Tag Archives: Ingo Rademacher

June 17, 2022 – Drew Celebrates With Carly, Suits, Finished, RomaDrama, Wife Block, Unconcerned, One More, Spinning Thrones, Juneteenth, 10 Quotes For Dads & Vibe

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly sees someone swimming in the pool, and says, the pool’s closed. Drew gets out, and sexy music plays while she stares at him. Erm… He says he was hoping the owner could bend the rules a little for him.

Nina asks if everything’s all right, and Sonny says, it’s just business. It wasn’t anything urgent. He thanks her for waiting, and she says, it would have been rude, not to mention immature, if she’d just walked away in a huff (or a minute and a huff. sorry). He asks if she was tempted, and she says, a little bit. A part of her doesn’t want to hear his answer about the kiss he gave her, but then there’s another part of her that really needs to know, because it means something to her. Did he kiss her because he got into a fight with his ex-wife?

At a drive-in (!), Anna asks if Valentin has ever been here before, but he says he hasn’t had the pleasure. Her? She says, no. All the drive-in theaters she’s seen have been in movies she’s watched. He says, she wanted him to surprise her, and she says, he did. He’s kind of like this movie. He says, old or notorious? and she says, he seems to be black and white, but in reality, he’s a complex balance of shadows. She got that out of a book on Hitchcock. He says he likes it; it makes him sound classic, yet timeless. She says, this is the part where Ingrid Bergman realizes she’s been poisoned, and he says, like the old days, huh? She says, only if your nostalgic about someone being drugged in an undercover operation, and he says he thinks it’s part of their charm tonight.

Trina tells Josslyn that they have to get out of the bar before the cops check their IDs. The instigator, aka tall bald guy, is taken away, and the cops talk to bar guy. Josslyn says, now’s their chance, but as they start to leave, Rory comes in, and asks what they’re doing here.

Selina walks into The Savoy, and asks why Brad called her back here. He says, there’s a problem with the game. Linc comes out of the back and goes to the bar, while Brook stares daggers at him. He asks for a double vodka on the rocks, and Brook starts to stomp over to him, but Chase intercepts her and asks if she’s going somewhere. Brad tells Selina, Judge Abbott canceled at the last minute, so he let another player come in. She says, without vetting him first? Linc tells N’neka to put it on his tab, when Britt comes up to the bar. She says she was here earlier, and realized she can’t find her phone. Did someone turn it in? N’neka says she’ll check, and leaves. Linc says he hopes she finds Britt’s phone. He hates to see a lady in distress.

In the hallway, Brad tells Selina, when he saw the guy’s bankroll, he figured it would be okay. He knew the password. She says, just spit it out; what happened? and Cody comes out, counting a load of cash.

Sonny says, when he kissed Nina, he wasn’t thinking about Carly, and she says, but he did fight with Carly. He says, yeah. Carly and Michael think he turned his back on his family. She says, that’s ridiculous. His family is everything to him. He says, right, and when he went on the stand, it wasn’t against Michael; he was just there to tell the truth. She says, and he was gracious enough to forgive her, and doesn’t hold her responsible anymore for keeping his identity a secret. He says, the thing is, he always believed and still believes Wiley needs to have her in his life. She thanks him, and says, Carly considers that a betrayal. He says, in Carly’s mind, the biggest betrayal was, when Baldwin was going after Michael, he stood by Nina. Nina says she has to be honest. When he did that, she was surprised too.

Drew tells Carly that he just needed a quick swim. It was a crazy day at Aurora, and he didn’t get a chance to work out. She asks, how quick? and he says, only a mile. Navy SEAL. He hopes she isn’t going to revoke his membership, but she says, he’s exactly the distraction she needed after the day she’s had. He says, bad? and she says, beyond. Frustrating… heartbreaking… deeply disappointing, but also the best.

Trina tells Rory that she and Josslyn were tracking down proof Esme framed her, and he says, in a bar known for criminal activity? Trina says, just the place Esme would go to for an unregistered phone, and Josslyn promises they’ll explain everything later, but right now, they need to get out of here. An officer calls Rory over, and asks if he has ID on Josslyn and Trina.

Chase asks, what happened to their hanging out by the pool? and Brook says she’s sorry, but this was too good of a chance to pass up. Linc had a card from The Savoy, with what was obviously a password written on the back. He says, a strong indicator that something shady was going on, and she says, yes, Mr. Sarcasm. This is her chance to catch Linc in the act, and blackmail him into signing the rights to her songs back over to her. He says, there’s so much illegal in what she just said to him, he doesn’t know where to start.

Linc says he knows Britt. She’s the woman in the GIF that’s gone viral; soaking wet… climbing out of the pool. She says, yes, that’s her, and he says, she has a rockin’ bod. It’s like the beauty from the Black Lagoon. They might be able to recreate that in one of his artist’s videos. She says, excuse me? and he says, oh, did he not mention he’s a music producer?

Selina asks, is this the last minute player? and Cody says, they meet again. All the players raved about her in there. She says, did they? and he says, Brad here was kind enough to let him sit in on the game. Texas Hold ‘Em high stakes is exactly how he likes to play. It’s a shame the game ended so early. She says, isn’t it, and he says, thanks for the hospitality. Goodnight. He starts to leave, and she says, Li! A big guy comes in, and she says she’d like a word with this man – outside.

Anna says she loves this movie, and Valentin says he’s never known anyone so thrilled with this film. She says, come on. Cary Grant rescues Ingrid Bergman. The Nazis are thwarted, and the moment he goes back inside, Claude Reins is a dead man. What’s not to love? It’s so good. He says, if she likes this film, she’s going to love the second feature, and she says, he’s not going to tell her what it is? He says she wanted to be surprised. There’s a concession stand that sells bon-bons. A little pedestrian for such a momentous occasion. She says, a drive-in’s momentous? but he says, not the drive-in; us. Her agreeing to an official first date. She says, that is momentous, and he says, so – he brings out a basket from the backseat – he brought charcuterie, and caviar. She says, it’s lovely… and he says, what? She tells him, she loves popcorn at the movies, and he reaches in the back, this time pulling out a bag of popcorn, saying, it’s a good thing he brought some. This is from Japan, salted with umami, and out of this world. She says, popcorn needs to have butter, and he says he’s usually much better at this. She says, bullseye on the movie, and remembering she loves Hitchcock; that’s all perfect. He says, the master of suspense. He never got more romantic than Notorious. She says, yeah, a libeled lady and a charismatic rogue on a spy mission, longing for each other. He says, what’s not to love?

Brook says, of course (🍷) blackmailing Linc is illegal; that’s why she kept him out of it. He says, she ditched him, and she says, for his own good. He’s so close to being reinstated. He says, she asked for his help, and as soon as he agreed, she bailed on him, so she could do it on her own. Not that she got anywhere. She says she begs to differ. Something went way, way wrong. Linc came out of the back room fuming, and when he gets mad, he gets stupid. And when Linc gets stupid, which is most of the time, Linc makes mistakes, and that’s when they’ve got him.

Linc tells Britt, he manages some of the best talent in the business, and she says, he’s rolling in it? He says, private planes, yachts… and she says, he has more than one? He says, that depends where he’s heading, and she pretends to be excited, saying, which she imagines is all over the world. He says, baby, you would not believe the life I’ve lived, and she says she bets he’s seen some things. He says he’s nothing like the guys she’s used to, and she says, so true.

Li tosses Cody into an alleyway, and Cody says, what’s there to talk about? He bought into the game. He played well, he won, fair and square. Selina asks, what’s his definition of fair? What’s indisputable is, he cleaned out all of her other players in eight hands. Cody says, that’s just how the cards fell, and Selina says, when the game goes on all night, the players’ inhibitions wear down, and the stakes go up. If they lose, they ask for credit. Cody says, which she’s more than happy to extend at a far interest rate, and she says, he cut into her profits, she’ll need to recoup her losses, which will come out of his winnings. He says, now who’s not playing fair? and she says something in Mandarin. Li punches Cody in the stomach, and Cody falls to the ground, doubled over.

Nina says, she and Sonny haven’t addressed what Scotty did to Michael on the stand, and he asks if she knew what Scotty was going to do, but she says she didn’t. Scotty told her that he was going to bring up Claudia Zaccara’s death, but she had no idea about the details of how Claudia died. All she knows is, Scotty said he was going to hit Michael with his criminal record. Sonny says, so it sounds like she didn’t know how bad Scotty was going to get with Michael, and she says she didn’t, but she’s not going to get any medals either. Kidnapping Avery, and again, keeping his existence in Nixon Falls a secret. He says, let him guess. Scotty told her, in order to secure visitation with Wiley, she was going to have to level the playing field. She says, make Michael look so bad, she’d look better by comparison, and he says, listen. He just wants her to know, Michael had no intention of killing Claudia. He was just a teenager, and he was defending his little sister. She says she knows that now, and watching Scotty go after him on the stand made her stomach sink. In part because of what she set in motion, and in part because she was sure she’d lose him over it.

Drew says, it’s kind of nice having the place to themselves, and Carly says, one of the perks of co-owning the MetroCourt. He says, she knows he’s only hanging out for the perks, right? and she says she’s under no illusion. They sit, and he says he thinks he knows what she meant when she said, bad, but for the best. It’s when something crappy happens to you, but you needed it. It gives you a wake-up call and shifts your whole perspective. She says, that’s exactly what happened to her today. She hadn’t talked to Sonny since Nina’s visitation hearing. She won’t go into the gory details, but Nina and her lawyer accused Michael of being violent towards women. Can he believe that? He says he heard that, and he’s so incredibly sorry. She says, it was awful, but what was truly indefensible was Sonny. He was in the court room; he heard everything. And when it was over, he comforted Nina. Drew says, she must have felt so betrayed, and she says, yeah, and furious, and devastated. And now, weirdly grateful.

Nina says, when Scotty got done with Michael, and the judge called for a recess because she wanted to talk to Scotty and Diane in chambers, she stood up and felt so alone. She turned around, and there Sonny was, on her side. He looked so stoic, and she had no idea what he was feeling. She thought he was going to tear into her. He says, there was a lot of stuff happening. He was angry with Scotty for going after Michael, and he was disappointed in Michael for going after her. It was a lot. She says she wanted to play fair. She wanted to let everyone just cool down until Michael and Willow would allow her to see Wiley, but Michael and Willow didn’t play fair. He says, even before the five-part feature in The Invader? and she says, they were never going to cool down. Wiley would have been an adult before she was allowed to see him, and by that time, he’d be so brainwashed, he’d never want to see her. Sonny says, she had every right to go for the petition for visitation, and she says she’s made a lot of mistakes, but so has Michael. Nobody is perfect here. He takes her hand, and says, when he saw her in court, she was hurting a lot. All he could think about was making her feel better. She says she just wanted to explain to him what happened. She felt like her skin was ripped off; all her faults were exposed… and there he was. He touched her cheek – she starts to cry, and he gives her his hanky – and that small act of compassion meant more to her than he’ll ever know.

Drew says, Carly is grateful Sonny sided with Nina? and she says, the Sonny she knew would have defended his son, and the fact that he didn’t, brought it all home to her in a way nothing else could. The man she married, the Sonny she loved, the father of her kids, is gone. For as long as she’s known Sonny, he could make her angrier than anyone, and what surprised her today was the anger she didn’t feel. That’s when she realized… He says, her wake-up call, and she says, what Sonny did in that courtroom severed the last tie. They’re Donna’s parents, and will always co-exist for her sake, but they live separate lives. She’s been saying she’s free for a while, but today, she feels free. He tells her, congratulations, and she thanks him. He says, they should celebrate.

Rory says he needs to see their IDs, and Trina says, which one? The real one that says she’s underage, or the fake one that says she’s 23 and her name is Jane? Josslyn says, look, Trina can’t get arrested, even if it’s a misdemeanor. The Title IX investigation came back against her. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and Trina says, thanks, but it turns out it’s the least of her worries. Josslyn tells him, coming here was entirely her idea; she dragged Trina along. Please, just bust her and let Trina go. She hands him her fake ID.

Li kicks Cody’s ass some more, and Selina says, enough. The money. Li reaches in Cody’s pocket, and Cody says, they can’t take his buy-in money; he brought it to the table. She says he cost her far more than she recouped tonight. He’s still in her dept. He says, she can’t leave him with nothing, and she says she’s not completely heartless, and pulls out a bill, tossing it toward him. She tells Li, let’s go, and they leave. Brad tells Cody, sorry, Selina calls to him, and he goes.  

Linc says he doesn’t want to intimidate Britt or anything. He is rich and famous, but deep down, he’s just a regular guy. She says, regular just doesn’t do it for her; neither does rich and famous. She’s into a very particular type. He asks her to enlighten him, and she says, the kind who keeps his head when literal bullets are flying, who’s not overly fussy in the rule of law, and who doesn’t give a damn about pop culture. The kind of guy who can take a punch, and laugh about it. N’neka brings out a phone, and asks if it’s Britt’s, and Britt thanks her, taking it. She tells Linc, by the way, he’s a loser, even if he’s rich and famous, and walks away.

Chase says, if Britt does something illegal, and Linc can prove it, she’ll be in a far worse position than when she started. She says, look at Linc’s expression. Britt blew him off and he is livid. Now’s her chance. She heads for the bar.

Coming out of the club, Britt sees Cody in the alley.

Carly says she’s up for celebrating; what does Drew suggest? He says, how about a night swim? but she says she didn’t bring her suit. He says, they could skinny dip, but she says she owns the hotel. People could come, so… He says he doesn’t think anyone is around, and the pool’s closed. He won’t tell. She says, raincheck? and he says, absolutely. He says, at least put her feet in the water? and sits at the edge of the pool. He holds out his hand, and she says, she can do that, taking it.

Sonny tells Nina, Carly saw him in the courtroom, and that’s what they were fighting about. He guesses she felt that gesture of comfort meant he was okay with Scotty going after Michael. She says she’s so sorry she put him in that position, but he says, he doesn’t regret it. He was just doing what he felt he should do in the moment. She says, Carly can’t forgive him, but he says, she’s done, which is ironic because the divorce has been finalized for a while now. He guesses she doesn’t… She’s cutting the cord, except for Donna. He gets to see Donna as much as he wants. Nina says, no matter what Carly’s issues are, she’s first and foremost a mother. She’s never going to use Donna as a pawn. He says he never thought this would happen. He always thought he’d be connected to Carly, at least from the past and the kids… He flashes back to Carly saying he consoled the woman who initiated an attack on Michael, and she doesn’t know him anymore. He tells Nina, Carly said she doesn’t know who he is anymore, and he’s thinking, of course (🍷) she doesn’t. A lot has changed since Nixon Falls. He’s not the same person; he’s changed. And it seems like the only one who understands him in his life is Nina.

Rory says he’ll need Trina’s too, and the other officer tells Rory, the bouncer checks out. They step aside, and the officer says, his partner is waiting for him; they got a perp violating parole who needs processing at the station. Clear the scene; send everyone home. He leaves, and Rory goes back to Josslyn and Trina. Josslyn asks, what happens now? Is he going to arrest them? He says, technically, it’s not illegal to purchase a fake ID in the state of New York. Using one is more of a grey area; it’s up to the officer’s discretion whether or not he wants to file charges. Trina asks what his discretion is telling him, and he puts the fake ID’s in his pocket, saying, he’ll let them off with a warning, this time.

Cody coughs and groans. Britt picks up the bill, and says, did he lose something?

Brook tells Linc, what a coincidence. Long time, no see. He tells her, get lost. He’s expecting a call from Korea. She says, and there’s a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, and he says he should know better than to visit Port Charles. First, some cowboy took all his cash in a card game; then some woman doesn’t even have the sense to appreciate what he’s offering. His phone rings, and he says, this is it. He says, min-ho; ban nalYes, absolutely. All I Want is still available. Brook says, that’s her song, and Linc says, they will do a phenomenal interpretation, and he’s listened to plenty of boy bands. Might he say, theirs is the best in the K-Pop biz… Yeah, they can change the lyrics from him to her. They can change whatever they want; he owns the song. Brook grabs the phone, and he says, what the hell. She says, the song in question is no longer available. It’s caught up in a copyright lawsuit that could drag on for years. Bye. She hangs up, and Linc says, does she realize what she just did? She says she saved her song. He says he wants his phone back, and grabs her arm. Chase flies between them, separating them, and Linc says, if Chase doesn’t realize she’s using him, he’s dumber than he looks. He holds out his hand, and says, phone. Or he will sell her entire catalog to a porn producer he knows who’ll use it for soundtracks, She says, what a surprise; he knows a porn producer. Linc says, come to think of it, that’s a market she should explore. She can’t sing anymore, but there are other ways to perform, like lying on your back. Chase punches him in the face.

Anna’s phone dings, and she tells Valentin, sorry. She usually remembers to switch these things off. He asks if it’s important, but she says, it’s just work; it’ll keep. He asks if it’s anything to do with the Jennifer Smith case, and she wonders why he’s asking. He says, just curious. He offered his assistance, and she was strangely quiet. She says, it’s not likely she would need it. The WSB thinks the case is airtight. He says, she doesn’t agree? and she says, no. Jennifer insisted she had this French naval captain up in her room. He says, played by Gary Cooper? and she says she wishes. Anyway, they haven’t been able to locate him or confirm his identity. Valentin flashes back to pretending to be the captain, and says, he thinks he can still be of some use.  

Nina tells Sonny, she’s sorry; she didn’t mean to get so emotional. He says he didn’t call her here for consolation, and she says, she knows. She can tell he’s hurting. Why doesn’t he talk to her? He says he’s tired of hurting. He’s tired of being angry and being sorry. This is who he is. Love him or hate him, with her, it seems to be enough. She says she’s tired of hurting too. She’s tired of the loss and regret. He makes her happy, and she wants to embrace that happiness. He asks how they start, and she kisses his hand, and says, slowly.

Carly and Drew eat ice cream cones, as they dangle their feet in the water. Carly says, this is perfect, and he says she doesn’t think his idea of a celebration is kind of lame? She says, sometimes the simplest things are the best. She’s hanging out with him on this gorgeous night, and her feet are in the swimming pool that she co-owns, and she’s got chunk of stock in a media company that’s soaring by the day. He says, a bigger chunk than she expected, but she says she knows a good thing when she sees it.

Britt sits Cody up, and asks what he did to deserve this. He says, this is how it goes when he’s on a winning streak, and she says, he gets beat up and left in an alley with $50? He says, his luck turns harder and faster than a bucking bronco, and she says, there he was, picturing the hot car he was going to buy, that place in Malibu. He says, a 200 acre spread in Wyoming. Nice place; has she ever been? He was going to buy some horses. She says, purebred? but he says, no, the price is too pricey. He was going to get some workhorses to take care of and ride… He closes his eyes, and she says, he may have a concussion, so stay with her. He says he’s not sleeping; he’s just resting his eyes. She says, then she’ll leave him to it. She starts to walk away, and says, damn Hippocratic Oath. First do no harm. She goes back to him, and says she’s a doctor, so first, she’s going to check his injuries. She’s warning him now; this is going to hurt. She moves his head and he groans. She checks his eyes.

Rory says, Trina and Josslyn were looking for a lead on Esme; did they find one? Trina says, yes and no, and Josslyn says, Esme framed Trina by planting the phone in Trina’s bag. Trina says, the phone she used to record the sex tape, and then send it out in an email blast. Josslyn says, they think they found the guy who sold her the phone, and Rory asks, who is he? Trina says, he was tending the bar when they got there; they don’t know his name. Josslyn says, he was about to ID Esme, but the fight broke out, and he slipped away. Trina says, but he works here, which means he’ll be back. Next time they’ll… Rory says, next time, they won’t be anywhere near here, and Josslyn says, they need to find the guy. Rory says, he’ll ask about the bartender. He’ll get a name and description, and he’ll run it. Rory’s phone beeps, and he says he’s got another call; disturbance in progress. How are they getting home? Josslyn says, a Ride Share; they’ll be here in ten minutes. He tells then, be sure not to miss it, and leaves.

Carly thanks Drew for the ice cream, and says, it was a great suggestion. He starts unbuttoning his shirt, and she asks what he’s doing. He says, what does she think he’s doing? He’s working off the ice cream. The mile he swam isn’t going to cut it. He gets in the pool, and she thanks him for the celebration. He tells her, who says it’s over? As far as he’s concerned, it’s just getting started.

Sonny says, he and Nina have been dancing around each other for a year at least, not to mention their time in Nixon Falls. How much slower can they go? She says she wants nothing more than to dive head first into a relationship with him, and he asks, what’s stopping her? She says, herself. The feeling she had in that courtroom when she stood up and saw him. They’re hot and heavy for each other now, but what happens to her when it fizzles out? She takes his hand, and says, he’s unlike any man she’s ever known, and she wants them to build something real between them. He says he appreciates it, but she’s not the only one who’s feeling alone. Carly and Michael cut him out of their life; he can’t rely on them. There is this connection they have, but if she wants to take it slow, he’s okay with that. She says, okay, and picks up her bag. He asks if she’s going home already, and she says she is, handing him back his hanky. He tells her to keep it to remember him, and she laughs, saying, okay. If she doesn’t leave now, she never will. She’ll call him. He says he’s looking forward to it, and she leaves.

Cody asks, will I live? and Britt says, his ribs are bruised, and maybe some are cracked. She recommends an x-ray. He says he’ll get right on that, as soon as he figures out how to stand up, and she says, for pity’s sake, lean on her. She helps him up, and he grunts and groans. She says he’s such a big baby. Is he the same guy who fell from the sky and into the MetroCourt pool without a bump? He says, she cushioned his fall, and she says, she’s parked over there; she’ll drive him to GH. He says, hospitals are pricey, and he’s down to his last fifty, but she says, she’s not going to leave him in the alley. He needs help. He says he knows who can help him, and they owe him.

Anna says, familiar with a lot of French captains, are we? and Valentin says, profiling 101. First of all, how do they know Jennifer didn’t just invent this gallant seafarer? She says, they know he exists because the hotel bartender saw him, and Valentin says, okay. This is where he suggests the captain’s involvement is incidental. Miss Smith is just implicating him as a red herring. She says, no more Hitchcock for him, but he says, it’s Occam’s Razor; the simplest explanation is usually the right one. She doesn’t want to admit her guilt, so she’s claiming innocence, and pointing the finger at some poor sap she met at the hotel bar. Anna says, perhaps, and he asks what she thinks happened, but she says she’s not sharing her theories with a civilian. He asks who she’s calling a civilian. They’ve worked together on plenty of her cases. She asks what he’s doing, and he says he’s trying to help her, but she says, he’s not. She thought this was too good to be true; is this really a date? Or is this whole drive-in, Hitchcock, charcuterie just a tactic to get information out of her?

Josslyn and Trina get in the car, and Josslyn says, how crazy was that? Trina says, the bar fight? The lead on Esme? Josslyn says, the cops showing up? Trina says, they were so close to getting the bartender to ID Esme, and Josslyn says, things could be worse. We could be in the back of a squad car, charged with misdemeanor use of a fake ID… Jane. Trina says, you’re right… Kara. Rory did us a solid tonight. Josslyn says, us? That had nothing to do with her. Rory did it for Trina. He likes her. Trina says she thinks he does.

At The Savoy, Rory asks, what happened here? and Linc says, he was attacked, assault and battery, and he’s pressing charges. Take statements from all the witnesses. Rory asks if N’neka saw the incident, and she says she’s afraid she did. He asks, who did what to whom?

Brook tells Chase, it’s all her fault; she feels awful. He says, he’s the one who lost his cool, and she says, he had every right to. Linc is such a slimeball. They’ll sneak out the back door, hole up at the mansion, and call the ELQ lawyers. They’ll get them out of this. She starts to leave, and asks if he isn’t coming. He says, it will only make things worse if he leaves the scene. He’ll be labeled a fugitive with an APB on his back.

Linc tells Rory, he was the victim of a brutal and unprovoked attack, but Rory says, according to Linc’s witness here – he indicates N’neka – Detective Chase threw the first and only punch. N’neka says, Linc collapsed like wet cardboard, and laughs. Linc says, exactly. Call an ambulance. Chase broke his jaw. Rory says, excuse him, and goes over to Chase. He says, Chase was on suspension when he joined the force, but he’s heard the stories. Chase says he bets. Rory’s heard the witness, and the victim who clearly wants to press charges. He turns around, putting his hands behind his back, and Brook says, no, no. no. He was provoked. Linc had it coming. Please don’t do this. Chase says, Brook… and Rory read Chase his rights, handcuffing him.  

On Monday (which was supposed to be today), Trina tells Portia that she thinks things are going in her favor; Valentin says he’ll do anything Anna wants; Laura tells Martin, she’s narrowed the suspects down to one; and Spencer tells Victor that he has good reason to keep Esme close.

👃 Smelled This Coming…

I have to admit, I always wonder if people who use their religion to opt out are like vegetarians who wear leather shoes.

🦸🏻‍♂️ Wrapping It Up…

Valentin finishes up his side hustle.

💖 Come On Down…

If you happen to be in the neighborhood and enjoy a little romance and/or soap stars, here’s an event for you.

👉🏻 It’s Fancy Pants’ Fault…

Another one who thinks someone is making it personal, when they’re really just vial and unlikeable, and no one likes them.

⛵️ Reaping What He Sowed…

When will Gary get little Gary under control? Does he want to go the way of Jean Luc?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1334521/below-deck-sailing-yachts-gary-king-responds-to-concerns-over-ashley-marti-incident

👰🏼 Not Sure We Care…

But to round out the excuses of why <fill in Vanderpump Rules cast member> wasn’t at Stassi’s wedding, here you go.

🐉 Thrones For the Spin…

A show about Flea Bottom sounds pretty interesting.

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-every-spinoff-in-development/

💃🏾 Because It’s June…

What Juneteenth is about.

https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

And what to watch.

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice. – Charles Kettering

The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They’re not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion — to care about people and about your children. – Denzel Washington

A 2-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.Jerry Seinfeld

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. – Steve Martin

The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.Reed Markham

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’ ‘We’re not raising grass,’ Dad would reply. ‘We’re raising boys.‘ – Harmon Killebrew

Just taught my kids about taxes by eating 38% of their ice cream. – Conan O’Brien

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong. – Charles Wadsworth

The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get. – Tim Russert (Although I question who this is attributed to, since I remember my father saying it before Russert’s time.)

The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature. – Abbé Prévost

👔 Happy Father’s Day…

To all the father’s out there, be they biological, father figures, or pet dads – enjoy your day! And then get back to work. See you on Monday for soap and Sailing. Until then, stay safe, stay unregretful about the path not taken, and stay remembering, when something crappy happens to you, it could be a wake-up call and for the best.

December 17, 2021 – Saddest Farewell Ever, Over, Lawsuit, Big Series, Two From One, Cover Girl, Salem Holiday, Salt Lake Tea, In NYC, Stockings, Pre-Nup, Haunted, Asking Dead, The Tree, a Supreme Court Worth Of Quotes & Spice Wrap

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sam finds Drew fixing a little tree in the Quartermaine kitchen, and asks what he’s doing. He says he knows it doesn’t compare to the big one in the foyer, but he hasn’t had a tree, or lights, or anything Christmas for the past couple of years. She says she thinks it’s perfect. She brought someone along who she thinks might agree. Scout comes in, and clings to Sam.

In Portia’s office, Curtis punches the wall, and she tells him, take a deep breath. He says he did, but she says, not deep enough. He says he just can’t believe how willing his family is to accept this guy in their lives. TJ is already calling him grandpa, and, after the initial shock, he thought Stella might invite Marshall over for Sunday dinner. She asks if that would really be so terrible, and he says, yeah. The man deserted his family and let them believe he was dead for decades. Then when he shows up, he shows up without even a shred of explanation. She wonders if she can ask him a question without him getting angry… or angrier. Is trust really the issue here? Or is he just afraid of getting hurt?

Marshall tells Stella, cards on the table, huh? Since when did a nice church-going lady like herself take up poker? She says, these stakes are much higher than a poker game, and he says her secret is safe with him. She says he just doesn’t get it, and he says, tell him what he’s missing. She says, he’s making this about her, when it’s about him, and his choices; to walk away from his family, have her sister raising those boys without him, and then he asked her sister to lie, and tell her children that he’s dead. And she did, and kept her word until her dying day. He says, and what about her?

Britt and Elizabeth look at Liam in the NICU, and Elizabeth says, how is it possible an innocent baby gets to die, while Peter gets to live on? Britt says, for now. Hopefully, not for long. Elizabeth says, still, she doesn’t understand, and Britt says, sometimes it’s a blessing; sometimes it’s a curse. But it’s not their job to pick and choose. Elizabeth says, in this case, she wishes it was.

Sasha tells Brando, no more wallowing, or feeling sorry for herself. She needs to be at her best today for Liam. Their son needs them. Brando says, they’ll be there for him, and she says, what if she’s not strong enough? What if she doesn’t have the courage to do the right thing? He says, that’s why they’re doing this together.

Olivia thanks Carly for setting her straight about this neurology appointment, but Carly says she didn’t set Olivia straight. She just gave Olivia a pep talk. Olivia says, whatever she wants to call it, she just wants to be solid. If Ned sees she’s nervous, he’s going to be nervous. Carly says Olivia is going to be great, and she’s going to pull herself together to be there for Sasha and Brando. Let’s go.

Nina tells Sonny, when they came back to Port Charles, he said the man he was in Nixon Falls wasn’t real, but he was; he is. He’s one and the same, and both Mike and Sonny are men that his father would be very, very proud of. Carly and Olivia come down the hall, and Olivia tells Carly to remember what she said.

Drew tells Scout, he knows it probably feels strange, them getting to know one another again, but he was hoping it comes back to them; kind of like riding a bike. Scout says she doesn’t know how to ride a bike, and he says he’ll have to teach her. Leo comes into the kitchen with Ned, and goes straight to a plate of cookies. Ned says, just one, and asks if they mind. Leo’s going to the doctor. Sam says, and Ned’s bribing him with cookies? Ned says, guilty as charged, and Drew tells him, don’t worry about it. He was just telling Scout that he needs help eating them, and thanks Leo. Leo says, anytime, and leaves with Ned.

Curtis tells Portia, Marshall doesn’t have the power to hurt him anymore. That damage was done when he took off, and let them believe he was dead. She says, some wounds never heal. You can stitch them up, put on a bandage, sometimes there’s a scar, but deep down… He says, that wound never would have reopened if he hadn’t decided to return, and she says, okay, but he has. So now what? He says, now he’s wormed his way into TJ’s life, and he’s cozying up to Aunt Stella. She says, and he doesn’t like that, and he says, that’s an understatement. She says, but what happens now in regards to him? and he says he doesn’t know. She asks if he thinks eventually he could maybe find a place in his life for his father, and Curtis says he can’t see Marshall as that until he knows where Marshall has been, what he’s been doing, and why he’s here. She says, he’s making it sound like Marshall is dangerous, and he says, they don’t know that he isn’t. Joey Novak swears he didn’t see who jumped him outside the club. She says, whoa. He thinks that was his father?

Stella says, Marshall is right. When her sister turned to her for help, she went along with the lie, and heaven help her, it’s haunted her ever since. Marshall says he never meant for her to be part of this, but she says he knew how close she and Irene were. Did he really expect Irene to keep something that big bottled up? One night, it just became too much, and she told Stella that he was alive, but he had his reasons for leaving, and didn’t want the boys to know why. He says he did it for Curtis and Thomas, and for her and Irene, believe it or not. She says, it doesn’t matter what she believes. He and her sister had an agreement. Her sister hated it, but she went along with it, and so did Stella. But only because he said he’d never come back. He tells her, he kept his end of the bargain pretty well, wouldn’t she say? He didn’t even come back when Irene passed. She asks why he’s here now.

Olivia tells Carly that she’s got this, and asks if Nina got her message yet; she’s been trying to reach her. Nina says, no. She’s been busy, and hasn’t even checked. Olivia steers Nina away, saying, this will only take a second. Carly looks at Sonny.

Brando says they don’t have to do anything until Sasha is ready. Dr. Fleming said they could take as much time as she needs. She says, time won’t change anything; Sonny helped her see that. Brando asks what Sonny said, and she says, he mostly talked about Mike, and how difficult the decision was to let him go. He talked about how he didn’t want to, but in the end, he realized that was about him; how it would make him feel better. When in reality, he needed to focus on what was best for his father. He says, that’s true, but Mike had a long and fulfilling life, while Liam’s never going to have that. She says, Sonny said that too, that there’s no comparison, but lost is lost, right? And there will never be another time. They named their son after Mike, so they need to be as brave for him as Sonny was for his father. Can they do that? He says he can if she can, and she says, okay.

Nina tells Olivia that she can stand down. She’s not going to cause any problems for Carly and Sonny. Olivia says, yet she’s here where they are, and where they have no desire for her to be. Nina says she’s here because she’s supporting Sasha and Brando. Not that she owes Olivia any explanation because it’s none of her business. Olivia says she disagrees with that. Carly is her friend and business partner, and what affects her… Nina says, affects the MetroCourt. Don’t even pretend this is about business. Olivia says she’s doing Nina a favor right now. Does Nina have any idea how close she just came to getting wiped off the map? Maybe she hasn’t been in town long enough to know, but Olivia knows from personal experience, Carly Corinthos takes no prisoners. Nina says, is that a threat? and Olivia says, that’s a fact. The only reason Nina is still breathing air right now is because Carly loves having her husband back and alive more than she wants Nina dead.

Sonny says, he and Nina were just talking… but Carly says she doesn’t want to talk about Nina. Sasha, Liam, and Brando are all that matter.

Drew asks what Scout thinks of his tree, and she says, it’s pretty. He says he thinks it would be prettier with some ornaments, but he just can’t find any. She says, they’re all up on the big tree, and Sam says, Scout’s right, but she doesn’t think they’d mind if they borrowed some. He says, he’s looking for one in particular, but it’s not on the big tree in the foyer, and Scout asks, what is it? Sam asks if it’s the star, and Drew says she remembers. He doesn’t know what it is about it; he just loves it. Sam wonders where it went, and Drew says, maybe it got lost or broken or something, or Annabelle II ate it. Sam says, dogs don’t eat ornaments (apparently, Sam has never owned a dog), and he asks if she’s met Annabelle II. She eats everything. He suggests they go online, and Scout can help him shop for some new decorations. Scout says she’s going to find grandma, and leaves. He tells Sam, he’s doing this all wrong, isn’t he?

Marshall tells Stella, a man can change his mind, can’t he? Like a musician can improvise in the middle of a tune. A good musician anyway. She says, this is not a gig; it’s real life. He says she doesn’t have to tell him. Tommy’s gone, and Curtis is a grown man, and he has a grandson who’s a doctor and has a big, beautiful life ahead of him. Can she blame him for wanting to be a part of it? She says, no, but she can blame him for walking away in the first place. He says she knows why, and she says, yes, she does. He says he’s not trying to change the past, or even be forgiven. He’s just hoping to be understood moving forward. She asks if he really thinks there’s a way forward, and he says he thinks this homecoming is meant to be. She says, carful now. He talks like he knows what the good Lord has planned. He says he’ll leave the good Lord to her, but think about it. Curtis owns a nightclub now. She says, so? and he says, as much as music was a huge part of his life, it can’t be a coincidence.

Sasha tells Brando, this isn’t how it was supposed to be. They were supposed to raise him, and love him, and watch him grow into a man. Liam would have had an incredible life. Brando says, yes, he would have, and she says he would have been so lucky to have a dad like Brando to show him the way. He asks if she’s thinking family owned body shop, and she says, maybe, but she’s not talking about teaching him about cars. She’s talking about teaching him to be a good, decent, caring person; the kind who comes into a new town and takes a bullet for a total stranger. He says, Liam would have been lucky, but not because of him; because he had her. She could dazzle him with her beauty of course (🍷), but mostly, she could teach him what real love is. Real, unfiltered true love, so he would never settle for less. She starts to cry again, and asks how this is happening. He just got here, and now it’s over? He says, it’s not over yet, and she says she’s not ready. And she can’t even begin to explain how much she doesn’t want this, but they can still show Liam what real love is. And when they do, they’ll know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he never settled for less.

Nina says, message delivered, thank you, and Olivia says, for Nina’s sake, she hopes it was received. Nina says, if Carly even knew what she was trying to do for… Oliva says, what? but Nina says, nothing. But if Olivia suddenly has an impulse to weigh in on her friend’s marriage, from what she hears, Olivia might be better served to worry about her own. Merry Christmas.

Sonny says Carly doesn’t have to stick around. He’ll stay there as long as Brando and Sasha need him. She says she’s not going anywhere. Unless he’s trying to get rid of her. He says, never, and kisses her cheek. Nina watches.

Sam says she saw the cell they kept Drew in, and he says, nice accommodations, right? She doesn’t know how he did it, being in there for so long, staring at nothing, all alone. He says, it was tough, but the thing that kept him going, the thing that made him believe he was going to get out of there one day, was Scout. She says she saw he scratched Scout’s name in the wall, and he says, it was like the most important part of him was missing. She says, good; now he has her back. He says he does. Not quite the perfect fit. She says, not yet, but it will be. He says, it will be.

Curtis tells Portia, first, Joey Novak shows up, causing trouble at The Savoy, the kind of trouble that gives a club a bad name. Fast forward to Joey being beaten and jumped between the pier and The Savoy. She says, that doesn’t prove it was his father, and he says, right. The nightclub’s reputation takes a hit, the act that was booked suddenly cancels. She says, then a new one magically appears, and he says, he knows Marshall had a hand in Joey’s beating, but she says he doesn’t know that. He says, they do know he’s a proven liar, and she says, that doesn’t make him a criminal. He says, maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t, but he’s damn well going to find out.

Stella says, Curtis may have inherited some positive traits from Marshall, like his love of music. Does he still play? He says, sure do, and she says, don’t tell her he still has that old clarinet. He says he likes to think of Henrietta as vintage, but no, he lost her too. He lost her a long time ago. She says, Henrietta. She’d almost forgotten his first love. He says, you never forget your first, and laughs. In any case, he learned his lesson. He pats his clarinet case, and says, this baby never gets left in a car. She says she’s sure they’ve made some improvements over the years, and he says, the newer models are nice. Maybe it’s him, but his fingers don’t fly like they used to. But he has to believe if the mood was right, and he was holding Henrietta, he could still make her sing.

Olivia meets Leo and Ned, and asks how they’re doing. Ned says, good. Just doing what everyone does in a doctor’s office – wait. Olivia asks if Leo knows why they’re here, and he shows her his cookie. Ned says, it’s family tradition, bribery, and she says, if Leo is going to take the Quartermaine name, she’s going to have to accept the family traditions. A doctor walks up, and says he’s going to take a wild guess and assume this is Leo. Olivia says, that’s the guy, and he introduces himself as Dr. Newman, and his nurse, Nurse Meyers. He asks how Leo is doing, and Olivia repeats the question. Leo says he’s good, and Dr. Newman asks if he’d like to play some games and talk for a bit. Leo says he loves games, and the doctor says, great; come with him. He tells Olivia and Ned that they can wait there; they won’t be long. Ned tells Leo to have fun, and Olivia says if he needs anything, she’ll be right here. The doctor and nurse leave with Leo, and Olivia says, no big deal. Ned hugs her.

Britt asks if Nina is okay, and Nina glances at Sonny and Carly. She says she’s just worried about Sasha and Brando, and Britt says, it must be difficult for her; a reminder of Nelle being taken away from her; getting to know her, but it was too late. She knows it’s not the same, but Nina still lost a child. Nina says, and all the mistakes she made because of that.

Carly says she can’t imagine how Sasha and Brando feel, and Sonny says he understands why she stood up for Sasha. Behind that face, she’s got a lot of grit. She’s going to need it. Carly says she understands why he feels so close to Brando. She knows he’s family, but he was practically raised by Sonny’s father. (Wow, has that story changed.) Sasha and Brando come out, and Britt tells them to follow her.

Sam says Drew and Scout will find their way back to each other. It’s just going to take some time. They have to get through the holidays, and then in a couple of months, it’s her birthday. He says, so he’s buying his way back? but she says, that’s not what she’s saying. He says he’s just kidding, and she says, there are going to be so many moments; little ones, big ones, and all the ones in-between. He says he likes the sound of that, when his phone rings. It’s Curtis, and Drew asks, what’s up? Curtis says, what Drew told him, that he’d help look into his father’s reappearance? Does that offer still stand?

Marshall says he’s determined to put down roots, and get back with the family he left behind. She says he can be as determined as he wants, that doesn’t mean Curtis will let him in. He tells her, Curtis may say no, but he’s sensing a definite maybe from TJ, and he’d like to build on that, and have a relationship with his grandson. He could use some help if she’s willing to give it.

Ned says he was wondering if Olivia balked and canceled the appointment, and she says, it crossed her mind. He says he’s proud of her, and she says, he might not be when they get their diagnosis… if they’re getting a diagnosis. She looks at him, and says, they’re getting a diagnosis, and he says, most likely. She says, that’s okay, because their son’s alive and strong and thriving, and it’s more than a lot of people get. He’s unique, and it just makes him more special. Ned says, absolutely, and she says she wants him to know she’s all in on this. Whatever the doctor tells them, she’s here to give Leo all the help that he needs. He says he knows she will, and she asks if he can forgive her. He says, for what? and she says, for making him the bad guy because she was too afraid to look at the facts. He says he was afraid too. The unknown is scary. That’s why they’re here, to figure out what’s going on, and come up with a game plan. If they have that, and each other… She says, they have everything, and he says they do, and they hug.

Carly asks if Sonny is hungry or thirsty, but he says, no; maybe some water. She leaves, and he takes a rosary out of his pocket. He sits down and begins to pray the Hail Mary, as Nina watches.

Dr. Fleming tells Brando and Sasha, once they disconnect the respirator, they’ll give Liam an injection of morphine. Sasha says, so he won’t be in any pain, and Brando says, that’s why we’re doing this. So there’s no pain, no suffering, and he can be with his namesake. Sasha asks if she can hold him. Once he’s off of those machines, can she hold him in her arms? She doesn’t want him to be alone. The doctor says, of course (🍷), and Sasha says, he was with her when he came into this world. She wants him to be with her when he leaves it. Elizabeth and Dr. Fleming help Brando and Sasha get ready, and Britt goes out to the hallway, and leans on the wall. They go into the NICU.

Drew tells Curtis, they’ll talk soon, and Sam says, she’d ask what that was about, but she’s assuming it’s confidential. He says, just a background check. It seems pretty cut and dried actually. She says, how many times she’s said that and it’s been anything but, and he says, don’t worry. She says, too late, and he says he wouldn’t have gone through all that hell just to come back and put a bunch of trouble on her doorstep, or his. She says, no more risks, and he says, no more risks… within reason. He’s got too much to lose. Scout comes in, and Sam says, there she is. He says he was just about to fire up the laptop and shop for some new decorations. Does Scout want to help? Scout asks Sam if they can go home.

Curtis tells Portia, if there’s any dirt on Marshall, he trusts Drew to dig it up. She says, what if he comes up empty? but Curtis says, he won’t. He may not be a P.I. anymore, but those instincts don’t just evaporate. Marshall is hiding something. He looks at her, and says, what? She says, nothing, but he says, it’s definitely something, so say it. She says she knows he’s prepared to hear the worst about Marshall, but what if the big discovery is just that Marshall wants to be his father? Is he prepared for that?

The doctor brings Leo back, and Leo says, it was fun. Dr. Newman says, they had a really great talk. They’ll schedule a follow-up to discuss everything; just call his office. Ned says they will, and the doctor tells Leo, it was nice to meet him. He hopes to see Leo soon. Leo waves, and the doctor leaves. Olivia asks if Leo knows how much she loves him, and she hugs him. Leo says he knows, and she tells him, don’t you ever forget it.

Carly brings Sonny some water, and asks if anything happened while she was gone. Britt comes out, and they go over to her. Carly asks, is it over? Britt just looks sad, and at a distance, Nina closes her eyes.

Sasha holds Liam, and says, Liam Mike Corbin, you were here for such a short time, but you made quite the impact, and you were so, so loved. She has to believe he felt that, and hopes with everything in her that he still does. She kisses him, and says she’ll love him forever. She starts to cry, and Brando kisses Liam. He says, their first born, their son. He looks up, and says, look after him, okay, Mike? Mike appears, and I lose it. Mike tells them, like he said, with everything he’s got.

Marshall sits in his hotel room, and plays his clarinet. We hear his music over the final scenes.

We see Sasha place her baby down, and start to walk away with Brando. She turns back, and Brando puts his arms around her. She cries on his shoulder, and they leave. Mike holds Liam.

Stella comes into the hospital, and sees Curtis with Portia and smiles.

Sam says goodbye to Drew, and Scout hands Drew the star. He gives it to her to put on the tree, but she says she can’t reach. He lifts her up, and she puts it on the tree.

Olivia holds out her hand to Leo, and he takes it, holding out his other hand to Ned. The three of them walk out, hand-in-hand.

Brando and Sasha come out. Everyone looks sad, and Sasha starts to cry. Brando holds her. In the NICU, Mike holds Liam, and asks if he’s ready to go. He says, me too, and walks until he disappears.

On Monday, Chase says Willow can feel however she wants to feel, Laura tells Cyrus not to play games with her, Michael says he’s going to protect his family no matter the cost, and Phyllis asks Nina if she’s still in love with Sonny.

😭 Thanks, General Hospital. Because the holidays aren’t depressing enough. Although I was glad Mike showed up.

💔 That Was Quick…

And their wedding looked so cool. I wonder if he’s taken on too much of the Michael persona at home.

🎾 Ball Changes Court…

I can’t help but wonder if he practices his religion in other areas. Or is he like the people who screech if you eat meat, but wear leather shoes?

💼 Branching Out…

What Diane does on her off-time.

👯‍♀️ BFFs IRL…

I recently wrote an interview for Jessica Morris on Mupo & Friends (YouTube). She is a Lifetime queen, and real life BFF of Melissa Archer.

👠 Going Glam…

First Co-Chief of Staff, now this.

🎄 Christmastime Is Here…

At least in Salem.

🧂 Pass the Salt…

What’s going on in Salt Lake City.

Usually, it’s Jen doing the denying.

🗽 Sticking Around…

They’re not going anywhere.

Unless it’s running out of a restaurant.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/luann-de-lesseps-dines-real-housewives-of-new-york-dashes-out-of-dc-restaurant-le-diplomate

🎅🏽 And You Get a Piece Of Coal…

Apparently Leah is not happy with her co-stars.

⚖️ Little Did She Know…

Suckerfish Hoppy does kind of look like Christian Bale in American Psycho.

🍸 Haunting Split…

What is wrong with that guy?

⚰️ Burning Questions…

The skinny on the mid-season finale of Fear the Walking Dead.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-midseason-finale-708-interview-padre-alicia-strand-war/

🌟 Behold…

This years Rockefeller Center contribution to the Christmas spirit.

https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/photos-it-aint-christmas-season-until-2021-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-has-been-lit

☄️ Quotes of the Week

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

The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.Rachel Carson

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. – Robert A. Heinlein

The most common form of despair is not being who you are. – Soren Kierkegaard

Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.  – Orson Welles

I had an epiphany a few years ago when I was out at a celebrity party and it suddenly dawned on me that I had yet to meet a celebrity who is as smart and interesting as any of my friends. – Moby

A celebrity is a person who works hard all his life to be well-known, then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized. – Fred Allen

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed. – Ernest Hemingway

True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. – Martin Luther King Jr.

🦌 On Dasher…

Why is it the weeks seem to go faster just before the new year? Here we are at another weekend, or for those of you who are on permanent robe duty, those two days you used to get off work. If nothing else, at least change your slippers for 48 hours. Maybe even live it up and put on real shoes. Until we meet for some soap and whatever’s on Deck, stay safe, stay taking some time for yourself, and stay not settling for less, be it love, or whatever it is you need.

December 10, 2021 – Peter Feels Threatened, Back Home, Rebuttal, Holiday Duo, Busy Countess, Ouch, Pulled Over, Another One, Maybe, People’s Carpet, Before His Time, Close To 10 Quotes & So It Begins

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny finds Carly working at a table in the MetroCourt, and says she left so early, he didn’t get a chance to say good morning. She says, good morning. Christmas will be there before they know it, and it’s on a Saturday, so she thinks they’ll be busier than ever. She looks at her phone, and says, what? She tells Sonny that she just got an email from her supplier, and there’s a shortage of marzipan. She has to talk to the chef; she’ll be back. She leaves, and Celina comes in. She says, Sonny’s wife certainly throws herself into her work, doesn’t she? He says, the holidays are busy, and Celina says, true. She supposes she’d fill up her days with work too, if she’d lost a good friend like Jason. She trusts Sonny is keeping himself busy too.

Peter wakes with a start in his cell, and says, who’s there? The guard tells him, take it easy. He has a visitor. Peter says, no visitors, unless there’s bullet-proof glass between them, but the guard says, relax; it’s law enforcement. Anna comes in, and asks Peter, what’s wrong? Did he have a bad dream?

Brook opens the door to Chase, and asks, what’s wrong? He says, what isn’t? He hates being suspended from work. It was one thing when he was sick, but he feels useless. She says she gets it, and she’s so sorry. He says he can’t stop thinking about the look on Willow’s face when she found out he was the father to Brook’s baby, and Brook says, just for clarification, she didn’t make him do that. It was his choice. He says it was all he could think of to protect Maxie’s secret. That’s the most important thing, right? Keeping Peter from finding out Bailey is really Louise? She asks if he’s there to face the music, even if it means Willow will never speak to him again, but he says, no. He’s there to step up. To assume the role of Bailey’s father. Everyone has to believe he’s the real deal, so he’s going to start changing diapers, and playing with Bailey, and doing what any proud papa would do.

Brando adjusts Sasha’s covers, and she wakes up and kisses his cheek. He says, good morning. She’s in a good mood this morning. She says, isn’t he? and he says he’s a little stiff from sleeping in the chair. She says she thinks it’s a small price to pay to wake up and face this day together. Can he believe it? Today is the day their baby will be coming home.

Nina asks Britt if there are any updates on Sasha’s baby, but Britt says they’re still on hold, and if she had information… Maxie says they understand; it’s confidential, family only. She can only imagine what’s going through their minds right now; hoping for the best, and worried the worst might happen. The hardest part is not knowing. Britt takes Maxie’s hand, and says she still has faith Louise is going to come home to her. Maxie thanks her, and says she has faith too. Of course (🍷) Louise might already be home if Nina had just called the police when Peter showed up in Nixon Falls. Nina says, maybe she should just go to Crimson, but Maxie says she won’t have any of that. There’s no point in second guessing anything. Choices were made. Peter will get what’s coming to him, and her baby will come home. Britt says she truly hopes so, but at what cost? and Maxie says, whatever it takes.

Willow tells Michael that Wiley was hoping daddy had some time to help pick out a Christmas tree for the gatehouse today. Michael says, maybe tomorrow, and Willow says, so he hasn’t changed his mind about appearing at Brad’s parole hearing? He says, it’s his duty as Wiley’s father. He’s going to do whatever he can to make sure Brad never comes near their son again.

Sonny tells Celina that he instructed his friend on the board to vote in favor of Brad’s parole, but she has to understand something. Michael wants to be at that hearing. He wants Brad to serve out his full sentence. So Sonny doesn’t know what guarantee she has of things going her way. She says, things might be different if Jason were around to guarantee it, but he says, Jason might not be able to influence Michael any more than he would. She says, admirable, but she has to think others might be influenced by Jason’s presence, if he was still around. She’s avoided talking about this topic out of respect. She thinks it’s in everyone’s interest if Sonny just… He asks if she’s saying they should move on, and Carly comes out. She says, move on from what?

Sasha tells Brando, it feels like she’s been counting every second for the last 71 hours and – she looks at her phone – and 42 minutes. All the stress will be worth it when Britt and the other doctors say the therapy to cool Liam’s brain worked, and the EEG confirmed it. He rubs her hand, and she puts her hand on top of his. He asks if he’s rubbing her too hard, and she says, he’s done everything right. From holding her hand to making her laugh to sending her pictures of their sweet little boy, so she can be reminded what it’s all about. She loves this one. She shows him her phone.

Willow says she knows Michael is committed to keeping Wiley safe, just like she is. That’s their first priority. He says, but? and she says, but if his dad is willing to give Brad another chance… He says, this is just a business move for his dad. Brad’s Aunt Celina is a business associate of his father’s, and he thinks she can keep Brad away from Wiley, but Michael doesn’t agree. She says, she doesn’t claim to know all the ins and outs of his dad’s business, but it doesn’t seem smart for Brad’s aunt to break her word with his dad. He says, that might have been true before, when Jason was still there, but now that he’s gone, the level of enforcement is gone. She says she knows he’s grieving for Jason, so why don’t they forget about the parole hearing today? Forget Brad, forget Nina, and forget everyone else Michael thinks he has to protect them from. Let’s enjoy today. The three of them have a chance to shop for a Christmas tree. Wiley’s old enough to really enjoy that. Let’s celebrate that. Brook and Chase walk in.

Anna says Peter looks like something scared him half to death, and he says, not something, someone. Sonny Corinthos has all but put a bullseye on his back. Anna says, it’s hard to believe there’s room for yet another target, and he says, look around. Which one of the guards is on his payroll? Even in solitary he doesn’t feel safe. Not with a Corinthos hit out on him.

Sonny tells Carly, they were just discussing Celina’s nephew’s parole hearing, and Celina says she hopes they can move forward from the mistakes in judgement Bradley made. Carly says she knows Sonny has agreed not to interfere with Brad’s parole as a favor to Celina, but her son has a mind of his own, and plans on testifying against Brad at the hearing. Celina says, these situations have a way of sorting themselves out, as her husband knows. Sonny flashes back to telling Celina that his family is best served with Peter taken care of, so see to it that it happens. Sonny says, as long as everyone keeps up his or her end of the bargain, they’re good. Celina says, consider it done, and leaves. Carly says she always liked Celina. As the only woman running one of the families, she’s tough and she’s fair, but business is business, right? He says, agreed, and she asks, exactly what bargain did she walk in on just now.

Nina goes into Sasha’s room, and says, this isn’t fair. No one should look this beautiful after a C-section. Sasha says she has her new stylist to thank for that, looking at Brando, and Nina says they’ll just have to add that to Brando’s list of talents. Georgie forgot her lunch, so Maxie had to bring it to her, but she’ll be here in a second. She asks if there’s anything Brando can’t do, and Sasha says, if there is, she hasn’t discovered it yet. Lucy walks in, and says, hello there. She comes bearing goodies she got past the nurses station. She didn’t want to face the wrath of Epiphany, but guess what? She pulls out a bag, and says, Sasha’s favorite; gummi bears. Brando says it looks like he’s literally the odd man out, so he’ll leave Sasha with her friends. Sasha says, if he sees Britt, send her in right away, and he promises. He leaves, and TJ sees him getting in the elevator.

Brook says Chase has a lot to learn. Can they believe this guy doesn’t even know the name of their diaper service? Willow says she just thinks they’re lucky to be able to afford to use one. Cloth diapers are so much better for the environment than disposable ones. Chase says he couldn’t agree more. Violet was way past the diaper stage when she came into Finn’s life. This is all new to him. Michael says, too bad he didn’t come forward as Bailey’s dad. Instead, Chase focused on making Willow feel guilty for wanting to be with him and Wiley while she was married to him. I used to not like Michael because he was boring; now I don’t like him because he’s a jerk. Chase says he didn’t come forward because he didn’t know, and Michael says, but he did know he slept with Brook around the same time she got pregnant. The fact that he didn’t ask is a pretty clear indication that he just didn’t want to know. Brook picks up the monitor, and asks if Chase heard that. Bailey really needs them. Chase says, here’s the deal. The other day when Michael and Willow rushed off to be with Sasha and Brando, it was before they could deal with this news, but they can’t keep avoiding this forever. Is there any way they can get past this?

Anna says she’s not going to deny she has some satisfaction in seeing Peter like this, but the reality is, he’s safer there than the gold in Fort Knox. He says, Sonny wants him dead, and she says, she’s sure he does; so do a lot of people. But Sonny’s hands are tied. He knows that since he got back to town, he’s been in the spotlight. Peter asks if she really expects him to believe there’s no credible threat on his life, and she says, Sonny is too smart to risk it. Trust her. Sonny knows law enforcement has been watching his every move. Still, they both know Peter has made a lot of enemies. He says, meaning what? and she says, meaning, if he wants to stay alive, he’s going to have to save himself.

Sonny says, Celina suggested it’s time they start thinking about replacing Jason, and Carly says, replace Jason? That’s impossible. He’s… Sonny says, irreplaceable. She says he knows that, and he says, Jason was like a brother to him, but like his dad always said, the graveyards are full of indispensable men, and Jason was one of them. She says she knows, and Sonny is irreplaceable. Nothing was the same, or could be the same, without him. She means that. Sonny says, she had to carry on for the family and the life they built together. Nobody understood that more than Jason, but when he came back, it threw him that they were together. It doesn’t matter, because there was a void, and Jason had to fill it. Now that he’s gone, because of how much they loved him, and how much he loved them, they have to do the same.

Lucy says, Deception has been doing absolutely great lately, and it’s largely because of Sasha’s role as the Face of Conception. The public is so excited, and everything is turning out so well. There’s a financial institution that really wants to get behind them, so – drumroll – they’re thinking of taking the company public. They’ll all get their initial investment back, not to mention, Sasha has to think about the future. Sasha says, it sounds very exciting, and she’s glad Lucy shared the news with her, but the only future that matters to her right now is lying in an incubator in the NICU.

Britt calls Dr. Fleming to confirm they can go ahead with the EEG on Liam. She says, great. Please send her the results as soon as she gets them.

In the chapel, Brando kneels, and says he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He can’t remember the last time he came to church. He certainly can’t remember the last time he made a confession. Liam has opened his heart in so many ways he never thought possible. He doesn’t know why Liam was born with so many obstacles to overcome. TJ stands in the doorway and listens, and Brando says he guesses that’s why he’s there. Until he can hold Liam in his arms, will God make sure Liam feels loved, and feels safe? Let him know that his mom and dad are here for him, and always will be, and they need him too. He crosses himself and gets up, seeing TJ.

Britt asks what brings Nina back to her office, and Nina says, she thinks there were some things they didn’t get a chance to say last night. Or more accurately, avoided saying. Britt says she was just trying to be gracious, and avoid having this conversation. Nina says, Britt is a doctor. She knows it’s not healthy to stuff those feelings deep down inside. Britt says, no, but talking about it isn’t going to change anything. So what’s the point? Nina asks if Britt doesn’t want to say it to her face; that her life could have been different if Nina had just told  the truth about Peter. Britt says, okay. Nina wants to go down that road, they’ll go down that road. Why didn’t Nina call the cops when Peter showed up in Nixon Falls?

Michael asks why Willow should make it easier for Chase. Chase wanted them to feel guilty for being in love, and the whole time he knew he’d slept with Brook. Brook says, Michael is her cousin and she loves him, but she’s not going to let him call Chase out for this. He didn’t lie about being Bailey’s father; he didn’t know because Brook deliberately kept it from him. She needed to get her ELQ shares back from Valentin, and couldn’t think of another way. So if he’s looking to blame someone, blame her. Willow says she knows how betrayed Chase felt when he learned about her and Michael, but eventually he was able to make peace with it. She’d be a hypocrite if she didn’t do the same with him. But Brook is a whole different story.

Peter asks Anna what she expects him to do now. What deal could he possibly cut? She tells him, who said anything about a deal? He has to confess. He says she can’t possibly mean that, but she says he has to own up to everything he’s done. Every single crime, and they’re not going to stop there. He’s going to give up his rights to his daughter, so that Maxie can have some peace of mind that somewhere down the line, whoever has Louise will return her. In more simple terms, he has to take his punishment, and he has to do it like a man. He asks why he’d do all of that, and she says, because if he faces up to it and stops all his endless games, maybe, just maybe, there’s something she can do for him.

Carly says no one could ever replace Sonny; Jason didn’t even try. And now, there’s no way they can replace Jason. It’s impossible. Sonny could find someone to take on Jason’s responsibilities, someone he trusts, but they’re just going to be following in Jason’s footsteps, right? Sonny can’t replace Jason, and if he thinks he can, he really did change while he was in Nixon Falls.

Lucy says she’s sorry. She thinks it was just her misguided way of taking Sasha’s mind off things for a little minute. Being a mom is tough, huh? It’s sometimes the most healing, breathtakingly beautiful thing in the world, and other times, it breaks your heart. She doesn’t talk about this too much, but she had several miscarriages, and wanted to be a mom so badly. She’s not the only woman in the world who ever had a miscarriage, but that’s why she’s so grateful, because her friend Dominique asked her to carry Serena, and also asked her to help raise Serena with Scotty. She can’t tell Sasha what that meant to her, and even though her girl is living all the way across the ocean, Serena will always be her daughter, in every way that counts. What she’s trying to say is, she knows this is overwhelming and so hard, but eventually, somehow you manage to cherish each and every moment, no matter how very, very scary. Sasha thanks her, and says she’s trying to do that; cherish every single moment.

TJ says he didn’t man to intrude. He heard Brando’s baby is in the NICU, and wanted to see if Brando was okay. There was a time they used to be friends, then stuff happened. Brando says, TJ rearranged his jaw, and TJ says he hopes they’re past that now. He saw Sasha’s friends in her room talking, and thought, if Brando needed someone to talk to… Brando says he was actually talking to someone, and TJ asks if they talked back. They laugh, and Brando says his mom wanted to be an altar boy so bad. Father Hogan would make him say ten Hail Marys and run ten laps if he made a joke like that. TJ says, his Aunt Stella would have made him wash his mouth out with soap for sure. Brando thanks TJ for making him forget for two minutes that his son’s in the NICU fighting for his life. All he can do is wait for him to win.

Nina tells Britt that Peter was blackmailing her. He said he’d hurt James. He also said he was going to tell Carly that Sonny was alive and well Nixon Falls. Britt says, and avoiding trouble with Carly was more important than making sure Peter was stopped. Nina says she thought she could do both, and Britt says, by turning to her mother instead of the police? Nina says, in retrospect, she knows what she did was wrong. She was desperate and needed someone she could trust and confide in. It was Obrecht’s idea to go after Peter, and Britt knows better than anyone else, once Obrecht gets something in her mind, there’s no stopping her. Britt says, too bad Nina didn’t think of that before she got her mother involved. Nina says she’s sorry, and Britt says, Nina does realize, she could have gotten her mother killed. Nina says she does. She loves Obrecht. At least Peter’s in prison. Britt says, Jason is dead, and Nina says Carly believes his blood is on her hands. She’s sure Britt does too.

Chase says Brook didn’t tell him because she knew how he felt about Willow. She kept silent about Bailey’s paternity so they could be together. Willow says, there’s a little more to it than that. She also did it so the Quartermaines could regain control of ELQ. Michael says, that’s what they were taught their entire lives; put the company first. Willow says, obviously, she grew up with a warped idea of what family is supposed to be. She thought other families, real families were different. Maybe not this one. Chase tells Brook that he came to see their daughter, and she suggests they go upstairs. Willow asks them to wait. She says, their kids are around the same age. They’re both Quartermaines, so they’re going to grow up together. She can’t speak for Michael, but for the kids’ sake, she promises to get past this. Brook thanks her, and says she hopes Michael can forget about it too.

Peter can’t believe Anna would suggest he give up his parental rights to Louise. That would mean giving up all hope of being a family with Maxie. Anna says, come on. That was an illusion; it died a long time ago. He says, Louise and Maxie are what keep him human. He won’t give them up. The guard says, time’s up, and Anna says, that means Peter’s arraignment is starting soon. All the pain he’s caused, all the lives he’s ruined and cut short, that isn’t good enough for him. The trouble with her is, she still believes in the justice system. If he owns what he’s done, she’ll do what she can. She leaves.

Sonny says he can’t say the time away from Carly didn’t change him. But when he came back, it wasn’t to pick up where they left off; he wanted them to get closer and just be better for their kids. She says she wants that too. It doesn’t matter what Celina Wu wants, or the people who think they know what’s best for them. They know what’s best. They know what they want. He says he wants her, and she says, she wants him; only him. No one’s here; we’re not open yet. He asks if she thinks that’s going to stop him, and kisses her.

TJ tells Brando, try not to let his imagination get the best of him. Enjoy the fact that Sasha survived a difficult birth, and she’s doing better. Focus on the positive. Brando says, the tests will also come when they come. He thanks TJ, and says he’s been trying to do that. They walk to Sasha’s room, and Brando says, when he left, Sasha’s friends had her laughing. They go in, and Sasha says, Lucy was just showing her the latest Deception baby care products. Lucy says, organic, hypo-allergenic, of course (🍷), and adorable if she does say so herself. Brando says he hates to ruin the party, but they should be hearing from the doctors soon. Lucy says, she didn’t know she’d been there that long, and hugs Sasha. She says she’s rooting for Sasha; for all of them. Then she says, bye, instead of ta, and I puzzle over this longer than I should. TJ says Brando has his number. If he has any questions with medical lingo or anything, call him. Brando says he appreciates it, and TJ leaves. Sasha says, Lucy did a terrific job of distracting her, but they can’t avoid it any longer. It’s almost time, right?

Britt says she’s not playing the blame game with Nina. Nina made choices, and so did she. She’s pretty sure if Nathan was still here, he’d probably tell her to go pay it forward, and go help Nina. Nina thanks her, saying, she sounds exactly like Jay. Britt says, if she can come back, so can Nina. Nina says, Britt will be there for her? and Britt says, Nathan wouldn’t have it any other way. Britt’s phone rings, and she says she’ll be right there. Nina asks if it’s news about Sasha’s baby.

Brook says, that went well, and Chase says, as opposed to what? A firing squad? She says, they have to take what they can get. It seems like Willow is going to give him a pass, whereas everyone thinks she’s the next Cruella de Vil. Chase says he hopes Brook knows what she’s doing is very noble, and she says, that’s not exactly a word used to describe her – ever. He says, one day, her family will know the good thing she’s done, but while Peter is still a potential threat to Maxie and Louise, they’re in this. She says, what other choice could they have made?

Michael kisses Willow, and she says she’s not complaining, but what was that for? He says he’s amazed at how generous she is, and willing to forgive. She says, let’s be clear. Forgiving Chase is one thing. Brook is a whole other story. Michael says, that’s going to be a longer road for sure, and Willow says, while they’re on the topic of forgiveness, if she forgave Chase, and hopefully soon, Brook, does he think he could find it in his heart to forgive Brad?

Peter’s breakfast is slid into the opening in the door by an inmate worker, but he says he doesn’t trust it. The guard says, fine; they’ll give it to the next inmate. It’s removed, and Peter says, wait. Bring it back. The inmate puts the tray back, and Peter takes it.

Carly says, the happiest day of her life was when Sonny came back, and Sonny says, that makes two of them. It all started with the dreams. A blonde woman in the dream; then she became a reality.

Michael says he has to feel consistent, and do what he can to keep his family safe, and that includes keeping Brad in prison and away from their son. The same rules apply to Nina. This is a black and white subject for him; there’s nothing grey about it. Willow flashes back to hearing Sonny tell Nina, that what happened in Nixon Falls has to come from him – and it will. She remembers Nina saying that the love she and Sonny shared was the purest thing she’s known in her life, and she’s so sorry, but she can never regret that. Michael says he understands how Willow can give Chase a pass, and someday forgive Brook. He also gets that she and Brad were close in the past, but he can’t help but wonder how she’s so forgiving about Nina.

Brando says he knows he and Sasha can lean on each other, but it’s nice having friends who can back them up too. Sasha says, when the doctors give them the news, they’ll deal with that. Whatever it takes to give Liam a long and happy life. Starting today. Dr. Fleming and Britt come in, but they don’t look happy. Britt closes the door.

Brook asks if Chase is ready for some diaper changing 101, and he says he’s up for the challenge. He thinks with a little practice, he could be good. He does hope for Maxie’s sake, all the lies stop soon. She says, her too, and they head upstairs. She says, it isn’t enough that Peter’s in custody. It seems that Maxie and her baby won’t be safe until Peter is dead and buried.

Sonny says the second he remembered Carly, he remembered all of it, and all he wanted to do was come home. He just wanted to be with her, his family, and his life. This is where he belongs; this is his home. Anna comes in, and says, she’s sorry to interrupt. She tells Carly that she just wanted to say how sorry she is about Jason. Carly thanks her, and tells Sonny that she has some things she needs to do. She goes behind the bar, and Celina comes in. Carly says, she’s back, and Celina says, the more she thought about it, the more she recognized that the subject of Jason might have caused a miscommunication. But it’s all about wanting to protect Carly and her family. That’s what she and Sonny both want, right?

Anna says, if Sonny wanted to put the fear of God in Peter, mission accomplished. She just came from Pentenville, so can he leave it at that, and let the law run its course? He says she gives him too much credit. Peter is behind bars 24/7, with guards. Even if he wanted to get his hands dirty, how would he do it?

Peter finishes his breakfast, and starts choking. He falls to the floor.

The inmate worker brings back empty trays, and wheels them away. We see it’s Brad.

On Monday, Stella asks TJ what’s going on with Curtis, Trina tells Portia that she doesn’t want to blow this, Epiphany tells Maxie that it’s a bad idea, and Sonny thinks Carly deserves to know the truth.

👯‍♀️ Coming Home For Two…

Kristina on GH.

And the Christina of Christmas fame.

🗣 Ingo Rebuts…

I don’t think his itchy Twitter finger helped him much.

🦚 Days On Peacock…

A look at DOOL’s Christmas movie.

https://ew.com/tv/days-of-our-lives-christmas-movie-peacock-first-look/

🎄 Not a Hallmark Movie…

This actually looks intriguing. Like The Big Chill gone sideways.

🎤 She’s Keeping Busy…

I’m not sure which is a worse sounding project.

❗️ Long Island Real…

Gina doesn’t mince words.

🍷 He Should Have Had a V-8…

I doubt he only had a glass of wine with dinner.

🎃 It Keeps On Ticking…

Yet another Halloween movie in the works, including Kyle.

🏖 Make It Stop…

New, no doubt awful, people added to the already awful cast.

https://ew.com/tv/meet-the-cast-of-bravos-summer-house/

👋🏼 Lala Hints Bye-Bye…

I don’t know how much of a loss she’d be, but surprisingly, she’s been the voice of reason this time around. They probably need one of those. LVP has enough to do.

👠 Color the Carpet Red…

The best part of any awards show.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/33624/peoples-choice-awards-2021-red-carpet-fashion

🎸 Leaving the Stage…

IMO, he was the most talented of the group. He was doing music videos long before MTV was a thought. And his mother invented Liquid Paper. Micky Dolenz must be getting pretty nervous though.

https://people.com/music/monkees-star-michael-nesmith-dead-age-78/

https://people.com/music/heartbroken-micky-dolenz-pays-tribute-to-monkees-bandmate-michael-nesmith/

👩🏽‍🏫 Quotes of the Week

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. – Viktor Frankl

The best protection any woman can have is courage. – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Vision without action is daydream. Action without vision is nightmare. – Japanese Proverb

Mistakes are part of the game. It’s how well you recover from them, that’s the mark of a great player. – Alice Cooper

It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is. – Oscar Wilde

True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country. – Kurt Vonnegut

I still believe that the unexamined life is not worth living: and I know that self-delusion, in the service of no matter what small or lofty cause, is a price no writer can afford. His subject is himself and the world and it requires every ounce of stamina he can summon to attempt to look on himself and the world as they are.James Baldwin

If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now. – Marie Osmond (Who knew she was such a philosopher?)

🏀 Dribbling Off the Court…

If you’re in a work mindset, another weekend has arrived. For those who’ve moved on from that, another seven Xs have been put on the calendar. And for those people who are already in a holiday panic, you’ve got two weeks until Christmas. No Dead are Walking for a while, so I’ll see you for a little soap, a little Deck on Monday. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting others’ personal space, and stay not second guessing anything. There’s no point.

November 12, 2021 – Chase Starts To Figure It Out, G’Day Mate, a Patriarch Departs, Returning Wife, Freed, Quantum Goodbye, More Games, a Balanced Number Of Quotes & Rose Hip

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny sees Spencer at Kelly’s, and says, when Josslyn told him Spencer was getting a job there, he almost didn’t believe her. He’s a workin’ man. Congratulations. Spencer says, congratulations for what? Having a job that needs no experience, and pays accordingly? Sonny says, everybody’s got to start somewhere. He didn’t start at the top. But he’s working; how does it feel? Spencer says, like the worst mistake he ever made in his life.

At the hospital. Maxie says, good morning, to Austin. He returns the greeting, and asks what she’s doing there. Wasn’t she there last night? She says she was, but Bobbie’s car broke down, and she gave her a ride. She thought since she was in the building, she’d say hello, but if he’s busy… He says he’s sorry. He had a really terrible night last night, but it’s nice to see her. Chase walks in and says, Maxie’s saved him a trip to the Deception office. He needs to speak with her and Austin. Austin says they’re kind of in the middle of something, and Chase says, something more important than finding Maxie’s missing daughter?

Valentin flashes back to Austin telling him that Gladys thinks Brook is pulling a scam on him. Gladys comes to his room, and asks how he does it. He must be exhausted, but still looks incredibly handsome. He tells her, what can he say? When she’s around, he perks right up.

Portia goes to The Savoy, and Curtis tells her, good morning, and kisses her. She says, it is now. She’s so happy for him. The audience reaction to the artist was amazing. The Savoy was already on its way to being one of the best spots in town, but last night kicked it into another gear. Curtis says, in more ways than one, and she asks what he means. He says, he may have some unwanted help he needs to get rid of.

At the gallery, Trina gives Ned a flyer for the Photo Ark exhibit. She says, it’s the same ad that’s been running online for weeks (weeks?), but she wanted him to see a hard copy. He says, it looks terrific, and thanks her again for bringing the project to his attention. She says she should be thanking him and ELQ for underwriting the exhibit. It’s so important to her, and she’s thrilled they get to be the gallery that displays it to the people of Port Charles. He says, when you run a large organization, you’re constantly approached for donations because people know they’re tax deductible. It’s always nice when the project is so well-intentioned. He’s proud to see ELQ involved with this. She says he’s also doing this for his wife, right? Because Olivia is a big animal lover? Trina bets he can’t wait to see her face when he brings her tonight.

Olivia looks at the painting Ned gave her, and wonders where she’s going to hang it. Robert comes in, saying, a large gentleman from Belarus said he could come in. He hopes it’s okay. She says, much better than okay, and hugs him. She can’t believe Ned punched him over a stupid, meaningless little kiss. He says, let’s be realistic. That kiss was anything but meaningless.

Chase wants to ask Maxie and Austin questions about the night Louise was kidnapped, and Maxie says they’ve already given statements, and answered a bunch of questions. Chase says, that was before Peter resurfaced, and said he has no idea where his daughter is. That brings them back to square one. Their best shot to find Maxie’s daughter is to revisit the night she was born. Since fake nurse Chloe is dead, that leaves the two of them. Austin asks how he knows Peter’s not lying, and Chase says, Nina said Peter was blackmailing her to find Louise. It doesn’t sound like something he would do if he was lying. Austin says, Peter is malignant and ruthless. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t say or do to pursue his own agenda. Chase says, that sounds like someone else he knows, and Maxie says, okay, that’s enough. She can see Chase is letting his personal feelings color his investigation. Does she need to report him to Mac?

Valentin asks why Gladys would be surprised that he delights in the pleasure of her company. Gladys says she didn’t know how he’d be feeling… physically, and he says he’s a little over being stuck in this hospital bed, so why doesn’t she stick around and entertain him? He’s got nothing but time; tell him a story. She says she’s happy to help him fill some time, and closes the door. She sits next to the bed, and says she’s got a terrific story about her neighbor Ethel’s cousin… but he says, no. Tell him a work story. She says she answers phones for Miss Bossy Pants. She doesn’t do anything as important as him. He says, they both know the assistant knows where all the bodies are buried.

At the Bistro, Brook asks Ned what the plan is for the ELQ vote next week. He asks if she can give him five minutes until the caffeine kicks in, but she says, it’s too important to wait. He says he has plenty of time to strategize over the next week, especially now that Austin has withdrawn his claim to the ELQ shares. The last major threat is gone. She says, Valentin Cassadine is the major threat. You’d better believe he’s spending all this time figuring out how to outmaneuver them. He says, last he checked, Valentin was recovering at GH, and she says, so? That just means he has nothing but time to figure out a way to beat them. Don’t pop the champagne just yet. He says, good point. He’ll call Michael again. She says, he seems distracted, but he says he’s fine. She says, tell his face that. He hasn’t cracked a smile yet. Does this have anything to do with Olivia? He says he walked in on her kissing Robert Scorpio. She says, oh no. Is he sure he didn’t misinterpret it? He says, no, but of course (🍷) he reacted like a jealous fool, and punched Robert in the face, for all the good it did. He thinks it’s time to face the fact his marriage is over.

Robert tells Olivia, they’re friends, good friends. But there’s also something more. It’s a pull, and attraction, call it whatever you like, but now that she kissed him, they can’t deny this any longer. She says he’s right, and going to Monte Carlo with him just made it stronger. He says he woudn’t have called her if he’d known she and Ned were having problems back then, and she says, she and Ned have been having problems for a while. He says he can’t help but notice, they’re drawn to each other when she’s having issues, and she asks what he’s saying. He says she seems to use him not to deal with stuff with Nedly.

Portia asks if Curtis still thinks Linc showing up wasn’t a coincidence, and he says, he’s convinced someone sent him there as a front. Think about this. The band he originally scheduled, cancels out of nowhere with a flimsy excuse. According to Brook, Linc is a pariah in Port Charles, and he shows up with an artist that’s eager to perform in a club that was recently in the news for mob activity. Portia says, when he puts it all together, it sounds way too convenient, and he says, someone must want him to owe Linc a favor. She asks who he thinks might have sent Linc, and he says he thinks it’s like Dante warned. He believes the mob is trying to get a foothold in The Savoy.

Sitting at a table, Sonny asks what prompted Spencer to get the job, and Spencer says his dad put Ava in charge of his trust. He refuses to be under her thumb, so he renounced his inheritance, and all that goes with being a Cassadine, including his father. Sonny says he respects Spencer’s decision not to take the easy way out; he’s being his own person. That’s amazing. He’s proud of Spencer. Spencer says, don’t be too proud. He was thisclose to crawling back to his father, and telling him and Ava whatever they wanted to hear, doing whatever they wanted. Sonny asks, what stopped him? and Spencer says, a friend called him out.

Trina puts out companion books to the exhibit, when Esme walks in, and says, this is so exciting. Trina says she still has a lot to set up for the show tonight, and Esme says she’s so stoked. She’ll be there to cheer Trina on, since she has it all mapped out; it’s Disney+ day, so they’re going to be watching Jungle Cruise. (Plugging the parent company, I see.) Trina says, really? Us too. Esme says, us? and Trina says, her and Joss, maybe Cam. After the exhibit, they’re going back to their dorm room, microwave some popcorn, kick back, and stream the movie. It’s a good way to decompress. Esme says she and Spence are going to watch the movie before the exhibit. Interesting how their plans are the opposite. Trina tells Esme, she wouldn’t say the opposite, but Esme says, she would, which is probably for the best. She and Spence need to do their own thing. Trina says, well, enjoy the movie; she still has a lot to set up. Esme says, if Trina doesn’t mind, she just has one question first. She needs to know exactly what’s going on between Trina and Spencer.

Sonny asks what Spencer’s friend said to make him change his mind, and Spencer says, she made him realize he really does value his self-respect, which is a lot more compelling in theory than the reality of working an eight-hour shift there. Part of him wonders if he should just go back to his father and play nice. It’s just that every time he shows up there, he can’t help but feel, whose life is this? Sonny says, Carly caught him up on everything when he was gone. Spencer’s life now is at Kelly’s because of the decisions he made, good or bad. He has to own up to that, and when he does, then he can figure out where he goes from there.

Trina asks what Esme is talking about; nothing is going on between her and Spencer. Esme says, all she knows, is Spencer gave up his trust fund, and severed all ties with his father. All because of Trina. That doesn’t sound like nothing to her. Trina says she didn’t stick her nose in Spencer’s business. He purposely sought her out, asked for advice, and she gave it. That’s it. Whatever Spencer decided to do, that’s on him. He makes his own decisions. Esme says, not when it comes to Trina. Spence seems to be taking her advice a lot these days. She can’t help but wonder. Is Trina trying to steal her boyfriend?

Chase says, he knows it’s traumatizing for Maxie, but truly believes the only way they’ll solve the case is to revisit the night she gave birth. But if she’s not ready to do that, he understands. Austin says he can’t speak for Maxie, but he’s ready to do it. Maxie says he doesn’t have to, but he says there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help her find Louise. Chase thanks him, and says he appreciates Austin’s cooperation. He tells Maxie that she can go, but Maxie says, that’s not going to happen. Someone needs to keep Chase in line. Austin says, go ahead; ask away.

Gladys says Valentin is right. As Brook’s executive assistant, she’s privy to sensitive information that most of the other office drones know nothing about. He asks if it’s sensitive information he should know something about, but she says he has his own assistant, doesn’t he? If he or she isn’t keeping him well-informed, maybe it’s time to find a new one. He could always poach her from Brook. He says, last time she was there, she said she had something important to tell him, then Brook came in and ushered her right out. Brook’s not here now. What did she want to say? She says, it was nothing important… She can’t tell him, because if she does, somebody could get hurt.

Olivia tells Robert, she’s tired of fighting. She just wants to be happy. Is that so wrong? He says, of course (🍷) not – they sit – but she’s not going to find it with him. She says, he makes her laugh, and she knows he cares about her. He says,  both true, but she’s made no secret of the fact she’s followed his career. She likes the adventure and danger. In her eyes, he’s this hero, this larger than life character, this ideal. She says, he knows that’s just a bunch of BS. She sees him as a real person. She sees him as her friend. He asks if she’s telling him, when Ned doesn’t provide her with what she requires at home, she doesn’t turn to him, this fantasy figure? This thing too good to be true? She asks why she wouldn’t want a partner she can count on standing be her side. After everything she’s been through in this life, doesn’t she deserve that? He says, all that and more, and she says she doesn’t get that from Ned. She can’t rely on Ned anymore.

Portia says, Curtis opened the club because he was looking for a fresh start; as a way to leave behind all the danger and violence of his life as a P.I. Now it seems like that danger is knocking on his door again. He says he’s going to slam the door in danger’s face, and she says, how? She knows he likes Sonny and Jason, but if he asks for their protection, this place will still be known for its mob connections. He says he left a message for Linc to call him back. The first thing he needs to know is who Linc is working for. She hopes he finds out. She sees how hard he works for this place. She hates that someone is trying to corrupt it. He takes her hands, and says she’s adorable. She’s been his biggest cheerleader for The Savoy, ever since the first time they came there on Valentin’s Day for one of his last P.I. cases. She says, of course (🍷) she supports him. She sees how happy this place has made him, and hates that someone is trying to come in and disturb the peace he’s found. He says, this is his baby, and he’ll put a stop to anyone who tries to take what’s his.

Ned thanks Brook for the vote of confidence, and she says, they live in the same house. She’s watched him and Olivia over the past few months, and they seemed to be falling back in love. He’s just going to throw in the towel because their problems haven’t gone away? Nobody’s problems just disappear; that’s called being in a relationship, isn’t it? He says he thought they were both fighting for their marriage. Then he suggested they take Leo to a specialist, and Olivia shuts him out. That is not the sign of a healing marriage. From Olivia’s point-of-view, because he didn’t rubber stamp her beliefs, he’s not supporting her. She can’t see he’s only trying to help Leo. He loves that little boy. She asks if it’s occurred to him that maybe Olivia doesn’t need him to solve this problem, and he asks, how can she if she’s not even open to the possibility that Leo might have an issue? Brook says she hasn’t been a mother long, but if a doctor said something was wrong with Bailey, her first reaction would be to be scared. They all know Olivia is a terrific mother. Instead of telling what do, and leaping into action, maybe he should try just listening to her. Help her face whatever fears she’s having. He says, how can he when Olivia goes running off to Robert the first chance she gets? She says, Olivia is his wife, not Robert’s. He has to figure this thing out, or is he telling her that he’d be okay with losing Olivia?

Olivia tells Robert that she’s felt alone so many times in this marriage. When Valentin was trying a hostile takeover of ELQ, Ned just kept putting the company in front of his family, and had the nerve to be angry with her for going to Europe to try and save her own son, when Ned’s daughter was in the hospital at the same time. Then he wrongly assumes they’re having some kind of affair. Does he give her the benefit of the doubt? Does he ask her? No. He jumps right in bed with Alexis. Robert says he thought they worked that out, and she says, they tried. For a while, it seemed like Ned was becoming a man she could trust again, then this whole thing with Leo happens, and once again, he can’t take her side. He says, Ned thinks the world of Leo, and she says, that’s not in question. He’s not being a partner to her. Robert asks, is that the problem? From where he’s standing, it looks like she’s scared.

Spencer tells Sonny, he knows he made a mistake, and he’s paying for it now. He has this humiliating minimum wage job. He turned down Ava’s horrible deal, which would have made his life much easier, but he didn’t want to be under Ava’s control. He feels like he’s doing a pretty good job of manning up here. What else can he do to prove it to Sonny? Sonny says, Spencer broke his trust. It’s going to take a while to get it back. Spencer says, really? That’s all Sonny has to say? Sonny’s not even going to give him a hint where to start? Sonny tells him, stop looking for shortcuts. He always felt Spencer’s father gave him too many privileges. This isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about working hard. He’s got to get used to that.

Valentin asks Gladys, who will get hurt? and she says, she just means gossip in general. When people say things they shouldn’t, others can get hurt. He says, no. The other day, she had something specific to tell him, and Brook rushed her away. Does it have something to do with Brook? Is it something that concerns him? She says, he totally misunderstood what she was saying, and he says he doesn’t know why she’s being evasive, but there’s something she should know. He can be very generous to those who are kind enough to help him. She says, good to know, and he says, likewise, he can be very uncharitable to those who cross him. She needs to ask herself, does she want to be on his bad side?

Portia goes to get some sparkling water, and sees the sketch. She asks Curtis, what happened with that mystery man TJ’s patient who ran into her, and also came there, always asking questions about Curtis? Did he ever show up again? He says not that he’s aware of; why? She says she doesn’t know if it’s worth mentioning. She has no proof; it’s just a feeling. He says he’s a big believer in feelings. Go ahead. She says, a man shows up asking questions about him, and now the mob seems to be making a move on The Savoy. Could they be related? He says he just doesn’t know. According to Nika, the man asked just as many questions about live music as he did about him. On the other hand, he can’t rule anything out. She says she’s got to go to work, but please be careful. He says she knows he will, and she kisses him goodbye. She leaves, and Curtis’s phone rings. He thanks Linc for getting back to him so soon. Linc says, congratulations on his big success last night. It’s all over social media. Curtis says he noticed that. He couldn’t have done anything without Linc’s last minute save. Linc says, The Savoy’s a great spot. His guy really loved playing there. He’s just happy he could connect the two of them. Curtis says, that’s exactly why he called. Why doesn’t Linc come to The Savoy, and they can discuss a potential future partnership?

Sonny tells Spencer, there’s always more than one option in life. Has he considered apologizing to Ava? Spencer says, Sonny did not just suggest that, and Sonny says she’s not his favorite person in the world, but she is the mother of his daughter. It’s not about Ava; it’s about Spencer. Spencer says, so Sonny is saying, if he apologizes to Ava, he’ll trust him again? but Sonny says, this isn’t a transaction. If Spencer apologizes to Ava, he has to do it sincerely because he messed up and he’s going to own up to that. Spencer says he has owned up to it, but Sonny says, Spencer’s behavior has hurt a lot of people, including his daughter. Spencer’s not a kid anymore. He can’t just excuse everything away. He knows better than that, because if he doesn’t, Sonny can’t help him.

Gladys says, if she didn’t know any better, she’d say Valentin was threatening her. He says he doesn’t want to threaten her, but this is her last chance. Please tell him what she knows. She tells him, she’ll say this much; he shouldn’t trust Brook. He says, why not? but she tells him, that’s all she can say. He says, then she disappoints him. Chase comes to the room, and says if Valentin is up for it, he has a few questions. Gladys says, good timing. She and Valentin are done. She jets, and Chase asks if he wants to know. Valentin says, must be happy hour somewhere. What can he do for Chase? Chase asks how well Valentin knows Austin.

Austin says Maxie really went after Chase. He’s only trying to do his job. She says she thinks Chase is a good guy. She’s just sick of everyone being suspicious of Austin. It’s frustrating. Her baby is out there somewhere, and the police are focusing on the wrong guy. He thanks her, and says he’s lucky to have her in his corner. She says, likewise, and Austin sees Gladys waiting for the elevator. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she had the worst morning. He says he’s sorry to hear that. Does she want to get some coffee, and tell him all about it? She says, not today; she has a lot on her plate. Maxie asks if Brook knows she’s not at the office, and Gladys tells her to try lightening up, or she’s going to need a ton of Deception’s wrinkle cream. She gets in the elevator, and Maxie says she didn’t know Austin was friends with Gladys.

Ned tells Brook, of course (🍷) he doesn’t want his marriage to end. He loves Olivia, but if they can’t get on the same page, what chance do they have? She says she knows he wants what’s best for Leo, and so does Olivia. Maybe they could come together on that common ground, and go from there. He says, it takes two people to make a marriage work. He’s beginning to wonder if Olivia’s heart just isn’t in it anymore.

Olivia tells Robert, the only thing she’s afraid of is spending the rest of her life in a marriage with a partner who doesn’t support or trust her. He says, she doesn’t think for a moment Ned might be thinking the same thing? Think for one minute. What if Ned is right about Leo? Simply do what he suggests, and if he’s wrong, he’ll back off. She says, it doesn’t sound so threatening when he says it like that, and he says, he’s always looked at her as a very brave woman. Is she prepared be wrong in this case? She says she would do anything for Leo, and he says, there she has it. She can be the hero in her own story.

Sonny leaves Kelly’s, and Brook is outside. She hugs him, and says she heard what happened to him. She’s so happy to see him with her own eyes. She’s glad he’s home safe. He says, so is he. Michael told him she had a daughter. She says, Bailey; she’s perfect. Every day she’s changing and discovering something new; Brook can’t keep up. He says, it’s a great age. It’s a magical age. If they’re talking, it’s even better, but you don’t want them to be teenagers, because then they start talking back to you. Brook laughs, and Gladys stands by the gate. He tells Brook to bring Bailey by the house, so he can see her, instead of watching Valentin lurking around. She says he’s got it, and looks over to see Gladys. Sonny follows her gaze, and Gladys smiles broadly.

Chase tells Valentin, now that he’s back to work, he’s looking into Maxie’s baby’s kidnapping. Valentin has done business with Austin; has he ever said anything about the case? Valentin says, Austin was particularly helpful when he and Anna visited Pawtuck, investigating the case. He seemed legitimately interested in helping find Louise. Chase thanks him, and says, if he thinks of anything else, Valentin knows where to find him. Valentin says he’s got it, and Chase wishes him a speedy recovery. Brook would never admit it, but he knows she misses having Valentin around the house. Valentin says he knows Chase and Brook are tight, and he’d never ask Chase to betray her trust, but is she okay? She seems a little frazzled. Chase says, she’s definitely stressed about something. Seeing Linc, her old music producer, at The Savoy last night didn’t help. Valentin says, is he still around? He’s awful. Is she okay? Chase says he stepped in, and kept Linc away from Brook. Valentin says, she gave Yuri the slip, huh? She tends to do that. There was one night she got Yuri to build Bailey’s crib, despite the fact that there was plenty other staff who could have done that. That was the night she snuck out for girls night, and of course (🍷) she ended up giving birth to Bailey in a hotel room. If Yuri had been there, he would have made sure she got to a hospital, and Valentin could have been there for the birth of his daughter, but it didn’t happen. She made sure she was all alone.

Robert says he’ll always be there for Olivia, and they hug. Ned walks in, and Robert says, oops, gotta go, and leaves.

Trina says, steal Esme’s boyfriend? She doesn’t know why Esme thinks that, but no. That’s not her. She and Spence are friends, and that’s it. If Esme has a problem with that, she can take it up with him. Esme says, okay then; they’re good. She feels really silly about how much she needed to hear Trina say that, but Trina understands where she’s coming from, right? Trina says, no, she doesn’t, and Esme says, it’s just that certain friendships can push the boundaries of what’s appropriate and what’s not. Spence talking to her about his inheritance and his dad is just way too intimate. Trina asks if Esme is telling her not to be friends with Spencer, and Esme says, she’s just gently suggesting that the next time Spence tries to engage Trina in such an intimate conversation, just remind him that certain topics are off limits for friends of the opposite sex. Trina says, they’ll have to agree to disagree, because if any friend comes to her with a problem, she’s going to help, no question about it. Because that’s who she is. She walks in the back.

Curtis thanks Linc for coming in, and says he knows Linc is a busy man, so he’ll get to the point. Now that he’s launched The Savoy, things are going well, he’s focusing on his next goal. How to make this the number one place in Port Charles to listen to live music. To do that, he’s going to need help; help from someone like Linc, and his many contacts. Linc says he’d be up for that, and Curtis says, before they enter into a partnership, he needs to know he can trust Linc. So he’s giving Linc the opportunity to tell him anything he needs to know about who he does business with. Linc says, if Curtis doesn’t trust him, he can’t partner with Curtis, and starts to leave. Curtis says he’s not going anywhere until he admits  that he wasn’t here by coincidence the other night; someone sent him. Linc says Curtis is right; he owed someone a favor. That’s all. Curtis asks, who? and Linc says, someone who wants to remain anonymous. Curtis says he used to be a cop; after that, a P.I. He could start going through all the skeletons in Linc’s closet if he wanted to. Why not make it easier on both of them, and just talk to him. Is Linc working with the mob? Linc says, no, absolutely not, and Curtis says, then who sent him? Curtis goes around to the other side of the bar, and gets the sketch. He shows it to Linc, and says, was it this man? Linc doesn’t say anything, and Curtis tells him, he’ll take that as a yes. Obviously, Linc knows this man; who is he? Linc tells Curtis, he can’t say, and Curtis says, Linc told him that he’s not with the mob, so let him tell Linc something. There’s no way he’s going to let some jerk muscle his way in on his business. Linc says, he’s just the messenger, and Curtis slaps the sketch on the bar, and grabs Linc by the lapels. He says, whoever he is, he’s been asking questions about him and his family all over town. Who is he? Marshall yells, let him be. He points to Linc, and says, you, get lost. He tells Curtis, I’m the one you want, my man.

Ned asks what Olivia and Robert were talking about, and Olivia says, they were just clearing the air. He hands her the flyer, and says, there’s an exhibit tonight at the Jerome gallery. It’s being underwritten by ELQ Charities. If she can make it, she should come. She says, ELQ is making a matching donation to the local animal shelter. He says he knows it’s an important charity to her, and leaves. She looks at the painting.

Trina comes back out, and says, Esme’s still here? Esme says, because she wants Trina to know she respects her being such a good friend to Spence, and she appreciates Trina listening to what she had to say. She hopes Trina will think about it. She’ll see her at the show tonight. Break a leg. I’d be afraid Esme meant that literally. Outside, Esme uncurls her palm, and there are bloody crescents where her nails have dug into it.

Gladys says she feels like Sonny has been avoiding her, and Brook says she wonders why. Gladys says, they have to catch up. They have so much to talk about. He suggests she start with her telling Cyrus that he and his family were harboring Dev illegally. She says, it’s just something that came out in conversation, and he says, he bets. He tells Brook to bring Bailey by, and leaves. Brook asks if Gladys really thought Sonny would side with her over his niece.

Austin tells Maxie that he ran into Gladys at The Savoy the other night, and they sat at the bar and chatted. She seems like somebody who could use someone to talk to right now. Maxie says, take her advice, steer clear of Gladys. She’ll do whatever it takes to get ahead. He says, this is kind of ironic, coming from the woman who calls Brook Lyn Quartermaine her BFF. He doesn’t know what Maxie sees in her, but he doesn’t question it; he just accepts it. She can’t afford him the same courtesy? She says, she’s in his corner, remember? Gladys is shady. Austin says, at least she’s up front about it, and walks off.

Brook asks Gladys what that comment to Sonny was about, and Gladys swears she hasn’t told anyone Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father. Brook says, keep it that way, or Pauly’s gonna be pissed. Gladys storms into Kelly’s, and Chase asks, who’s Pauly? Brook turns around to see him standing behind her.

On the phone, Valentin tells Yuri that Brook is in danger from Peter August. It’s imperative that he watch her every move; everyone she sees, everywhere she goes. It’s the only way they’re going to protect her. Valentin is counting on him. He needs to know every last detail of her day.

Brook tells Chase, they were just discussing some Deception business. Just because he’s a detective, doesn’t mean he gets to sneak up on people like that. How long was he standing there? He says he just got here. Why is she lying to him? She says she has no idea what he’s talking about, and he says, she’s lying about the night Bailey was born.

On Monday, Brando tells Gladys that it’s rude to turn down an invitation, Scotty asks if someone wants to walk out of jail free as a bird, Valentin says he and Anna can’t stop from making a deal with the devil, and Curtis wants to know what someone is doing here.

🐨 Where’s Ingo…?

The saga is here and gone. Apparently, it wasn’t the transphobia that got him in the end.

It didn’t help though.

His side.

🥀 Final Bow…

Another soap legend laid to rest.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/11/10/jerry-douglas-died-young-and-restless-patriarch-john-abbott/6381565001/

🍊 Like a Bad Penny…

It’s probably like childbirth. She forgot how painful it is, so she’s doing it again.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-orange-county-season-16-trailer-heather-dubrow-returns/

And her first order of business.

🦋 Gilded Cage Opened…

Normally, I might not care that much about something like this, but when I heard she had an IUD put in against her will, plus she wanted more children, that was just no. I’m very happy to hear this nightmare is over for her.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/11/12/britney-spears-conservatorship/6379139001/

🏃🏻 Last Leap…

He was one of the busiest men in Hollywood.

🐙 Playing a Second Round…

Contains a SPOILER for the ending of Squid Games, and it’s at the beginning of the article. DO NOT enter here if you’re still contemplating watching it for the first time.

https://ew.com/tv/squid-game-creator-hwang-dong-hyuk-alternate-ending-season-2-plans/

🐣 Quotes of the Week

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock

If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people. – Virginia Woolf

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.Dale Carnegie

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. – Albert Einstein (The first guy to figure out Survivor…)

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou

You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive. – Merce Cunningham

The old man was nuttier than a squirrel turd. – Little Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson), The Lord God Bird

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. – W. Clement Stone

🦥 Dreaming On…

Time to pull down the blinds on another workweek or just keep doing what you’re doing, if that’s your chosen path. See you at Dead time. Until then, stay safe, stay firm in your ideals, and stay knowing it’s not about shortcuts; it’s about working hard.

November 8, 2021 – Sonny Bestows a Favor, Off the Cast List, Soapy Christmas, Obnoxious Drunks On Deck & Ain’t Workin’

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly and Sonny have lunch at the MetroCourt, and she says she missed nine months of lunches with him (like they do this every day). She thanks him for making the time before his meeting with Ms. Wu. He says, what he learned from his time away was prioritizing what’s important, and she’s at the top of his list. She says, they were apart for so long. She’s so grateful for every moment with him. She puts her hand on his.

At Kelly’s, Esme tells Cameron, the more she thinks about them getting away, the more excited she gets. One of the best things about boarding school was that so much was an hour away; London, Berlin, Geneva. What’s a really cool place that’s an hour away from here? She’s open to anything. He says, it’s not exactly London or Paris, but Joss has a family cabin in the mountains that’s real pretty. It might be their best bet since they’re going on a budget. She says, not for long. She thinks Spence is handling that situation as they speak. He asks if that’s why Spence took the delivery bike, and she says, he wants to make things right with his dad. Cameron says he’s all for peace in the family, but Spencer’s shift starts in five minutes, so who knows when he’ll actually be there. Outside the door, Spencer flashes back to telling Nikolas that he doesn’t want one penny of their family’s money, and from now on, he’s going to find his own way in the world. He’s no longer his father’s son and no longer a Cassadine. He says, Esme is so not going to like this news, and goes inside. Esme asks if Cameron has ever been to Cabo; it’s still warm enough to lie on the beach. He says, look who’s here on time, and Esme runs to Spencer, giving him a kiss. She says, lying on the beach sounds great, doesn’t it? But first, tell her, what happened with his dad?

Alexis says Harmony isn’t going to believe what just happened, and Harmony asks if she had a conflict with another inmate. Did she have an argument? Alexis says, no, and Sam and Diane walk in. Sam hugs Alexis, saying, she can’t believe it. Diane called her with the news. Is this really happening? Alexis asks if it’s true, and Diane says, congratulations. She’s finally going home.

Peter goes in to Britt’s room, and Britt asks, where’s her mother? He asks if that’s any way to great her host, and she says she needs to check Obrecht’s injury. He says, Liesl is resting comfortably, and she says, what about Jason? He says, Jason isn’t as comfortable, but he’s alive. At least for now. She says she wants to see her mother with her own two eyes; his word means nothing to her. He says that’s actually why he’s there. He wants them to come to an understanding. After all, they are family.

In chains in the wine cellar, Jason tells Drew to answer him. He gets no response, and yells for Drew to get on his feet. Drew, also in chains, gets up, and says, what the hell? Where are they? Jason says, Cassadine Island, and Drew asks what he did.

Alexis says, so there’s been no mistake. This is an actual pardon. Diane says, correct. She got the call, reached out to Sam, and they rushed right over. Sam asks how soon Alexis can be released, and Diane says, the paperwork is being processed. Alexis is going to sleep in her own bed tonight. Alexis says, that’s great, and Harmony says she’s truly happy for her. Sam says she knows Harmony works there, but has she become friends with Alexis? Harmony says, she’d like to think so, but she knows how Sam feels about her, and deservedly so, so she’s not going to step on this terrific moment. She tells Alexis that she hopes they get a chance to talk before Alexis goes, and leaves. Sam tells Diane, she’s so grateful, and Diane says she’d like to take all the credit, but she’s just the messenger. It wasn’t her who arranged this pardon. Sam asks, who did? when Nikolas walks in, and says, he did. Sam says, that’s amazing, and Alexis says, amazing, but not benevolent. It was Nikolas who was going to withhold that pardon if she didn’t do his bidding.

Cameron says he was just about to bet Esme that Spencer was going to show up at least an hour late for work, but Spencer says, of course (🍷) he was on time. He understands how this job works. He doesn’t know why Cameron always thinks the worst of him, and Cameron says, because Spencer always gives him reasons to. Like the time he disappeared halfway through his first shift. Esme says, the main thing is, Spence is here. Talk to her. What happened with his dad? Spencer says he’ll get to that in a minute. Why were they talking about Cabo when he walked in? Esme says, for their weekend getaway. She and Cameron were discussing possible destinations. Spencer says, her and Cam, when did that happen? and she says, that’s not what she meant, and he knows it. She still thinks it’s a great idea for them, Cam and Joss, and Trina and… somebody. She wants to get to know all his friends. What better way to do that than a mini vacay? They can rent a cabin with three bedrooms, or four if Cam and Joss want separate rooms. Spencer says, this weekend getaway, Cam and Joss are on board with this? Cameron says, as long as it’s not too pricey. That’s why he thinks that Joss’s family’s cabin is still their best bet; it’s free. Esme’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Spring Ridge. It must be about her internship. She leaves to take the call, and Spencer says, it’s just like Esme to get carried away. He and Joss don’t have to go if they don’t want to. Cameron says, it’s complicated, and Spencer says, he means because of the separate rooms? He and Joss haven’t had sex yet?

Ms. Wu goes over to Sonny, and says it’s wonderful to have him back, safe and sound. He tells her that Jason and Carly told him about her giving them inside information that saved their lives, and Wu says, it was the right move to make. She thanks Sonny for agreeing to meet with her; they have so much to discuss. He says they need to come to an understanding of how to move forward now that Novak and Buscema are gone.

Britt says, if they’re family, Peter will let her see her mother, and he says, they’re pretty much estranged siblings. If she wants to see her mother, she’ll have to earn it. She asks, how? By telling him that she understands what he’s doing? He says, if anyone does understand, it would be her. They’re Faison’s children. She says she sure as hell tries to forget that, and he tells her not to be shortsighted. There’s only one way off this island for her – by his side.

Jason asks what’s the last thing Drew remembers, and Drew says, his cell at the compound. Peter showed up, and said he had a job for him. He tried to jump Peter… then he’s got nothing. Jason tells Drew, he wasn’t there, but can tell him what the others said, and Drew says, please tell him; all information is welcome. Jason says, Peter ordered the head guard Russel to kill Valentin and Victor Cassadine. Then Drew showed up, and shot Russel. Drew kind of wishes he remembered that, and Jason says, he shot Russel in the leg, and he survived. Then Drew and Valentin took off. They were headed to a dock and had to cross a footbridge. Anna and Robert were waiting, and they saw Peter ambush them. Peter shot Valentin, Drew turned back to give cover fire, and then Peter shot Drew point-blank three times. He fell off the bridge into the sea. Drew says, all he has is a graze on his arm, and Jason says, Peter must have given him a bullet proof vest. Drew says, so Peter staged the whole thing. Why would he do that? Jason says, Peter must need him for something.

Sonny and Wu go to a private area, and Sonny says he knows trust among the families is difficult to maintain, especially since he was away, and everybody thought he was dead. It pretty much proves that if Wu hadn’t warned Carly and Jason, he would have lost the two people closest to him. He wants her to know that she’s very much a trusted ally. She says, Novak and Buscema saw his presumed death as an opportunity for them to stop working together as a group. She was tired of their greed upsetting their very delicate balance. She doesn’t revel in anyone’s death, but she’s happy they’re no longer here to cause trouble. And as she understands it, Joey Novak is in the hospital, after almost being beaten to death. He says, she had nothing to do with that beating? and she says, no, they did not. He says he went to visit Joey in the hospital, and Joey wants out of the family business, so the Corinthos organization is going to take over their family holdings. She smiles, and says she thought that might be the situation, and he laughs. He says, he thought it would only be fair if he gave her half of Novak’s assets. She says she’ll happily accept his generous offer, but she wants to be clear. That’s not why she asked to meet with him today. He says he can’t say enough how important Jason and Carly are to him. So if she ever needs help, he wants her to come to him. She says, by giving her half of the Novak holdings, she considers his debt paid. They’re even. However, the reason she asked for this meeting, she does have a favor to request.

Spencer tells Cameron, don’t be embarrassed, but Cameron says his relationship with Joss is none of Spencer’s business. Spencer says, of course (🍷), and Cameron says, they’ve both been really busy recently. They both started college, and moved into dorms, Joss’s stepdad came back from the dead. They’ve just had a lot on their plate. Spencer says he’s sorry if it sounded like he was judging Cameron, and Cameron says, Spencer was judging him. Spencer says Cameron is right; he was. But life in a boarding school is very different. There are teachers, but no parents, so sex is pretty much a constant topic. Everybody knows who’s done what with which person, but when he stops to think about Cameron and Joss, he guesses it’s not that much of a surprise. Cameron asks what that means, and Spencer says, it means he knows Joss isn’t the type of person to take something like that lightly. He’s not trying to be nosy. He’s honestly trying to be a friend. Is that a problem for the two of them? Cameron says, no, but it hasn’t happened yet. Esme comes back, and asks what they’re talking about. What hasn’t happened yet?

Britt asks if Peter is giving her the join-me-and-we’ll-rule-together speech. He has been on the run for far too long. He’s completely lost touch with reality. He says, she’s the one who refuses to see the truth. There’s nothing for her in Port Charles. She says she’s Chief of Staff at GH. People respect her. She has friends. He says, Brad was in Pentenville last time he checked, but she says, Brad’s not her only friend. Maxie’s her friend. Peter says, please. Maxie’s so kind-hearted, she’d befriend anyone. She says, even him? and he says, even him. She accepted him when no one in Port Charles would. Britt says, news flash, that was then; now she hates his guts. He says, Maxie is the mother of his child, and she asks, where is that child? Because of that psychopath he hired, Maxie’s baby was kidnapped. He says, Louise is his daughter too. Does she think he’s not in agony every day, worried sick about where his child is? Is she safe? Is she all right? She says she can tell him one thing, Peter isn’t going to find her on Cassadine Island. He says she’s right, that’s true. He needs to wrap things up here, and get on to more important things. She says, wrap things up here, how exactly?

Drew asks how Jason found him, and Jason says, Russel. He was trying to escape; he took Britt hostage. Drew says, Britt Westbourne? She’s looking for her mom. Jason says, that’s right. Peter took Drew and Obrecht, and Russel said he was headed there. Drew says, so Jason and Britt are working together, and Jason says, yes. Drew says he thought Sam would be with him, and Jason says, Sam made it as far as Crete. Then she heard Drew got shot and was missing again, so she and Dante decided to go back. Drew says, Dante? and Jason says he and Sam aren’t together anymore. Sam and Dante have gotten close, and Dante came to help find Drew. Drew says, that’s the problem. Spending years as a prisoner, you kind of miss out on everything. Jason says, he knows that feeling, and Drew says, so he and Britt tracked them to Cassadine Island. Then what happened? Jason says he got Peter at gunpoint, but by then, Drew got Britt at gunpoint. Drew says, Jason should have shot him.

Sonny and Wu sit down, Sonny pulling out her chair for her, and he says, whatever she needs, name it. If it’s within his power, he’ll make it happen. She says she knows he has pull with the parole board at Pentenville. Her nephew’s parole hearing is coming up. She was hoping Sonny could convince the board to grant him parole. Sonny asks what her nephew’s name is, and she says, Brad Cooper.

Alexis says, Nikolas is the one who had Hayden shot, and Nikolas says, that’s Shawn’s theory. Of course (🍷) there is no proof to back that up, and as a reminder, Hayden is still very much alive. Sam says, Nikolas still had to very much cover his tracks, even if he had to pressure her mom. He says, her mother refused his deal, but even after that, he made sure her pardon came through. Sam says, that’s probably because it was too late to cancel, and he says he never intended to cancel the pardon. Alexis says, he threatened he would, and he says, Shawn has no evidence, but spreading false rumors about him is damaging. So he tried to help himself as well as his aunt. Is that really so wrong? Sam and Alexis both say, yes.

Esme asks, what’s the big secret? And don’t tell her it’s nothing, because she can see it in their faces. Cameron says he was just telling Spencer that he and Joss haven’t had a chance to get away since they’ve become a couple, and she says, then they’re overdue. Since this is a getting-to-know-you trip, she thinks they should find a place that suits all of them, so they can all discover it together. Cameron says, that actually won’t be too hard for him, since he’s hardly been anywhere. They did do a trip to Niagara Falls once, but that did not end well. Esme asks, why? Did his family tag along? He says, no. It was him, Josslyn, Trina, and Oscar, and she says, Oscar, Josslyn’s first boyfriend who died of brain cancer, right? That’s so sad. Cameron says, yeah, it was rough. Niagara was their last road trip. She says, if Oscar and Josslyn were together on the trip, does that mean Trina and Cameron were a couple? Cameron says, no, but it was actually the beginning of him and Trina getting close. Esme tells him, you don’t say. Exactly how close did he and Trina get?

Drew asks if Jason had a clean shot, and Jason says, yeah. Drew asks why he didn’t take it, and Jason says, Monica, Danny, Sam. Drew says, they never had to know, but Jason says, they want him back. Drew says, not like this. Not when Peter can activate the conditioning whenever he wants, and get Drew to do whatever he wants. He knows Jason knows what it’s like to be a prisoner, but Jason has no idea what it’s like to wake up and have no idea how you got here. No idea what you’ve done, who got shot, or who got hurt. Nothing. What scares him most is the possibility of waking up the next time, and finding out he took an innocent life. Jason says, there’s a way to make sure that doesn’t happen, and Drew says he’s listening. Jason says, get rid of Peter. Take him out. If he’s dead, he can’t control Drew.

Diane asks if she can join Carly, and Carly says, please. Diane says Sonny asked her to meet him to discuss some legalities about the Novak property. Carly says she knows. He’s at a private table with Ms. Woo, discussing things Diane doesn’t want to know about, which now are above her paygrade. Diane says, sounds like Carly is missing being the one in charge, but Carly says, not really. It’s refreshing seeing Sonny in business mode. It’s like having a visit from the Sonny she used to know. Diane says, a visit? and Carly says, Nixon Falls did a number on Sonny. To be more accurate, it did a number on them. Diane knows they’ve never been the picture of domestic bliss. Diane says, that’s true, and Carly says, it didn’t matter because they knew each other so well. Now they know each other less. Nina months less, thanks to Nina Reeves.

Sonny says, he forgot Brad was related to Wu’s family, and she says, he’s her brother’s son. Then he was adopted by the Coopers. Still, he’s her family. Sonny says, Brad stole his grandson, and he watched his own son grieve for a year for his son who was alive. She says she knows that, and she’s very sorry; so is Brad. She visited him in prison and he swore it wasn’t his idea. He was grief stricken over the death of the real baby he and his husband Lucas adopted. Brad made some horrible decisions, and he’s paid a high price and deeply regrets his actions. But he’s her family. He’s been in Pentenville for 18 months, and won’t survive much longer. Can Sonny find it in his heart to help, as a personal favor to her?

Nikolas says he’s getting Alexis out of there. He did a good thing. She says she doesn’t appreciate the way he did it, and he says, bottom line, his tactics get results. She says, the ends justifies the means. That’s so very Cassadine of him. He says he’s sick of everyone saying it’s a curse to be a Cassadine. Even Spencer is saying he wants nothing to do with him. Sam laughs, and Alexis says, what about the Cassadine money? He says, Spencer claims he wants give up the trust fund, and Alexis says, good for him. He listened to her. Nikolas says she encouraged his son to turn his back on him? and she says, she encouraged him to find out what kind of man he was going to be, and if that means cutting out the bad influences in his life, then so be it.

Cameron tells Esme, he and Trina never dated; they decided they were better off as friends. Spencer asks if that means they were considering dating, and Cameron says, there was a time they were, but that was a million years ago. Before they can decide where they’re going on their weekend getaway, they have to figure how much they can afford. Cameron asks if Spencer patched things up with his dad. Did Ava give him access to his money? Spencer says, not exactly, and Esme asks, what happened? His dad didn’t accept his apology? Spencer says he didn’t apologize. He told Nikolas that he didn’t want any Cassadine money.

Sonny says, he’s sorry; he can’t grant Wu that favor. She says, can’t or won’t, and he says, if Brad had merely hurt him, he’d do it, but Brad hurt a lot of people; especially Michael and Wiley. Brad had a year to tell the truth, and he didn’t. He can’t intercede on behalf of the man who hurt his son and his grandson. She says she sees. Then they really have nothing further to discuss. He says, you know what? There’s something else he can do for her.

Diane says she has to admit, when she found out Nina knew where Sonny was all along, and lied about it, she’s been waiting for a call from the PCPD to come defend Carly from assault charges. Carly asks if Diane could get her off, and she says, she’s Diane Miller, but she’s glad she didn’t have to. Why should Carly endure with another bout with the legal system courtesy of Nina Reeves, especially after all Nina’s done to her? She congratulates Carly on her rare display of forbearance, and Carly says, don’t give her the credit. She would gladly attack Nina physically, financially, any way she could, but Sonny doesn’t want her to. Diane says, that’s too bad. She could file one hell of a lawsuit. When she was done, that spoiled little brat of an heiress, wouldn’t have a dime to her name. Carly says, Sonny doesn’t want to dwell on the past, or making Nina pay, and Diane says, she could file a lawsuit for Carly and her children, and base the damages on her pain and suffering; leave Sonny out of it entirely. Carly says, it’s not gonna happen, and Diane says, because Sonny doesn’t want it to. That’s not like him at all. Carly says, that’s what makes it so hard. Sonny wants her to leave Nina alone and she agreed. Of course (🍷) she agreed. Sonny thinks it’s the best way for them to move forward, and maybe for him it is. Diane says, but not for her, and she says, hell no. Not for her.

Drew says he hopes Jason is right, and one of them gets a chance to kill the bastard, but it doesn’t seem feasible at the moment. Jason says, Peter’s already made mistakes. He’s made another one by leaving them alone in this room together. Drew wonders how that is. They’re chained to the wall, and Peter can control him. Jason says, what if he’s wrong? and Drew says, if Jason is going to tell him to fight the conditioning, Obrecht already told him that; she told him to focus on Scout. You’d think thinking about his little girl would give him the strength to fight back, but obviously that didn’t work. Jason says, the last time Peter activated the conditioning , Drew was in his cell at the compound. The conditions worked in Peter’s favor; Drew was isolated with no way to fight back and nobody to help him. It’s different now. They’re here together in this wine cellar; the more Peter has to improvise, the more things can go wrong. They can use that to their advantage. Drew says, Peter’s not in control. Not here.

Esme says, Spencer did what exactly? and he says, he knows the last time they talked, he was going to acquiesce, and tell his father and Ava whatever they wanted to hear. Esme says, right. Not out of weakness; he was just being practical. He says, but then Trina told him exactly what he needed to do. She says, Trina helped him change his mind? and he says, she helped him get his head on straight. Cameron says, Trina gives great advice, but did she really tell him to go to his dad, and tell him to take his money and shove it? Spencer says, in a much more sophisticated way, but that was the gist of it. Cameron asks if he’s crazy. That is literally the dumbest thing he’s ever heard. Spencer says, really? Cameron is Mr. Get-a-job-and-support-yourself, and he thinks Spencer did the wrong thing? Cameron says Spencer has been working less than a week. He has no idea what it takes to survive in the real world. Spencer says, he might not be the best waiter, but he’s getting better. Cameron says, he’s living for free. The clothes he wears, and the lifestyle they lead, being a waiter isn’t going to support that. Get a grip. He’s lived a very pampered life, and Cameron thinks it’s in his best interest to go to his father and beg his forgiveness. Spencer says, Esme has been unusually quiet. What does she think? Does she agree with Cameron? Does she think he should crawl back to his father?

Nikolas says, so now Alexis is calling him a bad influence on his son? No matter how sanctimonious she is, he’s not going to call the governor back and cancel the pardon. He walks out, and Sam runs after him. Alexis tells Harmony that she’s sorry for the way Sam talked to her; it was rude. Harmony says, no one can says she didn’t earn it. She congratulates Alexis on her pardon, and asks how she’s feeling about life on the outside. Alexis says, apprehensive, grateful, relieved, terrified of making the decisions she doesn’t have to make in there, including staying sober on her own. Harmony tells her to do what she has to, to remind herself that she’s not alone. Alexis says she’ll miss their talks, and Harmony says, Alexis has her number. She doesn’t work 24/7. They can grab a coffee and talk. Alexis has her family, but she has friends too. Wow. Alexis forgot about Shawn pretty fast.

Peter says Britt has a choice to make. She can either be part of his plan, or collateral damage. It’s up to her, but he does want her to make an informed decision. He opens the door, and says, come with him.

Carly tells Diane, she wants it to be over too, but she’d have more closure if she knew Nina was going to pay. Diane says, she is facing criminal charges, and Carly says, thanks to Michael. Diane says, the face of a choirboy; the heart of an assassin. It’s a pity he didn’t go into law. He would have done very, very well. Carly says, Sonny told Michael he was wrong for what he was doing. Her head almost exploded. (I’d like to see that.) She said nothing, because she’s not going to fight with Sonny over that bitch. Why would she do that? Diane asks when Jason is coming home, but Carly doesn’t know. Diane says, the moment he does, take him somewhere, some dive bar, and cut loose. Get hammered and confess to him every vicious scheme she’s concocted for torturing Nina, and let him talk her off the ledge. Carly says, Nina took that away from her too, and Diane says, tell her. Carly says, if Sonny hadn’t come back, she and Jason were going to be together as husband and wife that night. Sonny is having a hard time with that. It doesn’t matter that they thought he was dead; it doesn’t matter that they just said their wedding vows. To Sonny, it’s his wife and best friend. It’s going to take time for Sonny. So she doesn’t have Jason the way she used to. She doesn’t have her best friend to run to, and dump all her problems on. She can’t go to him and say all the horrible things she wants to, and feel safe, because… She just can’t. So for the sake of her marriage, she has to put her friendship with Jason on hold. Diane asks if Jason knows, and Carly says they haven’t talked about it, but she’s pretty sure it’s the reason he left town. She knows he wants to help Britt. Of course (🍷), but she’s pretty sure he’s giving her and Sonny some space. Diane says, based on her considerable experience with Sonny, that seems to be the best course, and Carly says, that doesn’t make it easier.

Sonny tells Wu that he won’t help Brad, but if Brad is granted parole on his own merit, he won’t stop it. She says, what about Michael? and he says, Michael has every right to talk about what Brad did to him and Wiley. She says, but Michael can do more than speak at the hearing. He’s a Quartermaine; he has powerful connections. He could pull strings and block Brad’s parole altogether. Sonny says, he’ll make sure no strings are pulled for or against, and Wu says, if parole is granted, it won’t mean much, if Brad meets with a fatal accident after he’s freed. Sonny says he gives her his word that he will not retaliate against Brad, but he has to stay away from Michael and Wiley. Wu says, that seems more than reasonable, but he’s not the only Corinthos who might wish Brad ill. Is he speaking for himself, or as head of the entire family?

Diane tells Carly that she has another client who needs to be bailed out.. literally. Please tell Sonny, she’ll call and reschedule. She’s obviously not Jason, but any time Carly needs to vent, she’s here. Friend to friend. Carly says she might take Diane up on that.

Wu tells Sonny, please know, she means no disrespect, but there have been a lot of changes in his organization in the past year. So she just wants to be clear on what his favor entails. Will he personally leave Brad alone, and ensure that no one in his family will hurt her nephew? Sonny says he’s back in charge, and speaks for his entire family.

Esme asks if Spencer is kidding. No, she doesn’t agree with Cameron. She hugs him, and says she’s super proud of the man he’s becoming. He says, she’s proud of him? and she says, of course (🍷). He has to stay true to himself. Cameron says, he thinks this new true self is boring, and goes behind the counter. Spencer thanks Esme for standing with him, and she asks if he’s really that surprised. He says, yeah, a little. They’ve always lived a pretty extravagant life. She asks if that’s why he went to Trina instead of her. Did he think she woudn’t understand? He says, it wasn’t like that, and she says she wishes he felt like he could confide in her. He says he does. She’s the most important person in his life. She has to know that. She says she does know that; it’s just nice to hear it once in a while. Cameron says he’s sorry to interrupt, but just because he’s standing around doesn’t mean Spencer’s on time. Get to work. Spencer goes in the back, and Esme sits at the counter. She asks Cameron if she’s really that horrible of a person that her boyfriend can’t talk to her. He says, it’s not like that. Trina’s just super easy to talk to. Even though he completely disagrees with the advice Trina gave Spencer, she’s a solid friend. Esme says, it’s very clear how persuasive Trina can be. She’ll have to get to know Trina better. Asap.

Nikolas tells Sam, he’s not in the mood for any more hypocritical moralizing; he’s heard enough for today. She says she just wanted to actually say, thank you. She may not always agree with his methods, but she’s beyond grateful that he got her mother out of prison. Scout and Danny are going to be beyond thrilled that their grandmother is coming home. He says he appreciates it, and leaves.

Harmony says she’s happy for Alexis, when the warden walks in, Sam behind him. He says, her release has been fully processed. She’s free to go. I’ve never been to prison, and have the feeling it might be more complicated than that, but okay. Alexis tells Harmony, here I go, and Sam says, let’s get out of here. Alexis finally gets her life back.

Wu thanks Sonny for his generosity. She looks forward to their continued partnership. He says, so does he, and Carly joins him. Wu says, it’s good to see her again, and Carly says, her too. Wu goes to the elevator, and Carly asks what Ms. Wu was thanking Sonny for.

Britt walks into the wine cellar, and sees Jason. Peter comes in behind her, putting a gun in her back, and saying, don’t be shy. He doesn’t want her to miss the show. It looks like Drew is back to his normal self. Drew says, you bastard. He’s going to kill Peter. Peter says, that’s what’s not going to happen, but he will kill someone. Britt looks at Jason.

Tomorrow, Willow says someone is the last person she expected to see, Peter says he’ll be taking it out on Britt, Drew is reporting for duty, Carly asks why she’s having this conversation, and Jason says next time he and Peter meet, there will be a different ending.

😔 Quel Disappointment…

From what I read on Twitter, it’s not the first time. I feel sad about that.

🎄 Ho-Ho-Ho…

I’m not one to rush the season, or watch Hallmark movies, but if you’re into that sort of thing, this has quite a few soap stars in it. Erika Slezak is one of them, which makes it almost worth watching for me. Almost.

Below Deck

The crew gets up hungover from the night before. In Rayna’s interview, she says she kissed Jake. Whatever. Who cares? It was so hot. Fraser says he drank too much, and Jake says, he was drunk before dinner last night. In Heather’s interview, she says she’s irritated with her team. They have to do better. They begin cleaning the boat, and Captain Lee calls Heather, Eddie, and Rachel to the crew mess for the preference sheet meeting. The primary is Michael, a real estate broker, who appreciates fine whiskey. He’s bringing his broker friends. The captain points out that Michael’s photo is the classic real estate broker pose. He says, they’re big bourbon drinkers, and want his presence at a white party/whiskey tasting dinner. They also want a luau, but it’s a late pickup, so Rachel doesn’t have to worry about lunch. Another request is golf balls off the back of the boat. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s playing nice with Eddie, but what he’d said last season felt like a betrayal, since he was a friend to her face. She has a tad of bitterness, but needs to get rid of it. It’s not her flavor. Fraser tells Rayna that he was a bit tipsy to put lightly, and asks if he did anything stupid. She says he went to bed, which I’m sure is a relief. He teases her about Jake, and she says she likes someone who lives in Canada. In her interview, she says, they’re just talking, and trying to figure it out. She tells Fraser that she’s still single, but doesn’t want to mess it up. He says, it was just a friendly flirt.

Rachel calls for provisions, asking for a pig for a luau and a spit. She asks to talk to Eddie in the main salon. She tells him that she wants to have a little chat. Last season, the things he said about her were a vicious attack. He went straight for her integrity and character, and it was uncalled for. It threw her for a loop, and it was hurtful. So far, it’s stayed for the duration of the season. Eddie says he’s sorry. They didn’t get along, and he’s sorry he didn’t talk directly to her. In his interview, he says, they started off good, but when Rachel started drinking, she was a different person. We flashed back to some of Rachel’s drunken antics, and Eddie says he should have talked to her personally. The only thing he can do is be better. He tells her that he gets it, and thanks her for giving him another chance be her friend. In Rachel’s interview, she says she thinks they can play in the same sandbox without stabbing each other with spades. Eddie calls the provisioner for golfclubs, biodegradable golf balls, and AstroTurf. Jessica calls her mom, who’s smoking a cigarette, and gambling on her phone in the garage. In Jessica’s interview, she says, when she wanted to go into cosmetology, her mom told her to be a mortician, so Jessica could do hair and makeup on her body. Jessica said no.

Heather tells Jessica to iron the captain’s clothes, and provisions come in. The captain calls the crew to the sky lounge, since he hadn’t had a formal meeting with them, and they have time because of the late pick-up. He says he only expects them to do their jobs. The radio is his pet peeve. If they’re looking for their radio, odds are he already has it, and he’s going to have their ass. He gives them the two rules: do not embarrass yourself and do not embarrass the boat. Whoomp! There it is! He says he has no problem getting rid of someone in the middle of a charter. He hopes he doesn’t have to use his pocketful of plane tickets, but he’s not afraid to use them. It will be swift and hard. In Rayna’s interview, she says Captain Lee reminds her of her dad. (Me too!) He’s like a chocolate chip cookie that’s hard on the outside, and soft and mushy in the middle. At least she hopes Captain Lee is like her dad. He tells them, do their jobs, or they’re fired. Afterward, he tells Eddie this could be the year; he likes what he’s seeing. Eddie says he wants to promote Jake to lead deckhand, and in Captain Lee’s interview, he says, it’s not like he doesn’t want to, but he’s seen that backfire. Give someone too much responsibility too soon, and they can crash and burn. And it’s your fault because you set them up to fail. He tells Eddie that he wants to observe first. In Heather’s interview, she says, the had a bad start, and it’s lingering. They don’t have it together. She’s done every sh*t job there is. She busted her ass, and expects it from her team. There’s no room for error. She meets with Fraser and Jessica, and tells them that she needs them to be fluid. She also needs them to step it up on the laundry and cocktails, but not drop the standard. She wants to keep the ball rolling. In Fraser’s interview, he says, it’s the same as the last load of sh*t. He’s never worked for a chief stew who wasn’t impeccable, and he feels insecure with Heather as his leader. In Jessica’s interview, she says, Heather reminds her of her grandma, micromanager Marian. They have to do everything the way Heather wants. I’m confused. Isn’t that how it is with most bosses? The captain radios for the crew to change into their whites.

The guests arrive, and Jake says, they’re definitely boozy. Eddie says the crew has no idea what’s in store. The group seems very aggressive, and are apparently already drunk. Captain Lee says Heather will give them a tour of the boat, and they’ll get the hell out of Dodge, and have some fun. Primary Michael says, sounds like a good plan. One of the guests admits they finished a bottle of Tito’s while they were waiting, and in Heather’s interview, she says, it’s a great sign. They’ll have hangovers in three hours, and probably skip dinner. Omg, I like bourbon too, but this one dude is chugging it. The boat heads out, and Heather reminds the guests they have a white party/whiskey pairing tonight. She goes over the various whiskeys, Guest Justin asks for a thermal cup, and in Heather’s interview, she tells us, nothing says classy like whiskey out of a thermos on a mega-yacht. Wes asks how Jessica’s department works, and she says she’s the third, so she does the grunt work. Anchor is dropped, and Heather checks in with the captain about dinner. He says he can join the guests for dinner, but can’t take part in the whiskey tasting. She suggests apple juice, and he tells her to put in a little lime. She predicts they’ll be a couple of guests down, and he says, the guests weren’t lying when they said they had mouths like sailors. The dudes shoot golf balls off the back of the boat, and Eddie bugs the captain about promoting Jake again. Captain Lee say,s they can use a lead deckhand, but he’s concerned it’s too soon. He wonders if Jake can step up to the plate, without his nerves getting the better of him, and coming apart like a cheap suit. In Eddie’s interview, he says, Captain Lee hired him because he trusts him. He hopes the captain respects his decision. He thinks Jake will be a good lead deckhand, and then he can move off the deck. He tells the captain that Jake is goofy, but has a good head on his shoulders. The captain tells Eddie that he hopes he doesn’t regret it, but if he does, so will Eddie. He calls Jake to the wheelhouse, and Eddie offers Jake the position. He says the other crew members don’t have Jake’s experience, but he thinks Jake can lead them.   

Rayna squeals when Jake tells her the news, and in her interview, she says, that’s perfect for her. What’s he going to do? Yell at her? That’s not going to happen. In Wes’s interview, he says he thinks Jake is solid. It’s mostly the moustache. It commands respect. Jake invites Rayna to help him cover-up the sundeck furniture. Guest Justin says he’s excited to sit next to the captain. Captain Lee joins them, and Heather calls Jessica to help with service. Justin gets super insulting to the one female guest, Terri, saying that he’s surprised she went to college, and asking how many words does she use in a day? The first pairing is served, and Justin burps loudly. Fraser says, the poor captain. Justin says, they’re a bunch of real estate buffoons, and asks for tequila. Another guest points out that they’re in the middle of a whiskey paring, and Justin says, f*** you. Colin tells him, STFU. Justin says he’s throwing himself off the boat, and storms off, sitting on the edge of the boat.  

Heather tells Rachel that they’re down a guy; he left the table. Justin tells Wes that he can’t stand a formal dinner with a bunch of kiss asses. He’s going to sit and enjoy himself. Wes keeps an eye on him, and in the captain’s interview, he says They’re  drunker than a four-peckered goat. Than a herd of four-peckered goats. Morons. Bored and alone, Eddie says, anchor watch is pure excitement. Wes asks if he can get Justin something, and in Wes’s interview, he says, never give him whiskey. He’s a goddam gremlin. He had a fight with a jeep once. Justin asks to have his dinner there, and at the table, Captain Lee looks grim. A little table is set up for Justin, and Fraser mumbles as he does the guest cabins. In Jessica’s interview, she says, Fraser is entitled to his opinions, but he needs to put his feelings in a balloon, and let it go. At the table, Michael says, he feels fat. After Michael insults Florida where the captain lives, Terri repeatedly asks the captain where he grew up – Michigan – and says they grew up in the same place. Guest Colin leans over and says he loves her, but she’s repeating herself. Jessica says, Justin is happy as a clam, and she and Wes laugh. Captain Lee thanks them for dinner, and on the way downstairs, tells Heather that he got hit with two root canals. He says, it was brutal. Justin is just flat out rude, and he doesn’t know how many times Terri asked him about Michigan. Dinner was good though.

Terri suggests Michael go to bed, and he somehow makes it down the stairs without falling headfirst. Colin calls down to Justin, telling him to go f*** himself; he’s a d*ckhead. Terri says she’s so effing pissed. She asks Eddie, what’s going on with Justin, and Eddie says, he’s just sitting there. Terri goes down, and tells Justin to go f*** himself. Rayna wonders if this is normal, and Justin says he’s comfortable. Terri says he’s being a jackass. Rayna tells Jake, white folks crazy as hell, and I die laughing. In her interview, she says, drama finally, and it’s not her drama. Justin says he’s wonderful and comfortable, and Terri goes back to the table. Eddie says, now he’s babysitting, and Rayna tells Wes about Terri and Justin fighting.

Justin goes back to the table, and Terri says she doesn’t like him. He says he doesn’t give a f***, which was to be expected. She tells him that they were all at dinner, but he didn’t show up. Fraser calls Heather to come listen, and Terri says, they came together as a family, but he wasn’t there. Guest Colin (I think – they all look the same) says she doesn’t understand STFU. In Heather’s interview, she says she thinks Terri and Justin are secretly screwing, and Justin is finally drunkenly taking the upper hand in the relationship. Justin tells Terri that he’s confident sitting there. Guests Sean and Colin have wandered upstairs, and can still hear them. Rachel joins Heather and Fraser listening in. In Fraser’s interview, he says, it’s not chic. They probably won the trip. Justin tells Terri he’s doing her a favor. He’ll walk her back to her room and she’ll STFU. Get her ass up, and get TF down the stairs. Let’s go. Rachel sees Heather watching from the sidelines, and says, crouching tiger, hidden stew. Justin says, it’s a circus, and in Heather’s interview, she says she’s nervous something will happen they can’t control. Terri  tells Justin to stop, and Justin orders Heather to come here. He points at Terri, and says, she needs to go away now. Heather asks him to elaborate, and he says, Terri needs to go to her room and STFU. Eddie says, this is out of control. It’s overly aggressive, and unacceptable behavior from a charter guest. It’s dangerous. Justin starts following Heather, and Eddie suggests he and Terri stay away from each other. Eddie stops Teri from following Justin, who says, someone is being shoved off the boat tonight. Wow…

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🍂  Falling Back…

See you tomorrow for some soap and a few Pumptinis. Until then, stay safe, stay being a solid friend, and stay away from whiskey if it turns you into a gremlin.