Tag Archives: George Romero

Aug8

August 7, 2023 – Anna Knows Who Shot Her, A Real Ace, Wish List, Goodbye Hello, New York Minute, Beverly Hills Leaks, Tips On Deck, Walking Again, Odd Pets (!) & Beach

Posted on August 8, 2023 by theresakp

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Scout comes out of the pool and thanks Sam for bringing her to her swim lesson. She says she misses daddy, and Sam says she does too. Scout says, they can miss him together, when Gladys comes in and says, that breaks her heart. Sam says she bets it does.

Cody walks into the nail salon, where Diane is relaxing, and says, her assistant told him where to find her. Diane says, that’s the last personal information her assistant is giving out, and Cody asks if she isn’t Sasha’s lawyer. She says, this isn’t the time or the place… and he says he’s here to let her know that he won’t be pressing charges and he won’t be cooperating with the PCPD if they decide to go after Sasha.

A woman tells Sasha good morning and says she hopes Sasha slept better last night. Sasha says she can’t remember the woman’s name, and the woman says she’s Mandy. How is Sasha feeling this morning? Sasha says, confused, a little scared to be here, and Mandy says, that’s not unusual. Sasha says she feels like she’s missing something important, like she’s lost a chunk of time, and Mandy suggests she get Sasha some water and maybe some breakfast. I wonder once again why Sasha has a room that has what looks like a refrigerated case from a deli in it, and Sasha says she thinks what would help is if she could talk to her guardian, her mother-in-law. Mandy says she’ll see what she can do, Sasha thanks her, and she leaves.

On the phone at the MetroCourt, Nina says she’s calling about their venue for her wedding. Sonny hands her a pen, and Brick gets Sonny’s attention. Nina says, no. They haven’t actually picked out a date, but they were thinking Valentine’s Day. Sonny meets Brick in a private area and thanks Brick for meeting him. Brick says, always. It’s good to see him. Sonny asks if Brick has anything good for him, and Brick says he always has something. They’ll see how good it is.

Nina thanks them and says she’ll be in touch, when Olivia goes behind the bar. Nina says, planning this wedding is going to drive her crazy, and Olivia says, really? Nina says she’s so sorry. She knows Olivia is dealing with so much more with Ned. She’s sure he’s going to come out of this. Olivia says, he’s not out of it now. Her husband is running around all over town, out all night, and she has no idea where he is or what he’s doing. Nina says, but when things like this happen… Olivia says, things like this? Like when her husband thinks he’s Eddie Maine? Nina says, Ned loves her, and Olivia says, Sonny loved Carly, and now he’s marrying Nina.

Gladys says she remembers Scout. She was shopping for dresses at Logan’s. Scout says, Gladys is the lady in the coat she didn’t want her to touch it, and Gladys says, kid, it was couture. Sam suggests she take a picture of Scout by the pool to show her daddy, and Gladys says, it must be hard. How’s she doing with her daddy in the slammer? Sam suggests Scout grab a chair and snack, and she’ll meet her at the chair in a minute. Gladys gets a call from Ferncliff State Facility, but she ignores in, putting her phone back in her bag.

There’s a knock at Laura’s apartment, and after hesitating a moment, Spencer opens the door to Valentin. Valentin asks if he can come in, and Spencer asks why he’s alone. Where’s his grandmother and Doc? Valentin says, they’re still looking for Spencer’s father. Esme stands in the doorway with Ace.

Anna goes into Robert’s office, and asks where he stands with WSB. He says, top o’ the mornin’ to her too, and she says, good morning. Where does he stand with the WSB? He says, since he became DA, he’s had very little contact with them. Anyone who was there during his years has either been fired, put out to pasture, or transferred. She asks if he doesn’t think it’s suspicious, and he says he thinks anything to do with Bureau is suspicious, particularly arresting her for treason. She says, that’s over now, and he says, is it?

Olivia says she didn’t mean for it to come out like that, but it must have occurred to Nina that her situation with Sonny thinking he was Mike might cross Olivia’s mind, given her current situation with Ned. Nina says, and Olivia still resents the fact she didn’t tell anyone, but Olivia says, that’s in the past, but the whole situation with Ned is shoving it back into her face. Nina says, it’s a little different with Ned. He’s here in Port Charles with his family. Olivia says, but he doesn’t realize they’re his family. She honestly thought that this was going to be over quickly; that she’d stick around and talk to him and be with him. But the look in Ned’s eyes… It’s like he’s not even there. Nina tells her, just keep trying. She’ll get through to him. Olivia says she thought she’d gotten through to him. He asked her to make him breakfast, and he actually asked her to tell him a little bit about her past, so she did. Nina says, sounds like progress, but Olivia says, it wasn’t Ned; it was Eddie. Ned already knows all of the things she told him. Eddie… Nina says, just take one step at a time, and Olivia says, he was out again all night last night. She didn’t even bother to check to see if he came home in the morning. For all she knows, he’s out there falling in love with some other woman, just like Sonny fell in love with Nina.

Brick says, they’ll start with the little fish, and puts a photo on the table. He says he’s sure Sonny recognizes them, and Sonny says, Ava’s favorite nanny, Betty Rutherford. Brick says, 26, no criminal record. She actually worked as a nanny briefly. Sonny says he’s not surprised about briefly, and Brick says, she also worked as a receptionist for a trucking company. Would Sonny like to venture a guess as to where it was? Sonny says, Pautuck, and Brick says, bingo.

Sam grabs Glady’s arm, and hustles her over to the side, asking, what is wrong with her? Gladys says, her dad is in prison. She’s got to learn the world is not always a safe place. Sam says she’ll decide what her daughter needs to learn and when, and if Gladys says one more word to Scout, she’ll throw Gladys’s ass in that pool so fast, she won’t even know what happened. Gladys says, okay. Maybe she got carried away. Maybe being here is bringing back the horrible memory of Sasha stabbing Cody. The look in her eyes… She wanted to kill him. Sam says she doesn’t believe it for a minute. What really happened that day? Gladys says, after she stabbed him? but Sam says, no, before. Who drove her to do something like that?

Sasha asks if Mandy got in touch with Gladys, and Mandy says she called the number Sasha’s mother-in-law left on her admission form, but unfortunately, she got voicemail. Sasha asks if she left a message, and Mandy says she did. She told Gladys that Sasha is asking for her. Sasha thanks her, when Dr. Montague comes to the door. Mandy asks if there’s anyone else Sasha would like her to call, and Sasha says, yes. Cody Bell.

Cody asks if Diane heard anything he just said, and she says, loud and clear. He says, Sasha shouldn’t be in Ferncliff, and he won’t do or say anything to keep her there, and Diane says, at the risk of sacrificing the one hour she has to herself today, she’ll engage, but he’d better settle. He says he’s sorry for barging in. Please don’t fire her assistant. Sasha needs help as soon as possible. Diane asks if he doesn’t think she’s going to get that help in Ferncliff, and he says, something is wrong with everything that’s going on with her. The look in her eyes when she… Diane says, allegedly stabbed him, and he says, yes. That wasn’t Sasha; at least not the Sasha he knows. Something else is going on, and he’s really worried about her safety. She asks what he means. He has to give her something specific. He says, and he will, as soon as she gets him into Ferncliff to see Sasha.

Spencer ask how things went in Chechnya, and as Esme listens, Valentin says, they found the Cassadine house. There was a new owner, and no sign of Nikolas anywhere. Spencer says, and Valentin just left them there? but Valentin says, no. They left Chechnya for Prague, and that’s when Doc and Laura decided they wanted to continue the search on their own. Spencer asks, where? and Valentin says, Cassadine Island, but there was no trace of Nikolas there either. Esme comes out and says, maybe they can’t find him because he’s dead.

Anna says, they can’t talk to Frisco because he left the Bureau, and Robert says, and the person who’s replaced him thinks the way to clean up the Bureau image is to fire everyone. She says, by disgracing, then distancing themselves from so many former agents, and he says, tis the way of bureaucracy, my dear. She says, by erasing the past. Just convince everyone it was all bad, and it makes the new regime seem so much better. At least that was the impression she got when she was in London after the whole Greenland fiasco. He says, the late, not lamented Victor, and she says, it was just so weird. Like the entire process was orchestrated in a manner she just didn’t recognize. It all felt so alien to her, and she’s been debriefed more times than she can count. He says, this is the only reason she came charging in here? but she says, no, it’s not. There’s another reason. What does he know about Pikeman?

Valentin says, good morning to Esme and Ace, and remarks that Ace is getting bigger. She asks if he thinks Ace’s father could be dead, but he says he’s seen no evidence Nikolas is dead. Spencer says, there’s no indication he’s alive either, and Valentin says, that is true also. Spencer says, he’s just hiding the way he did when he had them convinced Valentin had killed him. He spent three years grieving that man. Esme says, they don’t know… and Spencer asks if she didn’t just say this is what he does. He makes a mess of his life, then he runs away from it. He certainly made a mess this time, getting his son’s girlfriend pregnant. Valentin asks if Spencer thinks he’d abandon Ace, and Spencer says, Nikolas abandoned him. That’s who their father is; he’s a coward. His grandmother’s off searching for him. She’d be better off coming home, not wasting time. Nikolas is better off gone from him and his brother.

Montague says, in the future, would Mandy please consult him before making calls for Miss Gilmore? and Mandy says, of course (🍷). He says, hello to Sasha, and Mandy says she thought she could help Sasha get more comfortable by removing her restraints. To my surprise, he says he thinks that’s a good idea, and they remove the straps from her wrists. Sasha thanks them, and he asks if that’s better. She says it is, and thanks Mandy, who says she’ll be back later. Sasha says she hopes Mandy’s not in trouble for calling her mother-in-law, and Montague says, of course (🍷) not, but he’s curious. Why did she ask to speak to Cody Bell? She says, Cody is her friend. He’s helped her before. He says, under the circumstances, she didn’t think that would be awkward? and she says, because she’s in this place? He says, because she tried to kill him.

Diane says she appreciates Cody’s desire to help Sasha, but even if she thought this was a good idea, she has no power to authorize a visit to Ferncliff; only her guardian can do that. He says he’ll find another way, because Gladys wouldn’t lift a finger for him, and he wouldn’t trust her if she did.

Gladys says, how dare Sam accuse her of doing something to hurt her daughter-in-law, but Sam says, whoa. She didn’t accuse Gladys of anything. Unless of course (🍷) Gladys thinks there’s a reason she should. Glady’s says, of course (🍷) not, but after Sam grilled her about her relationship with Selina Wu, it was crystal clear Sam is out to get her. Sam says, what’s clear to her, and Sasha’s friends, is she was perfectly fine, and handled a very difficult situation at Home & Heart without a problem. What doesn’t make sense is what happened after. Gladys says, maybe it would make more sense if Sam paid attention to her friend Sasha and less to snooping around about her.

Brick lays down another photo, and tells Sonny, Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt, 48, no criminal record; graduate of New York State University, Buffalo, and Great northern Medical School. He came to Port Charles soon after delivering Maxie Jones’s baby. Out in the woods no less. They had a brief relationship. He’s currently dating who? Sonny says, Ava, and Brick says, the latest of the Quartermaines on his father’s side. Sonny says, Edward’s bastard son Jimmy Lee Holt was his father, and Brick says, they can move on to this guy. He puts another photo in front of Sonny, and Sonny says he met him, then he got whacked.

Nina and Olivia sit down with coffee, and Nina says, from what she knows of Eddie, he doesn’t seem like the type who would go out and fall in love with someone. Olivia says, maybe he’ll cut a swathe of one-night stands through Port Charles. Don’t think that hasn’t crossed her mind. Nina says, if she and Sonny are causing Olivia to overthink things, they can keep a low profile, but Olivia says, this is her problem, not Nina’s problem. She has to deal with it, and she will. Leo actually likes Eddie. Then he asks her where his father is, and she doesn’t know what to tell him… and it breaks her heart. Nina says, maybe Olivia should go home. She can take care of things here. Olivia says, Brook is taking Leo to class and taking him to the stables. Tracy can drive someone else crazy today. She came here so she can get her mind off all things Quartermaine and Eddie Maine, and she thinks she’s found the perfect thing to focus on to get her mind off of it. Nina says, the books? but Olivia says she’s going to plan Nina’s wedding.

Sam asks why Gladys is so paranoid. She thinks if she did some real snooping, she’d find some big trouble. Gladys says, all she’s doing is trying to take care of Sasha. Sasha is family to her. Sam says, right, and Gladys says she saw the look on Sam’s face at the hospital when Sasha wanted her guardianship rescinded. She thought it was a good idea. Sam says she certainly did, and Gladys asks if Sam can’t see that her loving concern is exactly what Sasha needed. She saw what ended up happening. Sam says, according to witness testimony, Sasha had no idea what happened, and Gladys says, that’s exactly her point. Sam and all the rest of Sasha’s so-called friends thought she was fine. She was the only one who saw the truth. She’s the one who wanted to take care of Sasha. Her friends couldn’t see it because some people manage to hide their feelings and hide what’s going on. Sam says she thinks Gladys is right about one thing. Some people are really good at hiding things. Sasha isn’t one of them. Gladys says, that’s because Sam doesn’t know Sasha the way she does. And she never will. Gladys leaves, and Sam looks over at Scout, who waves.

Sasha says she told Montague, she doesn’t remember stabbing Cody, but he says she did stab him. In front of a lot of people. She very nearly killed him. She says she guesses she needed help, and he agrees. He brings a chair over and suggests they start with what she does remember. She says, everything was going well. Some days were more difficult than others, like when someone tried to upset her on Home & Heart. But she handled it, and she was proud of herself for being able to handle it. He says, it’s clear now that she wasn’t dealing with it, and she says, but she was. She thinks it started happening after she took those pills he prescribed her. She took them for a few days and started to feel groggy and paranoid, and she started hallucinating and hearing voices. He says, the pills he gave her aren’t what caused her hallucinations or violent behaviors, but she says she was fine before she started taking them. He takes a plastic bag with a bottle in it out of his pocket, and says, they found these in her purse. It’s what caused her to try and kill Cody Bell.

Nina asks if Olivia is sure she’s thinking clearly. Isn’t this going to be too painful for her? Olivia says she loves Sonny. They have an amazing son, a spectacular grandson. She wants him to be happy, and Nina makes him happy. Nina says, what about Carly? and Olivia says, Carly’s her best friend; that ain’t gonna change. And deep down, she thinks Carly wants Sonny to be happy too… even if they aren’t on the best terms right now. Carly still believes Ned turned her and Drew in, and got Drew sent to prison.

Brick says, Gordon Stevens, 52. Sonny met him? Sonny says, briefly. Took him for an ex-con. Brick says, good eye. Five years in Pentenville for grand larceny. No wife, no kids, no family. Worked for a trucking company in… Sonny says, Pautuck, and Brick says, and finally, we have this guy. He sets down a photo and says, Mason Gatlin.

Valentin says he’s sorry he couldn’t bring better news for all three of them. He asks if Ace remembers him, then asks if he can hold him. Spencer nods, and Esme gives Ace to Valentin, who says, they spent a lot of time in Greenland, didn’t they? Good for Spencer. Not every brother would step up the way he has. Spencer says, it’s not Ace’s fault their father’s a coward, and Valentin says, he’s doing a good job. Look at Ace. After Greenland, he’s still a happy and well young man. Spencer says, Esme’s taken a lot of the responsibility. She’s determined to make sure Ace has everything he wants. She’s a good mother. Esme thanks him, and says, although she can’t quite figure out how to give him a bath without drenching herself. Valentin says she’ll figure it out, and tells Ace that he’s credit to his brother and mother. Spencer and Esme smile.

Robert says, Pikeman’s an independent defense contractor; been around forever. But then again, she should know that. So what is she really asking him? She remembers a Bureau agent saying he wants to ask her about the Greenland incident. Before she arrived in London, he went over several reports about Greenland, and he has a few questions. She says, of course (🍷). Whatever he needs. He asks, what possessed her to go rogue, run interference, and ignore the very specific mandate Agent Hursley gave her? and she says, with all due respect to Agent Hursley… He says, she provided him with no respect whatsoever, and she says she has to be honest with him. He didn’t seem to grasp the fact people’s lives were at stake and that there were extenuating circumstances. He says, there always is, particularly with her. It says here that after her arrival, she sought out Valentin Cassadine. She notices he has a file on Pikeman, and he says, as she’s well aware, the Bureau has been keeping track of him for several years, and there appears to be a discrepancy in her reporting on pages 6 and 12. Robert says, earth to Anna. Why is she talking about Pikeman? She says she’s sure it’s nothing. He’s been very helpful. She leaves, and he says he didn’t do anything.

Nina says, Carly blames Ned for what happened to Drew? and Olivia says, Carly came to the hospital when Ned was in ICU. They didn’t know if he was going to make it. She was a complete wreck and bit Carly’s head off, but it seemed like she still believed Ned did it. Olivia knows he didn’t. Before this thing went down, Ned swore to her that it wasn’t him and she believes him. Somebody else turned in Carly and Drew. Nina says, Olivia hasn’t spoken to Carly since? and Olivia says, no, but you know what? They’re going to get through it. She and Carly have been through a lot worse. Nina says, if Olivia is sure about this, she and Sonny would be honored to have her help plan their wedding. She’s called a couple of venues… Olivia says, whoa, whoa, whoa (WOTD). She’s going to stop Nina right there.

Brick tells Sonny, again, no criminal record. Austin’s cousin on his mother’s side. A trucker; works for the family business. Sonny says, the same business Betty and Gordon worked for? and Brick says, Sonny is doing his job for him now. Sonny asks if Brick thinks he’s the bigger fish, and Brick says, so far. The company was bought two years ago through a very well hidden LLC. No record of his occupation since. Sonny says, what about now?

Valentin promises Ace that he and Ace’s cousin Charlotte are not going to be strangers, and Esme takes Ace to the bedroom. Spencer says he hasn’t had a chance to thank Valentin for Greenland, but Valentin says, Spencer doesn’t have to thank him. Spencer says, if Valentin hadn’t shown up, Uncle Victor was going to use that pathogen on him and Trina. He wouldn’t have been able to face losing her. Valentin says, they all did what they had to do, but Spencer says he’s trying to thank Valentin and tell Valentin that he was wrong about him. Valentin says, no, he wasn’t. Valentin’s father is dead. Nikolas is gone. They have a rare opportunity to reinvent their family. Spencer says, Valentin thinks so? and Valentin says, Spencer, Ace, Alexis, her daughters, they’re good people. Spencer says he’s not sure he deserves to be included in that, but he’ll keep his nose clean if Valentin will. They shake hands.

Robert asks if Mr. Bell sorted Diane out, and she says, he did indeed, but she did not engage. Okay. She engaged a little bit, but only after he made his intentions perfectly clear. He is not going to press charges against her client Sasha Gilmore, and he steadfastly refuses to cooperate with any police investigation into the matter. He says, she stabbed him, and Diane says, allegedly. He says, it was in front of witnesses, but she says, he’s not going to press charges; he’s not going to cooperate. Robert has no case, so she requests all charges against Sasha Gilmore be dropped immediately. He says he’ll talk to the ADA, but she didn’t come all this way to tell him that. She says she didn’t, and holds up a ticket. She came to invite him to the Port Charles auto show – she hands it to him – this weekend. He says he loves car shows. It’s a date. She says, no, it’s not a date. It is simply two colleagues going to look at cars. He needs a new one desperately. He says he loves his car; he’s had it forever. She says, that’s precisely her point. It’s not good to hold on to things forever. He could get stranded by the side of the road. That’s what happens when you try to hold on to things forever; you get stranded by the side of the road again and again and again. Whereas a new model is very dependable and can also be exciting. Of course (🍷) you never know until you try.

Anna makes a chart with names, and remembers the debriefing agent saying, shortly after arrival, she sought out Valentin Cassadine. She thinks about seeing the Pikeman file, and draws a line between the WSB and Pikeman. She flashes back to telling Robert that they can’t talk to Frisco because he left the Bureau, and Robert saying, and the person who replaced him thinks the way to clean up the Bureau’s imagine is to fire everyone. She draws a line between Sonny and Pikeman, and flashes back to Sonny saying he’s working with a high-profile security firm lately. Has she heard of Pikeman? She remembers the agent saying that she sought out Valentin Cassadine, and draws lines from each pair of names – WSB-Robert, WSB-Pikeman, Sonny-Pikeman, and Valentin-WSB – to the middle, where she writes, VALENTIN. She flashes back to telling Sonny that he’s not to speak to anyone new. If his contact person is to change, do not proceed until he’s spoken to his original contact person. Does that make sense? He says it does. She draws a circle around Valentin’s name.

On the phone, Sam tells someone her name and says she was hoping to visit her friend Sasha today. The Ferncliff desk nurse says, only approved visitors are allowed to see Miss Gilmore, and Sam says, approved? The nurse says, she’d need to have the approval of Miss Gilmore’s guardian Gladys Corbin. Sam hangs up.

Nina says, if Olivia’s changed her mind about the wedding, she completely understands, but Olivia says she hasn’t changed her mind about the wedding. What is this crazy talk about other venues? There’s only one venue and she and Nina own it. Nina says, doesn’t she think people are going to… Olivia says, going to what? They’re going to read about the preparations on every website known to man? They’re going to be dying to have their wedding here? They’re going to bring in all kinds of business? Come on. Nina can’t possibly be selfish enough to deny the MetroCourt all that free publicity. Not to mention the fact that she’ll have a beautiful, spectacular wedding. Nina says, as co-owner of the MetroCourt, she guesses that makes sense, and Olivia says, if she has the wedding someplace else, people are going to wonder why. There will be cancelations all over the place. It can’t happen. Nina says, okay, and Olivia asks, so when’s the date? Nina says, they haven’t picked an exact date, but they were thinking Valentine’s Day, and Olivia says, ooh la la, romantic. It’s a great idea. Several months away… She could plan Harry and Meghan’s wedding in less time. Nina puts her hand on Olivia’s and says, thank you.

Brick says, this bastard is blackmailing him? and Sonny says, Ava. Brick says, because of the connection to his cousin? Why don’t they just take all three of them out and be done with it? Sonny says, they can’t. He has Nikolas Cassadine’s body. Brick says, so he didn’t run. He’s dead. Sonny lowers his voice, and says, Ava killed him, but she says it was an accident, and Brick says, wait a minute. Sonny’s saying they have her ex-husband’s body? Sonny says he’s got to protect her because she’s the mother of his child, so they can’t do anything until they get the body back. Looking like he has a headache, Brick says, hands off, and Sonny says, he lives until they get that body back.

Esme comes back out with Ace, and says, Valentin’s gone? and Spencer says, yep. She says she wanted him to see Ace’s new outfit. Oh well, next time. She tells Ace that Valentin liked him. He didn’t seem so bad. Spencer says, he’s not, and she thanks him for saying she’s a good mother. He says, she is, and she says, it’s just nice to hear. Although it’s not hard to be a good mother to this guy. Sometimes she thinks she couldn’t love him more, and every day she does. Maybe it’s because he gets cuter every day. Spencer says, that’s true. Ace is a very good-looking kid brother. She says, why don’t they take some pictures? and Spencer says, sure. They take pictures of Esme and Ace, Spencer and Ace, Ace alone, and the three of them. They look at the photos afterward, and Spencer says he thinks he’ll send this one to grandmother. Actually, he should probably send all these to grandma. She’d love to see Ace. Esme laughs and pushes Spencer’s hair out of his eyes.

Sasha looks at the bottle and says, these aren’t hers. She hasn’t been using. Someone must have planted them in her purse. He says, but she knows exactly what these are, doesn’t she? and she says she stopped taking them. He says, her bloodwork says otherwise. She’s been taking these for months. She says, no. She went to rehab. She beat her addiction. He says, she must know how common relapses are. There’s nothing to be ashamed about. She says she didn’t take them, and he says, if he’s going to help her, he needs to deal with the facts he has, and she needs to accept them too. They need to get those drugs out of her system, and this will do just that. He takes out a syringe, and puts it in her IV tube.

Cody goes to the desk at Ferncliff, and tells the Nurse Janice that he’s here to see Sasha Gilmore. She asks what his name is. She has to make sure he’s on the list of approved visitors. He says he’s sure he’s on the list. Sasha was married to his late cousin Brando Corbin. He’s Dante Falconari. Mandy joins them, and says, Sasha talked about her husband Brando, and Cody says, his death was a blow to all of them, but particularly for Sasha, obviously. That’s why his family is worried about her. Can he please see her?

As they walk into the restaurant, Brick says, Sonny takes good care of his exes, that’s for sure. He made sure to protect Carly’s new beau in prison. Now Ava. What’s next? Nina says, hey, Brick, and he says, what’s up, gorgeous? Olivia joins them, and he says, and another gorgeous. Olivia laughs, and Nina asks if everything is all right. Brick says, it will be, and Sonny asks why it looks like they’ve been up to something. Nina says, Olivia graciously agreed to help them plan their wedding, here at the MetroCourt, and Sonny says, really? That means a lot to him. Brick says, Sonny leads a charmed life, and Sonny smiles.

Janice asks to see Cody’s driver’s license, calling him Mr. Falconari, and he checks his pockets. He says he must have left it in the car, but she says she’s sorry. No one gets in to see Miss Gilmore without the consent of her guardian. If he wants to run to his car and get it, visiting hours are until 7 pm. He says he parked pretty far away, and Mandy says, he’s family, a cousin-in-law. Janice says, it wouldn’t matter if he was her brother. Miss Gilmore’s guardian was very specific. Cody says he bets she was, and Mandy asks if it isn’t time for Janice’s break. She can cover the front desk. Janice says she didn’t ask Mandy to do that. She’s sure Mandy has patients to check on. Mandy says, always do, and leaves. Cody says he’s sure Janice can understand how concerned they are about Sasha. He just needs a few minutes. She says she thinks she made it pretty clear what he needs. She’s sorry, but she has to follow the rules. The only way he’s getting in here is if he has an ID or he’s a patient. He tells her, have a nice day, and she says she intends to. He leaves, and I think I see an idea lightbulb over his head. Will he be checking in soon?

Scout asks, what’s wrong? but Sam says, there’s nothing wrong. Scout says, she has that look on her face. The look she gives when Scout is in trouble. Did she do something bad? Sam hugs her and says, she didn’t do anything wrong. Someone else did.

At the salon, Gladys tells the nail technician that the color’s not too young for her (like a nail tech would suggest that), when her phone rings. She asks if everything is okay, and Montague says he has everything under control. She says, how’s her daughter-in-law? and he says he can assure her, she’s doing just fine.

Sasha lies on her bed and says, please. She doesn’t want to be here. She wants to go home.

Diane says, Robert suddenly doesn’t seem too enthused at the prospect. That’s okay. She’ll take Alexis. He says, Alexis doesn’t appreciate cars, and Diane says, but Alexis appreciates spending time with her, snatching the ticket out of his hand. She says, adios, and leaves.

Anna says, Valentin linked to Sonny – she draws another line – Sonny connected to Pikeman. What’s Valentin’s link… Valentin walks in, and asks, what’s going on? She says she thinks she knows who shot her. And she thinks he knows who too.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Cody, it looks like something shady is going on; Anna asks if Valentin is keeping something from her; and Tracy says, it’s time to have Ned committed.

👶 Pair Of Aces…

It seems like it would be a lot of fun. And she doesn’t have to change their diapers.

Avery Kristen Pohl Reveals What It’s Like Working With Baby Ace on GH

🥀 Possibilities For a Funeral…

I was actually hoping for some kind of date as to when Bobbie’s death might be announced, but nope. It’s just speculation as to who might show up when it happens. It would be amazing to see them all.

General Hospital Says Goodbye to Bobbie: The Former Faves Who Have to Be on Hand

🧼 In Other Soap News…

And he’s out.

https://www.avclub.com/days-of-our-lives-fires-a-very-angry-albert-alarr-after-1850710795

An Aussie import is in.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/australian-soap-neighbours-premieres-in-america

🗽 Wazzup New York…

The latest on the ladies (and I use the term loosely) in Manhattan.

RHONY Recap: Brynn Cries as She Opens Up About Her Childhood Trauma, Plus Jessel Calls the Ladies “Cackling Hags,” and Addresses Intimacy Issues With Her Husband

💎 Polishing Up the Diamond…

My only question is, what the blip is that doodad in Camille’s Instagram post?

Everything That’s Leaked About Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 13

💵 Hey Big Spender…

You’ve come a long way, yachties.

Biggest Tips From Below Deck Charter Guests

⚰️ Extension Of the Dead…

George, too, will never die. But in the best way.

https://ew.com/movies/george-romero-zombies-walk-again-twilight-of-the-dead/

🦘 Odd But Cute…

More animals to adore and want, but did they have to put Hugh Hefner’s picture up instead of, oh, I don’t know, one of his pets? Also, note to self: Do not let Charlie Sheen pet sit.

https://list25.com/25-oddest-celebrity-pets/

🏸 Summer’s Last Stand…

If you liked today, come back tomorrow for more soap and tea. Until then, stay safe, stay being resilient, but not a pushover, and stay not trying to hold on to things forever, or you might get stranded by the side of the road.

Jan21

January 20, 2023 – Austin Has a Visitor, Back Again, Casting For Wives, Miami Trailer, Girl Fight, New Game, Romero Ranked, Theory, NYC Ball, Puppies (!), Exactly 10 Quotes & You

Posted on January 21, 2023 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Nikolas says, their expertise will make all the difference, when Victor walks in. Nikolas says he has to go, but he’ll see them soon, and Victor says, that sounds important. Nikolas says, business, and Victor says, they have some pressing business to discuss. Nikolas says, such as? and Victor says, finalizing Nikolas’s divorce.

Austin tells Ava that her wound is healing nicely, and she says, uh-huh. He says, all that’s left is the ankleplasty. This cutting edge surgery replaces her with an ankle. She says, what? and he says he’s just goofing around, but is she okay? She seems a little distracted. She says she guesses she is because she loves too much. She doesn’t suppose there’s a procedure where her heart could be removed altogether.

As they approach Josslyn’s dorm room, Josslyn apologizes for being so quiet on the way over, but Dex says, she has a lot on her mind. When she’s ready to talk, he’s here. He starts to leave, but she asks if they can talk now. If he has time. He says, for her, always, and they go in her room.

Violet runs into Kelly’s, yelling that she missed Cameron. He hugs her, and says he missed her too. Finn comes in behind her, and says, Violet insisted on two things today; a brownie, and a visit with her cousin. Cameron says, in that order, he assumes, and Violet asks, if he missed her so much, where has he been?

Portia says she knows Marshall doesn’t want to hear it, but she still thinks there’s a possibility he was misdiagnosed, and he doesn’t have schizophrenia. He says he knows she means well… and she says, there’s an easy way to find out, and maybe he can show up for Curtis after all. Why doesn’t he want to take the steps to find out for sure? He says, because it’s too late. She says, it’s never too late to advocate for yourself, and he says he appreciates her interest… She says, this has gone beyond interest, and he says, but she has to understand, he’s already made peace with his diagnosis. She says she respects that, but is this really acceptance, or has it morphed into complacency at this point. If not for himself, then do it for Curtis. Marshall shouts, enough! Why can’t she just mind her own business?

At the hospital, Carly comes out of the elevator, and asks Michael, how’s Willow? He wonders why she asks, since it’s obvious she doesn’t give a damn about Willow, but she says, of course (🍷) she gives a damn. Willow’s well-being is the most important… He says, Willow’s physical well-being maybe, but Carly concealed this secret from them. She knew how important it was for Willow to find her mother. She confessed to save Willow’s life, but she couldn’t care less about Willow’s actual feelings. She says, he couldn’t be more wrong.

Austin says he doesn’t mean to disappoint Ava, but from a medical standpoint, he doesn’t think there’s a medical procedure to remove a human heart. At least not without putting in another heart. Not yet anyway. She says, darn. Keep her posted. He says he’ll let her know. He’ll be the first test patient. She says, bad break-up, huh? and he says, yeah. Her? She says, pretty bad. He may have seen some of the gory details… He says he never reads the newspaper, and she asks if he’s seen Nina around here today. He says he has seen her, and Ava wonders if Nina got the results from her bloodwork. She knows about Willow and the hopes for a bone marrow match. Nina called her while she was waiting. He says he can’t speak to the bloodwork obviously, but from what he could tell, Nina seemed to be suffering from the same affliction as Ava – heartache.

Nikolas says he hasn’t had a chance to meet with Ava about the divorce yet, but Victor says, no need. All the details have been handled. Nikolas says, by whom? and Victor says, by Ava and himself. Nikolas says, Victor and Ava discussed the end of his marriage without him? and Victor says, Nikolas has been a little preoccupied lately, hasn’t he? Not that it’s surprising, now that his pregnant mistress has escaped her captivity. Nikolas says, Ava hates him so much, she couldn’t even sit with him to talk this through, and Victor says, talk what through exactly? His marriage is over. Don’t tell him that Nikolas is still holding out hope after cheating with Esme and Elizabeth. Nikolas says, he and Ava share something special; it’s indescribable. Victor says, shared, past tense. Nikolas says he still can’t believe she didn’t come home, but Victor says, no. Ava’s coming home. It’s just that Nikolas won’t be here.

Cameron says he’s been working a lot, and Violet asks, where’s Jake and Aiden? He says, they’re in school, just like her, and she says, Aunt Elizabeth hasn’t been over in forever. Does she not like Violet anymore? Cameron asks if she’s crazy. Of course (🍷) she likes Violet. They’ve all just been really busy with the holidays, but never doubt for a second Elizabeth likes her. She loves Violet; they all do. Violet says, that’s good, because she loves them too. She asks Finn if it’s him, and Finn asks what she means. She asks if he doesn’t like Aunt Elizabeth anymore, when Elizabeth walks in.

Josslyn says, her mother kept a secret from their family, and Dex says he’s guessing a big one. She says, huge, and he says, she doesn’t have to tell him. She says, that’s okay. He’ll find out eventually. It sounds so weird to say. Nina Reeves is Willow’s biological mother. He says, damn, and Josslyn’s mom knew? She says, her mother has known for months apparently, but she didn’t want to say anything until… He says, until she realized Willow was sick, and she says, and as he can imagine, it’s made the messy things within her family even messier. He says, that explains why her mom stormed out of the chapel. He went to find Sonny, and that Sonny was pissed is an understatement. She says, Sonny’s not the only one who’s pissed. Michael is furious. He asks how she feels, and she says she feels terrible. She feels awful for Michael and Willow. What they’re going through is the worst thing that anyone could possibly face. But she still feels really bad for her mom.

Michael asks if Carly ever stopped for a second to see what impact this secret would have on Willow, and she says, Willow’s feelings were all she was thinking of. Willow told her that she did not want to know who her birth mother was, and it was clear how Willow felt about Nina. He says. how Carly feels about Nina, and she says, how they all feel. That woman tried her best to destroy their family. Can he imagine the damage she would have done if she’d known Willow was her daughter? So yes, however it much it cost her, however much she loses, she will not apologize for trying to stop her.

Marshall apologizes for raising his voice, and Portia says she shouldn’t have pushed him. Curtis comes in, and asks if everything’s okay. Why did he hear yelling? Marshall says, that would be him, but Portia says, it’s her fault. Marshall says, no. He should have never spoken to her that way. Please accept his apology. She says, only if he accepts hers. Curtis asks what they’re apologizing for. If the two of them are at odds, why don’t they squash it now? Marshall says, they’re having a difference of opinion, and Curtis says, about what? Marshall says, Portia thinks he should get a second opinion about his diagnosis. She has this crazy notion that he may not have schizophrenia at all. Portia says, aside from the episode that precipitated Marshall’s arrest all those decades ago, he hasn’t suffered any other signs of acute mental illness. No signs of psychosis associated with schizophrenia; hallucinations, delusions, paranoia. Curtis says, okay, but his dad’s been on medication all those years. Aren’t they designed to repress those symptoms? She says, yes, absolutely, but how do you explain that Marshall hasn’t had an episode in nearly 40 years? Marshall says, couldn’t that just be because the illness is being managed properly? and Portia says, or it could mean he never had the illness at all. And then factor in Curtis’s genetic testing results, completely devoid of any of the markers for schizophrenia. Curtis says, that’s not that unheard of; it’s not always inherited. Portia says, the simple fact is, Marshall’s answers to her many, many inquiries has led her to believe in general, that his life and behavior don’t fit any clinical diagnosis. Has he ever suffered from any cognitive challenges? Marshall says, no, and she says, depression that’s escalated to suicidal ideation? He says, that would also be a no, but with all due respect, she’s not a psychiatrist. Curtis thinks maybe it’s time Marshall saw one.

Josslyn tells Dex, Michael is losing his mind right now, because the woman he loves might die. She remembers that feeling. He says, with Oscar, and she says, you’re going crazy because you feel there’s nothing you can do, and you’re getting angry, and picking a fight. She gets it. Michael just wants to feel like he’s making an impact. Dex says, and who’s a safer place to unload on than her mom, and she says, exactly. There’s nothing Michael could do to ever make their mom stop loving him. So eventually, he has to understand that their mom was just trying to protect Willow. She wasn’t trying to hurt her. He says, Josslyn’s good at that. Seeing all the different sides, and where everybody is coming from. (Really???) She says she’s had practice, and he says, this isn’t the first time people in her family have been at odds? She says, shocking, she knows. She just hates that her mom is taking all the heat, when the people who are really to blame are Sonny and Nina. Oops. A side she forgot to see it from.

Elizabeth tells Violet to stop growing; she’s getting out of control. They hug, and Finn says, tell him about. He asks Violet to grab them a table, and Violet asks if Elizabeth wants to have a brownie with them. Finn says, if she has the time, she’s welcome to join them, and Cameron gets the brownies, while Violet gets the table. Elizabeth says, clearly, she walked in on something, and Finn says, Violet had some questions about them. She asks what he told Violet, and he says, not much. He wasn’t sure what to say, but he’ll figure something out. She says, how about we’ll figure something out – together.

Michael says, so Carly isn’t sorry, and she says, for trying to protect Willow, him, and his family? No, but she’s very sorry for how she went about it. Michael says, and how did she go about it? He already knows she lied by omission. She conducted a DNA test without consent, but something tells him that’s not the whole story. She says, it’s going to do no good to keep going over this, but he says, just tell him the truth. Now. They sit down, and Carly asks what he wants to know. He asks if she enlisted that firefighter to talk to Drew about who Willow’s mother was? She says, yes, and he says, and when she offered to assist Drew with his investigation? She says, her goal was to obstruct it.

Finn asks Violet if she remembers asking if they were going to live with Aunt Elizabeth in the house together, and she says, will they? He says, no. She says, oh, obviously disappointed, and he says he’ll try this another way. Does she know how he and Anna almost got married, but they didn’t? She says, he and Aunt Elizabeth are going to get married? and he says, no. He’s really bad at this. She agrees that he is.

At the counter, Elizabeth asks how Cameron is, and he says he’s doing good. He’s done better, but he’s not falling apart over the break-up. She says she knows he’s not, but it’s still hard. Especially since he’s always been such a big source of support for Josslyn. It must feel weird not being there for her when her family’s going through this nightmare. He asks, what nightmare?

Josslyn tells Dex, her family is so fractured right now. They’re in no position to handle this type of crisis. She’s sorry, but that’s on Sonny. Sonny dropkicking all of them to run away with Nina didn’t exactly leave them on stable ground. He says, she doesn’t want him back with her mom? and she says, never. She wishes she never had to hear his name or see his face ever again. She wants to choke every time he says they’ll always be a family. She can’t stand Donna and Avery growing up idolizing that man when she knows he’s going to fail them, like he failed all of them. She just wishes… It doesn’t matter. He says, tell him anyway, and she says she wishes he would quit. She wishes he would hand Sonny back his gun, and tell him that he’s not taking orders anymore, and walk out. He says he’s going to, and she says, when? He says, within six months, hopefully a lot less, he will no longer be working for Sonny. She asks why he doesn’t quit now, and he says, there’s something he has to finish first. He says he’ll tell her once it’s done, but until then, she’s going to have to trust him.

Austin says, if Ava wants, he can give her a referral for a plastic surgeon to look after the scar she got from The Hook, and she thanks him. She says she doesn’t know him very well – she doesn’t know him at all – but from what she can tell, she thinks it would be a real shame to remove that heart of his. He thanks her, and leaves.

Curtis says, what about a mental health evaluation? and Portia says she can get Marshall a referral. Marshall asks if Curtis is jumping on this bandwagon too, and Curtis says, Portia made some good points. Marshall says, you young people think you know everything, but Curtis says, that’s not it. Marshall says, the treatment he got back then worked. Why mess with it now? Curtis says, because Marshall had an episode, and it could be tied to his meds. Who knows what the long term effects could be, or even if he needs to take them at all. Marshall says, the pills help, and Curtis says, or maybe he just thinks they do. Marshall says, he was able to perform without anxiety as long as he wasn’t trying to solo, and Portia says, that could be psychosomatic. He said himself the illness doesn’t effect his music, just his ambition. It could be that what’s held him back all these years isn’t schizophrenia, but the mistaken belief that he has it. Marshall says, that’s quite a leap, and Curtis says, maybe it isn’t. All they’re asking is for him to find out.

Michael says, so Carly actively tried to prevent Willow from discovering she had a family, and Carly says, yes. He says, she delayed Willow’s cancer treatment, and Carly says, unknowingly; she didn’t know Willow was sick. He says, it doesn’t matter. Doesn’t she get it? She made decisions for Willow without even considering the consequences. She played God with Willow’s life. She says, he can’t possibly think she’d want to hurt Willow, and he says he doesn’t think she did it out of malice, but she thought Nina was the enemy, right? So Willow wouldn’t have wanted her as a mother in the first place. Carly says, Willow told her… and Michael says, what Carly has done – the lying, the manipulation, the double dealing – sounds an awful lot like Nina. If Nina is the enemy, what does this make Carly? Carly says she believed Willow needed protecting from Nina; she still does. He says, she’s not in the wrong about Nina. Willow told him that Nina is already lobbying for a relationship. Carly says, with Willow? and he says, and the kids. She says, that woman can’t help herself, and Michael says, they need her. She’s their best chance. Just so they’re clear, the last 24 hours hasn’t changed his opinion about Nina. She’s self-centered, greedy, and unstable, and she’s the last person he would have chosen to be Willow’s mother. He’s not going to pretend he doesn’t understand why Carly did what she did. If he’d been the one Harmony confessed to, he would have considered hiding it himself.

Josslyn says, so in six months, when Dex isn’t working for Sonny anymore, he’ll give her the details. He says, when it’s over, he’ll tell her everything, and she says she’ll trust him. She thanks him for telling her, and he says, it’s a relief. She agrees, and says, he won’t be around Nina and Sonny. It might even help her to bite her tongue when everyone is pointing fingers at her mom, saying she’s out for revenge; that’s not the reason she kept the secret. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he thinks she’s handling it well, and she says, really well. Her family is in the middle of a crisis, and instead of being with them, she’s cooped up here with him, hiding. He says, she’s not hiding. There’s a reason soldiers are rotated home for R&R; why they all sleep at night. You need a break from the physical, the mental, the emotional. You’re allowed to take a breather. She says, so she’s not being selfish? Good. Being right here with him is the only place she wants to be. They kiss.

Cameron says he had no idea Willow was sick, and Elizabeth says, no one did. He says, Josslyn was just here, and he was so cold to her. He takes off his apron, and she asks where he’s going. He says he’s going to find Joss, and make sure she’s okay. He asks her to deliver the brownies for him, and she says, of course (🍷). He runs out the door, and Elizabeth gives Violet and Finn the brownies. Finn asks if Cam is okay; he rushed out of here pretty quickly. Elizabeth says, Josslyn, and he says, got it. Violet says she’s going to draw a picture of Cam and his girlfriend, and Elizabeth says, actually, Cameron and Josslyn aren’t dating anymore. Finn asks if Violet knows what that means when people break up, but she shakes her head.

Austin goes into his office to find Mason at his desk, enjoying a lollipop. He asks what the hell Mason is doing, and Mason says he could ask Austin the same thing. He turned away a patient he was ordered to treat. Austin says he doesn’t turn away patients. If he can’t treat them, he refers them to another physician. Mason says, semantics, but Austin says, it’s his job. Mason says, Austin isn’t doing his job. He defied a direct order from the boss. Austin says he’s not playing this game anymore. Tell the boss that he’s done taking orders.

Nikolas says, Victor promised to give Ava Spoon Island? and Victor says, including Windymere, and most of its contents. He excluded some of the more important Cassadine family mementos naturally. Nikolas says, naturally, and Victor says he’s sensing a little sarcasm. Nikolas says, he’s also sensing complete and utter shock. How could he? Victor says, quite easily actually. When Ava let it be known she was in possession of information and materials that could seriously damage the Cassadine family name. Windymere is a small price to pay for the family name. Nikolas says, not only does he disagree, he strenuously objects, but Victor says, it’s too late now. How long does Nikolas think it will take to pack all this up and move out? Nikolas says, not long, considering he’s not going anywhere. Victor can’t take away his home.

Curtis asks how long Marshall and Portia have been talking about this genetic thing, and Marshall says, a few months. Curtis asks if Marshall trusts that Portia has his best interest at heart, and Marshall says, of course (🍷). Curtis asks if Marshall trusts her expertise, and Marshall says, implicitly. Curtis says, that’s where Marshall loses him. Why the resistance? Marshall says, his reasons are his alone, but Curtis says he wants to understand, and Portia says, so does she. She promises to never bring it up again if that’s what he wants. Marshall says, this damn disease ruined his life. It forced him to abandon his family. He missed out on precious years with his sons. If he was misdiagnosed, that means all those sacrifices were for nothing.

Basking in the afterglow, Josslyn thanks Dex for telling her it’s okay to take a break. Life is so strange. You can feel so many things at once. He asks what she’s feeling, and she says, safe and happy, and worried and guilty. He says, why guilty? and she says, for feeling safe and happy when her brother is in hell. Michael has a pretty rough romantic history. To think he found love – the real thing – to possibly have it ripped away… He says, they’re not there yet, but she says, the thought that they could be, she can’t stand it. He tells her, think about something else. R&R, remember? She says she’s not a soldier, and he says, she’s way tougher than those guys. She says, you know what else she is? Starving. He says, him too, and she says, sushi or pizza? He asks if that’s even a question. Sushi.

Elizabet tells Violet that she and Finn just needed a little time apart, and Violet asks, why? Finn says, because sometimes people realize they’re not meant to be together. Violet says, like him and Anna? and Finn says, yes. Violet says, and now him and Aunt Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says, that doesn’t mean they don’t like each other. Finn says, quite the opposite, and Violet asks if that means maybe they’ll get back together, but he says, not this time. Elizabeth says, they can still be friends, and he says, Elizabeth will always be family. Elizabeth is Violet’s aunt and her sons are Violet’s cousins, and that will never change. Elizabeth says, they all love Violet so much, and Violet asks if they can go camping. Elizabeth says she’d like that, and Finn says, as soon as it warms up. They can ask grandpa and Uncle Chase too. Elizabeth asks, how’s that brownie? and Violet says, delicious. She should get one. Finn tells Elizabeth that she can share his.

Marshall chokes up, and says, he walked away from his life and his sons, breaking all of their hearts in the process. To protect them, not just from the violent instincts, but the stigma. He stayed away for it all. TJ’s birth… Tommy’s death. He cries, and says, Curtis’s struggles with addiction. All because of one diagnosis, he avoided being close to anyone for over half his life. So when she tells him that he may not have schizophrenia, that he may not be sick… Curtis says, it forces him to face painful questions, and Marshall asks if he’s wasted his entire life… or worse. Was it stolen from him? Curtis says, genetic testing is the first step, and no matter the result, it’s not Marshall’s fault. Portia says she knows this is terrifying; the prospect he’s been operating on misinformation this entire time. But think about the other side of it. Think about how freeing it could be to be out from under this diagnosis. She knows Curtis wouldn’t tell Marshall this, but he’s already shared his fears with her that this disease could steal Marshall away from him again. Curtis says, wouldn’t it be nice to know this is something they didn’t have to worry about? and Portia says, please, for his family, but Marshall says he doesn’t think he can.

Michael says, Carly knew what blood ties with Nina could do to their family, and she says she was so afraid to let Nina in. He says she was right to be, and he would have felt the same way, but unlike her and what she did, he would have let Willow decide. Why not give her all this information, and let her decide where to take it from there? Carly says, now she sees that’s what she should have done. She was trying so hard to protect their family because Nina has hurt them all so much. She had tunnel vision, and it seemed like the only option. She’s so sorry. He asks where things stand with Drew, and she says, he’s disappointed and has every right to be. She’s really great at ruining things. He says, Drew is a very forgiving guy. Don’t give up hope. She says, what about him? Can she hold out hope for him, or is he as done with her as he is with his father?

Nikolas says he may have lost his wife and son, but he won’t lose his home, and Victor says he has a storage locker full of evidence that he held Esme against her will. Nikolas says, that junk may be damning, but it’s not definitive, and Victor says, as is his written confession to pushing Esme off a parapet, not to mention the recorded version in Ava’s possession. Nikolas says, not to mention a very alive Esme, and if she can’t remember, she can’t testify. Victor says, Hayden Barnes. His patience with Nikolas is nearing an end. After all he’s done for Nikolas. Nikolas says, what about after all he’s done for Victor? He sheltered Victor on Cassadine Island. Victor says, that’s the only reason he hasn’t washed his hands of Nikolas altogether, and Nikolas says, here he thought it was because Victor is such a family man. Victor says he does have big plans for this family, but Nikolas keeps throwing a monkey wrench into them. Nikolas says, plans, you have to follow through on. He calls Victor’s bluff. Victor tells Nikolas that he’ll say it once more. The next time Nikolas defies him will be his last.

Mason says, the boss doesn’t like a quitter, and Austin says, that’s too bad because he quits. Why can’t she just find another doctor who’s amenable to the cause? Mason says he knows Austin doesn’t take well to being strong-armed – Austin says, nobody does – so how about this? The next time they send him a patient, take care of them. Austin says, or what? What’s going to happen? Basically, the answer’s no. He recently lost a good friend, and got dumped by his girlfriend. He’s starting to feel like he has nothing left to lose. Mason says he guesses he’s been told. So why doesn’t he leave Austin to his legal doctoring? Austin says, hallelujah, and Mason offers him a lollipop, but Austin says, no thank you. Mason says he’s starting to take it personally. Maxie’s daughter wouldn’t take one either.

Carly says, she made a mistake. It would kill her if Michael cut her out of his life. Michael says, dad made more than one mistake. He chose Nina over his family again and again. What Carly did was wrong, but she did it for their family. She says, the second she heard Willow was sick… and he says he knows. She asks if he can forgive her, and he says, Willow already has. She asks if he ever wonders if they deserve her, and he says, every day. He has a long way to go to be as forgiving as Willow. He does know he needs Carly in his life, and his children need her, and Willow needs all of them. She says she needs him too, more than he knows. She hugs him and cries.

Curtis says he has to believe Marshall is strong enough to face a future that’s different from what he’s used to, and Portia says, one that includes Curtis, TJ, Stella, Trina, Epiphany, and her. Curtis says, and anyone else who comes along, and Marshall asks if he can have all that without unraveling the past? Curtis says, he can try, but he has the feeling the past will always come back to haunt Marshall. Portia says, he can’t go back; no one can. Curtis says, but if he gets these answers, the next chapter could be a whole helluva lot better than the one before it.

Austin asks when Mason saw Georgie, and Mason says, this morning, with her brother and little sister at the playground. They were with a very attractive older couple; Maxie’s parents he bets. Austin asks what Mason has done, but Mason says, take it easy. He already told Austin. He just offered Maxie’s daughter a treat, but she turned him down. Either she doesn’t like lollipops or she’s been warned against strangers. The thing is, he’s not going to be a stranger when he visits her. Kids can be so trusting. Austin says, he wouldn’t dare, and Mason says, don’t make him. Austin grabs Mason by the lapels, when Ava walks in. Austin releases Mason, and she asks if she’s interrupting.

Nikolas says he’ll take what Victor told him under advisement. Now if Victor is finished he has a meeting. Victor says, of course (🍷). He’ll make himself scarce. He takes out some paperwork, and says, before he forgets, Nikolas’s divorce settlement papers. In addition to the standard provisions, there’s a paragraph ceding the deed to Spoon Island over to Ava. He tosses it on the table, and says, please have it signed before he returns.

Violet says she’s going to draw a new family picture, and put Cameron in it. Cameron, Jake, and Aiden will be on a log. Grandpa and Uncle Chase will be in the lake. She asks if Elizabeth and Finn can sit next to each other in her drawing, and Finn says, as long as they’re not in the fire, he’s good. She says, they’ll be by the fire, roasting marshmallows, and Elizabeth asks Violet not to make her too short next to Finn. Violet says, she’ll be wearing heels, and Elizabeth says, heels camping? Violet says, fashion first. Maxie taught her that. Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) she did, and Finn says, it’s getting late. He suggests Violet finish her drawing at home, and they leave. Elizabeth sits looking at her phone when Carolyn comes in and says, hi, Lizzie.

Dex and Josslyn kiss when there’s a knock at the door. She says, that would be the food, and he says, the delivery person has horrible timing. She asks if he’ll get it so she can put something on. He asks if she has to, and she says, yes. He puts his pants on, and opens the door. No surprise, it’s Cameron.

On Monday, Sonny tells Spencer, what he’s saying proves he can’t; Cameron asks Josslyn if Dex is the reason they broke up; and Ava says, Mason was most definitely there.

🏥 Beaming Back In…

Looks like she left Jeff at home this time.

Denise Crosby Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🧂 Salt Shaker…

Well, it wasn’t like we thought Jen would be back.

https://pagesix.com/2023/01/20/rhoslc-is-casting-three-new-women-for-season-4/

🏝 The Latest In Miami…

Looks like there will be sufficient drama.

Real Housewives Of Miami Season 5 Mid-Season Trailer Has Dropped

🥊 It’s a Knockout…

I’d pay to see this fight.

Sutton Stracke Wants To Fight “Bossy” Lisa Rinna: Says Lisa Should “Be Quiet”

⚔️ Changing Games…

I can’t wait to check this out this weekend.

https://ew.com/tv/the-last-of-us-pedro-pascal-bella-ramsey-game-of-thrones/

🎥 Ranking George…

I’d say they’re spot-on. While I actually liked the remake of Dawn of the Dead, it didn’t have the same satiric wit of the original.

https://ew.com/movies/george-romero-movies-ranked/

🐯 Ongoing Tiger Tale…

The sequel wasn’t nearly as good as the first series. The first collective diversion during the pandemic lockdown.

https://nypost.com/2023/01/20/family-of-carole-baskins-dead-husband-break-silence

🎸 If You’re In the Neighborhood…

The Governor’s Ball line-up and deets.

https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/

🐕 More Bowl Please…

What you need to know about the upcoming Puppy Bowl XIX

https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/puppy-bowl-date-dogs-and-everything-we-know-about-the-pet-centric-event

First flag.

https://nypost.com/2023/01/13/puppy-bowl-2023-first-look-dog-flagged-for-excessive-hydration/

🦩 Quotes of the Week

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. – Corrie ten Boom

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

I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. – Thomas Jefferson

The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. – Arthur C. Clarke

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste. – Henry Ford

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T.S. Eliot

Being funny is a very serious business. – Soupy Sales

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. – Stephen Hawking

🍨 Chillaxing and HBO Maxing…

Whatever the next two days hold for you – be it streaming service or rowing merrily down a stream – enjoy. Hope to see you back after that for soap and a less than full Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay curious, but not intrusive, and stay knowing, it’s never too late to advocate for yourself.

Oct23

October 22, 2017 – A Shah Reunion, a Dead Return, Random TV Thoughts & Creepy Costumes

Posted on October 23, 2017 by theresakp

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

Shahs of Sunset – Reunion Part One

As usual, the venue is gorgeous, an old Hollywood theater, and there’s an incredible spread of food. Andy asks the Shahs who would play each of them in a movie, and everyone is totally unrealistic, except for Shervin, who says Kahl Drago from Game of Thrones (Jason Momoa). He doesn’t have the body, but damn if he doesn’t look like him. Reza has lost his mustache and forty-three pounds. We see before and after pictures. Andy asks who has had work done, and MJ finds that offensive. Asa says people are open about what they want to be open about, and insists MJ’s lips are not her own. GG and Mike start arguing, and Andy moves on.

He asks how Asa is enjoying motherhood, and she says it’s magical and difficult. We don’t get any photos though, because Jermaine wants to be private about that. She’s hoping to Instagram some in the future. There haven’t been any playdates yet, but Janet Jackson and Asa’s babies are only two weeks apart, so she expects it will happen. She says her relationship being bi-racial caused extra conversation. Mike says Asa turned his inquiry about getting married into something else. MJ wonders why Asa can’t just answer questions honestly. Mike says she went on a social media rant about racism, and isn’t the righteous person she claims to be. He thinks she’s hyper-sensitive, but she says she’s just more aware. Mike didn’t mean to offend anyone, he just wanted her to share. Asa claims he has casual racism. Whatever that is.

The Shahs were the first show to travel to Israel, making Bravo history. Woohoo. Andy asks GG about Reza saying eff Iran, and why it upset her. She says her family is from there. Reza says it’s a terrorist country, and until there’s another gay Persian on the stage, no one else can contradict his opinion. Shervin make noises about the people of Iran, and Reza says he didn’t mean the kindergarteners, he meant the government, and should have said Islamic Republic. Andy talks about them causing a commotion that wasn’t aired, and we see a clip of them getting kicked out of a restaurant. Reza explains that the owner wanted more money, and when a producer said, “no problem,” he heard “no” and “problem,” and misunderstood. They talk about the city where Asa thought the Muslims and Jews were intermingling well, and Reza says it was more like a Muslim ghetto. Mike says they seemed aggressive to the people there, getting in their faces with cameras. Asa thinks they had a certain vibe that they were giving off.

They talk about the Western Wall. Mike says the feeling was remarkable. Reza says he literally felt something embrace him, and felt an energy from the Wall. GG starts to say something, and Mike says to be careful, since he stuck up for her. She felt the Wall was a barrier, and talks about someone saying “jihad” to her. Mike says there are idiots everywhere, but he knew what she meant and had her back.

Next up is MJ. Vida and Tommy join the group. Andy wonders what MJ was smoking to live in her mother’s apartment complex. MJ says it’s the winter of her father’s life, and she wanted to be close by. She tells us he’s doing much better, but she’d expected to be on a totally different life plan. We flash back to MJ and Tommy arguing about having kids. MJ says she was in a panic at the time, but when she saw the show, she knew how much Tommy loved and supported her. Tommy says it was a tough year for her, and he didn’t want to throw his reluctance to have kids at her too, but now the time is right. Vida again says she’s not ready to be a grandmother. She says the parents have to be ready for responsibility. MJ is annoyed that her mother is still discouraging her, and Reza suggests she’s projecting. Andy asks if Vida was ready when she had MJ, and after a pause, Vida says she didn’t plan it. Reza says she should end with icing on it, like saying she was happy once she had MJ. She does say she’s started to like Tommy, and everyone’s mouths drop open. GG says hell has officially frozen over. Vida says she’ll marry Tommy if MJ doesn’t, and I wonder what on earth happened. Andy asks when the wedding is, and Tommy says whenever MJ is ready. Andy offers to officiate.

He asks who has changed the most for the better, and Vida thinks it’s Mike; he’s more mature and relaxed. He asks what about the worst, and she calls Asa ungrateful. She owes everything she has to the show, but doesn’t even watch it. If she doesn’t like an opinion, she gets negative, because she’s only interested in promoting herself. How did Vida become so insightful? Is MJ slipping Vida weed edibles or something?

Destiney was on People’s Couch! Omg, I hadn’t realized that. I loved that show, and now that they mention it, I wonder why I didn’t recognize her or even her voice. We see a clip. A viewer says there’s undeniable sexual tension between Mike and Destiney. Really? I don’t think so. Destiney says they’re both hot-headed individuals, and it wouldn’t be healthy for anyone. She talks about what she wants in a man, and someone suggests Shervin, but she says there are no penises on that stage for her.

Nice segue to Shervin and Annalise’s relationship. Shervin tells them it’s an open relationship, which is news to everyone, but he says she didn’t want it shared. Andy asks if anyone believes it, and they all say no. Destiney says she was Shervin’s number one fan, until she hit a nerve asking him about cheating, and he came at her. We flash back, and Andy calls it a half-assed confession. Shervin gets Annalise on FaceTime. MJ leaves the stage. Andy asks Annalise if they have an open relationship. She tells him that she thinks it’s foolish to expect monogamy when she’s on the other side of the world. She’s not dating anyone else, but could if she wanted to. Annalise says you can’t cheat on someone if it’s not exclusive. We say g’day, and she’s gone. MJ thinks it was rehearsed. I think it’s one-sided openness, and she’s letting him cheat on her.

Andy tells us another bone of contention was MJ using the word bastard, but MJ insists there was no venom behind it. Asa says she expected more from Reza, but he says he can’t control what someone else says or how they feel. We flash back to Asa telling MJ it’s an ugly word, and MJ saying she was referring to herself. Reza deflects, saying Asa has claimed she’d had no hormonal treatments, then revealed she had frozen embryos. She’d confided in him about it previously, and he says he never told anyone, so he was shocked. Asa gets it, but says he’s smart, and she can’t believe he was thrown off by what she said. Reza says she answered so casually about the embryos, he was floored. He wondered what else was going to come out. He tells her that’s why they’re where they are in their relationship.

Andy asks why it wasn’t shared earlier. Reza says Asa asked him not to say anything, but he wished she and MJ would have had an honest conversation. Asa says their relationship wasn’t like that, but MJ says at the time, they had exchanges on a regular basis. Andy asks if Asa can’t see how it would raise questions. He asks if she went through IVF, and she says not with her son, but for the embryos, like an insurance policy. She felt hurt, because she had discussed it with Reza before. Andy asks if Asa understands how she put Reza in an awkward position. He asks if the group believes her, but only Mike does. The camera goes to Reza…

To be continued.

Next time, Mike and Jessica are discussed, Shalom joins the group, Reza’s faithfulness is questioned, and more Asa and MJ angst.

The Walking Dead – Episode 100

I hate when they start off all weird. We see a shot of flowers, a cane, Rick, and an alarm clock. Rick is standing over a grave.

Everyone is getting ready for battle. Rick gives a mini-speech, telling them Jesus said his world would get bigger, and it did. They found each other. The world is theirs, and they’ve come together, for it it’s theirs by right. At the Sanctuary, Dwight gets a note via arrowgram that says, tomorrow. Rick says anyone with common ground, it’s theirs too, but those who want it to be theirs alone, they end them. They don’t celebrate it or have shame. Only one person has to die and he’ll kill them himself. Dwight sends an arrow note back to Daryl. Rick says they’ll keep making the world bigger together. Ezekiel says together bound forever. He who sheds his blood today will be his brother. Shiva growls. Maggie says they may have to live in uncertainty, but have to keep faith in each other. If they can hold onto that, the future and world are theirs.

Tara and Carol sit on a bridge, where a billion zombies are passing underneath.

Rick does what he does best, ponders.

A bearded Rick opens his eyes. He hears music.

Carl goes on a gas run. He finds a bunch of cars near a gas station that have been halfway stripped, some with rotting corpses in them. Someone says, hi, and we all crap our pants. He draws his gun. The guy says he’s been shot at and had a microwave at him, but his mom said helping a traveler is everything. He gets not trusting people. Carl looks around as the man talks. He says he understands Carl doesn’t know him, but he hasn’t eaten in a few days and Carl might not even be real. He reveals himself. Carl draws his gun, but the guy raises his hands, and says, it’s cool. Someone else starts shooting at him, and the guy jets. Rick appears, telling Carl that they were supposed to meet at the intersection. Carl isn’t happy with Rick shooting at a defenseless person, and Rick says he just shot over his head; he wanted him to be gone. Carl says he’s not a spy, not one of them. Rick hopes he makes it. Carl says there isn’t going to be enough. Rick asks enough what, and Carl says, hope. Carl walks off, and Rick gazes at a slow-moving zombie.

A Savior in a lookout tower is shot, and falls to the ground, where a zombie is overjoyed that a picnic lunch just dropped from heaven. Daryl scratches a lookout off of his list, and picks off another guy. He makes strike marks on his gun, along with updating the list. Morgan impales one of the lookouts, which surprises me. Father Gabriel tells Rick that everyone is ready; is he? Rick says one person brought it to this. Gabriel says it always starts with one person, adding this did, meaning their group at Alexandria. Rick says it’s not about him.

Rick says goodbye to Judith, who is in college now. Not really; she’s a toddler. He kisses Michonne, and hugs Carl. He says this is the end, and drives away in a caravan of cars and trucks, shielded with corrugated iron panels. Carl tells Michonne he knows she wanted to go; he did too. She says it hurts, but they have to defend this place.

A guy teases a zombie chained to a tree. Rick knocks him out, and he goes through the guy’s stuff. Dude says Rick’s boy is gonna die. Rick lets the zombie go, and I say, ah-ha! in a Nelson voice.

Everyone gathers in a big field like it’s a soccer match. They all chit chat. Shiva gets off her tour bus a school bus. Maggie says she needs to be there for the first part. Rick is concerned about her pregnancy, but she says she can wage war through the second trimester. She has one more fight, and she’s gonna be there. Ezekiel says Hilltop lost their doctor, but there’s one at The Kingdom. He says they can join him, but Jesus says they’ll get theirs back. Ezekiel says on this day, they reshape the world for the children to come. Rick says Hilltop is lucky to have Maggie, and she says he made her someone worth following. He tells her next time, he’ll be following her.

Daryl, Tara, Gabriel and Carol wait at the bridge. Tara counts down, but nothing happens. Here comes the zombie horde, and Tara says she was close. The group walks off, leaving a car behind that blows up.

Negan’s people come out. This is like a Sharks and Jets rumble. Regina says she wants blood, and Dwight says maybe she’ll get lucky.

Daryl and company string a wire across the road.

The guards on the roof of the Sanctuary are picked off by Rick’s people. The caravan drives in past the line of chained up zombies. I feel sorry for them. They must get really bored. Rick’s people draw their guns. They shoot in the air. This is a rumble.

Negan comes out and says, well, sh*t. Sorry, he was in a meeting. I hope they don’t kill him. He’s one of the few senses of humor this show has going for it. And Eugene.

We see Rick with teary eyes, some flowers, and older-looking Rick with a beard. Why? Why do they do this? I hate this cryptic stuff. Bearded Rick get up. Everything is cool, and he’s with Michonne in a beautiful house.

Negan isn’t exactly feeling he has a reason to shoot, He cares about his people. he doesn’t want to play whose d*ck is bigger. His is, and they know it, but if it wasn’t, he could accept it. He’s not going to let people die over it, like Rick is about to. He asks what the hell he can do for him. Rick calls out the Hilltoppers and Eugene. He says they have chance to survive. They can live if they surrender. He can’t guarantee that at any time but right now.

Morgan goes down to the road.

Negan asks, what about me? Rick says he told Negan twice. Negan tells Rick that he has no idea the sh*t that’s about to go down. Does he think he has the numbers for this fight? He doesn’t. Simon brings out Gregory, who says Hilltop stands with Negan and the Saviors. Any Hilltoppers who support Rick are no longer welcome in the colony. Negan says, and… Gregory tell them that they’re families will be thrown out and left to fend for themselves. Go home now, or there will be no home to go back to. Maggie tells Jesus to do what he needs to do, and he says all he has are a bunch of books and old lobster bib. Negan tells them to go back to separating wheat or whatever they do. Maggie says doesn’t look like anyone is going. Jesus says Hilltop stands with Maggie.

Morgan pikes a zombie. He sees a car coming.

Simon says (tee-hee) he’s invested a lot in Gregory, and he’s disappointed. He pushes Gregory down the stairs.

Cars come. Morgan waits. Sh*t blows up.

Negan says it sound like sh*t (the word of the night) is going down. Negan looks pretty pissed, and Rick asks if he’s going to make him count. Negan smiles. Rick counts down from ten, but when he gets to seven, starts to shoot

Lots of shooting back and forth. Negan and company go inside. Rick’s people shoot out the windows.

Morgan joins Carol, Tara, and Daryl. Carol says it’s starting, and the zombies arrive. Daryl waits while the others go ahead. He rides forward of the horde, and shoots, creating an explosion.

Rick and company shoot up everything. Daryl continues to blow stuff up. The zombie horde keeps walking. A stray zombie wanders by when Daryl sets off one of his explosions. Cool. A truck drives into the Sanctuary gate and explodes. Negan limps out. Rick is relentless with his machine gun. Gabriel says they have to leave now. Rick messes around with a Polaroid camera. I don’t know if now is the time to take candid snaps.

An entrance for the zombie horde has been opened up by the truck. Gabriel is about to leave in one of the cars, and sees Gregory. Leave him, you idiot. He doesn’t listen to me, and dashes over to Gregory. They’re being shot at, but Gabriel tells him to wait for their moment. Gregory doesn’t wait. He runs to Gabriel’s car, and drives off, because he’s a selfish a-hole.

Carl goes back to the gas station. He leaves cans of food with a note that says, sorry. The new guy watches.

Rick’s group regroups. Ezekiel smiles.

Daryl tells Rick they can wait until tomorrow. Rick says they can’t. Gabriel stopped to get him when Negan almost killed him. It isn’t about him.

Morgan asks if one of the Hilltoppers can hit the guard with an arrow. She says she wouldn’t bet on it, but I would, because she does. They open a gate. Is this the back way? Someone lobs a grenade at them, and there’s a lot of smoke.

Tons of zombies are walking into the Sanctuary. Gabriel jets through them, and goes inside a trailer. Negan says he hopes Gabriel has his sh*ttin’ pants on, because he’s about to sh*t his pants. Negan laughs. Gabriel gulps. Tons of zombies scratch and scrabble at the trailer. We see a crane shot of all the zombies descending on the Sanctuary.

Judith runs to bearded Rick, babbling about an owl. Michonne tells him the festival is being taken very seriously. Judith wants to see the owl, and they go outside. It’s all beautiful and green.

Teary-eyed Rick talks to his people. He says mercy prevails over his land. He doesn’t want to wait for it anymore. They don’t either. They don’t have to start tomorrow. Right now, with everything they’ve borne and endured, everything they’ve risen above, if they start right now, no matter what comes next, they’ve won. They’ve already won.

😪 The episode was dedicated to John Bernecker and George Romero. John was a stuntman who worked on Walking Dead’s eighth season who died from a head injury he sustained in a fall. George, who also passed away this year, is the man who started it all with Night of the Living Dead, the first zombie allegory. My personal favorite is Dawn of the Dead, the perfect statement on consumerism. I also recommend Martin, a gem of a vampire film, but it’s hard to find. I had the pleasure of meeting George at a screening at the Waverly Theater in Greenwich Village, home of the original Rocky Horror Picture Show.

🎭 Glad to hear UnReal will be returning February 26, 2018. I’m not sure they’ll be able to top the real Bachelor in Paradise debacle that recently happened though.

💍 I’m still following the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, and taking notes. It’s been a helluva busy month, and then someone threw Halloween in there. Hey, we do a whole theme with the dogs here. All right, I do a whole theme. I’ve also been watching My Giant Life, which follows some very tall girls. Like the shows with little people, the struggle is real to live in an average height world.

🏡 Channel Zero: No End House continues to intrigue, although I’ve had to watch it On Demand due to TV scheduling conflicts. It’s very weird, and I’m not so sure I know what’s going on all the time, but it’s not as weird as last season, where I really had no idea what was going on with that monster made of teeth. This season brought us a house that the characters are exploring – it just appeared out of nowhere – where each room holds a different terror. The last couple of episodes brought them to a room that opened to a parallel town. At first, they thought they’d found a way out, but then realized they were stuck with no way out. The dead were alive again, a doppelganger insisted he was a better version of his double, and no one knew who was real. Offbeat and odd, but I like it.

For Your Halloween Viewing Pleasure…

👻 Creepy Vintage Costumes 👻

HalloweenCostume HalloweenCostume4

HalloweenCostume5 HalloweenCostume2

HalloweenCostume3