What I Watched Today
(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)
📰 Dailies now trimmed back a bit.
General Hospital
🥢 Weekday Nibbles…
Monday:
Laura told Doc that she thought he needed to take the position in Dublin.
Britt told Portia that her medical license had been reinstated, so unless Portia preferred a different doctor, she was taking over the case. Curtis showed up for Portia’s appointment.
Jack and Carly met at Bobbie’s, and she asked if he’d found Valentin, but he said he was starting to think Valentin wasn’t in Port Charles.
Valentin flashed back to Charlotte’s visit and was bummed.
Danny found Charlotte at the stables, and she said she wanted to take Hades out for a run. Danny wasn’t buying it, and she admitted that she was sneaking off to see her dad.
Jacinda met Kristina outside Bobbie’s, and Kristina said she needed to leave town immediately.
Josslyn came to the courthouse to support Michael, who said things weren’t looking too good for Willow.
Drew berated Alexis for going after Portia and said he hoped her time with Scout inspired her to point the jury to the real shooter. She said she’d do her best to convince the jury that the person who should be on trial was Michael.
Curtis had reservations about Britt, and Britt said it was Portia’s decision to make. Curtis asked for a word in private with Portia, who told him that Britt was an excellent doctor. He said he wanted to know was if it was possible for Portia to have the paternity test done today.
Jack said Charlotte had been under constant surveillance, but he thought Valentin was regrouping, plotting revenge, and possibly recruiting others to help him. Carly wondered who on earth would help Valentin.
Charlotte told Danny about Valentin being at Carly’s and seeing him on Christmas Eve. She thought she could sneak through the woods with Hades, but Danny said it was a bad idea. He had another option though.
Alexis asked Dante if Michael hadn’t been one of the first suspects, and Dante said Michael had a contentious relationship with Drew. She asked about Michael’s alibi, and Dante said Michael had been with Jacinda and Jacinda had confirmed it, but there were no witnesses. Alexis didn’t understand why they’d only scrutinized Willow. Was it because Michael was his brother? Turner objected.
Jacinda said she had to show up in court, but Kristina said she needed to leave town. If Jacinda went to court, it wouldn’t go well for her or Michael. She gave Jacinda a backpack containing enough cash to start a new life.
Laura told Doc about Charlotte running into Sidwell and said he had to get Ace out of harm’s way by taking the job in Dublin and bringing Ace. Doc wanted her to come, but she said she had to stay.
Danny took Charlotte through the woods on his bike.
Jack told Carly that he wanted to make up for New Year’s Eve, when Emma interrupted. She needed to get in touch with her grandma.
Alexis said they were exploring a third-party culprit, and the judge overruled, but advised her to stick to the facts. She asked if Dante had attempted to intervene when Michael had been convicted of manslaughter, and Dante said he had.
Jacinda asked if Michael knew, but Kristina said no, and it was for his own good. She’d seen something she wasn’t supposed to see, and Jacinda figured it was something from Alexis. Kristina said she knew Jacinda and Michael cared for each other and maybe they could get together in the future, but for now, Jacinda couldn’t be there.
Turner made sure the jury knew Anna had been Commissioner at the time, and Dante explained how he’d gotten Michael to turn himself in. Michael had been underage, but convicted as an adult, and he’d asked for a lesser sentence. Alexis called Boyle to the stand.
Portia said, no, and Curtis asked, what changed? She said a paternity test was too stressful and that would negatively impact the baby. At this point, she’d gotten used to not knowing and wanted more time. It was best for her and the baby.
Emma said she hadn’t seen Anna since Halloween and was worried. Jack found out Anna hadn’t been in touch other than a voicemail and photo, and Emma asked Jack to please help find her.
Charlotte showed up at Carly’s attic, nearly giving Valentin a heart attack. She said she was careful. No one knew she was there. He said it had been a huge risk, but she said she missed him. He said he missed her too, but she could never do this again.
Doc said Laura was in danger, but she said, not like him or Ace. Sidwell needed her. Doc said Sidwell could still go to the police, but she said she wouldn’t leave Sonny holding bag when she’d gotten him involved. There was also Lulu and their grandchildren to consider. She had to stay until she could figure out a way out safely. Doc said, then he was staying too.
Kristina said she’d tell Michael as much as she could, and left. Jacinda looked at her bracelet and flashed back to Michael giving it to her. She left.
Drew went blah-blah-blah to Alexis, and she told him to sit down. She asked Boyle about the Brown Dog Bar on election night, and he said he was there. She asked about him talking to Chase and asked if he’d mentioned where he was when Drew was shot. Boyle said he didn’t remember because he’d drunk too much, and Alexis said he’d told Chase that he was at the Raven Motel with a young woman. He’d checked in at 9:28 pm and checked out at 11:53, covering the time Drew was shot. She asked if he knew the name of the woman he was with and he said, Jacinda Bracken.
Britt said the baby was perfectly healthy, and left. Elizabeth asked how Portia was doing, and Portia told her about Curtis pressuring her. Elizabeth told her to wait if she wanted to. Portia said she’d told Isaiah she was hoping he was the father, but thinking about Trina she hoped it was Curtis’s.
Curtis ambushed Britt and tried to schedule a paternity test, but Isaiah overheard and said that wasn’t going to happen.
Jack said he’d been kept out of the loop about Anna’s op, but would do his best. Emma sent him the photo, and he said he’d let her know what he found. She thanked him and left. Carly suggested Valentin had reached out to Anna.
Valentin told Charlotte that it was too dangerous. If someone suspected she knew where he was, it made her a target and put him in danger too. He was working toward them being together and it would take time. He needed her to sit tight. Charlotte said she’d wait for a key with a red ribbon, and he told her to trust him.
Alexis established that Jacinda was a paid escort and asked if Michael had been with them. Boyle said he wasn’t into that sort of thing, and Alexis had no further questions. Turner asked how many times Boyle had paid for Jacinda and he said, maybe 20. She asked if it was possible he’d confused one encounter with another, but he said Jacinda had been away and he was certain it was the first time since she’d returned. Turner asked if he had proof, but apparently Jacinda doesn’t give receipts, and he said, no. Turner had nothing further. The court adjourned for a recess, and Drew was pleased. Willow was thrilled that Chase had come through for her. Michael told Josslyn he hadn’t known about Boyle and had to find Jacinda.
Britt said any decisions would come from Portia only and left. Isaiah said the most important thing was the baby’s health and the last thing Portia needed was pressure. If Curtis had treated her better, she would never have come to him in the first place.
Laura said Sidwell had already threatened Doc by saying he was disposable, but Doc said he wasn’t afraid. Laura said Sidwell was dangerous and they’d seen what he was capable of, but Doc said he needed to be there to help her. She said the best thing he could do was take Ace and get as far away from Sidwell as he could. It would allow her to focus on finding her way out of the mess she’d made. She wasn’t asking him to abandon her, but to protect their grandson. They had to do it for Ace’s sake.
Valentin told Charlotte to keep living her life, and she agreed it wasn’t a bad one. She told him about babysitting Ace and said it was fun until they ran into Sidwell. She told him what Sidwell had said. It sounded like friendly advice, but she didn’t think it was friendly underneath. He told her to stay away from Sidwell and asked her to leave. He made her promise not to come back, they talked French, and she called him papa.
Jack said it wouldn’t be the first time Anna helped Valentin, and Carly said, it could be a coincidence, but she could have been in on it. Jack said it would be an act of treason and Anna was too smart for that. Carly had to leave, and when she was gone, he made a phone call. He told someone that he was sending a picture to them and he needed to know where the person was.
Michael was trying to call Jacinda, when she showed up. She told him to get his kids and leave with her right now, but before she could explain, the bailiff said Jacinda had to go inside immediately.
Curtis told Isaiah that he wanted confirmation the baby was his. Isaiah and Portia could do whatever the hell they wanted, but his baby would have no part of it.
Britt saw Jack on the phone at Bobbie’s, and he insisted she join him. She thanked him for getting her license reinstated, and he said he’d fulfilled his end of the bargain and hoped she was ready to do the same. She said feeding him all the research info from Sidwell’s lab was incredibly risky, but he said she was clever and would figure it out. He left.
Doc agreed to accept the position and take Ace, even though he hated it, and Laura said she did too, but thought it was the best solution for now. He said, if it got out of control, let him know, and he’d be back. She said she never loved him more because he put their grandson and her first. She’d never forget it. She loved him.
Danny asked what happened, and Charlotte said Valentin told her not to come back. He was concerned about Sidwell. She said she thought Sidwell was a danger to both of them, and Danny told her about Sidwell trying to kill Lucky. She said she had to help her father, and he said, whatever it was, he was in.
Valentin told Carly that it was time for him to leave.
Alexis asked Jacinda about Drew, and Jacinda told her about the night of the body shots (🍷). Alexis asked about her meeting Michael and if Michael had paid her for her services, but she said, no. They’d hit it off and spent the evening together. Alexis asked if it had been the whole evening and asked if she was with Michael at the time of the shooting.
Tuesday:
Nathan went to see Lulu and told her that he thought Charlotte had been lying to her.
Carly told Valentin that she wasn’t going to let him take Charlotte.
Jacinda told Alexis that she lost track of time with Michael and couldn’t remember what happened. Alexis said Boyle had testified he’d been with her from 9:32 pm to almost midnight the night Drew was shot, and asked if Jacinda was saying Boyle was lying. (I would have said, yes, but that’s me.)
Nathan told Lulu that Charlotte was at the Quartermaines when she’d said she was staying at school for drama club. Lulu said the Quartermaine estate was one of the only places she wasn’t worried about Charlotte, but Nathan said he was concerned Charlotte was going to ditch her police guard completely. Lulu asked if he thought she was looking for Valentin, when Charlotte came home.
Valentin said Carly couldn’t stop him if he wanted to take Charlotte, but he wasn’t going to put her in any more danger. Charlotte had come to see him today.
Trina met Kai at the courthouse and they went inside.
Alexis said Dante had testified that Jacinda was with Michael when Drew was shot, but Boyle said otherwise. Who was she actually with during that time period? Jacinda admitted she was with Boyle, and Alexis had no further questions. Turner had no questions, and Jacinda stepped down. Michael told Josslyn, all it proved was that he wasn’t with Jacinda that night, and Jacinda left. Alexis recalled Tracy to the stand.
Carly said she’d told Charlotte not to risk coming back, and Valentin said he’d done the same. If Charlotte was ditching her police escort, it made her more vulnerable. The real danger was that his enemies knew how precious Charlotte was to him. He’d do anything to bring her back if she was kidnapped. Carly said, whoever had Charlotte had him, and wondered if Jack would take Charlotte. Valentin said Jack had taken her daughter, so why not?
Charlotte told Lulu that she’d changed her plans and went to hang out with Danny. It was weird having Officer Jeffers follow her and she was over it. They’d just gone to the stables and it was no big deal. Nathan said if something happened, they might not have gotten there in time, and Lulu said Charlotte was making Jeffers’s job harder. Charlotte said she really was grateful and she was sorry. Nathan left, and Lulu said she needed to trust Charlotte to update her about schedule changes. Charlotte promised she would.
Alexis said Tracy claimed she’d seen nothing unusual near Drew’s house the night he was shot. Did she remember anything else? Tracy said, no, and Alexis asked if she’d seen Michael near the house. Tracy said, yes, and Alexis had no further questions.
Turner said it had been raining that night and there was no moon. She asked if there were any exterior lights, and Tracy said, no. Turner said, visibility was limited, and Tracy agreed. Turner had no further questions, and Alexis called Michael to the stand.
Lulu said she wasn’t worried until Nathan told her that Charlotte wasn’t where she said she was, and Charlotte said worrying about someone you loved was the worst. You imagined all the bad things that could be happening. Lulu said she knew Charlotte was scared for her dad, and Charlotte said he had a lot of enemies. Lulu said he was resourceful and he’d be okay.
Carly said she was certain Jack didn’t take Charlotte. He’d put Josslyn’s life in danger, but it was different from kidnapping a teenager. Valentin told her to stop kidding herself. Jack’s love for Carly didn’t stop him from using her daughter to get what he wanted, and he had no doubt Jack would use Charlotte the same way. Carly insisted there were lines Jack wouldn’t cross, but Valentin said, but Sidwell would.
Dante wanted to go over the video footage once more and told Nathan that they couldn’t let Alexis blindside Turner again. He had to admit that Michael shooting Drew was a possibility.
Alexis asked if Michael was on Crestview Lane that night, and he said he was. She asked why he didn’t tell the police the truth. If he was in the vicinity, he had the opportunity to shoot Drew. Michael said he didn’t shoot Drew, and she pointed out that he lived in the house the gun was taken from. She asked if the gun collection was locked and if he knew where the key was. He said yes, but he wasn’t the only person with access, and she asked how he felt about Drew. He said he hated Drew.
Alexis said she could understand why and asked about the kids living with Drew and Willow. Michael said when he came back from Germany, he was granted full custody and took them back, and she asked if he stopped allowing their mother visitation, but he said that had been the judge’s ruling. Alexis asked if the decision had caused tension and brought up the confrontation between Michael and Drew at the MetroCourt. Michael said he was upset that Drew intentionally upset Wiley. Drew would manipulate anyone to get his desired outcome, and his children weren’t safe around Drew. Alexis said, he’d do anything to protect his kids, wouldn’t he?
Valentin told Carly that Charlotte thought Sidwell was threatening. If he knew where Valentin was, he’d take Charlotte and use her to draw him out. He couldn’t take the risk and had to leave. Carly said when she’d been with Jack, she’d insinuated Anna helped Valentin, but he didn’t buy it. She realized how much she was risking and told Valentin that he had to stay.
Tracy went to see Lulu and said she’d blown taking care of the family.
Dante said he knew Michael had motive and was capable of murder when it came to protecting his family, but he’d felt indebted to Michael because of him going to prison. He’d been raped by another inmate, and it changed him. Nathan said it wasn’t Dante’s fault, but Dante said he’d convinced Michael to turn himself in.
Turner asked if Michael recognized the weapon, and he said he did. She asked if he’d taken it, but he said no one realized it was missing until the police searched the estate. She said the location of the key wasn’t a secret, and he agreed. She asked him to walk the court through his movements that night, and he told her about meeting Jacinda, but hadn’t known of her connection to Drew. She’d been kind and easy to talk to. He’d been worried about his kids since Judge Haran had been killed, as it might affect his visitation hearing. He was prompted to go to Drew’s because he wanted to ask Drew to keep his distance, but his son called and hearing the special ringtone stopped him. He knew a confrontation would make things worse, so he went home. Turner asked if he’d heard any gunshots, but he said, no. She asked if he shot Drew, and he said, no.
Nathan said Dante couldn’t take the blame for the system failing Michael, but Dante said he could take responsibility. He’d made it easier for Michael to frame Willow. Nathan said there was no evidence of that, but Dante said he knew Michael’s alibi was paper thin. Now Turner had been blindsided, and the trial was in jeopardy.
Tracy told Lulu that she hadn’t been asked about Michael before, but this time there was footage that had caught them both near Drew’s house. Lulu asked if she’d seen the footage, but Tracy said, no. Lulu said, if Alexis had proof, why wasn’t it entered as evidence? and Tracy realized Alexis played her and she fell for it.
Turner had no more questions and court was adjourned for a recess. Michael told Josslyn that Wiley’s call had reminded him what was important and it wasn’t Drew. He thanked her for believing in him, but said he might have given the jury reasonable doubt.
Alexis thanked Suzanne for her timing. Tracy had thought Suzanne was bringing her new evidence, but the judge would never have allowed an anonymous note to be submitted.
Tracy told Lulu about Alexis stopping to look at a folder and how she thought it was proof. She’d given Michael up for nothing. Lulu said Tracy would have been committing perjury and made Michael look guiltier if there had been proof, and Tracy said she’d have done worse to keep him from going to prison. Instead, she might have set Willow free and made Michael the prime suspect.
Drew told Willow, Alexis did it. Michael looked guilty as hell and there was no way the jury would convict Willow. Tracy put the final nail in Michael’s coffin.
In the hallway, Kai and Trina went over what happened the night Drew was shot.
Alexis told Suzanne that she was glad their bluff worked, but Suzanne said, some of the jurors looked unconvinced. Alexis said she was hoping her next witness would convince the jury Michael was a more likely shooter than Willow, and Elizabeth walked in.
Carly said Valentin told her that he could convince Sidwell that he was a good ally, and Valentin said Sidwell was a very powerful man. With Sidwell’s help, he could expose Jack as head of Pikeman, exonerate himself, and bring Jack down. He hadn’t thought about how yet. Carly said he had to stay until he had a clear plan. Right now, it was the safest place for him to be.
Charlotte sent Danny a text thanking him for his help and flashed back to Valentin telling her that the goal was them being together, but it would take time. Danny texted back that they’d find a way to help her dad. She replied, abso.
Lulu asked who else Tracy told, but Tracy said, no one. She had no idea how Alexis knew, which was why she fell for Alexis’s insinuation that she had footage. Lulu thought it was weird, and Tracy said something had changed or Alexis would have pushed her harder the first time. She was going to find out how Alexis knew and Lulu was going to help her.
Nathan said all they could do was go by the evidence they had and told Dante that he’d found a cigarette butt at the crime scene. Dante asked if he had it on him when he was at Lulu’s, but Nathan said it had been in the car. Dante said Nathan broke the chain of custody and now it was inadmissible. He wasn’t used to Nathan mishandling evidence and asked if everything was okay. Nathan said, it was just a stupid mistake, and Dante said he was depending on Nathan because they were down two investigators. He’d had to suspend Chase, but Chase may have been right.
Trina and Kai flashed back to being at Drew’s, and Kai said, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star had to be Wiley’s special ringtone. Trina said if Michael had been outside, they wouldn’t have heard it. Michael shot Drew.
Alexis asked if Michael visited Elizabeth when Willow was staying with her, and Elizabeth said, yes. Alexis asked if Elizabeth was with him the entire time, but Elizabeth said she’d had to leave. Alexis asked if Michael had been alone before the police searched the house and found the gun in Willow’s room, and Elizbeth said, yes. Alexis had no further questions.
Before the credits there was a photo of Tony Geary, with the text: In Loving Memory of Anthony Geary.
Wednesday:
Lulu said she’d help Tracy find out who was behind the note.
Boyle saw Laura in the MetroCourt, and she said she was meeting her brother, but he said he wasn’t there for her. He asked her to be less prickly, but she said, not likely.
Martin arrived, and Laura told him about Doc taking Ace to Ireland – for good.
At the office, Alexis told Suzanne that she deserved an Oscar, and Suzanne said she was going for controlled urgency with a touch of we got ya now. Alexis said it was perfect and thanked her. Suzanne had brought along a Greek New Year’s cake for luck, and Alexis said she wasn’t superstitious, but since the case was almost won, why not? Drew came in with Willow and said almost wasn’t enough. (No cake for you!)
Kai and Trina went back to the apartment and went over the ringtone thing again. Trina said they needed to drop it and stay out of it.
Michael went home and saw Gio, who asked if he was okay. Michael said, not exactly.
Nathan asked if Dante thought Michael framed Willow, and Dante said it was possible. They had to go over the evidence again.
Martin asked if things were okay, and Laura said it was her idea. She explained that kids picked up on negativity, and Doc had missed out on time with Ace, but Martin wasn’t convinced. Why didn’t they start again?
Dante told Nathan that Wiley’s phone call to Michael was bugging him and wanted to check Michael’s phone records along with Willow’s. He needed Nathan to go over all his work because he didn’t trust himself to do it.
Kai asked, why? and Trina said Josslyn had been there for her and Michael was her brother. She couldn’t do this to her. Josslyn would protect her. He asked, who would protect Willow? and she said, Drew and Alexis, who was doing a good job. She and Kai had been protecting her parents, which wasn’t necessary anymore. Kai said they were the only witnesses and they couldn’t do nothing, and Trina reminded him of the last time he didn’t listen to her and regretted it. They were staying out of this. He said he was sorry, but he couldn’t do that.
Lulu said Alexis’s line of questioning indicated someone saw Michael and Tracy, so why did she need to trick Tracy? Tracy said Alexis didn’t have a witness, and Lulu said, if that was the case, how did she find out? Had they talked about that night? Someone heard them and took the conversation to Alexis, but it would have been thrown out as hearsay. Tracy said the person who betrayed her lived in her house.
Jacinda met Boyle at the MetroCourt and he said he wanted to make everything better for her.
Michael said, bad didn’t begin to cover it, and Gio hoped everything got resolved soon for Wiley and Amelia’s sake. Michael thanked him for playing at Christmas, and Gio said he didn’t want to disappoint the kids. It was also the first Christmas without Monica. Michael said Wiley couldn’t stop talking about it, and Gio said he had to go, but if Michael needed any help, he was there. Kristina arrived and Gio left. Kristina said she should have warned Michael. She’d known what her mom was going to do.
Drew wanted Alexis to make sure Willow would get off and said she needed to call more witnesses. Alexis said she was resting the defense tomorrow. They had their reasonable doubt. Drew said he wanted no doubt and was taking the stand.
Laura noticed Boyle with Jacinda and told Martin that she’d sent Ace away because it wasn’t safe.
Boyle said, so what if anyone knew about him and Jacinda? They’d done nothing wrong. They’d met in an unusual way, but now that the truth was out, they didn’t have to hide their relationship. Let his constituents talk. What was important was they could have something real now.
Kristina told Michael that her mother’s entire defense hinged on blaming someone else, but she didn’t know the details of Alexis’s plan until she saw Boyle and Jacinda on the witness list and saw the note.
Tracy said it served her right for following Monica’s lead and turning the house into Grand Central Station, and Lulu said, Dante and Chase were cops. Tracy said, Dante wouldn’t turn on his brother, and Lulu wondered if it was Chase’s style. Tracy said it was possible and if it was Chase, heaven help him.
Kai said he wouldn’t betray Trina’s trust again, and she said she loved Josslyn. Family and loved ones came first. Kai said, what about Wiley and Amelia? Maybe she could meet him halfway. They were assuming it was Michael’s phone, but they needed to prove it, then decide together what to do with the information. Trina said she knew how to find out.
Laura said Ace was in danger because of Valentin, and Martin asked why she thought that. Laura said Ace was the sole Cassadine heir and Valentin was unpredictable and dangerous, known to cross lines. Martin said he’d never known Valentin to go after children, but Laura said Ace would be a means to an end and it was her job to protect him. Martin said he got it, and she’d made the right choice.
Gio arrived at Trina’s apartment.
Molly asked if Nathan could help her. She wanted to get a progress report on the missing footage and the gaps in their investigation for Turner. Turner wanted any evidence on Willow. He asked if she was speaking as the ADA or someone concerned about Michael.
Kristina told Michael about the note and said it had been anonymous. Her mom caught her looking and that’s all she knew. She didn’t want to undermine the case, so she tried to fix it by giving Jacinda money and telling her to leave town.
Jacinda said Boyle wouldn’t survive the next election with her in his life, and she doubted she had much future at Crimson. He said he had connections and could find her something else, but she said she thought she needed to leave town and start over.
Alexis said the goal was reasonable doubt, which had been achieved, but Drew wanted the jury to hear about how contentious Michael was toward him. Suzanne said, that risked the jury being sympathetic to Michael, and Alexis said Michael had already told them how much he hated Drew. Drew said Michael’s honesty only made him look better, but Willow agreed with Alexis and Suzanne and said it had to be her on the stand.
Tracy said seeing Laura was a pleasant surprise, but not so much Martin.
Dante went to Lulu’s to see how Charlotte was doing, and Lulu said she heard what happened in court. He asked if she was writing about it, and she said she knew what happened to Michael still ate at him, but he didn’t need an excuse to come by. She was always there for him.
Kristina said she figured with Jacinda gone, she couldn’t corroborate Boyle’s account, and Michael said Jacinda tried to warn him, but court resumed. He didn’t get why she hadn’t told him about Boyle and was hoping his lies hadn’t cost him his children.
Alexis said Turner would destroy Willow. She’d ask about Willow’s whereabouts and if the video footage was found or Willow came clean, it could make things worse. Willow said, they may never find the footage, but Alexis didn’t want to take the risk. Turner would bring up all the bad things that had happened with Drew. She was skilled, dangerous, and relentless. Neither one of them was going to testify. After Willow was acquitted, they could go after Michael, but they weren’t blowing it now.
Trina asked how close Gio was with Michael, and he asked, why? She asked if Michael had a special ringtone for Wiley, but Gio didn’t know and didn’t feel right taking Wiley’s phone to find out. Kai suggested asking Wiley to call Michael and being there when it happened, and Gio said they’d have to tell him why if they wanted his help.
Tracy said her family possessions were still absent from her home, and Martin said he’d tried. It didn’t work and now Drew was impossible to find. Tracy wondered if she should send Martin to prison where he belonged.
Dante said he’d told Anna that he could separate being Michael’s brother from being a detective, but wondered if he’d subconsciously undermined the investigation. Lulu said Tracy told her that only she and Michael knew he’d been on Drew’s street that night. He couldn’t find evidence that didn’t exist. Dante said it was like his instincts were off and he was scared of not being able to trust himself.
Molly asked if Nathan thought she couldn’t be objective, and he said it was a fair assumption. Molly said she was just doing Turner a favor, and it was fine by her to keep her distance from the case.
Trina said, if she could tell Gio everything, she would, but she couldn’t, and he said, then he couldn’t be involved. He wasn’t lying to Wiley or grabbing his phone. She said they were doing this for Wiley.
Boyle suggested they just have fun and not talk about the future, and Jacinda said she had nowhere else to be. He went to get their drinks.
Michael told Kristina, now the jury knew he’d lied and that he’d been on Drew’s street. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think he shot Drew. Today was a huge win for the defense, and the jury had more than enough reasonable doubt to exonerate Willow.
Drew said Alexis had made mistakes, but she said she wasn’t wrong this time. Trials took skill, endurance, and precision. Whoever made the right moves at the right time won, and she was going to win. Drew said she didn’t seem to be understanding. It wasn’t a request, but an order. Did he need to remind her what was at stake? She said it was his call. Go for it, but don’t say she didn’t warn him.
Dante said the common denominator between Michael, Gio, and Rocco was him, and Lulu said he was being hard on himself. Questioning his judgement and caring about people was what made him good at what he did. There were more times he’d been right than wrong.
Nathan said there was nothing new, but they’d keep looking, and Molly thanked him. She was sure truth and the system would prevail. He promised every lead would be followed and he’d personally go over the evidence.
Kai said they might be able to exonerate Wiley’s mom, but to do that, they needed Wiley to call his dad, and Trina said, trust them. Gio said they wouldn’t trust him and he didn’t feel right, but she said it was about the truth. They both knew what it was like to have it kept from them, and they couldn’t sit by and let it be hidden. Gio agreed to help for Wiley and Amelia.
Kristina told Michael that she was sorry about Jacinda. If she’d come to the court, it meant she cared about him, and maybe she hadn’t left town. Michael said he hoped she’d stayed, and they could sort things out.
When Boyle came back with the drinks, the table was empty.
Martin said Tracy was right and he was wrong. She won. He’d never cross her again and would do everything possible to get back her heirlooms. He told Laura that he loved her and left. Tracy sat down, and Laura said she had the right to be angry with Martin, but hoped one day they were able to get past this.
Martin flashed back to watching Tracy and Michael talking in the nook and smiled.
Alexis said all they had to do was let her do her job, and Suzanne said, Drew made winning the case a lot harder.
Drew said he was going to make Michael look so guilty, the jury would have no choice but to acquit Willow. And when the visitation hearing happened, it would only be her there because Michael would be behind bars where he belonged. She said she hoped so, and he said it was a promise. Tomorrow would change everything. He hugged her, but she didn’t look convinced.
Thursday:
As Gio was going out, Sonny told Gio that he was making chicken piccata, and Gio said he’d try to be back for it. Kristina came over as he was leaving.
Trina said this might be her and Kai’s last chance to identify the shooter.
At the Quartermaines, Dante ran into Brook, who said she’d been avoiding him. She was disappointed that he’d suspended Chase and she wanted him to fix it.
Alexis asked why Drew wanted to testify, and he said because Willow was falsely accused of shooting him. He wanted to set the record straight.
Kristina complimented Gio on the impromptu concert, and he said he appreciated the violin Sonny and Ric got for him, but didn’t know when he’d play again. He left, and Kristina said she was dreading court.
Dante said Chase was being investigated by Internal Affairs, and Brook said it could ruin his career. He was only doing what he thought was right because he believed Willow to be innocent. Dante said he didn’t agree with Chase’s methods, but thought Chase might be right about Willow.
Alexis went down Memory Lane about Drew hooking up with Willow, and Drew told the court about Jason attacking him. He said Michael had secretly recorded him and Willow having sex, showed it to Jason, and sent Jason to attack him.
Kristina told Sonny that she wanted to stand by Michael, but if her mother didn’t get Willow exonerated, they wouldn’t have access to Scout. In proving Willow innocent, Alexis was basically building a case against Michael. Sonny said it was a legal tactic and if Willow was acquitted, that still didn’t mean Michael was guilty.
Drew said Jason was a mob enforcer for Sonny Corinthos, and Alexis tried to submit Jason’s police file, but Turner objected. Judge Sullivan sustained and told Alexis to move on. Alexis asked if Michael had ever assaulted Drew, and Drew said Michael had punched him out at the MetroCourt. Turner flashed back to hearing Drew holding it over Sonny’s head, and Drew’s medical records were submitted. Drew said Michael told him to stay away from his kids, and the night he was shot, he’d told Carly that he and Willow were getting back together. He had no doubt she’d told Michael.
Brook asked if Dante believed Willow was innocent, but he said that they might both be having trouble being objective. Gio stood in the doorway, and heard them. Brook asked Dante, what had changed?
Turner asked about Michael and Drew working together at Aurora, and Drew told the court about Michael staging the takeover. She asked if he’d seduced his nephew’s wife, but Drew said he and Willow fell in love. She asked if Judge Haran hadn’t cited him as the reason Willow shouldn’t have custody, but he said that was a lie.
Gio said he was just checking on Wiley, and they could play video games as a distraction. Brook went to set things up, and Gio told Dante that he’d herd them. He asked if Dante thought Michael set Willow up, but Dante said he didn’t know, and it was up to the court to decide.
Turner brought up the wire transfer for one million dollars made out to Judge Haran that was found in Drew’s safe, but Drew insisted it wasn’t his. (Just like those cigarettes in every teenager’s coat pocket.) Turner said, according to the receipt, the payment was transferred to Judge Haran’s bank account the same day she stripped Willow of custodial rights. Drew said it was a set up, and Turner suggested he’d wanted her all to himself. Drew said Michael stole Willow’s children, paid off the judge, and planted the receipt. Turner asked if he had evidence, but he said he didn’t need no stinkin’ evidence. Michael took everything and turned the family against him. He was Alan Quartermaine’s son and had as much right to the name as Michael did. He was a Navy SEAL, a congressman, and a patriot, but none of that was enough. Everything Michael had, he didn’t deserve. He took one thing from Michael – his wife – and Michael turned into a homicidal maniac. Michael was going to rot in prison, and he and Michael’s wife would take the kids home where they belonged. Through all of it, Michael never batted an eye, and Turner had nothing further.
Alexis had no redirect, and Drew was dismissed. The judge called a recess, and Nina told Drew that he may have cost Willow everything. Trina told Kai that they had a chance to get the truth right now.
Brook said whenever Michael left the house, Wiley was afraid he’d never see him again, and she and Gio agreed they felt terrible for him. Brook hoped the truth came out soon so everyone could move on and heal. Gio told her about Sonny making piccata, and she decided to go help Sonny in the kitchen. Trina texted Gio that it was go time.
At the courthouse, Kristina told Dante that Drew had a five-star fit, and he said that was good for Michael. Michael was happy that the jury saw the Drew he knew, and Kristina said it looked like Drew was setting Michael up. A call came through to Michael’s phone, and the ringtone was Wiley’s voice saying, Daddy, it’s Wiley. Pick up. Wiley told Michael that Gio wanted to know if it was okay to play a game, and passed the phone to Gio. Gio asked if Tron was okay to play, and Michael said it was fine, but not for longer than an hour. Michael told Kristina that he’d gotten the ringtone when he was in Germany, and they went back in. Kai said it wasn’t what they thought, but Trina said it didn’t officially rule out Michael, but he might not be the shooter.
Alexis said Drew was unhinged. If his testimony was the last thing the jury heard, Willow would lose, so because of him, she wanted Willow to take the stand. Willow was their best shot at turning things around. Willow said there was no choice but for her to testify.
Wiley and Gio played video games, and Gio said he had to make a quick call. Wiley went to get juice, and Gio called Trina. She said it wasn’t what they expected to hear, but it was helpful.
Brook showed up at Sonny’s, and he asked her to help him in the kitchen. She said she’d love to, but wanted to talk about Gio.
Willow took the stand, and Alexis asked if she’d taken the gun from the estate. Willow said, no, and Alexis asked if she’d placed the gun in a drawer at Elizabeth’s. She said, no, and Alexis asked about Michael going to Elizabeth’s. Willow said she’d found him alone there, and he’d said he wanted them to go to family therapy, but that’s where she was arrested in front of her children for shooting Drew.
Brook said it meant a lot that Sonny and Ric put their differences aside to get Gio the violin, and he said it showed how much they loved him.
Alexis asked if Willow believed the weapon was planted, and she said, yes. Alexis asked, who would frame her? and she said she hadn’t shot Drew and Michael didn’t want her in their children’s lives. Alexis asked if she thought Michael framed her, and she said she did.
Alexis went over the timeline of Willow and Drew’s affair, and Willow told the court about Drew getting Obrecht back for the bone marrow transplant and how he was her hero. She had no choice but to fall in love with him.
Brook told Sonny that hearing Gio perform was magical. She’d thought he was never picking up the violin again. Sonny said her and Gio’s relationship had changed, and she said they’d had a chance to connect after Ned’s heart attack. The wall between them had finally come down and she thanked God every day.
Alexis asked about Drew’s affair with Nina and asked if she’d been allowed to see her children, but Turner objected, saying it had been a court order. Willow said she’d done everything and anything she could to see them, but there was no pleasing Michael. She never doubted Drew loved her and they’d reconnected. Alexis asked if Willow was there as a direct result of Michael’s premeditated actions, and she said, yes. Alexis had no further questions.
Wiley said he missed his mommy and daddy, and Gio said they loved him so much. Wiley asked if they’d be together again soon, and Gio said he hoped so.
Turner reminded Willow of Judge Haran’s ruling and asked if Drew cost Willow her children. Willow said Drew promised they’d fight for them together, and Turner asked if she blamed him for losing custody, but she said she didn’t. Turner showed her the gun that shot Drew and asked if she’d ever touched it. Willow flashed back to stealing it from the collection while wearing gloves, but said she’d never touched it.
Turner asked why Willow left her shift the night of the shooting, and Willow said Chase had informed her about Judge Haran’s murder. She didn’t know how it would impact her case and she was upset. Turner asked if she was out of control when she left, and Willow flashed back to sobbing in the hallway. She said all she could think about was her children, and Turner asked if she went past, near, or in the proximity of Drew’s house on her drive, but she said she didn’t remember. Turner asked if she’d called or texted anyone, and she said no, but Turner said her cellphone had pinged near there. Willow said she just knew she didn’t stop anywhere and flashed back to stopping near Drew’s house and taking the gun out of the glove compartment. Turner said Willow had been betrayed by her husband and mother and lost custody of her children. Had her life improved since Drew came into it? Willow said her life wasn’t perfect and she hadn’t made perfect choices, but she loved Drew. He was the only person she trusted with her children. He’d do anything to keep their family together. Turner asked what she’d do for her children, and Willow flashed back to shooting Drew. She said she’d do anything for her children, and Turner had nothing further. Alexis said the defense rested, and the judge called a recess until tomorrow when he’d hear closing statements.
Wiley asked if they could have cookies, and Gio said he’d grab some. When he left, Wiley called Willow.
Kristina said, even if Willow was acquitted, that didn’t mean Michael would be charged, but Michael said Willow would be one step closer to being in his kids’ lives. So would Drew, and he couldn’t let Drew anywhere near them.
Alexis said she thought they might have won the case. Dante asked what Turner thought, and she said Drew cost Willow her children. She’d thought if she pushed that button, Willow would crack, but she may have just saved herself.
Kai said Willow was extremely convincing, and Trina said it was obvious she loved her kids and Drew, but they were no closer to the truth. He said it looked like it wasn’t Michael, and she wondered who else it could be. As everyone was leaving, Willow’s phone went off. Guess what the ringtone was? She told Wiley that she’d be seeing him real soon, and Kai and Trina looked at each other.
🫔 Friday’s Enchilada Minus a Few Bites…
Brad finds Britt at the hospital and gives her a fashion critique, and she says she might not be perfect, but her outfit is. They hug, and she says she’s finally feeling like herself again. He says she looks perfect in her lab coat, and she asks, what brings him to GH? Is he trying to get his old job back? He says he has to aim higher to pay off his credit card debt before the next Ice Age. He needs to know where she was New Year’s Eve. He called her from The Savoy so she could join him. She flashes back to being with Jason and their kiss, and says she was working, but Brad says he called the hospital and she wasn’t. What was she really up to?
Laura went to Sonny’s and told him that she had interesting information on Sidwell that they might be able to use to their advantage. Did he know Sidwell was dating Lucy Coe? Sonny nods, and she says, he’s also seeing Ava Jerome. It appears to be in a professional capacity, but Lucy is jealous. He’s just buying art. Sonny says, either Sidwell loves art or knows Ava is the mother of his child.
Michael walks into the mansion to find Jacinda in the foyer. She says she came to say goodbye.
In her office, Alexis works on her closing argument, when Tracy storms in and says, Alexis tricked her.
At the MetroCourt, Drew says, Willow’s freedom is around the corner, and she says, thanks to him. He says he might have gotten carried away on the stand, but she says she loves how passionate he was for her. He’s her champion. Jason and Carly walk in.
Back at the apartment, Kai says, Willow shot Drew, but Trina says, they only know her ringtone for Wiley is Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. He says they know a lot more than that
Sonny tells Laura that Sidwell knows how to play the game. In cozying up to Ava, he knows he can get close to the kids. Laura says, that didn’t occur to her, but he’s absolutely right. Sidwell has no limits, not when comes to their kids. Sidwell even threatened Ace indirectly. Sonny asks, what happened? and Laura says, Sidwell struck up a conversation with Charlotte and said some things about Ace. So she asked Doc to take Ace out of the country. He was already offered a great job in Dublin, and together they decided he should take it and take Ace with him. Sonny says, they made the right call. Sidwell won’t rely solely on physical evidence against them to get what he wants. He’ll use intimidation through their family. She says she’s so sorry. She feels terrible. She feels awful that Avery was drawn into this. That night she found Dalton’s body, she thinks she went into some kind of shock. She was disoriented and not thinking clearly. She was in a panic and involved him. Now his family is stuck with this mess because of her.
Drew says he can’t believe Jason and Carly have the nerve to stay after what they did to Willow, but she says she’s okay because he’s here with her.
Carly says, their love makes her sick, and Jason says he heard about Willow’s testimony. Carly says, that makes her sick too, and he says, apparently it was compelling. She says she’s afraid the jury will buy Willow’s poor me act. She did. And if Willow is acquitted, Turner will go after Michael.
Jacinda says, Brook let her in and said it was okay for her to wait, and Michael leads her to the living room. He offers her a drink, but she says, no thanks. She came by so he could give this back to his sister. She shows him the backpack and says, Kristina gave it to her so she could leave town. He says he knows. Why didn’t she take it? She says she considered it, but it didn’t feel right. Kristina gave her the money so she could help him, but she just made things worse.
Tracy says, Alexis made her think there was evidence in the folder, and Alexis says, it’s not a good time. She suggests Tracy make an appointment, but Tracy says she doesn’t care if it’s a good time. Bill her. Who told Alexis that she saw Michael? Alexis has someone spying on her family. Who is it? Alexis says she’s not obligated to discuss her process or sources. The subpoena was legal, as was her assistant handing her the folder. It’s called a bluff and Tracy fell for it. Consider herself lucky she didn’t perjure herself.
Kai says, Willow went missing at the time Drew was shot, and Trina says, she let Nina lie for her because she wanted or needed and alibi. He says, they heard her receive a call from Wiley with the ringtone, and she says, they know it wasn’t Michael’s because he told Kristina that he hadn’t changed it since he was in Germany. Tracy saw Michael near Drew’s street… He says, but Michael would have entered through the front, and she says, they know the shooter left through the kitchen, so it would stand to reason, they entered through the back. He says, Willow would have a key, and she says, and access to the gun. He says, she would have known how to use it from her Dawn of Day training, and Trina says, Turner had footage of Willow. He says, but it was deemed inadmissible and the jury never saw it. All of the evidence points to Willow.
Tracy says, Alexis forced her to divulge information with no evidence to back it up, but Alexis says, Tracy had a guilty conscience and jumped to the wrong conclusion. Tracy says, Alexis implicated Monica’s beloved grandson. She doesn’t care if Willow is guilty or not. Her only goal is to put out the dumpster fire that’s Drew’s personal life.
Willow says she’s glad Drew convinced Alexis to represent her, and he says he’d do anything for her. He realizes his testimony didn’t go as planned, but that’s only because he cares so much about her. She says, his testimony was perfect. It convinced Alexis to put her on the stand, and she was able to tell her truth to the jury. Not just about her innocence, but how she feels about him.
Britt tells Brad that she’s not talking about New Year’s Eve. She doesn’t want to get into it. He says, because her evening included cold fusion and espionage? and she says, shhh! She pulls him aside and says she was busy trying to have a personal life. He says, one he doesn’t know about? and she asks if that’s hard to believe. He says, yes. He knows they’re still catching up, but it was her birthday, and he can’t believe she didn’t want to spend it with him. She says she loves him, but she needed to celebrate that she’s still alive. She needed something he couldn’t give her. He says, so who’s the guy? Does he work at GH? She says, no, and he asks if he knows him. If he does, he’d like to offer his unasked for two cents, as is his way… She says, no, absolutely not, and he says, Britt Westbourne, please tell me you were not out with Jason. She smiles and shrugs.
Carly asks if Jason thinks she needs to worry, and he says, Michael didn’t shoot Drew. She asks if he doesn’t think Michael would do it, and he says he knows Michael is capable of it, but if he had, Michael would have told him. She says, even if he’s right, that won’t stop Turner from investigating Michael, and he says, she’ll see Michael is innocent. Alexis’s theory doesn’t matter. Michael won’t stand trial. She says she’s not as sure as he is, and Michael already has a record. He says, because Michael was protecting her and it was a long time ago. They both know Michael hates Drew, but they also know he wouldn’t take somebody’s life. She says, Alexis was doing everything in her power to point the finger at him. She handed Turner everything she’d need to prosecute him, and they know innocent people go to prison all the time.
Jacinda tells Michael that Kristina didn’t give her anything specific, but said something bad would happen if she testified in court and she shouldn’t be there. In hindsight, she should have figured out it was Kristina’s way of telling her to get the hell out of Dodge because she knew Alexis was going to question her about Ezra. Michael says he has his own questions, assuming she would answer them at all, but was what she said on the stand true? She says, the night of Drew’s shooting, after he bought her a drink, she called her agency. They told her that Ezra wanted to meet with her and she was short on money, so she took the booking. When Michael came around later and needed help with an alibi, she thought, why not? He asks if it was just about the money, and she says, at the time, it was definitely a consideration, but he also seemed like a genuinely nice guy who needed help. She figured he didn’t need to know about Ezra. He asks if she was never going to tell him, and she says, in the beginning, no, but she started spending more time with him and started to feel differently. She wanted to tell him the truth. He asks why she didn’t, and she says, if he didn’t use her as an alibi, he’d have no use for her, and they would no longer spend time with each other. And she wasn’t ready to let him go.
Alexis tells Tracy that she has nothing to say about Drew’s personal life, and Tracy says, Alexis would have shot him herself. She’s only defending Willow to get access to Scout. Alexis says she has one job, to present the strongest possible defense for her client, and Tracy says, not at Michael’s expense. Alexis sold him down the river so she could get to see her granddaughter. Alexis says, and Tracy lied to protect him, even though she knew he could have shot Drew. Now an innocent woman is on trial for it. Tracy says, Alexis doesn’t believe that, and Alexis says, what if she does? Tracy says, Willow is anything but innocent.
Willow says, Drew is always so brave. She’s glad the jury got to hear it. They needed to know how good he is. Unlike his brother Jason. She’ll never forgive Jason for the way he treated Drew. She can still see his handsome faced all bruised and bloody because of that animal. Drew says he was a Navy SEAL, and she says, Jason hurts people for a living and kills without feeling. It’s like he looks right through her. He says he’s sorry. Don’t worry. Jason won’t do anything to her. He won’t let him. She says she knows, but as awful as Jason is, he’s better than Carly. The past month has been eye-opening. They used to be close and now Carly despises her. She keeps thinking about how she tried to see Wiley and Amelia after… He says, it’s okay. She can say it. After Curtis blindsided her so the wedding didn’t happen. But they got through it and they’re stronger than ever. She says, true, but after everything that happened, Carly wouldn’t let her see her own children. Carly held her back. She just wanted to hold her son, and Carly threw her out before she could. She was falling apart and begging for mercy and Carly and Michael ignored her. He says, soon enough, Michael will be the one begging for mercy.
Trina tells Kai, Drew married the woman who shot him. She’s the stepmother to his child. Alexis is building a case against Michael and he’s innocent. Kai says, if Willow is exonerated, Michael could get charged, and she says, and Willow will get full custody of Wiley and Amelia. They have to go to the police. He says, they can’t or they’ll go to prison themselves.
Laura tells Sonny that when she and Luke first got together, she tried to get him out of organized crime. Now here she is years later, mayor of the town, and just as stuck as he was. She’s not free to make her own decisions. She can’t do what’s best for the city and take care of it the way it deserves – or her family. Now they’ve been threatened. Sonny says, she was protecting them. Anybody else would have done the exact same thing. She says she wishes there was another way to protect her family. Every time she tries to free herself from Sidwell’s grip, it tightens. Luke felt that too, but he found a way out. She can’t help but feel if Luke was here, he’d know what to do.
Britt says, the two of them had an honest conversation and it led to an amazing kiss, and Brad says, then what happened? She says, nothing. Tracy blew in demanding to know who finished the fruitcake and it killed the mood. He says, fruitcake is emotional chaos in food form, and she says, after that, Jason walked her to her car and she drove home. That was that. He says, if Tracy hadn’t come in, would it be fair to say they’d have slept together? and she says she doesn’t know. Maybe. It’s not like they haven’t before, so why not? He asks if she’s forgotten that Jason broke her heart.
Jason says he understands why Carly is concerned, but even if she thinks that, there’s not enough evidence to convict Michael. The real problem is Drew. She asks if he read Drew’s testimony, and he says he did. Drew made it clear that he was coming for Michael and he’s out for blood. He came close to doing a lot of damage to Willow’s case, but at least they know how he feels about Michael. She says she thought Drew’s jealousy of Jason was pathetic, but his jealousy of Michael is so much worse, and he says he’s concerned if Willow gets acquitted, that won’t be the end of the story. She says, he’ll want payback. He’ll go after Michael with everything he has. All the evidence they have won’t be enough to prove Michael is innocent if Drew wants the world to think he’s guilty.
Kai says, if he and Trina go to the police and tell them how they know, they’ll know all the laws they broke. It will be out in the open. Trina says, they have to do something, and he says, trespassing, breaking and entering, stealing and destroying documents, tampering with evidence and a crime scene. At the very least, they’ll get obstruction of justice, and who knows what else Drew will think up or invent? Drew could have died and they left him there, fleeing the scene of a crime. No one is going to think they deserve time off for good behavior. She says she wishes she could keep him out of it and go to the police herself, but he says he can’t let her. His prints are also on the bat, so there’s no way she can say that. They might even think he’s the shooter. She says, they have to come forward. If they go to Turner and tell her, she can give them immunity. He says, even if Turner agrees – and that’s a huge if – it will be public. If they come forward, they’ll still be in danger. She says, of Drew’s retaliation.
Jacinda says she knew what she and Michael had would never last, but she wanted to see what it would be like to date him and spend time with him. She knows it was selfish, but she never thought anyone would find out about Ezra. He’s been so careful about protecting his political career. She thought it would be safe. Michael says he believes her, and she thanks him. She tells him to please thank his sister. She hopes he knows how much Kristina cares about him. She did what she could to help him. She starts to leave, and he asks where she’s going. She says, back to her apartment to get some things. She’s got a little money stashed away to go somewhere new. He says, if she’s thinking of leaving Port Charles because of him, please don’t.
Brad says, there are about 50 people that will always come before her, and Britt says he’s being a bit dramatic. He says, let’s see. Sonny, Carly, their kids, any and all of their pets, Carly’s hairstyle, the cute bowl of moss🎍in Sonny’s old her kitchen, if she still has it. Britt says, that might have been true before, but not now. Jason put his life on hold to rescue her from the Five Poppies. He’s looking out for her. He helped her with her car, her room – Brad says, which she hates – he bailed them out of the Café Cherie debacle… Brad says, Jason would have left him rot in a jail cell, but Britt says he doesn’t know that. He says he does, and she says, so? He says, they’re different. Jason has a code of honor. She has a tendency to lie like a rug. She says, not true, but he says, it is. And it’s one of the many things he loves about her. Honesty is boring. It’s played out. Jason wants to change her to become a truth telling automaton like him. She says, Jason thinks she’s fine the way she is.
Drew says he’s so sorry for everything Willow went through after their first failed wedding. The hurt and confusion she was feeling tear him up inside. He caused it and he’s just so sorry. She says, don’t feel that way. He’s been nothing but wonderful after all the terrible things she said. He found a way to love her. He says he always will, and she says she believes it. He says she should. The thought of her outside Carly’s, waiting to be let in to see her own children… He gets up, and she asks what he’s doing. He says, it’s their turn to grovel, and she says, don’t, but he’s already on his way over to Jason and Carly’s table.
Tracy tells Alexis that Willow isn’t a sob story about being sweet and innocent. Willow is shrewd and calculating. Alexis says she’s well-aware of how Tracy feels about her client, and Tracy asks if she’s aware that Willow used her granddaughter to get access to the house. On Monica’s last day, Willow showed up saying she’d promised Scout could see Monica before school started. Alexis says, it was their tradition, but Tracy says, Willow could care less about their tradition. She used Scout as an excuse to get to Wiley. Alexis asks if she’s supposed to blame Willow for wanting to see her children, and Tracy says, Willow wanted to gloat about getting a new judge for the visitation hearing. Alexis says, so Willow is cunning. What is she supposed to do to fight back against Tracy and her family? Tracy says, don’t let the sweet, meek act fool her, and Alexis says she has faith in Willow’s innocence and needs to finish her summation. Which means Tracy needs to go.
Kai says, Drew will use his power as a sitting congressman if he comes for them, and Trina says she’s sure he would. They saw what he did to Aunt Stella, and she wasn’t his real target. It was Trina’s father. Kai says, he’ll do the same thing to her. He’s ruined her parents’ lives and done enough damage. She says, if they tell Turner, the best they can hope for is a mistrial. Turner will have to start over. He says, that will give Drew plenty of time to destroy their credibility, and she says, they can’t go to the police, but can they really do nothing? It wasn’t an overwhelming moment. It wasn’t a crime of passion. They heard one shot and Drew hit the ground. Then Willow shot him again. Willow knew what she was doing. She intended to kill Drew. She knew what she was doing when she lied on the stand. He says, if Willow gets acquitted, she won’t be able to be charged again. She’ll be untouchable. Trina says, they can’t let her get away with that, and he says, but if they can’t go to the cops, how can they stop her?
Jacinda says she’s not leaving because of Michael. She’s leaving because she can’t work in Port Charles after what happened on the stand. She used to promise her clients discretion, but now she can’t. Michael says he thought she liked working at Crimson, but she says, Nina isn’t going to tolerate her being an assistant for much longer. Her days are numbered as an employee. He says, there are plenty of other jobs at Aurora, and she asks why he’s eager to help her find a job. He says he asked her to lie and she took a risk. He wishes she’d told him about Ezra, but he gets why she didn’t. She says, he’s not angry? and he says, maybe he should be, but he’s not. Whatever happened between them started out as a lie, but when she took him back to her place, the night they shared felt real to him. Did he read it wrong?
Sonny tells Laura that he could use the backup, especially now, but that being said, as much as he hates this, they’re doing the right thing in how they’re handling Sidwell. They’re making him think he has the upper hand. Guys like that get cocky. They start feeling it and think they’re holding all the cards. Laura asks what they’re going to do, and he says, they’re going to wait and wait until Sidwell makes a mistake. She says, what if he doesn’t? and Sonny says, he already has. He got together with Lucy… Inviting Ava to his house in any capacity. But messing with them is going to cost him big time.
Britt tells Brad that Jason wants her to tell the truth so he can help her. That’s not the same as trying to turn her into a truth telling automaton. She moves like a robot, and he says, she’s staying in a relationship with someone who’s very definitely toxic, but she says, a couple of kisses does not a relationship make. He says, a couple? and she says, yes, dad, but he didn’t get fresh and I was home by curfew. He asks how many kisses they’re talking about, and she says she told him a couple, that means two. He says, whatever it is, it’s only going to end one way. The guy is going to break her heart. She says she’s not letting that happen, and he says, she’s going to do what she wants anyway. She says, probably, and he says, when Jason breaks her heart – and he will – he promises to fulfill best friend duties. He’ll have ice cream at the ready and won’t say, I told you so.
Jacinda says, he’s not reading it wrong, and Michael says he has no idea what happens next, where it’ll land with Willow. Maybe she’ll be convicted. maybe she won’t. But being with Jacinda has been the one bright spot in this whole ordeal. He wants to try to hold onto it as long as he can. He’d like her to stay, but only if that’s what she wants. She says, how’s this? She promises to stick around as long as she can. He says he’ll take what he can get, and they kiss.
Jason asks what Drew wants, and Drew says he wants to remind Jason that the restraining order against Danny is still in place. That won’t change even if Willow is acquitted. If Danny goes near Scout, he won’t hesitate to press charges. Carly gets up and says, he’s pathetic, still trying to keep Scout away from her brother, and he says he’s just following her lead with Willow’s children. She says, it was a court order. The court did that. He says, if that’s what she wants to tell herself. What goes around comes around. Willow will be pronounced innocent. Jason says, not guilty. It’s not the same thing. Drew says, everyone will know Willow is innocent and Michael will be prosecuted. Then Willow’s children will come home with them. Carly will want to see her grandchildren, and he’ll feel nothing but pleasure at slamming the door in her face. Jason gets up, and Drew says, don’t bother. Carly says, go to hell, and bumps the glass in his hand, causing his drink to spill all over him.
Alexis reads her summation aloud: Anyone can see Willow is innocent of the crime, so do the right thing and acquit her of all charges. There’s a knock at the door, but she says, it’s after hours. Trina says, it’s Trina Robinson. They need to see her. It’s important. Alexis opens the door and finds Trina and Kai. She says, what are you two doing here? and Trina says, we know who shot Drew.
🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…
I’d actually been hoping for Drew having set up his own shooting to set up Michael.
Vague, but at least it’s something.
All My Children flashback moment.
💉 A Dose Of Reality…
Below Deck Mediterranean
I totally missed this, but I’m glad to hear V told Eyebrows Joe to hit the bricks.
Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City
One of the best, or at least most honest things I’ve seen in the Housewives franchise was the Greek tragedy put on for the group’s benefit. Women in white gowns wearing masks each represented a member of the cast and revealed truths about each one. I don’t know who Angie got to write it, but it was spot on. Afterwards, there was actually some honesty from the real women, but just for a moment, which was sadly, no surprise. It was the last episode of the season, but according to the finale text, no one has done anything even remotely interesting. Except I did find out Mary’s dog is one of her trusted advisors. I approve.
I’m not saying anything, but it would explain a lot.
Vanderpump Rules
I can barely watch this at this point. Venus, who thinks life’s necessitites are water, oxygen, and talking sh*t, finally ended his friendship with Marcus. Afterwards, they had a stand-off in SUR’s back alley with who would leave first. Spoiler alert: It was Marcus. Natalie once again made me wonder what was wrong with her, but she wasn’t entirely wrong in saying, the high road is bullsh*t.
Southern Charm
These people really need to expand their dating pool. And by pool, I don’t mean Craig’s hot tub. The best thing this week was Patricia’s annual guys’ dinner. New butler Randy had apparently never been formally trained in butlering, so it looks like he’s learning on the job from Patricia. In her interview, she told us how he’d put the phone in the oven, forgot, and cooked it, causing toxic fumes to permeate the kitchen. He’d been using it as a light source and gotten distracted. D’oh!
Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills
According to Dorit, PK was out of control. Kathy had party and Sutton took everyone to Sedona on her private jet. Dorit was late and they had to wait an hour, and in Dorit’s interview, she said, isn’t that what flying private is for? Yeah, when it’s your plane. New girl Amanda talks a lot about money. I get that she wrote a book about finance, but we don’t need to know how much you paid for your sunglasses/handbag/BBL. She also seems to be a one upper. Whatever you have, she has more or two or hers is bigger. In Kyle’s interview, she clued us in on something about Kathy. When Kathy says, that’s great, it means she isn’t listening or she doesn’t understand anything you said. I’ll be looking out for that in the future.
The Valley: Persian Style
I was really looking forward to this, and it didn’t disappoint. There were some new faces that I’ll have to get used to, but it’s basically Shahs 2.0. They just had kids, moved to the Valley, and changed focus a little – less partying, more parenting. MJ is now Mercedeh, and GG is Golnessa, but Reza is still Reza, although now there’s another Reza. OG Reza and Adam have been married ten years, and I think it’s going to stick. MJ (she said she didn’t mind the nickname on Watch What Happens Live) and Tommy have been married seven and there are definite chinks in the marriage armor. I can’t say I’m surprised, since Tommy still acts like he’s on a street corner in Queens and he’s teaching their son the same behavior. Golnessa’s son is now five and she’s trying to be financially independent from her parents, but refuses to downsize her lifestyle. Three thousand dollars a month for weed seems a little extravagant, but then again, I don’t live in LA, so maybe that’s two joints. The Shahs have grown up a little, but not so much that they’re unrecognizable, and it’s great to have them back.
Random Reality Items
This isn’t a show I usually watch, but it might be worth it to see Daisy and Ben butt heads.
Eddie is all kumbaya… for now.
It doesn’t get any better than this. Or does it?
👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story. Netflix. In another real-life horror documentary, so-called therapist and childcare expert Jodi joins forces with YouTube influencer Ruby Franke. When Ruby’s 12-year-old escapes and alerts the authorities to what’s really going on, the jig is up. Sadly, this story is one among too many like it.
https://people.com/evil-influencer-jodi-hildebrandt-story-bombshells-11878439
https://deadline.com/2026/01/evil-influencer-true-crime-doc-netflix-chart-1236665740/
Priscilla. Netflix. This film was perfect when I was looking for something I didn’t have to think too hard about. Focusing on the romance between Elvis Presley and Priscilla, there’s probably not much you don’t k annow about, but it’s interesting from a unique coming-of-age perspective. Not many 14-year-olds get to meet their favorite celebrity, much less go on to marry him. Well-written, with the stamp of the real Priscilla’s approval, the cast is excellent and the time period spot-on.
https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a68894083/priscilla-trending-netflix/
https://people.com/see-the-priscilla-cast-side-by-side-with-the-real-people-11879502
Apparently, not everyone was thrilled, but I didn’t get the same vibe.
Sean Combs: The Reckoning. Netflix. Fascinating, messy, and just a shame. You’d hope that this would be a turning point in his life, but sadly, I doubt it will be.
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/sean-combs-the-reckoning-diddy-documentary-release-date-news
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/sean-combs-the-reckoning-diddy-documentary-hotel-footage
I always forget he has an actual name.
After Darkness. Amazon Prime, Tubi. There was a review on Letterboxd that began, this movie is a turd. I’m still laughing, but I wouldn’t go that far. My first reaction at the end was, well, they can’t all be Melancholia. A family gathers as an apocalypse of sorts is about to happen. The sun is about to go out and create perpetual winter and darkness on the earth. I would have liked a little more of that, and less of the family’s interpersonal issues, but it did have an ending that I did not see coming.
The Naked Gun. Paramount+. Another film you don’t have to think too hard about, or really think at all. A blonde bombshell asks for a disillusioned detective’s help in getting to the bottom of her brother’s death. Lots of laughs a la Airplane! (although nothing will ever be as funny as that one IMO), slapstick fight scenes, and a stellar cast. You could spend a worse hour and a half.
The Naked OG.
https://www.slashfilm.com/1926651/the-naked-gun-1988-movie-first-watch-thoughts/
🏆 It’s an Honor Just To Be…
SAG nominations.
https://ew.com/sag-2026-actor-awards-nominations-full-list-11880512
Golden Globe nominations.
https://ew.com/2026-golden-globes-nominations-full-list-11862210
🎬 Making Their Debut…
2026 Movie releases.
https://ew.com/2026-movie-release-premiere-dates-11877222
🏈 Bowling For Puppies…
It’s almost here! The Puppy Bowl is coming on February 8th. Meet the players.
🐕 https://ew.com/meet-2026-puppy-bowl-adorable-doggy-players-11881268
🦮 This year’s special needs group.
https://people.com/meet-the-dogs-with-special-needs-competing-in-puppy-bowl-2026-11881300
🐶 What’s new.
https://people.com/first-look-puppy-bowl-2026-including-new-senior-dog-game-11881298
🐐 Quotes of the Week
Whoever you are, whatever your dream, you have to be strong in your head and strong in your heart. Be strong. There’s no quitting in the person who wants it bad enough. – Carly Patterson
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. – Arthur Ashe
A wind that blows aimlessly is no good to anyone. – Rick Riordan
The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all. – Josiyah Martin
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. – Walt Disney
It is easy to sit up and take notice, what is difficult is getting up and taking action. – Honoré de Balzac
It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not. – Andre Gide
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. – Milton Berle (Or kick one down.)
Listen up or I’ll start pressing buttons until something bad happens. – Nora Antony (Andy Allo), Upload
If a zombie bear isn’t the problem, what is? – Doc (Russell Hodgkinson), Z Nation
🌎 Right Now…
Jezebel/Splinter had a great article, How to Stay Sane in a World Gone Mad. They gave the following advice: Touch grass, get some Vitamin D, adopt a pet, volunteer in your community, find a hobby, and root yourself in the day-to-day realities of life you can control. Soon you will find the things you cannot control less existentially overwhelming.
I concur.
❄️ Hazy Shade Of January…
Until next time, stay safe; stay keeping true to yourself and not letting anyone tell you who you are; and stay never interrupting romantic moments by demanding to know who finished the fruitcake.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 