, and he says, all he knows is, Rory is in the trauma room and bleeding heavily. She says, Jordan is the type who won’t say anything, and he asks how she heard about the attack. She says she was there when Curtis got the call from Jordan, and Jordan sent Curtis looking for Trina. It suggests to her that it has something to do with The Hook. He says, when the police arrived, they called for anti-venom. They both know where that’s been mentioned recently. She says, the killer’s letter.

Ava says, Nikolas is bringing a child into this? He’s going to subject a child to his misadventures with Victor and Esme? He says he never meant for this to happen. The sex was a mistake; the baby is not. He can’t make it unhappen even if he wanted to, and he doesn’t. He has to take care of that baby. He has to do right, and protect it from Victor, and Esme, or anything that could harm it, or anyone who would try to use this baby to their own advantage. He can’t fail another child. She might not understand this, but she understands that much, doesn’t she? Ava eyes a mean-looking letter opener on the desk.

On the phone, Jordan says, keep her posted, and Dante says, any news? She says, Mac is on site, and Dante says he’ll go see if Mac needs any help, but she says, no. She needs him here. He asks why. He’d be more useful in the field. She says, he needs to see this through. Not just for his sake, but more important for Rory’s. Trina runs in, and asks if Rory is okay, but Jordan says she doesn’t know. The doctors are working on him now. Curtis joins them with Josslyn and Cameron, and Portia comes out.

Ava picks up the letter opener, and Nikolas says, please, take his offer. What’s the alternative, war? She lunges at him with the letter opener, but doesn’t hurt him. She says, that’s what she thinks of his offer, and he says, she could have killed him. She says, remember that. Go be with Elizabeth. Be a daddy. Good luck with his do-over. He says he’s sorry. He never wanted to hurt her. He hates this. She says, he doesn’t know what hate is, but maybe she’ll teach him. He says, it doesn’t have to be like this, and she says, that’s true. It could be far, far worse. And who knows? Maybe it will be yet. God have mercy on him. He’ll get none from her. He slowly walks out, and she cries.

Trina says, please tell her that Rory will be okay, but Portia says, he’s lost a lot of blood, and he’s bleeding internally. And his treatment is based off of Dante’s accounts of what happened. Trina asks if she can see him, but Portia says, he’s very weak right now; he’s incoherent. Rory is wheeled out on a gurney, and Trina runs to him, crying and calling his name. She says she’s so sorry, and he takes his oxygen mask off. He says, it was… too soon… to tell you how I feel… but I’m not sorry… When you know, you know. He flatlines.

Tomorrow, Dante says he might have gotten a lead; Anna asks Valentin what they have to show for it; and Elizabeth is afraid someone is about to walk into a trap

❄️ As the consistently awful Winter House comes to a close, Craig had the idea for a formal Charleston Tea Party, which the guys were going to prepare. In Ciara’s interview, she wondered where Austen had etiquette training; with the dogs? He acted like a dog. In Austen’s interview, he said, when he got there, he didn’t know how things with Ciara would be. He’d thought their friendship was a 10 out 10, but he didn’t know where it was at the moment. This guy is the worst at reading a room. In Rachel’s interview, she said she wasn’t confrontational, but what Jess had said hurt. When she was growing up, being Asian and adopted didn’t set her up for success in her town, and it gave her insecurities about everything. You don’t comment on people’s looks and bodies, making that dependent on their self-worth. Everyone dressed nicely, which is something they have down, but you know what they say about lipstick on a pig. After gathering at the dinner table, Ciara welcomed everyone to the first Charleston Tea Party. She said there were a few rules, and asked what is a taboo topic at the dinner table. Butt stuff and dingleberries were thrown out there, but she said, sex, politics, and religion; and no four-letter words. If they thought it was inappropriate, it probably was, and the punishment was shots. Hmm… What’s wrong with that picture? Since the girls had gone out for wine – minus Jess, who’d hung with the guys – while the guys went skiing – minus Craig, who’d hung with the girls – Craig was asked how his day with the girls went. He said he loved a mountain, but had needed his normal pace, and drinking wine with the girls was his normal pace. It didn’t take long for the tea party to go sideways. Rachel said it was a classy dinner, and she wanted to have classy conversation, BUT… She didn’t talk a lot, but something had made her uncomfortable. She felt like talking with the girls had made her confident enough to bring it to the table. Jess said something that made her feel sh*tty. She’d guys weren’t coming for Rachel because she didn’t have t*ts and ass. Everyone literally just stared at their plates.

Jess said that wasn’t how she thought went, and Rachel said it was a reality check. Jess hurt her, and she felt invalidated. In Jess’s interview, she said, Rachel was taking it out of context. She’d meant that she didn’t think guys liked her for her. Guys wanted to f*** her, but didn’t care about her, and it made her insecure as a person. Jess said she was sorry. She was genuinely taking it in, and working on herself. Amanda asked if Jess wanted to share what she’d shared with Kyle, and Paige said she heard Jess was mad at her because she thought Paige didn’t believe in her and Kory. I don’t know why everyone just doesn’t pass each other notes. Paige said she’d been nothing but nice, and felt like Jess just didn’t like her. Jason told Jess, if she had something to say about him, why did she go to Kyle instead of him? Paige said she didn’t care about Jess’s relationship, but she couldn’t continue to say things that weren’t true. She’d automatically like whoever wound up with Kory because they’d have to hang out with each other. Jess said she understood, but would rather talk to Rachel personally. It was difficult with an audience. Obviously, she’s new to reality TV, where it’s a requirement that every personal topic and/or beef is brought to a dinner party. Kyle went over to Rachel, and told her that she could get any guy she wanted, and in Rachel’s interview, she said she wasn’t looking for an excuse or an apology, just a little more empathy and compassion. Austen said, maybe Paige should concentrate on Rachel’s feelings instead of her issue with Jess, and Paige griped that Austen was always coming at her. Austen said, Rachel was crying, but Paige said it was a separate conversation – even though Rachel was the one sitting across from her, and Jess was down the table. Amanda and Rachel left the table, and sat in the kitchen, and Craig suggested the guys make themselves scarce to let the girls talk. Guyspeak for, let’s get the hell away from this conversation about feelings. Paige said, how dare Austen tell her how to treat women; look in the mirror. Jess found Rachel, and asked if she could apologize, but Rachel said, not now because she’s 14. In Jess’s interview, she said she shouldn’t be surprised they were ganging up on her and talking sh*t about her, since she chose to hang out with the guys.

Outside, where the guys were having fun and drinking, Craig asked Kory where he stood. Kory said he felt the others were projecting their past experiences onto his and Jess’s relationship. It was f***ing vacation. He couldn’t go from zero to dating. Kyle told him that Jess said they were dating, and we flashed back to that. In Kory’s interview, he said he was shocked Jess was telling people they were dating. They had something, but they weren’t officially dating. Jess asked to talk to Kory, and Jason told Rachel that he was proud she stood up for herself. Jess told Kory that the rest of them were crazy, and making her feel like an ugly duckling. Craig called Kory to come out and play, and Kory told Jess he’d be back in ten minutes. There was a mini snowball fight between the remaining housemates still downstairs, and then Paige told Craig that she was ready to do the bed stuff.

The next morning, it was snowing and beautiful, and I thought, these people do not deserve this vacation. Craig made Paige a French toast breakfast in bed for their six month anniversary. Jason asked how Rachel was, and she said, drained. He said he’d wanted to take her out, but it was snowing. He told her that they’d do something fun; it was a surprise. Again, these two are the only ones that come off looking like reasonable adults, despite Rachel’s idea of classy conversation. In Craig’s interview, he said he thought the vacation had brought him and Paige closer, even though they’d fought constantly at the beginning. He’d always pictured himself in a Hallmark movie. There was snow outside, and they were in a quaint town, but he’d been fighting with everyone else instead of living out the movie. Rachel said, today was Jess’s birthday, and she wanted to move on. They had one more day, and she wanted to finish out strong. Apparently, she got confused and thought she was on Below Deck. Craig suggested Paige spend a month or two with him, and she said she could do May and June. In Paige’s interview, she said she wasn’t ready to move in with Craig full-time, but it would be a great way to see how they live together when they’re not on vacation. She needed to get her bows and hairclips ready because she was going down south.

Kyle didn’t want leave; he had fun unplugging. In his interview, he said he worked endless days and nights, and it was the first time he was taking a vacation and not feeling guilty. He’d needed to relax. Okay, if that’s what we’re calling it. Austen talked to Craig about not passing a note to talking to Ciara, and in his interview, Craig said, it could easily look like Austen still had feelings for Ciara. He didn’t think they were exes yet. They were undefined. He suggested Austen talk to her, a novel concept. Kory said, dinner had not gone as planned, which was an understatement, but it was Jess’s birthday. Were they still doing something? Amanda said, no way they weren’t celebrating. In Luke’s interview, he whined that he made maple syrup for everyone, and they didn’t give a f***. Jason told Rachel that he made scenario for her to enjoy, and while everyone else played in the snow, he led her to a room he’d decorated as a garden, and said he thought they could paint some fun stuff. In Rachel’s interview, she said, everything happened for a reason. She felt she and Jason had a connection, no matter what happened. He didn’t let her down, and she trusted him in all ways. He had snacks and wine laid out, and Rachel said she loved an activity date. They made paintings and exchanged them. Jason suggested they finish the wine, and join the others in the snow. Rachel told Jess that she wasn’t mad, and knew Jess was a good person. Jess said she understood what she’d said was offensive and hurtful, and she apologized. They hugged it out. Amanda and Ciara discussed baking a cake, and Ciara said, Jess was going to be 25, and entering her quarter-life crisis. They decided on a stages of life theme, while Jess FaceTimed with her sister, and pointed to her ring finger when she talked about Kory. Wow. And Kory thought dating was pushing it.

Everyone dressed in costumes of different life stages; baby, toddler, teenage, old person, sugarbaby, new parent. Except for Austen, who was dressed like either Joe Exotic or Joe Dirt. Jess was given a sash that said Birthday Queen. Amanda asked for everyone’s favorite moment, and Jason said, meeting the Toms, and getting to know them. Paige said, getting to spend two weeks with Craig, and Amanda said, being with her man, because they’re both addlebrained.  Amanda said she felt like Kyle was back to being him, and Jess said her favorite moment was probably meeting Kory; having a connection, and getting to know him. Kory said his moment was on the second day, whipping down the hill, It was a good bonding thing. A pall fell over the group, since Kory did not return the favorite moment favor to Jess. They drank and danced around, and Paige offered her room for Austen to talk to Ciara, since it was neutral territory. In Ciara’s interview, she said she could have predicted it. Page three from Austen’s playbook; apologize for his bullsh*t. Ciara said she felt Austen kept coming at her. Him wanting to bring a girl to the house, had nothing to do with her having sex before she got to the house. It was a game, he asked her the question, and she answered it. He said he didn’t know what line they were toeing. They had a past, so what was flirting, and what was being friends. Ciara told him, it wasn’t worth it with him coming at her every opportunity. He said he heard her, and asked what she needed from him to have a friendship. It was important to him.

Ciara told him that she didn’t want that type of friendship, and in her interview, she said her therapist told her to do what she had to, to protect herself. She told Austen, they were at a point where she was really done, and she needed to keep her distance. In Ciara’s interview, she said, she was moving on. It was the best closure she could ask for. There was more drinking and dancing, and Jess said she wanted Kory to ask her to be his girlfriend for her  birthday. Instead, he brought her a birthday drink. I have no idea what it was, but it looked like a chocolate shake in a beer stein with whipped cream on top. She told him that she was mad because he didn’t say meeting her was a favorite moment, and he said, kissing her for the first time was a favorite moment, but his worst quality was not being able to express his emotions verbally. She said she’d like to be exclusive, and he said, even though he liked her more than he thought he would, he was worried about the distance. It was hard to say they were even dating, since they were in vacation mode. It felt rushed. Jess said she was done with the conversation and left, and Kory said, that went well.

In the morning, there was packing to do. I would say they all packed excessively for two weeks, but I’m guilty of the same thing. Craig said he felt nauseous, and Paige suggested it was because he’d been drinking for 17 days straight. Rachel and Jason left together, and Kory wanted to make sure Jess’s mindset was good. She asked if he thought they were on the right track, and he said, yes, to see where it goes. Code for: I’m going to sleep with other girls. In Jess’s interview, she was gushing about Kory, when he called, making her all giggly. There were lots of hugs, and Austen told Ciara that he heard her, and one day, it would be better. He hoped she felt the same way, and she said she hoped he got back to Charleston safely. Which was code for: not a chance in hell. In Kyle’s interview, he said their vacation had been twice as long as a college student’s spring break. They’ve still got it.

Got what? No tolerance for alcohol? Bad judgement? The emotional level of middle schoolers?

It’s over.

👼🏽 Hark, the Harold…

Stop by tomorrow for soap, tea, words of wisdom (or not), and a musical break. Until then, stay safe, stay giving others a little extra grace, and stay never going on a hunt for a serial killer by yourself. It never ends well.