What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Molly, TJ, and Kiki come into Charlie’s with a load of their belongings. Molly tells Julian that rushing across the street to rescue them wasn’t necessary; they can take care of themselves. He tells her to let her righteousness keep her warm, but when she blows her tests, don’t blame him.

Alexis meets Ned at the MetroCourt. Now that he’s running for mayor, he needs expert legal counsel. He asks if she’d like to join the campaign.

At the hospital, Elizabeth tells Laura that she’s glad about her running for mayor. She has no doubt Laura will work for the people of Port Charles, and not use the office for her own gain. Laura says the only downside is, she’ll have to take a leave from the hospital board, but they’re keeping her seat open in case she loses. Elizabeth wonders what would cause that to happen, but Laura says it’s not a what, it’s a who, and his name is Jim Harvey.

Jim visits Franco at the studio. He asks if Franco is suffering from artists’ block, and calls him “Bobby.” Jim is quickly becoming the most annoying character on the GH canvas.

Nathan tells Maxie it’s their anniversary, so he painted the nursery for her. She says she can’t think about their anniversary or paint. The only thing she can think about is how Lulu outed him as Faison’s son. He tells her that he volunteered, and she says it’s a typically heroic move, but shortsighted. Lulu should have known better. Faison could be outside right now, waiting to get his hands on Nathan or the baby. There’s a knock at the door, and Maxie freaks, saying that’s him now.

We see Faison looking at Lulu’s article. Well, I think we can safely assume it’s him, even though we don’t see his face.

Laura tells Elizabeth that Jim has no boundaries or shame. Elizabeth says he wants to buy Franco’s studio. He said no, but she thought maybe a change of location would be good. Laura says she has to convince him not to sell, especially to Jim. She suggests if he wants a change of scenery, that he could get a write-off by renting it. She tells Elizabeth that there’s strength in numbers. Developers will promise people the moon to convince them to sell, but they don’t care about the people they’re displacing. All Jim cares about is the almighty dollar, and they’re going to stop it. Elizabeth says, spoken like a true leader. Laura tells her not to underestimate Jim. He’s going to fight them with everything he’s got.

Jim tells Franco he stopped by because he was visiting Franco’s neighbor, Vince. He says Vince is selling, and Franco says he’s sorry to see him go. Jim says Vince claims the light is no good, and Franco says that’s because of the construction causing them to live in the shadows. Jim says Vince made a wise choice, like most of the neighborhood. He asks what the point is in being the last man standing? Franco says, still being standing? Jim tells him why stagnate, when he can be in a beautiful, modern place somewhere else?

TJ admits Julian is right about them needing to focus. Molly knows, but she hates him being right. Kiki says they’ll figure it out soon, and Molly says that’s why they were organizing the rent strike. Lurking nearby, Julian says he’s sure her mom would want to know about that. Molly says she’s having lunch with her boyfriend, Dr. Bensch, and she doesn’t want to interrupt.

Alexis tells Ned that she can’t work on the campaign; she’s really busy. He says Molly mentioned that she’s seeing a doctor, and it was the reason she couldn’t join them for Thanksgiving pizza. Alexis is appalled that he thinks the only reason she can’t do it must be because she’s seeing a man. He’d better watch it, since he’s running for public office. He says he’d appreciate a straight answer, and she says she doesn’t support his platform. Ned says he’s trying to improve Port Charles; what’s not to support? Alexis gets a text from Julian, and tells Ned because of his platform, her daughter just got thrown out of her apartment on Charles Street.

Nathan tells Maxie to calm down. Everyone is on the lookout, and Faison won’t get within a mile of them. There’s more knocking, and Dante says it’s them. Maxie says if that includes Lulu, she doesn’t want to see them. Lulu says they’ll just keep trying, and they have something for their anniversary. Nathan lets them in, and Lulu says she tried to pull the story. Maxie says she shouldn’t have written it in the first place. Nathan says she just gave him a platform for something he wanted to do anyway. Maxie tells him that she knows. It was a misguided attempt to rid the world of his father, but Lulu was trying to build her career, and should have thought it through. Dante says he didn’t want her to do it, and Lulu should have gone about it another way. Lulu asks if Maxie can forgive her.

Faison crushes his cigarette as he reads, nicotine stained relic not fit for family.

Jim tells Franco that he enjoys helping people like Vince, and Franco asks if displacing residents and destroying neighborhoods is just a hobby. Jim says if Franco starts painting again, maybe his mom will come back. Franco wonders how it turned into a conversation about his mom, and Jim says he called Betsy, but her phone was disconnected. He asks if they had a falling out, and Franco says Jim doesn’t need to know the ins and outs of his personal life. Jim remembers how much Franco meant to her; she adored him. He says whatever went wrong, Franco should use the opportunity to sell his place, get a new one, and reconnect. Franco asks where Vince is going to go, and says maybe a change would be good. Elizabeth walks in, and says that’s the last thing he needs.

Kiki says Dr. Bensch convinced her to go into pre-med, and he’s a great guy. TJ says they haven’t had a chance to talk, and Kiki says maybe they will, now that Alexis is dating him. Molly is glad she’s moved on. Alexis and Ned come in, and Alexis asks why they were evacuated. Molly says it’s a gas leak, and Julian says what a coincidence after they organized a rent strike. TJ says it’s just a scare tactic, and they’ll be back soon. Laura joins them, and says she just talked to the fire chief, and the tenants have been evacuated indefinitely. It’s possible the infrastructure was compromised (because of a gas leak?), and the building might be condemned. She congratulates Ned. Another building he can demolish in the name of progress.

Lulu says she and Maxie have been through a lot. She’s too much like a sister, and she’d miss Maxie if she wasn’t in her life. Maxie says she’d miss Lulu too, and so would the baby. They hug. Dante says they have everyone from the WSB to state troopers on alert, but Maxie says Faison is a master of disguise. He fooled Anna, and he could be anyone. Nathan tells her to take a breath, and remember the baby needs calm. Maxie knows he’s right, but it’s hard when the baby’s newly discovered grandfather is the world’s most wanted, and could be closing in on them.

Faison opens a new pack of cigarettes. The bag says, Port Charles Smoke Shop.

Ned says Alexis is making an assumption that he has something to do with Niagara Equities, or that they have something to do with him. She says she knows Jim is a big supporter, and now the residents are being harassed by having vital services withheld. Molly says it’s been so cold in the apartment, they could see their breath, and TJ adds they’ve had to use the gym to take a shower. Ned says new buildings will be safe, and the old buildings aren’t. A gas leak is a serious hazard. Laura thinks someone could have sabotaged the gas line; Ned must know that happens. Ned says he also knows old buildings fall apart. With the infusion of capital, they can be upgraded, and be made safe again. Laura says it sounds great on a bumper sticker, but the people will be priced out. Ned says more tax revenue is good for the city, and things like public schools. Julian calls Ned “Ted,” and says being a Quartermaine, he never struggled for a damn thing. (If I remember right though, Ned didn’t always know he was a Quartermaine.)

Elizabeth asks Jim to give them a minute. Franco says he thought she wanted him to sell, but Elizabeth says he wants to erase Charles Street. If Franco holds out, he can’t tear down the building and build a luxury high-rise. Franco tells her that he can’t seem to create here, but Elizabeth says it’s not about the space; it’s about the space inside. Something is going on, and when he figures it out, he’ll paint again. She gets a call about her wedding dress, and tells him not to sell the studio. She leaves, and Jim comes back in. He starts looking through Franco’s work, and Franco tells him not to rummage through his things. Jim says he’s looking forward to Franco’s future creations. Franco thinks maybe what he needs are answers, not a new space. He asks Jim if there was another kid around his age around, when he was hanging out with Betsy.

Lulu says Maxie almost missed her surprise wedding because she let her imagination run wild. Maxie says Faison wasn’t involved. Lulu says Nathan had to track her down, and the wedding wouldn’t have happened. If that had been the case, she wouldn’t be able to give Maxie this. She has a box, which she says is part one, and part two is in hallway. Maxie says it’s intriguing. She and Lulu go out into the hallway where there’s a bassinet. They see a guy messing with a door across the hall. Maxie shouts, Faison is outside! as they run back in.

She tells Nathan she saw him, and so did Lulu; he’s outside the door. Dante draws his gun, and opens the door. Nathan tells the guy, hands up, no sudden moves. Dante asks who he is, and he tells them that he’s the new super. Dante gets his ID, and says it checks out. Nathan says sorry about the mix-up. He matches the description of a guy they’re looking for. The man says, Faison. A couple of uniforms on the curb told him to be on the lookout. Nathan and Dante go back in the apartment, and Nathan says it was a mistake. It’s not Faison. Maxie asks if Nathan is sure he’s not wearing a mask. He suggests the put the bassinet in the nursery.

Jim remembers a little boy, Andy, and Franco asks what he remembers about him. Jim says he died suddenly; he thinks from a heart problem. Franco says he didn’t die; Betsy lied. Jim asks why she’d do that, and Franco says it was a custody thing. She was afraid she’d get in trouble, and thought he was better off at an orphanage. He tells Jim that Andy is a Quartermaine. Jim thinks that’s a helluva story. He’ll have to ask Ned to introduce them. Franco says Andy lost his memory. Jim asks if it’s amnesia, and Franco says the result is the same; he has no memory of his childhood. Jim is glad he survived, and tells Franco to get in touch if he changes his mind. Elizabeth comes back, and asks if everything is okay.

Ned says the decision to move forward won’t be made by him or Laura. It will be made by the people of the city by a vote. Laura tells him not to be disingenuous. The Quartermaines can afford a press push. Ned claims they’ve always been socially conscious. They need to drive profit, but not at the city’s expense. If they profit, everyone benefits. Kiki says not if they can’t afford to live there. Ned says they’re only replacing some of the buildings, but Laura says they’ll save a few apartments in the basements or facing walls. Then they’ll have a lottery for the hundreds of people who want to live there because this is their home. Alexis wonders where they’ll go, and Julian asks if Ned will be putting them up at the mansion. Ned asks since when is Julian a champion of the common people? He grew up privileged, and mobsters don’t pay taxes. He says he and Laura disagree about policy, but Julian doesn’t give a crap. He’s jumping on the bandwagon to impress Alexis. He just wants her to forget he put a knife to her throat.

Julian tells him to leave Alexis out of it. She has nothing to do with it, and it’s not about impressing her. Ned says he’s the same criminal he’s always been. Julian says Jim offered to buy him out, but he turned him down, and suddenly a brick came through his window. He’d thought it was Sonny at first, but now he thinks it’s Jim. Ned starts bringing Alexis into it again, and Julian shoves him. There’s almost a scuffle, but they’re pulled away from each other. Laura says they have to be better than that. It’s the anniversary of Mary May Ward’s death, and they shouldn’t disrespect it. Jim suggests she’s exploiting a relationship with a legendary community figure, since he’s been on the scene all of five minutes. Ned tells him that they were close, and did a lot for the community. He respects Laura, he just disagrees with how they should move into the future. Laura says at a certain point, Ned will be judged by the company he keeps.

Alexis tells Laura, sorry her personal life got dragged in. Laura says just last night, they promised a clean campaign, and Alexis says, until it’s not. She offers her services as campaign legal counsel. Laura says that’s wonderful. Her phone rings, and she steps away to answer it. Julian tells Alexis he’s sorry Ned put her in the middle, but she says it wasn’t his fault. On the phone, Laura asks how bad it is, and when they’ll know.

Franco tells Elizabeth that Jim was pawing through his artwork without asking. He’s determined; Franco will give him that much. He’s been canvassing the building, and even brought up his relationship with Franco’s mother. Elizabeth asks if Franco is sure he doesn’t remember him, but the only thing Franco knows is that he doesn’t trust him.

Maxie says it’s the best anniversary ever. She thanks Nathan, and thanks Lulu for the bassinet. Lulu tells her not to forget part one. It’s their wedding cake. She did fall into it, but the caterers cut a section and safely froze it. It’s tradition to eat it for good luck on the first anniversary. Maxie says if there’s any time they needed luck, it’s now. True story. We froze the top layer of our cake after the wedding for the same reason. Since our freezer was not that big, we kept it in my in-laws’ freezer. The day before our anniversary, my husband’s younger brother was rooting around for something to eat, and ate it. I just can’t imagine it tasted all that great.

Faison looks at an article about Anna being involved in Carrrlos’s death. He looks at the wedding announcement for Nathan and Maxie.

Maxie feeds Nathan some cake, and toasts to her wonderful husband, and two best friends. She loves them. Dante says, good cake. Lulu tells them good luck, health, and happiness.

Alexis asks what the kids are going to do now. TJ says they just grabbed whatever they could carry. Alexis says they’ll live with her until they can figure it out. Julian suggests some coffee for the road, and Alexis says she saw him making espresso for his new friend. He says they’re both moving on. Isn’t that what she wanted?

Ned asks Jim about the brick, but Jim says Julian probably vandalized his own property to generate sympathy. With a friend like him, Laura doesn’t need enemies. Everything will work out in Ned’s favor.

Elizabeth wishes she’d never opened the door. Between what Laura said, and the way Jim is pressuring people, she doesn’t like him. Franco doesn’t think he’s going away any time soon. She says the people are happy; why not leave them alone? Franco tells her people like him don’t back off when money is involved. He can’t criticize people like him though. They’re the only ones who can afford Franco’s art. Elizabeth says he creates it, but he’s not responsible for who buys it. He wishes could find out what happened between Jim and his mom.

Jim tells Ned to trust him; he’s in a good position. Ned says no way is he getting this district to vote for him, but Jim says there are other districts. He says he’ll walk Ned to his car. He wants to find out about Andrew. Anyone with the Quartermaine name can be used as leverage for the election. Maybe Jim should run for mayor. He’s so up in everyone’s business.

Alexis thanks Julian. He’s glad he’s able to keep eye on Molly, but Alexis says Molly will be living with her now. Laura has to jet, and tells them that she has to withdraw from the election. She’s not running for mayor. I read Lucas is coming back. Might this have something to do with him?

Lulu tells Maxie that according to Olivia-Q, they should refreeze what’s left, and save it until the baby comes home. Maxie thanks them for making their anniversary special. Dante says wait until next year. They’ll be spending it worrying about keeping the baby out of their pots and pans. Nathan sees the super still messing around. He tells Maxie that everything is going to be okay. There’s a beautiful life ahead for her, him, and the baby. She wants to deal with the cake, but he tells her, later. They kiss, and exchange I love yous. She says she never thought her heart could be so full.

Faison looks at the wedding announcement. He circles Maxie’s face with a pen, and keeps circling it maniacally until he tears the page.

Tomorrow, Laura says the campaign is over, Anna tells Obrecht that Faison’s time for hurting people is over, and Sonny tells Jason that Sam will love him forever.

🚆 Occasionally, I mention a movie that I think is outstanding, and last weekend, I watched Girl on a Train on cable. If you don’t have some idea of the story by now, you’ve probably been living in a bank vault, but in a nutshell – an alcoholic woman gets involved in a murder, but no one believes a damn thing she says, because she’s an alcoholic. I’d already read the book, so there were no surprises there, but Emily Blunt was spectacular. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she showed up drunk for the scenes that required it. She wasn’t afraid to ugly cry, and I’d like to know why no Oscar nomination for her? I’m baffled. Even if you know the plot, it’s worth watching for her performance alone.

😴 Calling it a night. It still looks like Christmas exploded around here. I’m officially one of those people who, when I’d pass their house, I’d yell, Christmas is over! Judge not and all that.

🎄 What Happens When You Put “Christmas Explosion” in Google Images…

 

💃 Lady Gaga is her own Christmas Explosion 💃