Tag Archives: Halloween

October 10, 2024 – Anna Receives a Surprise Package, His Feels, Side Gig, Heavenly Birthday, The OC Invades London, The Real Thing, Watch These, All Dressed Up & Highway

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Diane goes to the coffee warehouse, and says she needs to talk to Jason. Is his staff still here? He says, it’s just them, and she says she needs him to do something. He says, it sounds serious, and she says she hates to ask, but circumstances demand it. She’s requesting that he betray someone, and he asks, who? She says, Sonny.

Carly shows up at the penthouse, and Sonny asks, what’s going on? She says, Holly is looking for him, and asks if any strangers have been hanging out nearby or if he’s seen a parked car. He says, his people would notice. Why? She says she had dinner with Jack, and someone was watching them.

Alexis says, Martin visiting her at night can’t be good, but he says, on the contrary. He has the key to her salvation. He shows her a picture of Jack and asks if he looks familiar. She says, not in the slightest, and he says, Jack Brennan is the WSB station chief in Port Charles. He’s a player and has a different girl in every town. His P.I. took this picture of Jack with Carly. Why would a known playboy host a late-night dinner in his hotel suite with Carly when she’s supposed to be reunited with Sonny? Shameful.

Kristina says she has information about the night John Cates was killed, and Anna asks if anyone knows she’s here. Kristina says, no, and Anna asks if she wants to call someone, like a lawyer. She needs to think carefully. Kristina says she feels like Anna is trying to get her not to talk, but Anna says, on the contrary. She just wants Kristina to understand the potential ramifications, not just for her mother, but for her.

Elizabeth finds Dante in Lulu’s room, and says she was just checking on him. She saw Sam leave with Rocco and thought this would be a good time. Is he staying long? He says he can leave if anyone comes to spend time with Lulu. He wants to make sure someone is always with her. She says she’s here if he needs anything, and he says, she can help him learn to keep his mouth shut. She says she’s sure whatever he said isn’t as bad as he thinks, but he says, his son will feel differently if he can’t keep his promise that Lulu will make it.

In the chapel, Lucky says, if God is listening, he could sure use some guidance. He’s pretty desperate and will take whatever He’s got. Laura comes in and says, Lucky? They hug, and she says, he’s home. He says, sorry it took so long, but she says, he’s right on time. Thank God. She’s so grateful. Now he’s able to help his sister.

Dante says he told Rocco that Lucky can’t be the donor, and he took it to heart. She says, so did Lucky, and he says he promised there would be another donor, but it’s a long shot, right? She says, it’s not impossible, and he says, she can’t get a donor from the National Registry. All of her relatives have been tested and they’re not a match. They’ve got to convince a stranger who doesn’t know Lulu to give her their liver when she’s in a coma and may not wake up.

Laura says she missed Lucky so much, and he says he missed her too. She says she heard what happened in Somalia. Does it hurt? He says, you should see the other guy, and she says, his hair is so long. He says he was thinking about cutting it, but she says, don’t. He reminds her of his father. She likes it. He says, it’s strange. He knows Luke is gone, but when he was halfway across the world, he expected to see him. She says she still has moments like that, and they sit down. She says she’s so sorry she wasn’t here to welcome him, and he says, that’s his fault. If he hadn’t gotten himself in trouble, if he’d been here with Lulu, she would be safe and healthy. She asks if he’s seen Aiden, and he says, he’s quite a kid. She says, he takes after his father, and Lucky says he hopes not too much. She says, he has so many wonderful qualities, but he says he credits Elizabeth for raising Aiden. She says she hopes their reunion was okay, and Lucky asks if Elizabeth mentioned anything. She says, no. Did something happen? He says he doesn’t know how to tell her, and she tells him, just say it. He tells her that Elizabeth said he can’t be a donor, and Laura starts to cry. She asks, why? and he says, the first round of tests checked out and he was a viable donor. Then they did a test to see if his liver was in good enough shape to donate, and it’s not. He’s so sorry. He’d do anything to save Lulu, but he can’t help.

Kristina says she appreciates Anna’s concern, but she’s thought about this a lot, and Anna asks where she was the night John Cates was murdered. She says she was at her mother’s house, and Anna says, not all night. Kristina says she went to visit her daughter’s grave, but Anna says, that’s not the only place she went. According to Chase, she drove that night or got a Ride Share or possibly Sam’s car. She had trouble remembering. Kristina says she remembers now, and Anna asks if she drove Sam’s car, but Kristina says, no. Anna says, hers? and Kristina says, no. Anna says, whose car? They know Alexis had hers. It was caught on camera entering the Quartermain estate. Kristina says, that’s not true. Alexis didn’t drive her car. Anna says, did she? when Michael barges in and says, stop talking. They’re leaving now.

Diane says she’s already committed several ethical violations by talking to Jason. Alexis is probably going to be convicted if she doesn’t do something. A trial date has been set and they need to put an end to this travesty. She wants him to convince her client to confess to a murder they both know he committed. She knows it’s a bad idea, but doesn’t see any other way to help. Alexis is her best friend, and she can’t let Alexis go down for a murder they know she didn’t commit. He needs to convince Sonny to do the right thing. He’s the only one Sonny will listen to. He says, Sonny already decided to turn himself in, and she asks if he’s at the PCPD. He says, he’s with Carly, filling her in, and she says, that makes sense. There are big implications for Carly. He says, that’s why they need to stop him.  

Sonny asks why Carly thinks a P.I. is tailing her, and she says, at the very least, they know she was in Jack’s hotel room. He says, she’s the owner of the hotel and can explain it away, but she says, having dinner alone with him will raise eyebrows. He says, that depends on who’s tailing her and why, and she says, maybe it’s the false alibi. She bets it’s Martin. He wants to prove Alexis is innocent by proving Sonny is guilty. Sonny says, smart play. Alexis’s trial is coming up fast and Kristina’s not doing well. She’s going to do something to get the Fed’s attention. The whole thing is getting out of control. There’s only one thing to do. He’s going to confess to killing Jagger. She says she’s his alibi, and that means she’s going down with him.

Alexis asks how Martin got the photo, and he says, the P.I. he had tailing Carly. She asks what else he found, and he says, nothing yet. Brennan is no fool. He thinks Brennan already made his investigation. Alexis says, he’s kidding. Shocking. He says, it doesn’t matter, but she says, it does. Carly knows they’re onto her and she’s not going to get caught again. It’s not enough.

Anna says, they’re in the middle of an interview, but Michael says, the interview is over. Kristina knows better not to talk to the police without a lawyer and so does Commissioner Devane. Let’s go now. Kristina looks at Anna, who nods, and she and Michael leave. Michael looks at Anna and shakes his head as he closes the door.

Jason says, this can’t be the only way to save Alexis, but Diane says, it’s the only option. A trial won’t end well. Jason says, they could still find the gun. They just need time. Diane says, the Feds aren’t going to agree to a continuance, but Jason says, this can’t be how it ends for Sonny. She says, it’s not what she wants either. She loves Sonny too. She hasn’t worked all these years agreeing to be his lawyer because he pays her well. Underneath that gruff exterior lies a heart of gold. Jason says he had a deal with Cates. He finds out about Pikeman and Cates leaves Carly alone. Diane says, Cates was using him to bring Sonny down, and he says he created the situation. He should have done his job and killed Cates when he had the chance.

Sonny says he’s not going to let Carly go down. If he’d known what was going to happen, he wouldn’t have asked her to get involved. She’s got to see it a different way. She says she knows he’d never let the mother of his child go to prison for something he did, but Kristina’s not going to let that happen. If Alexis goes to trial, she’s going to start talking and get all of them convicted of something. He says he can’t promise there will be no consequences for her, but Carly’s not going to prison. He’s got to get things under control. He’s got a plane on standby. All she has to do is get Donna. She says, he wants her to leave the country? and he says, there are places with no extradition where she can’t be touched. She says, that means he’ll never see Donna again, and he says, Donna will be better off losing him than losing both parents, but Carly says she can’t do that.

Laura asks why Lucky can’t be a donor, and he says, there’s an anomaly in his liver from a parasite. It’s not dangerous to him, but it could kill Lulu. Laura asks if he’s sure he’s okay, and he promises he’s good. He’s healthy, but not good enough to save Lulu. The whole reason he came back was to help Lulu. He thought he could make up for not saving her when she was a baby. He already failed her once. Now he’s failing her again. She says, he’s not. He can give her his love and strength and use his incredibly strong will to convince her to pull herself through. He says, whatever happens is on him, but she says, he didn’t create Lulu’s illness. He’s not responsible for her recovery. He says, the reason he can’t donate is that he spent the last 13 years in combat zones. Everything he was exposed to, affected his body. It’s not a freak accident. It was the reckless life he chose to lead.

Dante says he was convinced Lucky was their miracle, and Elizabeth says, they’ll use every available resource to find a donor. If he needs anything, let her know. He thanks her, and she opens the door to find Olivia. Elizabeth says she’s glad Olivia is here. Her boy needs her. Elizabeth leaves, and Dante tells Olivia that Lucky can’t be the donor. She says she’s so sorry, and he says, that was their last shot. Now what do they do? She says, they’re going to do more than hope.

Laura says she’s not going to let Lucky beat himself up. It’s not going to do his sister any good. He had no way of knowing what was coming when he left, and he deserved to live his own life wherever it took him. He says his responsibility was here, but she says he also had dreams that had a profound effect on other people. Where would those doctors and patients be if he hadn’t provided security? He saved lives. Lucky says, but he can’t save the life that matters most, and she says, if his sister knew, she’d say she was proud of him for the work he’s done in this world.

At the café, Michael says he knows Kristina is worried about her mom, but that was a bad idea. She asks how he knew where she was, and he says he had Spinelli put tracking software on her phone. She’d asked for help. She says she didn’t ask him to invade her privacy, and he says, she refused to listen. Telling the police what she did could put her future in jeopardy, and likely make it worse for Alexis. She could be convicted for a murder that their father did.

Sonny says, it’s not easy, but they’ll fight this out, and Carly says she’ll support the family while it collapses. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says, Elizabeth called. Lucky’s not a viable donor. He says he’s sorry, and she says, Lulu is too sick to use the registry, and finding a private donor is a long shot. She’s going to die and there’s nothing they can do. That’s why she can’t leave the family. And Rocco and Dante need Sonny. She knows beating the charges is a long shot, but she has a chance while he doesn’t have one.

Diane asks when Jason could have changed the outcome, and he says, the minute Cates said Carly’s name. She says, he would have been thrown in solitary and his family would have believed he’d died in Greece. He says he had plenty of opportunity, and she says, Cates was a federal agent. The government is going to great lengths to find his killer. He can’t presume he could have walked away. He says, what happens to him isn’t as important as what happens to Sonny and Carly, and she says she doubts his sons agree.

On the phone, Anna says, it seemed like Kristina was about to admit to killing Cates, or admit to knowing who did… Of course (🍷) she knows what that means. Alexis is going to be convicted for a crime she didn’t commit. What are they going to do about that? Suddenly, an alarm goes off, and Chase comes in. He says, they have to evacuate, and she asks if it’s a fire. He says, no. A bomb.

Laura says, they all have flaws. Ask her husband about hers. Lucky says, she’s one of the strongest people he’s ever known. If he winds up half the person she is, he’d be good. She says, he is good. He’s a good man and strives to be better all the time. He helps others. He says he could have done that here, but she says she’s not so sure. She’d always known the day would come when he’d leave Port Charles and her. He’s so much like his father. Lucky was on the run with them when he was a just a little baby. By the time he was crawling, he was going off on his own adventures. Does he remember when they had the Triple L? Eventually, trouble caught up with them there too. We flash back to the diner explosion, and she says, Lucky was separated from him for weeks. Any other parents would have been beside themselves with worry. Of course (🍷) they knew, even at his tender age, he could take care of himself. Lucky says, they taught him how to survive, and she says she hopes they taught him how to thrive. The day came when he couldn’t thrive in Port Charles, but she’s always known he’d come back one day when he was ready. And here he is. Just when she and his sister need him the most.

Chase tells Anna that they’re checking the cameras in the garage now. Everyone has been moved back 200 feet and the hazard team is working on it. She asks how they knew, and he says, the dogs reacted to a suspicious package. They pulled the surveillance footage, and it looks like the package was placed in a blind spot so they wouldn’t get caught. Anna says, whoever did this knew what they were doing.

Michael says, Kristina going to the police was an impulsive decision. She didn’t count all the possible consequences. She says, just like she didn’t count all the possible consequences when she went to see Ava.  

Jason says he hates how the fallout affected his sons, but they’re used to living without him, and Diane says, they’ll lose more than they’ll gain. There are people who love and need him, and it’s no longer a luxury for him to decide his life isn’t worth more than someone else’s. Imagine how hurt his sons will be. Think about that the next time he decides to sacrifice himself for someone else.

Carly says, Sonny will have to get his affairs in order and warn Dante. He doesn’t want Dante to be blindsided by this. She’ll talk to Josslyn. Sonny asks her to tell Josslyn that he’s sorry, and Carly says she agreed to help him. Now she has to deal with the consequences, but Cates is gone, and their kids are safe. He says, all it cost them was their parents.

Alexis says, one picture doesn’t prove anything, but Martin says, all he has to do is call into question the US Attorney’s narrative of the crime. They’ll never go for a conviction with a hole this big in the case. They’ll have to let her go and reopen it. Alexis says she’ll still be seen as a suspect, but he says, she won’t be their number one suspect. They’ll have to redirect their attention back to the real killer. It’s their only card to play. Alexis tells him, do it, and he says he’s already on it. She says, when he turns the photo over, if he feels tempted to suggest Sonny is covering for Carly, go ahead.

Lucky wishes there was something he could do, and Laura says, so does his brother. He was crushed to find out he wasn’t a viable donor. She thinks he felt like if he could do that, it would help make up for the bad choices that put him in prison. Lucky says he knows it’s hard for Laura to see Nikolas behind bars. He can understand Nikolas wanting to make almonds amends. She says, no one can bear every burden, and he says he’d settle for just one. Lulu went through so much when he was away. He wishes he’d been here for her to lean on at least once. They hug, and Laura says she thinks she’ll be leaning on him plenty before this is over.

Olivia tells Dante, done. She left a message for Nina to have her media contacts get the word out about Lulu’s condition. She texted an SOS to everyone on her contact list – friends and family, people in the old neighborhood, vendors, contractors, dishwashers… Just wait. People will roll up their sleeves in droves to get tested. He says he hopes it’s soon. Lulu is looking weak. She says she knows Lulu is in trouble, but so were the Mets in Game Six, and look how they turned out. Dante says, but they like the Yankees, and she says, today, they’re Mets fans. The same rules apply. Miracles happen. Like the Mets say, you gotta believe.

Kristina tells Michael that she wishes she could change what happened, but she can’t. He’s right to say she’s impulsive and there could be consequences she’s not prepared for. She’s living them now, so she’s going to listen to him and keep quiet – for now. But if it comes down to it, she’s not letting her mom stay in prison when she’s innocent.

On the phone, Anna says, if there are any changes, she’ll let them know. She tells Chase that Brennan is the last person they need help from. A guy from the hazard team tells them they can go back inside, and Anna asks if the bomb was disarmed. He says, it was a false alarm. There was no trace of explosive material. An officer brings the box and Anna wonders, what the hell is it? Chase suggests they open it and find out. (This is why he’s a detective.)

Jason says he doesn’t want to fail his boys again, but he doesn’t want to fail Sonny either. Diane says she gets that sacrifices come with the job description, but he can only make sacrifices if he’s here to do it. He says, they’re in danger of losing Sonny, and she says, Sonny chose this life. So did Carly. Jason says, still, she shouldn’t have to pay the price, and Diane says she promises if the day comes, she’ll stand up for Carly to the best of her ability. He asks, what are the odds of success? And she says, not great, but that doesn’t mean they don’t try. Her phone rings, and she says, speak of the devil. Sonny tells her that he’s with Carly and they need to talk now.

At the penthouse, Jason asks, what’s going on? and Carly says she’ll let Sonny tell him. On the phone, Sonny says he’ll let Diane know when it’s time. He asks if Carly filled Jason in, but she says she thought he should. He says he’s putting an end to this. He’s turning himself in. Diane is making a deal right now. Jason asks, what kind of deal? and Sonny says he’s confessing to Jagger’s killing and everything else. Everything the Feds want, and the statute of limitations allows. Jason says he knows it’s Sonny’s choice, and Sonny says, he’s going to give them everything, cop to it all, everything they’ve always wanted. In exchange for one thing. No one pays for Jagger’s death but him.

Alexis lies in her bunk when the guard yells, lights out!

Outside Anna’s office, Chase tells Martin that Anna is unavailable, but Martin says he’s got to see her now. It’s vital in getting Alexis out of prison. Chase tells him to take it up with the US Attorney, and goes into the office. Anna says, it’s not what she expected, and shows him a gun. She says, it’s a nine-millimeter, and he says, like the one Elizabeth and Ric saw Alexis dump from the bridge. Anna says, the gun Alexis said would exonerate her if it was found.

Laura tells Lucky that his sister’s body has been though an awful lot. Time is not on her side. He said he wanted to do something. If the worst should come to pass and they have to let their girl go – she cries – please stay with her and hold her hand when she says goodbye. He says, of course (🍷), and they hug. She thanks him and cries.

Tomorrow, Martin tells Alexis that she’ll be out by the end of the day; Ava asks someone if there’s a reason for this visit; Anna asks if Carly wants to change her statement; and Sonny says, someone has to be stopped.

🩺 Nothing More Than Feelings…

I’m still preferring the old Lucas, but I like his attitude.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/van-hansis-opens-up-about-taking-over-as-lucas-on-gh

🚑 After His Schedule Was Cut…

Another underused character. I’d love to see him have an actual storyline. I’d love to just see him show up again.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-marc-anthony-samuel-stars-in-a-new-netflix-movie

💖 Sweet Remembrance…

It was so sad when he passed away. They really seemed to be in love, even after all those years.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/all-my-children/susan-lucci-remembers-her-late-husband-on-his-birthday

🍊 Down In the OC So Low…

After receiving her un-invitation, Alexis suggested if Shannon could host a trip, she could afford to pay the money she owes Johnny J. The women got mammograms and Fancy Pants Heather found out she had a 39% chance of getting breast cancer because of familial history. She was surprised that no one asked her how hers went when they were all swapping results. In Jenn’s interview, she said, an apology from Tamra was just words, but in Tamra’s interview, she said she was just being honest. She wondered if she should give Ryan a tampon since he was a little bitch, and Eddie told her, just stop. Good luck with that.

When I saw the amount of luggage, I wondered how long the trip was going to be. Six months? On the plane, Fancy Pants announced that it was Shannon’s 60th birthday and she was single. I could feel Shannon cringe. They stayed at an amazing, humongous penthouse where a tea was already set up, and drew keys for rooms. If Ramona had been there, she would have checked all the rooms, removed the key to her first choice, and had her suitcases unpacked before anyone else even got to the bowl.

Shannon gave all the women a bag of English-themed gifts, including a Burberry scarf that retails for $595. I knew this before the text showed us, since I thought, maybe I can afford a scarf, but nope. In her interview, Tamra wondered why Shannon was dishing out scarves like candy when she claimed she had no money to pay the lawsuit. Tamra and Fancy Pants discussed Shannon’s appearance on Jeff Lewis’s podcast, and the inconsistencies with what she was saying now. Not only did she come close to admitting the money was a loan, she said that she’d never thought about whether or not Johnny J. heard the accident. In Heather’s interview, she wondered why Shannon was telling her one thing, then saying something vastly different on Jeff Lewis. In Tamra’s interview, she said, Shannon was playing the victim.

After having some cotton candy, the women went on a Captain Rocket boat ride. The life jackets were actual long-sleeved jackets, which I’d never seen before. There was a bit of a tour, where they saw Big Ben and the new London Bridge. Tamra informed us that the original London bridge was in Havasu – so weird – and we saw a clip of that. They sped up, which some of the women enjoyed, and some not so much. Gina thought the cotton candy beforehand was a bad idea.

The women dressed for dinner, and Tamra wore a low backed jumpsuit that she compared to a mullet – business in the front and party in the back. They went to The Londoner for a five-course meal, and Fancy Pants finally spilled her feelings – as one does at a group dinner – about no one asking how her mammogram went. For maybe the first time ever, I felt badly for her when she told them her risk percentage for breast cancer. Everyone seemed genuinely surprised and sorry. They’d thought when they heard her say, yay, she was in the clear, but Fancy Pants said she’d been cheering for Gina who’d had a harmless lump.

Moving on, Katie said she and her family were going to Korea for her 40th birthday, and she would be meeting her birth mother who’d had her when she was 15. Yikes! Somehow, we circled back to the loan/gift thing, and in Tamra’s interview, she said Shannon told her it was a loan. Once more, this became a dinner table discussion. I always wonder what the servers think as they put plates in front of crying and/or screaming women. Shannon screeched that she was not a victim and was working on herself, and bolted. She went directly to the bar, not passing go or collecting $75,000. Gina followed, and Shannon showed Gina a text she’d found from 2018, where Alexis was clear that both she and her ex-husband Jim were suing Shannon and Tamra for defamation. We flashed back to Alexis insisting she’d had nothing to do with that, and Shannon said it was the smoking gun. Gina said, holy sh*t!

That’s right. She’s got receipts! Proof! Timelines! Screenshots! A text from 2018!

Next time, jazzercise; Gina says she’s trying to figure out how to be a friend to Fancy Pants; and Fancy Pants says, that was a lot.

If you’re craving more Orange.

🧟‍♂️ Beauty Or the Beast…

My next watch on Netflix. Because I don’t have enough going on.

https://extratv.com/2024/10/07/lyle-and-erik-menendez-s-bombshells-about-their-parents-murders-in-netflix-doc/

So how much time does she spend helping innocent nobodies on death row? Apparently, the DA is on board as well.

https://extratv.com/2024/10/04/kim-kardashian-calls-for-release-of-menendez-brothers-they-are-not-monsters/

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Among the many series I’m in the middle of, I watched V/H/S Beyond on Shudder. While I love a lost footage theme, this one was hit and miss. I’d been intrigued by Justin Long’s Furbabies, but it wasn’t my favorite. There were some great moments overall, but two hours was too long. Some mild spoilers here.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/vhs-beyond-review

When it was first on, I got lost watching Lost and gave up on it. I decided to give it another go though, and I’m not hating it. In addition to my From favorite, Harold Perrineau, I’d forgotten Naveen Andrews (Abby, Planet Terror) was in it. I love a good binge, and this has enough episodes to go on for a while.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/lost-on-netflix-a-experts-guide-to-bingeing-the-121-episodes

Speaking of From, here’s what happened this week. All spoilers all the time.

👻 Not So Roguish Gallery…

Never enough pets in Halloween costumes.

https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/29/celebrity-pets-all-dressed-up-for-halloween/

🌄 The Year’s Sunset Sky…

Come on by tomorrow for soap and what’s watch worthy (or not). Until then, stay safe, stay planning to keep your pets indoors on Halloween, and stay never letting your apology be just words.

October 31, 2023 – Halloween Begins In Port Charles, Celebrities In Costume, Vintage Creepy, The Best, Fear Explained, Dead Coming Up, The Cost Of Scary, Halloween Pets (!) & Double Feature

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Trina is in the gallery, when Cyrus walks in. She tells him stay away from her, but she turns and he’s there. He grabs her, and she tells him to let her go. Spencer walks in, and she asks him to help, but Cyrus says, no need to intervene. He needs a hostage. Spencer says, Trina’s his girlfriend, and Cyrus asks if he doesn’t love Esme. He drags Trina across the room, and Spencer says he’s sorry, but his uncle is right. Trina wakes up screaming. (Told you so.)

Esme cuddles Ace and tells him that he’s the cutest card in the deck. She says she has to take him to daycare and needs to find her purse, but there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Cyrus and asks if she can help him. He says, nice to see her again. They met at Pentenville. He’s Laura’s brother, Cyrus. This must be little Ace. He moves forward, but she backs up.

At Pozzulo’s, Sonny says, Laura is always a good start to his morning, and she thanks him. She says, this way, she gets to congratulate him in person on his wedding, and he says, she already congratulated him on the phone. She says, this way, she gets the free coffee, and he says, she can have coffee anytime she wants. She says, to tell him the truth, there’s something she wanted to talk to him about, and he says he knows what it’s about, and wants her to know he’s sticking to the deal they made on the phone. He’s been keeping an eye on Cyrus, from a distance. He promised he wouldn’t take any action, and he’s not, but if Cyrus makes a move, he’s going to be all over him. She says she appreciates he has respect for her wishes, but it’s not what she wanted to talk about actually. It’s another family member. It’s Spencer.

Maxie runs into Kelly’s and says, to say she’s thrilled about Carly having a Halloween party is an understatement. Carly asks if she’s that excited about carving pumpkins, but Maxie says, not at all. It means she doesn’t have to go trick-or-treating. James is thrilled to come here, which means she doesn’t have to walk miles with him, since that kid insists on stopping at every single door. She’s not kidding. The kid spends ten minutes at every single house. She thinks he has a future as a traveling salesman.

Anna meets Felicia at Kelly’s, and says, caffeine now. Felicia says, good morning to her too, and Anna says she’s sorry. She’s very tired and not able to function right now. Felicia asks if she slept badly, but Anna says, that would imply she slept, which she didn’t. Not a wink. She’s still at the MetroCourt and has Sonny’s bodyguard, which should give her peace of mind, but it doesn’t. Felicia says, that break-in would rattle anyone. Maybe she would feel better someplace else. Anna says she’s been thinking about that, but the timing isn’t right for her to move in with Valentin. She thinks he and Charlotte need some space. She’s wondering if she should find a place of her own, and Felicia says she has a brilliant idea.

At the bistro, Charlotte tells Valentin that she’s old enough to go trick-or-treating on her own. She’s 15 (which is when most of us stop), and he’s still watching her. He says he knows she’s disappointed, and she says she’s not disappointed; she’s embarrassed. The next thing he’s going to tell her is that she has to wear a coat over her costume, so she doesn’t get cold. She’s not a baby. He says, she’s been through a lot lately and he’s not okay with her going out alone. End of story. She says she’s not going to be alone; she’ll be with her friends. He says, and with him. He’s joining the group. The more, the merrier, right?

Finn wakes up and sees Elizabeth painting at an easel. He says, there’s a sight worth waking up to, and she says, look at his cute little bedhead. He says he thought the haircut might fix that, but he guesses he was wrong. She asks how he slept, and he says, never better. Her? She says, so well, thank you, and he says, it must have been the maple syrup. (Seriously, what did they do with that?)

Esme asks what Cyrus wants, and he says he’s here to see his sister of course (🍷). He closes the door, but then Spencer comes in. Cyrus says, great to see him. He was just about to get acquainted with his other great-nephew. Spencer asks what he’s doing here, and Esme tells him, he says he’s here to see Spencer’s grandmother, but she was just about to tell him that Laura’s not here. Spencer says he’ll tell Laura that Cyrus dropped by, but Cyrus says, he came all this way. He might as well take the opportunity to get to know this little guy, and he and Spencer barely talked the other day. They should maybe catch up? Okay?

Josslyn asks if Trina is okay, and Trina says, sorry if she woke Josslyn. Josslyn tells her, don’t apologize, but what happened? and Trina says she just had the worst nightmare. Adam knocks at the door and asks if everything is all right, and Josslyn opens the door. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, nothing. Everything’s fine. Trina had a nightmare. He says he’s had his share of them, and Trina says, sorry if she woke him, but he says, that’s okay. He’s been up for hours studying for midterms. He was about to head out on a coffee run. Does Josslyn want anything from Perks? She says, no, she’s okay, and he says, maybe he’ll see her later? She says, yeah, bye, and closes the door. She asks Trina to tell her about this dream.

Sonny asks if Laura has proof Nikolas is alive, and she says, irrefutable. Not only has Nikolas been in Geneva, his banker said his employees saw Nikolas there and he showed her withdrawals for a significant amount of money that Nikolas has taken from his accounts. Sonny asks if she gave this information to Spencer, and she says, yeah. He didn’t react the way she thought he would. She thought it was just going to be more anger, but he was so sad and so disappointed. She thinks it was like a final confirmation that his father has abandoned his life here, and his two sons. She knows Spencer would probably never admit it, but she thinks he was holding out hope that his father wasn’t missing by his own choice. He says, just when you think Nikolas couldn’t sink any lower. He’s sorry. He knows Nikolas is Laura’s son. It’s just that he feels for Spencer. She says she does too, but as a mother, she feels there’s more to this story. There’s probably some extenuating circumstances they don’t know about, some real reason he had to leave. But she knows, at this point, he’s really forfeited his right to be a father to Ace, and she doesn’t think Spencer would even want him back. Sonny says, Nikolas doesn’t realize the damage he’s doing to Spencer. Sonny was abandoned as a kid, and he was bitter and resented his father for a long time. He knows what Spencer is going through. She says, that’s exactly why she’s here. Can he please help Spencer?

Elizabeth thanks Finn, and he says, for what? She says, for this trip. She feels so relaxed, like she’s a million miles away from Port Charles. He says, that was kind of the idea, right? Just getting away and leaving everything behind for a few days. She says, he needed this more than he realized. He’s been so consumed with his dad and his illness, he really needed to take a break and get out of his mind, even if it was just for a day or two. He says, she’s the one who told him to enjoy every moment in life. That’s what he’s doing. He looks at her painting and says, this is really good, and she says she hopes it’s okay she used paint she found in the closet. She couldn’t resist. He says, of course (🍷) it is. Maybe she should get back into painting when she gets home. She says she’d like that. It used to be such a passion of hers. Then kids and life took over… He says, she’s really talented – we see it’s a painting of a tree-lined path – and she says, waking up to the beauty that surrounds them inspired her. She wanted to capture it. It’ll remind her of what a special weekend this is. He says he loves it… He loves her. He has for the longest time.

Maxie says, Georgie is at the age where she wants to go trick-or-treating unsupervised, and Carly says, that’s a tough one. She remembers when she and Josslyn went through that. It was quite the battle. She’s just happy Donna has a few more years before she reaches that stage. (What’s up with these parents? We were going out by ourselves by 6th grade. Although no mob bosses lived in my neighborhood… I don’t think.) Maxie says she doesn’t want to smother Georgie. She remembers what it was like at that age, but she did get into a lot of trouble. You know what they say about the apple and the tree. Carly says she does, but listen to her gut. How many kids does she want to go with? Maxie says, three, and two of them are boys, so that’s a plus, and Carly says, or a minus, depending on how you look at it.

Felicia asks what Anna thinks of a sublet. It might be better until she figures out her long-term plans. Anna says, ideally, she would move in with Valentin and Charlotte, but the truth is, this person, whoever’s after her, she doesn’t know when they’re going to make their next move. She doesn’t want Charlotte anywhere near that. So she has to keep her distance. Felicia says, makes sense, but a furnished place would be convenient, right? and Anna says, of course (🍷). Felicia says, a furnished place in a nice neighborhood, a secure building with lots of families, but Anna says she doesn’t think a place like that exists. Felicia says, that’s where she’s wrong, and calls Maxie over.

Charlotte tells Valentin that she’ll be the only one with a chaperone. Jake, Danny, and Georgie are all going in a safe neighborhood. They’re going to Harbor Vista. He says he’s a highly trained agent. She won’t even know he’s there. She says, this isn’t funny. The whole point of the night is to be on their own. She doesn’t need him holding her hand like a little kid with a pumpkin flashlight. He says he’s not changing his mind and she asks if he doesn’t trust her.

Maxie says, so Anna wants to sublet her old place, and Anna says, it wasn’t her idea; it was Maxie’s mother’s brilliant idea. What does she think? Maxie says she thinks it’s a great idea. She tried to sublet it already, but the woman go transferred out of town at the last minute, so it’s just been sitting there empty. Not empty exactly; her old furniture’s still in there. She bought all new stuff for her house. Anna says she needs furniture; she doesn’t have any. Maxie says, okay. Then Felicia’s a genius. Felicia agrees that she is.

They go to Maxie’s old apartment, and Felicia tells Anna, welcome to her new home.

Trina says, the dream was definitely triggered by Cyrus showing up at the gallery yesterday, and Josslyn says, she must have been so shocked to see him there. Trina says, her mom warned her that Cyrus was released, but she didn’t expect him to track her down. Josslyn asks if Cyrus threatened her. She can talk to Sonny; he can handle it. Trina asks, what happened to her grudge against Sonny? A few weeks ago, Josslyn wanted nothing to do with him, and now she’s willing to reach out to him? Josslyn says she thinks Trina’s safety is more important than any issues she has with Sonny, and he’s well-equipped to handle Cyrus and he will. She just doesn’t want Trina to worry. Trina says she’d appreciates that, but Cyrus didn’t threaten her. It was the opposite. He apologized.

Esme thanks Spencer for getting diapers, and he says, not a problem. He thinks she should get to work. She knows how Alexis is when she’s late. Cyrus says, so she works for Miss Davis? and Esme says, Miss Davis was nice enough to offer her a job even though she has no experience. Cyrus says he doesn’t know her well, but she seems like a formidable woman. She runs that paper… Spencer says, The Invader, and if Esme doesn’t get going now, she’s not going to have that job very much longer. He walks Esme to the door and gives Ace to her. He closes the door and asks if Cyrus wants to tell him what he’s really doing here. What does he want?

Sonny says, Laura knows he’d do anything for her. It’s just that he’s had so many difficulties with Nikolas in the past, he can’t be neutral on this subject. Even if he talks to Spencer, he doesn’t really want to trash his father. That wouldn’t be healthy for them, and it wouldn’t be fair to her. She says, he doesn’t have to justify his feelings about Spencer’s dad. She just wants Sonny to be there for him in case he comes to her for advice. It would ease her mind. He says he’ll always be here for Spencer, and she thanks him. Spencer really admires and respects him, and he can get through to Spencer in a way she and Doc can’t. She has to be honest, she’s kind of worried about him right now. She’s afraid he might do something rash, something he might regret in the future. He says he’ll do whatever he can to make sure that doesn’t happen. She takes his hand and says, thank you.

Walking through the woods with Elizabeth, Finn says, this is the best apple he’s ever had. She says, it’s his second one. If he has any more, Aiden won’t have enough for his pies. (Highly unlikely, since they’re both carrying full baskets.) He says, Aiden’s got enough for ten pies, and she says she has to account for multiple attempts. He says, Aiden’s a wiz in the kitchen, and she says, he is, but baking is very precise. It’s a science. Finn says, it is, although he doesn’t remember seeing a single pie in organic chemistry class (what about a pie chart?), and she says, following the recipe is key. It’s not like any barbecue. He says, excuse me? and she says she’s not knocking his culinary skills. It’s just seeing him at the grill, there were spices and sauces flying everywhere. He says he guesses that’s a fair assessment. It still tastes pretty good, right? She says, it does. She guesses they should get back. She didn’t know how far this orchard was. He says, if they’re tired when they get back to the cabin, they can just take a nap.

Sonny asks how Spencer is doing with Ace, and she says she’s so proud of the way he’s stepped up. He’s really trying to be a surrogate father to that little boy. He even took parenting classes with Esme. Sonny says, that’s impressive, and she says, the only thing is, it causes a little bit of friction between him and Trina, and he’s very much in love with Trina. She’s worried his devotion to Ace and the time he spends with Esme could hurt his relationship. Sonny says, he’s in a tough spot, because if he backs away from Ace, he’s going to feel miserable, and if he doesn’t put Trina first, he could end up losing her. She says, exactly. It’s a lot for someone his age. He didn’t ask to be a father, but he’s doing his very best to fill the role. Anyway, she just wanted Sonny to know what’s going on in Spencer’s life in case Spencer does come to him for guidance. His phone chimes, and Sonny says he thinks she’d better get home. She has a visitor.

Cyrus asks if Spencer is implying that he has an ulterior motive, but Spencer says he’s not implying anything; he’s stating it outright. Cyrus must want something. Cyrus assures Spencer that his motives are purely altruistic. He wanted to see his dear sister and thought he’d save her the embarrassment of a newly released convict showing up at the mayor’s office. Spencer says, she’d be far more concerned knowing he came here where Esme and Ace were vulnerable, but Cyrus says he had no intention of intimidating Esme or Spencer’s brother. Quite the contrary. He was pleasantly surprised to find them home, and he enjoyed the little time he had with them. He meant them no harm. Spencer says, Esme may have met him before, but she has no idea how dangerous Cyrus truly is, and Cyrus says, like the Lord Himself, he comes in peace, and he’s very disheartened to find Spencer so unwelcoming. He thought they’d come to an understanding in Pentenville.

Josslyn says, she did not, but Trina says she sure did. Josslyn says, she screamed at Cyrus, told him to take his apology and shove it? and Trina says, yeah. Josslyn says, good for her, and Trina says she surprised herself. She wasn’t sure she had it in her. It was such a release to unload on him. She was terrified the night he held her and her mom hostage, and she’s not going to be a victim again. Josslyn says, clearly, she’s stronger than she thinks. Trina says, maybe, but Cyrus is free. If he sees her again, he might not apologize. Josslyn says, it’s no wonder she’s having nightmares, and Trina says she thinks the scariest part of the dream wasn’t Cyrus. It was Spencer. Renault was holding her, and she was screaming for Spencer to help her, but he just stood there. Josslyn says, let’s hope that never becomes a reality, but Trina says, it won’t because Spencer was so protective of her when Cyrus came to the gallery. He stood up to Cyrus and told him to leave, so it’s not a thing. Josslyn says, good. That makes her feel better. Trina says, just one thing though. Spencer told her that Cyrus protected him at Pentenville, and it’s unnerving to think he must be grateful to Cyrus.

Elizabeth rinses the apples, and telsl Finn that she didn’t know how much work went into all this. It was a long walk. The baskets were heavy, and they have to wash them all. Finn wonders if he can help, and stands behind her, washing the apples like they washed their hands together. I guess this is supposed to be reminiscent of Ghost? She says she doesn’t know about him, but all this washing has worn her out. He thinks they should take a nap, and she says, totally, and they kiss.

Valentin says he trusts Charlotte, but she says, it doesn’t seem like he does. He says, she’s been through a lot these past few years, her mother’s condition, boarding school. She says, but boarding school taught her to be independent. He’s the one who always says, independence is a good thing. He says, stability’s a good thing. She was on her own for a while. She came back and was bounced back and forth for a while between her grandma’s and Sam and Dante. She needs a stable home life. She says, but that’s not a problem anymore. They finally have a house of their own, just the two of them, the way it should be. He says he knows she loves the house, but it doesn’t change anything she’s been through. And he’s worried for her. He thinks she’s putting on a brave face because she thinks he’ll be disappointed if she’s unhappy. He wants her to tell him the truth, not what she thinks he wants to hear.

Maxie says, Anna doesn’t even need to buy a bed. Everything she needs is already here. All right. Full disclosure, there are a few quirks. The bedroom floor is a bit uneven, the doors in the kitchen kind of stick, and the oven… uh… the oven is broken. Anna says she barely cooks. The microwave works though, right? Maxie says, yes, and Felicia says, they should be pointing out the positive features. Maxie says, the microwave works, and Felicia says, the clawfoot tub is amazing, the hot water never runs out. The walls are fully insolated, so you can barely hear your neighbors… Anna says she’ll take it, and Maxie says, what? Anna says, this is really perfect, and Maxie says, Anna’s not just saying that so she can help Maxie out, but Anna says, Maxie is helping her out. This is exactly what she needs.

Trina walks into Kelly’s and Carly asks if Joss sent her over. Trina says, no, why? and Carly says, because she needed Josslyn to come help her decorate for the kids’ Halloween party, so she assumed she enlisted Trina for back-up. Trina says, no. Josslyn didn’t mention anything to her, but please put her to work. She needs the distraction. Carly asks, what’s going on? and Trina says she’s sure Carly heard Cyrus Renault was released. Carly says she was visiting Drew in the hospital, and he walked right into Drew’s room. She couldn’t believe it. Trina says she’s pretty freaked out that he’s back on the streets, and Carly says she doesn’t blame Trina, but she does know they’re watching him carefully, so hopefully, he doesn’t try anything.

Maxie hands Anna the keys and says, the place is all hers. Anna asks if she shouldn’t fill out some paperwork or something or give her a security deposit? but Maxie says, minor details. They’ll get to that at some point. Anna should just enjoy the apartment. Anna hugs her and thanks them both. She asks if she can move in right away, and Maxie says, whatever she wants. Felicia says she can help Anna pack up her things at the MetroCourt, but Anna says she doesn’t have anything really. It will just take her a second to move. Felicia says she’s really glad this worked out, and Anna says, this feels like the first positive thing that’s happened since her house burned down. It feels like a new beginning. Only good things from now on.

Charlotte says, Valentin wants to know how she really feels? She feels like she needs to go out with her friends tonight – no supervision. He says, okay. She wants to go out with her friends alone, then she has to do something for him. She says, anything, and he says he wants her to see Kevin Collins (who Lucy and I call Doc). He wants her to tell Doc everything she’s going through. She asks why she has to talk to Doc. She’s perfectly happy. He says he feels like there’s something going on; something she doesn’t want to tell him. She says she tells him everything… If he really wants her to do this, she will. He thanks her and says he’ll drive her and her friends, and he’ll drop them off and let them trick-or-treat alone. She says, thank you, and hugs him.

Spencer says, Cyrus looked out for him while he was in Pentenville and it would have been a lot tougher without his protection. Cyrus says, so Spencer sees his motives are only for the good of their family. And as he warned Spencer, the only person he needed protection from was Victor Cassadine and not him. No need to be so suspicious of his visit today. Spencer says, Cyrus turned out to be right about Victor, and he did turn out to be who Cyrus said he’d be; ruthless, sadistic… Cyrus says he’ll take that as a thank you, and Spencer says he knows he owes Cyrus for the way he was looked out for in Pentenville, but he still knows Cyrus is a very, very dangerous person. He held Trina Robinson and her mother at gunpoint. He shot Curtis Ashford, and he wants to know why Spencer is leery when he comes around? It’s because he’s a threat, and he doesn’t want Cyrus anywhere near his little brother. Cyrus says he’s not going to deny his past deeds were heinous, but those were acts of a desperate man, a caged animal, and that man no longer exists. He has seen the Light, and that Light is their Lord and Savior, and He has forgiven Cyrus’s sins, and his life is now devoted to helping others. Spencer asks if Cyrus expects him to believe he’s repentant because he can spout some rhetoric about finding God, and getting louder, Cyrus says, Spencer can believe whatever he wants – Spencer says, calm down – but don’t forget, people gave Spencer a second chance after he got out of prison. He’s only asking for the same courtesy. Laura comes in and asks if Spencer will give her a moment alone with her brother.

In bed, Elizabeth and Finn kiss, and she says she thought the purpose of a nap is to actually sleep. He says, she’s right. No more napping. She tells him that she was only making an observation that they’re not very good at it, and he says, they’ll just have to continue practicing until they get it right. They get busy.

Cyrus says he’s sorry, and Laura says, coming over here unannounced and uninvited, but he says, it wasn’t a calculated move. He was released a few days ago. He thought it would be nice to pay her a visit. She says she doesn’t appreciate it, and he says, then she’s certainly not going to appreciate that not only did he spend time with Spencer, he had the pleasure of meeting his great-nephew Ace. He and Esme crossed paths at Pentenville, but this is the first time he saw Ace. What a delightful baby. She says, he has no business being around children, and he says, but he does when they’re related to him. Like it or not, dear sister, they’re my family too.

Spencer goes to Kelly’s and asks Trina if everything is okay. She says, it will be once they start decorating, and he says, that’s what this is about? This is a decorating emergency? She says, yes. They have to decorate for the kids’ Halloween party. He says he thinks Ace still might be a little too young for it. He cried when he saw a jack-o-lantern. She says, the concept of Halloween doesn’t sink in until they understand they get free candy, and Carly says, that’s right. And Trina volunteered his help because they need someone tall. He says he’s happy to help. Where would she like him to start? She hands him a box and tells him to spread these in all the corners. Trina laughs.

Josslyn opens the door to Adam, and he asks if she wants to head over to the library or stay here. She says, stay here. She’s got to cut today short. She has to head over to Kelly’s and help her mom decorate for a Halloween party. He says he’ll just head over to the library, and she asks what he’s talking about. It’s Halloween. Isn’t he doing anything? There must be lots of parties on campus. He says, it’s the perfect time; the library will be empty. She says, he could study tomorrow, but he says he’s taking four extra credits this semester and it’s a lot. And he’s not really big on dressing up. She says he doesn’t have to dress up to decorate. Why doesn’t he come to Kelly’s with her?

Sonny’s phone rings, and he asks how Anna is holding up. She says, pretty good. First of all, she wants to say, congratulations on his wedding. Is he a happy groom? He says he is, and she says she can almost hear him smiling over the phone. She wants to wish him and Nina all the best. They really deserve it. He thanks her and says, it means a lot to him. So what can he do for her? She closes the door so the bodyguard can’t hear and says she’d like to return her gift. He asks if she bought him something for the wedding, but she says, he was kind enough to give her a bodyguard, and now she’s sending him back. He says he’s not sure that’s a good thing, but she says, her circumstances have changed. She says she feels like she has the key – she picks up the keys Maxie gave her – to a new beginning. She’s taken an apartment. Before he says anything, it’s very safe. It’s small, a doorman building, 24-hour security. It’s mostly families, and she doesn’t need a bodyguard. The biggest threat she’s facing is maybe being caught in the elevator door while trying to dodge all the strollers. He says, it sounds great, but she shouldn’t let her guard down. She should maybe keep Trey until everything is settled. She says she really appreciates his concern, but she doesn’t want a bodyguard. She needs her privacy. She feels like she just really wants to get her life back, and this is the first step.

Finn puts the book he’s reading down and watches Elizabeth paint. She asks if he isn’t supposed to be reading, but he says, she’s much more interesting. She says, this, coming from the man who wanted to listen to a dengue fever podcast on the way here. He says, to be fair, the doctor on the podcast has a very soothing voice – he goes over to her – but still, he’d rather watch her paint. She asks him to thank Dan for her, not just for the cabin, but for all of this. They have to send him something. He says, let’s do that, and she says, it’s so beautiful here. The view is amazing. He says, yes, it is, looking at her, and she says, he’s not even looking out the window. He says he knows.

On the phone, Carly asks if Willow is still bringing the kids to Kelly’s Halloween party… Okay. They’re starting early so the little ones don’t crash… Okay. She can’t wait to see Wiley and Amelia’s costumes… No. Don’t tell her what it is. She wants to be surprised. See her soon.

Trina says, Spencer still has a lot of webs, calling him Spiderman, and he says, he’s sorry, what? She asks if he’s all right, and he says, yeah. He was just thinking about Pentenville. She says, that’s a dark thought, but he says, not really. He was just thinking about the day he was released. They were so far apart then. Now they’re a lot closer and she loves him, and he feels like the luckiest guy in the world. She says, he is the luckiest guy in the world, and he kisses her.

Charlotte asks if she can get a scone, and Valentin says he loves her so much. She’s the most important person in the world to him. She knows that, right? She says she feels the same way about him. It was hard at boarding school. She missed him so much, he has no idea, but none of that matters now. She’s back where she belongs, with him, and nothing’s going to change that. he says he has so many regrets. He would change so much, but he’s going to fix everything. She just has to keep her end of the deal and meet with Doc, okay? She says she will, she promises. She leaves to get her scone, and he looks worried.

Cyrus says, like it or not, and it’s quite clear she doesn’t, he and Laura are siblings. She laughs and says, what’s that saying? You can’t choose your family. He says he prefers the words of the great Bishop Desmond Tutu. He said, you don’t choose your family; they’re God’s gift to you, as you are to them. She says, spare her the sermon, and he says, they are connected by blood, and he cares about her. just as he cares about Spencer and Ace. He treasures all of them. He used to be obsessed with money and power, but they pale in comparison. She says she’s just not buying that, and he asks how he can prove it to her. He protected Spencer when he was in Pentenville. he will continue to keep all of them out of harm’s way. She needs to give him a chance. Is she willing to do that? She says, if they’re going to do this, they’re going to do it with ground rules, and that means he’s going to respect her boundaries when he wants to see her and those boys. That means he doesn’t come here unless she calls him and invites him. Is that clear? He holds up his hands, and she says, this visit is over. She opens the door, and he says he’ll wait for her call, handing her his number, but he hopes it’s soon. She closes the door, and the phone rings. She asks Valentin if everything is okay, and he says he hopes so. Charlotte’s finally agreed to talk to Doc. He’d like to set something up for this afternoon. Could she talk to him? He thinks it’s probably better if it comes from her. She says, of course (🍷). She would do anything for her granddaughter. He says he’s very worried about Charlotte. He thinks she really needs help. Charlotte is on her way back and hears him.

Tomorrow, Lois tells Eddie/Ned, the same fire that got him there will also see him through; Tracy tells Brook, it would be foolish to think otherwise; Charlotte sees Anna; and Carly tells Cyrus that he’s not welcome at Kelly’s.

🦚 Celebrity Treats…

The celebrities turn it out.

https://ew.com/celebrity/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-2023-photos/

The Queen of Halloween. The worm is actually 2022. Shame on them for getting that wrong.

https://ew.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-halloween-costume-2023/

https://people.com/heidi-klum-looks-back-at-her-iconic-halloween-costumes-exclusive-8348154

👽 It’s Not Halloween Without…

Seriously, what the blip?

🪦 Best Of All Hallows TV…

A matter of opinion, but still, a good list.

https://ew.com/gallery/best-halloween-episodes/

⚰️ About That Fear…

Spoilers if you haven’t seen it.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-showrunners-explain-shocking-death/

🎊 Next Up…

All about the Day of the Dead.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/dia-de-los-muertos-what-it-means-honors-dead-mexico-tradition-rcna122749

https://theconversation.com/day-of-the-dead-is-taking-on-halloween-traditions-but-the-sacred-holiday-is-far-more-than-a-mexican-halloween-212686

https://artsandculture.google.com/project/dia-de-muertos

💸 Halloween Ain’t Free…

What we spent this year.

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/31/1209521178/halloween-spending-candy-pet-costumes

🦄 Last But Never Least…

All the pets.

https://big1059.iheart.com/featured/doc-reno/content/2023-10-31-best-pet-halloween-costumes/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/celinadejesus/21-dogs-who-already-won-best-costume-for-halloween

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/celebrity-pets-best-halloween-costumes-over-the-years/ss-AA1jb9C6

Get ahead for next year.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/pet-halloween-costumes-ideas

Hannah Barbie sez: Happy Halloween!

👻 Tricking and Treating…

Hang up your costume and join me tomorrow for soap and Beverly Hills talk. Until then, stay safe, stay being anything you want to be every day, not just on Halloween, and stay believing, only good things from now on.

October 20, 2023 – Alexis Blindsides Judge Kim, Mr. Christmas, Salt Shaking, Villainous, VanderSecrets, About Fear, Mary Deleted, Reasons Why, All Dressed Up, Seven Quotes Plus a Tagline & Everybody

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna tells her bodyguard that she’s not used to having one, and she really appreciates everything he’s doing. He says, not a problem, Miss Devane, and she asks him to call her Anna. She asks if he saw anything suspicious when she was with her friends, but he says, there was nothing out of the ordinary. She says, nobody paid special attention to her or… He says he watched the surrounding area the whole time and saw nothing that was a threat to her.

As they approach the house, Charlotte asks why Valentin insisted on picking her up early from school. He says, because he has a surprise for her, and opens the door. Laura is there and Charlotte runs to her, hugging her, and saying she missed Laura so much.

Esme brings Ace into the hospital and Spencer runs up to him, saying, Ace has a doctor’s appointment today. That’s so cool. He asks why Esme didn’t tell him that Ace had a doctor’s appointment today.

Robert sees Diane at the fitness studio and says, it’s Killer Miller. What’s she doing here at this time of day? Hold on. Does her infamous client Mr. Corinthos know she’s here doing yoga, and not sitting around clutching her cellphone, waiting for his beck and call?

Elizabeth goes into Drew’s room, and he says, she’s not his regular nurse. She says, he’s not her regular patient. She asks how he’s feeling, and he says, good. Maybe a little too good.

Gregory says he’s read Judge Kim’s opinions, and he considers himself an originalist. Correct? The judge says, yes. He believes the meaning of our Constitution doesn’t change over time. Alexis says she was just reading an article about Ascher Alexander, and he shares that view. Gregory asks if that isn’t the millionaire investment banker? and Alexis says, mm-hmm. Kim says he’s certainly heard of him, but he wouldn’t know if Alexander would agree with any of his judicial opinions. He’s never met the man. Alexis says, really. Interesting. So he flew to St. Thomas on this man’s private jet to go deep sea fishing, and yet he’s never met him? Visibly uncomfortable, Kim says, with all due respect to her sources, he believes she’s been misinformed, but Alexis says, on the contrary. She can provide dates, records, flight manifests, or anything else she needs to prove he did fly to the Caribbean with Ascher Alexander. It seems to be a major conflict of interest. Would he care to comment?

Meeting Dante at the Bistro, Cody asks what he’s got there, and Dante says, just some paperwork he has to file for administrative leave. Cody says, Sam told him about that. Does this mean he gets to just hang around the house in his PJs and still get paid? Dante says, no, not quite. The PCPD is going to do an investigation to see if his reasons for shooting the perp were justified. Cody says, he’s a great cop. Just doing his job, right? Nothing’s simple. Everything’s so damn complicated. It’s pretty frustrating. Dante asks what he’s talking about, and Cody says, it seems like you do the right thing and get the wrong outcome.

Elizabeth says, once Drew’s made a full recovery and is cleared by the doctors, he’ll be sent back to Pentenville. It’s got to be tough. Drew says, in the meantime, he gets the pleasure of her company, and she says, nice deflection. He says, she’s got to fill him in on the boys; how’s Cameron doing? She takes his blood pressure and says, the boys are actually really well. Cameron is loving being at Stanford. Academically, he’s doing well, and as for soccer, he’s not a starter yet – he hasn’t played enough games – but he’s proven himself to be a very valuable player. Drew says, that’s fantastic. What about Aiden? She says, he’s still baking. He made a pie the other day; it was so delicious. Drew says, when she talks about Aiden’s baking, his mouth starts watering, and she says, he’s very talented, and he’s determined. He plans on going to the most prestigious pastry academy in Paris. And he wants to pay for it himself. Drew says, wow. How’s he going to manage that? She says, he started his own little business. He has a website and everything. He’s selling fancy cupcakes. He ships them out or delivers them if they’re local. She keeps telling him to talk to Carly and see if she can sell them at Kelly’s. Drew says, that’s a good idea. He’ll put in a good word for him with Carly. She says, he would love that, and he asks, how’s Jake? She says, Jake has a girlfriend.

Alexis says, since Judge Kim is claiming not to know Ascher Alexander, she’s assuming he neglected to report this deep-sea fishing trip on his tax filings or any other gifts or accommodations he received from this very influential friend. Is she right in that assumption? The judge gets up and says he agreed to be interviewed on his judicial philosophy, not to answer questions about where or with whom he chooses to vacation. Although he shouldn’t be surprised by this blatant ambush. He remembers her reputation as an attorney. That is, when she could still practice law. Cheap tricks and judicial violations. No wonder she was disbarred. Gregory says, so far, they haven’t heard a denial.

Diane says, for Robert’s information, she’s often here at this time of day. It’s the only time the studio offers this particular class. And might she remind him, she works for herself, unlike him. So no matter how demanding her clients are, her life is her own to schedule. But him, a public servant taking a three-hour lunch break to pump some iron? She wonders what The Invader would have to say about that.

Doc joins Esme, and Spencer says, it just that the first he heard about Ace’s appointment with his pediatrician was this morning when he got a confirmation text from the doctor’s office, so a heads up would have been nice. Esme says, it’s really not a big deal. The pediatrician had a cancellation this morning and offered the spot to Ace, so she took it. Doc was nice enough to offer them a ride to the hospital. Spencer says he appreciates Doc doing that; he’s sorry that Doc had to. Doc says, it was no trouble, and Spencer says he would have taken them himself had he known. Esme says, it’s just as well. Spencer was with Trina, and she didn’t want to interrupt that. Spencer says, they’ve talked about this multiple times, including in that parenting class she suggested they take with one another. He wants to be at all of Ace’s medical appointments, even the small ones. She says, and what for? and he says he’s Ace’s older brother. She tells him, and she’s his mother and she’s perfectly capable of looking after her own son.

Charlotte says she’s missed Laura so much, and Laura says she missed Charlotte too. And she’s sorry she was away so long. Charlotte asks if she found Uncle Nikolas, and Laura says she didn’t actually see Uncle Nikolas. Charlotte says, that’s too bad, but Laura says, that’s okay. She does know he’s all right. She thinks he’s traveling right now. He needs a little time to himself. Charlotte asks if she knows when he’ll be back in Port Charles, and Laura says she’s not sure, but she didn’t want to wait to see Charlotte any longer. She wants to hear everything about Charlotte’s life. She wants to hear about school and her friends and her classes. Valentin says, this third wheel is going to let them catch up. He has some errands to run. He’ll be back later. He kisses the top of Charlotte’s head and leaves. Charlotte watches him go, and Laura asks if she’s worried about her father.

Gregory tells Judge Kim, with all due respect, a simple denial of this fishing trip would clear up any misunderstanding. He denies he took the trip; he denies he was a passenger on Alexander’s jet? Kim says, this interview is over, but Alexis says, he agreed to this interview on the record, which means she’s free to publish anything and everything that was said here today, which in the end, could prove very embarrassing to him. It might also stall his rise to the Federal Circuit. Kim says, she lured him here under false pretenses, and she says, all he has to do is commute the sentence, the unfair, harsh sentence he imposed on Drew Cain, to time served and set him free. Then this interview will never see the light of day. Kim says, so that’s what this is all about. Blackmail? She belongs in a prison cell next to Drew Cain. He walks out. Um… That didn’t go well. Maybe she played that hand too quickly.

Robert asks if Diane is questioning his work ethic, and she says, he’s questioning hers. He says he’s just happy to see her, and she says, that’s how he shows it? He says, yeah, and she laughs. She says she thinks they’re so used to sparring with each other in court, that’s become their default M.O. He says he’s thinking maybe they should change that, and she says, then what would they do for fun?

Dante tells Cody, Sasha went through a pretty big ordeal. Maybe her leaving town isn’t a bad idea. Cody says, it’s a terrible idea and he told her so. Sasha wouldn’t listen to him. Dante asks what he said to her, and Cody says, he told her, moving to Austin without a job or friends or family would be a mistake. Dante says, and? and Cody says, and what? Dante asks what else he said to her, and Cody says, nothing. Dante says, he didn’t tell Sasha that he wanted her to stay? and Cody says, no. Dante asks, why not?

A nurse tells Esme that the doctor is ready to see Ace now, and Spencer picks up the diaper bag, but Esme says she’s got it, taking it from him. She says she’d prefer to speak to the pediatrician alone, and follows the nurse. Spencer says, what the hell was that about? and Doc says, that was Esme exerting her parental rights, which Spencer does not share.

Charlotte say she thinks papa is worried about her, and Laura says, most parents do worry about their kids. Is there something specific she thinks her dad’s worried about? Charlotte says, he’s never pulled her out of school early to see Laura. She knows Laura was gone, but she could have just seen her tonight, so why did he pick her up early from school? Laura says she thinks she can solve this mystery. She requested this special meeting because Charlotte is her number one priority ahead of everything else, and she wanted to have this time together before she had to go back and assume her mayoral duties. Charlotte says, now that Laura’s back, she doesn’t feel so alone now, and they hug.

Valentin asks if Anna has been sitting alone in the dining room since her meeting with Jordan, and she says she has. He asks, why? and kisses her. He could have just as easily met her in her room. She says she doesn’t like being alone in her suite, but he says, she’s not alone, is she? She has Sonny’s bodyguard watching over her. She says she just feels trapped… vulnerable, and isolated from the rest of the world. Like a sitting duck, waiting for whoever’s after her to strike again.

Cody tells Dante that he didn’t let Sasha know he wanted her to stay in Port Charles because he did what he always does; he made it about himself. Dante asks, how so? and Cody says he doesn’t even know how it happened. He started talking about people making mistakes and how everyone does it, and the next thing he knows, he’s confessing to her that Mac Scorpio is his biological father and he lied to Mac about it. Dante asks what he was thinking, and Cody says he wasn’t. Dante says, he really did make it all about himself, and Cody says he knows. He was desperate. He really doesn’t want her to go.

Valentin says, Anna doesn’t have to stay here alone if she doesn’t feel safe. She has other alternatives. She says she’s not staying with him, because he has Charlotte to consider, and she’s not about to bring whatever danger is after her down on Charlotte. He says she’s right. He’s going to have to get along with his daughter right now and it’s not a good time, but he did buy that house for the two of them. She says, regardless of what she just said, she is fine here, but he says he disagrees. She doesn’t have to stay here alone. She has plenty of friends In Port Charles she can turn to.

Robert says, you want to have fun with moi? and Diane says, if it hasn’t been made clear, she does. She enjoys spending time with him. What she doesn’t enjoy is being made to think she’s an afterthought or a default friend. He says, wait a minute. He’d like them not to be just friends, and she says, meaning? He says, why don’t they pick up where they left off? She says, absolutely not.

Alexis tells Gregory, what difference does it make? She just let that guy leave with the upper hand. What was she thinking? That she was going to hammer him so hard, he would admit he’s corrupt in taking gifts from special interests? Gregory says, she doesn’t know what he was thinking when he left, and she says, that guy is scum, but he has an excellent legal mind, and he did what he should have done. He walked out. And her? She’s left with half an interview where he didn’t admit to doing anything wrong and zero leverage to help Drew.

Drew asks, who’s the lucky girl? and Elizabeth says, Charlotte Cassadine. He says, good for them. He loves hearing all this good news. She says, Charlotte wasn’t her favorite person when she was little, but she’s grown up a lot. She thinks Charlotte might actually be good for Jake. He says, in what ways? and she says, her boy is so shy and reserved, and Charlotte is very confident, and it seems to be rubbing off on him. It’s the first time since Franco’s death that Jake doesn’t seem down all the time. He says he’s really glad to hear that, and she says, and Charlotte is the most popular girl in the class, so dating her has really boosted his self-esteem. He says, that’s great. He loves Jake like Jake was his own son. She says she knows. Jake loves Drew too. Drew means a lot to all of them. A guard comes in and says, the transfer paperwork’s been approved. He’ll be taking Drew to Pentenville.

Laura says she knows Charlotte doesn’t know very much about her or her childhood, but to tell her the truth, she was very alone as a kid. And it was really painful. She guesses she just wanted Charlotte to know that she’s not alone because Charlotte has her, and she also has her dad. Charlotte says, Laura is right. She does have her and papa, but that’s it. She doesn’t have any friends at school. Laura says she’s so sorry and asks if Charlotte is having trouble making friends. Charlotte says, yes and no. She thinks she’s just been away from Port Charles for too long. All her old friends are into different things now. They just keep their distance from her. (I’m confused. Didn’t Elizabeth just say she was the most popular girl in class?) Laura says, Elizabeth told her that Charlotte and Jake have become friends. Sometimes all you need is one good friend. Charlotte says she and Jake are friends, and he’s really nice, but he’s a boy. That’s a lot different when you don’t have another girl to talk about things with. Laura says, Charlotte’s got her, and Charlotte says, yeah, but Laura’s her grandma. It’s not the same. She just doesn’t have someone to hang out with. And papa’s never around; he’s always busy. Laura says, yeah. He spends an awful lot of time with Anna, doesn’t he?

Anna tells Valentin that she’s not going to impose herself on Jordan like that. Or Mac and Felicia. That’s just too much to ask. He says he doesn’t think any of them would feel like it was an imposition. Mac and Jordan have law enforcement training, so if whoever’s targeting her is… She says, the solution is not for her to hole up with her friends and bring danger to their door. The solution is for her to go after whoever’s trying to dismantle her life and shut them down.

Spencer tells Doc, there’s really no need for people to keep reminding him that he’s not Ace’s father. He gets that. But Ace’s father, who is also his father, is missing in action because he doesn’t care that he has  two sons. Doc says, Spencer doesn’t know what’s going on in Nikolas’s head any more than he does. Benefit of the doubt is always the healthiest approach until you know the facts. (Not according to Dr. Phil.) Spencer says, his grandmother, who is the kindest, sweetest, most determined person on the planet, has finally had to admit to herself that his father isn’t coming back. And someone needs to fill that void. Someone needs to be there for him. Someone who’s not Esme. To be honest, Spencer doesn’t much care what the official title is, be it father or brother, he’s going to step up and take care of his baby brother. He’s going to do it. Doc says, he should care. His love and commitment to Ace is commendable, but he doesn’t have any actual parental rights where Ace is concerned. He understands that, yeah? Spencer says he understands that, and he’d really like to stop hearing that from people like Doc and everybody else. Doc says, he’s heard this before? and Spencer says, yes. He gets it. From a legal standpoint, Esme has the final say. Doc says, that’s right, and Spencer says, fortunately, with the exception of this… he guesses they’ll chalk it up to a miscommunication, he and Esme have been able to work together to take care of Ace, and he’s not expecting that’s going to change any time soon.

Robert tells Diane that he’s a little confused. He thinks he’s getting mixed signals. She says, nope. She doesn’t send mixed signals. Picking up where they left off would leave such a bad taste in her mouth. It would just remind her of how she was used for Holly’s agenda and how she was treated when Holly was around. He says he’s sorry, and she thanks him, but asks him to let her finish. She’s been back and forth in her head about him. The moment she starts to think, even for a second, about what a great guy he is – funny, charming – she’s blindsided again by yet another revelation about something, anything in his past. So he wants to know where she is right now with this? He says, definitely, and she says, good. She’ll tell him.

Cody says he’s been going on and on about his troubles when Dante, his best friend, is under investigation at work for shooting someone. Dante says, it’s nothing. This is just police procedure. It’s easier than doing math homework with Rocco. Dante sucks at math. Cody thanks him, and Dante says, for what? Cody says, for everything he’s done. Not just for him since he got here to Port Charles, but for Sasha too. He doesn’t know if they could have pulled this off without Dante and Sam. He’s a good friend. So is Sam. Dante says, she came around, huh? and Cody says he knew that was going to happen; he’s irresistible. Dante says he doesn’t know if Sasha thinks so. He’s sorry all this stuff is happening with Sasha. He knows she’s come to mean a lot to Cody.

Laura says, when Charlotte first got back from camp, she went to live with Dante and Sam, and her dad lived with Anna. What did she think about that? Charlotte says, that was just temporary while papa was buying this house for them, so she didn’t try to think about it. She asks what Laura thinks about the house papa bought for her, and Laura says her opinion isn’t as important as Charlotte’s is, so what does she think about the house? Charlotte flashes back to Valentin telling Anna that he bought the house for them, so they could move in with Charlotte and start a life together. She tells Laura, it’s all she wanted, and Laura says, a house like this? but Charlotte says, a home for her and papa. All to themselves.

Valentin says he’s sorry this is happening to Anna. She doesn’t deserve this at all. Anna says she disagrees, because they both know she brought this down on herself. She was a double agent. She betrayed the WSB and betrayed her country. And she has to accept the fallout from that. She wipes some tears away, and he says, no. Nothing could be further from the truth. She’s being targeted. She’s having her entire life dismantled by someone’s twisted idea of vengeance. She asks why he’d say that. Why does he think it’s revenge instead of justice?

Cody says he’s just being selfish, and Dante asks, how so? Cody says, wanting Sasha to stay here in Port Charles, but Dante says he doesn’t think it’s selfish. Cody likes her and wants what’s best for her. Cody says, if he does, maybe he needs to realize this is going to be really hard for her. These reminders of Brando and Liam, and that nightmare Gladys. Dante says, they’re never going to have to worry about Gladys again. She’s not going to show up in Port Charles. Cody says, Sam told him that Dante’s dad made sure of that, and Dante says, Sonny can be persuasive. Cody laughs and says he bets.

Robert asks why he feels he’s about to get hit by the infamous Killer Miller atom bomb, and Diane says, buck up, soldier. She has the feeling Robert Scorpio can handle what she’s about to say. Besides, this a golden opportunity for someone, who shall remain nameless, but who is him, to become a better human being. He says, okay. Lay it on him. She says, no. They’re not going to pick up where they left off. There’s too much hurt and confusion and betrayal and dishonesty down that road. He asks what she’s suggesting, and she says, they wipe the slate clean. They clear the chessboard as it were. And this is great. He gets to put his paw in anywhere he wants to, because he’s starting at square one.

Alexis tells Gregory, that might have been their only chance to get Drew released and she fumbled it. He says, she didn’t fumble it. She got to him. She says she should have approached this like in negotiations where each party gets what they want. A subtle warning to Judge Kim about a potentially embarrassing career decision and then he gets a chance to clean it up before the dam breaks, and then an early, quiet release for Drew. Nothing said overtly, only implied. This is how deals are done every day, but she had to go for the jugular. She had to grandstand. Does he know why she did that? He says he thinks she’s about to tell him, and she says, because that’s what lawyers do and she’s a lawyer. Or she wants to be one and she misses it. She wanted to win and she lost big; not for her, but for Drew.

Elizabeth tells Drew, maybe they can delay this. Dr. Ashford is on duty. She could speak to him, and he could say there are more tests that need to be done tomorrow, and he can stay here an extra night. Drew says, there’s not point in delaying the inevitable. Honestly, it would probably make it more torturous. They both know he’s going to end up in prison eventually. She says, then let her call Carly for him, but he says, no. She says, why not? and he says, because he doesn’t want her to see him literally hauled out of here in chains. It would be better if she just finds out about it once he’s gone.

Dante gets up, and Cody says, he’s leaving? He thought Dante could sit around all day and listen to him sulk. Dante says, that sounds like a lot of fun, but he has to get this stuff to Mac. Seeing that Cody’s told Sasha that Mac is his father, doesn’t Cody think he should tell Mac the truth too? He thinks Mac deserves to know he’s got a son. Cody says, no way. He lied to Mac’s face about being his son. There’s no way he could look at Mac’s face and see the disappointment and hurt when he found out. Dante says he’s not going to push it, but think about what he’s keeping from Mac. This isn’t a minor thing. Cody not telling Mac that he’s his son, makes his life a lot more complicated. Dante leaves.

Robert says, as an ex-spy, he’s strategic and an excellent chess player, and Diane asks what he’s saying. He says he accepts the challenge and the conditions, and she says, excellent. She’s just going to give him a warning. He says, wait a minute. A warning. A strategic advantage to him. She says, sometimes a warning is just a warning. This is a game between her and him. If he invites anyone else to play, or even watch, then she’s going to take her queen and go home. He says, just her and him. and she says, those are her terms. He says he’s liking how this sounds already. Just them; Robert and Diane. She says, more like Diane and Robert, but here’s one more thing. Not only will she take her queen and go home, she will take the entire chessboard, and there won’t be a rematch. She leaves, and he half-smiles.

Doc says he gets it. Ace is Spencer’s little brother, and Spencer wants only the best for him. But he really doesn’t help Ace if he denies the reality of the situation. Spencer says, the reality is that he’s going to do what he can for Ace, but Doc says, the reality is, Spencer and Esme no longer have anything in common except Ace. And as their lives diverge, and they will, Spencer may have to accept a reduced role in Ace’s life. Spencer says, no. He doesn’t accept that. Esme comes back with Ace, and Spencer asks, how’d it go? Esme says, Ace is once again in the 99 percentile, and Spencer tells Ace, way to go. That’s what he’s talking about. This calls for a celebration. Why don’t they go to Kelly’s and celebrate? He thanks Doc for his help, and says he appreciates it. He’ll take it from here. He leaves with Esme, who tells Ace, a cup of hot cocoa from Kelly’s does sound good, doesn’t it?

Laura say she knows how close Charlotte is with her father, but as much as he loves her, he was never a teenage girl. But Laura was and she remembers what it felt like. And it was really, really hard sometimes, just to be yourself. She felt like no one understood her. She never knew how she fit in, in her family. She didn’t feel like she fit in at school at all, or with her friends. And she had two really successful doctor parents and that was kind of hard. She didn’t always believe everything they told her. Did she take the advice they gave her? No, she didn’t. It was a very hard time. Painful. Confusing. Can Charlotte keep a secret? Charlotte says, sure, and Laura says, when she was Charlotte’s age, she made some really big mistakes. Charlotte says, really? and Laura says, yes, she did. She takes Charlotte’s hand and says, and it was Charlotte’s great-grandmother Leslie who saved her really. She was like Laura’s rock, and Laura wants to be there for Charlotte now, the way Leslie was there for her. She wants that more than anything and wouldn’t have it any other way. So if there’s something Charlotte needs to say to someone, something that maybe she needs to share, she’s here to listen to Charlotte. Charlotte says, grandma… Laura says, yes, dear? and Charlotte says she’s really glad Laura is back. She missed her. Laura says she missed Charlotte too, and they hug.  

Valentin says, this all started at the reading of Victor’s will and Anna’s WSB file being released to the press. She says, his father’s final act of revenge on her, and he says, no doubt. He thinks there’s someone else targeting her on Victor’s behalf.

Gregory asks if Alexis has always been this hard on herself, and she says, yes, especially when she screws up like she did today, and the screw up affects somebody she cares about. He says he’s sorry. He doesn’t see it that way. He was here, and saw and heard her in action. She was great. And if anything significant happened today, it was that she made a sacrifice. She says, what sacrifice? and he says, every instinct she had was, is still, screaming to publish an exposé on Kim’s corruption, barbecue him in The Invader. But she pulled back for Drew’s sake and offered him a deal. Alexis says she came on too strong, but Gregory says, there’s no guarantee that a softer approach would have been any more effective. She says, the point is, she went after Judge Kim because she wanted to, and it was stupid and unprofessional. Alexis’s phone rings, and she thanks them for letting her know. Keep her posted. She tells Gregory, that was a friend of hers from the Federal building. She said that Judge Kim asked his clerk to pull Drew Cain’s file. Gregory says, and? and she says, apparently, he may be reconsidering Drew’s sentence. Gregory says, see? Nice work, counselor.

Elizabeth watches as Drew is wheeled out wearing leg irons, since he might make a sprint from the wheelchair. They lock eyes for a moment, and she watches as he’s wheeled into the elevator. She stands in front of the elevator, and they look at each other with sad faces as the elevator doors close.

On Monday, Brook asks, since when does granny’s opinion hold any weight with Lois; Cody says he had his chance and threw it away; and Sonny tells someone, the next thing they say could have lasting repercussions.

🎄 Nathan Rushes the Season…

I swear this guy is in every other holiday movie.

🧂 Salting the Lake…

This week’s shenanigans.

It says something about you when your own son wants to hide his marriage.

https://people.com/rhoslc-recap-mary-cosby-son-robert-jr-was-secretly-married-for-a-year-8362974

🗽 Gorgeous Is Gonna Devour Cute…

Tiffany is awful, but I like her, and God help me, I might have to take Jax off the awful list. I’m surprised at how good this show is.

https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/tiffany-pollard-a-hero-in-the-villain-house

🍸 SURish Secrets…

It’s not really all that interesting, mostly about Bravo being cheap, but keeping the Pump rolling until the new season begins.

⚰️ One Fear Coming Up…

Sunday, October 22nd, 9 pm EST. Be dead or be there. Of course the finale is in two parts. It’s a thing now.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-series-finale/

https://screenrant.com/fear-walking-dead-season-8-two-part-finale/

🧹 Extra Extra…

Wow. It’s all pretty tame by today’s standards.

https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-deleted-scene-grocery-store-mary-steals-child/

🎃 Today’s Lesson…

More Halloween lore.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

🐶 Will Do a Trick a Treat…

I love this dog.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/pug-latte-costume

Come on. You know you want to dress your dogs up. You probably want to dress up your cats too, but we all know how that can go.

https://people.com/best-dog-halloween-costumes-8362521

https://www.etonline.com/the-best-last-minute-dog-halloween-costume-ideas-to-put-a-spell-on-everyone-hocus-pocus-baby-yoda

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.Susan L. Taylor

The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away. – David Viscott

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain’t nothin’ can beat teamwork.Edward Abbey

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty.Thomas S. Monson

To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to change often. – Winston Churchill

Once you start recognizing the truth of your story, finish the story. It happened but you’re still here, you’re still capable, powerful, you’re not your circumstance. It happened and you made it through. You’re still fully equipped with every single tool you need to fulfill your purpose. – Steve Maraboli (Or as Sweet Pea said in Sucker Punch: You’ve got your weapons. Now fight.)

For better or worse, Beanies were like crack. – Rich Kelley, The Beanie Bubble

🫦 My Real Housewives tagline: Sometimes going commando really does mean you’re carrying a machine gun. Holla!

🕸 Being Altogether Ooky…

Meet me here on Sunday for a Fear quickie. Until then, stay safe, stay bringing the appropriate hostess gift to a Halloween party – you know, like a coffin – and stay remembering, sometimes all you need is one good friend.

November 2, 2022 – Sam Enlists Spinelli To Get the Goods On Cody, Soap Celebrations, Lots Of Costumes (Including Pets!), Why & Grey

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carolyn tells Jeff, she’s remembering. It’s time she knows the truth. He says he’ll do it. He was the one there; he should be the one to tell her. Elizabeth says, he didn’t push Reiko? and he says, he didn’t. It was you, Elizabeth. You caused Reiko to fall down the stairs. Elizabeth says she doesn’t believe it, because there’s no pleasing her, and Carolyn says, it’s a lot to process. Elizabeth says she doesn’t believe a word that comes out of either one of their mouths. Coming here was the biggest mistake.

Carly says, since Sam asked, there’s something she should know. Drew comes by, and Carly says, when she and Drew were in Jacksonville, they realized something important… Drew jets over, and asks why she let him say it.

At Carly’s place, Josslyn brings out a bowl of popcorn, lightly buttered with Cajun seasoning, and Trina says, bring it to her. Josslyn asks if Trina is ever going to tell her about the weekend with Rory. Trina was clearly ignoring her texts. Trina says, there’s no way she could hear her text alerts at the convention center, and she was busy. Josslyn asks, what about in the hotel room? Was Trina busy there? Trina’s making her pry it out. Trina says, if Josslyn tells her about her weekend, Trina will tell about hers. Did Joss and Cam do anything special?

Obrecht, Britt, and Scotty are at Charlie’s, and Obrecht tells Britt, anything connected to Peter August is toxic by association. She’s opening Pandora’s box. Britt says, it was just a garden variety safe deposit box, and Scotty asks what she found. Britt says, just a necklace, and Obrecht asks, what kind? Is it valuable? Britt says, worth millions maybe, and Obrecht asks if she’s sure it’s genuine. Cody joins them, and says, it looks genuine to him, and Obrecht says something in German that I don’t think is a compliment. He says, nice to see her as well. Sorry he’s late. Scotty says, who invited him? and Britt says she did, and Scotty will play nice if it kills him.

Alexis takes a letter out of a stack of mail, seeing it was originally delivered to the wrong address. She looks at it, and makes a call. She asks them to get her Jordan Ashford right away please… Tell the Commissioner she just  got a letter from the hook killer.

Josslyn says, she and Cam did do something special, and Trina says, did she and Cam… Josslyn says, they slept together, and Trina squeals, saying, she’s happy for them. Josslyn says, being close to Cam is always nice, and he’s one of her favorite people… Trina says, but? and Josslyn says, but she thought sleeping together would reconnect them, and act as some kind of magic fix for what she hasn’t been feeling.

Drew says, in Jacksonville, he and Carly realized they make a damn good team. They went toe-to-toe with the press, and political and prominent people. Sam says, Carly mentioned it, and he says, they didn’t accomplish their mission, but came back with a renewed sense of purpose. Wouldn’t Carly say that? Carly says she thinks he said it perfectly, when Spinelli comes along, telling them, gracious greetings. Isn’t this a merry event? Drew says, Scout’s enjoying the puppet show right now, and Spinelli says, she’s sitting with Georgie. They’re both enrapt by the production. Drew asks if he can run something by Carly real quick, and they step away. Spinelli asks if something is on Sam’s mind, and she says, she’s just waiting for someone to tell her something she already knows.

Drew asks if Carly was just about to tell Sam about them, and Carly says, she just wants to be honest with Sam, and face this head on, but he says, that is something she cannot do.

Obrecht asks to have a word with Britt, and tells Cody to keep his fists to himself. Obrecht and Britt walk over to the bar, and Cody tells Scotty, he just wants to say… Scotty says, save it. He might have Britt and Mac fooled, but he knows trouble when he looks it in the eye.

Britt asks Obrecht to just give Cody a chance. Remember when Obrecht wanted her to like him? Obrecht (now looking fab as a blonde) says, that was before he punched her Scotty in the face, and Britt says, Cody regrets doing what he did; he was acting out of emotion. Obrecht asks why Britt is excusing this man, but Britt says she’s not. But she can relate to being overly sensitive about one’s parents. Cody is going through a lot, and there’s more to him than what Obrecht sees. If they were judged by their mistakes, where would that leave them?

Jordan and Dante come to Alexis’s office, and she thanks them for getting here so soon. Jordan says, no problem. Where’s the letter? Alexis says, it’s on the desk. She’s sorry she touched it; she didn’t know what it was. Jordan says, not a problem. She’s assuming it was in a stack on Alexis’s desk. Was it hand delivered or mailed? Alexis says, mailed; there’s a postmark. Dante picks it up, and says, Dear Editor Davis, you’ve got my attention. Want to be next or are you just curious? Who am I? I’ll tell you who I’m not. I’m not hungry for fame, and I’m no deranged lunatic, striking at random. Only those who wronged me and mine will meet with my venom. Alexis says, leave me be, and you’ll have no cause for alarm. I’m off to see the wizard, which is a reference to Oz Haggerty, who was stabbed the day after this was posted. It’s her.

Jeff tries to comfort Elizabeth, but she tells him not to touch her. She always knew they were neglectful and disloyal, and will do anything to cover for themselves, even throw her under the bus. Carolyn says, they didn’t expect to come home and find Elizabeth here after all these years, and of course (🍷) they’re happy to see her, but these accusations hurt. Elizabeth says, you know what hurts? Having a mother who gaslights her child to protect a man. Maybe it was best they weren’t around while she was raising her children. This is why she didn’t want to see them; because they have a knack of making her feel like she’s always to blame. Jeff says, she saw him and Reiko together. They didn’t realize she was there. When he left, she confronted Reiko. She followed Reiko to the stairs. Elizabeth tells him, stop talking, and flashes back to telling Reiko, stay away from her father. Carolyn says, it’s all coming back now, isn’t it?

Josslyn tells Trina, Cam is still this sweet, loving, generous guy he always has been, but something is lost between them, and she’s not sure he’s aware of it. Trina suggests Josslyn try talking to him about it, and Josslyn says, it’s just going to make him feel bad, and make the distance between them worse. Trina says, but if she doesn’t talk to him, how are they going to figure this out? Josslyn says, that’s what she has Trina for, but Trina says she’s hardly the one to be giving Josslyn advice about being confused. Josslyn asks what Trina is confused about, but Trina says, they’re still talking about Josslyn and Cam. Josslyn says, maybe it’s because she barely got a chance to really enjoy being with Cam before it all fell apart, and Trina says, Josslyn was violated in an intensely personal way. And that trauma got derailed by Trina’s legal drama. She thinks Josslyn just needs time to keep healing, and Josslyn says, maybe she’s right. That bitch Esme stole so much from them. Trina says, Josslyn can’t let Esme destroy what she and Cam have.

Alexis wonders if Oz Haggerty’s death is her fault. Do they think her letter prodded the person into killing again? Jordan says, provocation never helps, but this person seems to have a predetermined plan. This letter was postmarked two weeks ago. When did Alexis get it? Alexis says, just today, and Dante says, she must have used an old typewriter; all the letters are misaligned, especially the O’s. Jordan says, hopefully forensics can narrow down the make and model of the typewriter. Have them dust for prints, and run it through the database. Dante says, he’ll also need the names of anyone who might have touched the letter, and Alexis asks if they’re sure this isn’t someone just seeking attention, but Jordan says, there are details in the letter that haven’t been made public.

Elizabeth says she followed Reiko to the stairs and grabbed her. She flashes back to telling Reiko, stay away from her father, and Reiko saying, stay out of it; her father wouldn’t want her involved. Elizabeth says, don’t talk about her father. See what happens if she does. How dare Reiko do this to her mother? Reiko says, Elizabeth is young. She woudn’t expect her to understand. She tries to break Elizabeth’s grasp, but Elizabeth won’t let go, calling Reiko a homewrecking whore. In the present, Elizabeth says she doesn’t want to remember, but Carolyn says, it’s time. Now that she’s here, they’ll do this together.  

Obrecht tells Britt, that was a passionate defense from someone who was turning up her nose a few months ago. Just what is the nature of Britt’s relationship with Cody these days? Britt says, getting to know one another better, and Obrecht asks, how well? Has Britt shared her diagnosis with him like she did Jason? Britt says, they don’t know each other that well. She’s entitled to her privacy, just like he is to his.

Cody says he gets why Scotty thinks he’s trouble; sucker punching him was indefensible. Scotty says, the sucker punch is not a good calling card, and Cody says he’s grateful Scotty didn’t press charges. He owes Scotty big time. Scotty says, Cody almost sounds sincere, and Cody says, 100%, but Scotty says, of course (🍷) that could just be the art of the master con. Cody laughs, and asks what Scotty thinks he’s after if it’s not Scotty’s forgiveness. Scotty says he doesn’t know. Flimflam men got the long term they’re working on. Cody says, all he wants is a do-over, and Scotty says, because… Cody says, because Scotty is important to Britt’s mother, and Britt is important to him. And he’s learned how much Scotty loved his biological mother, and she loved him. Scotty says, it was a long time ago, and Cody says he’s sorry Scotty lost her. He’s sorry they both did.

Spinelli asks if Dante is joining Sam for the Halloween festivities, and Sam says, he was planning on it, but he got called away on a case. Spinelli says, there’s no rest for the weary, and she asks, what about him? Has he decided to press delete on Society Set-Ups before the Feds catch him, and he winds up in jail?

Carly says she doesn’t understand. Drew doesn’t want her to tell Sam about them? He says, they can tell Sam eventually, but she says, she and Sam are good friends. She wants Sam to hear it from her, not the grapevine. He says, the grapevine is what he’s worried about, and she asks if he wants to tell Sam. She understands, given their history. He says he doesn’t think either of them should tell Sam. In fact, they can’t tell anyone. He leads her to where there are no people, and she says she doesn’t get it. Did something happen to change his mind about them? He says, absolutely not. He and Ned had a conversation, and it wasn’t good. It started bad, and got worse as it went on. Ned said some stuff, and he said some stuff, and the bottom line is, Ned made a threat. He and Carly could be guilty of insider trading. She says, that’s ridiculous, but he says, it’s not. He had a legal consultant go over this. Carly was aware of the possible merger between Aurora and ELQ. Her subsequent purchase of stocks makes her an inside trader. She could be looking at serious fines or worse. She says she was just trying to help him and Michael not lose ELQ; it’s not like she made a killing. He says, it doesn’t matter. She bought the stock based on information that hadn’t been made public yet. By definition, that’s insider trading. He’s sorry. He shouldn’t have told her anything about it. She says, he didn’t want her investing; she insisted. They sit on a bench, and she says, first, she loses the MetroCourt, now she could be dealing with SEC violations. Would Ned really do this? He says, Michael thinks Ned’s bluffing, but he’s not willing to take that chance. It’s dicey for both of them. She asks what they do, and he says, that’s why he didn’t want her telling Sam about them. Talking publicly about their personal relationship could add weight to the allegations. They’ll have to create distance between them and the speculation, and let this blow over.

Spinelli says he’s still weighing his options as far as his business is concerned, and Sam tells him, keep that in mind when he sees Georgie behind plexiglass in Pentenville. He says, point vividly made, and she says she hope it terrifies him. He’s her friend. She doesn’t want to see him lose everything because of Society Set-Ups. Has he ever thought about what Maxie would think if she learned the truth? He says he dreads what Maxinista would think about his crimes of moral turpitude, but silver lining; most of the matches have been successful. She says she’s not so sure.

Britt says, how often does she ask Obrecht a favor? and Obrecht says, not often enough. The interior of Britt’s car is in constant disarray, as are her cuticles. Britt likes him? Britt says, God help her, she does.

Scotty says, Dominique was a good woman, and Cody says he’d like to learn more about her. Scotty says, that could be arranged, and Cody says he hears his sister makes the world a better place. Scotty says, Serena’s a crusader; she got it from both her mothers. Right now, she’s worried sick about Lucy. Cody asks if there’s anything he can do to help, and Obrecht says, the waters are still being scoured, but Scotty says, she’s a tough cookie. She’ll be fine. Cody says he’s dive certified also. Say the word, and he’ll join the search.

Trina tells Josslyn, Ava told her not to let Esme change her life, which is why she went on the trip with Rory, but she still can’t sleep at night. Trusting her judgement is just…. That girl put them through a lot. Josslyn says, tell her about it. Then she takes off without paying for any of it. But if they’re being honest, she doesn’t think she can blame Esme for everything that’s gone on between her and Cam. They kept things from each other and it did its damage. Trina says, like when Cam didn’t tell her about Spencer’s plan? and Josslyn says, and when she didn’t tell Cam that she rescued Dex. Trina says, what is done is done; it’s time to move on. Josslyn says she wants to move on, but doesn’t know how, and Trina says, maybe she should stop trying to get back to where she and Cam were, and be where they are now. Josslyn says, that’s excellent advice, and Trina tells her to stop putting so much pressure on herself. Trina doesn’t see Cam giving up on her. Josslyn says, Trina still hasn’t told her about the weekend, and Trina says, she’s heard about this convention forever, but it was her first time going, and it was surprisingly fun. She gives Josslyn a shopping bag, saying, and this is for Donna and Avery. Josslyn says, it was sweet of Trina to think of them, but she’s not actually asking about the convention. Trina says, she and Rory did get closer this weekend… physically, and Josslyn says, details.

Jordan says she appreciates Alexis bringing this to their attention. It’s valuable information. However, she can’t discuss the details of an ongoing investigation, especially with a journalist. Alexis says, even if said journalist is the one who brought them the information? and Jordan says, procedure is procedure, and Alexis says, just tell her if she believes the killer’s claim that the killings aren’t random. She was threatened. Doesn’t she have a right to know? Jordan says, it tracks with what they suspected, and Dante says, they believe she might have a possible hit list of people she feels wronged her. Alexis says, what if she just wants them to think that? but Jordan says, they’re looking at every possibility. They’re cross-checking victims on the hit list, seeing if there’s a connection to each other, and potentially the killer. Alexis says, what if she publishes the letter in the next edition of The Invader? and Jordan says, Alexis will do no such thing.

Elizabeth says, Reiko got mad, so mad. She flashes back to telling Reiko that she needs to calm down. She thinks she’s so special. She’s not the first, and Elizabeth doubts she’ll be the last. Reiko says, someday Elizabeth will learn how complicated love can be. Elizabeth asks if that’s Reiko’s idea of wisdom, and suggests they put it to the test. She’s going to tell her mom, then she’s telling Reiko’s husband. What’s his name again? Reiko says, Elizabeth can’t say anything, and Elizabeth says, Reiko can’t stop her. They struggle and Reiko falls. In the present, Elizabeth says she did it. It was her.

Jordan says, this is an ongoing investigation. What if publishing the contents of the letter undermines the lead? Alexis says, what if it causes this lunatic to slip up? and Jordan says, does Alexis mean, what if it causes them to make good on their threat to go after her, instead of the next intended target? Let her remind Alexis, they don’t know who the killer is yet. They don’t know her motives, or her next intended victim. Alexis says she understands the risk, but what if a reader… Dante says, what if reader gets killed, or tips the killer off somehow? Jordan says, Alexis has already shown concern about causing Oz Haggerty’s death, and Alexis says, hitting below the belt. Jordan says she needs Alexis to understand. Let’s make a deal. If Alexis sits on this, she’ll grant Alexis an exclusive down the line with information that’s not yet available to the public. Alexis has her word. They need to get the letter and envelope to the lab. Not a word to anyone. They leave, and Alexis makes a call. She says she needs them to get over here right now.

Trina tells Josslyn, instead of two beds, they had one bed and a cot. They were both on the bed, and started kissing and making out. Josslyn says, and? and Trina says, then they stopped. Josslyn asks, why? but Trina says, she doesn’t know. She thought she was ready. Then one minute, she was kissing Rory, and the next minute, she was thinking about Spencer. She doesn’t know what came over her. It was probably because Spencer’s Uncle Victor asked her to visit him; the power of suggestion, right? Josslyn says, please. Trina started thinking about Spencer because obviously, she still has feelings for him.

Drew says he couldn’t stay away from Carly if he tried. This is just about him protecting her from possible legal issues that could include fines and jail time. For now they can’t be in a public relationship. They have to lie low. She says she’d lie with him anywhere.

Sam tells Spinelli that she finds it incredibly suspicious Cody was present when Britt opened Peter’s safe deposit box. He says he knew it. She, too, thinks Cody’s interest in Britt is less amorous and more opportunistic. That’s why Cody blackmailed him into the match-up on Society Set-Ups. She says, it makes sense. Cody’s not happy Britt hired her to investigate the necklace. He asks if she thinks Dante could help, but she says she doesn’t know. She’s afraid it would lead to uncomfortable questions about Spinelli, and he says, heard, acknowledged, and appreciated. He so regrets his endeavors could cause her peril in her relationship. She asks how much he regrets it, and he says, oh no. She says, he started this, and he’s going to help her get the goods on Cody.

Scotty says he appreciates Cody’s offer, but he thinks the divers have it covered, and Obrecht says, about the necklace? Cody said he thought it was genuine. How does he know? Cody says, he read somewhere that real diamonds scratch glass, and she says, so will cubic zirconia, quartz, and moissanite. He says, so much for impressing them with his gem spotting acumen, and Obrecht says, perhaps she should look into this necklace of Peter’s. The sooner it’s sold, the better. Britt says she hired Sam to investigate, so for now, the necklace is staying put, and Obrecht says, appraising gems, wrangling horses, diving, catapulting out of planes. Is there anything Cody can’t do? Cody says, he can’t get Britt on a horse, and Britt says, he’s got her there.

Elizabeth says, it was her fault; she’s responsible for all of this. Jeff says, it was an accident, and she asks how he knows. How much did he see? He says he heard her and Reiko arguing, but by the time he made it over to the stairs, Reiko was lying at the bottom, and Elizabeth was standing over her. She says, he doesn’t know it was an accident, but he says he knows she’d never push Reiko deliberately. None of this would have happened if he hadn’t betrayed his marriage and his family. Elizabeth asks, what did happen after Reiko fell? and he says, she suffered from a concussion and had internal bleeding. She asks when Carolyn found out, and Carolyn says, almost as soon as it happened. Elizabeth was in a state, and her father was so worried, he came to her and confessed everything. Elizabeth was still a minor and they didn’t want to get tangled up in the legal system, so they put in for a transfer and relocated. Elizabeth asks if Reiko just went back to Finn, and Jeff says, Reiko needed a blood transfusion. That’s how she contracted the disease that killed her. Elizabeth says, Reiko died because of her, but Carolyn says, that’s an oversimplification. Like her father said, it was an accident. Elizabeth says, an accident that led to Reiko’s death; why else would she block it out? Carolyn says, Elizabeth didn’t at first. She had horrible nightmares, and was sleepwalking. Jeff says, one night, Sarah found her perched at the top of the stairs, and Carolyn says, they were worried she would harm herself. Jeff says he prescribed her sedatives to help her sleep, and Carolyn says, she began coaching sessions with Elizabeth to discourage the memory. Elizabeth says, Carolyn brainwashed her to forget? and Jeff says, they were at their wits end. Nothing was working. Elizabeth asks if that’s why they sent her away, and Carolyn says, they didn’t send her away because they didn’t love her. They were  afraid the whole thing would come screaming back. They did it all for her.

Trina tells Josslyn that she has a lot of feelings about Spencer, but Rory is mature, responsible, and available. Spencer is none of those things. Josslyn says, she and Cam visited Spencer, and all he did was talk about Trina. He wanted to know how she was doing and if she was happy. And he knows Trina knows he believed in her. He’s hurt she hasn’t reached out. Trina says, now she knows why he called, and Josslyn asks what he said. Trina says, she doesn’t know; her phone was on do not disturb, and she didn’t see it until the next morning. A call from New York State Correctional Facility. Josslyn says, despite everything, she still believes Spencer has a good heart. She still doesn’t know if he deserves Trina though. Hearts can change. She’s seen them lead people astray, and break up entire families. Maybe it’s best to be more clear-eyed, and listen to their heads instead. Trina says she heard Josslyn, and she’s right. She should put all her efforts into this good guy who’s in front of her, like Josslyn has.

Drew tells Sam, the puppet show’s almost over. He’s going to say goodnight to Scout. She thanks him for taking Scout to see Alexis earlier, and Carly says she’s having a Zoom meeting with Mia; she’s got to go. Drew says, he’ll walk her out, and they leave. Sam says, the team is breaking up, and Spinelli says, what team? She says, never mind. What are they going to do about Cody? He says, any help he can give is limited. He could casually pump Cody for information. She says, all he needs is one thing he already has; a very special, very intrusive algorithm.

Obrecht says, Cody’s been a nomad. Does he plan to stick around? Cody says, yes. He likes it here. He likes his job, Port Charles, the people. He has no plans on leaving anytime soon. Scotty says, until the DNA test comes back. Mac told him. Obrecht asks, what it this about a DNA test? and Scotty says, Cody could be Mac’s son. Cody says he used to like the freedom of pulling up stakes, but now he has a compelling reason to stay. Scotty says, he can’t ride two horses with one behind, and Cody says, he’s a stable hand and he doesn’t know what that means. Britt laughs, and Obrecht says, it means you can’t go in conflicting directions. You must make up your mind.

Josslyn says she went to Oscar’s Meadow, and Trina says, that’s right; it was his birthday. Joss… Josslyn says, don’t. It was good to think of him and know she’ll always remember him, but it’s like everyone told her, life goes on. The doorbell rings, and it’s Jordan. Josslyn asks if Jordan is here to see her mom, but Jordan says, she’s here to see Josslyn and Trina.

There’s a knock at Alexis’s office door, and she says, come in. She asks what took them so long, and Gregory says, what’s going on? She says, remember that open letter they put in the paper? She responded. He asks if Alexis is sure it’s her, and she says, positive. Jordan was here, and confiscated the letter. He says, she sent Alexis a letter? Through USPS? How quaint. What did it say? Alexis says, nothing quaint; she threatened me. He tells her, stop being glib, and Alexis says, she told me to mind my own business, and she’s going after the people who wronged her. He asks what else she said, and Alexis pulls a paper out, and says, see for himself. He says, he thought she said they confiscated the letter, but she says, not before she made a copy, and he reads it.

Carolyn says, sending Elizabeth away was the only way to protect her, and Elizabeth says, and dad’s reputation, but Jeff says, it’s not about that. As a mother, she knows there’s nothing a parent won’t do to shield their child from pain. Carolyn says, they made mistakes. She knows Elizabeth thinks they abandoned her, but that’s not true. Jeff says, as much as it hurt to lose their connection to Elizabeth, it was better than losing her forever. Elizabeth says, instead, they drugged her, programmed her, then kicked her out to protect their precious reputations. She says she hopes it was worth it, and runs out.

Spinelli tells Sam, yes he has a very special algorithm that could land him in a very special Federal penitentiary. Didn’t she just discourage him from using his masterpiece in his business venture? She says, yeah, and she still stands by that, but since he currently has the power to access private information, why not use it to find out the truth about Cody? He could potentially be part of Maxie’s family, Georgie’s by default. Shouldn’t they know what he’s up to? Spinelli says, I am at your service, fair Samantha. Discrediting that charlatan is a worthy cause. She says, it’s not about discrediting him. It’s about making sure he’s here for the right reasons. And for Dante’s sake, they should find out.

In the middle of a story, Cody says, the rodeo clown hops up on the fence where he’s sitting, and he ends up face-to-face in front of a bull. Scotty says, holy cow, and Britt coughs. Cody asks if she’s okay. Probably just went down the wrong way, right? She says, it’s been happening a lot these days, and Obrecht says she’s curious if there’s a relationship between bull riding and bull fighting. They’re not dissimilar, and bull fighting is the last remains of Roman gladiatorial combat. Britt continues to cough, and Obrecht keeps one eye on her. Cody says, so by extension, a bull rider is a gladiator.

Gregory says, first thought, he’s impressed, and Alexis says, high praise. He says, that’s his first thought. What does she plan to do? She says, what Jordan told her to do. She’s going to sit on the story, and wait until Jordan gives her the exclusive. He says, the priority of the police is catching the killer, not her story. What if Jordan doesn’t deliver on her quid pro quo? She says, then the deal is off. What’s his second thought? He says, that if she’s not careful, this could blow back big time.

Drew walks Carly to her door, and says he guesses this is goodnight. She says, not goodbye, and he says he’s not going anywhere. They look around, then kiss. Carly goes inside, and sees Jordan. She asks, what’s going on? and Jordan says, the PCPD has evidence that Brando wasn’t the intended target of the attack that killed him; Josslyn was. Josslyn says, the attacker was going after her? Brando was collateral damage? Carly wonders why this psycho would be going after Josslyn, and Trina says, if Joss was the intended target… Josslyn says, then everyone attacked so far… and Jordan says, has a connection to Trina.

Tomorrow, Brook asks, what if Chase doesn’t retire; Sasha tells Gladys, what she and Maxie are doing is for the best; someone has news for Victor; and Josslyn asks Jordan what the new evidence is.

🛀🏽 Halloween Soap…

Soap stars, they’re just like us.

🧙🏽‍♀️ We’ve Got Costumes…

🗽 Local to me.

I have been there and done this many times, but there’s still nothing like it. My advice if you go, go to the arch in Washington Square Park where the parade ends, and watch them come in. If you walk with it, it’s boring AF, since you don’t see the rest of it, and being in the crowd can be a little scary, but not in a good way. Being a short person, I was once wedged in, and thought, if anything happens, this might not end well, and squiggled myself out of there.

https://patch.com/new-york/west-village/village-halloween-parade-2022-check-out-photos-spooky-affair

🎣 The Queen of Halloween.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/celebrities/2022/11/01/heidi-klum-halloween-2022-costumes-photos/10659150002/

🏊 Across the pond. You might not know some of them – I didn’t – but who cares?

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-of-2022-photos-janelle-monae-lizzo_uk_635f8ac3e4b01c1b94e81955

This is interactive and kind of fun.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11372959/Celebs-pull-opt-kooky-Halloween-costumes-guess-correctly.html

🕵🏾‍♂️ The (un)usual suspects.

https://www.insider.com/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-photos-2022-10

🐕‍🦺 You didn’t think I’d forget, did you?

https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/20221101155756/spooky-celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes/

This might be debatable.

🎃 Origins…

In case you didn’t know.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

👭🏻 Come Play With Me…

Enter if you dare tomorrow for soap and throwing shade at the terrifying House of horrors, otherwise known as vacationing grown-up drunk toddlers. Until then, stay safe, stay making your own kind of music, and stay not pressuring yourself to get back to where you were, and be where you are now.

November 1, 2021 – Obrecht Makes an Escape, Boat Daddy On Deck, Crazy Guests, Being His Own Meme & Ghosts

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny sits at the MetroCourt bar, and Carly tells him, she still can’t believe Nina was arrested yesterday, and was in her restaurant today. Then she had what seemed like a million hotel distractions to deal with, but now he gets her undivided attention. He says, there’s a call he thinks she should know about, and she asks, from who? He says, Cyrus Renault. He wants Sonny to visit him in prison. Sam and Dante walk in, and Sam hugs Sonny, saying, she can’t believe he’s alive. He says it’s good to see her, and she says it’s great to see him. Sonny asks if they just got back, and Dante says, they got back last night. Carly asks if they were traveling together, and Sam says, yep. Everyone smiles.

Spinelli is sitting in a surveillance van, and Shawn joins him, thanking Spinelli for doing this. Spinelli says, Shawn’s assistance with Jason’s escape was greatly appreciated, so he’s happy to return the favor. Any success in sowing seeds of doubt in young Spencer’s mind? Shawn says he’s not sure. Spencer was non-committal, and if anything, he was defensive about his father. Spinelli says he tracked Nikolas to the pier, and he’s usual a directional mic that should pick up any conversation there. Shawn just hopes Spencer talks to his dad, and asks the right questions, and Spinelli says, eureka. Spencer’s with his father now. Shawn puts on a headset.

Nikolas asks why Spencer wants to talk about Hayden; she left Port Charles almost two years ago. Spencer says, and years before that, she was his stepmother. She was clueless about how to handle children, and that endeared her to him a great deal. There was a food fight, and Hayden got caught in the crossfire. Nikolas wonders why Spencer is bringing that up; it’s ancient history. Spencer says, the point is, he liked Hayden a helluva lot more than he likes Ava, and to this day, after all these years, he has no idea why anyone would want Hayden dead.

Valentin says, if Gladys wanted his attention, she’s certainly gotten it. Would she mind getting this bear out of his face? Gladys says she thought it would make him smile, but have it his way, and tosses the bear aside. He says she told him that she had knowledge of something, and she says she certainly does. He asks if this knowledge concerns him, and she says, only in the most important way.

Brook asks if Austin just said Gladys was going to visit Valentin, and he says he did. Is it a problem for her? Maxie asks if Brook is okay, and Brook says, no, and runs off. Austin wonders what that was all about.

Obrecht lies on a floor, and someone pushes her with their foot. She says, no, no, and Peter bends down, asking if she’s feeling better. She says she’ll feel better when he’s dead.

Jason and Britt come out of the water, wearing scuba gear. Britt says, he told her it was a short swim; that was anything but short. He says, it had to be done, and she says, so this is it? He says, it’s Cassadine Island.

Spinelli says, Shawn can hear both Nikolas and Spencer, right? and Shawn says, loud and clear. Spinelli says he’s also recording everything, and Shawn says, good. Let’s hope Nikolas admits to the crime. Come on, Spencer. Question Nikolas like Shawn told him.

Nikolas tells Spencer, as a reminder, Hayden made her fair share of enemies. Shooting her was terrible, but fortunately, she made a full recovery. Spencer says, so Nikolas is telling him, he’s glad Hayden didn’t die, and Nikolas says, of course (🍷). Even though their marriage fell apart, he’s still relieved Hayden wasn’t killed. Spencer asks if that’s all he has to say, and Nikolas says, that’s the story. Spencer says, that’s the story, but it isn’t the truth, is it, father?

Maxie tells Austin that she has no idea what’s upsetting Brook. She does know Gladys has been problematic at work lately, and he says he heard them talking about that. She says she’s never met anyone more entitled and less deserving than Gladys, and he says, right. What’s her connection to Valentin? Maxie says she doesn’t know. She didn’t even know Gladys knew Valentin.

Valentin says it’s more than kind of Gladys to stop by, but he’s due in surgery shortly. If she has something to say to him, then clarity is a virtue. She laughs, and says, virtue. What a perfect choice of words. He really hit the nail on the head. He says he’s sorry, but he’s not following her, and she says she’s talking about his girlfriend, and her lack of virtue. He says, his girlfriend? and Brook runs in. She says, Valentin is scheduled for surgery, and Gladys says he told her, and she’s not about to leave when she’s just getting to the good stuff. Brook tells Valentin that he’ll have to excuse Gladys. She was just at the MetroCourt, knocking back Manhattans like they were water. She’s obviously drunk, and clearly has a crush on him. Gladys says, she’s not drunk, and Brook says, that’s exactly what a drunk person would say. She grabs Gladys’s arm, and pulls her up, steering her out the door, Gladys asking, what gives Brook the right…? Valentin shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

Jason tells Britt to remember it’s a private island and there are guards all over. Britt sheds her gear, and says it has to be the most uncomfortable thing she’s ever worn. Who invented these things? She’s sure it had to be a man. He hands her a bag, saying, her dry clothes are in here. Get changed. She asks if he’s not going to turn around, but he says, it’s pretty dark. She gives him a look, which he can obviously see, and he turns around while she changes.

Peter asks what’s the last thing Obrecht remembers, and she says, being dragged from Drew’s prison cell and thrown into her own. Someone came in with a syringe. He says he was told she fought like a cornered bobcat, and she says she’s glad he finds this all so entertaining. After she was injected with whatever was in the syringe, the world went blank, but she remembers quite clearly that Peter activated Drew’s conditioning. How like him to exploit his father’s genius. He says he thought she despised his father, and she says she’s confident Cesar is burning in hell where he belongs, but she can’t deny his brilliance. Peter took advantage of his work. Where is Drew Cain? What has Peter done with him?

Sam tells Sonny, unfortunately, they never caught up to Peter, and Dante says, but the WSB is on it. Anna told them that Drew was in fact alive, and being held in a compound… Sonny says, Drew’s alive? and Carly says Sam must be thrilled. Sam says, there’s more to the story, and Dante says, Peter arranged for Drew to be abducted. That whole plane crash over the Gulf of Adan never happened; the whole thing was staged. Sonny asks, where’s Drew now? and Sam says, that’s the hard part. They have no idea. Dante says, Peter shot Drew, and Drew fell into the ocean and has not resurfaced. They’re looking for him, but haven’t found him yet. Sam says, but Drew has SEAL training, and he’s survived a lot, although there’s no proof he’s alive. Dante says, there’s no proof he’s not dead either, and Sonny says, Jason and Britt are in Greece look for Britt’s mother. Sam says they know that, and caught up to them, and filled them in. Dante says, they’re looking for Obrecht, but when Drew turns up, they can help him too.

Britt says, next time Jason says a swim is very doable, she’ll know what he means. What’s doable for him, is not doable to the average person. He says, it was the only way they could get there undetected. They had no choice but to leave their speedboat as far away as possible. She asks how they’re getting back to the boat, and he says he has it covered. She says, don’t get her wrong. She would swim the English Channel if it meant getting to her mother… He holds up his hand, and she says, what? He pulls her into the bushes, and someone comes by with a flashlight, and a man says, this way, in Greek. Two sets of feet go by, presumably guards, and the second man asks the first one if he’s sure he heard something. Jason and Britt stay hidden.

Sonny says Sam and Dante took longer than he expected, and Dante says, one thing kind of led to another. They started in Monte Carlo, and ended up in Crete. Sam says, they hated giving up the search after having come so far and getting so close, but she had to get back to Scout and Danny, especially since the WSB are looking for Drew. If they come up with any information, especially if Drew is alive, she needs to be there to tell Scout her father’s coming home. Dante says he had to come back for Rocco too, and Sonny says he took the liberty of visiting his grandson, and he misses his dad very much. Dante says, that’s good. They spent the whole day together. Sam says she did the same with her kids. She’s glad they made the decision to come back to Port Charles. Dante says they can debrief over dinner, and she says, if that’s what he wants to call it. Sonny asks if he can have a minute with his son, and Sam says, of course (🍷). Carly says she’ll show Sam to their table, and Sam leaves with her. Dante says he feels terrible. He hasn’t seen Sonny much since he came back from Nixon Falls. Sonny says, now that Cyrus is in prison, Dante is free to focus on other investigations, and Dante says, it’s definitely a lot quieter here. Port Charles is about a thousand times better without Renault in it.

On Cassadine Island, the man says, he’s good; let’s go back. The two guards leave, and Jason tells Britt, they need to find a better hiding place. She says, where? It’s not like they can check into a hotel. He tells her, follow him, and they come out.

Peter says there’s no need for Obrecht to trouble herself, worrying about where Drew is. She has plenty of problems of her own to worry about. She asks where they are, and he says, Cassadine Island. She says, but he’s not a Cassadine. Where’s Victor? He says he and Victor had a parting of the ways. He has no idea where Victor is, or what happened to him. The only thing Obrecht needs to know, is that Victor is no longer available to protect her. If it’s any consolation, he’s sure wherever Victor ended up, he’s still pining for his dear Liesl. She says she doesn’t understand. Why did he take the trouble to have her drugged and transported there, when he could have just killed her and been done with it? He says, because of Maxie.

Maxie says, when Austin told her that his fight with Brook wasn’t over, what did that mean? He says he thinks it’s pretty self-explanatory. Can he ask her a question? She made a point of telling him that chasing the shares of ELQ at the cost of his medical career, would be a real shame. She says, more than a shame; it would have been a tragedy. He asks if it’s genuine concern, or is she just helping Brook with her manipulation to get him to give up his claim?

Brook pulls Gladys away from Valentin’s room, and asks what she was doing in there. Gladys says she was there to tell that poor man that Brook is a lying schemer, who’s passing off some other man’s baby as his. Brook asks why the hell she would do that? and Gladys says, Valentin is having surgery. He should know the truth before he dies. Brook says, no one is dying; dial back the drama. Gladys says she’s not the one trying to pass someone else’s kid off as Valentin’s. That trollop would be her. Brook says, yes, but has Gladys really thought this plan of hers through? If she tells Valentin the truth, then her blackmail is over. Her meal ticket goes away, and frankly, so does her job. If Gladys doesn’t keep her secret, Gladys has no leverage on her. Gladys asks what that matters if Maxie and Sasha are going to question every move she makes? They made her go back to work after she told Brook that she was taking a mental health day today, so this is really on Brook. Get her friends on board, or Gladys is telling Valentin everything.

Nikolas asks where all these questions are coming from, and Spencer says, Shawn Butler was wrongly convicted for the attempted murder of his stepmother. Mr. Butler did six years hard time in prison. Now that Spencer’s been in jail a night, he knows how awful it is. So if Nikolas knew Shawn was innocent this entire time, and didn’t tell anyone, just tell him. Nikolas comes up to Spencer, feeling his shirt, and Spencer backs up, asking what he’s doing. Nikolas tries feeling Spencer’s pants, but Spencer dodges him, and Nikolas asks if he’s wearing a wire. Spencer says, no, and Nikolas asks if that isn’t why Spencer is questioning him. So he can record Nikolas saying something incriminating about Hayden’s shooting. Spencer shouts that Nikolas has it all wrong. He’s there confronting Nikolas, so Nikolas can tell him that he didn’t try to have Hayden killed.

Dante says, the good thing about Sonny not being there is, he completely missed out on Renault’s final reign of terror. He’s sure Sonny heard about it, but there was a shootout at General Hospital, a stand-off. He took hostages, the whole bit. Sonny says, Jason told him all about it. Has Dante heard any rumblings about Renault’s people trying to regroup? Dante says, no. In fact, he checked in with PCPD this morning, and Chase said everything was pretty quiet. It could be the quiet before the storm, but he hopes not. Sonny says, him too, and Dante says, what’s up? Does Sonny know something about Renault?

Carly says she can’t imagine Sam’s disappointment and frustration. Coming so close to finding Drew, only to have him disappear again. Sam says she keeps reminding herself that Drew has survived a lot, and maybe he can survive this too. Carly says, Drew is like Jason. He’s incredibly resilient. You can’t count them out.

Jason and Britt enter a building, and Britt asks how he found this place, and he says, Spinelli used satellite images to scout the island. He said there was no traffic in and out of this building. She says, it’s not exactly a hub of high-tech activity, and that motorboat has to be twenty years old. He says, it could help them get back to their boat, and she says, he means if her mother is drugged or injured, or she can’t make the swim? He says, they’re not going to have a lot of time to get her off the island; they have to move fast. She asks how they know the boat works, and he says he’ll check on it. There’s a gas can and some tools… She says, they’re so close. They have to find her. With Nathan gone, she can’t live in a world where, besides her nephew James, Peter is her only living relative. He says, Peter drugged her mom, and took her with him, when it would have been far easier just to get rid of her. He thinks Peter still needs her.

Obrecht says, Peter is keeping her alive because of Maxie? and he says, trust him. He would love to kill her, preferably a long, slow death. Something similar perhaps to what she tried to do to him in that cabin, when she kept him in that bed, torturing him for months. Remember? And when she dragged him to that stable and nearly burned him alive. He remembers that. Tell him, what did she plan to do to him in St. Lucia? Perhaps some more torture; maybe waterboarding this time? She says, as much as she would have enjoyed that, her plan was to make it short and sweet. He says he’s offended. No pretense even of remorse now? She says she loathes him. When she made a mistake trusting him, he turned around and framed her for his own crimes. Now he wants her to help him with Maxie? He says he has a plan to win Maxie back, but can’t do it alone. That’s where she comes into play. She picked up a lot of expertise in her years with his father. In fact, she, almost more than anyone, knows as much about mental conditioning as he ever did. She says he wants her to condition Maxie to forgive him and take him back? Impossible. He says, come on. This is an opportunity to spare her life, perhaps save it altogether. It will require compliance on her part. Her back to him, she looks at what’s on the table.

Jason says, that should do it, and Britt asks if they should test it. He says, that’d be noisy, and she says, valid point. They hear someone talking, and she says, the guards are back. He listens at the door, and says, they’re not headed this way. Spinelli tracked their patrols. They go from east to west, then north to south. If they’re passing by, that means they’re not going to be back for a while, so that means it’s safe for him to go right now. She says, what about her? and he says she has to wait there, and picks up the boat motor.

Maxie says she’s not trying to influence Austin into backing off ELQ, and he says, okay. She says she’s seen him around the hospital several times, and he thinks it’s where he’s at his best. Not like when he’s with the Quartermaines; he’s not at his best there. If his lawsuit had been successful, he would have been stuck with this squabbling family business, and not there helping people. So she was happy when he chose his medical career over ELQ. That’s not because she wanted a win for the Quartermaines; it’s because she thinks he’s a good and caring doctor. Plus, he was with her when her baby was born. He says, he was. Lucky him; she was so impressive. They sit, and he says he means that. There she was in the woods, giving birth to her baby, and she’s not panicking. She doesn’t seem frightened at all. She’s just concerned for the well-being of a child. All she cared about was her baby. He admires her. She tells him not to admire her too much. One of the reasons she was happy he dropped his lawsuit was, she couldn’t stand to listen to Brook complain about him every time she saw her. She hated being stuck in the middle, and likes him too much to hear Brook badmouth him.

Brook tells Gladys that Maxie and Sasha aren’t just her friends; they’re her bosses. They happen to be very smart and savvy businesswomen. There’s no way they’re going to believe she gave Gladys a corporate card for personal shopping and massages. Gladys says, then Brook should have done the right thing last night, when she played Brook the recording on her phone. Brook says she should have grabbed Gladys’s phone and destroyed it, and Gladys asks if Brook thinks she was born yesterday. She made copies of the recording and stashed them in multiple locations. Brook says, Gladys is an experienced blackmailer; what a shock. Gladys says, the right thing to do, since Brook is a Quartermaine heiress, would be to pay Gladys with her own money, and Sasha and Maxie won’t be any wiser. Then she wouldn’t have to break the heart of that elegant, injured man in that room. Valentin is so sophisticated, he even looks good in that hospital gown. Brook tells Gladys to take her credit card. She’ll call account management and let them know Gladys is authorized to use it. Will that buy her silence? Gladys says, for now, and flounces away with the card.

Nikolas tells Spencer, Hayden was shot years ago. She’s alive and well. None of this is relevant anymore. Spencer says, and Nikolas gets to decide that? We see Shawn and Spinelli listening, and Spencer continues. He says he knew stalking Ava was wrong, but Nikolas and Ava have committed their own share of crimes against their own share of people, and neither of them can admit to their wrongdoings. Even now. Nikolas is doing everything possible to avoid telling him the truth about Hayden. The hypocrisy is breathtaking. His crime versus Nikolas trying to have Hayden killed; which is worse? So be honest with him. Did he do it? Did he arrange to murder Spencer’s stepmother? Nikolas tells Spencer, like he said, Hayden isn’t dead. It doesn’t matter. Let. It. Go. Spencer says, oh my God. It’s true. He asks if Nikolas knows what this means. It destroys everything he ever believed about Nikolas. He’ll admit, at first he was furious when Nikolas left him. He tried to find justice for Nikolas’s so-called death when he was alive and well. He could blame all that on Valentin. He could say he was reacting to what Valentin did to Nikolas, but all of this happened way before Nikolas had even seen Valentin. It’s attempted murder, and even worse, Nikolas let Shawn take the fall for his crime. Nikolas says, there’s no proof that he had any part… and Spencer says he doesn’t need proof. He can see it in Nikolas’s eyes. What he does need is a reason. Why? Why did he do it? Spencer really liked Hayden. Why did Nikolas want Hayden dead? Please help him understand.

Shawn says, Cassadine isn’t admitting anything, and Spinelli says, he’s certainly not denying it. Shawn says, it’s not enough. He needs Nikolas to say it, not talk around it. Spinelli tells him, Nikolas said enough important words. He could put together a confession if that’s what Shawn wants. Shawn asks if he can guarantee the cops won’t detect it if he edited it together, but Spinelli says, there are no guarantees. Shawn says, it’s not going to work then. There’s got to be another way to find justice for Hayden. Spinelli says, and for Shawn, he might add.

Brook tells Valentin, she’s so sorry about Gladys, and he says, she was definitely hinting that she had information about something. Brook asks what Gladys said exactly, and he says, something about virtue and his girlfriend. She tells him, like she said, Gladys was definitely drunk, and she was trying to win points with Valentin because he has a vested interest in Deception. He asks how it’s going, working with Gladys as her assistant, and Brook says, honestly? She’s a total nightmare. He says, get rid of her, and she says she can’t. She’s working with Gladys as a favor to Sasha. She’s driving Sasha and Brando crazy. Actually, she feels a little sorry for Gladys. He says, being a mother has changed her. She’s more patient and generous. She’s going to be a wonderful role model for their daughter.

Austin tells Maxie, it was a kind thing she said. He appreciates it. She says, he’s a good guy, and he says, thanks. She gets up, and says she’s going to see what got Brook so worked up. He says he’s glad it’s not him, and she says, not this time.

Jason tells Britt that he has to go; the boat’s ready. She says, that’s super nifty, but she’s more interested in why he’s taking off and she’s staying there. Why can’t they both go? He says, because two of them approaching the house, doubles their chance of getting spotted.

Obrecht asks what Peter wants her to do to her former daughter-in-law? He knows she would never hurt Maxie. She wouldn’t do that to Nathan’s memory. He says, the last thing he wants is to hurt Maxie. She doesn’t trust him anymore. In fact, she doesn’t want to be anywhere near him, but she would welcome Obrecht. What he wants Obrecht to do is convince Maxie to take him back. Because deep down, he knows they still love each other. They need each other. They need to be together to search for their little Louise. She turns away, and walks toward the table, saying, even if she were to help him, Maxie knows how she feels about him. If she suddenly sings his praises, Maxie is bound be suspicious. She grabs a measuring cup, that has clear liquid in it, throws it at him, and runs. He writhes in pain, grabbing his arm. I assume the liquid was acid.  

Jason says, walkie-talkie, and hands it to Britt, saying, he’ll radio when he can. Just keep the lights out, okay. He hands her a gun, but she doesn’t take it. He says, in case she needs it. She still doesn’t take it, so he puts it on the table. She says, thanks, I guess, and he says, it’ll be okay. She says, he’d better be right about that, and he starts to leave. She tells him, be careful, and he says, her too. He leaves, and she shines the flashlight on the gun.

Spencer says, if Nikolas would just explain why he targeted Hayden, maybe he could forgive him. Was she having an affair? Nikolas asks, who told Spencer about this? They’re using Spencer to hurt him. He realizes that, doesn’t he? They’re trying to drive an even bigger wedge between them, getting back at him. Was it Alexis? He knows Spencer trusts her. Did she leverage that trust? Spencer says, it wasn’t Aunt Alexis, and Nikolas says, was it Sam? Molly? Who in the family turned Spencer against him? Spencer says, it wasn’t Sam or Molly, and Nikolas says, then who? Shawn walks in, and says, it was him. 

Sonny tells Dante, he’s always on guard with enemies like Cyrus, and Dante says, okay. Sonny says, so Dante and Sam, are they dating? and Dante laughs. He says, that was a good change of subject. They’re just decompressing after the search for Drew. Sonny says, whatever Dante wants to call it. As long as she puts a smile on Dante’s face, that’s all he needs to know.

Carly sits at the table with Sam, and says, she and Dante have had their differences, but he’s a really great guy, and a talented investigator. She’s glad he had Sam’s back when she was looking for Drew. Sam says she likes Dante, and Carly is right. He is a very talented investigator. She’s glad he was there to help her. Dante approaches the table, and Carly gets up, giving him her seat. She says she’s going to have the waitress bring over their best bottle of champagne, and Dante says, they don’t need champagne, but Sam says, it sounds good. Carly says, she’s just really glad they made it home safely, and she really does wish them the best. Because she has them married already in her head. She leaves, and Sam says, she thinks Carly just gave them her approval. He says, he thinks his father just did the same, and she says, not that they needed it. He says, they don’t, but it makes life easier.

Carly joins Sonny at the bar, all excited. She says, the detective and the former con artist, and he says, stranger things have happened. She says, she knows. Like him coming back to her.

Gladys breezes through the hospital, carrying several shopping bags, and Austin says, retail therapy at the gift shop? She says, they do have beautiful things. They are pricey, but she just got a bonus at work. He says, that’s awesome. So did Valentin appreciate his oversized stuffed bear? She says, she’s not sure. She might have misjudged his taste. He says, even though they’re family? and she says, right. He asks how well she knows Valentin.

Maxie finds Brook near Valentin’s room, and says she’s been looking for her. Why was she so freaked out about Gladys? Brook drags her away from the room, and says she’s been trying to tell Maxie about this all day. She was trying to tell Maxie when Austin interrupted them with the wonderful news that Gladys was visiting Valentin. Thank God she got there in time. Maxie says, why? and Brook asks if she remembers when they were at the PC Grill, talking about Valentin. Gladys was recording the entire conversation so she could take notes on the meeting. Maxie says, oh my God. She knows about Bailey. She knows Peter is Bailey’s father. Brook says, no. All Gladys heard was that Brook dreads the day Valentin finds out Bailey’s not his daughter, but Maxie says, that’s enough to blow this whole thing wide open. If Glady’s opens her big mouth to the wrong person, that’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to the truth about Bailey, and she won’t be safe from Peter anymore. What are they going to do?

Peter drags himself up, and gets on the radio. He says, Obrecht’s escaped. She can’t have gone far. Find her. Find her now. He grips his arm in pain, and makes sounds.  

Britt hears someone say, Peter’s furious, in Greek. She hears noise outside the door, and aims the gun at it.

Brook says she hasn’t decided what to do about Gladys, but she can count on Maxie, right? Maxie says, of course (🍷). She can’t have Gladys blowing this up until she knows Louise is safe from Peter. Brook says, they have no choice. They have to do this, and soon. Maxie says, whatever Brook is thinking, she’s in. They have to stop her. Brook says, stop her dead in her tracks.

Gladys says, honestly, she doesn’t know Valentin all that well, and Austin says, even though they’re family. She says, distant family, but she always felt a special bond; a connection. He asks, why is that? and she tells him, let’s just say she likes the guy, and doesn’t want to see him get hurt. She walks away, and Austin puzzles over this.

Nikolas says, Spencer barely knows this man, and allowed himself to be manipulated by him. Why? Is Spencer really so angry at him that he wanted Nikolas to incriminate himself? Spencer says he didn’t confront Nikolas to get a confession. He came there to prove Shawn wrong; to hear his father say he didn’t try to have Hayden murdered. But he never did. He walks past Nikolas, and tells Shawn, he’s all yours. He leaves, and Shawn and Nikolas face each other.

Carly says, they sure are cute together, and Sonny says, they are. She asks if he’s still thinking about Renault, and he says, something Dante said helped him make up his mind, and he’s got to do this before it’s too late. He’s going to visit Cyrus in prison.

It’s quiet, and Britt lowers the gun. She picks up a flashlight, and goes toward the door. She pushes it open, and shines the light up a woman’s body, who’s lying on the floor. She sees it’s Obrecht, tied up. Obrecht smiles, and says, daughter.  

Peter bandages his arm, and says they’d better have a location on that woman. Hello? Did they hear him? He turns to see Jason, who’s aiming a gun at his head.

Tomorrow, Esme tells Cameron that it’s a great idea, Trina asks if Spencer is telling her another lie, Shawn says he still has an outstanding debt, and Peter tells Jason, kill him, and Jason’s not going to get it.

Below Deck

Whitehouse Bay, St. Kitts. The guests wonder if they shouldn’t be on the beach already. Captain Sean has Eddie toting and fetching, and Eddie says, this is such a sh*t show. The captain tells Eddie to grab a bag of seashells, and take the price tags off of them. In Eddie’s interview, he says, the captain is kicking his ass. This day isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. F*** his life. Heather radios Fraser to meet her in the sky lounge, and one of the guests thinks that something must be going wrong, since they’re not on the beach. In Fraser’s interview, he grumbles that he has to make sure the cabins are perfect, but also make cocktails and keep the guests entertained. Get your sh*t together. A guest wonders, where is the fun? and on the beach, Captain Sean gives Eddie non-stop orders, but works just as hard himself. In the captain’s interview, she says he’s not a micromanager; he’s hands-on. There’s been nothing on board a boat that he’s not willing to do himself. Heather tells the guests that the tender is ready, and when they get to the beach, they proclaim it beautiful and say the captain and Eddie did great. It’s less a picnic scenario than something you’d see in a rich person’s pool cabana. In his interview, Eddie admits Captain Sean sets up a helluva beach picnic. The captain is great in a sense, but is going to kill them. Eddie goes back with the captain to the boat for the food, leaving Fraser to tend to the guests. Back on the boat, Jake, Wes, and Rayna clean the deck, and Wes and Rayna kind of flirt. In Rayna’s interview, she’s skeptical about crew romances. She got involved with a chef once, and when they broke up, people felt like they had to pick sides. She says she’ll flirt with Jake, but that’s all.  

Sean gives a guest one of the shells, saying he found it. Well, now she knows it’s store bought. In Rachel’s interview, she says, when she watched the show last season, she was shocked at Eddie’s behavior behind her back. We flashed back to Eddie trash talking Rachel to Captain Lee, and Rachel says, she was hurt. Where she comes from, they call that spineless. Rayna asks if Wes thinks he’s met his wife already, and in Wes’s interview, he says his last relationship lasted eight months. She moved to Australia, and is still living there. He heard it has a great surf, so he understands. Rachel tells Jessica that she’s from Florida, and Jessica says she drove an Uber in Florida until the cops showed up at her door. She’d picked up a guy who’d committed a hit and run, and her grandparents said, what did you do? She tells Rachel that she’s originally from Long Island, and Rachel does a spot on impression of a Long Islander. Eddie asks what the guests want to do, but they’re tired, so they go back to the boat. Captain Lee calls Captain Sean, who asks how he’s doing. Captain Lee says, better now, and asks about the crew. Captain Sean says he has no complaints, and Captain Lee asks how Eddie is doing. Captain Sean says Eddie is very helpful and has a great attitude. In Captain Sean’s interview, he says he’s never had to leave a boat halfway through a charter. He set the bar high, and hopes the crew continues to raise it higher.

Captain Sean radios for all crew to come to the pilot house. He thanks them for coming, even though he knows they have to come when he calls. He says he’ll cut to the chase, and tells them that Captain Lee will be joining them this evening, and he’s going to be leaving. In Rachel’s interview, she says, it’s a bummer to see someone leaving, but don’t let the door hit him on the way out. Her Captain Lee is coming back. Captain Sean shakes hands with everyone, and the guests head for the hot tub. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says he’d rather sandpaper a tiger’s ass in  phone booth, than miss a charter. He might be late, but he’d back. In Eddie’s interview, he says his boat daddy is back. Captain Lee arrives, and hopes the crew hasn’t abused Captain Sean too much. Captain Sean says, overall, the crew was good. Captain Lee asks, how willing are they to learn? and Captain Sean says, extremely. Captain Lee tells Captain Sean, there’s a boat waiting, if he’d like to say his goodbyes. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says he’s glad Captain Sean helped out, but now get off his boat. Captain Sean tells the guests that he won’t be able to have dinner with them, but Captain Lee is back; he just got on board. One of the guests says Captain Sean is fun, and he says he knows he’s fun, but he’d leaving them in good hands. Captain Lee tells everyone that Captain Sean is departing the vessel, and thanks him. In Eddie’s interview, he says, maybe he and Captain Sean will do the Northwest Passage together sometime, but probably not.  

In Rachel’s interview, she says, she went overboard, no pun intended. She’s making a tasting menu, Japanese style. She likes to push herself as far as she can go, shatter, then put herself back together with Gorilla Glue, but not in her hair, and push herself more to make her stronger. In Heather’s interview, she says it’s important she been seen as a successful head of a department. She wants to impress the captain. She needs to calm down, take a deep breath, and remember that she’s got this. Rachel brings Captain Lee something to eat, and gives him a hug. Heather joins them, and says it’s a pleasure to meet him. In the captain’s interview, he says, it’s extremely hard to find a good chief stew. He has high hopes for Heather, but time will tell. I’ll bet he misses Kate. I know I do.

In Jake’s interview, he says on the first date, he kisses. On the second date, he leaves before anything happens, and on the third it’s whatever he wants. Ugh. He seems cool, and I realize he’s young, but he also seems like a user. Rachel asks Captain Lee if he wants to join the guests for dinner; it’s black tie. He’s wearing a different style of uniform, and says, he decided change things up. In Rachel’s interview, she says she loves Captain Lee’s new look. It’s so Captain Red October. They show pictures side-by-side of Captain Lee and Sean Connery from The Hunt for Red October, and Rachel is so right, even the producer laughs. The guests get ready for dinner, and Eddie tells Captain Lee, it’s like they never left. The captain says, Eddie is now working as a first officer, so Eddie is directly under him. Eddie says, with great power comes great responsibility. In Eddie’s interview, he says, Captain Lee has expectations for him that he’s worried he’ll never reach. Eddie tells the captain that he thinks Jake is good deckhand, and the captain says he and Eddie need to have one of those serious conversations. He brings out some papers, and tells Eddie it’s his fiduciary responsibility to show him this. He points out a list of issues he had; he wrote everything out while he was in the hospital. Eddie asks if it was a heart attack, but the captain says, it was AFib. He tells Eddie, they fixed it; it’s amazing what they can do now. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says it’s a condition he was born with, and explains that AFib is when your heart randomly goes in a different rhythm. At the hospital, they burned off the trouble spots, but it took a lot out of him. He tells Eddie that he doesn’t want to be treated any differently, and Eddie says he’s going to run the captain harder. Captain Lee says he’ll run Eddie’s ass ragged if he doesn’t.  

The guests get ready for dinner, and Captain Lee puts on his tux. He says, it must be like putting on a bra, and joins the guests for dinner. He introduces himself and says it’s an honor. In Rachel’s interview, she says the stakes are higher when you’re cooking for the captain. She doesn’t want to disappoint him, especially after her previous actions. We flash back to the eat my cooter episode, and Rachel says she should have just taken a valium and STFU. Dinner is going to be her take on street food in Japan. Jessica says she’s never met people who use more towels then these guests. Mmm… The second course is goyza. The captain tells the guests that he was thrilled to get back, and his wife was damn glad to get rid of him. In his interview, the captain says, knowing the yacht was leaving and he wasn’t on it, didn’t make him happy. A boat without a captain is like a boat without a rudder. It’s where he thrives. Jessica tells Wes that she’s 35, and still in a third stew position. In Jessica’s interview, she says her ex-boyfriend lived on a houseboat, and there was a yacht in the marina looking for a stew. It’s so easy to romanticize the industry, but it’s like any other job, and has positives and negatives. The guests wonder how Rachel was capable of doing the whole menu by herself. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, Rachel f***ed up last season, but everyone deserves a second shot. Rachel is the best chef he’s worked with. It’s been a long time since someone told him to have intercourse with himself, and didn’t regret it. I have the feeling the last time was never. He tells Rachel how great everything was.

Final day. Primary Nikki tells Heather that she didn’t get towels. In Heather’s interview, she says she feels like she just got the wind knocked out of her. She put Fraser in charge. Why is a guest coming to her, saying the housekeeping is not up to par? She asks Jessica where the towels are, and Jessica says they were put away in the guest cabinet. Heather gives Nikki towels, saying, it’s unacceptable; her apologies.   

Rayna is looking around for a dustpan, but Heather says she doesn’t have time to help look. Rayna calls her an effing idiot under her breath, and in Rayna’s interview, she says, when she was young, she was quick witted and always popping off. With age, she realized you can’t do that. Fraser serves morning coffee to the guests, who tell them they had a blast. Captain Lee discusses the docking with Eddie, and in Eddie’s interview, he says, it’s the first time docking the boat this season, and he’s sure Captain Lee is nervous too. It’s a new dock, with a new crew handing the lines, and the weather is not ideal. It’s nerve wracking. In Rachel’s interview, she says, working with Heather is great. She’s had hardly any problems with communication compared to last season. We flash back to the mahi mahi debacle, and Rachel says, f*** Francesca. I tend to agree. I didn’t like Francesca. Anchor is home, and they set off for the dock. In Jake’s interview, he says he works hard because it’s in his blood. His dad began working at 14, and Jake looked up to him. They get to Christophe Harbor in St. Kitts, and the guests pack, Nikki wondering why it fit when she packed it the first time. I know the feeling; the struggle is real. Captain Lee says he wants radio silence for docking, and in his interview, says he’s as nervous as a cat with a long tail in a room full of rocking chairs.

Captain Lee radios the crew to get in their whites. The guests don’t want to leave, and Heather jokes that they’ve canceled all the other charters. Everyone says goodbye, and in Rayna’s interview, she says, the industry is predominantly white, which most people don’t realize. When she becomes a beautiful Black captain, she can open the door for other minorities. Got it good. Nikki says they had an amazing time. She’d talked to Heather about some interior issues, like the trash and towels, but she definitely tips her hat to Heather. She gives Heather her fancy captain’s hat, and gives Captain Lee the tip envelope. The guests leave, and the captain tells everyone, get to work. Heather calls her boyfriend, and in her interview, she says he was a charter guest. It’s kind of taboo, but it’s one of hottest relationships she’s ever had. It’s hard to go for long stretches without seeing someone, but for the time being, he’s supportive. The captain radios Heather, and asks to see her on the bridge. Yeah, she knows what’s coming. He tells her that he has a question. It was mentioned there were hiccups on the charter. Can he inquire as to what they were? She says, a trash bag was left from the primary’s bathroom, and this morning, she had no towels. He says, it’s not good. It’s minor, but can have a major effect. It’s not a great start. They’ll have to work smarter and harder. Heather says it’s not how she runs a boat.  

Eddie tells the deckhands that they’re killing it, and Jake is a born leader. Captain Lee radios the crew to meet in the crew mess asap. He tells them that he knows they ran their asses off, but one f*** up cancels out 14 attaboys. The tip is $18K, or $1500 a piece, which I still consider good, but the captain says, when they’re counting out the money, all they remember is one f*** up. He tells them to enjoy themselves, but in the morning, their ass belongs to him. What? No two rules??? Faithful viewers will remember: don’t embarrass yourself and don’t embarrass the boat. The turn over the boat, and Rayna talks to her mom on the phone. In her interview, she says her mom is her best friend. They, grew up together, since her mom was 19 when she’d had Rayna. They talk multiple times a day. She tells her mom that the crew is going out. She doesn’t think she’ll mess with anyone, but sometimes when she gets tipsy, the way she thinks is not the best. In Jessica’s interview, she says she missed a lot of details. That’s why she likes hiding in the laundry; there’s no pressure. It’s like solitary confinement, but she’s good at being an only child. The crew gets ready to go out.

At the restaurant, they toast to happy seas ahead. Eddie says he has an apartment, and his girlfriend is taking care of it while he’s away. In his interview, he says, he’s in a relationship now. He’s at a point in his life where he’s ready to settle down. He’s 36; better late than never. Wes tries to figure out who will get drunk, and Jessica says she had no idea. Fraser and Heather talk on the side, and he said he took the housekeeping issue personally, but the majority of his time was spent on serving. Heather says, moving forward, there’s no room for a f***-up, now that they know the boat. They could pull off the greatest party, but at the end of the day, a trash bag and towel can take that away. In Fraser’s interview, he says, there’s no kindness, warmth, or vulnerability. He can’t warm up to an ice cube. Heather says, there’s a great learning curve, and she’s sorry housekeeping fell on him. He says he doesn’t want to disappoint her, and she says, they’re reflections of each other. Let’s see what charter two brings. The crew drinks at the bar for a while, and Rayna says, they’re officially the guests they all hated. They go back to their table, and take selfies. Jake kisses Rayna’s neck, and Heather says he’s their Johnny Depp. Rayna tells Jake that he’s crazy, and they all go back to the boat. Rachel wisely goes to bed, and Fraser and Jake get in the hot tub. Rayna sits on the side with her feet in it, and says, it’s too cold to go in. Jake tells Fraser that he’s sure Rayne wants to <insert your imagination here>, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, eight billion people in the world, and Jake thinks he’s found the one person for him on the boat. He’s never seen a crew romance work out. Jake and Rayna make out, and she says, it feels weird because they’re on the same team as Wes. Jake suggests they put Wes in the middle. Rayna jumped into Jake’s bunk, and in her interview, wondered why she got involved, since she doesn’t need that.  

Next time, Rachel confronts Eddie, Heather thinks the interior needs to pick up the pace, Captain Lee thinks he has morons on his hands, and Heather and Eddie try to diffuse a situation between guests.

🛥 Old News But Fun News…

I remember all of these guests, and also remember thinking, in no job should you have to tolerate this kind of abuse. They also left out the shame cocoon.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1116662/all-of-the-craziest-guests-who-have-been-on-below-deck

🎃 Hallo This Ween…

There will be much more on costumes later in the week, but for now, the man who won Halloween.

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/steve-buscemi-dresses-up-as-his-own-meme-for-halloween/1100-6497581/

🚤 Cruisin’…

Every year, on the day after Halloween, I wonder why I make such a big production for one day. And why did I eat those Taco Bell Nachos Belle Grande and the Three Musketeers bar? While those questions remain unanswered, it remains sure that I’ll be here for some soap and some Rules. Until then, stay safe, stay gleaning wisdom from unlikely sources, and stay out of the crossfire in a food fight.

October 29, 2021 – Gladys Comes Bearing Intel, New Gig, Reboot, Invaded, Not True, More Erika, Denial, Nobody, Ultimate News, Deck Farewell, Sequel, Haunting Quotes & Thrill This

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna sees Finn at the hospital and tells her, welcome back. She thanks him, and he says, still no sign of Peter? She says, no. She was just talking to the agents on the ground in Crete, and nothing. Not yet anyway. He says, as much as he wishes she had Peter in custody, or another freezer, he’s glad she’s okay. She says she wishes they all were.

Elizabeth tells Valentin, he’s doing remarkably well for a man with a gunshot wound who’s been shipped halfway around the world. How is he feeling? He says, like he could wrestle a bear, and Austin comes in, saying, he thinks Valentin would need a note from a doctor. Elizabeth asks if there’s something she can do for Austin, and he says, sure, but right now her tact and discretion are gift enough. She doesn’t need to worry. He’s not there in a medical capacity. He has business with the patient.

Brook tells Charlotte to eat her cereal so they can get going, but Charlotte says she can’t. Papa doesn’t let her eat sugary cereals. Brook says, just this once won’t kill her. Now, hurry up, so they can go to the hospital and see her dad. Brook’s phone rings, and she tells Lucy, this isn’t such a great time… She had Gladys working on that. She told Gladys she’d finish it, but she forgot… No, Brook has no idea where she keeps that calendar… Has Lucy tried calling her phone?… Oh, of course (🍷) she’s not answering. Fortunately, Brook knows exactly where to find her.

At the MetroCourt, Sasha tells Brando that his coffee smells good. It has real caffeine in it, doesn’t it? He says, mm-hm. She misses it, doesn’t she? She says, so much. She doesn’t dream of fitting back in her clothes or riding a roller coaster. She dreams of morning coffee, a double-shot latte with extra foam. Maxie comes in, saying, she’s sorry she’s late. Sasha says, no worries, and Brando says he enjoyed the extra time with Sasha. Maxie says, enjoy it while he can. He won’t have a free minute once the baby is born.

Gladys goes to the bar, wearing a bathrobe and slippers, and asks the bartender, what kind of a spa doesn’t have alcohol? She needs a bottle of Dom, and are strawberries in season? Never mind. If they’re covered in chocolate, it doesn’t matter. (Yes, it does.) She’ll take half a dozen. Brando asks what she’s doing there, and she says, the works. Eyebrow threading, mani-pedi, and some kind of treatment with gold leaf that’s going to take ten years off of her. He asks if she isn’t supposed to be at work, and Maxie says, that’s what she’d like to know.

Ava asks if Spencer would top off her coffee one more time, and Spencer says she’s already had four cups; the fifth one might kill her. Coming right up. Ava asks if that’s any way to talk to a customer, and Spencer says, perhaps Nikolas can spare his wife by taking her somewhere more suitable. Ava says, such as? and Spencer says, somewhere else. Nikolas says Spencer seems to have forgotten, he has no moral high ground here. He stalked Ava for months. He terrorized Ava, him, and Avery. He won’t allow Spencer to be rude to Ava on top of it. Spencer says, that’s rich. The man who let him think he was dead for three years is lecturing him on his tone. Nikolas says he’s Spencer’s father, and Spencer says, that can’t be helped. Next time Nikolas climbs on his high horse, just remember he’s no innocent himself. Shawn comes in, and looks at Nikolas.

Brook sends a text to Maxie that says, 911! AGAIN! Charlotte comes in, and says she gave Bailey a kiss goodbye from both of them, and said she’d tell daddy that Bailey loves him, and she gave the nanny Bailey’s top three favorite toys in case she won’t stop fussing. So they can go now? Brook thanks her, and says she’s so good to Bailey. Charlotte says, of course () she is; Bailey’s her sister. Brook says, off they go, and Charlotte asks if she’s sure they shouldn’t bring Bailey to see Papa. The nanny can get her ready in ten minutes; five if she helps. Brook says she wishes they could, but she thinks it would be too much commotion for Valentin. Charlotte supposes Brook is right. Besides, she might be scared by all the machines. Brook asks if Charlotte is nervous, and says, her Papa is going to be fine. He’s looking forward to seeing her. She’s very brave, and Brook wants her to know that she doesn’t just have Valentin; she has Brook too. Charlotte says she knows, and hugs Brook. Brook says, so Bailey is with the nanny, check; spoonful of sugar, check. Are they forgetting anything? Charlotte says, Yuri, and Brook says, that is one giant oversight. Let’s get Yuri, and let’s go see your dad.

Gladys says she has the day off, and Maxie asks if Brook is aware she’s not at her desk. Gladys puts a credit card in the folder to pay her bar tab, and says, it was Brook who gave her the day off. Maxie snatches the card, and says she supposes Brook also told Gladys that she could use her corporate card? Gladys holds out her hand, and says, it’s hers to use, but Maxie says, this is a corporate credit card. She’s part owner of the corporation, and it’s not for frivolous spa treatments or strawberries and champagne. Gladys says, Brook told her it was okay, and Sasha says she’s sure this is a misunderstanding. What did Brook say exactly? Gladys says, Brook was clear. Brook told her to enjoy her well-deserved reward day for all the hard work she’s done. Maxie laughs, and asks if she’s talking about the bare minimum they practically have to beg her to. Brando says he thinks it’s best if they postpone Gladys’s spa day, and she can reward herself this weekend. Gladys says she’s going to do what she was promised, she’s going to do it today, and she’s going to pay for it with that card, like she was promised.   

Ava says Nikolas has been preoccupied all morning. Is there anything he wants to discuss? He says, what’s to discuss? Despite his job, his kid is nowhere close to doing what’s right. She says, and Alexis? and he says, what about Alexis? She says he told her before that Alexis’s pardon might not work out. That’s got to be weighing on him. He says he does have a lot of family business on his mind, and she if he wants to elaborate. He says, there’s been some trouble with some real estate the Cassadines used to own in Greece. He needs to make some inquiries. She asks how it affects him, if the Cassadines no longer own the property, and he says, maybe it doesn’t, but he’d like to head to GH to make sure.  Valentin was shot on the property.

Finn says he heard Peter shot Valentin, and Anna says, he did. He says when he heard, all he could think about were those two little girls, Valentin’s kids. Because of Peter, they could have lost their father. It never should have come to this. He wishes he’d killed Peter. Anna says, no he doesn’t, and pulls him aside. He says, he does. If Peter would have died, none of them would have to worry about him going on this rampage. She says, at what cost to him though? and he asks if she’s talking about his conscience. He thinks he would have slept just fine knowing Peter was in the ground. She says he would have spent the rest of his life looking over his shoulder, wondering when it was going to catch up with him. And if it had, what would have happened to Violet? He says, at least he would have known that Violet and everyone else was safe from Peter. She says, that day will come because Peter’s starting to get desperate, and along with desperation comes mistakes, so he will get caught. Finn says, if he does, he’s interested to see if Peter will tell the authorities about the whole stairwell/freezer incident. She says, if he does, they’ll probably throw Finn a parade. She knows how much he love crowds and attention. He says he does love a good parade, but seriously, when she’s out there looking out for the world, who’s looking out for her?

Valentin says he hasn’t forgotten his agreement with Austin. If Austin wins his suit against the Quartermaines, he’ll support Valentin’s bid to stay CEO of ELQ, and Valentin will pay him off in any way Austin sees fit. Austin says he’s only there to tell Valentin that he’s going to have to hold on to his job on his own. He’s agreed to stop pursuing his claim against ELQ. Valentin asks, why he would do that? and Austin says, the mother of Valentin’s daughter. Valentin asks what Brook’s done now, and Austin says she manipulated him into making a HIPPA violation. Then she made him an offer. He gives up his rights as Jimmy Lee’s son, or he could give up his medical license. Valentin says he’s sorry to hear that. Brook can be a tenacious little minx when it comes to her family. Austin says, she sure is. He recognizes, as Bailey’s father, Valentin doesn’t have a choice, but he does. He doesn’t want anything to do with the Quartermaines. He’s out. Brook says, works for her, and stands in the doorway with Charlotte and Yuri.

Valentin says, mon petite, and Charlotte runs to him, saying, mon papa. Austin says, it’s suddenly really crowded in here. He thinks he’ll split. Brook tells him not to let the door hit him when he’s leaving. Charlotte asks if Valentin is okay, and he says he’s tougher than he looks. She says, he looks terrible, and Brook says, she should see the other guy. What is this, life number six or seven? He says, at least eight, and Brook says she has some Deception business to tend to, and they have some father/daughter time to make up for, so get on that. Outside the door, she tells Yuri that she has some calls to make, and to stay there with Charlotte. She’s his number one job. As she walks down the hall, Austin says he still hasn’t gotten the official word from the Board about going back to work. Could she prod that along? She says, not now, and he tells her to take her time. It’s just his future, his career, the lives of his patients. No worries.

Maxie says Gladys is an assistant. Nobody owes her a spa day or anything else aside from her weekly salary, provided she actually earns it. And she’s confiscating the card until further notice. Gladys says she doesn’t think Maxie wants to do that, and Brando tells her, stop. She can’t talk to her boss that way. Maxie’s phone dings, and she says, that’s Brook. Gladys says Maxie can ask her herself, but Maxie says she has to meet Brook at GH; Valentin is in the ICU. Gladys says, that poor wonderful man, and Sasha tells Maxie to go; they’ll reschedule. Maxie says, as for Gladys, she expected her back at her desk ten minutes ago. She leaves, and Gladys tells Sasha, before she says anything, she was telling the truth. Sasha says they’ll get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, Gladys has to remember that she reports to Brook. Gladys says, how can she forget? and Sasha says, and Brook reports to Maxie. Gladys says, Maxie was just lording that over her; Sasha doesn’t need to repeat it. Brando says, if they’re constantly reminding her of who her boss is, maybe she needs to hear it. Gladys says she’s sick of it. Nobody talks down to her, least of all some fraud who’s barking out orders at her when she should be getting a paternity test. Brando says, hey! Apologize to Sasha right now, and Sasha says, Brando is this baby’s father, without question, and she doesn’t need a test to prove it. Gladys says, of course (🍷). She didn’t mean that. She’s sorry; she’s overwhelmed. Which is why she needs a spa day. She runs out.

Anna tells Finn, this manhunt for Peter has been exhausting; mentally and physically. And the sheer carnage he’s left in his wake. Now there’s two little girls whose father is in ICU. He says, he took the liberty of looking at Valentin’s chart. Exploratory surgery isn’t without risk, but given Valentin’s age and condition, he hates to say it, but he thinks Valentin is going to make it. She laughs, and thanks him for that. She’s happy they still want what’s best for each other. As far as Peter is concerned, Finn’s peace of mind is more important than having him in custody. His death on Finn’s conscience, she would never want that for him, ever. Or Elizabeth. Finn looks at Elizabeth, standing at the reception desk.

Ava says, Valentin was shot? and tells Nikolas, great. She hopes he was sent out a window and belly-flopped into the Aegean. He says, but she’s not one to hold a grudge, and she tells him to let her enjoy it. She asks, who shot him, and why the hell would Nikolas care? and Nikolas says he’ll explain on the way to the launch, but she says he’ll explain on the way to GH. She’s going with him.    

Shawn walks into Kelly’s, and Spencer wonders why they call it serving when you spend most of the time cleaning up. Shawn says he’ll get the hang of it, and maybe even come to enjoy the work. Spencer says he’ll take Shawn’s word for that, and asks what brings him back so soon? Did he forget something? Shawn says he came back to see Spencer.   

Elizabeth asks if Finn is sure Anna isn’t going to say anything about what they did to Peter, and he says he thinks Anna has their back. She says, okay. She should thank Anna. She guesses she should cut Anna a little slack. She’s doing everything she can to catch Peter, but Elizabeth can’t help thinking how many lives Peter will destroy before he gets stopped. He says, Peter will never harm Elizabeth or her family again; he’ll make sure of it. She asks, how? and he says he just will. She says, sounds like a plan, and thanks him. He says, speaking of families, he feels kind of terrible for prying into hers.

Valentin asks Charlotte how things are at the Quartermaines without him. Is she helping Brook with her baby sister? She says she changed Bailey’s diaper, twice, and he says, he’s proud of her. He knows it’s been an adjustment, and wants her to know how much he appreciates her effort. She says she enjoys taking care of her sister. It happens a lot when Brook’s friend comes to visit. He says, Maxie? but she says, Detective Chase. They’re constantly playing games and watching movies. Valentin says, they’re friends, and she tells him, if he says so. He says he cares very much about Brook because she’s Bailey’s mother, but he’s glad she has friends. She asks if he has friends, and he flashes back to kissing Anna in the tavern. He says he has her and Bailey, and that makes him the luckiest man in the world.

Gladys is carrying a humongous teddy bear, and tells Austin that she’s looking for a room. Valentin Cassadine. He says he’s terribly sorry, but only family is allowed to visit, but she says she is family. Gladys Corbin, and she comes bearing gifts… She whispers, and intel. He says, oh, intel. Intel wouldn’t have anything to do with the Quartermaines, would it? She says, would it ever, and he says, you don’t say. It’s a crying shame hospital policy prevents him from telling her that Valentin is in ICU-1. She says, thanks for nothin’, winking at him. He says, pawsitively my pleasure, slapping the bear’s paw. She leaves, and he says, damn, that was gold. Maxie asks, what’s gold?

Shawn says, when he was there earlier, Spencer made a crack about how he used to be able to get his father to do anything for him. Spencer says, first of all, Nikolas is his father, not his dad. Second of all, those days are long gone; his father has washed his hands of him. Shawn says, Spencer might feel that way, but he’s sure that’s not true. Spencer says, care to put money on that? He could use it. Shawn says he would, and he’d win. Spencer says Shawn thinks this is one of those tough love kind of things, but it’s not. Shawn says he thinks the connection between Spencer and his father runs deeper than both of them realize. He also thinks they’re both incredibly stubborn. Spencer says he can’t disagree on the second part, and Shawn says, behind the stubbornness, they’re both longing to reconnect. He thinks if there’s anyone in the world Nikolas would come clean to, it’s his son, and Spencer says, come clean about what?

Anna sees Nikolas and Ava, and says she wanted to talk to Nikolas. He asks what he can do for her, and she says he saved her a trip to Spoon Island. She wanted to ask him about a Cassadine property in Crete. He says, any properties there were sold off years ago. He might be able to provide her with some more information later, but right now he’s here to see Valentin. Anna says, that’s odd. It wasn’t that long ago that they nearly came to blows at the MetroCourt. Not to mention Valentin shot Nikolas out a window and into the sea, and Nikolas was in hiding for three years. He says, recent events have taught him to  rely on his better angels. Can she tell him where he can find Valentin? She says, ICU, but visitation is limited. Ava suggests they come back another time, and Nikolas asks Anna to let Valentin know they were there. She says she’ll be happy to, but while she’s playing messenger, is there anything he’d like to say to his Uncle Victor? Nikolas says, what about him? and Anna says she thought Nikolas would have heard. Victor’s alive.

Valentin asks if Charlotte has seen Scout, and Charlotte says, Scout and Danny were over. He asks if Scout is still interested in ballet, and Charlotte says she is. He says he’s glad. Yuri stops Gladys from coming in, but she says she’s a friend. Valentin says, Miss Corbin? and she says, Gladys. She told Yuri she was a friend; now let her inside. Yuri says, Charlotte is visiting with her father, and Charlotte asks Valentin, who is this person? Gladys says, isn’t she a delight? And pretty. She bets Charlotte knows it. Valentin introduces them, and Gladys says, now will Yuri let her in? Valentin suggests Charlotte take Yuri to the cafeteria for cocoa or something, and they leave. Gladys comes in, and says, my God, it’s worse than she thought. Don’t worry. His Gladys is here now.  

Brando tells Sasha, he can’t believe his mother. He thought she dropped the whole paternity thing months ago. He’s so sorry. She says, first of all, it’s not his fault. She’s not excusing Gladys, but she’s dealing with a lot. In the past few months, her living situation and employment status changed. He says, both for the better, and Sasha says, and she got shot. He says, which is bad, but she’s wearing it like a badge of honor, and she says, on top of everything, the first man she showed interest in, who showed interest in her, literally got blown up on their first date. He says he gets it, and she says, his mother may be… all of the things she is, but she has been through it. He says, even so, she still has to respect Sasha, not only as the mother of her grandchild, but as her boss. He wouldn’t blame her if she fired Gladys.

Austin tells Maxie, you had to be there. He cracked an unappreciated pun. She says she’s glad sense of humor’s back. Does that mean he’s okay with everything? He says he’ll never be okay with giving up his birthright, but in a weird way, he’s kind of grateful that Brook tried to ruin his career. It reminded him how much he enjoys being a doctor. She says she knows what Brook did was wrong, but she doubts Brook would have gone through with it. He says he’s pretty sure she would have. There’s this thing he’s trying to figure out that he doesn’t understand. Maxie was engaged to an extremely bad dude, and she’s besties with a morally bankrupt woman. Is he the only one who thinks she deserves better?

Brook sees Charlotte with Yuri, and says she thought Charlotte would still be visiting with her father, but Charlotte says he sent her to get hot cocoa. Brook says she’d love to join them, but she has to find Maxie. They move on, and Brook gets in the elevator, and says, and ruin her day.

Finn says, Violet found the picture of Elizabeth and her father… and Elizabeth says, she’s bound to have questions. He says, Violet is a very curious little girl, especially where her family is concerned, and she says, that’s understandable, given all things concerned, and he says, even so, he shouldn’t have pushed her, comparing her relationship with her father to his with Gregory. He shouldn’t have done that. Every family is different. She says, she simply doesn’t have a close relationship with her dad, and Hayden never knew him. She’s sorry he’s not an active grandparent to her boys or Violet, but that’s just who he is.

Nikolas says, his uncle is alive? and Anna says, alive, well, and in custody. He was colluding with Peter. They were holed up in a compound in Crete that Nikolas claims is no longer part of his family’s ownership. Nikolas says, to the best of his knowledge, it isn’t, but he can contact his lawyers. She says she would appreciate that, and he asks if Victor has said anything he should know about, and she says, he hasn’t told them much so far. He’s intimated there are secrets to be shared, but he’s angling for a deal obviously. He says, sounds like his unscrupulous uncle. So what’s going to happen to him? She tells him, it’s difficult to say. Victor didn’t survive, and lay low for six years without someone’s help. Maybe it was Peter; maybe it was someone else. Anyway, she’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Ava asks Nikolas, tell her, what is it he’s hiding?

Shawn says Spencer must know he went to prison for shooting Spencer’s former stepmother Hayden Barnes, but he was falsely accused. Spencer says, he’s out now, so they must have found who shot Hayden. Shawn says, the authorities didn’t, but he did. He needs Spencer’s help to bring them to justice. Spencer asks, what can he…? He puts down the tub of dishes he’s holding, and asks what any of this has to do with his father. Shawn says, everything. Nikolas is responsible for Hayden’s shooting.  

Nikolas asks what Ava means, and she says, it’s clear he knows more about Victor than he’s letting on. If she could see that, so could Anna. So she must ask, is whatever it is going to come back to bite them? He says, if Victor had given him up, he’d be in custody and being formally questioned right now, and she says, given him up for what? He says, Valentin shot him and almost killed him, and she says she remembers very well; she was there. He says Victor found him and nursed him back to health, and she asks what Victor wanted in return. He says, they struck a deal. He kept Victor’s anonymity, and Victor kept his. He promised when he reclaimed the Cassadine estate, he would give Victor a home base, and keep his secret. She asks what this has to do with Peter. How deep is Nikolas in with him? He says he had no clue Victor was up to anything with Peter, and she asks if he can trust his uncle to keep him out of it. He says he thinks so. His uncle is an opportunist, and needs Nikolas where he is. She says, unless he’s found a way to leverage Nikolas for his own freedom. He knows as well as she does, betrayal comes most often from those closest to us.

Spencer asks what Shawn means when he says, Nikolas was involved with Hayden’s shooting? Is Shawn saying he shot her? Shawn says, no. We believe Nikolas hired someone to do the job for him. Spencer goes outside, and Shawn follows. Spencer says, who’s we? and Shawn says, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that Nikolas is the one who hurt Hayden, not him. Spencer says, if what Shawn is saying is true, then his father let Shawn serve six years for something he… What proof does Shawn have? Shawn says, none right now. That’s where Spencer comes in. Spencer says he wants no part of this, and Shawn says, just ask Nikolas about Hayden. That’s all. Spencer asks why he should, and Shawn says, for Violet, Hayden’s daughter. That little girl is without her mother just like Spencer. Doesn’t he want to know if Hayden is staying away because of something his father did to her? Spencer seriously doubts his father is going to confess to him, and Shawn says, then he doesn’t. Spencer says, what if he does? What does he do then, turn Nikolas over to the police? Shawn says, Spencer tells him, and he’ll tell the police. Spencer says he doesn’t want his father to go to prison, and Shawn asks if Spencer isn’t facing prison right now. Nikolas is holding Spencer’s feet to the fire for stalking Ava, while Nikolas arranged for someone to kill Hayden. Who committed the greater crime? Spencer says he’s sorry, but he needs to get back to work, and Shawn says, follow his instincts. Do the right thing. Shawn leaves, and Spencer takes his apron off and jets. Shawn watches from around the corner.

Sasha tells Brando, Gladys is never going to be a perfect fit for Deception, and he says, he appreciates her hiring Gladys. It gave her a sense of purpose. She says, she also wanted Gladys to earn an income so she could move out. He says, that too, and look how Glady’s repaid her; insulting everybody, and helping herself to the corporate card. She says, Gladys honestly thought she had Brook’s blessing somehow, and he says, how? He doesn’t know Brook that well, but she doesn’t seem like the type who would treat his mother to a spa day. Sasha says, she isn’t, which is why she needs to get to the bottom of this. He says, or she could just fire Gladys. It’s obviously not working out. She says, let her talk to Maxie and Brook, and figure out what’s going on. As for Gladys, she still has a job… for now.

Gladys says, that Charmain of his is a real beauty, and Valentin says, Charlotte. She says, like the web? and he says, like the web. Both of his daughters are rare beauties. She asks, where is that precious bundle of Brook’s? and he says, at home. Why is Gladys here? She says he was so good to her and she wants to return the favor. She took a bullet recently too. He says he heard. She seems to have made a remarkable recovery. She says, it’s not all bad; she’s a weathervane now, meaning, she can tell when a storm is coming. He says, that must be useful, and she says, it is. He thanks her for the visit and the gift, and she tells him to remember the bear is for him, not the rug rats, no matter how beautiful they are. He says he will. He doesn’t want to be rude, but he really should rest now. She says, of course (🍷). You poor, poor thing. He must be exhausted. She sits next to the bed, and asks if he knows she works for Brook.

Maxie says she knows Brook isn’t Austin’s favorite person right now, and she can sympathize. There was a time she and Brook hated each other. He asks, what changed? Brook is still superficial, caustic, entitled, and opportunistic. She says, they’ve been though a lot, and she can’t forget the good things, and he says he can’t forget the promise he made to his father. She asks if he’s at least been reinstated, and he says, he got an informal notice that Brook retracted her statement, but he’s still waiting for them to make it official so he can see his patients. She says, that’s good. It means this whole thing is effectively over. He says, it’s not over, when Brook walks up, and he adds, not by a long shot.

Finn says he knows it’s a difficult subject, but he’s only asking for Violet, and Elizabeth says, she wants to see the picture again. He says, she’s asked a couple of times where the picture of her grandpa Jeff is. He looked, but he couldn’t find it. Does she know what happened to it? She flashes back to tearing it up, but says she has no idea.

Sasha tells Brando, she has an idea or two about how to reach Gladys, and he asks if she’s sure. She knows how his mother is. The more someone tries to manage her, the more she doubles down to cause trouble. Sasha says she’s got this. He can leave Gladys to her.

Brook says she’s been calling and texting Maxie since last night. Why hasn’t Maxie gotten back to her? Maxie says, something was wrong with her phone. She wasn’t receiving any texts or calls, and they suddenly came in a few minutes ago. What is going on? Brook grabs her, and says, they need to talk, pulling Maxie away from Austin. Austin says, before they have this little tete-a-tete, he’s done everything Brook asked him to do, yet somehow, miraculously, he hasn’t been officially cleared to see his patients. Brook says, that sounds like a you problem, and he says, the problem is for his patients because he doesn’t get to see them. She says she did her part. She’s sorry if the administrative wheels of this hospital grind slowly. She’s sorry, but she has bigger fish to fry, and Maxie says, like Valentin? Brook says, like her assistant. Something has to be done about Gladys. Maxie says she caught Gladys using Brook’s corporate card, and had to order her to go back to work. Austin asks if they’re talking about Gladys Corbin, and Brook asks how he knows Gladys. He says he doesn’t know her well, they just met, but she was looking for Valentin.

Gladys tells Valentin, she’s Brook’s assistant, but she’s treated more like an indentured servant. She doesn’t understand how a classy guy like Valentin got mixed up with a bossy bridge and tunnel princess like that. He closes his eyes, and asks why Gladys is there, and she says, he was so understanding the few times they kept each other company. He listened, and accepted her for who she is. Does he know what that is? He says, a force of nature? and she tells him, that’s not what she was going to say, but she likes that better. She asks if she can call him Val, and says, if knowledge is power, than anyone who crosses her had better take cover.

Ava calls to Anna, who says she thought Ava left. Ava says she’s on her way out, but she just wanted to reiterate that if Anna needs anything from her or Nikolas, just let them know. Peter’s reign of terror has to end. Anna says she couldn’t agree more. It was nice to see Ava together with Nikolas. She’s so glad that whole stalker nightmare is over. Ava says, Spencer is facing the music, and she and Nikolas are ready for their happily ever after. Anna says she certainly hopes that’s the case, and Ava says it sounds like Anna has doubts. Anna says she’s not sure that’s even possible, happily ever after with a Cassadine.   

On the phone outside Kelly’s, Shawn says, they picked up his tail?… Great. He’s on his way.

Nikolas is at the docks when Spencer joins him. He asks if Spencer isn’t supposed to be finishing his shift at Kelly’s, and Spencer says, something more important came up. It couldn’t wait. Nikolas asks what Spencer’s done now, and Spencer says, it’s not about him. It’s about Nikolas. Tell him about Hayden.

On Monday, Sonny says there’s something Carly should know, Valentin asks if Gladys’s knowledge concerns him, Spencer asks if Nikolas arranged for his stepmother’s murder, and Britt tells Jason, they’re so close, they have to find her.

🕳 What Comes Next…

Glad to see she’s recovered from that fall.

🌲 Pine Valley Legend…

And just think. She can start a new streak of not winning awards.

😧 Yikes…

Not that it’s in any way her fault – she’s totally the victim here – she just got done talking about how pricey her wardrobe was on the RHOBH Reunion.

🚬 Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em…

Josh Flagg? Really?

💎 If You Didn’t Get Enough…

More on the ongoing saga.

📸 Not Me…

She was framed framing Tom.

🥗 Everybody Is Somebody…

I dunno about this. Didn’t she write for fitness and nutrition magazines?

👠 To Be Expected…

What did they think was going to happen?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1307070/why-cynthia-baileys-friendship-with-kenya-moore-changed-after-housewives-girls-trip-fight

https://screenrant.com/real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip-ramona-room-selection/

You, too, can get in on the fun.

https://www.etonline.com/how-to-watch-the-real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip-174336

🛥 Final Salute…

He wasn’t on for long, but he seemed like a stand-up guy.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-mediterranean-captain-mark-howard-dead-at-65/

🐯 Tiger, Tiger…

Because we just can’t stop watching.

https://www.insider.com/tiger-king-2-first-trailer-released-netflix-2021-10

🎃 Quotes of the Week

Darkness falls across the land, The Midnight Hour is close at hand. – Rodney Lynn Temperton

Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.Edgar Allan Poe

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for out wits to grow sharper. – Eden Phillpots

Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue. – Ichabod Crane, Sleepy Hollow

I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly. – Elizabeth, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones. – Stephen King

A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality. – Lucy Van Pelt, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it’s about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves. – Elvis Duran

If human beings had genuine courage, they’d wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. – Douglas Coupland

Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. – Steve Almond

I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color. – Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family

Where there is no imagination there is no horror.Arthur Conan Doyle

The moon has awoken with the sleep of the sun, the light has been broken; the spell has begun. – Midgard Morningstar

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. – Unknown

When the witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ’tis near Halloween. – Unknown

Werewolves howl. Phantoms prowl. Halloween’s upon us now. – Richelle E. Goodrich

Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us. – Tim Burton

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.L. M. Montgomery

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. – Mason Cooley

There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. – Robert Brault

On Halloween you get to become anything that you want to be. – Ava Dellaria

🧹 Flying Off On My Broom…

See you post Halloween when the Dead are Feared. No matter what you do, have fun, but trust your instincts. And until the wolf howls, stay extra safe, stay doing what makes you feel comfortable, and stay not doing things that make you desperate. You’ll inevitably make mistakes and get caught.

October 8, 2021 – No Queen, Grilled, Nasty, Worse, Unsure, Dirty, Salt Lake Woes, a Tease, Going Down, New Bar, L.A. Return, Tiger’s Back, Mistress Of the Book, Best Costumes, As Many Quotes As Lords Leaping & Magic

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly takes a sip of her coffee, and says, this never gets old. Sonny says, the coffee, or this? He kisses her, and she says, don’t make her choose. She suggests they stay home and shut the world out all day. He says, what world? It’s just the two of them. They kiss again, and a guard interrupts, saying, someone is at the gate to see Sonny.

Britt sits down with Nina at the MetroCourt, and says, welcome back. Nina thanks her and says, it’s been quite the homecoming. Any word on Liesl? Britt says, no, not a whisper. It seems her mother disappeared into thin air. Nina says she’s sorry. She can’t help but feel responsible. Britt says, Nina called and got her mother involved in a scheme to kill Peter. She’s sure it wasn’t a hard sell. Nina says, at the moment, it was the only way to protect Maxie and James. Britt says, if that’s all Nina was doing, she’d be on board, but they both know that SOS call was to protect herself.

Portia tells Trina that she likes their new tradition of weekly breakfast check-ins, and Trina says she does too. She’s not thrilled with the dining hall, and she’s already tired of take-out. Portia is glad to contribute to Trina’s healthy eating habits, and asks Trina to tell her about classes. How it is working at Ava’s gallery without Ava? Trina says, it turns out, Ava’s not leaving, and Portia asks, since when? Trina says she’s pretty sure Ava is staying there, and staying married, and Portia says, Trina can’t drop that kind of bomb on her and play coy. What happened with the stalker? Trina says, thanks to her, the stalker’s been unmasked.

Nikolas comes up behind Ava and kisses her on the neck. She says he’d better be her husband; he’s a very jealous man. He says he’s her husband all right. For now and for always. She says, it’s going to be a beautiful day, and he says, a beautiful life. He’s never letting her go again. That’s a promise.

The guard says, Mr. Corinthos is in the living room, and he leads Phyllis in, carrying a box. Sonny says, what a pleasant surprise, and she says, my goodness, look at you. He introduces her to Carly, saying she’s a dear friend of Mike’s and his. He and Phyllis smile at each other.

Josslyn tries to study at the Kelly’s counter, when Cameron brings her a glass of ice water. She asks if it has magical properties that will help her focus, and he says he can’t stop thinking about yesterday too. He can’t get over the fact that Spencer was the stalker. Trina was so right; he shouldn’t have given them so much pushback. She says, Trina was the one who figured it out, and Cameron asks how Trina is doing. She seemed pretty beat up about it. Josslyn says they were up half the night talking about it. She feels awful about setting a trap for Spencer. She’s not happy about it either, but if they hadn’t, Ava and Nikolas still wouldn’t know the truth. He says he guesses it was worth it, but she says he doesn’t sound all that convinced. He says, Nikolas has Ava back, but Spencer’s life just imploded. Did they end up helping that family, or just hurt them? She says, both.

Spencer walks into his and Esme’s hotel room. Still in bed, Esme asks where he was. He says, working out, and she says, so early? Did he sleep at all? He says, no. Every time he closed his eyes, he kept replaying the whole train wreck. It never should have happened. She says she doesn’t know what possessed him to confess, and he says his father was in danger. She says he had nothing to do with his Uncle Sonny turning up, and he says, no, but she did. Why the hell would she tell his uncle, the alleged mob kingpin, that his father was taking his daughter away?

Nikolas’s phone beeps, and he looks at it. Ava asks if something is wrong, and he says, it’s an alert he placed on Spencer’s credit card. Apparently, he’s holed up at the MetroCourt. She asks how he feels about that, and he says he’s glad Spencer didn’t spend the night on the street. But given the fact Spencer robbed them of months together, he can think of better ways of spending their first reunited morning than discussing Spencer. He’ll make breakfast.

Carly says, so she’s Phyllis, and thanks Phyllis for taking care of her husband when he was injured. Phyllis says, it was their pleasure. Mike… Sonny was a godsend to them in more ways than one. Carly says, it goes both ways. Sonny has told her a lot about Phyllis. She’s so sorry about Phyllis’s husband. She thanks Carly, calling her Mrs. Corinthos, but she says, call her Carly. Had they known she was coming, they could have spared her the security check. Phyllis says, it’s a beautiful home. Much different from his room at the Tan-O. Carly asks if Phyllis drove in, and Phyllis says she did. She was on the road too early to call. She hopes she didn’t intrude. She found some of Sonny’s belongings, and thought he might want them. Wow. His flannel shirts survived the fire?

Nina tells Britt, she feels terrible. If there’s anything she can do to help find Aunt Liesl, please let her. Britt says she’ll take the help; Scotty’s beside himself. Nina says she also got a voicemail from Valentin. He and Anna have a lead on Peter, but he didn’t give her any details. How is Britt otherwise? Britt says she’s busy. She’s throwing herself into work; restructuring the hospital budget, working with her new Co-Chief of Staff, keeping her head above water. Nina says, and Britt and Jason? Britt asks what she’s talking about. There is no her and Jason. Nina says, and that’s because of her.

Portia asks Trina, so the young man she met at the park was Spencer, not Victor, and Spencer was Ava’s stalker? Trina says, Spencer and his girlfriend, and Portia asks, which one drenched Trina in the fake blood? Trina says, Spencer, and Portia says, hell no. Trina protests, but Portia asks when all this went down. Last night? Trina says, yes, Spencer got kicked out of Windymere, and his relationship with his father is worse than ever, and it’s her fault. Portia says, in what universe? and Trina says she convinced Cam and Joss to set him up. If she hadn’t… Portia tells her not to finish that sentence. Trina’s not responsible, and it’s not her fault. This is Spencer’s mess; it has nothing to do with Trina. Trina says she just feels bad for him, and also guilty that she wasn’t honest with Ava. Portia asks why Trina would feel guilty? Thanks to her, Ava knows the truth now, and Ava can stay here with her husband and little girl. Although she might want to let that marriage dissolve. Clearly the Cassadine men are not to be trusted.

Esme tells Spencer that she’s sorry for how things turned out. She was only doing it for him. He says he knows. That’s why he defended her, but some of the ideas she came up with… She says, getting his father back in his life was what he wanted, so she did what she could to make that happen. She guesses she’s still learning how to make him happy. He says she really is the best, and nothing that has happened is her fault. But he’d be happier if they cut out the scheming, and did better. She says, whatever he wants. Too bad he can’t count on his so-called friends. What were they thinking, especially Josslyn? Doesn’t that girl have enough to worry about without setting him up and calling him out? He says, Josslyn is a real friend; so’s Cameron. They’re probably the only real friends he’s ever had.

Josslyn tells Cameron, they totally ambushed Spencer, but if his behavior hadn’t been so messed up, there’d be nothing to confess. Cameron says, her stepdad is one menacing dude. Spencer was absolutely terrified for his father. She says, everyone knows not to mess with Sonny, especially when it comes to his family, but none of that would have happened except for Esme. He says he doesn’t see how she’s to blame for the lie about Bora Bora, and she asks if he’s giving Esme a pass. He says, not at all. They both bear responsibility. She says, Trina told her that Spencer and Esme work as a team. Every team she’s ever been on has a captain. It makes her wonder if Esme is the one calling the shots.

Cameron asks what makes Josslyn think Esme is more involved than Spencer is saying. She says, Spencer admitted Esme was the one who torched Ava’s car, and Cameron says, he did at first, but then he walked it back. She says, to protect her. Does that surprise him? She’s seen the way Esme hangs on Spencer. No wonder he can’t think straight. He says, this is Spencer they’re talking about; he’s no angel. She says, this is so messed up. She knows Spencer set it in motion – everything he did was bad, but she still wants what’s best for him. He says, what if Esme is what’s best for him? but she says, no. Esme brings out the worst in Spencer.

Esme asks why Spencer isn’t furious. First, they set him up, then stand by and watch him humiliate himself. He says, he humiliated himself? and she says, he confessed and he apologized. He says she’s forgetting the part where they’re actually guilty, and she says, fine. They’re no innocents, but his real friends aren’t either. They lied to his face, and set a trap that almost got his father killed. His father kicked him out of Windymere, while his wicked stepmother gloats. If they expect Spencer to beg forgiveness, they’d better think again. They’re the ones who should be coming to him. There’s a knock at the door, and a woman asks if he’s Spencer Cassadine. She’s sorry, but his credit card was declined for the second night. Esme says, there’s more than enough funds… but he says, there’s no need. This isn’t a fund problem; it’s a father problem. The woman says, they contacted the account holder, Nikolas Cassadine, and the card’s been canceled. He says, checkmate, and Esme asks what this means. He says, it means they pack.

Nikolas tells Ava, breakfast is in the dining room, unless she would rather have it served in the bedroom. She tells him to choose, and he says, the bedroom it is. She asks what the call was that he made earlier, and he says he cut Spencer’s access to his bank and credit card accounts. She says she’s all for tough love, but if Nikolas cuts Spencer off, what will he do? He says, Spencer’s about to figure it out. His son’s been given every possible advantage. He’s bright, he’s willful, let him put that cunning to good use, and figure out how to support himself. She says, that sounds fine in theory, but the timing is terrible. Won’t Spencer see this as punishment, and won’t it further stoke his dangerous resentment?

Trina tells Portia that Ava told her to be careful of bad boys. Spencer falls under that definition, except he’s not that bad. At heart, she thinks he’s just lost. Portia tells her, says every woman in defense of a dysfunctional relationship with a bad boy. She was at the hospital that night when Ava’s car was burned. She sat with Ava afterward, and Ava couldn’t stop shaking. And to leave Kiki’s ID badge near the car? That’s just cruel. Trina says, Spencer didn’t do it. She doesn’t even think it was his idea. Portia says Trina certainly seems determined to let him off the hook, and Trina says she’s not denying Spencer’s made some seriously mess up choices. Portia says, anyone who asks you to cover for them isn’t your friend. Remember what Maya Angelou said, when someone shows you who they are… Trina finishes, believe them. She’s sorry she didn’t tell Portia about this earlier; there’s just been a lot going on. Portia says, even though Trina will always be her baby, she’s a young woman now, and she’s entitled to privacy. But Portia can proudly say, Trina has always had a good head on her shoulders.

Carly says Obrecht was devastated when she heard Jason got engaged to Carly because she knew how important Jason was to Britt. Britt says, that’s old news now, and Nina says, if she hadn’t kept Sonny away from Port Charles… Britt says Nina might have hurt a lot of other people, but Nina did her a favor. Carly will always come first with Jason, and she’s nobody’s second. Nina says, good for her. She hopes Britt doesn’t mind, but she doesn’t think she can stay for breakfast. She can’t justify paying Carly’s inflated prices for eggs and toast. Britt says, it’s Nina’s call; she’s not offended. Nina takes Britt’s hand, and says, it’s good to see her. If Britt hears from her mom, if there’s anything Nina can do, call her and let her know. Britt says, will do, and tells Nina to watch her back. She has the feeling Carly isn’t done with her yet.   

Phyllis sits down, with Sonny and Carly, and Carly says, may I? pointing to the box. Sonny tells her, go ahead, and she starts taking things out. She takes out a flannel shirt, and says she saw Sonny in one of these. She still can’t believe it. She takes out a few more, and asks how many he has. She says, wow, and takes out the cowboy hat. She says, Mike definitely had a distinct fashion style, and Phyllis says, not to mention a mean two-step. Sonny says, that’s high praise coming from the lifelong dance partner of Lenny Caulfield, the greatest dancer in the world. Phyllis says, that man was so light on his feet, he defied gravity. Sonny takes her hand, and I’m not sure how to read Carly’s face. Uncomfortable maybe.

Carly says, Lenny sounds like the best of men. Sonny told her that Lenny gave him a hard time when he first showed up, and wound up standing up for him, and treating him like a brother. She wishes she could have met him. Phyllis says, Lenny was one of a kind, and Sonny says, amen. Carly says she’s going to give them a chance to catch up; they must have a lot to talk about. Forget about her suggestion about staying home. She has tons of paperwork at the MetroCourt. Enjoy their time together. She tells Phyllis that it was a pleasure meeting her, and hopes Phyllis comes back. She’s always welcome. Carly leaves, and Sonny thanks Phyllis for bringing the box. Phyllis says she has a confession. That’s not the only reason she’s here. She wanted to meet him properly. He holds out his hand, and says, Sonny Corinthos. She says, Phyllis Caulfield, and shakes his hand. They turn the handshake into a hug.

Trina tells Portia that she and Josslyn have this code – sisters before misters. She feels like she’s breaking that code with Ava. Ava is her friend too. She feels bad that she kept it secret that Spencer was in town for weeks, but after everything that happened, she feels like it’s too late to say anything. What does Portia think? Portia says, the fact that Trina feels bad tells her something, especially now that she knows the damage secrets can cause. So what is she going to do? Trina says she thinks she’ll skip breakfast. Raincheck? Portia says, of course (🍷). She wants Trina to do what she’s got to do. She’s proud of Trina. Trina thanks Portia and says she loves her. Portia says she loves Trina too. Same time, same place next week? Trina says she wouldn’t miss it.

Nikolas says he can’t stand back after how Spencer treated his wife, and Ava says she appreciates his outrage, but she’s a big girl and can take care of herself. As he well knows. He says he’s aware, but in no way does it excuse Spencer for what he did. She says, Spencer has witnessed Nikolas’s plots and schemes his entire life. If Nikolas wants to punish Spencer for learning the behavior he’s modeled, don’t do it on her account. Her phone dings, and she says, breakfast and anything else will have to wait. She has a visitor.

Walking into the MetroCourt, Spencer tells Esme, there’s enough cash for breakfast, but after that, they’re broke. I thought she had money? Esme says, this is a temporary set-back. His father just needs time to cool off. He says, maybe Joss and Came will cool off too. One of the most annoying things about his friends is that he actually cares what they think. He sees Britt, and says he has an idea, but he needs to have this conversation alone. Esme says, no worries. She trusts him. Text her if he needs back-up. He goes over to Britt’s table, where she’s just finished with a call. He says, wheeling and dealing? Good. Does he have a deal for her.

Cameron tells Josslyn that he doesn’t know what to make of Spencer and Esme’s relationship, but so what? Who says they have to understand it? Josslyn asks when he got so wise, and he says when he started dating her. She says he really is wise; that was such a good answer. They kiss, and Nina walks in. Nina says she imagines she’s the last person Josslyn wants to see, and Josslyn says, good call. She asks if Cameron doesn’t have to go back to work, and he asks if she’s sure. She says, it’s fine, and he says he’ll go back to work… outside. Nina says she just came to get a bite to eat, but can leave if Josslyn is uncomfortable, but Josslyn asks why she would be uncomfortable. She’s not the one who stole 9 months of Sonny’s life, and left his family to grieve. She’s not the one who’s a total hypocrite.

Britt asks what the deal is, and Spencer says, room and board with her in exchange for his witticisms. She says, pass, and he says, and Esme’s French cooking techniques. She says, absolutely not, and he says, why not? They’ll be fun roommates, and Esme can cook dinner. Britt says she lives in a hotel room, and he says, she’s Chief of Staff, and still lives in a hotel room? and she says, demanding job, no pets, no kids, room service. Works for her, but not for him. He says she won’t even notice them. She’s at work all day, and he promises they won’t touch the minibar. She asks, what is going on? Why would he leave cushy Windymere for a rollaway bed in her hotel room? He says he and his father had a falling out, and Britt says, he left? Spencer shakes his head, and she says, Nikolas kicked him out? Why is Nikolas acting so self-righteous after all the crap he’s pulled? Spencer says, it’s a little complicated, and she says, please don’t tell her that he hasn’t done anything that will make her have to defend his father.

Ava sees Trina, and says, what a nice surprise. Trina says she’s glad Ava is still there. Does this mean… Ava says, thanks to Trina, she and Nikolas are back together. They’ll have a lifetime of mornings ahead of them. What Trina did was risky, and she doesn’t condone the plotting, but Trina did uncover the truth, and Ava is grateful. Trina says, don’t thank her.

Phyllis says Sonny’s coffee is delicious. He says, of course (🍷) it is. He’ll send her home with a pound. She looks at a photo, and asks who it is with him, and Sonny says, Mike, his dad. He died of Alzheimer’s a year ago. He was one of a kind. He and Lenny would have hit it off. Phyllis says she’s so sorry. He has a beautiful family; they must have missed him. She bets they’re happy he’s back, and he says, so is he; so is Carly. She says, Carly seems wonderful. It must have been hard on her. He says, yes she is, and yeah it was. Phyllis says she found pictures of him and Nina, but didn’t want to include them in the box. She wasn’t sure he’d want them. He thanks her, and she says she has another confession. She didn’t drive there to return the box. She thought he might need someone to talk to who understands. He says she’s still looking out for him, and she says, Lenny would call it putting her nose where it doesn’t belong. He says, Lenny loved that she did that; so does he. She says she knows he left a complicated situation in Nixon Falls. Is the situation there complicated too?  

Esme sees Cameron outside Kelly’s, and says she’s so glad she found him. She needs him desperately.

Josslyn tells Nina to consider a delivery app, if she has to leave every establishment where there are people who love Sonny. Nina says she’ll take that into consideration. She’s truly sorry. She starts to leave, but Josslyn tells her to wait. She has something for Nina.

Britt asks what Spencer was thinking, and he says he was saving his father from Ava. She says, so he could have his father to himself? and he wonders if that’s too much to ask. He thought his father was dead for three years. She says, Spencer claims he wants to make up for lost time, but what he means is, he wants to control who his father is with. What bothers her the most is the lengths he went to, the lies he told, and the people he hurt, including her. Nikolas accused her of being the stalker, and Spencer said nothing. He says, because Nikolas didn’t think that anymore, but she’s right. He’s sorry. It’s one of the many mistakes he made. She says she gets making mistakes. He knows she’s fond of him, while she’s not fond of his father, but he needs to go make amends. He says he can’t; his father doesn’t want to see him. Maybe he and Esme could just stay one night, until they can figure it out. Carly comes over to the table, and says, not in her hotel. He terrorized Ava by implying a threat to Avery, and manipulated Sonny the second he got home. It’s totally unacceptable. Spencer says Carly is right. He screwed up, and he doesn’t blame anyone for not wanting him around. She tells him, don’t play the martyr. Stand on his own two feet instead of waiting for someone to bail him out. That’s the problem. Someone has been enabling him his entire life. He says, again his apologizes, to them both, and leaves.  

Cameron tells Esme, he’s working, so… She says he’s the only one who can help her… and Spence. He asks, what’s going on with Spencer? and she says, Spencer has been tossed out and cut off. They’re almost with no money. Cameron says, first of all, they’re hardly starving and destitute, and second, they kind of deserve what they get. What Spencer did was terrible. She says, maybe she should have done more to rein Spence in, but he was in so much pain. He wanted his father back, and now he’s lost his father all over again. Cameron says, things are bad right now, but Spencer will bounce back. He always does. She says, not this time. I don’t know if she’s faking it, but I think it’s the first time Esme hasn’t smiled through a conversation, whether it was appropriate or not.

Trina tells Ava, the day she realized Victor was really Spencer, was the day she realized he’d been lying about how long he’s been in Port Charles. Obviously, he needed to cover for his creeping around, leaving nasty little threats. Ava says, then he convinced Trina to keep his secret, and Trina says, he told her he had troubled relationship with his dad, and that’s why he didn’t approach Nikolas right away. And she bought it. Ava wonders if there’s anyone in this town Spencer hasn’t deceived, and Trina says she helped him by keeping quiet. Ava says, Spencer deceived Trina too. He lied to her, he manipulated her, and took advantage of her trust. Trina says, if she’d come to Ava sooner, maybe they could have figured out Spencer was the stalker. Before her car got torched. Can Ava ever forgive her? Ava says, there’s absolutely nothing to forgive her for. She wishes she’d had a friend as loyal and trustworthy as Trina years ago. Trina says Ava has her now, and Ava says she’s sorry for what Trina lost. She remembers how excited Trina  was when Victor swept into her life, and she hates how he robbed Trina of that feeling.

Nikolas comes out of the elevator as Portia is waiting for it, and she says, perfect timing. If him or his son ever hurt her daughter again, they’ll regret it. He looks at her blankly, and she says, he needs reminding. His deviant stunts at the party at Windymere, Spencer drenching Trina in fake blood, pretending to be Victor, and convincing Trina to lie about his presence in Port Charles, so that he could stalk Ava. Nikolas says he’s so sorry. Last night, Spencer admitted he’d come home from school early, but he had no idea Spencer had deceived Trina in that way. She says, his son is walking through the world like he can do whatever he wants. And Nikolas, as the adult, needs to shut that down. Nikolas says he’s truly sorry, and she says, next time he sees his son, let him know if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay away from her daughter. I smell a romance in the works.

Sonny says, being home has been an adjustment, and asks Phyllis, what’s the deal with the Tan-O? She says she filed a claim with insurance, but the adjuster is still investigating, so the wait is on. He asks if she wants to rebuild, but she’s not sure. Without Lenny, she feels a bit at sea. He says, it didn’t help that he took off, but she says, he needed to get back to his family. He says he considers Phyllis family; whatever she needs, he’s there for her. She says he doesn’t owe her anything, but he says she saved his life. The least he can do is put her up, there or at the MetroCourt. And he’s not taking no for an answer. She says she appreciates that. She does have some unfinished business in town. He says she didn’t come just to see him? and she says, she came to see Nina.

Josslyn says she’s glad she ran into Nina. She holds up the journal, and asks if Nina recognizes it. Nina says, it’s the journal she gave Josslyn as a graduation present, and Josslyn says, she’d actually stopped writing, but didn’t tell Nina at the time because she was being polite. She tries not to cry, and says she started writing again after Nina gave it to her, and used it to process her feelings. She flips through it, and says, she wrote about Sonny’s funeral. She rips it out, and says, she wrote about the nights she heard her mom quietly sobbing. She tears that out too, and says, and she wrote about the good days where they still felt like a family. And the bad ones where all any of them could think about was missing Sonny. But Nina didn’t just lie to them, she lied to Josslyn’s father. He went to Nixon Falls to see her and try to win her back, but instead he got shot defending her and her friend. When Jax came to Nina, saying he thought he saw Sonny when he was on the gurney, and she lied and said he hadn’t. Nina deceived him too. She rips all the pages out, and says, it’s all there, updated as of last night. She’ll be keeping her thoughts, but this gift from Nina? She never wants to see it or Nina again. She hands the journal to Nina.  

Cameron says he has to get back inside, but Esme says, Spence needs him. He just lost his father, and now he’s lost Cameron too, and she can’t handle it. She doesn’t want to come between Spence and his real friends. That’s what he calls Cameron and Josslyn. They’re his real friends, and Spence is hers.

Trina tells Ava, she started off really liking Victor, but he was just a put-on, a façade. She can’t believe she let Spencer play her like that. She’ll never trust him again after what he did to Ava. Ava says, she’s not encouraging Trina to have a relationship with Spencer – far from it. She appreciates Trina’s loyalty, but what happened between her and Spencer is between them. Trina is free to do her. Spencer calls out for his father, and walks into the room. Trina gives him that look. You know the one.

Cameron tells Esme that Spencer hasn’t lost him; he’s still Spencer’s cousin. He really dislikes what Spencer did to his father, Ava, and Trina, but he doesn’t hate Spencer. She asks, what about Joss? and he says, she’s mad, but she’s also the kindest person he knows. He’s sure she’ll move past it. Esme says Cameron is such a good guy, when Josslyn comes out of Kelly’s. It looks like she’s not liking what she sees.

Carly tells Britt, breakfast is on the house. She apologizes for interrupting Britt’s conversation with Spencer. Britt says, it’s okay; she’d already turned him down. He made himself a hell of a mess and she can’t fix it for him. She hopes he figures it out. He’s a good kid in spite of everything. Carly says, technically, he’s an adult, but when she was his age, she didn’t behave like one either. Britt says, even as adults, we don’t always behave as adults, and starts to leave, but Carly says she knows Britt has a lot going on; so does she. She’d like to clear the air between them, and asks if Britt is ready for some radical honesty. Britt says she’s ready if Carly is.

Phyllis says she still has things she needs to say to Nina, and Sonny wonders why Phyllis would still want to talk to her after everything she did. She caused Phyllis to lose the Tan-O. She says, she thought about all the horrible things Nina did to Sonny and his family, and the lives she endangered, including her own. But she also knows Nina’s heart. All the things Nina did for her and Lenny, and their town, even for Sonny as Mike. A person has to be in a lot of pain and confusion to balance all that love and desperation. Lenny always said she had a bleeding heart, and maybe she does, but she can’t write Nina off just yet. Can he?   

On Monday, Alexis tells Nikolas that it’s no time for him to turn his back on Spencer, Jax asks Shawn how something circles back to him, and Britt tells Carly, it’s not going to happen.

👑 She’ll Never Be Queen…

Kyle stands by her good friend. Unless things start going bad.

She thinks they’re good.

She’ll walk away when they stop paying her.

🔥 On the Barbie…

I’m sure she had an answer for everything, but I’ll be on the lookout for squirming.

🍸 Belle Of the South…

Good. Erika has no business trying to intimidate the weak one because things didn’t go as planned. And I agree that no woman should ever say that to another woman. Actually, I don’t think anyone should use that word ever. And I have a potty mouth. What can I say? I was raised by a sailor.

😶 Can’t Read the Room…

I don’t even know what to say here.

💎 Don’t Fence Her In…

It would be a shame if Garcelle left. She’s the voice of reason, and of color.

🧹 On the Other Hand…

I’m all for LVP, Garcelle, and Sutton having a show.

⛪️ Meanwhile, In the Lake Of Salt…

Methinks they suddenly realized what a bad look it was.

Lisa tries to balance it with a good look.

🗽 Still Clueless…

I hardly think there was a stigma attached to single working moms in 2010.

⛺️ Downsizing…

I guess this is what happens when you do really, really stupid things.

💤 Uninspired…

Are they really going to name it Schwartz and Sandy’s? Will they be serving egg creams?

https://www.bravotv.com/vanderpump-rules/style-living/tom-sandoval-tom-schwartz-opening-a-new-restaurant-details

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/tom-schwartz-tom-sandoval-new-bar-lisa-vanderpump-reacts

🏠 Coming Back Home…

I loved the Homecoming show they did for Real World New York. I’m hoping this one is as good. I’d love to see San Francisco, but now that Pedro is gone, it would be sad. And I’m not sure if I could stomach Puck again.

https://ew.com/tv/real-world-homecoming-season-2-los-angeles-1993-cast/

🐅 Tiger Take Two…

I can’t imagine it topping, or even being equal to, the first one. I was mesmerized.

https://ew.com/tv/tiger-king-season-2-coming-to-netflix/

🧛🏻‍♀️ All In the Timing…

Why shouldn’t Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira have a memoir coming out when it’s almost Halloween? And who knew all this stuff? I can’t wait to read this.

https://nypost.com/2021/09/21/elvira-reveals-sexuality-wilt-chamberlain-encounter-more/

https://nypost.com/2021/09/23/elvira-reveals-photo-of-her-girlfriend-says-theyre-relieved/

🎃 23 Days To Halloween…

And so it begins.

https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes

📣 Quotes of the Week

A good friend will always stab you in the front. – Oscar Wilde

The cure for anything is saltwater: sweat, tears, or the sea.Isak Dinesen, author of Out of Africa

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian. – Shari R. Barr

Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors. – Fred Rogers

If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. – J.R.R. Tolkien

In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy. – Albert Clarke

There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line. Oscar Levant

Your dream is a reality that is waiting for you to materialize. Today is a new day! Don’t let your history interfere with your destiny! Learn from your past so that it can empower your present and propel you to greatness. – Steve Maraboli

You’re only as sick as your secrets. – AA saying

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. – Plato

👢 Walking Into the Weekend Like…

I have an early day tomorrow, but before we know it, it will be Dead time. Until then, stay safe, stay changing it up now and then, and stay believing them if someone shows you who they are.

October 6, 2021 – No Soap Or Radio, Dallas Rides In, a Goodbye, Celebrating the Ox In Beverly Hills, Rumors, Dropped, Liar, Defending Erika, Going Down, Dead Talk, New Halloween & the Countdown Begins

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

No GH today. All it said on their FB page was that it was due to ongoing news coverage, but no indication as to coverage of what. It was a network decision, since there was nothing new online either. I was pretty surprised when I turned it on, and there was Cyrus playing Chairman of the hospital, and Todd Franco was walking around. Instead, a little soap news…

🐴 Austin Was Taken…

So who is Dallas Kirby anyway?

🥀 Another Goodbye…

The soap world has had a lot of losses so far this year.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Crystal was preparing for a Chinese New Year party – the Year of the Ox – she was throwing at an Asian restaurant she’d rented for the occasion. She took Erika there for a looksee, and Erika said something about it being in Kill Bill. LisaR said the same thing later, but while it looked similar to restaurant where O-Ren (Lucy Lui) hangs with her crew, I’m pretty sure that place is in Tokyo. In her interview, Crystal told us that whatever happens on New Year’s Day (or maybe Eve; it was unclear) would represent the next year. Since Erika was still mad at Sutton, Crystal was concerned. Kathy met with architect Jesse and builder Aiden at a ginormous 18,000 square foot house she was having built. She and husband Richard were originally going to move in, but Richard reminded her of all the good times they’d had in the house they were already in, and she changed her mind. My guess is, he probably just didn’t want the hassle of having to move in his 70s or whatever. Not to mention they’d be putting the new one on the market in the $52 million range. Maybe the guys from Million Dollar Listing can broker that. In Sutton’s interview, she said she could fit three of her houses into Kathy’s new one. She and Kathy discussed the trip to Del Mar, and Sutton admitted she thought things with Erika had been a little strange. In her interview, she said, it would be nice to think things were back to normal, but wondered how that was possible when it had been so volatile. Garcelle wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue with her dating coach. She’d gone on a tailgate date with her match – who’d brought sushi and champagne – but he wasn’t her type. He wasn’t as spectacular as his photos. She wondered where his abs were. She’d expected him to show up shirtless.

Because she’s dense, in LisaR’s interview, she thought she and Garcelle had progressed. I thought it was more like Garcelle was proceeding with caution. We flashed back to when the women poked at Garcelle at dinner until she finally cried, which LisaR called being vulnerable and said was beautiful. It would be if they were all decent people. Garcelle wanted LisaR to reach out to Denise, but in her interview, LisaR said her relationship with Denise was her business. She’d do what she wanted when she felt like doing it. It would be when it felt organic and natural, which was ironic, since nothing about LisaR is organic or natural. She told Garcelle, when it was time, she’d do it, which probably meant, never. In Garcelle’s interview, she said, if LisaR reached out, it would show her growth. She wanted to see more action and less talk with LisaR. Good luck with that.

Everyone trickled in to the party, which began with cocktails outside. In Sutton’s interview, she said she was willing to let go of Erika threatening her, but not so much what she’d read and heard about the situation. She didn’t need to worry though, since Erika had turned the tap back to cold, and ignored Sutton. In Garcelle’s interview, she said she’d thought Sutton and Erika were doing better, but that was a hi/bye for sure. Mauricio, who was most likely stoned, banged on the Chinese gongs at the front of the restaurant. The coolest thing was a dude making candy zodiac animals, and putting them on sticks. I want to know where to get those. Kathy brought her friend Elliot (who we’ve seen before) as her escort, and for a moment, I thought she’d sprung Tom. They look an awful lot alike.

The décor was absolutely beautiful, and Crystal said she wanted to transport everyone to Asia. Everyone sat down, and Rob raised his glass, and said, true friends didn’t make problems disappear, but they didn’t disappear when problems came. Crystal said the women had little red envelopes with money in them, and they would get it back a hundredfold after feeding the animal. Or something to that effect. Kyle looked like she was starting to panic, asking, what animal? over and over. Then she nearly hit the ceiling when a Chinese percussion band began to play in the balcony. Chinese dragons came out, and the women put the envelopes in their mouths. I would have loved to be at this party, except not with this group. No surprise, the food was fabulous, and dumplings are one of my all-time favorite foods. For whatever crazy reason – i. e. screen time – Kyle said Sutton swept things under the rug. Sutton didn’t think so, but said she didn’t want any ill will between her and Erika. And then there were crickets. Lots and lots of crickets. In Erika’s interview, she said she didn’t need an apology from someone who was willing to condemn her. Sutton said she thought she could speak for everyone in that they all wanted Erika to come out of this shining bright. Erika told them that she had nothing to say.

They went back outside where there was a dessert bar, where there were many impressive confections. In Sutton’s interview, she wondered why she was trying so hard with Erika. Then she wondered what these women even saw in Erika. I told her, thank you. I wanted to like Erika. I tried to like Erika. But even before this, she ran hot and cold, and got irrationally angry at times. Sutton told Kyle that Erika made people afraid to say anything. While everyone had a last cocktail, Erika told Sutton that she’d thought they were friends, and she’d needed Sutton to have more faith in who she was. Sutton wanted a one-on-one, but Erika said she needed time to trust Sutton. Sutton said she also wanted to be able to trust Erika, and know she could speak freely and not get the lion’s claws. Erika said that’s why she was waiting. Erika said, this life is not for wimps, but I wasn’t sure if she meant that collectively, or was just talking about her so-far-above-our life.  

Since it was the finale, everyone had their final say, and there was text on what they’d been doing, none of which was all that interesting. Sutton was still waiting on that talk with Erika, but had moved out of Kyle’s house. Six months after her six week deadline. Kyle put the house on the market after Sutton’s departure. She was still tight with Kathy, and had finally gotten Kim’s new phone number. Knowing Kim, it’s possible she might have just forgotten it. Dorit had added some ready-to-wear gowns to her collection, and designed a special reunion gown for herself. PK named it, The Reunion, because he’s so original.

Due to Harry’s influence, LisaR was adding acrylic nails to her beauty line. I don’t want to know. She also now approved of Scott and Amelia’s relationship, since they’d called it quits. Garcelle was back in the studio to film The Real, and was taking a break from dating. Unless Brad Pitt called. Freshman Housewife Crystal said it had been fascinating to see how the friendships among the women morphed. Which I guess was her way of saying, wow, these women are close, then stab each other in the back, then forget what just happened. She was still color-coding her life, and hoped to visit her pop-star brother Jeff in China. Erika claimed she’d faced down everyone’s questions to the best of her ability, and was never going to apologize. Her way of saying, she managed to avoid answering any questions too directly, and back off, bitch. The text said she appreciated the support of her ass kissers true friends, although her friend circle had gotten smaller.

I would have liked a little less crap, and more of Crystal’s party.

Next, the Reunion. I believe it’s in four parts, so it should be a doozy.

🍾 After-party note. On Watch What Happens Live, people voted online about the level of Erika’s honesty from one to ten. She got a four.

📰 Spreading the News…

Camille stirs the pot of tea Kyle’s been making.

🎥 The Camera Don’t Lie…

I think sometimes they forget the world is watching

🗣 Opinions Are Like…

No surprise Kelly put her two cents in.

👯‍♂️ Last One Standing…

The Chief Brownnoser has spoken.

She did say she didn’t know the whole story, but I don’t think she’s looking all that hard either.

🍸 Say It Ain’t So…

Although I really think Jax is the only one who should have gotten the boot.

⚰️ Jerky McJerkface…

Angela Kang tells us what’s up with the citizens of the Commonwealth.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-sebastian-milton-promises-broken-angela-kang-interview/

🎃 It’s Coming Closer…

Twenty-four days til Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

https://people.com/movies/jamie-lee-curtis-picks-up-kyle-richards-halloween-kills-featurette/

🏂 Slip Sliding Away…

Hopefully, soap tomorrow, and perhaps even some high-priced property. But for now, stay safe, stay going big or going home, and stay the hell out of Erika’s business, lest you get the lion’s claws.

November 10, 2020 – The Aftermath From Alex, Joe’s Reunion, Teresa Touché, New Faces In Utah, Mom To Be, Rock the Costume & Soldier

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

No surprise, I missed the part before the opening credits. Here’s what you need to know. Ned showed up at Alexis’s house, and asked if she’d been drunk the night they slept together. Jordan and Curtis went to an abandoned house that Curtis said had been surrounded by guards just a few weeks ago. Inside, it looked pretty empty, except for some covered furniture. They snooped around. Cyrus approached Lulu at the hospital, and she said she had no time for him. He said she needed to make time, since he was in a position to make her life very difficult. Dante listened in. Robert found Anna in the chapel, and she told him what happened with Alex, and instead of saying, hey, how are you feeling about all that? he asked if she’d found out who Peter’s mother was. Willow arrived at the hospital, and that’s where I came in.

Willow hugs Chase, saying, when she heard the news, she had to see him. She asks how Finn is, and Chase says he’s still in surgery. They have to remove the bullet, and drain the fluid around Finn’s heart. There was more of an explanation, but most of it went over his head. Willow says she’s sorry, and he says, it’s all so crazy. His mom was in town. All this time, he’s wanted Finn to reunite with her, and Finn finally changed his mind. She asks if it went well, and he says, it was awkward at first, but it got better. He could see what his family would look like, and feel Finn letting his guard down. They were talking about introducing Anna and Violet to his mom, and he thought they finally did it. They took the first step to being a family, and maybe they could invite his dad soon. She says she knows it’s been Chase’s goal for a long time, getting his brother and parents in the same room. She’s glad he got to have that one moment. He says, all night long, he kept thinking, what if wasn’t the first time he had his family together? What if it was the last time he ever sees his brother?  

Anna asks if Robert ever stops his relentless obsession with Peter. She just killed her sister. Alex was trying to kill her, but she still ended Alex’s life, and she has to deal with it. She was up all night, holding her breath, hoping Alex didn’t manage to kill Finn, not thinking about who Peter’s mother is. She’s just hoping Finn pulls through. Does he understand? She had enough. He says, she’s right. He’s sorry, for what it’s worth (🍷). She says, it’s not worth much right now, and he says, Finn has made it so far. She has no reason to believe he won’t pull through. Anna takes his hand, and says, the thought of losing Finn… She starts to cry.  

Maxie says she’s loved Peter hanging by her side, but she’s been checked and rechecked. She’s fine. The baby is fine. You know who’s not fine? His mom. He should be with her. Peter says Anna said she’d be better off if he was with Maxie, and Maxie says, typical Anna, putting other’s needs before her own. Anna was incredible rescuing her from Alex. She doesn’t know where she’d be if Anna hadn’t shown up.

Cyrus tells Lulu, her article implies that his motives run counter to what’s best for the hospital, and he has a secret agenda. It’s sheer speculation. She says he’s shutting out employees that have a relationship with the Corinthos family. She got it word for word from her confidential source. Cyrus says he knows she’s baiting him, and asks if she was hoping for an angry outburst. Is she trying to pick a fight with him? Dante appears, and tells Cyrus to back off.  

Willow says, poor Violet, and Chase says, Violet doesn’t know any of this. Willow says she totally understands him thinking about the worst case scenario, but he needs to focus on the good things. How Finn changed after Violet came into his life. He says, Finn is so serious about being a dad. Who talks to their kid like they’re in an office for a consultation? His brother, that’s who. It’s funny; Violet loves it. When Finn shows up for a tea party in a three-piece suit, Violet is in heaven. Willow says, of course (🍷) she is. That’s her dad. Chase says he sees the way Violet looks at Finn. She adores her dad so much. How would he… If it came to that, and he had to be the guy, how would he tell her? Willow says she doesn’t think the worst will happen, but if Finn doesn’t make it, she has no doubt he’ll step up for Violet, the same way he did for her. Grief is grief, no matter how old you are. When she found out her baby was gone, he helped her through it, and she knows he has it in him to do the same for Violet.   

Epiphany tells Anna, the surgery is over. They removed the bullet, and drained the fluid, with no further complications. Finn is still critical, but stable. Anna thanks her, and says she knows Epiphany is in administration now, and hopes she doesn’t get in trouble. Epiphany says, let Cyrus and Britt come after her. She’s not about to push papers around when her friend is fighting for his life – not in her hospital. She says Anna should be able to see Finn soon, and leaves. Robert says he knows he’s famous for putting his foot in his mouth, but there’s nothing wrong with his shoulder. It’s there for her to lean on. She hugs him.

Willow bets it would make Chase feel better to know how Violet is, and he agrees. Anna joins them, and tells Chase that Finn is out of surgery. He got through the worst. They hug, and Anna takes Willow’s hand with her free one.

Olivia arrives at the hospital, and sees Robert. She says, thank God he’s okay. She asks how Anna is, and he says Finn is out of surgery. It looks like he’s going to make a complete recovery. Anna can finally relax. He needs to work on his timing though. She asks, why? What happened? and he says, if Olivia had turned up sooner, she would have saved him from making a mess with Anna. Olivia says, what did he do?

Ned tells Alexis, he was so wrapped up in his own problems, he didn’t notice what was going on with her. He never put two and two together, and realized it was vodka in her glass. She tells him, stop. The last thing she needs is another well-intentioned gatekeeper. He says, tell him what to do. She’s his friend, and if she’s in trouble, he’s not going to walk away. She says she wishes he would. She doesn’t want help. He says she’s an alcoholic who’s drinking again. He’s worried about her. She asks if he’s worried about her drinking, or worried she’ll slip and tell Olivia that they had sex.

Jordan takes the cover off of a sofa, and Curtis says he found this, showing her an oxygen tank. It was upstairs. He found this too. He shows her some medicine vials, and he says, the bedroom was like a makeshift hospital. She says she’ll see if they can find traces of whatever drug was in the vials. He says, a formerly well-guarded house, with a designated hospital room. They need to find out who the patient was. She says, if that’s what they were. It’s possible they were drugged.

Lulu asks what Dante is doing there, and Cyrus says he heard Dante was back in town. Dante says, good news travels fast, and Cyrus says Lulu must be thrilled to have her husband back. Lulu says Dante is her ex-husband, and Cyrus says, his mistake. And it just so happens that Dante is Sonny’s son, which means Sonny and the mayor share grandchildren. Lulu asks what his point is, and he says, maybe it’s not his relationship with the Corinthos family she should be worried about. Maybe it’s the mayor’s relationship with them. He wonders how the average voter would feel, and if they’d reconsider their support if they knew how close the mayor was with Sonny. Food for thought. He walks off, and Dante asks if Lulu is okay. She asks if he’s kidding. She’s furious – with him. What did he think he was doing?   

Finn opens his eyes, and Anna says, there you are. She was waiting for him. Finn says, then they’re even. She takes his hand and kisses it. He sighs.

Anna tells Finn that Maxie is at the hospital, but it’s just a precaution. She’s fine and the baby is too. He says, what about Alex? and Anna says she caught up with Alex. She was headed for open water, and a rendezvous with someone. They exchanged fire, and she hit Alex. She followed Alex out to the deck, there was more gunfire, and she hit Alex again, but when she turned her back, Alex threw herself into the water. He says, so she’s dead? and Anna says, yes. Everyone is safe. He asks where Violet is, and she says, Violet is with Alexis. She didn’t tell Violet that he was hurt. She just thinks he’s working. She can’t wait to bring him home. She looks at his vitals, and he asks if he’s going to need another surgery. She says she doesn’t think so, and he struggles to sit up. He asks what she isn’t telling him.   

Maxie says, no one ever hung onto hope harder than Anna did last night. The worst is over. She tells Peter, she’s so lucky. It’s crazy to think Alex could have taken everything, and she has no idea why. Peter flashes back to talking to Alex posing as Anna in Charlie’s. He remembers Alex telling him, they may blend in, but they’re ambitious, and need greater than what the world is capable of offering. Normal and every day don’t apply to him. Trust her to help him become the man he was destined to be. Maxie says, earth to Peter. Other than Anna, is there any other connection between him and Alex? He says, other than being his aunt, they have nothing in common.

Chase asks Epiphany if his brother is really okay. Anna said he was, but she’s not a doctor. Epiphany says, neither is she, but Chase says she is a medical professional. She says his brother is going to be okay, but she bets he’d welcome a visit from Chase. He thanks her, and tells Willow, all he could think about was the things he and Finn would never get to do, and Willow says, sounds like he has a new plan. He says he and Finn or so different. Finn won’t want to go ice fishing with him, or do things like that. She says, you never know until you ask. He got a second chance. It’s probably best not to waste it. He says, it’s not often people get a second chance.

Lulu says, that’s the second time Dante has interfered with her job. He asks if he’s supposed to stand back and do nothing, and she says, yes. She doesn’t want him sweeping in, trying to protect her. He gave her everything she needed, but wouldn’t let her keep it. There’s nothing to protect her from that could possibly hurt more than what he did to her. She walks away.

Anna tells Finn, it’s just everything. When she saw him lying on the ground after Alex shot him, and when Alex left her to die with Valentin in the warehouse. She realized, not for the first time, that life is fleeting. She wants to spend hers with him. She’d like to be his wife, and have him be her husband. It’s just that Violet thinks a big fancy wedding with all the trimmings is the thing to do. She doesn’t think so. Why are they waiting? Why not dodge the hoopla, and get married? Isn’t that the lesson he wants to teach Violet? Love isn’t an expensive gown, or how you decorate the church, or a big cake. Although she does think they should have cake. Their love is what they have, and they don’t need over-the-top trimmings to make it special. She starts to cry, and says when she was walking around outside, waiting for him to get out of surgery last night, she had to face the real fact that she could lose him. Finn says he loves her, and she says she loves him too. He says, she just wants to marry as fast as humanly possible, and Anna says, in a heartbeat

Willow says, it’s probably best if Chase hears it from her. She and Michael are getting an annulment. He says he thought they were happy together, and she says, they are, but they got married to protect Wiley. Now Nelle is no longer a threat, so they agreed to annul the marriage. He asks if she’s still going to act as Wiley’s mother, and she says she’s filling out the paperwork to adopt Wiley. He wonders what that means for her and Michael moving forward. Anna comes by, and says, sorry to interrupt, but Chase’s brother would like to him. He thanks Willow for being there, and she says he’s more than welcome. Give Finn her best. Chase leaves, and Anna says, it’s nice of her to be there for Chase. She wasn’t good company last night. Willow says it’s understandable Anna would be scared, and she thought Chase could use a friend. Anna says, life sometimes has a way of taking the people we love out from under us, but that doesn’t mean we have to agree to let them go.

Robert tells Olivia, he ran into Anna in the chapel while Finn was in surgery. He asked about her sister, and she told him, then he got stuck. He fell back on one of his single-minded issues; one of his old acts. Olivia says she’s shocked, and Robert says he knows it’s hard to imagine. Anna let him have it. She says, he and Anna started sparring a long time ago, but he says, this time was different. Anna was really hurting, and he wasn’t paying attention. She says it sounds like he did Anna a favor, and he says, how so? She says, Anna has a lot to be angry about; her sister trying to kill her; Alex shooting her fiancé, and kidnapping Maxie. She has all this anger rolling around inside, and she knows he loves her, so he’s a safe place to vent. Anna knows he won’t run away. He doesn’t know if Anna sees that way, but Olivia says, it doesn’t matter. Robert gave her a gift, whether what happened was his intention or not. He’s a good friend. He says Olivia is too.  

Curtis looks around, and sees a paper sticking out of a baseboard. He pulls it out, looks at it, and crumples it. Jordan comes downstairs, and says, they’ve searched, and there’s not one piece of information to connect Cyrus to whoever lived there. Someone was thorough in covering their tracks. He says, they can’t give up. There’s got to be something. He looks in the fireplace (I’m shocked that wasn’t one of the first places he looked), and says he’s got something. A postcard. The name is burned off, but he can still read the message. Thinking of them every day. Hoping their health is improving, and that they’ll be better by the time he gets there. He promises a plan is in play, and it won’t be much longer before he’s there. Hang in there, and remember I love you. Cyrus. Jordan says, his Achille’s heel. She wonders who Cyrus sent the postcard to, if they’re alive, and if they can find them.

Lulu visits Maxie, and says she’s so happy the baby is okay. Dante waves from the doorway, but stays in the hallway. Peter approaches him, and says, once Lulu goes home, Maxie is going to take a nap. She’s been through one hell of an ordeal. Dante says he’s glad to see she’s doing well. He keeps walking, and Maxie calls to Peter, telling him that she’s having a craving. She’s thinking chips from the vending machine, and asks if he’d mind getting them. He leaves, and Maxie says, okay. Peter is in hover mode, so the clock is ticking. It’s time for Lulu to tell her what’s going on with her and Dante. Lulu says, forget Dante. She wants to talk baby shower. Maxie says she wants yellow. Now that’s been decided. Let’s talk Dante. Lulu says, there’s nothing to tell, and Maxie says, right. Okay, sure. Lulu says, Dante’s intentions are good, but he has a hero streak that’s been in overdrive mode since he came back. He’s been showing up, and getting in the way of her work. He’s interfered twice. Maxie says, outrageous, and Lulu says, she told him to cut it out. She doesn’t need him. Maxie says, what if he needs her?

Dante joins Olivia and Robert, and Olivia asks if Maxie and the baby are okay. Dante says they’re doing fine, and Olivia says, from the look on his face, she thought something was wrong. Dante says, it’s work stuff, and she says he didn’t tell her that Jordan had hired him back. He says he’s not actually with the PCPD. He’s working for The Invader, doing security. That’s where he’s headed. She says she’ll see him later, and they hug. Olivia tells Robert, it feels like a dream. Her son is back in Port Charles. He’s going to work, and living his life. He’s home, and he’s safe, all because Robert gave him back to her.

Ned says he’s not afraid of what Alexis might say to Olivia. He’s genuinely concerned about her drinking. Alexis says, let her make it perfectly clear. She has no intention of telling Olivia. If and when Ned decides to, it’s up to him. He says, it’s not like it’s going to happen again. They’re not having an affair. It was a one-time thing. Olivia never has to know. Alexis says he’ll probably tell her, but she’ll get over it. She loves Ned. Ned says he’s not going to hurt Olivia in order to clear his conscience, and Alexis says, take it from her, it’s soul crushing to find out the person you love has a secret. Make damn sure Olivia doesn’t find out from someone else.

Willow asks if Epiphany has a minute, and Epiphany says she doesn’t have any more information on Finn. Willow says, it’s not about that. The hospital cut back her teaching hours, and she misses the kids. She’s considering applying to the nurse’s program. She can still work with kids, and translate her experience with her former job. Epiphany says, the world needs good nurses, but Willow will have to go back and start from scratch. Willow says she didn’t think there was a shortcut. She’s at a crossroad. She loves teaching; it’s fulfilling. Epiphany says she can understand Willow’s attraction to the program, and if she wants to talk, Willow knows where to find her. She goes back to work, and Willow looks through the room window at Chase and Finn.

Finn sees Chase by his bed, and says he’s not as pretty as Anna. Chase says Anna was really worried last night. He kind of was too. He sits down, and asks what’s with Finn acting like a superhero. Leave that to the professionals. And just because he’s emotional doesn’t change the fact that Finn is a gigantic pain in the ass. Finn says, back at him, and Chase says, before they met, he wanted to know what Finn was like. He used to have idiotic fantasies about brother bonding. Finn says, then they met, and he let Chase down. Chase says he was extremely disappointed. He thought Finn was cold and arrogant. Finn says he’s heard that before, and Chase says, he was no fun. He didn’t like camping or football, none of the brother stuff he thought they’d do. Finn says he’s sorry he wasn’t the big brother Chase dreamed about, but Chase says, don’t be sorry. Once he let go of the brother he imagined, and started to know the brother he actually has, Finn exceeded expectations. He’s a phenomenal doctor, and any time Chase is down, there’s that annoying knock on the door. He’s seen Finn with Violet, and it makes him excited to be a dad one day. As far as brothers go, Finn’s not so bad. Finn says Chase is growing on him too.

Anna sees Peter, and he asks if she’s there to see Maxie, but she says she wants to see him. Can they talk? He says she sounds serious, and she says, kind of. It’s about Alex.   

Epiphany goes to Finn’s room, and he says he thought Epiphany had been moved to administration, and she says, they don’t see her, right? Chase says, no ma’am; they don’t. Finn thanks her, but she says, again, she’s not there, and he’s welcome. She wouldn’t be anywhere else, but she should probably get back to work. Chase says, one more thing. Does she know why ants never get sick? (*Answer below.) She says, really? She’s been up all night, don’t tell her a bad joke that was kicking around for decades before he was born. He says he thought his dad made it up, and she says, his brother doesn’t need to be laughing in his condition. No more jokes. She tells someone in the hall that she took Finn’s vitals; they can go in. Finn asks what they’re doing there. (*They have anty bodies.)

Dante goes to Peter’s office, and sneaks around. He looks through a folder on Peter’s desk.

Peter asks what Anna needs to tell him about Alex. She says she wanted to reassure him of the promise she made last night. Alex is no longer a threat to anyone. Not him, Maxie, or the baby; they’re all safe now. He says there’s something he has to admit. The longer Alex had Maxie, the more his dark impulses were pounding in his head. If Anna hadn’t rescued Maxie, he doesn’t know what he would have been capable of.

Jordan tells Curtis, she’ll see if they can ID who it is. They weren’t a prisoner. Someone has gone to ta lot of trouble to protect someone. The front doorknob jiggles, and they hide. When the door opens, Jordan and Curtis jump out, guns drawn. It’s Laura.  

Tomorrow, Franco asks if Scotty is going to help him or not, Valentin tells Anna that she can’t tell Finn, and Sonny asks Cyrus if something is going on with the hospital that he doesn’t want public.

🍡 The Kids Are All Right…

I’m glad his kids get to see him. For their sake.

https://pagesix.com/2020/11/06/joe-giudice-reunites-daughters-gia-and-milania-in-italy/

👠 One Page Six Deserves Another…

Although they’ll never be quite even.

https://pagesix.com/2020/11/09/teresa-giudice-is-very-happy-dating-businessman-louie-ruelas/

Hopefully, she gets a pre-nup if she makes another trip to the alter.

🩺 Mormons Do It Too…

I love when someone says they’ve had no work done, when they so obviously have. The neck is often a dead giveaway.

https://pagesix.com/2020/11/06/rhoslc-star-jen-shah-on-the-plastic-surgery-scene-in-utah/

🍼 Dream Come True…

I’m honestly glad for Scheana, although I can’t help thinking, now she’ll have a captive audience.

https://people.com/parents/scheana-shay-pregnant-expecting-first-child-after-miscarriage-exclusive/

🎃 Memories…

You didn’t think I’d let go that easy, did you?

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9476372/celebrity-2020-halloween-costumes-roundup

And you can vote for your favorite.

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lifestyle/9476663/best-halloween-costume-2020-poll/

 🛌🏽 I See Sleep In My Future…

But maybe not until the next life. While we’re still in this one, stay safe, stay on top of your to-do list, and stay leaving being a superhero to the professionals.

November 4, 2020 – Alex Wants Anna’s Life, Rain On Shannon’s Amazing Day, a Blessing, a Friend, Yet More Costumes, Gaga’s Message, Ice Story, What’s On & Icy

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase is in the shower when the phone rings. He answers and says, great. Leave a hard copy on his desk, and send Detective Spencer an email. He’ll be at the station in a couple of hours. He has an important meeting first.

Portia tells Jordan, she can’t believe she didn’t see it before. Jordan isn’t the best cop like Taggert said; she’s a dirty cop. Why else would she stop a legal protest? Jordan says she told Portia why, but Portia says she’s protecting Cyrus because she works for him.   

Cyrus admits he’s intrigued, considering Julian rebuffed his offer several times. Julian asks if he’s not interested anymore, and Cyrus says he’s skeptical of Julian’s change of heart, but thinks Julian finally realized he needs him.

Ava goes to Pentenville to see Ryan, but the guard tells her, not today. She says she’s been cleared to visit, and it’s vital she speak with him.

Ryan tells Sonny, the information he has will have an impact on Sonny’s family. Sonny says, let him give a word of advice. Actually, he’s going to state a fact. When it comes to games, he doesn’t play them.

Peter runs into the examining room where Maxie is. He asks if he missed the appointment, and she says, office hours were ending; she couldn’t stall any longer. He says he can’t believe he didn’t get there in time, but Maxie says she has souvenirs. He asks if she has the sonogram pictures, and she says, of course (🍷). She also knows he loves to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. She plays it for him on her phone.

At Charlie’s, Jackie tells Finn, Chase is on his way. Finn is surprised Chase wasn’t camped out in front, and Jackie says, he was looking forward to it. Finn wonders what’s keeping Anna.  

In her basement, Anna yells for help, and says she’s downstairs. Valentin ask if that’s her, and she says she’s in the basement. He says he’s coming, but Alex sneaks up on him, and plunges a syringe in his neck. He grimaces, and she says, it looks like it stings. It seems he was expecting her. Valentin falls, and Alex says, that would be the drop kick. Anna yells, what has Alex done? but Alex says, he’s not dead. Valentin says, Anna, and Alex says, poor Valentin. He never gets to play hero to the woman of his dreams. Soon, he’ll be too doped up to think clearly, so while he’s still lucid, where is her son?

Jordan says Portia has no idea what she’s talking about, and Portia say she knows what she sees and hears. Jordan has defended Cyrus at every turn. She claims she’s helping the people of Port Charles, but the only one she’s helping is Cyrus. Jordan says she’s protecting the city and the hospital, and Portia says, it was her press conference that brought Cyrus to the Board’s attention. She practically rolled out the red carpet for him to make the place unrecognizable. Jordan says the hospital saved her life, and employs her son, and Portia says, that’s what makes it more of a mystery. With the Commissioner’s stamp of approval, Cyrus can do what he wants to who wants, and not have to pay for it. Jordan says, if he doesn’t, people are going to get hurt.

Jackie says Finn was never good at waiting, and he says she was never good at keeping track of time. Jackie asks if he’s implying she kept him waiting, and he asks if she’s denying it, but she says, no. Chase arrives, and he and Jackie hug. Finn says he wants a full report about his girl; how was trick-or-treating? Chase says he got the cutest picture of Violet, and Jackie asks to see it. He shows her, and she says, wow; she’s adorable. Chase says when and if they meet, she’ll see Violet’s personality matches her face. Jackie says she’d love to meet Violet, whenever Finn is comfortable with it. Finn says he’s sure Violet would love it.

Julian says, the deal has to happen immediately, or there is no deal. Cyrus says Julian is in no position for setting terms. Julian asks if Cyrus wants his services or not. Cyrus says Julian is established in Port Charles, supposedly reformed, and related to a lot of people. Julian says he can go places Cyrus can’t, and Cyrus says, not Sonny’s compound, but Julian is welcome in other arenas. Julian says, so they’re good? and Cyrus says Julian hasn’t told him what’s requested on his end. Julian says, required, and Cyrus says, they’ll see. Julian says Ryan has information that he wants sent out of Pentenville, and needs to be stopped. Cyrus asks, what information? Julian can’t expect Cyrus to act on his behalf without proper details. Julian says, it’s about Sonny Corinthos, and Cyrus says, now things just got interesting.

Ava tells the guard, it’s a misunderstanding. She’d hate for this snafu to get him into trouble with the warden. Let her see Ryan, and they can forget this happened. The guard says, Ryan already has a visitor; last minute.

Ryan says Sonny seems underwhelmed. It’s a disappointment. He can assure Sonny, it’s not a game. He’s deadly serious. Sonny says Ryan is going to shut up now, but Ryan says the person could hurt Sonny’s family and get away with it. Sonny doesn’t want that, does he?

Sonny says, Ryan made a point to reach out to his family, which means they’re in his radar. That can’t happen. It was easier to just have a conversation with him, than going through the effort of getting rid of him. Don’t think it won’t happen if Ryan contacts him again. Ryan says, okay; threat taken. But what Sonny needs to understand is that what he has is extremely important, and he has physical proof. They hear Ava saying she’s allowed to be there. The guard asks her to keep her voice down, but she says she won’t. Ryan says, on cue. Ava is dying to get in here. Hear how desperate she sounds? Why does Sonny think that is? Ava says, let her in or she’ll report him to the warden. Sonny opens the door, and asks what she’s doing there.

Cyrus asks if Julian knew from the jump, but Julian says, not from the jump, but early on. Cyrus says, denying Sonny his grandson is a bold move. Julian says Cyrus could enjoy it a little less, but Cyrus doesn’t think so. What else? That can’t be the end of the tangled web. Julian says, Brad was losing his mind with guilt, and he thought Brad was going to blow it. So he rigged Brad’s car to crash. It went great, but Lucas was in the car, and his son got hurt. Cyrus says, Julian is responsible for his son almost dying? and Julian says, Nelle knew, and got him to marry her. She also for him to help her kidnap Wiley. In his defense, he changed his mind, and tried to stop her at the end. Cyrus says, truly heroic. So Nelle wrote it all out, and sent it to Ryan, and now Ryan is threatening to tell Sonny. Julian says he thinks Ryan is about to make good on his threat, and he needs Cyrus to keep that from happening.

Portia asks what Jordan means by people could get hurt? and Jordan says Portia has to trust her. Portia says she doesn’t think so. She thinks she’ll call the mayor, or better yet the Feds, and tell them the Commissioner is on a drug trafficker’s payroll. Jordan follows Portia into her office, and says she can’t do this. Portia says Jordan let the man go free who kidnapped her daughter. Cyrus is guilty as sin, and she knows it. Jordan says Portia is right, but tell her how far she’d go if her child’s life was on the line.

Maxie tells Peter, the baby is strong, and Peter has been there in all the ways that count. She says she knows he loves them, but Peter says he doesn’t want his child to feel like he did; small and unimportant. She says, that’s not going to happen, and he asks how she knows. She says, by the way he’s reacting. The baby feels more loved already than Peter did his whole childhood. He says he thinks the baby is going to change his life, and she says she hopes he doesn’t enjoy sleeping or eating, or going to the bathroom by himself. Those days are over. He says he’ll finally be the man he always wanted to be.

Valentin says, screw him for not snapping Alex’s neck when he had the chance. She says Peter is still her son, and she plans to protect him. She got him away from his father’s reach, but Valentin couldn’t let it be. He says she has nowhere to hide, so she’s taking over Anna’s life, like a parasite. It won’t work. People will see through it; people like him. She says, conveniently, he’ll be leaving this mortal coil with Anna. Anna’s phone rings, and I wonder why Anna isn’t up the stairs ten minutes ago. It’s Finn, who asks where she is. He asks if she forgot they were meeting Jackie and Chase. She says she was on the way out, when Valentin dropped by. Carry on without her. He says, okay, but he’s worried about her. Did she get the test results back? Does she know who Peter’s mother is? She says, not yet, and he suggests he come home, but she says she feels bad enough. She doesn’t want to ruin the reunion. He says, okay, and tells her that he loves her. She says she’ll see him later, and she loves him too.   

Finn goes back to the table, and Chase asks if everything is okay. Finn says, Anna won’t be joining them, and Chase says, bummer. He wants Jackie to get to know Anna better. He knows they’d like each other. Finn says, Anna got tied up.

Valentin says, as soon as Anna suggested it, he knew Alex was Peter’s mother. Only she would sleep with Faison, have his child, and walk away. Alex says she put him in a good place, but he says that doesn’t excuse what she did, shouldering her sister with guilt. She’s downright lethal. She says, he’s about find out, when finally, Anna comes up from the basement with her gun drawn.  

Alex holds a knife to Valentin’s throat, and Anna tells Alex to let him go. Valentin says he always knew it wouldn’t end well, and Alex tells him that he has no self-respect. Anna says, that’s enough, and Alex says, for once they agree. Drop the gun.

Portia tells Jordan, it was TJ. Cyrus was using her son against her. Jordan says Portia was on call when TJ was left for dead at the hospital. Cyrus had him abducted, and tortured him. She was sent pictures of her son, bloody and bettered, knowing there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Portia says, that’s when she came out with the evidence that released Cyrus from prison. Now she knows why all these months Jordan has been doing Cyrus’s bidding. Jordan was afraid Cyrus would target TJ again. Jordan says she knows he will. Whenever she’s pushed back, Cyrus evoked TJ’s name as a reminder of what’s at stake. She’s hated every minute of this, but she’d do it again in a heartbeat. Portia says she would have done the exact same thing.

Cyrus asks Julian if he wants to drink to their new arrangement, and Julian says as soon as he’s sure Cyrus is handling his end. Cyrus says, that’s fair. He’ll be in touch, but when he calls, Julian needs to answer.

Ava tells Sonny, she knew she hadn’t convinced him, and he tells her, calm down. She says, not until she gets him out of there. He needs to stop talking to that monster; no good will come of it. He has to trust her. Ryan will mess with his mind to the point where Sonny thinks he’s in control, but he’s not. Ryan is always the one pulling the strings. It’s the most terrifying feeling in the world; to not trust yourself or the world around you. Not being able to trust anything. She doesn’t want Ryan to do that to Sonny, and asks him to please leave with her. Sonny says he gets that this is real. Ryan hurt Ava, and she’s doing backflips to get him not to go in. That makes him want to talk to Ryan even more. He goes back in, with Ava behind him, and asks what Ryan’s got to say. Ryan slumps over, a knife in his back. I go, oooh! The guard comes in, and asks, what happened? Sonny says he came in to talk to Ryan, and he has a knife in his back. Ava asks if he’s dead, but Sonny can’t tell.

Portia tells Jordan, she was completely off base. She’s sorry. Jordan says, Portia is right. She is under Cyrus’s thumb. Portia says, but not for the reason she thought. It was all about Taggert. He was on Cyrus’s radar because he framed Cyrus. Jordan says, he didn’t act alone. For Portia to truly understand what’s at stake, she needs to know everything. She only told Portia part of the truth. There was a conspiracy to frame Cyrus, but what she left out is that she was in it too. They all were. They were undercover for nearly two years, watching Cyrus commit crime after crime to build his empire. It was too much; Cyrus was too careful. So they made a decision that the pain had to stop, and fabricated evidence, planning to put Cyrus away for good. But his reach was too long, even in prison. When he found out their identities, he came after Bob and Mark, and killed them. Portia says, and he used Trina to lure Taggert to the warehouse. Jordan says, Cyrus doesn’t bluff. She had no doubt he’d kill her son to get what he wanted, and Portia says, so Jordan had him exonerated. Jordan says, she was the lucky one. Instead of killing her, Cyrus thought it would be more useful to have her in his pocket. Portia says, so Jordan threw Taggert under the bus. It was either that, or lose her son.

Peter tells Maxie that he’s taking the pictures to show Anna how much the baby is growing. She says, how a grown man can be reduced to a pile of mush is so sweet, and he says he doesn’t know how to explain it. He has a feeling of redemption, like the baby is his do-over. Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be when you bring life into the world? Not for him and Anna, but for Anna and Robin, and Valentin and Charlotte. This is his chance. Maxie says, she used to tell herself that; less with Georgie, but with James for sure. She thought having him would make her the perfect person she’d dreamed of being. The perfect friend, the perfect employee, the perfect wife and mother. She had it all. He says, he’s sensing a but, and she says she hates to break it to him, but that’s not how it works. It changes you in monumental ways, but Peter will still be him, and she’s happy about that. He says he loves her, and she says, now she feels a but coming. He says he loves her, but he respectfully disagrees. This baby is his new lease on life. Just watch. She asks if he plans on changing all the diapers, and heat baby bottles in his sleep. She’ll help every once in a while.

Valentin tells Anna, take the shot, and Alex says, such a gentleman; sacrificing all over the place. He says, take the damn shot, but Anna lowers the gun. Alex tells her, now drop the gun, and Anna puts it down. Alex says, now the cuffs, and Anna puts the handcuffs on herself. Alex says, good girl, and picks up the gun, holding it on Anna, who says, for now. Alex says she thinks it’s time for a second location, and hits Anna with the gun, knocking her out. She says, everybody okay?  

Portia tells Jordan, she understands Trina is hurt and angry, but she’s not missing like TJ was. She wishes she could take Trina’s pain, but Trina is here, alive and thriving. It’s all she can ask for. Jordan appreciates Portia’s understanding, and Portia says she’s a mother like Jordan, and like Jordan, she would move heaven and earth for her child. She’s sorry Jordan had to shoulder this alone. Jordan says she has Curtis, but Portia says, it’s an awful way to exist. Jordan says, it doesn’t mean she’s surrendered. She’s working against Cyrus, but has to find a way to bring him down without her son getting hurt. Everywhere she turns, he’s boxing her in tighter. Portia says, let her help, but Jordan says she’d be an accessory. Portia says she’s already made herself an accessory. Jordan needs back-up. Portia was married to law enforcement a long time, and Jordan doesn’t understand what she’s capable of. What they’re capable of if they work together.

On the phone, Julian tells Ava to call when she gets this. He has a plan in place.

Jackie doesn’t know what’s more delicious; the cookies or Violet. Chase says when he babysits, Violet always wants warm milk and cookies before bed. They reminisce about when Chase was little, and his father gave him piggyback rides upstairs. Chase says, they were epic, and Jackie says she never understood the benefit of him bouncing around before bed. Chase says he loves watching Violet and Finn horsing around; it reminds him of his dad. Finn says, see? He’s fun. Chase says, only with Violet. Finn’s phone dings, and he quickly looks at it. Chase asks if he’s worried about Anna. Finn asks if it’s that obvious, and Chase says he’s an easy read. Get out. Go see his fiancé. Finn says they’ll do this again sometime, and Jackie says, sounds good. He tells them, goodnight, and leaves. Chase says, that went well, doesn’t she think? and she says, better than expected. Her phone dings, and she says, son of a bitch. Chase asks if it’s breaking story, and she asks how he knew. He says, his eighth birthday, the state playoffs, the pre-party before the prom. Although he’s grateful she didn’t show up for that. She says she’s the worst mother, but he says she’s a great mother, and a great reporter. How soon does she leave? She says, tonight.

Anna comes to, and she’s tied back-to-back with Valentin. She asks where they are, and Alex says, the soon to be site of a terrible accident. Anna says, Alex thinks she wants to kill her, but she doesn’t. Their lives are intertwined; they’re too connected. Alex agrees, but adds that she’s not one who likes sharing. She wants a wonderful life. Anna say she’s not going to get it by pretending to be her, and Alex says, enough. She’s disabled the safety mechanism on a pressure cooker. In an hour, it will reach maximum pressure and explode. By that time, the whole place will be full of gas. If they haven’t been asphyxiated, they’ll be incinerated. If any remains are found, people will think it’s her. She takes Anna’s wedding ring, and Anna calls her a total bitch. Alex puts it on, and says, it’s not her style, but it will have to do. Anna says, it won’t take Finn long to realize. Then what? Alex says, poor Finn, headed for heartbreak. She should have killed him too, but then it would have been too obvious. Anna’s phone dings, and she says, it’s a text from Peter. Maxie’s latest sonogram. The baby looks like her. She says she’ll meet them at the hospital, and Anna says, don’t you dare. Alex says, why? It’s kind of ironic. Her new life is beginning, and Anna’s is just about to end. She’s really sorry it had to be like this. She leaves, and Anna tells Valentin, wake up.

On the phone, Jackie says, if they want her on the story, she wants the best. Meet her on arrival. She’s not flying halfway around the world to stand in a line. She’ll call when she’s on the plane. She hangs up, and Chase asks how many producers she’s driven to a nervous breakdown. She says, zero. She doesn’t mean to be impossible, but if they want her to do the story, they want the best. He suggests she finesse something in the Bay area so they can have an honest to God family reunion. She says, about that. There’s something she needs to tell him. She knows it’s been his dream to get the family together, including Finn, and he says, for as long as he can remember. She says she wishes it had happened sooner, and he says she’s scaring him. What’s wrong? She says she and his father are getting divorced.

Sonny and Ava arrive at the hospital. Ava says, Ryan is a liar. Whatever he said, Sonny can’t believe him. Sonny says Ryan told him that he had something important to say, and wound up with a knife in his back. Does she think it’s a coincidence? He walks away, and Ava digs in her bag for her phone. She calls Julian, and tells him that he’s not going to believe what just happened. She tried to circumvent Sonny, but he was already in with Ryan when she got there. Julian says, dammit, but she says, hold on. Before Ryan could say anything, he got a knife in his back. He keeled over right in front of them, like some kind of miracle. Julian asks if he’s dead, but she doesn’t know. He says, not quite a miracle… yet.

At the hospital, Cyrus asks Jordan, what’s going on? She looks tired. She says she’s fine, and he asks why he’s there. He’s not a fan of being summoned. She says he should rethink the way he’s managing the staff. The protest is picking up steam. He tells her to handle it, but she says, it’s still free a country. He doesn’t control everything. She suddenly drops to the floor, and Cyrus calls for help. Portia runs to Jordan, asking if Jordan can hear her, and checking Jordan’s pulse. Cyrus looks genuinely concerned.

Peter tells Maxie, Anna is on her way. Alex comes out of the elevator, and sees Maxie and Peter. She tells Peter to hand over the sono pictures, and Peter says, that’s her grandchild. She pretends to fawn over the pictures, and says she can’t wait to meet him or her, and spend the rest of her life spoiling them rotten. Peter suggests she have some boundaries, but she says she’s the baby’s grandma. No promises. Maxie says, it’s her prerogative, and Alex stares at Peter.

Finn gets home, and calls to Anna, but sees the house is empty.

The pressure cooker ticks away. Valentin wakes up, and he and Anna both start coughing. Valentin says he’ll give her sister this much, she’s thorough. Anna says, they’re not going die. Not today. Not like this.

Tomorrow, Epiphany toasts to new beginnings, Robert asks what Valentin has to do with it, and Anna tells Valentin not to quit on her.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Gina got in Braunwyn’s face at Shannon’s party, calling her a sloppy chihuahua – whatever that means – and accusing her of being wasted all the time. As usual, Gina was five beats behind, and Braunwyn said, I’ve been sober for thirty days, bitch, and walked out, tossing her glass of pretend drink in the pool. Sean stayed behind and stood up for her, which offended Gina, who continued to act like an a-hole. Everyone acted like Braunwyn throwing the glass in the pool was the worst thing anyone could possibly do. In Emily’s interview, she says she was glad she wasn’t the one crying and throwing things. It was someone else’s turn now, and she passed the torch. We flashed back to her altercation with Kelly at somebody’s party. I forget whose. Sean hunted Braunwyn down, and said she needed to pull Gina aside and talk. Braunwyn told Sean that none of them could handle the truth, and he suggested a one-on-one conversation. Gina complained that she didn’t like a man schooling her, which annoyed me. These women want to be equals, but God forbid a man argues with them. Then, all of a sudden, men shouldn’t get involved, even if they dragged him into it. In Gina’s interview, she said she was disgusted when a man’s response was to get in her face, which annoyed me further. Gina had certainly gotten in Braunwyn’s face, finger wagging, but Sean didn’t even raise his voice. And I thought it was kind of cool that he defended his wife. Sean thought Braunwyn needed support. Everyone ate some weird noodles from plastic cups, and Elizabeth told Gina that she was a better woman than this. Sean asked Gina to have a conversation outside with Braunwyn, and Gina finally deigned to grace Braunwyn with her presence. They apologized to each other, and discussed the text from Sean to Gina, which got dicey. Gina thought it was inappropriate, and Braunwyn asked why Gina hadn’t brought it up to her, rather than Emily. Gina said Emily was her best friend, so too bad. In her interview, Gina said she felt compassion for Braunwyn, but she was still pissed.

Braunwyn asked to talk to Kelly in private, and told Kelly that she’d hit bottom. She was 30 days sober, but wanted a drink so effing bad it hurt. Kelly joked around, saying in her interview that she thought laughter was the best medicine. They talked about Sean being an enabler, and Kelly told Braunwyn to shake it off. Taylor Swift played in my head. Sean told Elizabeth that he was there when Shannon called Gina’s place sad. In Shannon’s interview, she said all Braunwyn did was rain down on what was supposed to be an amazing day. Get TF out. On the way home, Braunwyn told Sean she thought she’d be stronger. She shared too much with 17 year old daughter Rowan when she got home, telling her all about the party. She said she’d been raging, and had never raged in her life. Rowan was like, oh really? and we flashed back to Braunwyn getting pretty angry about a hypothetical situation in front of the kids. Back at the party, Shannon toasted to good friends, and continued blessings for everyone.

Getting on the treadmill, Braunwyn told Sean that she was mortified by her behavior. She wondered when she’d stop feeling effing crazy, and Sean sagely said, time. Shannon gave everyone a tour of the house, and in Gina’s interview, she said Shannon’s house was neither sad nor small. She was glad to have friends with big bougie houses, so she could reap the benefits. I know the feeling. I keep hoping one of my neighbors will put in a pool. The gym room housed a ginormous painting of a photo of Shannon, and in Elizabeth’s interview, she said she was no therapist, but guessed self-love was good. If someone gave that to her, she’d say thanks, and put it in the garage. Braunwyn and Sean headed for an open AA meeting, while at the party, Kelly got intrusive about Shannon’s dad’s sex life. In her interview, she said Rick was 60, and she wanted to make sure all the parts would be moving when he got to that age. John’s daughter fished the glass out of the pool with a net, and you would have thought she was the second coming.  

In her interview, Kelly explained that Rick was trying to get transferred to the L.A. division of FOX News. they were addicted to each other, and she was excited to move in together. Gina talked to mom Susan about mediation with Matt. She said Matt had been prickly about her seeing someone, but he had a girlfriend now, and had eased up. Matt didn’t seem like much of a catch to her, with domestic violence charges under his belt, but new girlfriend Britt was kind to the kids, and got Matt off her back. She also lived in Gina’s community, and could pick up the kids in a pinch. Kelly and Elizabeth went shopping, and Elizabeth said her divorce trial was coming up. Kelly asked if it was worth it, and Elizabeth said she wasn’t allowed to mention numbers, but it was worth it. In Kelly’s interview, she said she spent $150,000 on her divorce settlement. She would settle it, take the money, and run. In Emily’s interview, she announced that pigs were flying, and hell had officially frozen over. Shannon put her on a group text. She knew Emily’s name and phone number. Emily thought she should have gotten a badge or a trophy.

Gina told Elizabeth that her dad was an alcoholic; sober 9 years now. Elizabeth asked for explanation of what happened at party, and in her interview, said addiction and alcoholism run rampant in her family. If Braunwyn was willing to have an honest conversation, she’d be supportive. Later, while visiting Emily, Gina said she’d gotten a text from Braunwyn. She’d said she wasn’t proud of how she acted, and asked Gina to go to an AA meeting with her, and out for coffee afterward. In Gina’s interview, she said she knew something was off. Braunwyn was detoxing. She realized that Braunwyn doing everything sober must be challenging. Emily thought Shannon wasn’t making a dig about Gina’s place, but Braunwyn equated small with sad, and believed she was. Kelly thought it was rude of Braunwyn to throw Shannon under the bus, but believed Shannon did say Gina’s house was sad. Elizabeth said Braunwyn didn’t know about being poor, but she had survived, so she understood. In her interview, she said growing up, they lived in trailers and abandoned hotels, and they would get expired food from Walmart’s garbage. She understood the struggles.

In Braunwyn’s interview, she said she and Sean decided to renew their vows every 10 years. She was drunk at their 10 year renewal, and wanted to do it again sober, and make it a new start. She called Shannon, and there was a big silence after she said it was her. She told Shannon that she still really wanted Shannon, John, and the kids to be at the ceremony, but if Shannon didn’t want to come, she’d understand. Shannon cared more about Braunwyn putting words in her mouth than the vow renewal, and Braunwyn insisted she’d heard Shannon say it. If Dr. Phil had been there, he would have asked them if they wanted to be happy or wanted to be right. Braunwyn said if they were going to move forward, they had to find a middle ground. Shannon said she’d been trying to help Braunwyn, and Braunwyn said she had to own her truth. Shannon asked if Braunwyn was going to continue her crusade, which sounded stupid, and made me think of Braunwyn dressed as a knight on a horse. Braunwyn said there was no crusade; she was focused on potty training a baby and staying sober. Shannon said she called on of the servers lemonade boy, and it was John’s son. Braunwyn said she didn’t know that, but hadn’t said it in a disparaging way; his shirt had lemons on it. Shannon said she didn’t want to be the a-hole who’s not supportive. By the time the call was over, there was nothing resolved, and Braunwyn told Sean that she thought Shannon really believed she hadn’t said what she did. In Braunwyn’s interview, she said Shannon would go to her deathbed to protect her image. She was Stepford Shannon. Funny, Kelly called her that last week. Braunwyn told Sean, the fact that people believed it, said more about them than her.

Emily dropped by Kelly’s, and Kelly said it was a revolving door there. She was getting used to suburbia again. When she lived on the beach, no one came over. She took a sip of Emily’s drink by mistake, and swore she didn’t have corona virus. In Kelly’s interview, she said she didn’t understand people freaking out over it. The swine flu, the Spanish flu; things like that happen from time to time. Emily thought Braunwyn was using her alcohol problem as a weapon to make Gina feel guilty, and Braunwyn called while they were talking about her. Kelly told her that they were discussing how freaky deaky she is off the sauce. They invited Braunwyn to join them.

Sean biked Braunwyn over to Kelly’s, and they gave her a mezuzah. I have one of those that was in my old apartment. You hang it by the door to bless your home – see below for a full description. In Kelly’s interview she said she could make matzo ball soup and potato latkes. Braunwyn told Emily and Kelly that she had thrown a tantrum at the party, and Emily said Gina didn’t want to go to Palm Springs for the vow renewal. She didn’t think Braunwyn wanted her there. We saw a clip of Gina telling Emily that at the party, and Emily saying Gina and Braunwyn needed to get to the point where they were cordial. Braunwyn said all she could do was be honest.

Shannon told John that her integrity meant everything to her, and Braunwyn had a selective memory. In Shannon’s interview, she said that Braunwyn appeared to have an agenda (huh?), and she was trying to figure out what it was. She thought Braunwyn should focus on her sobriety rather than continually telling people Shannon did something she didn’t. She told John that she doesn’t move on from people saying she’s a liar.

Next time, Braunwyn shops for her vow renewal dress, Gina meets with Braunwyn, and Gina gets weepy about Matt coming to Sienna’s birthday party.

🏡 Get Your Mezuz-on…

All about the mezuzah.

💎It’s Official…

Kathy Hilton will be a friend of on the next season of RHOBH.

https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/1583241/rhobh-kyle-richards-sister-kathy-hilton-cast-season-11-bravo/

🎃 Because I Still Can’t Let Go…

Halloween was kind of a bust this year, but we can still look at pictures of the rich and costumed.

https://www.instyle.com/celebrity/celebrity-halloween-costumes-2020

This is actually kind of eerie. My personal favorite: Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka as the Olsen twins.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/25889/celebrities-who-dressed-up-as-other-celebrities-for-halloween

🥩 Meat Repeat…

I hope it’s fresh meat. A sentence I never thought I’d say.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1203772/lady-gaga-brings-back-her-infamous-meat-dress-for-must-see-voting-message

🧊 Resilient As Hell…

You have to admit, he writes a catchy chorus.

https://www.theringer.com/music/2020/10/6/21494291/vanilla-ice-to-the-extreme-ice-ice-baby-history-30th-anniversary

🍂 What November Brings…

What’s happening on screens this month.

🚶🏽‍♀️ I’m Walkin’…

Once again, we’ve all made it past the hump, or that day that used to be in the middle of the week for those whose days have officially all blurred together. It’s back to Charlotte for some Charm tomorrow, or later today if you want to play semantics. Until that moment, stay safe, stay charitable, and stay aware of what’s behind you when rescuing someone from a basement situation.