What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly video chats with Avery, and tells her that she’s going to hang on to Avery’s present for Liam right now; it’s getting a little crowded in his room. She says she’ll be home soon, and turns around to see Miss Wu (who now has a first name – Celina – so we’ll use that). Celina says, darling child, and Carly thanks her for the flowers. Celina says she was sorry to hear about Jason, but hopes he prevails. Carly says, he has a record of beating the odds, and Celina says she’s not a betting woman, but if she were, Jason is the safest bet there is. Carly asks if Celina is there to see Sonny, but Celina says her business isn’t with Carly’s husband. Give her best to the family. She leaves, and Carly ponders that.

Britt says it looks like Obrecht is almost ready to get out of there. Scotty sits next to Obrecht in her hospital bed, a box of chocolates on the tray, and Obrecht says she can’t believe he’s not a fan of nougat. He says he’s a fan of her nougat, and she says, naughty boy. They are so cute, I can’t stand it. He says, that’s what they tell him, and Britt says, although it might be another three weeks, give or take. Obrecht asks if caramel elicits the same response, and Scotty says, nectar of the gods, like her, booping her nose. She says, excellent, and Britt says, by the way, she’s pregnant. Surprise! Quintuplets. Can they believe it? Obrecht says, Britt finds public displays of affection unseemly, and Scotty wonders how she could have given birth to such a prude. This is what love looks like. Britt tells him, if he says so.

Maxie says she needs to talk to Sonny about Peter, and he says he just came from seeing that bastard. What’s on her mind? She says she wants to know what Sonny is going to do about him. She wants him dead. He tells her, listen to him. Peter has to live.

Ava sips some cognac, and Nikolas says, it’s getting late. She says she hadn’t noticed, and he says he has a fire going in their bedroom too. What does she say? Her, him, a bearskin rug? She says, maybe later, and he says, ouch. She says she’s a little preoccupied, that’s all. He asks, what about? and she says, rat killings. He says, that’s not the answer he was expecting, and she says, they remind her of his family. Tails all knotted up together, unable to break away, destined to die together, unless they do the painful thing, and chew their way free.

As she fills the tub, Laura talks to Doc on the phone. She says she misses him too, but the good news is, the FBI is getting close to finding the assassin Cyrus hired, so she doesn’t think this thing is going to go on much longer. She asks him to hang on while she turns off the water, and she hears thumping coming from the living room.

In the living room, Martin struggles with fake cleaning lady, who has a cord around his neck.

Scotty tells Britt that he’s sorry about Jason, and she thanks him, but says, they were long over. Obrecht says, pfft! and Britt says, what does that mean? Obrecht says, it’s not weak to admit she’s hurting, but Britt says she’s fine, and thanks them for their concern. Nina comes to the door, and Obrecht says if only she’d ended Peter’s misbegotten life when she had the chance. That schwein would be brisket, and none of this would have happened. Britt says Obrecht would be in prison, but Obrecht says, a small price to pay. Scotty says, bite your tongue, and Nina comes in. She says it’s nice of Obrecht to take the blame, but they all know who’s responsible for Peter’s latest reign of terror – i.e. her. Britt says she has some work to catch up on, so don’t stay up too late, and don’t pop any stitches. Scotty says he’ll do his best, and Britt leaves. Nina says, Britt seems to be doing okay, but Obrecht says, it’s a façade. Over or not, Jason was the closest thing Britt has come to true love. Any chance of rekindling that is now over. Peter robbed her of it. Nina says, he’s not alone. Jason’s death is her fault too.

Britt walks into her office, and Celina is sitting at her desk. Britt says she’s sorry; this is her private office. Celina says, she’s aware, and Britt says, all appointments have to go through her assistant. Celina says, better to keep this meeting off the books, and Britt asks if she knows Celina. Celina gets up, and says, no, but she knows Britt. Britt says, now she feels left out. Please introduce herself. Celina says who she is depends on Britt. She hopes they’ll be friends, but if not, she’s willing to settle for a more transactional relationship.

Nikolas says he takes it Ava has his Uncle Victor on his mind, and she says, doesn’t he? He says he’s thought of little else since Victor’s visit this afternoon. Ava says Nikolas never should have thrown in with him, and he says, he might not be alive if he hadn’t. She says she’s grateful for Victor saving Nikolas’s life, but Victor is a little too proactive for her taste. He says, to be clear, he didn’t ask Victor to take it that far with Hayden, and she says she knows. Victor took it upon himself. That’s what she means by proactive. God help the next poor soul who falls victim to Victor’s instinct for enterprise.

Martin pulls fake cleaning lady onto the couch, as he goes down to the floor, still struggling. Silva asks if everything is okay in there, and Martin slumps. Silva says he’s coming in, and fake cleaning lady says, be right there. Silva finds the door is locked, and fake cleaning lady gets something to hit him with, but Laura comes out behind her, and says, batter up, whacking her with a plunger. She sees Martin on the floor, and lets Silva in. She tells him, call 9-1-1. She doesn’t know if her brother is breathing. She runs to Martin, and he sits up coughing. He grabs the plunger, asks if there’s back up, and passes out.

Celina introduces herself to Britt, saying, she’s Brad Cooper’s aunt. Britt says, no way, and Celina says, way. Britt says, Brad never spoke much about his family. Is he okay? Celina says she’s surprised Britt has to ask. She was under the impression that Britt and her nephew were close. Britt says, they were… They are. She’s been away, and before that, there was a lot going on. It’s been hard to visit. Celina says she sees, and Britt wonders why she feels she’s being judged. Celina says, friendships are difficult to maintain, even under the best of circumstances. Her rather fluid commitment to Brad is not unexpected. Britt says he’s still her friend, and will continue to be. Celina doesn’t have to worry about her abandoning Brad. Celina says, that’s precisely what she wants.

Obrecht says, it’s Peter, along with the assistance of her reptilian ex Victor, who sealed Jason’s fate. Nina says, if she hadn’t called Obrecht when Peter showed up in Nixon Falls… and Obrecht asks, what else would she do? Nina says, call the police, and Obrecht says, that schwein was blackmailing Nina, using sweet adorable little James. Of course (🍷) Nina needed her. Scotty thinks this might be a good time to talk about Nina’s preliminary hearing. He wants to get the charges tossed out. Obrecht says, hearing? Charges? What is Nina accused of now?

Michael says, he thought Carly would have left by now, and Carly asks where Willow is. Michael says, she went home to be with Wiley. He thought he’d stick around and be with Liam, if Sasha and Brando want to take a break. She asks if he saw the baby, and he says, yeah. Take away the tubes and machines… She says, you’d never know anything was wrong; he’s perfect. She says she had placental abruption with him, and Michael says, Jason found her passed out on the floor, right? She says, he was living at Sonny’s old penthouse. Sonny was out of the country, and not expected to return, and she showed up on the doorstep. Of course (🍷) Jason let her in. She had this terrible pain, and the next thing she knew, Jason was there, and rushing her to the hospital, and she was rushed in to an emergency C-section. Of course (🍷)  she doesn’t remember any of that; she just remembers waking up in the ICU. Michael says, and of course (🍷) Jason was right by her side. She says, that’s when he told her Michael had surgery, and it was the scariest moment of her life. She remembers, right then and there, she promised herself that she would die before she ever caused Michael pain. He says he knows the feeling. He makes that promise every day. She takes his hand, and sighs, because someone has to now that Jason is gone.

Maxie tells Sonny to wait. He’s not seriously suggesting Peter deserves mercy? He says, not at all, but she wants her daughter back, right? She says, of course (🍷) she does, and he says, then getting rid of Peter is a bad idea. (Probably talking about it in the middle of the hospital is too. Just saying.) He set up the kidnapping, so if Peter dies, any information about where Louise is will die with him. She says, no; Peter doesn’t know where Louise is. He asks if she’s sure about that, and she says, why would he have blackmailed Nina if he did? and Sonny says, it’s a possibility. She says, here’s the deal; as long as Peter is breathing, Louise is in trouble. Forget about her, and she knows he doesn’t care about Franco, but what about Elizabeth and her sons, and Drew, and Jason? Is Sonny really going to let the man who killed his best friend get away with it?

Britt says, Celina wants her to abandon Brad? and Celina says she appreciates Britt looking after him now and then, but she’s no longer needed. Britt tells her, says the woman who had nothing to do with him his entire life? Celina says she doesn’t know of what she speaks, and Britt says, the hell she doesn’t. She would have heard of Celina if she’d meant anything to Brad. Celina says, the circumstances are favorable to Brad’s imminent parole, and Britt says, she had no idea. Celina says, naturally. If parole is granted, Britt is advised to remain at a distance, and Britt asks, why? That’s not what Brad would want. Celina says, it’s what she wants, and more important, it’s what he nephew needs. This is Brad’s chance to rehabilitate his character, to evolve it beyond its current limited scope, and his ability to do so will be constrained by harmful influences lingering from his old life. Britt says, harmful influences like her, and Celina’s phone dings. She looks at it, and thanks Britt for her time. Britt says she wasn’t given much of a choice, and Celina tells her, the best of luck in her endeavors. She sees no need to revisit this conversation, as long as Britt abides by her wishes.

Silva tells a handcuffed fake cleaning lady, congratulations. She’s going away for the rest of her life. Laura says, she doesn’t know about that. She thinks there’s a scenario where fake cleaning lady could spend a few of her golden years outside, provided she tells them who she’s working for. It’s Cyrus Renault, isn’t it? Fake cleaning lady says, lawyer, and Laura throws up her hands. Silva takes fake cleaning lady out, and Laura goes over to Martin, where an EMT is tending to him. Martin says he’ll be fine after a little laryngitis, and Laura thanks the EMT for getting there so quickly. Martin says she won’t be without his dulcet tones for long, and the EMT leaves. Laura tells Martin not to strain himself, and he says he doesn’t intend to, unless she used all the hot water. He needs to relax. He’s going to take a nice hot soak before their minders move them to the next location. She says, that’s one option, and he says, there’s another?

Michael asks if Carly wants a ride home, but she says she’s going to stick around and see if Brando and Sasha need anything. He says he checked; they’re out. Hopefully, they stay that way until morning. He gets the feeling she’s avoiding going home. She said everything was okay with her and dad; is it? Celina comes by, and says she can’t help but wonder if Michael plans to attend her nephew’s parole hearing. He says she wouldn’t miss it, and she says she assumes his position on Brad being in prison has remained unchanged. He says he believes Brad should remain in prison, and she says, Brad repents of his sin. He says he’s heard that one before. Recently, in fact, from the woman who kept his father away from his family. It sounded as hollow from her as it does from Celina. Celina says she’s sorry to hear that, and tells them to have a good evening.

Scotty says, if Nina is guilty of anything, it’s making this town a better place. She almost helped rid them of the worst menace that ever walked these streets. Obrecht says, this is an outrage. Peter is finally locked up, and they persecute her niece instead? For what? Attempting to thwart a madman? Nina says, her charges aren’t related to Peter, and Obrecht asks, against who else has she transgressed?

Sonny says, Maxie is grieving and angry; so is he, but bringing up Jason is not a way to get into his good graces. She says, this is no time for grace. Peter took Franco and Jason from their families. He took Louise from her. Does Sonny think he’s going to stop there? Sonny flashes back to Peter saying he recorded Sonny with Nina, and if Sonny kills him, he’ll be breathing life into that. Maxie says, taking is what Peter does, and he’s going to keep taking until he gets what he wants, and when he gets it, he’s going to want something new. God forbid you have what he’s set his sights on. She walks away, and Sonny takes out his phone.

Nikolas says he and Ava are on the same page. He wants nothing to do with what Victor is plotting. She says, what he wants is beside the point. She gets the feeling that Victor is using their past association as a  license to reduce Nikolas to his pawn. Does he disagree? He says, name one person who’s ever gotten the better of him besides her, and she says, this isn’t funny. He says he knows, and she says, they’re better together. He says he knows that too. He promises he learned his lesson. She says, has he? and he asks what she’s getting at. She says he didn’t fill her in about Victor until it was almost too late, and he says he made a mistake. She says, the mistake is done. If there’s anything left to tell her, the time is now.

Nina tells Obrecht, that’s it. Sonny returned home, and was reunited with his family. Scotty says, the rest will play out in court. Obrecht asks, what exactly are the charges? and he says, fraud, but they’re going to get them thrown out before the trial phase. Obrecht says, what Nina said about Jason… and Nina says, it’s true. Peter would have been in custody sooner if she’d called the police. Obrecht says, but she didn’t want the truth about Sonny to come out, and Nina says, she called Obrecht. Jason might still be alive if she’d made a different choice. Scotty says, if it’s any consolation, he calls Obrecht whenever he gets involved in shady business. Obrecht asks him to leave them, and he says, give him one of those caramels, and they’ll have lawyer/client privilege, but she says, some things can only be said to family.

Britt looks at a photo of her and Brad on her phone, when Maxie comes in. Britt says, it’s so good to see her; she has no idea. Maxie asks, what’s wrong? Or what’s not wrong is the more appropriate question. Britt says, it would make for a short conversation, and Maxie says, talk to her, but Britt says, no. Maxie doesn’t have the time. She has kids. She doesn’t have time to listen to Britt’s sob story. Maxie says her kids are at her parents; she has time. They sit, and Maxie says, she’s listening.

Carly tells Michael that she’s no fan of Brad’s; not after what he did to Michael and Lucas. Michael says, and Willow, and she says, it’s despicable on all fronts, and she definitely thinks Brad should be serving his full sentence. Michael says, but? and she says, but she thinks he should take a different tack when it comes to Brad’s aunt. He says, she asked him questions and he told the truth. Carly says she knows that, and he says, if he’d glossed over his feelings, Celina would have been surprised and angry when he went after Brad at the parole hearing. She says she just thinks he could be less confrontational about it; Celina is his dad’s ally. He says he knows, and he plans to honor their agreement. He’s not going to pull any strings to block Brad’s parole behind the scenes, but he has every intention of speaking at the hearing, which his dad understands. And Celina should know better than to trade on the alliance. Doesn’t Carly think dad would agree? She says she doesn’t feel comfortable speaking for his dad. They’re not exactly on the same page right now.

Sonny thanks Celina for coming by; he knows it’s late. She says she always has time for him, and he says he hopes she has some consideration for him. She says, meaning? and he shows her a photo, saying, this guy is at the PCPD, in custody; his arraignment is tomorrow. There won’t be a bail; they’re sending him back to Pentenville until the trial, but there’s not going to be a trial because he’s going to be dead before that. Celina says, and he wants her to make sure that occurs. He says he’d do it himself, but it’s public knowledge how Sonny feels about him, and Sonny would be the number one suspect. He laughs, and she says, and he requires more than the usual degree of plausible deniability? Sonny says, he is a danger to society. Can she do it? She looks at Peter’s picture, and says, it’s possible, but it will cost Sonny.

Sonny says, obviously, he’ll compensate her for her effort; parcel out any holdings he got from Novak. She says, that’s very generous, but she’d prefer payment in another form. He says, what form is that? and she says she was hoping they could revisit the subject of her nephew. He says, he’s not going to pressure board to refuse Brad’s parole, and she says, that’s all well and good, but she was hoping he’d undertake a more positive approach; use his sway to ensure a more favorable result? He wonders if she understands what she’s asking him to do. Because of Brad, his son couldn’t be a father and thought his son was dead, and she wants him to set Brad free. She says, there’s no more consequence to his family. Brad’s attachment to his grandson has been severed. He says, words are cheap, but she says, not hers. No one’s taking a life. Peter’s removal is of great value to Sonny? Sonny says, yes, and she says, then she asks him to give her something commensurate in return; a life for a life, as it were. He says, okay. He’ll tell his guy on the parole board to vote to release Brad, but she says, a single vote might not be enough to ensure her nephew’s freedom, especially with Sonny’s son on the warpath.

Michael asks, what’s going on with Carly and his dad? but she says she doesn’t want to put him in the middle. He says he gets that, but she obviously needs someone to talk to, and she says, but it can’t be him. It’s not that complicated. She and Sonny thought things would just go back to the way they used to be. He says, easier said than done? and she says, yeah. It’s hard with Jason, and… They’ll work things out. They always do. He says he knows, but hopefully he can help speed things along.

Nina says, let her have it, but Obrecht says, she’ll do no such thing. What is the point? To make Nina feel worse than Carly and Sonny already have? Nina says, it’s more painful when it comes from family, so here she is; go for it. Yell at her, dammit. Obrecht says, masochism doesn’t suit her, but Nina says, if she doesn’t suffer, how can she be redeemed? Obrecht says, first off, she makes amends with Britt. Nina has no idea what she’s taken from Britt. Nina says, she thought Jason and Britt only dated for a little while. Then he left to be with Carly. Obrecht flashes back to talking to Britt about Jason on Cassadine Island, and Britt saying that Jason accepts her as she is. She tells Nina, Jason was more than a fling to Britt. She gave him something most precious; her trust. Now he’s gone, and Obrecht is afraid. Nina says, of what? and Obrecht says, of Britt hiding her heart at a time she can least afford to. Nina says she’ll be there for Britt, always. She promises. Obrecht said, first off. What’s the second thing? Obrecht says, the path to redemption is resurrection. Nina is no saint, but neither are Carly and Sonny. If they don’t apologize, why should Nina? Remember who she is; sister, niece, friend, mother, grandmother, a force to be reckoned with. When she goes to court, don’t cower in the corner. Take up arms, and fight for her life.

Britt tells Maxie, nothing specific is going on. It was just nice to look up and see a friendly face. What brings her by? Maxie says she realized she hadn’t checked up on Britt or Obrecht since they got back. Britt says she’d give her mother another night, and Maxie says, she’s not well? but Britt says, she’s great. She’s cocooning with Scott. Maxie says, gross, and Britt says, yeah. Maxie says, but cute? and Britt says, totally. Maxie says, sounds like a better reunion than she had with Peter. She went to see him at the police station. Britt says, good. She had this vision of Peter escaping and showing up at Maxie’s apartment. Maxie says, it was all her doing, and Britt asks, why? Maxie says she wanted to prove to herself that she wasn’t scared of him anymore; that he didn’t have this hold on her. But leave it to Peter to find new ways to terrify and obsess over her. Britt says, at least she tried, and they put their hands on top of each other’s hands on the table. Britt says she’s proud of Maxie, and Maxie thanks her. She says, anyway, that’s it for Peter. Now it’s just a matter of time. Britt says, before what?

Martin and Laura argue, and Martin asks, what’s to prevent Cyrus from taking another shot? Literally. She says, the FBI told her that Cyrus hired a single assassin, and he says, she thinks that’s it? Just one and done? She says she believes so. He’s completely cut off from his funds, he has no allies, he has zero support. How’s he going to be able to sic anyone on them now? Martin says he doesn’t know. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. She says, not this time, and he says he fears she’s dangerously underestimating their brother, but she says she thinks Cyrus underestimated her – twice. Both times, to his regret. Martin says, thank God, but what if the third time’s the charm? She says her family and community need her, and she can’t be there to help them if she’s in hiding or on the run, always looking over her shoulder. Believe her, that’s no way to live. There is only one way to win here. You turn around and stand your ground, and you take on your enemy, face-to-face. He asks if she was some kind of cheerleader in high school, and she says, drum majorette.

Ava says, it’s a simple question. Either Nikolas trusts her and loves her, or he doesn’t. He says, of course (🍷) he loves her and trusts her, and she says, prove it. He says, she wants complete honesty? Even if it makes her an accessory after the fact? She says she’d rather that than being kept in the dark, and he says, Shawn didn’t shoot Hayden. Someone else did. She says she knows. Nikolas hired them.

Laura tells Martin to relax, and rest the vocal cords. She’s going to talk to Agent Silva, and start packing up their things. He says he hopes she knows what she’s doing, and she says, so does she. He says, funny, and she tells him, somehow, some way, she’ll take care of Cyrus, and will protect him in the process. Okay? He says, okay.

Nikolas says, Ava knows? How? When? She says, weeks ago. In the midst of his hand-wringing over Alexis and Shawn, it all became pretty clear. Then Victor essentially confirmed it this afternoon. He asks why she didn’t say something, and she says she knew he was trying to protect her. She was happy to let it lie. Why coerce him into confessing something that happened so long ago? It’s not like she’s an angel herself. Then Victor surfaced. He says, one secret too many, and she says, make no mistake. There can be no more secrets between them. So he needs to decide, is it all or is it nothing? He kisses her, and asks if that answered her question. They get busy as we see the fireplace. The fireplace is the new code for getting busy. It’s winter.

Scotty goes back to Obrecht’s room, and says, hey, blue eyes. Any chocolate left? She asks if he thinks he stands a chance at getting a judge to throw out the charges against Nina, but he says, not really. If it goes badly, they can taint the jury against her. She says, then why bother? and he says, because they have to see what the prosecution’s case looks like, not to mention the key witnesses and what they’re going to say. She says, key witnesses like Sonny. It’s not like him to deploy the court system against his adversaries. Scotty says, he didn’t; Michael did. She says, the avenging son, and he says he’s not so sure Sonny is too happy about that. She asks if Sonny has undertaken any retribution, but he says, no, and it’s not like him. He and Sonny have one thing in common; they hold grudges. There are no bygones. She asks, then why hasn’t he lifted a finger against Nina, the woman who kept him from his wife and children? He says, maybe Sonny still thinks he’s that country bumpkin bartender Mike. She asks if he said Mike, and Scotty says, why? Obrecht flashes back to Nina telling her that she’d met someone, and thought they were good for each other. His name is Mike. Obrecht tells Scotty, no reason, and he says he’s still a little confused as to why Sonny hasn’t gone off on Nina. He peruses the candy box, and says he has to get to the bottom of that. Nina’s whole future could hinge on it.

Britt says, Maxie’s planning something, but Maxie says, not anymore. Now it’s up to someone else to do the planning; at least she hopes. Britt asks what that means, and Maxie says, nothing. Britt says Maxie is freaking her out, and Maxie says, that’s the opposite of what she wants to do. Why doesn’t Britt come back to her place?. She has wine and actual wine glasses. They can get old school wasted. Nina comes to the door, and asks if she’s interrupting. Maxie says she was just bullying Britt into coming to her house and getting wine hammered. Nina asks if that’s a technical term, and Maxie says, it is now. Is she in? Nina says she doesn’t want to intrude, but Maxie says, the more the merrier. The two of them are the perfect people for Maxie to raise her glass with. Nina asks what they’re toasting to, and Maxie says, a Peter-free world. Coming soon.

Celina says, Sonny’s son plans to argue for her nephew’s continued imprisonment, but Sonny says, he’s not going to push Michael on this. Michael is going to vote his way, and Sonny is going to vote his; that’s it. He stands up, and she follows, holding out her hand. They shake. and he asks when he can expect this to happen. She says she’ll make the necessary arrangements immediately, before Brad’s parole hearing. He walks her to the door, and she says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she’s sorry for his trouble. She knows it puts him in an awkward position. She truly hopes Michael forgives him for this meeting

Michael says it’s obvious Nina is the reason Carly and Sonny are having issues. She’s about to get what she deserves. Carly says, if only, and plops down onto a bench. He says, she will, and sits next to her. Nina is going to go to prison, and when she’s gone, things are going to be better. She says she knows it, and pats his leg.

Sonny tells Celina that he’s prepared to accept the consequences for his actions. His family is best served with Peter taken care of. So see to it that it happens. She nods, and starts to leave, but he asks her to wait. He says, the details of their original agreement still stand. If Brad gets set free, and goes anywhere near his grandson, if he even utters his grandson’s name, there will be hell to pay.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Willow that she’s a whole different story, Anna says maybe there’s something she can do for Peter, Carly asks Sonny what bargain she walked in on, and Sasha tells Brando, today their baby is coming home.

Project Runway

Christian treated the designers to a 2020 fashion retrospective, which consisted of mostly sweats and robes. Christian said everyone had been living in awful couch clothes for over a year, but people felt at ease and comfortable in them. Designers were finding new ways to elevate casual clothing so it looked like effortless luxury. The challenge was a modern version of luxury; comfortable chic. They were to create a look fit for a day out on the town. It was to be luxurious and fabulous, but still comfortable enough to be on the couch. They had one day, and there was no more immunity. In their interviews, Octavio said he spent quarantine in slides and gym shorts; Bone said panties and drag had been his quarantine look, and he was sure his neighbors got enough; for Shantall, it was a sports bra, T-shirt, and leggings; and Prajje said he was naked, just him. What was the point in wasting clothes? The designers were given 30 minutes and a $400 budget at Mood. Christian said the fabric choices were everything. It had to be something that felt great on your body.

Prajje decided he wasn’t doing painting; he was still high from the last time. Octavio wanted to design an oversized sweatshirt dress, which was speaking my language. Shantall decided to use fabric she had created during quarantine. Chasity said she was known for bridal gowns, and had taken a financial hit, and Aaron said he went on food stamps. It had been humbling, but out of something bad came something good. He was going to shine brighter than the sun.

Christian brought the designers a special surprise, Cyndi Lauper, along with Geoffrey Mac, Project Runway’s Season 18 winner. Christian said Cyndi was an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, which is pretty impressive. Geoffrey said when he’d won Cyndi’s challenge, it gave him more confidence for the big win. We flashed back to that, and Cyndi said she couldn’t tell them how to sew, but they were the future, and could make an impact. Geoffrey praised his CFDA mentorship, and in Octavio’s interview, he said he and Geoffrey had never met in person, but had DM’d, and styled some of the same people. Octavio said it was because of Geoffrey that he was on the show. At 42, he thought he was too old, but Geoffrey was in his 40s. In Prajje’s interview, he said he had a daughter in Haiti, and wanted her to join him, so she could have a better life.

The guest judge was Maria Cornejo, a designer of wearable chic for every woman, and a founder of the CFDA. Most of the outfits bordered on the same thing: wide pants, some flowing and some gathered; a crop top and/or bralette; and an oversized or long flowing jacket. Basically a lot of elevated pajama sets. Octavio did his hoodie sweatshirt dress, and the model revealed lingerie that he’d designed underneath it. She also wore pink, marabou feathered shoes that Christian had warned Octavio against. The dress had some crazy long sleeves that the model whipped out at the end of the runway, which seemed useless. Norma Kamali has done dresses like that, and I hate them. Brandon put it best when he asked,  just in case your arms are 6 feet? Bones had his model come out in big pink rollers, which was fun. Not understanding the assignment, Coral decided on a black sequin two-piece number, more clubwear than casual.

Shantall, Anna, and Bones were in. On the high end was Chasity, Nina saying her outfit was stylish, comfortable, and versatile. It had included three pieces, so there were many options for a look. Elaine liked the juxtaposition of girly and sporty. On the low end was Octavio, which surprised me. Brandon said he’d been waiting to be blown away, but it was anticlimactic, and the pink shoes were a no. If I’ve learned anything from this show, it’s listen to Christian, Also on the low end was Prajje, who maybe should have stuck to painting, and instead had picked out a print with nudes on it. Nina said the spirit was gone. It wasn’t comfortable or luxurious; it was just eh. Elaine said she’d been the dissenting voice, feeling it was effortlessly chic. Aaron was on the high end, with another three-piece PJ set that included a long mohair cardigan. Brandon said it was feminine, but comfortable and believable. Again Elaine was by herself, saying she thought it was frumpy. It was overly comfortable, and not enough chic. At the bottom was Coral, because no one was wearing sequins on the couch. Zayden was also a low scorer, the judges feeling his jumpsuit was ill-fitting. Kristina’s two-piece set got high marks, Maria saying that it was a hot hippie dress. Kristina demonstrated how the pants could be removed, and the top pulled down to make a dress that was quite cute. Elaine said it was thoughtfully executed, but Brandon was in disagreement that time, saying he felt it was borderline costumey. Chasity had immunity, so it didn’t really matter.

The judges deliberated, and Brandon said, clearly Coral had been at a different party. Elaine said Octavio’s outfit seemed less like getting out after quarantine, than something from when you were deep in quarantine, and confused as to what to wear. Regarding Prajje, Nina said, comfortable should never be dull.

Kristina was the winner, with a chic look that was comfortable and confident, and an innovation in style winner. In her interview, Kristina said winning was the best, especially after being at the bottom. Elaine told Coral that she was safe, but to pay attention to the challenge. Prajje was also safe. Elaine said that they were at that point where everyone was talented, which made it difficult. Octavio had overstyled, and lacked originality. Zayden’s execution of the fit was off. They were both out. Octavio thanked the judges for a great experience, and said it was just the beginning. Zayden was crying, and had a hard time getting words out. Elaine said it had been an honor getting to know him. In Zayden’s interview, he said he came in with his head high, and he was walking out the same. He woudn’t change anything. Elaine thanked Zayden for bringing who he is into his work, and he said it was for every Black kid like him, who struggled. He knew it wasn’t the end. Elaine said she wasn’t going to cry today. In his interview, Zayden said he was proud of how far he’d come. He’d been eliminated with Octavio, whose work he loved.

Christian told the designers that they had to come to this moment. They were all talented. There was a group hug, and in Octavio’s interview, he said it took him until age 42 to have the balls to come on the show. He not only showed his designs, but also showed himself in a vulnerable state. He was proud. Zayden was also proud of what he’d done, and hoped he’d proved who he was as a designer. It’s always a lesson never a failure.

Next time – executing a cocktail dress using anything found in a cocktail bar; the unconventional material challenge.

👠 I have no clue what’s going on with Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, but next week Fredrik dresses up like Marilyn Monroe. Might be worth a look-see.

🚗 Putting It In Park…

Tomorrow, the usual soap and free-for-all. Until then, stay safe, stay above-board, and stay standing your ground, and taking on your enemy, face-to-face. It’s the only way to win.