Tag Archives: Jennifer Fessler

May 15, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Curtis Confronts Isaiah, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Coming Soon, Future Festivities, Animal Assist, Four Times Two Quotes & Hang Up

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Chase was jogging and ran into Willow jogging in the opposite direction. She said she’d just left the office and it had been a day. He said he was glad she was there. He was hoping she would be.

Ric said Ethan must have told Sonny something, but he hadn’t betrayed Sonny in any way. Sonny knew him. Sonny said, that was the problem.

Lucas asked if Elizabeth was okay, and she said, yes and no. He asked if it was trouble with Ric.

Dante went to see Lulu, who said the kids were out. He said he just found out Rocco shot Cullum and she knew about it.

Charlotte brought Donna some books as an excuse to see her dad, but Carly said he wasn’t there. He had to deal with Jack. Charlotte said it was about time.

Nina stabbed Jack with Drew’s syringe while he struggled with Valentin. Jack dropped to the ground, while Drew listened to what was going on. Valentin said, nice shot.

Chase said he needed to ask Willow for another favor, and they sat down. He told her about the plan to adopt Phoebe. They’d had no luck finding her family and were hoping she could make some calls on their behalf. Her calls had made all the difference when they wanted to foster. She said what she’d done then might make it impossible for them to adopt now.

Elizabeth said everything was fine, and Lucas said he was there if she needed him. She ran to catch Rocco and told him that he was almost done with his community service. His feedback was fantastic. She asked how his hand was, and he said sometimes it hurt. She took a look at it and said it looked like it was healing well. The pain was probably from the nerves healing and should resolve. If it got worse, come see her. He could always come to her about anything.

Lulu asked if Dante had evidence, but he said no. Jason didn’t get a slide bite from a gun and he’d figured it out from the blood samples on the gun. Rocco’s wound sounded consistent with firing a weapon and Jason would have protected him. She admitted Rocco shot Cullum, and he asked why she didn’t tell him. She said Nathan told her not to, and he said, Nathan knew?

Charlotte said once they were done with Brennan, she’d tell Nina what to do with her Crimson internship, but Carly said she couldn’t do that no matter what happened. It didn’t mean they were out of danger. The best thing was lie low and live her life. She had to be careful. Valentin’s enemies would use her to get to him like Brennan had used Josslyn to get to her.

Nina tried to rouse Jack, and Valentin asked what the hell was in the syringe. She said it was Drew’s medication, and they turned Jack over. She yelled for Jack to wake up.

Ric said it had nothing to do with Sonny, and Sonny said Ethan had followed him. Ethan said Ric and Ava had a private conversation and then Ava delivered a message to Sidwell, but Ava said she’d only returned the table she’d already been at. Sonny told Ethan to take Ava outside and they’d figure it out later. Ethan left with Ava, and Sonny told Ric to explain himself fast. His trigger finger was getting itchy.

Charlotte asked what happened to Josslyn, and Carly said she didn’t know when she’d see Josslyn again. if Charlotte wanted to help her father, he needed to know she was safe. She made Valentin vulnerable.

Nina called an ambulance and told Valentin to get lost. He checked Jack for a response, picked up his gun, and said let him know if Jack died. He left, and Drew concentrated hard and moved his finger.

Chase said, to some people it would look like they were using their privilege, but Willow said that wasn’t true. She thought Phoebe belonged with them. He said he’d even told Brook to use the Quartermaine name, but Willow said it would do more harm than good.

Lucas told Elizabeth to spill, and Elizabeth said it wasn’t her story to tell. Lucas said he knew the feeling of standing in the sidelines when you wanted to help. Sometimes knowing a friend had your back made all the difference. She said that’s what she was trying to do for everyone involved, but she felt terrible for them.

Lulu told Dante about how Rocco came to shoot Cullum and said Nathan was first on the scene. Jason told him to get Rocco out of there, Nathan agreed, and brought Rocco home. Nathan had said no one else could know and Dante would have been put in an impossible position. Dante said she had no right to keep it from him, and she said they’d been in this situation before. Dante had put his faith in the system and they knew what had happened to Michael.

Ethan shoved Ava in the car, locked it, and got in. She asked what he was going to do and he said it was up to sonny. She said it didn’t have to be but he said he wasn’t cutting a deal.

Sonny asked Ric where he went, since he’d lied and hadn’t been at the DA’s office. Ric agreed he’d lied, but it had nothing to do with Sidwell. Sonny could look in his briefcase. Sonny opened it and took out an accordion file. Ric opened it and said Ava was helping him buy a gift of art for Elizabeth. He showed Sonny an etching and said it was one of a kind from her favorite artist. He’d heard it was up for sale and Ava handled it discreetly. It was part of an estate being contested in an acrimonious divorce and the owner was trying to sell it quickly. Sonny asked why Ric hadn’t told him, and Ric said Sonny couldn’t stand Ava – neither could he – and he’d wanted to surprise Elizabeth. He was sorry that their history had caused Sonny to think the worst of him. Sonny said he wasn’t thinking clearly because of the Sidwell situation, but why would he think differently?

Dante asked if Lulu thought he hadn’t learned and would have done things differently, but she said she hadn’t had time to think. Rocco was in shock and bleeding, and it made sense to keep it secret. Dante said Rocco had been about to tell him at the café. He knew something was going on. Lulu said she hated lying, but Rocco had to get past this or the WSB would come after him. Dante said he understood protecting Rocco from the WSB, but she didn’t have to protect Rocco from him.

Valentin couldn’t stay away from the moss bowl🎍and went back to Sonny’s old kitchen. Carly said Charlotte had been there. She’d told Charlotte that he was dealing with Brennan and sent her away. What happened? He said she’d been right. Nina double crossed him.

The EMTs took Jack out, and Nina followed. Drew moved his hand.

Lulu said she and Nathan had talked about telling Dante, but she was the one who decided not to make him choose between Jason rotting in prison or Rocco going to jail. She didn’t have faith in the system like he did. Rocco had ended up in juvie for just trying to do the right thing. Dante said she should have told him. Everybody had lied, but he’d figured it out. If he could, the WSB could too.

Valentin told Carly that Nina botched it and it was dumb luck Jack was out of commission. Jack told him that he didn’t know where Josslyn was, but he might not make it through the night.

Nina asked how Jack was doing, but Elizabeth said it was too soon. She asked Nina to walk her through what happened, and Nina said everything seemed normal, when Jack had collapsed. They’d been talking about half an hour, and it happened fast. He’d seemed normal, but he always seemed agitated. Elizabeth said they were doing everything they could, but it would be long night. Could Nina call Willow or did she need to be with Drew? (Nina’s face said, rut-roh!)

Drew lifted his hand and felt for the phone on the table.

Willow said the last thing Brook and Chase needed was to be perceived as throwing their weight around. She’d make one lowkey phone call off the record. He thanked her, and she said after what they’d gone through together with her own baby, all she wanted was for him to have the family he deserved. He’d be an amazing dad. She put her hand on his shoulder, and someone took a photo.

Ava told Ethan that she blamed Ric. She’d been helping him buy art through a private sale. Ethan said she’d whispered to Sidwell, but she said she and Sidwell were friends. He said her taste in friends should be as discriminating as her taste in art.

Sonny wondered why he wouldn’t think Ric was setting him up, and Ric said he could see why, but Sonny had to learn to trust him. Sonny said trust had to be earned, and Ric said he’d been pushing for too much too fast. Sonny asked where they went from there. Did he need Ethan? Ric said, if it made Sonny more comfortable. He wanted it to work and thought Sonny did too.

Valentin recounted what happened with Jack to Carly and the moss bowl🎍. He thought he’d been the intended target, but Jack got the full dose of whatever it was. He was flat on his back and incapacitated. She said she felt sorry for Jack, and he said there was no happy ending for Jack if she wanted to find her daughter.

Chase said they wanted to give Phoebe the happiest childhood and he wanted to be the best father, and he and Willow hugged. Her phone rang and she stepped away. Nina said she was at GH and told Willow that Jack had a medical emergency. He took something he wasn’t supposed to take and the doctors thought he might have had a stroke. She was sorry, but she forgot to give Drew his weekly dose.

Drew knocked the phone over, but was able to stop it from falling.

Dante said he’d like them to decide how best to protect their son, not Lulu and Nathan, and Lulu agreed. He said she didn’t realize what was going on. She got their son to keep a secret about the worst thing that had ever happened to him and convinced him to lie to his father. He didn’t know how they came back from this.

Charlotte found Rocco on the porch, and he said he was avoiding what was going on inside. His mom and dad were fighting about him.

Ric said Sonny confronted him and had taken the time to ask why he’d lied. It had to count for progress. Sonny said he was counting on Ric to be his brother to the point he didn’t need to question his loyalty. Ric said he wanted that too, and thought they could get there. Sonny was going to call Ethan to let Ava go, but Ric suggested letting her stew. Sonny said he was okay with that and laughed.

Ava told Ethan that her world didn’t revolve around Sonny and she didn’t have to explain herself to his latest flunky. Ethan said he could be an asset, but she said she didn’t need his help and she didn’t appreciate mansplaining, especially when it came from a boy.

Carly said wondered how they’d find Josslyn if Jack didn’t wake up, and Valentin said Cullum was in charge now with no guardrails. It made him more dangerous than he already was.

Elizabeth told Nina that Jack was stabilized and being sent to the ICU. They were also notifying the WSB of his status. She couldn’t give Nina specifics because she wasn’t family, but Nina had done good. He was in good hands.  

Elizabeth saw Lucas, who said they were ready to transport Jack to the ICU. He was waiting for the labs which might give them a clue. Elizabeth wondered, what were the odds that two healthy men had strokes in the same house three months apart?

Chase did pushups, when his phone dinged. He laughed at picture of Phoebe sleeping, and texted Brook that he’d be right back. Someone continued to take photos.

Drew managed to flip the phone over and started to push a button when Willow flew in and knocked it to the floor. She told Drew that it looked like there was no one could be trusted to keep an eye on him except for her.

Tuesday:

Trina went to visit Portia at the cabin, bringing a box from Eckerd’s with all of Portia’s favorites. She wanted to plan Portia’s baby shower.

Curtis told Jordan that before he went to work, he was stopping by Turner’s office to find out what she’d uncovered about Isaiah.

Isaiah went to Turner’s office, and she asked about his movements the night of April 8th, 2026.

Danny met Charlotte at the boathouse, and she said Rocco was grabbing them some drinks at the main house. He’d been acting weird lately. Danny said Rocco had been quieter than usual, and Charlotte thought it had to do with her mom and Dante. Maybe he could talk to Danny. Rocco arrived and said, about what?

Lulu asked Britt to come by and said they needed to get a few things straight about Rocco.

Nathan went to Dante’s office, and Dante asked why the hell Nathan hadn’t told him that his son was the one who shot Cullum.

Jordan said she wanted the other driver found, but hoped the investigation exonerated Isaiah, and Curtis claimed he wanted the same, but felt Isaiah was responsible. He and Portia were getting along and he’d hate to mess that up, but if Isaiah was that kind of creep, he wasn’t letting Isaiah anywhere near his family.

Isaiah told Turner that he’d worked during the day and went to his cabin that night. Portia had been with him. Turner asked if he didn’t drive a black 2025 BMW SUV.

Danny said he needed Charlotte and Rocco’s help. It was about his dad. He’d overheard Sonny talking and Sonny had said it was all on Sidwell. Rocco wondered why he was just hearing about it, and Charlotte said it had been hard to talk to him lately. Danny said they had to get to Spoon Island and look for information to help his dad.

Nathan asked if Lulu had explained everything to Dante, but Dante said he’d had to find out on his own. He’d tested the blood samples on the gun, and one was Jason’s and one was Rocco’s. As his friend and fellow officer, how could Nathan not tell him the truth?

Lulu told Britt that Rocco was at the Quartermaine’s and she knew what happened on the pier. Britt said she, Lulu, Nathan, and Rocco were the only ones who knew the truth and she intended to keep it that way, but Lulu said it wasn’t working. The only reason Rocco was in this position was because of Britt. Britt said she never wanted anything bad to happen, but Lulu said he’d followed her because he was worried. He’d shot a WSB agent in the back to protect her and Jason, but should have stopped with Jason. (Ugh. Lulu.)

Nathan told Dante what happened when he got to the pier. He and Jason had a split second to make a decision and chose to protect Rocco. Dante said, and at no point did Nathan decide to loop him in, and Nathan said he brought Rocco home to his mother. Dante said Rocco had been struggling with this for weeks, and Nathan said so had he. Dante was the Police Commissioner and he didn’t want Dante to choose between arresting and protecting Rocco. Dante should be thanking him.

Charlotte said she could get them in and out of Windymere undetected, and Danny said they could get there using his dad’s speedboat, but Rocco said it was insane. They’d get themselves killed.

Lulu wanted Britt’s word that she’d do everything she could to protect Rocco, and Britt asked what Lulu thought she’d been doing. He’d come to her and confided in her. He was being eaten alive. Lulu said it killed her, and Britt said she’d told him that he had to stay quiet and stay away from Cullum and her, but it wasn’t working. He was a ticking time bomb. Tell her what to do.

Molly went to visit Jordan and gave her an orchid plant. She asked if she could be honest, and Jordan said she wished Molly would. Molly said she regretted the distance between them since she and TJ (🦉) broke up. If there was anything she could do, she wanted to do it.

Portia said the pregnancy had gone by fast. It was hard to believe things had come together so well. Trina said she liked where they all were and wanted to celebrate, but Portia wanted to talk about the secret Trina was keeping from her.

Isaiah said Turner already knew what kind of car he drove, and she said she’d wanted to confirm it. She told him to have a seat and asked if he’d been in an accident recently. He said he knew what this was about and where she was going with it. If she had further questions, talk to his lawyer.

Portia said Trina’s dad had told her about Charlie’s and also how she’d helped book Michael James Scott at The Savoy. She wondered if Trina was devoting more time to music. Trina said, kind of. She was considering her options. Brook had offered her a showcase and Gio had agreed to accompany her. Portia said she was thrilled. It was all she ever wanted for Trina – to have choices and pursue passions she enjoyed. She’d be front row next time Trina sang. Trina wanted to finish the guest list and said she had Aunt Stella, Elizabeth, Ava, Terry, and Felicia on the list. Did Portia want to invite Laura? Portia said, of course (🍷), and Trina said, what about Jordan?

Jordan said any distance between her and Molly was understandable. Molly needed space after the baby’s death and the break-up with TJ (🦉). Molly said it was the worst time of her life, and Jordan said few couples could survive that kind of loss. Molly said Jordan had always been good to her and she’d always looked up to her. She seemed so sure of herself. Jordan said she wasn’t sure she was that person right now.

Turner said all she was doing was eliminating potential suspects involved in the crash. Isaiah could help them and himself by allowing the PCPD to take a paint sample from his car. Paint was pulled off the guardrail near the accident and it would hep them. He wondered if it would help them railroad him and told her to get a warrant. He knew if they had actual evidence, she wouldn’t be asking for his cooperation. If she chose to pursue this, he’d use every legal avenue to protect himself. He left, slamming the door.

Rocco said the idea was wrong and messed up, and Charlotte told him to calm down. Rocco said they needed to stay away from Sidwell, but Charlotte said she and Danny knew how to take care of themselves. Rocco said covering for them was the reason he’d been arrested for breaking into Dalton’s lab and ended up going to juvie and getting beaten up. Danny said his dad needed their help, but Rocco said it wouldn’t help his dad if something happened to Danny. And if they decided to break in without him, he’d turn them in.

Nathan said the WSB wouldn’t give a damn that Rocco was a kid and would treat him the same as they did Jason. Dante said Nathan didn’t need to tell him about the WSB, and Nathan said the only way to save Rocco had been to get him off the pier and shut him up. They hadn’t been thinking about Dante at the time. He’d told Lulu not to tell Dante, but he didn’t make her do it. She chose to. Dante accused Nathan of using his son to pave the way to his grand romance. He didn’t give a damn what Nathan and Lulu did, but Nathan’s involvement with his son was over. Nathan said he and Lulu were done anyway. He was giving her space. She was mad because he’d told her something she didn’t want to hear, that Rocco couldn’t stay in Port Charles. They had to get him out of town.

Britt said they couldn’t expect Rocco to handle this kind of pressure, and Lulu thought she was in cahoots with Nathan, but Britt said they hadn’t talked. Lulu said she wasn’t sending her son anywhere, but Britt said they needed to get him away, at least until things cooled down. Lulu said Britt didn’t get any input, and Britt said she knew Lulu had missed four years with Rocco, but it was about Rocco, not her. Lulu said she’d also missed nine months of pregnancy and the first seven months of Rocco’s life, and Britt said she couldn’t believe even Lulu could be this selfish. Lulu said her son needed to be around his family, and she and Dante would decide what happened next, not Britt.

Nathan said Rocco could slip up at any moment, and Dante said it would have been great if Rocco had had his support. Nathan said it didn’t change the fact Rocco was in danger. Dante was his father and needed to protect him. Dante said Nathan had been a father for five minutes and had no idea what it took. Now that he knew the truth, he’d be the one to guide his son though this.

Britt said Dante knew what was at stake and wasn’t driven by his own needs like Lulu, and Lulu told her, get the hell out. She’d put Rocco’s life in danger and it was on her if something bad happened to him. Britt left.

Rocco said he wasn’t letting them break into Windymere and wasn’t letting Danny drag his sister into this, but Charlotte said she wanted to help. Danny said it wasn’t like his mom could help. She was dead. He couldn’t let his parents fix his problems like Rocco did. He had to find his dad and if Rocco didn’t want to help, stay out of their way.  They didn’t need him. Charlotte suggested they calm down, but Rocco wanted to leave. Charlotte said they’d catch up with him later, and Rocco said screw them both.

Trina said Portia wasn’t obligated to invite anybody she didn’t want, but Portia said it might help put the old animosity behind them. Jordan was living with Curtis and would be part of the baby’s life. Trina said Jordan might not feel like coming, and Portia said, or worse, she might feel like she couldn’t say no, even though she wasn’t in the mood to celebrate.

Turner told Curtis that Isaiah had no alibi, and Curtis asked if he mentioned the damage on his car. She said, no. She’d told him about the paint, but he’d refused to give her a sample. Curtis said she could force him, but she said the judge turned down her request for a warrant.

Molly told Jordan that she thought about Irene all the time. When something that devastating happened, it changed your perception of who you were and how you lived your life. Irene’s death made her reevaluate what she wanted out of life and what she could handle. Jordan said she wasn’t there yet. She hadn’t realized how much of her identity was tied to her appearance. It wasn’t about personal vanity, but she wanted to recognize herself inside and out. Molly said she’d remind Jordan of her value, and Jordan said they were family.

Turner said they didn’t have probable cause, considering how many people drove the same type of car, but Curtis said he’d been a cop and knew what suspicious behavior looked like. Isaiah was acting like someone who was guilty. Why did he refuse to answer her questions or give her a paint sample? Why was he being evasive if he had nothing to hide?

Isaiah dropped by Lulu’s house, and told her about the conversation with Turner. Turner suspected he was involved with Jordan’s accident and questioned him about his whereabouts. He’d been at Lulu’s house at the time of the crash and she and Rocco were his only alibi.

Rocco went to see Britt and said she was the only person he could talk to. He didn’t know why he was acting the way he was. She said he was under a ton of pressure, and he said it was his fault that Danny was going to do something stupid and get himself hurt. He was the reason Danny’s dad was locked up. Britt said it wasn’t his fault, but Rocco said it didn’t matter. He couldn’t tell Danny how bad Cullum was. He couldn’t tell Danny and Charlotte anything. Britt was the only one he could talk to.

Nathan asked if they were done, and Dante said, not quite. Nathan could have talked to him, but instead, lied to him. He never thought Nathan could do something like that. It was like he didn’t know Nathan at all.

Molly left Jordan’s place.

Portia told Trina that they should put Jordan on the list. She wanted them all to come together. Trina said it was a new chapter for all of them, and Portia said they could be the best versions of themselves for the baby, her included. The baby would bring them together.

Turner told Curtis that Isaiah was right. She had no evidence. There was no way to link him to the accident. There was no case. Curtis said she needed probable cause to get evidence and he’d get it himself.  

Isaiah told Lulu that he’d said nothing about her and Rocco, but the police said the other car had scraped the guardrail and he’d scraped his car in the parking garage. It was in the body shop right now. Lulu said the police could find out and think he was involved in the accident, and he said, exactly. He’d told Turner to go through his lawyer. He wasn’t involved, but if they found out he was on 91, Turner would be suspicious. If charges were filed, he’d have to tell the authorities where he was, but he’d do everything he could to protect Rocco. She told him to stay quiet for as long as he could, but if he had to, tell them he was with her and Rocco, just give her a heads up. (Working on a story together might be a good idea. Duh.)

Nathan said Dante was right and he was wrong, but the gun was a problem. Dante should throw it in the incinerator and hope the WSB forgot it existed. If he figured out what Rocco did, Cullum could too. Dante said that would be all, and Nathan left.

Charlotte said Rocco was just taking things out on Danny, and Danny said he could go to Windymere on his own, but she said he’d get caught. They’d do it together.

Britt said Rocco could talk to his mom and he should tell her everything he was going through and feeling. He said his dad found out the truth and they were fighting because of him, and she said they were just worried and wanted to protect him. He said he got that, but Jason didn’t shoot Cullum. He did. If Cullum figured it out, Cullum would come after him and everyone he loved. Everything was spinning out of control and he didn’t know how to stop it. He was freaked out all the time and totally helpless. Britt said he was anything but. He’d followed her to the pier because he was worried about her. He’d saved her and Jason. Helpless people don’t do that. He was in this position because he was a hero. It was unfair for her to push him away and he could come to her anytime about anything, but had to be smart about it. She promised they’d get through this. She hugged him and he cried.

Wednesday:

Isaiah told Portia about being called in by Turner and said she thought he was involved with Jordan’s car accident.

Curtis told Jordan that Turner questioned Isaiah, but he’d stonewalled. She couldn’t get a paint sample and the judge said there was no probable cause to issue a warrant. Isaiah’s refusal convinced Curtis even more that he was guilty.

Jacinda went to see Michael in his office, bringing an inventory report as an excuse.

Willow saw Nina at the hospital, and Nina wondered what would happen if Jack didn’t wake up. Willow said if Nina wasn’t careful, she’d incriminate them.

Britt gave an unconscious Jack a lecture, and said it was up to her now.

Sidwell looked at childhood pictures of Marco, when Lucas walked in. He asked if Sidwell was okay, and Sidwell said showed the photos to Lucas. He said it was all he had left of his son.

Kristina met Ethan at the MetroCourt Gardens, and he said he could use her help. Brook and Chase were also there with Phoebe, and they met with Alexis. Chase told her that they wanted to adopt Phoebe.

Sidwell and Lucas looked at the photos, and Sidwell thanked Lucas. Marco had been reluctant to move to Port Charles, but then discovered Lucas lived there, and he was convinced that was why Marco stayed. Lucas said it made him feel happy, but sorry that Marco moved there for him and was murdered. He should have stayed in Miami.

Ethan said Ric got on his bad side, and Kristina said she wasn’t surprised. Ric couldn’t be trusted. Ethan agreed, but said Ric was important to Sonny. He’d shadowed Ric and thought he caught him, but he was wrong. Now Ric would be gunning for him.

Isaiah told Portia about finding himself being interrogated. Turner wanted know where he was on April 8th and he realized it was the night of Jordan’s car accident. She suspected he was the other driver. Portia said that was ridiculous, and he said Curtis obviously didn’t believe it.

Jordan said the paint sample couldn’t prove anything, and Curtis said Isaiah claimed he was with Portia, but Portia had said he left to tend to a patient in Port Charles. That meant he had to be on Route 91 and might have been on the road when the accident occurred. Jordan said if Isaiah had a reason not to stop, maybe he thought it was too late when he found out he was the other driver, but Curtis said he should have come forward. She agreed and said the longer he waited, the guiltier he looked. She wondered what he was covering up, and Curtis said they couldn’t let him get away with lying. He was going to find more evidence.

Alexis said there was no guarantee Brook and Chase would be approved, but Chase said they had to try. Alexis said once Phoebe became a ward of the state, it would be three months before she was eligible for adoption and she’d be offered to the next most qualified couple. They should go to the New York Department of Families and Child Services and petition them before the three month period was over, but there were more steps to go through before they filed.

Michael’s office phone rang, and he said, send her in. He asked Jacinda to stay, and Elaine walked in. (Where was Mavis???) He introduced her to Jacinda, and Elaine said she already had promising results.

Willow said Nina had no connection to Jack and just happened to be at the house when he had his stroke. That was their story and they were sticking to it. Nina had no reason to sit vigil. Nina said she had to find out what Jack remembered.

Britt told Jack that she’d wanted him to stop Cullum and Sidwell before they got a working prototype, but she didn’t care about that anymore. Her priority was Rocco and she was going to protect him no matter what.

Isaiah said, who better than Curtis to blame him? but Portia didn’t think Curtis would try to blame him arbitrarily. Isaiah said, in Curtis’s mind, there were two things that tied him to the accident.

Sidwell said if Marco had been anyone else’s son, the police would be further along in the investigation, but Lucas said Dante was a good detective and would never do that. He’d find who did this. Isn’t that what Sidwell wanted? Sidwell said, of course (🍷), but the latest theory that Marco knew his assailant haunted him. It was someone Marco knew well enough to let in and get close enough to stab him. Lucas flashed back to telling Britt that the police didn’t find Marco’s phone and realizing Cullum found him by reading his texts to Marco. He must have stolen Marco’s phone… Cullum killed Marco. Sidwell said it was a terrible thing that Marco knew and trusted someone who hurt him so badly.

Alexis said the most important thing was determining that Phoebe didn’t have any relatives who would try to claim her, and Chase said the PCPD had done everything and had no success. Alexis said she had a P.I. she could recommend for them to do their own search, and Chase said if Phoebe had family, she belonged with them.

Ethan told Kristina that he hadn’t had much of a plan when he came to Port Charles, but the longer he was there, the more he wanted to stay. Kristina said her dad would pick him over Ric any day. She noticed Alexis and went over to say hi.

Michael told Jacinda that Elaine was a P.I. he’d hired to find something on Willow and Chase, and Elaine said she and Mavis had followed Willow into the park. (Phew! Mavis lives!) Jacinda wondered who Mavis was, and Elaine said Mavis was her dog. She could be an excellent distraction and was so cute, she could get anyone to drop their guard. Michael showed Jacinda the photo of Willow putting her hand on Chase’s shoulder.

Willow told Nina that even if Jack woke up, he wouldn’t be able to speak or move for 72 hours. Then they could determine how big of a threat he was. Nina said she’d tried to stop Valentin and Jack got in the way, but Willow said the hospital wasn’t the place to discuss it. Nina said when Jack returned to normal, it would be obvious he hadn’t had a stroke and they’d compare Jack to Drew. Willow said she’d take care of it, and Nina said maybe he wouldn’t remember. Willow said, if they were lucky, but she wasn’t betting her future on it.

Curtis said there had to be a way to prove it was Isaiah, but Jordan said it would be hard without a warrant. He said if Isaiah bought paint, there had to be a receipt and he’d present it to Turner and she could prosecute. She said Isaiah was definitely acting like he had something to hide, and Curtis said if Isaiah’s actions delayed getting Jordan to the hospital, he was going to make sure Isaiah answered for that.

Kristina said hi to Alexis and fussed over the baby. Alexis talked with Ethan, and Brook asked if Kristina wanted to hold Phoebe.

While Lucas and Sidwell were talking, Willow walked in. Lucas wondered why she was there, and she said some of her constituents were complaining about the noise from Sidwell’s helipad. She was hoping they could work something out. Lucas left for work, and Sidwell asked why Willow didn’t call first. She asked if he’d heard about Chief Brennan.

Britt saw Cullum come out of a hospital elevator and ducked around a corner. Cullum saw Nina and went over to her. He introduced himself and said he understood she’d been present when Jack collapsed. He was Jack’s superior and would appreciate it if she had any information about his unexpected medical crisis. She said, of course (🍷). She’d be happy to tell him what she could. He asked why Jack was at Congresswoman Cain’s house.  

Kristina held Phoebe and fawned over her. She said it would be hard for them to give Phoebe up, but Brook said they hoped they didn’t have to, They wanted to adopt her. That’s why they were talking to Kristina’s mom. Kristina said if anyone could make it happen, her mom could.

Michael told Elaine that it was a great start, but he needed more than a friendly hug, especially since Willow had more resources now. Elaine said people with money got away with a lot, and Jacinda asked what she was trying to say. Elaine said, nothing, and Michael said she need to get Chase and Willow in a compromising position. Elaine said, it shouldn’t be difficult. If they weren’t sleeping together, they were on the way.

Isaiah told Portia that Curtis must have mentioned him to Turner. Out of the people who owned black BMWs, she chose to question him. Portia said he’d scraped his car in the garage, and he said it was damaged in the same general area and in the shop. It could be interpreted as destroying evidence. Plus, he wasn’t sure he had an alibi. She asked if he told Turner about the house call, and he said, once he realized what she was after, he didn’t volunteer any more information. She said she had to admit it looked suspicious, especially if he refused to cooperate, but he said he wasn’t helping to frame himself for something he didn’t do.

Alexis thanked Brook and Chase for letting Kristina hold Phoebe. Kristina was healing and she thought it helped her.

Ethan asked if Kristina was all right, and she told him about Adela/Irene dying.

Nina told Cullum that she had no idea why Jack was there. He’d been looking for Willow, but she told him that Willow wasn’t home. He was on his way out when he collapsed. It was very shocking. Was he going to be okay? Cullum said Jack was getting the best care possible, and she said he was in good hands. Cullum said Jack had been in excellent health and asked if there were any signs of distress, and Nina saw Lucas approaching. She said he was the man that Cullum should talk to. Dr. Lucas Jones took care of Jack in the ER.

Sidwell said he gave Willow the medication to keep Drew under control. She was supposed to keep it under lock and key. How did Brennan get injected? She said she was about to give Drew a dose when Brennan showed up. It was an accident. He said, it was negligence, and she said now they had to deal with it. He asked how she suggested they do that, and she said they had to let Drew come back.

Isaiah said Curtis wanted to think the worst of him, and Portia said the baby would bring everyone together. Trina was throwing a baby shower and Jordan would be there. Portia invited her. He said he was glad to hear she and Trina were back on track. He hoped Curtis’s suspicions didn’t destroy their progress.

Curtis told Jordan that he was going to make Isaiah face the accident that changed their lives and delayed her recovery. Jordan hadn’t left the house since she came home, and why was she wearing the bandage when she’d gotten medical clearance to take it off? He hoped she wasn’t doing it for him. When he looked at her, he only saw the woman he loved.

Cullum asked for Chief Brennan’s status, but Lucas said HIPPA prevented him from talking to anyone who wasn’t family. Cullum said, Jack had no family. He was Jack’s superior and has his health care proxy. It was a common policy in the WSB. Britt saw them, and Lucas showed Cullum Jack’s paperwork. He said Brennan was stable, but still unconscious, and Cullum suggested they go see him right now. Britt came out and told Lucas that there was an emergency with his patient in 804, and he left with her.

In another hallway, Lucas said he didn’t have a patient in 804, and Britt said she’d lied. She saved him. He looked like he was ready to kill Cullum. Lucas said she’d told him that he’d been the most likely to have killed Marco, and she said he probably did, but even if it was true, he needed to chill around Cullum. He said they should just tell Sidwell. He’d kill Cullum for them.

Cullum went to Jack’s room and tapped on Jack’s forehead with his finger. (I literally lol’d.) He said, Jack always had impeccable timing. He’d been thinking he needed to kill Jack, but Jack neutralized himself without his help. Ironic. This stroke might have saved his life.

Brook asked how long the state would take to decide, but Alexis told her it was hard to say. They’d have to go through a lot of interviews, house inspections, and an extensive background check. The process could get uncomfortable.

Kristina said a jury declared it an accident and she was trying to convince herself they were right, but Ethan said he didn’t blame her for thinking otherwise about Ava. Kristina said she’d had to let go of the hatred and need for revenge. It was hurting her more than anyone else. She was going to regret going to see Ava for the rest of her life.

Brook said they’d do what it took, and Alexis said it was best they stipulate any negative things. Admit them first before they were uncovered. Nobody’s life was pristine. If there was anything they didn’t want exposed, call it off now before they petitioned for adoption.

Jacinda told Michael that Elaine was the reason she didn’t have to get information from Charlotte for Brennan. If Willow was exposed for cheating with the cop who testified and helped get her acquitted… Michael said she’d be embarrassed and step down, and Jacinda said people would question if she shot Drew. She hated that Elaine even thought that he did it, but it would be obvious Willow did it. He said it was only a matter of time before Willow slipped up and everyone saw what she was capable of.

Sidwell told Willow that he failed to see how Drew would help their cause. And now they had Brennan’s status deal with. Willow said he’d told her that locking Drew in was a short term solution. When it wore off, Drew and Jack both having strokes was too big of a coincidence. They needed to ignore Jack and focus on Drew’s recovery. Sidwell said they’d be busy speculating about a congresswoman drugging her husband. Once Drew communicated, she was done. Willow said, not just her. Drew knew Sidwell was involved. He’d have to find a way to keep Drew quiet. She was sure he could figure something out. He told her, get something straight. He gave the orders to her, not the other way around. Don’t forget, if they were exposed, she had the most to lose.

Jordan told Curtis that she couldn’t stand to look at the woman in the mirror. It didn’t feel like her. She knew she was being a coward and it was time to face reality. She went to the mirror and took off the bandage, revealing the cuts on her cheek, and said she wanted the other driver to face what they did to her. (What?)

Isaiah told Portia that he couldn’t prove a negative or prove that he wasn’t the other driver. Either Curtis had to let it go… She said that wasn’t likely. They’d have to pray the police found the real driver.  

Chase told Alexis that all of their mistakes were out in the open and they had nothing to hide.

Kristina said it hit her sometimes, and Ethan said losing a child had to be one of the hardest things to go through. She asked if he wanted to hold Phoebe, but he said babies made him nervous. She was super cute though. Did Kristina think Phoebe would be happy with Brook and Chase?

Lucas told Britt that he was beginning to feel sorry for Sidwell, but then Sidwell wanted to talk about who killed Marco. He wanted to yell that it was Sidwell’s fault. He brought Cullum into Marco’s life and Marco was dead because of him. Britt said, that would be a big mistake, but Lucas said, if Sidwell found out the truth, he would kill Cullum and be put in prison where he belonged. Let them destroy each other. That would be true vengeance for Marco …. Never mind. She still needed Cullum as the source for her medication. She said he was right. None of them could keep living like this. He said as soon as Sidwell found out, everything would explode. They had to be sure, because there was no going back.

Cullum asked how it happened that Brennan was dosed with Drew’s meds, and Sidwell said, Willow had been sloppy. She made a terrible mistake and now they had a mess on their hands. Because when Brennan came out of this, things would be complicated. Cullum said, then he couldn’t come out of it.

Nina told Jack that she was sorry. She didn’t mean for this to happen. Please wake up.

Michael and Jacinda kissed, and she said she needed to get back to work. He asked if Nina had been harassing her, but she said she was a big girl and could handle Nina. Willow barged in, and Michael asked what the hell she was doing there. Willow said she needed a moment with him, and we saw the photo of her and Chase on the desk.

Thursday:

Sonny found Turner at the MetroCourt Gardens and said he was glad he ran into her. She asked how she could help him, and he said she already did.

Boyle went to Laura’s office and said he couldn’t believe Tracy filed an injunction against Sidwell’s helipad. Sidwell was furious. Laura said she was already on it, when Tracy came in and asked what Boyle was doing there. Laura thanked her for coming by.

Brook went to the apartment to see Trina, and Gio was there. Brook asked about the showcase, and Trina said she wanted to do it on one condition.

Carly wondered why Nina was at the hospital, and Nina said she’d been there when Jack had his stroke and was worried about him. Carly wondered why Jack had been at Drew’s, and Nina said he’d been looking for Willow. Carly said she thought it couldn’t be a coincidence that Jack and Drew both had sudden strokes at Drew and Willow’s house. There had to be a common cause.

In Britt’s room, she poured shots and told Lucas, for some reason, the hospital frowned on drinking in their offices. Lucas toasted to privacy and drinking in your friend’s room like in college, but Britt said, except the someone the room belonged to… Lucas said to those they loved who had to miss out on all of this, and they clinked glasses and drank the shot. Britt said there was plenty more where that came from, and Lucas said he was in no hurry to go back to Windymere. Britt’s phone dinged, and she said, speak of the devil – literally. It was Sidwell wanting to know when she was going to the lab. Remind her why she couldn’t tell him that Cullum killed Marco. Lucas said they had to think it through. He should do it. Why would Sidwell believe her?

Dante found Rocco by the boathouse and said he knew Rocco shot Cullum.

Carly told Nina that she thought the house may be toxic. There could be lead paint, black mold, or asbestos. The house could be dangerous. Nina said she and Michael wanted to try and use that to take Willow’s kids away again, but she wouldn’t sit back and let it happen. Neither would Willow. Carly said she was worried about Jack and all Nina could think about was how it affected her, and Nina said Jack had a high stress job and a relationship with Carly. His heart probably couldn’t take it. Carly said they’d broken up, but she still cared. She wanted to figure out why he’d collapsed and was going to push for a blood test for Drew and Jack, and see if there was a link. Nina said she thought Carly’s time would be better spent warning Lulu that Valentin was back in Port Charles.

Laura said Tracy’s injunction had come to her attention, and Tracy said she’d told Boyle that they wouldn’t get away with it. Boyle said it was in the public’s best interest. It would create businesses and was essential for the infrastructure. Tracy said it was essential to Sidwell to avoid traffic, and asked Laura what Boyle was doing there.

Trina said she wanted Gio to accompany her, and Brook said she was thrilled. Trina said she was excited, but nervous, and Brook told her to think of the showcase like an audition. They’d want to see what kind of performer she was. Not just hear her voice, but see her stage presence. Trina said she’d loved singing with Gio at Charlie’s and wanted to give the best performance, but Gio said it occurred to him that he may not be best thing for Trina.

Sonny said he was meeting Kristina, but was early, and asked if Turner minded if he joined her. She said she was also early for meeting someone, so sure. He said she’d suggested he investigate Ric’s motive for lying before he took action, and she asked if Ric had a satisfactory explanation. He said Ric had been buying a present for someone he loved and didn’t want him to know he was asking Ava for help. Ric had been a professional thorn in her side. Why go to bat for him? She said she didn’t do it for Ric. She did it for him.

Rocco said he’d been waiting for Dante to say something since they’d been arguing about him, and Dante said he was Rocco’s father. Rocco could tell him anything. Rocco was his number one priority and he wanted to know Rocco was okay. Rocco asked how he could be. He’d shot a WSB director and everyone was covering it up. It almost killed him.

Britt said Lucas was right. Sidwell would think she was lying. She had a bit of a track record. Maybe she should tell Sidwell that Cullum knew where to find her from reading Marco’s texts. That meant Cullum killed Marco and took his phone. Lucas said they thought that’s what happened, and Britt said neither one of them could tell Sidwell. Then they’d have to tell him why Cullum went after Marco. Lucas said he’d put Marco up to it, and Britt said Sidwell would go after Cullum, then Lucas.

Nina said Valentin was also at Drew and Willow’s, and Carly asked if Willow was helping Valentin, but Nina said he’d shown up to see Brennan. She didn’t know why. Carly asked why she didn’t tell the police, and Nina said she was worried they’d make the same link and think Willow was harboring a fugitive. She didn’t know where Valentin was now. Maybe he was working with the WSB again. Carly asked if he and Jack were friendly with each other, but Nina said all she knew was that they had a huge argument. It was probably what led to Jack’s stroke.

Turner said Sonny was obviously upset. He and Ric were beginning act like true brothers and she didn’t want him to lose that over a misunderstanding, especially with Jason gone. There weren’t many people Sonny could trust and it could be dangerous. Sonny said he thought Turner felt the same way, and she said she did. Much to her continuing surprise, she thought they had a lot in common.

Lucas told Britt that Sidwell thought they were grieving and had no idea how involved he was. He would feel betrayed. Britt said he’d be betraying a man who’d killed countless people, one of them right in front of her, and he wouldn’t hesitate to kill again.

Tracy said she wouldn’t let Sidwell turn Port Charles into his private airport. It devalued the homes and lowered their quality of life standards. Boyle said they just didn’t want helicopters buzzing their yachts, and Laura said it would be busier, but would bring in revenue. Boyle said they were serving the public’s best interest, and Tracy said they were handing Sidwell Port Charles on a silver platter.

Dante said there were extenuating circumstances for the reason why Rocco shot Cullum, and he wanted to hear the facts from him. Rocco said he was worried about Britt. He knew they didn’t like her and were mad at him… Dante said they weren’t mad. They were worried and wanted to help. Rocco said, Britt and Cullum were arguing. They started fighting and Britt fell. Jason showed up and Cullum was about to shoot him, when Jason and Cullum started to fight. Cullum’s gun went flying, but he had this stick thing, a metal baton, and was going to use it to kill Jason and Britt. He didn’t know what else to do, so he picked up the gun, pulled the trigger, and shot someone. There was nothing that could make it better. Dante said he was going to try, and Rocco said Dante should be arresting him.

Gio said knowing he was Brook’s son might hurt Trina’s chances, and he didn’t want them to think Brook was doing a favor for him. Brook said her reputation was on the line too. They knew the quality of singers she’d repped in the past and she’d never suggest Trina if she didn’t believe Trina was ready. She’d heard Trina sing and she had real talent and a potential career. She thought the executives would see that she had confidence in Trina’s talent and had arranged for the very best to play for her, and that was Gio.

Rocco said Dante was the Police Commissioner and he’d shot Cullum, but Dante said it was to save someone else’s life. He’d stopped Cullum from killing Jason. Those were the extenuating circumstances. Under normal conditions, they’d get a lawyer, but it wasn’t normal conditions. The WSB was international law enforcement and it would be Cullum’s word against Rocco’s. Rocco said Britt could back him up, but Dante said the whole thing started because Britt was hiding something.

Britt told Lucas that she didn’t know why she was still working on the project. Sidwell and Cullum would use it for something horrible. She needed Cullum for her medication, but when she saw Jason at the Five Poppies, she believed she was she was justifying it, and deep down thought Jason would get her out before she completed the project. Now Jason was gone and she was still working on it. Lucas said she had no choice. It was the only way for her to get her medication or her symptoms would return. She said she had Huntington’s and maybe she should accept her fate. Walk away before the project was completed. He said the point was for them to get evidence and her leaving wouldn’t accomplish that, but she said, they wouldn’t get the prototype. She thought it was best for everyone if she just disappeared.

Turner said, Ric changed, and Sonny said so had he. There was a time when if someone lied to him, there was no coming back. Zero tolerance, zero forgiveness. Turner said she always made sure to have all the facts, and Sonny said, trust, but verify. She did him favor. She asked if that meant he owed her, when Cullum arrived and said he didn’t expect to find Sonny Corinthos with her.

Carly said she was focused on Jack and needed to talk to him, and Nina said she had no idea when he was going to wake up. Carly said God forbid the police made the same connection she did, and asked Nina why Valentin and Jack were there to begin with. Nina said she had no idea, and Carly said it didn’t make sense… unless Willow was somehow involved. Maybe she was helping Valentin. Nina said that was ridiculous, and Carly said, maybe, but it would be like catnip for the media. If the press, the PCPD, and the WSB found out, it could get uncomfortable for Willow. Nina walked away.

Rocco asked how Britt was at fault, and Dante said the WSB could say she was lying. She’d faked her own death. Rocco said that didn’t change what happened, but Dante said it was on the record that she saw Jason shoot Cullum. Who would believe her if she changed her story? Rocco asked why Dante and Lulu had been arguing, and Dante said sometimes people fought when they were afraid. They were scared Cullum would find out Rocco shot him. Rocco said, could he? and Dante said Rocco left evidence. His blood was on the gun. Luckily, he and Nathan were the only ones who knew about it, and he’d stashed the evidence someplace safe. Rocco asked if that’s why they wanted to send him away, but Dante said they wanted him in Port Charles so they could protect him. Rocco said, what about Cullum? and Dante said Cullum couldn’t know Rocco was near the pier. Rocco couldn’t come forward. It had to be like this never happened.

Cullum said it was unusual for a DA to be friendly with Sonny Corinthos. The WSB was familiar with him. Sonny said he was familiar with Cullum. What did he do to Jason to make Jason allegedly shoot him in the back? Cullum said Sonny could submit an inquiry, and Sonny said, already done. Turner said they were in a public place and she and Sonny ran into each other. She was there because Cullum had asked to meet informally. Cullum said they had business to discuss and it would be better for her career to prioritize a WSB director over a well-known thug, and Turner asked if Sonny minded waiting. She didn’t think Cullum would be there that long. Sonny said, no problem, and Cullum sat down. He said he wanted to speak to her about the forensic evidence of his shooting. The WSB needed to take possession of the evidence gathered by the PCPD immediately.

Lucas said Britt was not walking away. Did she know how long she’d last? She was talking about killing herself. Walking away would mean giving up the life Marco died trying to save. Jason would never give up. He’d be disappointed. Cullum killed Marco because Marco was trying to get his hands on her medication for her, and he wasn’t letting her throw away her life. It would make Marco’s sacrifice be for nothing.

Brook said she thought Trina owed it to herself to try. She could make an honest assessment of her potential and her desire to be on stage.

Tracy said she couldn’t stop Laura from handing the keys to the city, but she wasn’t going to help, and Laura said that wasn’t what was happening. She assured Tracy that everyone wanted Sidwell out of Port Charles. Tracy asked why Laura was giving in then, and Laura said she appeared to be giving in. That would make it easier to get rid of Sidwell later. They wanted the same things. They were just going about it in different ways. She gave Tracy her word that she was working on behalf of the best interests of the city and asking Tracy to please trust her. Don’t push through the injunction. She could file it again later. Tracy said she thought it was one of those times Luke would tell her to trust Laura, so she would – for now – and she left.

Lucas said Britt was a fighter, so fight. She owed it to Marco and he needed her. She flashed back to Rocco saying she was the only one he could talk to who understood, and said Lucas was right. She had to stay. She was needed there.

Dante said, keeping a secret was terrible burden and he was sorry Rocco had to do that. He knew for a fact that not being able to say anything made him feel like he’d done something worse, but what Rocco did that night saved lives. Jason and Britt would be dead if hadn’t done what he did. Shooting someone, even when you felt you had to, left you with a terrible feeling. Rocco said it was different for Dante because he was a cop, but Dante said he knew what Rocco was feeling. If he wanted to talk, he was there for Rocco anytime.

Turner said she could see why Cullum wanted to meet informally. The PCPD was in charge of the evidence, not the DA’s office. She hoped he had the proper paperwork, including a court order. Cullum asked why she was impeding the investigation, and she said she wasn’t, until the WSB superseded the PCPD’s authority and unilaterally decided Jason was guilty. He said it was the WSB’s prerogative, and she said she was aware, but that didn’t make it right. Perhaps it was time for a big public fight about how the WSB violated US law. It could be the high profile case she’d been dreaming of. (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!)

Nina followed Carly and said she’d remembered what Valentin and Brennan were arguing about – Josslyn. Valentin seemed to think Brennan knew where to find Josslyn. Why would he care about that and why would Brennan know about it? Carly said she had no idea, and Nina said, perhaps Cullum did. He was there asking questions about Brennan. Maybe she should make sure he knew what happened between Valentin and Brennan.

Trina said she and Gio had already rehearsed a couple of songs, and Brook said, lay it on her (because everyone in Port Charles loves a 60s phrase). Gio began to play.  

Britt said who would believe Lucas, of all people, begging her not to leave town, and he said he wasn’t begging. He was making a point forcefully, but the irony wasn’t lost on him. She said they were drowning their sorrows, and he said they were stuck in this mess until they got out. They’d keep doing what they were doing and nobody would suspect. She said she should get back to the lab (it’s always good to work on a dangerous prototype while drunk), and he said he should get back to Windymere and look for evidence against Sidwell (another great choice!). Britt said, one more? and he said it was as if she was in his head… and he didn’t like it. They clinked glasses. (What I’m liking is this pairing. Who’d have thought?)

Boyle told Laura, very few could get Tracy Quartermaine to withdraw an injunction. They dodged a bullet. Laura said, for now. A lot of what Tracy said got to her. She would never have backed Sidwell if he wasn’t blackmailing her. Boyle asked if she was lying when she told Tracy that she wanted to get rid of Sidwell, and she said, God no. All that mattered was that they all wanted him to leave Port Charles and she was working toward making that happen. But Tracy was right. She couldn’t placate him indefinitely. They had to go on the offensive. Find out what he cared about and push him somehow and get him to make a mistake.

Carly told Nina to forget she mentioned Valentin. She didn’t think Nina wanted people wondering if Willow was harboring and conspiring with a fugitive. Nina said that was so kind of her, and Carly said she thought they should both stay out of WSB business. She’d met Cullum and he gave her the creeps. He was cold, ruthless, and frightening. She was going to steer clear of him, and Nina should do the same. She said she hoped Jack made a speedy recovery for all concerned, and left.

Turner told Cullum that she’d be happy to make their judicial fight public. Shine the light on the WSB’s extrajudicial operations. Cullum said he’d consult with their attorney and get back to her. He was surprised the court of public opinion didn’t have her under scrutiny for associating with criminals. He left, and Sonny said the way Turner handled him was a thing of beauty. He wished he could show her how much he’d enjoyed watching her put that bastard in his place. She said there was someplace they could meet that wasn’t so public, and he said, send him a text when she was free, and he left.

Rocco told Dante that he couldn’t come forward. If the truth was found out, it would be known that Dante covered for him. Dante said the truth wasn’t going to be found out. He’d handle it. He hugged Rocco, when his phone rang. Rocco stepped away, and Turner asked Dante if it was a bad time. Dante said he was in the middle of something, but she said it couldn’t wait. Cullum was looking for the evidence from his shooting. She stonewalled him, but he wasn’t going to give up. They had to make sure the WSB didn’t get their hands on it.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

In the solarium, Chase tells Brook that Alexis has a meeting, but can stop by on her way home, and Brook says, he doesn’t think that two meetings in one day is too much, does he? He says, not at all. It shows they’re serious about adopting Phoebe before the window closes and she becomes a ward of the state.

Alexis sees Ric at the MetroCourt alongside a bottle of champagne, and she says, he does remember that she doesn’t drink. He says, oh please. That champagne isn’t for her, and she says, oh, shoot. She thought for a second he was trying to woo her back. He says, fat chance, and she says, that hurt. It’s okay though. She’ll soldier on. He says he figured, and she says she takes it that Elizabeth is the lucky victim. He says, she’s meeting him here, but she’s just a little delayed, so please, have a seat. Alexis makes a face and he says, come on. She knows their time together wasn’t all bad. One good thing came out of it. That’s the reason why he called her here. She sits down.

In his office, Dante calls Daniels and says he needs every digital report from the entire case file on his desk ASAP… Thanks. There’s a knock at the door, and Elizabeth comes in. He says she looks really nice, and she thanks him. She says she has a date with Ric, but she wanted to come by and see how he was doing first. Did he talk to Rocco? He says, yeah, he did. It didn’t go very well. He doesn’t know that he’s ever been this scared for his son.

At the MetroCourt Gardens, Portia said, this is such a beautiful night, and Isaiah says, made all the more beautiful by his company. She says she’s so glad they’re doing this, because when the baby comes, romantic evenings alone are going to be rare, and he says, all the more reason to savor every second of their evening. And just imagine, as happy as they are right now, this baby is going to make their lives even better.

Curtis tells Jordan that he’s headed out. How does he look? She says, he looks great. Who’s his dinner with again? He says, it’s their marketing team in Tokyo. Apparently, the competition, their market shares have been slightly falling, so he wants Aurora to step in and fill the gaps where they’re weak. She says, sounds… uh… exciting. Good luck. He says he can push it to tomorrow, but she says, don’t you dare.

Carly comes in and Valentin startles her. She says, oh God, and he asks if she saw Jack. She says, yeah, she saw him, and he says, okay. Then he didn’t die. She says, no, he didn’t die. He’s alive and he had a stroke. He says, that’s unfortunate. He’s glad Nina stabbed Jack with that syringe and not him. What was in that thing? She says she doesn’t know, but the fact is, he can’t speak. And if he can’t speak, he can’t tell them where he sent Josslyn. So they’re going to have to come up with another way to find her daughter.

Carrying a plastic bag of stuff, Nathan goes into the room where Josslyn is being kept. She asks, what is this? pointing to the bag, and he says, things he thought she could use. Aspirin, ice pack, some snacks. She says, if he wants to help her, bring her something that stimulates her mind. Like a chess set or a deck of cards, a book, a puzzle, anything. He says he’s not taking requests and this isn’t a hotel. Just a few things he thought might make her more comfortable. She says, oh, comfortable. He’s holding her hostage. She’s a prisoner here. He says, yeah. And she’s welcome.

Jordan says, this is her process and she needs to find her way through it herself, and Curtis says he doesn’t want to take that from her. Please know that. She says she does, and there are a lot of things she needs from him right now. His love, his support, his arms around her in bed every night. And when she needs those things, she’ll tell him. But what she doesn’t need, or want, is for him to stop living his life because of her. He says he hears her. And more than anything, having closure will speed up the healing process, and making sure the person who did this pays for his crimes. And they both know that’s Isaiah. She says, and they both know from their years in the field that sometimes the evidence just isn’t there. Sometimes people just get away with it. He says, well, not this time. He’ll make sure of it.

Portia says, the baby is already making things better. She told Isaiah that Trina came by the cabin to help her plan the baby shower. It was so lovely. It was just like old times. Not too recently, she couldn’t have imagined that happening. The baby is bringing them together. He says, it does seem very different since this baby’s come along. He just hopes his or her magic can work on Curtis too. The man is convinced he’s responsible for their accident, but he’s not. She says she knows. Curtis is upset right now. He needs someone to blame. He’ll see the truth eventually. He says, for everyone’s sake, he hopes so. Because he has no issues with the guy. If it wasn’t for his suspicions, they’d be getting along just fine.

Carly tells Valentin that Nina seemed really tense and jumpy when she saw her at the hospital. She kept what she knew about Jack and the syringe to herself, but she did hint to it. He asks, why? and she says, because she wanted to rattle Nina. She enjoys seeing her squirm. Look, she just brought up the fact that it was a very strange coincidence that both Jack and Drew had strokes in the same house. He asks what Nina said, and Carly says, she got really defensive. Nina snapped back at her. She said that he and Jack were talking about Josslyn when everything happened. Nina also told her that Cullum also showed up asking questions. That’s when she backed off. He says, good. They don’t need him learning anything about Josslyn, not from Nina or from anyone else. If he finds out Josslyn is WSB… The doorbell rings, and Valentin dashes behind a door. Carly looks out and says, oh my God, it’s Cullum.

Elizabeth asks if Rocco is in any danger, and Dante says, well, physically, no, because Jason took the fall for the shooting, but emotionally he’s a mess. She says, he’s a good soul. She’s sure he’s really hurting. He says, yes. It’s hard to see him like that. He told Rocco that he knew what happened because he wanted Rocco to know that he loved him and not to worry because he was going to protect him. She asks if it helped, but he says he doesn’t know. Honestly, Rocco seemed concerned with hearing him and Lulu fight, and he brought up Britt a lot, so he doesn’t know what Rocco heard. It just kind of seemed like he was pulling away. They butted heads a lot in the last few months. His reaction to Rocco’s alcohol poisoning ,and then breaking into that professor’s lab, and then anything to do with Gio. She says, you guys have really been through it, and he says he did some real damage there. His son doesn’t think he can help. He’s got the help of Nathan.

Josslyn asks if Nathan is crazy. He expects her to be grateful to him for locking her up in here? He says, considering what his associates would have done, yeah, and she says, forgive her if she doesn’t believe he’s just some nice guy caught in a bad situation, trying to do the right thing. Look at this room. It is clearly made to hold someone hostage. He says he didn’t have anything to do with the creation of this room. Besides, it’s his father who’s known for elaborate plots and kidnapping people, not him. She says, give her a break. He comes to Port Charles and successfully passes himself off as Nathan. That’s a pretty elaborate plot.

Carly tells Valentin, go to the attic, and he tells her, be careful, and runs upstairs. She opens the door and says, Director Cullum. She doesn’t know why he’s here, but she has no desire to talk to him. He says, not even if it could benefit her friend Jason Morgan?

Dante tells Elizabeth that he knows he should be putting all his energy into helping Rocco and not being angry at Lulu and Nathan for keeping this from him, but he can’t seem to let that go. She says, well, that’s a hard one to get over. And keeping him in the dark, that’s only going to put more distance between him and Rocco. He says he doesn’t want to make this about him. How does he get through to Rocco? She says she wishes she could give him the perfect answer that would just fix everything, but as a mom of three boys, she knows better. There’s not going to be just one conversation that will solve everything. Also, trying to convince Rocco that Britt is a terrible person is not his priority. Letting Rocco know that he’s a safe place for him is. He says he’s not sure how to do that. He’s lost right now. His whole life has been changed from the actions of a few seconds. And when he looks at Rocco, he feels like Rocco’s lost his innocence. Like he’s on this other path. He feels like the little kid, his sweet, goofy little kid that he knew, is gone now. She says, well, maybe Rocco has changed from what happened, but trauma doesn’t have to destroy a person’s spirit or their life. It didn’t destroy hers.

Alexis says, Ric could have just told her that he wanted her help planning Molly’s book release party rather than summoning her here under mysterious circumstances. Ric says, yeah, he knows, but it’s so much more fun to keep her on edge, and she says, yeah. It’s a real mirthfest. So Sonny is Molly’s uncle. He’s also a big fan of her writing, so very good chance he’s going to be at the party. She needs to know right now if Ric is going to have an issue with that. He says he takes it his brother’s been talking to her, and she tells him, he may have said a little something about Ric lying to him. He says, and he’s sure she did everything to deepen Sonny’s suspicion of him, and she says she just told him what she thought. He says, which is? and she says, which is that he’s worked way too hard to get Sonny’s trust for it to be an act and that he isn’t going to just turn around and blow it all. It really is fun to keep someone on edge.

Brook tells Chase that Phoebe is already so important to them. She’s worried that if they can’t adopt her now and she becomes a ward of the state, it’ll just get more complicated with red tape, not to mention the long line of prospective parents in front of them who also want to adopt her. Chase says, okay. So first they have to rule out Phoebe having any other relatives out there. And he’s starting to think if there were, they would have been found already. And then they just have to focus their attention on being the best possible candidates for the job. She says, they do have a lot going for them. A stable home and financial situation. He says, plus, they have Willow’s support and they’ve got nothing to hide. She says, but what if they run out of time? and he says, that’s why they’re not waiting. They’re going to start their search into Delilah’s past tonight.

Isaiah says he’s sorry he couldn’t take any time away from GH for a babymoon, but Derek’s surgery is coming up… Portia says, stop. Tonight’s perfect. Did he really think she wouldn’t understand? He says he knew she would appreciate better than anyone what it’s like to be invested in a patient, but this surgery’s different. It’s special somehow. Derek’s a sweet, nice kid with the kindest heart and life dealt him a bad hand. Derek reminds him a lot of the kids he saw during his service work in Africa. She says she can see that, and he says, but this surgery is extremely complicated. But everything he’s learned throughout the years, the skills he’s acquired and practiced, the techniques he’s built, they’ve all prepared him for this. In a way, it feels like Derek’s surgery is like the culmination of his entire career. She says, he’s going to change this young man’s life, and he takes her hand. He thanks her for saying that and promises he’ll make it up to her. She says he has nothing to make up for. He’s taken such good care of her throughout her entire pregnancy. He stood by her through everything with Curtis and her family. And he didn’t walk away when he certainly had every option. For all those reasons and probably a lot more, they’re all why she loves him. He says he loves her too, and they kiss.

On the phone, Curtis says, okay, that’s unacceptable. there’s got to be dozens, if not hundreds, of places he could have gone. Look, he’s going to need them to call each and every one of those places and get back to him when they find something… Okay, thank you. Jordan asks, what’s going on? and he says he’s having his assistant making calls to see if a car like Isaiah’s had work done recently. She says, sounds like none did, and he says, not yet. The police have come up empty as well, but he knows Isaiah did it. He’s too smart. He’s too arrogant. He’s too damn sure that he got away clean. She says, Curtis… and he says he wants Isaiah indicted before his child is born, okay? He doesn’t want him anywhere in his child’s life or Trina’s. Whatever it takes, he’s going to prove Isaiah did it or get him to admit he did. She says, what if he can’t? and he says, then he’ll just have to find another form of justice. It may not come through the system, but it’ll come.

Dante tells Elizabeth that he’s sorry. He wasn’t thinking. He didn’t mean to bring up painful memories for her. She says, no, not at all. She’s used her trauma throughout her career to help her patients and this is no different. He says, still, it can’t be easy to talk about, but she says, it’s fine. She and Rocco were almost the same age. Trauma in a young person can rewire the brain. It alters the way you see the world at the exact same time that you’re trying to figure out how you fit into it. And just like Rocco, it made her withdraw, and she completely closed off. He asks if she’d mind him asking what brought her back, and she says, some people who showed up for her despite her wanting to self-isolate. Lucky and Bobbie and her gram and Gail. They just made her feel really safe and they taught her how to trust again. And they told her that one day she would see the good in the world again. He says he’s glad she had that happen for her. He hopes that happens for Rocco. She says, it will. Because just like she did, he has a great support system. There is one big difference between them though. He says, what’s that? and she says her parents weren’t there for her. Rocco’s are. He and Lulu show up for him every single day in many ways. And regardless of how Dante is feeling right now, under the circumstances, he’s doing an amazing job.

Nathan comes back and says, you know the drill, and Josslyn backs up. He says he got her something, and holds up a deck of cards. She says, cards? and he says, per her request. She asks if he’s ever played gin rummy, and he says, yeah, but he’s surprised she has. She says her dad taught her, and he says, all right then. He pulls up a chair and tells her, what she said earlier about him being like his father, it’s not true. She says, no? and he says, no. While he did set out to fool everyone and he has, the person he ended up deceiving the most was himself. She says, how so? and he says, when he took over Nathan’s life, he got to know all the people he was closest to, really know them. James and their mother, Nina, Dante. And there are times he forgets that he’s playing a part, and he starts to think that maybe he’s the one that they really care about. (Aww. This makes me want to cry. I’ve always loved a good antihero.)

Carly says she’s listening, and Cullum says, allow him to be candid. He knows Jason Morgan didn’t shoot him. Valentin listens in, and Carly says, if he knows that Jason didn’t shoot him, then why the hell is he sitting in prison? Cullum walks in and says, that’s a fair question. And the answer is, Morgan as much as confessed, and he didn’t contradict Britt Westbourne’s account of that night. But he knows it couldn’t have been him. She says, how’s that? and he says, because he and Jason were facing each other when he was shot from behind. She says, great. Then Jason’s innocent. He can let him go. Cullum says he’s afraid he can’t do that. Morgan’s done nothing to exonerate himself. He won’t answer even a single question. And that’s what brings him here today. She says she didn’t shoot him, if that’s what he’s implying, and he says, the WSB has an extensive file on Jason Morgan. They know how close the two of them are. He’s only here for some insight. She says she doesn’t know anything. She didn’t get a chance to talk to Jason before the WSB took him away. He says he can only assume that Jason assumed responsibility because Jason knows who shot him, and he didn’t want that person to have to suffer the consequences. She must have an idea of who Morgan would be willing to go to prison to protect. He looks at the family photos on the bookcase, and she says, no one wants Jason out of prison and home more than she does. She has no idea who shot him or why Jason is covering for them, but if she can think of anything, she’ll let him know. He says he’d appreciate that, and she says she’ll walk him out. At the door, he thanks her for her time, and she says, yeah, closing the door quickly. She sees Valentin has a gun in his hand, and she says, his gun? He says, it pays to be prepared, and she asks if he would have killed Cullum. He says, if Cullum tried to hurt her.

Josslyn and Nathan play gin rummy, and Josslyn says, the list of people he’s become attached to, it didn’t include Lulu? He says, nothing’s changed on his end, but she ended things, so he guesses it doesn’t really matter anymore, does it? She says, he honestly thinks he has real feelings for her? and he says, oh, he knows he does. But being with Lulu was just another one of the perks of Nathan’s life, if you can call it that. She says, and he needed to be Nathan and have his life to fall in love? He says he’s never had anybody look at him the way people look at Nathan. People adored him. He came into this thinking Nathan’s life was just going to be a means to an end, but every day he sees how much people loved him. Nathan was his brother, but through this he’s gotten to know him in a way that he never would have otherwise. He didn’t expect that. He’s grateful for it. She says she didn’t know Nathan well, but based on everything she’s heard about him, he was special. But if he feels the way he does and he feels guilty for everything he’s doing and feels like he’s returning all this love that’s being given him, isn’t it possible that he could be special too? He says, how special could he be? He still works for his father’s partners. She says, yeah. Why is that? He says, because it’s the only way to keep his sister alive.

Daniels says, this is everything they have on the pier shooting, and Dante thanks him, taking the evidence. Daniels leaves, and Dante says, destroying evidence. That’s something he never thought he would do. Something he accused Chase of doing during Willow’s trial. Elizabeth says, sometimes you have to break the rules to protect someone you love. Rocco was trying to save a life and now he needs them to save his. And that’s why she made sure there was no record of his hospital visit, and that’s why she gave him Cullum’s blood sample. He thanks her and says he knows, without her, he’d be clueless and running around in the dark, but she says, no. He would have figured it out. She was just doing what she thought was right. Rocco’s going to be okay. And even if he doesn’t appreciate it right now, one day he will. Dante needs to believe that. And if he forgets, she’ll be here to remind him. He thanks her again for everything and says, she’s got a date she’s got to get to, so have fun. She thanks him and leaves.

Isaiah tells Portia that he can’t believe he almost didn’t order dessert. This is amazing. He feeds Portia a forkful, and she says he can thank the pregnant lady, who ordered two – cheesecake and chocolate cake. As a matter of fact, she’ll do another bite… Oh wait. That was a giant kick. She puts his hand on her bump and they laugh. He says, how amazing is that? Wow. She says, it’s truly magical, when Curtis walks in. He says, take your hands off of my child, and storms over to the table. Portia says, Curtis, don’t do this, but Curtis says, no. He’s protecting what’s his. Isaiah says, from him? He’s done nothing wrong. Curtis says, really? All he’s got to do is prove it then. Give ADA Turner his alibi for the time of the accident. Isaiah says he was at a house call with a private patient. He’s not going to violate their privacy. Curtis says, okay. Then let Turner or the police get a paint sample from his car. If he really has nothing to hide, why wouldn’t he be as open as possible? Isaiah says, handing over his car for a paint sample isn’t going to help the situation, and Curtis says, why wouldn’t it? Isaiah says he had work done recently, and Curtis asks, what was wrong with it? Isaiah says he had an accident.

Curtis says, Isaiah left him and Jordan on the side of the road for dead, and Isaiah says, does Curtis really think that little of him? Curtis says, yes, and Isaiah says, that he would do something like that, then lie about it? Why would he do that? Curtis says, the answer is sitting right next to him.

Jordan’s doorbell rings and she opens the door to Turner. Turner says she’s sorry to drop by unannounced, but she brought Jordan something. Jordan says, a yoga mat, and Turner says, mm-hmm. Jordan says, Turner knows she has one, right? and Turner says she does, but she thought a brand new one might lure her back to class. It’s so boring without her. Who is she supposed to roll her eyes at when the instructor makes everyone go, mmmm? It’s so dumb. Jordan says, as if out-of-key humming was going to align anything, right? And she misses her normal routine, but she just can’t seem to walk out that door. Turner says, that makes sense. She’s been through a lot. What would it take to get her back in that room though? Jordan says she’s not sure. She just knows she’s not ready yet. Turner says, that’s fine. Just know that when Jordan is ready, she’ll be here.

Elizabeth meets Ric and says she’s not late, is she? He says, oh, no, no, no, no. Please don’t worry. It’s worth the wait. She looks absolutely stunning. He pulls out her chair, and she thanks him. She says, he cleans up pretty well himself, and he thanks her. She says she would have been here sooner, but she stopped to check on a friend, and he asks if everything is all right. She says she thinks it will be, and he says, oh, good. He took the liberty of ordering some champagne. She says she sees that. It’s very fancy. He says, yes, and he got her something. He gives her a box, and she says, what did he do? He says, open it, and she does. She sees the art piece he got for her.

Josslyn says, so when the project is finished and Britt’s cold fusion prototype is a success, Nathan thinks Sidwell and Cullum are just going to thank them for their services and let them go? He and Britt are dead. He says, well, thank you for stating the obvious, and she tells him that she’s just saying, if he thought that far ahead, what is he going to do? He says if she thinks he wanted any of this, he didn’t. He inherited this because he’s his father’s son. So yeah, when the prototype is online, then he and Britt are going to have to disappear. They don’t have any other options. She says, yeah, and all of the people that he’s bonded with? All of the people he claims to love, they’re going to have to lose Nathan all over again. Does he have any idea how much that will hurt them? James most of all. He says, she thinks he doesn’t know that? That it doesn’t keep him up at night? That kid didn’t even know his father until he showed up. How can he disappear on him? Or worse, say he finds out the truth, that his father’s been dead this whole time and the guy that he’s been calling dad turns out to be his uncle who’s been lying to him the entire time. Either way, it’s going to break James’s heart, and he can’t bear the thought of that. She says, he’s in a really bad spot, but he has options, and he says, like what? She says, like let her out of here. She will walk him into Brennan’s office herself. They can tell him everything. They can expose Sidwell and Cullum, and they can cut him a deal. She has her issues with Brennan, but on this she trusts him. He says, that’s not an option for either of them.

Carly says she’s guessing Valentin heard all that, and he asks, who is Jason covering for? but she says, it doesn’t matter. If Jason wants to the world to believe he shot Cullum, that’s exactly what she’s going to make the world believe. He says, Cullum came here because he’s following up after the shooting. He’s cleaning up loose ends. That’s what he does. He’s smart. He’s surprised Cullum hasn’t made the connection between Josslyn and the WSB. Listen, news flash. He doesn’t like Jack Brennan. He knows she wants her daughter back, but he thinks she might be safer where Jack has stashed her.

Alexis arrives at the Quartermaines’ and says she assumes the urgency is because Chase and Brook thought of something from their past that might affect the adoption, but Chase says, no. Nothing like that. They asked her here today because they’re going to do what she suggested and have the P.I. try to find Phoebe’s family. The PCPD and the NYPD both did thorough searches, and this is all they came up with. He gives her some paperwork and says, that’s a copy of the list of 12 art galleries that were found in Delilah’s luggage, plus a photo of the tattoo on her wrist. Alexis says, got it, and Brook says, they know it’s not a lot to go on, but does she think it’s enough for her P.I. to help find Delilah’s family? Alexis says she doesn’t know, but it’s a start. She’s also not surprised there isn’t a lot to go on because the art world can be somewhat secretive and insular. They don’t aspire to being transparent. That being said, she thinks she may know of someone to call about this.

Elizabeth asks how Ric even found something so rare. This is worth a small fortune. He says he knows people, and she says she can’t stop staring at it. It’s beyond generous. She doesn’t know how to thank him. He says, the look on her face is enough for him. He’s just so grateful that he has another chance with her. He just wants to prove it to her every day. She gets up and they hug. She thanks him, and they kiss.

Cullum walks into Dante’s office, and Dante says, Director Cullum, come on in. Cullum says he needs Dante to give him every piece of evidence the PCPD has collected on the night he was shot, and Dante says he’s sorry, but they don’t have that. Cullum says he was told the forensics team was on the pier that night. He knows there was physical evidence and that it was collected. Dante says, it was, but it’s not here right now. It’s probably just misfiled somewhere. Cullum says he sees ADA Turner has tipped Dante off, but Dante says he can assure Cullum that’s not the case. They have the evidence. It’s just been filed in the warehouse and the warehouse is a mess right now. It looks like Raiders of the Lost Ark down there. They’ll find it. It’s just going to take some time. Cullum asks if Dante expects him to believe that, and Dante says he doesn’t care what Cullum believes. The truth is, there’s no evidence here.

Carly says, Valentin can’t believe that, but he says, it’s safer for Josslyn to be gone right now. Cullum has had encounters with her. She asks if he’s saying she’s just supposed to accept that her daughter’s out there somewhere, and he says, she has to accept that Josslyn is safer wherever Jack has reassigned her. She says, they don’t even know if that’s what happened, and he says, it’s the most likely scenario. Look, if she wants to help her daughter, she needs to help her stay gone. And that means coming up with a likely story why she’s missing.

Josslyn says, Brennan’s in a coma? Is he going to be okay? Nathan says, he’s in the hospital right now. That’s all he knows. She says, okay, then we go to Dante, but he says, no. She says, Dante loves him. He views him as a partner and a friend. That’s real. He said that himself. Nathan tells her, what he said… She says, it’s the truth. He knows it. So let’s work together. Let’s bring down Cullum. Let’s expose Sidwell. If they do that, maybe he doesn’t have to disappear. Maybe he can keep all of the things about Nathan’s life that he’s fallen in love with. All of the people that love Nathan – Obrecht, Nina, James, Dante. If he plays this right, then when the dust settles, they will see him. They won’t see Nathan. For the first time, they’ll see him.

Jordan says, Turner could have filled her in on Isaiah, and Turner says, there isn’t sufficient evidence for a warrant. No case to be made at the moment. She’s so sorry. Jordan has no idea how she wishes things were different. Jordan says, well, she was a cop. If there’s no case, there’s no case. She can accept that, but Curtis, she’s not so sure he can. Turner asks what that means, and Jordan says, Curtis isn’t letting this go. He is determined to get justice for her and she’s afraid of what he might do to get it.

Curtis says, yeah, he knew it was Isaiah. He knew Isaiah was the driver of the other car. He asks how Portia could be with somebody who could do this to him and Jordan, and she says she wouldn’t. He’s hurting right now, and what happened to him was terrible, but Isaiah didn’t do it. And they don’t have to sit here and listen to him attack Isaiah like that either. She and Isaiah start to leave, and Curtis says, oh, right. He supposes Isaiah is going to take the coward route again and leave like he did that night. Isaiah yells, back off! and Curtis says he’ll back off when Isaiah takes accountability for what he did to Jordan. Isaiah says, don’t push him. He’s sick of this. They both know what this is really about. Curtis doesn’t want him in this child’s life, so he keeps throwing around this baseless accusation, hoping that it will break them up. But he’s not going anywhere. He’s going to be a better father to this child than Curtis could ever be. He and Curtis begin to tussle.

On Monday, Laura tells Dante and Mac that she’s afraid Anna is in greater trouble than they thought; Emma tells Felicia that she thinks something is really wrong with her; Ava asks, since when Nina is so close with Brennan; and Nathan tells Josslyn that he’s not going anywhere, but Josslyn says, we’ll see.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Loving these two together!

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-kelly-thiebaud-talks-britt-and-lucas-real-life-friendship-with-van-hansis

A new detective is coming to town.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-jonathan-bennett-talks-daytime-return-ahead-of-may-18-debut-as-joe-fitzpatrick

I got the vibe he was protecting Delilah for some other reason, but you never know. The art thing sounds like they might have been doing cons together.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-is-ethan-lovett-phoebes-father-nathan-dean-teases-whats-ahead

Might as well be. Clearly, she and Nathan aren’t going to work out.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-alexa-havins-says-dante-and-lulu-are-endgame

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

After the shrimp debacle, Daisy said Ellie was gaslighting left, right, and f***ing center, and Ellie tattled to Ben who was skeptical about her version. João said he didn’t go to galley anymore because of Ellie, and Ben told Daisy that Ellie said she’d attacked her, but they were good. Captain Jason told Daisy that a new stew was coming who knew stuff. She was also a ride or die of Ellie’s and had clashed with her last chief stew and had quit Below Deck (OG). Barbie came on board, and Daisy texted Fraser, who said he didn’t like her – she was stubborn – but she was a hard worker. They showed a clip from her stint on Below Deck, but for the life of me, I can’t remember her. The guests went on a fishing expedition and caught a tuna for dinner. The dinner theme was Around the World, and the décor was very pretty, lots of blues and greens, and of course, flags and maps. I decided one of the most annoying things about Ellie is how she overcompensates, she’s a little too cheerful and peppy, and it’s not believable. In Barbie’s interview, she said she’d respect Jenna as a superior, but make out with Eddy to piss her off. The tip was $22K or $1692 each, and no one got the helmet. Ben friend zoned Jenna, but it wasn’t clear where Daisy and João were. Betul was thrilled about getting to dock the boat.

Real Housewives Of Rhode Island

Still at the castle or mansion or whatever, a water slide was brought out and a boat ride was arranged. The chauffeur told Alecia and Jo-Ellen that he’d spent his college years living on the third floor of the castle, where a nun had allegedly hung herself. He claimed they’d heard footsteps, and the women said, same. Alrighty then. We found out that Jo-Ellen’s mom had sent her to pseudo boarding schools the second she’d matured (i.e. got boobies). The places she got placed in sounded horrific and explained a lot about her personality. She said she’d almost become a ward of the state, but her mom brought her back home. Wanting to find proof of Ryan cheating for Rulla, Jo-Ellen spoke to a friend who was also friends with Ryan’s mistress. She sent Jo-Ellen a video and the women, minus Rulla, watched it. Liz thought it was crucial that Rulla know, and it looked like Alecia was going to be recruited for the task.

Summer House

Kyle went ballistic, yelling, throwing things, and f*** you-ing. He and Carl came close to getting in a fistfight, which I would pay to see, but the other dudes stepped in before it happened. Carl said Kyle didn’t even have his own music yet, but he wanted to bank on a DJ career. Yeah, he’s no Paris Hilton or even Meredith Marks (how that happened, I’ll never know). The best Kyle could come up with was that everyone could s*ck his f***ing d*ck, and his tantrum culminated in him crying and apologizing to Carl. Amanda got a half-hearted sorry for him swearing at her, which he then immediately justified. Lindsay tried to talk to Kyle, and in Bailey’s interview, she said she was still interested in Carl.

The Valley

Kristen continued to be uncomfortable and Luke continued to be an a-hole. In Kristen’s interview, she said postpartum was worse than pregnancy and Luke would never understand. (Truth!) Jesse wanted Janet and Jason to talk with him and Lacy, and Lacy whined that Janet had told the world she’d threatened to sue her. Janet said Lacy had sent Michelle a legal letter and had implied others would be getting them, and Lacy said Michelle was still making excuses and not apologizing. Here’s a thought. Don’t send legal letters and no one will tell the world about it, as is their right. Michelle finally apologized, but when Jesse wasn’t happy with it, she walked out. We also found out that Lacy had auditioned for Housewives multiple times < snort>. Zack talked to Luke about being supportive, and Luke and Kristen talked it out. The group went to a safari park where they checked out the animals and did some zip lining. Lacy and Michelle also talked it out and Michelle explained, per the rules of their co-parenting, she and Jesse weren’t supposed to introduce their child to new people. While Nia was dolling up Danny to be in a drag pageant, Lala didn’t like the way he was talking to her and there was a big blow-up.  

This body shaming really needs to stop. It’s disgusting, immature, and has no place in today’s world. We have enough to worry about.

Southern Hospitality

It was the last dinner of the trip to Punta Cana, and Emmy apologized ad nauseum to Brad who still wasn’t satisfied. She ended up having an anxiety attack, crying/laughing at the table after Michols added his opinion. In the middle of everything, Maddi insisted that Joe chase down an errant cat who was not having it today. Afterwards, Maddi was living the dream, as she killed her gig and was officially an international DJ. Back home, she and Joe went to see Ally (nee from Vanderpump Rules) in a show and found Grace was also there reading cards. Maddi and Grace had a sit-down, where Grace claimed she was sober, but Maddi wasn’t buying it.

Random Reality Items

I don’t see it, but stranger things have happened in reality.

I’m here for House of Stassi.

This sounds crazy, but that’s royal rules for you.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Stopmotion. Hulu.  – This is a dark, little artsy film about an artist named Ella, who is following in her mother’s footsteps by creating Ray Harryhausen type stop-motion animation. She becomes so involved with her art, the lines begin to blur as to what is real. While there are some jump scares and some gruesome moments, it’s more depressing than horrific. Not necessarily a waste of time, especially if you love the offbeat and imaginative.  

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/stopmotion-movie-review-2024

Lord of the Flies. Netflix. – A four-part British series, this was someone’s idea of artistic vision, but not mine. The ambiance was spot-on, the soundtrack indicative of the late 50s/early 60s, and I often felt like I was watching an old movie. The idea for each part to come from a different character’s perspective was a good one, not so much the fantasy sequences that felt like incongruous filler. If Ken Russell was alive, I would have sworn he was involved. Seriously, an hour could have been cut out of this and it would have been just fine. There were times I felt like I was watching a Chekov play. The casting was excellent, the scenery beautiful, and the addition of flashbacks to the boys’ homelives was smart, but my God, it was so long. When they stuck to plan, it worked for the most part, although I wasn’t thrilled with some major changes, like Piggy’s death and, of all things, the ending. I wasn’t sorry I watched it, but I’d expected more. Or maybe just less.

https://www.goldderby.com/tv/2026/lord-of-the-flies-netflix-jack-thorne-reviews

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/lord-of-the-flies-review-netflix-jack-thorne-1236582276

I highly recommend the book. Even if you read it in school, read it again.

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20260507-1950s-novel-lord-of-the-flies-is-the-ultimate-study-of-hate-and-division-it-has-never-been-more-relevant

Just for fun.

If Wishes Could Kill. Netflix. An 8-part series about a group of friends who discover an app that will grant your fondest wish. The downside is, you’ll die afterward. When they realize there’s no escaping their fate, they try to find out what’s behind such hideous deception. I’m only halfway through, but so far, so good. I love K-horror and this did not disappoint.

https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/901635/if-wishes-could-kill-netflix-next-must-watch

https://screenrant.com/netflix-alice-in-borderland-wishes-could-kill-followup

Send Help. Hulu, Disney+. Linda Liddle is an overlooked office worker whose big dream is to land a spot on Survivor. Promised a promotion to VP, when the big boss dies and his son Bradley takes over, he finds Linda annoying (she is) and passes her over. But when the plane they’re on to Thailand crashes, she becomes the boss, being a survival expert. At first, they try to work together, but it soon becomes a contest to see who can outwit, outlast, and outplay. A somewhat gory film, but with a great sense of fun, an excellent cast, and a terrific story with lots of twists. I really enjoyed this one and especially loved the ending.

https://movieweb.com/sam-raimi-send-help-streaming-hulu

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

Borrow much from Port Charles?

https://ew.com/the-vampire-lestat-cover-story-sam-reid-jacob-anderson-exclusive-11971545

She has more to say starting May 19th.

https://people.com/baylen-out-loud-season-3-trailer-exclusive-11949832

⛓️‍💥 Free At Last…

Upcoming Juneteenth celebrations. It will be here before you know it.

https://www.essence.com/awards-events/juneteenth-celebrations-2026-across-the-country

🐾 Liberation Situations…

🐕 They were lost, but then were found.

https://people.com/beloved-dog-reunited-with-family-2-years-after-going-missing-11973693

https://people.com/pup-reunited-with-dog-dad-15-months-after-l-a-wildfire-burned-down-their-home-11965325

https://people.com/missing-husky-reunited-with-owner-12-years-later-thanks-to-microchip-11970959

https://people.com/gps-collar-saves-dog-from-being-lost-forever-in-dense-forest-exclusive-11972830

🐶 A rescue using the jaws of life. This one is particularly personal to me, since my elderly, mostly blind dog got his little head stuck in this same kind of gate. Long story short, I can still feel the adrenaline rush as I became the jaws of life to pry him out of it before he ended up breaking his neck.

⛏ A caver’s skills come in handy.

https://people.com/caver-comes-to-the-rescue-of-dog-trapped-underground-11972725

🦦 🐱 And it wouldn’t be right not to acknowledge a couple of moms who helped out in a pinch.

https://people.com/orphaned-sea-otter-pup-bonds-surrogate-mom-aquarium-of-the-pacific-exclusive-11970892

https://people.com/mom-cat-with-extra-toes-adopts-6-orphaned-kittens-11970757

🦋 Quotes of the Week

A half-assed plan that you actually execute is better than a perfect plan that stays in your head. – Evan Carmichael

The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas, and throw the bad ones away. – Linus Pauling

Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up. – Jesse Jackson

For every reason it’s not possible, there are hundreds of people who have faced the same circumstances and succeeded. – Jack Canfield

Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless. – Jamie Paolinetti

Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life. – Deborah Day

You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. – James Allen

I’ll join this conversation on the proviso that we stop bitching about people, talking about wigs, dresses, bust sizes, penises, drugs, night clubs, and bloody Abba! – Bernadette (Terence Stamp), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

🌻 May Character Energy…

 Until next time, stay safe; stay stopping to smell the roses, or whatever your preferred smell is; and stay not letting trauma destroy your spirit or your life.

Video > Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most

August 21, 2024 – Anna Gives Jason a Warning, LA Millions, Smallest Violin Playing, Miami Adoption, Marvel-ous, They’re Tripping, Bravocoaster, Imploding, Furbabies With Fans & Love

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Alexis says she’s sure they’ll handle it. They’re resourceful. Just see that they get here. They’re needed here for once. She asks if Kristina got enough sleep, and Kristina says, every time she sleeps, she wakes up at GH and her daughter is gone. Then when she wakes up, she’s in the nightmare where Ava is blaming her for everything.

In the interrogation room, Ava says, Kristina came at her and she grabbed Kristina’s arm to fend her off. There was nothing she could do. Kristina wanted one thing. Anna says, that being, to kill Ava, and Ava says, she screamed it over and over – I’ll kill you! John stands nearby with a smug look on his face that I’d like to smack off.

TJ puts his arms around Molly, and she wonders how they do this. How do they bury their daughter? He says, together.

Josslyn walks into the gallery, and Trina tells her that Ava’s not here. Josslyn says, if there’s any justice, Ava won’t be here again and will be behind bars.

Anna says she’s been over the transcript from Ava’s original interview and not once did she mention Kristina threatened to kill her. Ava says she was in shock. Her memory was a mess. She forgot. Anna says, and she only just remembered? and John says, it happens, and Anna knows that. Anna asks if Ava is now his client since he seems to be speaking for her, and John says, she’s a witness in an ongoing RICO investigation for a crime boss who seems to operate freely under Anna’s nose. Anna asks if Ava’s official counsel agreed to that, and Ava says, if Anna can find Scotty, she can ask him. Anna asks where Scotty is, and John says, ask Jason.

Jason says, Clement shas been safely relocated to Sonny’s island. He’s under Sonny’s protection and off Cates’s radar. Now they’ve got to find Valentin. Sonny says, they just have to use the right bait and he’ll come like a dog. Jason says, what bait? and Sonny says, not what, who. Anna.

Molly tells TJ that the family is on their way early. Is it possible to want something and dread it at the same time? TJ says, his mom is strong and steady, and he needs her now. She’ll hug him, and her just being here will make him feel better, but he can’t stand to look in her eyes today. Molly says, today, it’ll be in all their faces, and TJ says, if they can’t hide the pain, that means it will be big and heavy and crush him. She says her too. Is there anything they can do to make it bearable? TJ says he can’t think of anything, and Molly says she thinks it will help if they stop thinking about the baby as our baby. He asks what she means, and she says, he tried to tell her, and he was right. Their baby deserves a name and it’s time to give her one.

Alexis tells Kristina that the funeral is today. They’re going to come together as a family. Kristina wonders if TJ and Molly would still consider her family if they knew what she was going to do. She was going to keep her baby girl had she lived.  

Sonny says, Valentin has zero motivation to show his face, and Jason asks if Anna is the right button to push. What about Nina? Sonny says, only Anna and his daughter, and he’s not using a child. Jason says, he’s assuming Valentin still cares about Anna, and Sonny says, if Valentin thought Anna was in trouble, he’d come running. Jason says he doesn’t like it.

Anna wonders why she should ask Jason about Scotty, and John says, Scotty never showed up for their meeting. He checked with Scotty’s doorman, and he didn’t come home last night. Anna says, some of Scotty’s favorite activities happen after the streetlights come on, and only after 24 hours does he consider himself late. Did they reach out to Lucy Coe? He might be there. Ava says, or he might be six feet under, and John says, the last time Scotty called, he said he had a run in with Jason. Anna asks if he’s suggesting Jason killed him, and John says he’s suggesting Scotty’s not here, hasn’t been in touch, and the last one to speak with him was Jason. He’d be happy to investigate if he didn’t think he’d be stepping on the PCPD’s toes. Anna asks if Scotty is another surprise witness, but John says, not at this time. Anna says, then it falls in her jurisdiction. She’ll look forward to handling the situation. John says, keep him apprised, and she says she will, and she leaves. John says, Ava did great. Her words were perfect. She says, as he scripted them. Now she’s on the hook for falsifying a statement. He says, she’s in this to take Sonny down, and she asks if he thinks antagonizing the Commissioner is the way to do it. He says, if Anna is angry, she’s less likely to look for discrepancies in Ava’s statement. (Wow, He is stupid.) Ava says she imagines Sonny waiting for her, and John says, the only thing Sonny responds to is leverage, and he knows just where to get some.  

Josslyn asks if Trina thinks Ava will get away with it, but Trina says she doesn’t know. Ava has come out okay before. Josslyn says, she’s been accused of a baby’s death, and no one is surprised. So what if she pushed Kristina out a window? Trina says, she’s acting like Ava’s been tried and convicted, and Josslyn asks if Trina is buying Ava’s story that Kristina came after her. Trina says she believes Ava deserves her day in court same as everybody else. Apparently, Josslyn doesn’t agree and wants to ignore the court process. Josslyn tells Trina that she’s not saying that, and Trina says, Josslyn doesn’t want to say anything to offend her, but she doesn’t want Josslyn to censor herself. Josslyn says she despises Ava, and Trina asks, what’s the problem behind the problem? Josslyn says, you.

Kristina looks over the affidavit she was going to submit for custody and says, it’s worthless now, but Alexis says, it’s not meaningless. TJ and Molly need understanding as much as Kristina does. Her affidavit is unnecessary and will only hurt them. The last thing anyone needs is more hurt. They need to be kind to one another. Kristina says, that’s what she’s trying to do, and Alexis says, then forget about it. They never need to know what she intended to do.

There’s a knock at the door, and TJ lets Jordan, Marshall, Curtis, and Stella in. Jordan hugs Molly and asks how she’s doing, and Molly says, not so great. Jordan says, she’s not alone. They’re here for them both. They’ll get through this together. Stella says she hopes they’re not early, and TJ says, they expected it. They both say, early is on time, and Curtis says, sometimes it helps to take the time to get ready for well-wishers. Jordan asks what they can do, and TJ says, them being here is everything. Stella says, they’re always her for them, and Marshall says, between them, they have the love and strength to get them through. Jordan says, they know how to unite when things are hard, and Marshall says he’ll make coffee. They need something stronger than brown water. Curtis says his coffee is good, and everyone is like, um… Marshall goes to the kitchen, and Molly says she needs to do one small thing before the funeral. Curtis says he’ll go with her, but Molly says she thinks it’s better if she goes alone. She leaves, and Jordan says, something is wrong. One small thing?

Jason says, this could bring the PCPD and the FBI down on Sonny, and Sonny says he didn’t want trouble. Anna is the one who made him her enemy. There’s a knock at the door and Jason opens it to Anna.

Trina says, the problem is her? and Josslyn says she loves Trina and hates Ava. That will never change. Her problem is Trina sticking by Ava. Trina says she’d do that for anyone she considers a friend, and Josslyn asks how Ava’s friendship can compare to hers. Trina says, it’s different, and Josslyn says she knows they bonded over Spencer, and she doesn’t begrudge Trina that. Trina says she’s not stupid. She knows Ava’s done horrible things. Josslyn says, she still does. She’s never changed and hasn’t tried. Trina says, Josslyn doesn’t know that, and Josslyn says she knows what happened is more complicated that they could possibly know, but it wouldn’t have happened if Ava hadn’t provoked Kristina. Trina says, they weren’t there, and Josslyn asks, how many people does Ava have to hurt, how many people need to be hurt bad before Trina sees that Ava isn’t worthy of her friendship? Trina says, there are plenty of people in Josslyn’s life she’s looked the other way for. Give Ava a break. Ava walks in.

Anna tells Sonny that Ava was at the station amending her statement. She now claims Kristina attacked her and threatened to kill her. Sonny says, the lies are all Jagger’s, and Anna agrees. He happened to be at the station, and she feels like Ava was coerced, but she can’t prove it. Sonny says, Jagger couldn’t be a man and has to get to him through his daughter, and it’s on Anna. None of it would have happened if Valentin hadn’t messed with his medication right under Anna’s nose. Valentin made a deal with Pikeman and targeted him. Maybe he did it from Anna’s bed. Anna says, Sonny’s life choices are his responsibility, and he set this in motion when he put Karen on stage at the Paradise Lounge. (Remind me never to make a mistake in Port Charles. People will remember it for a million years.) Sonny says, she needs to go, and Anna says she’d like Jason to accompany her. She didn’t just come here to apprise Sonny of Ava’s statement. She has questions for Jason. Jason says, about what? and she says, Scotty’s disappearance, and they leave.

Molly goes to Alexis’s house, and Kristina says she’s early. Where’s TJ? Molly says, at home with the family, and Kristina asks if they’re fighting. Molly says, no. She wanted a moment alone with Kristina before the funeral. They’re naming the baby. Kristina says, without her?

TJ says he wants to tell them something. He and Molly have done a lot of talking about names. They made lot of lists. Some of the names were good, but not right. Stella says, it’s not as easy as you’d think to name a baby, and TJ says, this name needed to be perfect. The baby was the first of a new generation. They were afraid to pick the wrong one and got stuck. Then it got harder when she… when they lost her before they could meet her, but they couldn’t bury her without a name. Then Stella said something that made it clear. Stella says, he’ll have to be more specific, and he says, she was talking about her sister, her strength, composure, and light. It gave Molly the idea and he knew it was right. The name was staring them in the face all along when they look in Stella, Marshall, and Curtis’s eyes. It’s right there. Their baby is Irene. Irene Marie.

In the interrogation room, Anna asks, where’s Scotty? and Jason says he has no idea. She asks, when was the last time Jason saw him? and Jason says, here, after Ava was arrested. She says, Cates thinks Jason has seen him recently, and Jason says, Cates thinks a lot of things. Anna asks where he was last night, and Jason tells her that he’s not saying anything without his attorney. Anna says, Scotty appears to be a missing person, and it’s her duty to follow up, but Jason says he doesn’t buy Cates’s claim. She says, they had an understanding about Valentin, and he says, she had a request, and it wasn’t the first one. He did his best. He didn’t tell Sonny that she let Valentin go. That stays between them. But Sonny had a right to know about the medication, since this never would have happened if he hadn’t been off his meds. Anna says, ever since Jason has been back, he’s straddled two world’s – Sonny’s and hers. He can’t continue. He’ll have to choose.

Jordan says, it’s a lovely name. They’ll cherish it like they cherish TJ and Molly. Curtis says, they got it exactly right, and TJ says, if they want to talk about it… but Marshall says, don’t dare change it. Stella takes TJ’s hands and says, it’s a fine name. His grandmother would be honored. She’s going to check on the bagels. The delivery guy is probably circling the block. She leaves and cries in the hallway. Curtis follows her out and holds her as she sobs.  

Kristina says, they named the baby without her? and Molly says, it was time. They needed it for the birth certificate before they bury her. Kristina says, they should have talked to her, but Molly says, they’re the parents. It’s done. They named her Irene Marie after TJ’s grandmother. Kristina says, that’s not what she would have named her, and Alexis says, stop. Do not fight. Do not turn on each other, or it will cost them so much more. There’s a knock at the door, and when Alexis opens it, the biggest idiot in the world is there. That would be John.

Ava says, obviously, she arrived at an inopportune time, and Josslyn says, TJ and Molly are burying their baby. Ava tells Trina to go. She’ll take care of everything. Trina says she’ll get a Ride Share, and Josslyn says she’ll meet Trina there. Just so Ava knows, if it had been her and not Kristina in that hotel room, she wouldn’t have been the one who went through the window. She leaves, and Trina says she’s sorry, but Ava tells her, never apologize for someone else. She takes it Josslyn has given Trina and ultimatum – her or Josslyn – but Trina says, not yet. Is it true the FBI arrested Kristina for trying to kill her? Ava says, yes, and Trina says, when she came to see Ava in jail, she never said anything about Kristina wanting to kill her. Both stories can’t be true, so who is Ava lying to, her or the police?

Ava says, Trina should probably get going, and Trina asks if Ava lied to her. She needs to know. Ava says she’s not supposed to talk about her case, and Trina asks if she’s talking about the one where she’s the victim or the perpetrator. Josslyn stood here and said Ava wasn’t worthy of her friendship. Ava asks what Trina wants her to say, and Trina says, the truth. Ava says she doesn’t want to involve Trina. It’s dangerous. Trina says she fought Esme for her life and saw a man die in front of her. She’s not a child and Ava isn’t responsible for her. How can they be friends if Ava can’t be straight with her? Ava says, the truth is… She’s in trouble. The FBI is making her do things she’d rather not. The only way for her to stay alive is do what she’s told.

Alexis asks what the hell John is here for, and he says, Kristina. He’s taking her to the station. Alexis says, not today, and he says he has questions for her. Alexis says, what kind of questions? and he says, like what brought her to the hotel room. (Wasn’t that already answered?) Alexis says, it can wait. They’re burying the baby today. John says, because Kristina tried to murder his witness. The longer they drag this out, the less time they’ll have at the service. Alexis says, no one is going anywhere except him, and he says he’ll take them all in and their dead can be buried without any of them. (I know it’s a show, but in what world would an FBI agent acting like this be feasible?)

Stella says she didn’t want anyone to see her being a weak and pitiful mess, but Curtis says he doesn’t see that. He’s just glad he could be here for her. He can imagine what his mama would have said if he wasn’t. She would come down from heaven and read him the riot act. She says, that’s a talking to that she’d pull up a chair and pop some corn for. There’s only so much TJ and Molly can bear. He says, good thing TJ and Molly have them to help them carry on, and she says she’ll need him to keep an eye on her and shoo her out of the room if she gets shaky. He says he will if she promises to do the same for him.

Anna says, Jason has been given a second chance. He doesn’t need to go back to Sonny, and deep down, she doesn’t think he wants to. She sees him with Carly and the boys. She sees a life for him apart from Sonny. He says, she sees what she wants to, and he gets up. She says, he has that life at his fingertips, the way it would have been if Sonny hadn’t gotten his hooks in Jason when he was young and didn’t know better. He says, she knows it’s not that clear cut, and she says she knows it’s not clear why he’s taking orders from Sonny. It’s one thing when you’re young, damaged, and alone, but you can’t hide behind naiveté and misplaced loyalty. Jason asks when she learned better. After she became a double agent? After Faison? Or did it finally happen after Valentin. She’s demanding better from him, but she’s compromised herself again and anger. She’s doing it now.

Curtis brings the bagels in, and Stella says she’s so proud of TJ. She loves him so much. And so do their Irenes. She hugs him.

Alexis asks Molly to check her briefcase. The terms of Kristina’s release are in there. John’s limit to contact is clearly spelled out. He can’t just barge in. He has to make an appointment in advance, and they all have to agree on it. He says, that’s not his understanding, but she tells him, read it again. It’s interesting to her how little he understands for an FBI agent. (Agreed, and what I said before. I’m starting to question if he is one.) Take a walk, or she’ll call the judge and his supervisor at the DOJ, who will have his ass in a sling before his second cup of coffee. If he spent less time harassing her daughter and more time presenting his shred of a case… He says, he did. Ava made a sworn statement presenting her version of the case, and that’s all the case he needs to pursue Kristina. And he will. Alexis says, get out, and he leaves. She slams the door and hugs Kristina.

Ava says she answered Trina’s question and told her what she wanted to know, and they will never talk about this again. Trina thanks her, and Ava says, go to the funeral. Maybe she shouldn’t come back for a bit. Trina asks if Ava thinks it’s that easy to get rid of her, and Ava says she can’t bear anything happening to Trina. Trina says, it’s too late. It already happened to her. For better or worse. There’s nothing that can break their bond. She knows who Ava is. It was never a secret, but she’s seen that Ava can do good. And everyone else will see it if she stops John Cates from hurting Kristina. Ava says she’ll make this right somehow, and Trina says, somehow starts with telling the truth, but Ava says she can’t. Not yet. Trina says, time is running out, and she leaves.

Molly finds the affidavit and looks at it. Kristina asks if Cates is going to take her at the funeral, but Alexis says, no, he isn’t. If he tries, he’s going to run into the stark reality that is her. Nothing is more important for Alexis than protecting her.

Ava types on her laptop when she flashes back to Kristina saying she’s going to tell the truth about Ava, then going through the hotel window. She closes the laptop and gets her bag. Sonny walks in and says, going somewhere? She asks if he’s going to kill her.  

Anna says, it’s true. She’s compromised. Jason doesn’t have to be. He has the opportunity to get out. He says he appreciates the heads up. So are they done? With tears in her eyes, she says she and John have one thing in common. They swore an oath to protect and serve. John’s methods will never be hers, but she is going to take Sonny down. She only hopes Jason’s not standing next to him when she does. Jason nods and leaves.  

Sonny says, after what Ava did to his daughter and her daughter? She let Cates come after Kristina and use her to get to him. She deserves to die, and his face should be the last thing she sees. He moves closer and says, but he’s not here to take her life. He’s here to save her life.

Tomorrow, Cody says he needs to tell James the truth about something; at the funeral, Kristina has something she’d like to say; Trina still has hope for Ava; and Sonny says, no matter where you run, you can’t hide

💰 This Week In Listings…

JoshA was on both sides of a listing for a 20,000 square foot house on an acre and a half. It was absolutely massive, but he said what made it desirable was also what worked against him. The size made it hard to visualize what it would look like finished – i.e. with furniture in it. So, while it was a pricey venture, he staged the house. He encouraged the seller to take $23.5 million instead of the $25 they’d insisted on, because something can happen on Planet Earth and the ripples in the financial world move. In other words, today’s $25 million can drop to $20 million tomorrow. What I love most about this show is the comradery between the cast members. They might act competitive, and probably are, but Tracy and JoshF singing I’ve Been Working on the Railroad while driving in a hot dog truck was everything. The best quote came from JoshF: A well-priced house in the Flats will sell faster than Ozempic at a Housewives Reunion. The best visual? A Yorkie wearing sunglasses.

🚷 Seems We’re At an Impasse…

If they want to stick with a Jersey group, maybe they should just scrap the area. I’d love for them to film where I live. I don’t want to be on it; I’m just nosey about my neighbors.

https://extratv.com/2024/08/16/andy-cohen-s-rhonj-update-no-moving-forward-with-this-group-exclusive/

🚂 Off the Rails…

Breaking it down.

First of all, this sounds like nothing but drunk dialing and talking nonsense. Secondly, while I’ve sometimes suspected Andy of being a closet heterosexual, no, just no. And if it were ever to be yes, it wouldn’t be Kate. Thirdly, he’s never acted like a boss and he’s always inappropriate. It’s part of his schtick charm. If this ordeal has taken its toll on Brandi, it’s because she’s once again making an a-hole of herself. She went too far, got the boot, tried to backpedal and make it someone else’s fault, and it didn’t go well. Didn’t like her then, like her even less now.

https://okmagazine.com/p/andy-cohen-brandi-glanville-kate-chastain-explicit-video-leaked/

Now, a desperate last-ditch effort and another failure to launch sympathy. Oddly enough, this is kind of funny and I wonder if Brandi would have played this card had a woman said the same thing.

https://okmagazine.com/p/brandi-glanville-andy-cohen-eddie-cibrian-manhood-size/

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 It’s a Boys…

Aw. I know how much Julia wanted this and I’m sure they’re going to be great moms.

Their story.

https://people.com/all-about-martina-navratilova-and-julia-lemigova-marriage-8639538

🗽 Last Night’s Watching…

Pirate vibes! Scary Island 2.0! While this article was for the premiere on Peacock, this is being shown on Bravo now. Their personalities are pretty much the same. It just makes me miss the old cast more though. Even Ramona. She’s just so clueless.

https://people.com/bravocon-2023-rhony-ogs-are-back-in-rhugt-rhony-legacy-trailer-8387603

🔁 Which Way Did They Go…

So is the podcast with Jenn still on or will Jackie be One Jersey J?

So is Jax fired? Will Brittany be going to The Valley solo next season?

https://okmagazine.com/p/jax-taylor-fired-the-valley-after-entering-in-patient-mental-health-facility-debunked/

🧔🏽‍♀️ Next In Marvel…

This looks pretty good, but Deadpool & Wolverine might have ruined me for all others.

https://ew.com/kraven-the-hunter-goes-toe-to-toe-with-rhino-in-bloody-new-trailer-8695169

🦹 Three… Two… One…

Is Scorsese kidding? Superhero movies are practically the only cinema. I don’t want to pay movie theater prices to watch two people lowkey talk about relationships. I can wait and stream that.

https://ew.com/brian-cox-says-hollywood-is-imploding-because-of-marvel-dc-films-8697645

A random find that might make Cox’s credibility questionable. I, too, am a Spice Girls fan, but at least I own it.

https://ew.com/celebrity/brian-cox-closet-spice-girls-fan-sings-wannabe-carpool-karaoke/

🐩 More Followers Than You…

Pets with a presence.

https://www.revolt.tv/article/10-celebrity-pets-with-their-own-fan-bases

🪸 Beached You To It…

Make a return trip tomorrow for soap and idiOCy. Until then, stay safe, stay making the most of summer’s end, and stay never apologizing for someone else.

August 8, 2024 – Ava Has More Visitors, Other Side, First Look, New Team, In the OC, Go Already, A Return, House Finale, Next Knight, Furry Influencers & Day

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Kristina holds her baby, and says, so perfect. Ready to take on the world. She’s a Davis girl through and through. She knew it was going to be a girl, and she’s glad she’s finally here. She kisses the baby’s head, then wakes up. She feels her stomach and cries. She says, my baby.

Portia says she’s glad Trina came to see her. They’ll finish their conversation later. Trina heads for the elevator, and Heather is wheeled out. Heather says, she’s so… when Portia runs in between them, and says, no. Stay away from her daughter.

In Donna’s hospital room, Carly asks if she’s feeling okay, and Donna says her throat hurts. Sonny asks if she knows what helps a sore throat, and Donna says, popsicles. She wonders if she’s in trouble for eating daddy’s vitamins.

Ava yells that she needs to make a phone call to the FBI. She knows the guard can hear her. She needs to speak to Agent John Cates immediately.

John goes to Anna’s office and says he doesn’t appreciate being summoned. She says, the sooner they do this, the better, and he asks what she wants. She says, the truth would be nice. What is the nature of his relationship with Ava Jerome?

Heather says she just wanted to apologize, but Portia says, her daughter is completely off limits. Heather says she’s just here for a follow-up, and Portia says, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s a killer, and Portia will do whatever she has to in order to protect her daughter and keep Heather off the streets. She tells the guard to get Heather out of her sight, and he wheels Heather away. Trina asks, what the hell was that?

Sonny says, Donna isn’t in trouble. They’re just happy she’s okay. Carly says, but she needs to know she can’t take other people’s medicine. Don’t take a pill or swallow anything unless there’s an adult there. Sonny says, medication is good for you, but it’s dangerous unless a doctor gives it to you, and Donna asks if she can go home. Carly says, as soon as the doctor says it’s okay. Daddy will stay here with her. Sonny says he’s going to check in on Kristina, and Donna says, tell Kristina that she hopes she feels better. Maybe get her two popsicles, one for her and one for the baby. (Ouch. Another knife to the heart of the viewers.)

Kristina struggles to sit up, but Alexis says, she can’t get up. Is she in pain? Kristina says she was holding the baby in her arms. She was so beautiful, and she was gone. Alexis says, she was dreaming. She has to try and relax. Her body has been through a lot. Kristina cries and says she was holding her and when she woke up, she was gone. In real life, that’s how it’s always going to be. She was pregnant for eight and a half months and will never get to hold or see the baby except in her dreams, forever. Alexis takes her hand, kisses it, and smooths her hair.

John says, Ava is a friend, and Anna says, just a friend? He says his personal life is his business, and she says, unless it connects him to a crime. His luggage was found in Ava’s room. Does he care to explain? He says, absolutely not, and she says, Ava is in custody. She pushed Kristina Corinthos-Davis, and she fell from a third story window. Ava is being charged with assault, attempted murder, and manslaughter. Kristina was eight and a half months pregnant, and the baby didn’t make it. Would he like to shed some light regarding his and Ava’s relationship? John tells her that he has nothing more to say, and she asks if he doesn’t care that an innocent life was lost before it had a chance to be born. Or doesn’t it matter because it’s Sonny’s grandchild? He says, of course (🍷) it matters. It’s a tragedy. She asks him again to shed light on his relationship with Ava, and he says, one last time, no. Anna says, then she can only speculate. He thinks Ava is an ally against Sonny or maybe a vehicle to bring Sonny down, but that’s a mistake. He’s spent his life dedicated to law enforcement. Don’t let his hatred destroy his career and him. He needs to distance himself from Ava. He says, like she distanced herself from Valentin? and she says, it’s a slippery slope and the bottom is ugly. He accuses her of being an apologist for Sonny. It’s the only way Sonny has lasted this long. She asks if he knows how many professionals wrecked themselves to get Sonny. It’s a long list, and he’s about to add his name. John tells her to stay out of his way. Nothing is going to stop him from taking Sonny down. He leaves.

Portia asks if Trina is worried that she embarrassed herself. She doesn’t care. Her only concern is to protect her daughter. Trina says, Heather is handcuffed and has a guard with her, but Portia says, she’s escaped from the hospital before. Trina says, Portia is Co-Chief of Staff. She can’t afford to lose it on a patient even if it’s Heather.

Scotty goes to Heather’s room and shows the guard his ID. He says he needs to speak to his client, but the guard says, she’s here for a check-up, not a legal conference. Scotty says he has every right to see her, and if he doesn’t, he’ll sue the guard, the hospital, Pentenville, and everybody. The guard steps aside, and he goes in. Heather says, it’s always a treat to see him, but they both know he’s not her attorney. He says, not yet.

Felicia goes to Kristina’s room and says she wanted to check in. She’s so sorry about what happened and for Kristina’s loss. Her entire family has her in their thoughts and will do whatever they can to help. Kristina stays turned away and silent, but Alexis thanks her. Felicia says, on a professional note, she’s a patient advocate, and one of the things she does is ensure that patients take full advantage of the hospital resources, including counseling, therapy, and grief support. Whatever she needs. Alexis says, they’ll take that into consideration, and Felicia says, feel free to reach out with any questions or anything. She knows from experience there’s no timeline or standard of how to handle grief, but she knows it helps to lean on family. If Kristina needs the support of a friend, she’s here. She leaves, and Alexis spoons Kristina in the bed. She asks what she can do, and Kristina asks why this happened.  

John goes to Ava’s cell, and Ava says she told them that she wanted to call him, but they wouldn’t let her. How did he find her? He says, the Police Commissioner said she was arrested. He asks if she’s responsible for Kristina going through the window, but she says, absolutely not. It was an accident. She tripped and fell, but it won’t matter. It’s her word against Kristina’s. If Kristina doesn’t make it, Sonny is going to blame her. John says, Kristina is expected to recover, but the baby died, and she says, they’re blaming her and charging her with manslaughter. She’s not likely to live long enough to go to trial. Sonny is coming after her and probably him. Kristina tripped over his duffel bag and she hid it, but the police found it. He asks what she told them, and she says, nothing, but Sonny will find out. It’s only going to get worse when he realizes his pills are placebos.  

Jason comes into the hospital and sees Donna with Sonny and Carly. He asks if everything is okay, and Donna says, she’s going home – and she gets two popsicles. Jason says he took Josslyn to her Ride Share, so he can take Carly and Donna home, but Carly says she wants him to stay with Sonny. Keep her posted about Kristina and what’s going on with the meds. She and Donna leave, and Jason says he’s glad Donna is okay. Sonny says, it was too close for comfort. For Donna’s sake, he’s glad they were placebos, but it took him a long time to recognize it. He was all over the place. Jason and Carly knew, and he should have listened. Jason says, they can’t go back and change anything, but ultimately, Sonny did the right thing seeing Doc. His instincts kicked in and he’s glad Sonny trusted them. Sonny says he feels better knowing what’s going on. Now he wants to know who switched his medication for placebos in the first place.

Scotty says he did some research after the article in The Invader, and Heather says, it upset a lot of people. He says he’s intrigued, and she asks, why? He says, cobalt poisoning is a real thing, and she got a bum sentence. She’s done wild things, but she’s not movie slasher crazy. She says, they all were a little wild back in the day if she recalls, and he says, those were different times with different standards. They’re dealing with right now. She left a wake of death and terror, but it’s not her fault. She didn’t give herself cobalt poisoning like she gave herself LSD. She wasn’t in her right mind, but it’s not her fault her judgment was gaflute. Let him help her. She asks why he wants to, and he says, they’re family a little bit. They share Franco. She says, he did not just use the dead son card. What’s in this for him?

Portia tells Trina that she’s aware of her position, but she’s not apologizing for protecting her child. She’ll tell the board if they have a problem with it. Trina says she understands, but Portia says, she doesn’t. It’s nice that Laura backed off, but the damage was done. She won’t have a lawyer make a name for themselves putting Heather back on the street. Trina says she’s not worried about Heather; she’s worried about Portia. Don’t let her hatred consume her. She’s got to let this go. Portia says, if Trina wants to put her mind at ease, stay away from Heather.

John asks what makes Ava think Sonny is going to find out, and she says, he’s getting treatment. Doc came to see her, and she heard him on a phone call. John asks if Doc noticed there was a problem, and she says, of course (🍷) he would. Sonny was undermedicated for months. She’s terrified about the fallout. John asks if she’ll be blamed, and she says, of course (🍷), but she didn’t do it. It was the GH pharmacist, Clement. Somebody paid or coerced him into switching the meds. John says, it’s only a matter of time before Sonny confronts him unless he can get to him first. Ava tells him, go to GH and find Clement. Tell him to run. Do whatever he can to keep alive. John says, he’s hardly innocent, but she says she went to Clement’s office. Sonny is going to think she put him up to it. At the very least, he’ll know that she knew. John says he won’t let that happen, and she asks how he’s going to stop it. He says, don’t worry. Sonny’s days of trampling over people are about to come to an end.

Jason shows Sonny the photos on the phone and says, Brick had a guy posted opposite Ava’s room. Sonny says, Ava had her hands on Kristina and pushed her? and Jason says, looks that way. Sonny says, it all leads to Ava. The baby’s death, Kristina falling, and his medication. She did it to Morgan. She switched his lithium with a placebo and made him think he was losing his mind when he was fine. If she could do that to his son, she could do it to him. Jason asks what Sonny wants him to do, and Sonny says he wants her to pay. He thinks for a moment, and says, do him a favor and pay Ava a visit. See if she has anything to say. Jason says, copy that, and leaves.

Kristina asks Alexis how she’s supposed to do this. How can she be here when her baby is gone? My baby. She’s said those words so many times, but it’s the first time she let herself feel them. She was Kristina’s baby. She was a part of Kristina, and Kristina was a part of her. Now that she’s gone, Kristina is acknowledging that she was her mother. Alexis says, sometimes questions don’t have answers. Sometimes terrible things happen for no reason. Kristina says, she was her baby and grew in her body. She’s the only one who truly knew her. She knew what every kick meant. She knew when the baby was happy, excited, or hungry, when she liked or didn’t like something. Every day for the last eight and a half months, it was just the two of them. She felt her and knew she was real. She was hers. She cries and says, she was my baby.  

Scotty tells Heather that the company that manufactured the defective implant has deep pockets, and they can sue the pants off them. Heather says, even if she wins, what good is it to her in prison? and he tells her, who said she was going to stay in prison if they appeal and get a new trial? She says, it’s a big if, and he says, they can use the cobalt poisoning as a defense. She says, people are still dead, and he says, it’s tragic, but she’s not responsible for killing them. She was literally not in her right mind. If she’s acquitted, she’ll be free and have big fat cat bank account. She has life left in her, right? She says she hopes so, and he asks if she wants to spend it with her grandchild or punching out license plates. The manufacturer stole her life. They don’t care about the little people, only profit. They went after her. She’s the victim. She asks if he isn’t laying it on a little thick, and he says he’s practicing his opening statement. He sees she’s interested. Let him get her out of here and they’ll go after a piece of the big corporate pie.

Alexis comes out and Sonny asks if Kristina is all right, but she says, no. Kristina is shattered and devastated, and she has no idea how they’ll get her through. He says, whatever she needs, they’ll give it to her, and she says, they have to be at their best. He says he’s getting help and she says she’s glad to hear it. He says he’s not going to go in and scare Kristina, and she says, they have to keep it together. She needs them more than ever. Sonny says, they’re in this together. He has to tell her something. Ava is responsible for everything that happened, and he has proof.

Portia tells the desk nurse that she wants to get Heather discharged as quickly as possible. No coddling or special treatment. It’s not a day spa for her. Felicia says she doesn’t want to overstep, but she’s not sure rushing a patient is giving them the best care possible.

The guard tells Heather that someone insists on speaking with her, and she says, tell her attorney that she’ll get back to him, but Trina walks in.

Carly calls Anna and asks her to come over. She needs to report a crime.  

Ava hears footsteps, and Jason walks in. She asks what he wants.

Heather says she didn’t expect it to be Trina, especially considering the warm reception she got from Trina’s mother. Trina says, her mother doesn’t speak for her. She’s an adult and wants to hear Heather say whatever she has to say. Heather thanks Trina for letting her and says she’s so sorry. She realizes that changes nothing, that people are dead and there’s no replacing them. It was like waking up from a nightmare to find herself in a worse one. Now she knows what she did, and she’ll regret it for the rest of her life.  

Portia tells Felicia that she’s maintained to her staff and law enforcement that they don’t have to like every patient, but have to provide everyone with the best medical care. Heather is receiving the same care as every other patient, and yes, Felicia is overstepping. Felicia says she’s a patient advocate and her job is to ensure all patients receive the full scope of the hospital’s resources, including those who are criminals and in jail. Portia says, like Ryan Chamberlain? She doesn’t recall Felicia advocating for him. (Felicia wasn’t a patient advocate then. Ugh, Portia.) She does appreciate Felicia’s passion for patient care, but reminds Felicia that she’s Co-Chief of Staff. She walks away.

Sonny tells Alexis that Ava intentionally pushed their daughter out a window, and she asks how he knows. He says he has surveillance pictures of her putting her hands on Kristina. It was no accident. She says, that hateful, evil, obscene woman, and he says he’s sorry to tell her. She says, take care of Kristina. She needs some air. She leaves and he looks at Kristina through the window.

Carly thanks Anna for coming by. She just settled Donna in after she’d been in the hospital. She had her stomach pumped. Anna asks if she’s all right, and Carly says, she’s got a popsicle. Anna asks, what happened? and Carly says, she swallowed some of Sonny’s lithium. She thought they were vitamins. But it turns out they went through all that for nothing. The pills were placebos. Anna asks if Sonny knows, and Carly says, he was there. Anna asks how long Carly thinks that’s been going on, and Carly says she’s guessing since New Year’s Eve. They did a blood test on Sonny and there was no medication in his bloodstream. Anna says, that explains his reckless behavior. It’s not an excuse, but it gives some perspective. Carly says she’s more concerned about who tampered with the medication, and Anna asks if she has any idea. Carly says she does. Ava Jerome. (Ava is still the answer to every question.)

Ava asks why Jason is here. Did Sonny send him? Is he back working for Sonny? Jason says nothing, and she calls for the guard. She says, they’ll be making their rounds soon, but Jason shakes his head and says, no one is coming for her. She says, whatever he was told or whatever he thinks he knows about what happened, it was an accident. It’s an accusation Sonny cooked up. He’s too volatile. Not that long ago, he wanted Jason dead. Jason says, the baby died, and she says, it was an accident. Why would she do anything to intentionally harm Kristina, let alone push her out a window? Jason says he’s given up thinking about why people do what they do. They have proof. She says, photos can be manipulated. Sonny would do anything to get rid of her. He’s violent and erratic. He says, now they know why. She switched his medication for placebos like she did with Morgan.

Scotty sees Alexis in the hallway and says he heard about Kristina. How is she doing? She asks, who wants to know? Him or his murderous client? Scotty says he heard there was an accident, and Alexis says, Kristina had an abrupted placenta after being pitched three stories down. The baby died, so she is not okay. Scotty says he doesn’t want to upset Alexis. Can he get her some coffee? She says she just needs some air, and he asks if she’s got a minute so they can put their heads together. She says, no, and he says he understands she had a theory about how Heather’s case could be overturned. He’s taken her on as a client and thought Alexis might want to be second chair. Alexis says, he’s insane to ask right now. No. No way in hell will she ever help Heather.

Trina says she heard Heather’s apology and she’s glad Heather’s not homicidal. She hopes it sticks. She starts to leave, but Heather says, wait. She’s truly sorry for everything she did to Trina and the people around her. And one more thing. She’s sorry for what Esme did to Trina too. She was manipulated by her father. Trina knows how evil Ryan was and how jealous Esme was about how much Spencer loved Trina. Ryan exploited that because he knew the worst thing about being in love… Trina says, Esme was not in love with Spencer. She used Spencer. Don’t apologize for her. She won’t forgive Heather or Esme. Heather says, okay. She understands. Why did Trina come to see her? Trina says she’s not going to be trapped by her fear and hatred. She’s not going to let Heather or Esme have that power over her, but she wants Heather to have her day in court. She prays justice is served in the end, whatever that means. She prays no one is hurt by Heather again. Heather says, and she prays she never hurts anyone again, ever, and Trina says, good, a tear running down her cheek. They all deserve some peace. She leaves, and Heather cries.

Anna asks if Carly is accusing Ava of tampering with Sonny’s medication, and Carly says, she did the same to Morgan. She pushed him to a manic episode that led to his death. Anna says, the legal record doesn’t reflect that, and it’s not proof she did the same to Sonny. Carly says, Ava has motive and opportunity. She was living in the penthouse and Sonny turned her into his watchdog. She was there when Dante got shot. Anna says, Ava did seem protective of Sonny, and Carly says, she was trying to control him. She isolated him and kept him unmedicated. It worked for a while. He pushed everyone away. Anna says, it’s not easy to prove, and Carly asks if she isn’t Police Commissioner. Isn’t it a crime? Anna says, it is. How much does Sonny know? Right now, the only life at stake could be Ava’s.

Jason wonders who else could have done it, since Ava was living at the penthouse, but Ava says she didn’t switch the medication. She found out by accident and made it her business to follow up. Sonny has a dangerous enemy. He tells her to give him a name, but she says, they both know how this works. If she tells him, she’s expendable. The only thing keeping her alive is what she knows that Sonny doesn’t.

John goes to Clement’s office and shows his ID. He says he’s going to need Clement to come with him.

Sonny kisses Kristina’s forehead, and she turns to him. He says he didn’t mean to wake her. When she was a little girl, he would kiss her booboo to make it better. She says she’s glad he’s here and takes his hand. He asks if he can get her anything, and she says, he needs make Ava pay for what she did to her baby.

I’m in.

Tomorrow, Drew says he’s got good news for someone; Doc tells Alexis that she can’t do it alone; Michael wants to show his appreciation to Nina for everything she’s done for Willow; and Kristina asks Sonny when Ava is finally going to pay for everything she’s done.

🔦 What They Do In the Shadows…

I visited the One Life To Live set once, and the rooms are side by side, almost like in a good furniture store. And the lights are hot. So hot. There’s also a lot of hurry up and wait. I was so impressed by both the actors and production in how they’re able to make it seem so real.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/steve-burton-shows-fans-a-side-of-gh-never-seen-before

🍀 We’re All Lucky…

Laura is going to go out of her mind with joy.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-shares-a-first-look-at-jonathan-jacksons-return

📝 Flipping the Script…

It always seems to go the same way. There are casualties – Finn – and the story gets amped up, along with a few big twists – the whole baby/Ava/Sonny’s meds storylines.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-names-new-headwriting-team

🍊 Meanwhile, In the County Of Oranges…

We saw that clearly, Gina had encouraged Katie to call Heather out on the old paparazzi thing, then later, told Katie that she shouldn’t have said anything. I guess she thought better about stirring Heather’s pot, but it was too late. Heather was annoyed and confused, but I’m not sure why she gives a flying. She’s already won by having the most toys. The worst, most cringeworthy thing was Tamra berating Shannon – no surprise, in public at a brunch – about drinking and calling her an alcoholic. I’m not a Shannon fan, but I felt badly for her once again. It’s not bad enough she has to share the stage with Johnny’s new squeeze, now she has to endure the wrath of Tamra for something that Tamra obviously knows nothing about. I don’t know if Shannon is an alcoholic, or her drinking is just problematic – there’s a difference – but only Shannon can make that call. On Watch What Happens Live, Andy read a post from a viewer who called it tough love, but I don’t think it’s that at all. I think it’s just Tamra being her screechy, bitchy self, and not being helpful at all. Shannon left the table and Alexis brought up the lawsuit, producing actual receipts for Shannon’s facelift. There was a side conversation about how good Shannon looked, so there’s always an upside. In keeping with the immaturity of the situation, Alexis said, liar face better shush it. What are we? Ten? Sadly, Vicki was the voice of reason, but Tamra called her an enabler, which made me wonder. If Tamra is so concerned about Shannon’s drinking, why doesn’t she not drink in comradery? TBH, neither one of them should be drinking since it always leads to screaming and yelling. There were some amusing flashbacks of Vicki screaming at various people, although some of them were actually warranted.

👠 Bye, Jersey, Bye…

I’m actually watching this right now and agreed. The episode itself comes across as final.

https://ew.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-andy-cohen-think-cast-is-done-8691427

https://www.eonline.com/news/1405670/why-rhonjs-season-14-last-supper-proves-the-current-cast-is-done-for-good

Yeah Delores, we all wish we could go back in time.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1405670/why-rhonjs-season-14-last-supper-proves-the-current-cast-is-done-for-good

Too bad. All that plastic surgery for nothing.

🍑 Just Peachy…

Like Colleen Hoover said on Watch What Happens Live, she’s good TV.

https://people.com/phaedra-parks-joins-real-housewives-of-atlanta-season-16-8685417

🐉 Here There Be Dragons…

Warning: probably a million spoilers if you haven’t watched the finale.

https://ew.com/daeron-house-of-the-dragon-explained-season-2-finale-teaser-8687123

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-ending-explained-where-war-goes-from-here-8687671

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-battle-of-rooks-rest-rhaenys-death-cast-interviews-exclusive-8674281

My takeaway point: Aww! Baby dragon!

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-why-jon-snow-not-in-season-2-finale-creator-ryan-condal-8690570

⚔️ What Comes Next…

But will they know something? I’m unfamiliar with these books, but they sound intriguing. I loved the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It’s not even my jam to read, but I was hooked immediately.

https://ew.com/game-of-thrones-spinoff-a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-first-footage-8690112

https://ew.com/knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-casts-its-own-daeron-targaryen-8692527

Game of Thrones: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Spinoff Announces New Cast Members

🐕 Will Work For Treats…

Feeling influenced by cuteness already.

☔️ Checking Ark Blueprints…

Join me tomorrow for soap, insights into entertainment, words to think about, and a song to set the mood by. Until then, stay safe, stay donating those clothes you haven’t worn in eons, and stay never being trapped by fear and hatred.

June 14, 2024 – A Full Friday In Port Charles, PSA, Her Offer, Island Host, Already, Andy’s Issues, In the House, Those, New Reality, Bye Dog, Tonys, Three To See, Amusing, 9 Concise Quotes & Club

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone at the gallery, Trina asks if Portia is sure she didn’t say anything to The Invader about her giving them an interview, because she’s not… Gio walks in, and she says she has to go. They’ll talk later. She says, he made it, and he says, she could have finished her call, but she says she didn’t want to deal with it anyway. She talked him up to Ava, but she can’t make any promises. He says, she got him a shot. That’s all he can hope for. Ava comes in, and Trina introduces her to Gio, and says, he’s the musician she told Ava about. Ava shakes his hand and says she’s sure Trina explained she needs somebody to do background music for their next opening. Trina said, Gio got a full ride to PCU’s music program, and he’s drafted to their summer concert series too, andAva says, a full ride. His parents must love that. He says, if he hadn’t earned the scholarship, his Uncle Sonny was going to pay his way.

In his office, Drew gets a call from Nina, but before he can answer (or decide if he’s going to), McConkey walks in. Drew turns off the call and says he wasn’t expecting the congressman. McConkey says, Drew came to his office without an appointment, and he thought he’d return the favor. So time to fish or cut bait. Is Drew going to run for his seat or not?

Alexis asks, what’s on Kristina’s mind? and Kristina says, all the warnings Alexis gave her about being Molly’s surrogate. Alexis says, she’ll have to be a little more specific, and Kristina says, there’s one thing they didn’t cover. What happens to the baby if Molly and TJ split up?

Elizabeth meets Chase at the café, and she says she hopes she didn’t keep him waiting. He says he just got there, and thanks her for agreeing to meet him. He got her message. He was about to knock on Finn’s door when she called. After talking to Finn, he had a good idea why she called. She asks, how bad was he?

Finn wakes up with a start, fully clothed and on the couch. Violet asks, what’s wrong? and I can feel Finn’s hangover.

Ava asks if Gio means Sonny Corinthos, and he says he does. Sonny’s not an actual relative, but he’s an honorary member of the Cerullo family, so Sonny is treating him like blood. She says, he’s very fortunate, and he says, no question. Uncle Sonny’s paid for his musical education, lessons, conservatory, his instrument… Ava says, he’s a very generous man. Why doesn’t Gio go ahead and play something? Gio says he’ll go tune up, and steps away. Trina says, full disclosure. She’s never actually heard him play, but Josslyn says he’s fantastic. Ava says she didn’t realize Josslyn was an expert in classical music, and Trina tells her not to feel obligated to use him if this is a bad idea. Gio comes back and says, any requests? Ava tells him, play something that puts people in the mood to buy some very expensive art, and he says he’s got her. He begins to play.

Alexis says, hold on a second. Where is all this coming from? Kristina says, Molly came over to her house and she was really upset. She was venting about all the issues she’s having right now with TJ. Alexis says, couples fight, and Kristina tells her, that’s exactly what Allie said, but not TJ and Molly. They don’t. Not until… this. She indicates her bump and says, the baby is changing everything. Alexis says, babies do change things. Things shift. Sometimes it’s stressful. Kristina says, according to Molly, they’re not communicating right now. They’ve been together since high school. You’d think by now the two of them would have figured out how to talk to each other. Alexis says, back up, and Kristina says she is backing up. She’s backing all the way up to when Molly insisted on a domestic partnership instead of a marriage. What if, in her heart of hearts, Molly always had this feeling that she and TJ might drift apart? Alexis says, that’s just pure speculation. She doesn’t know where this is coming from. They’re having trouble, a little conflict. That doesn’t foretell the end of their relationship. Kristina says she hopes it doesn’t, but she has to be prepared either way. She has to know what she’s going to do. Alexis says, what she wants to know is what Kristina wants her to do, and Kristina says she knows this puts Alexis in a sticky situation because she’s Molly’s mother, but she’s also her mother. All she’s asking Alexis to do is walk her through the possible consequences if Molly and TJ do split up. Alexis told her that the only two people who would have legal claim to custody of this baby would be her and TJ.

Finn guzzles some water, and Violet asks if he’s thirsty. He says he’s so thirsty. Does she remember how he’s always telling her how important it is to stay hydrated? She asks, how was his nap? and he says, it was good. He guesses kids who nap have the right idea, but she says, not her. She thinks naps are boring. She would rather anything else. (Just wait, kid. You’ll wish you took all those naps once you’re working a day job.) So now that he’s up, can they go? He says, okay. Go where? She says, he told her that they could go to the pool after his nap. She’s been waiting for him to wake up. She made them peanut butter on toast for a snack and asked him if they could go to the pool. But he said he was too tired and needed to digest the food first. Doesn’t he remember?

Chase tells Elizabeth that Finn was belligerent and combative. He alternated between guilt tripping Chase and insisting that nothing was wrong. He’s never seen Finn like this before. Elizabeth says, that escalated quickly. He may have felt that he could keep this from her, but last night, Jake saw him coming out of a bar. And in his words, with some random woman. Chase looks stunned, and she says she was really shocked too. At first, she thought, he’s just slipped up. He’s had a couple drinks. Maybe it’s not as bad as it sounds. Perhaps Jake was confused by this woman. Maybe she’s an old friend. So she went to Finn’s apartment, and it was exactly like Jake said. He picked up this woman in the bar and brought him back to his place. He didn’t even know her name. Chase says he’s so sorry. He did see a bottle and two glasses, but it didn’t register. She did nothing to deserve this. She says, he has nothing to apologize for. This is Finn’s illness, his responsibility. So she just came from her first Al-Anon meeting, probably not her last. It only reenforced what she already knew. She can’t save Finn and she can’t subject her children to what’s happening with him right now. He says, of course (🍷) not. He understands what she’s saying. She ended things with Finn, and he gets why. He drew a hard line with Finn too, but Finn’s his brother. He doesn’t have the option to end things. He’s got to figure out a way to reach Finn.

Drew tells McConkey that this is a very big decision for him, and he had to consult with family and friends. He needed to get their input. McConkey says, sure it is. But they’ll support Drew and back him up, no? Drew says he was looking for someone who wouldn’t support him, for reasons not to run. That the campaign would be relentless, and his chances were slim. McConkey asks if he found someone who would oblige him, and Drew says, that’s why he intended to drive up and see the congressman tomorrow, to tell him that he’d made a decision… He would be honored to run for McConkey’s seat. McConkey says, that’s a great decision and he’s glad to see Drew recognizes a golden opportunity when it falls in his lap. They shake hands.

Elizabeth asks Chase to please believe her when she says she hasn’t stopped caring about his brother, but she has seen him addicted before, when he was with her sister. She went toe to toe with him, and he refused to admit he was using. He was arrogant and confrontational. He lied to her face, and she saw that same style last night. Chase says he’s so sorry, but she tells him that she’s going to say this as many times as he needs to hear it. He is not responsible. She knows he wants to support his brother, but he can’t enable him. He says he won’t, but he won’t drop him either. He can’t. She says, addiction is tricky. She can’t help Finn, but she can help Chase. Finn’s sponsor left town about a year ago. She doesn’t think he ever got a new one because of how well he was doing, but there is someone he might talk to. He and Alexis are close. They work the program together. He says, that tracks, and she tells him, with all that being said, her biggest concern is her niece. Violet is a strong little girl, but she’s dealt with so much loss, with her mother and her grandfather. And while Finn is battling himself, they have to figure out where she’s going to go. He says he and Brook came up with a plan for Violet to come live with them at the Q mansion this summer for a few weeks, long enough for Finn to have an intervention, hopefully, but he wasn’t having it. She says, maybe he just needs a minute for it to soak in. Tell her their plan, and she’ll try to talk Finn through it. He asks if she thinks Finn will listen to her, and she says, there’s only one way to find out. What she does know is, Violet is going to need all the support she can get.

Finn says he thought Violet said school. He was wondering why she wanted to go to school in her swimsuit. She asks why she’d want to go to school in her swimsuit. And he told her that he wanted to see her somersault in the water. He says he does, but does she think maybe he could have a hug first? She hugs him, and he says he loves her so much. He’s sorry if he’s been a little sad lately. She says, about grandpa? and he says, yeah, about grandpa. How is she? She says she’s sad too, and he says he’s going to get cleaned up and they’re going straight to that pool. They’re going to stop being sad and have so much fun. He promises. They pinky swear, and Violet hugs him again.

McConkey says, there are very few things that matter more than good government, and it’s easy to lose sight of that. With all the noise, and the innuendo, and the competing echo chambers… There are a lot of charlatans and cheats in the House, and it’s important for people of integrity to step forward and do the right thing. Drew thanks him and says he looks forward to shaking things up in the halls of Congress. This district… hell, this country deserves the best he can give. McConkey says, it sounds a little bit like his I’m running speech. Does he have a good speech writer? Drew says, no. Any suggestions? McConkey says, use his own voice, but think also about changing his last name to Quartermaine. He can’t beat that for recognition early in the race. Drew says, as a matter of fact, he… Nina walks in and asks why Drew hasn’t called her back, then sees McConkey. She asks, what brings him to Aurora? and McConkey says, as if she didn’t know.

Ava tells Gio, that’s enough, and thanks him. He definitely has the job. She knows he’ll be the perfect enhancement to their opening. Why don’t they go in the back and talk numbers? He says he’s grateful for any opportunity to perform live, and follows her into the back. Trina gently touches his violin, when Josslyn comes in. She asks if Trina is ready to go. Three new apartment listings just dropped, but they’ve got to be fast or else they’ll lose out… Is she okay? Trina says, yeah. This is Gio’s. He just auditioned for Ava. Josslyn was right about him. Josslyn says, he’s really good, but Trina says, no. He’s more than good. The way he played, it was like a painting. Gio’s an artist.

Kristina tells Alexis that she remembers in the State of New York, the birth mother is legally the baby’s mother until she signs the rights away to the baby. So what she needs to know is, if TJ and Molly split up, would TJ have to share custody with her, since Molly has no legal claims to the baby? Alexis says, she’s so jumping to conclusions here. There are so many factors to consider. Kristina says she knows that, but she needs to know what she’s going to do to protect this child and keep it in their family. She knows there’s a surrogacy contract that TJ might try to invoke, but Alexis said that won’t hold up in court. Alexis wonders if Molly knows Kristina is here asking these questions, and Kristina says, no. Alexis says she’s not entirely unprepared for these questions, because bringing up these questions has been her worst nightmare since the two of them told her about the surrogacy. She cannot and will not take a position on this, because she cannot choose between her daughters. Don’t ask her to.

Trina tells Josslyn that she’s never been that into violin, but the way Gio played, it was like a secret voice, like if somehow the paintings on the wall started singing. She can see how violinists were like rock stars back in the day. And it’s so easy to access – Gio comes back – the greatest music in the world on the internet, but it’s nothing like seeing it live. Josslyn tries to get her attention, and Gio asks if Josslyn is here to look at art. Josslyn says, no. Actually, they’re looking for apartments. She and Trina are getting a place together. She looks at her phone and says, oh no. Assuming the can find a place. Two of the listings just got taken. Trina says, already? and Ava comes back. She says hello to Josslyn and tells Gio that she’ll be in touch. She tells the girls, good luck with that apartment hunt, and returns to the back. Gio says he happens to know about a great apartment and it’s not going to be listed. Trina asks, why not? and he says, it’s over the Quartermaines’ garage.

McConkey says, maybe they should ask Nina about the name thing or Drew could pitch his platform to her… if she hasn’t already heard it. Nina says she’s sorry. What’s going on? The platform? The name? Drew says he’s running for Congress. The congressman wants him to take his seat when he retires. She says, Drew, a politician, and McConkey says he’s truly sorry. He assumed Drew would confide in Nina and that she would know what he was planning on doing. Drew says he just hadn’t gotten to it yet, and McConkey says, how about now? As the minister would say, all those who think Drew should not run for office, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Kristina says she’s not asking Alexis to choose, but she is responsible for this baby. And she has been ever since Molly and TJ chose her to carry this child. Alexis says, their child, and Kristina says she knows it’s their child, and she’s been trying so hard to do the right thing. She’s due to give birth to this baby in August, and she’s freaked out about it enough as it is. She doesn’t want to have to be thinking about this. Honestly, she’s been mentally preparing herself to sign away the rights and give this baby to Molly and TJ. Now she doesn’t even know if they’re going to make it. So she has to understand what her rights are in case she needs to protect this child. Alexis goes to her computer and says she’s sending Kristina the links to relevant statutes. Kristina asks if she just happened to have that open on her browser, and Alexis says she’s had it bookmarked since Kristina told her that she was pregnant. Kristina says, so Alexis does understand her concern, and Alexis says she just sent Kristina the link to the relevant statutes. Use the information as she sees fit. Kristina thanks her, and starts to leave, but Alexis calls her back. She says she wants Kristina to think long and hard about the promises she made to Molly and TJ, and the consequences if she breaks them. Kristina nods and leaves.

Elizabeth knocks on Finn’s door, and Violet answers. Elizabeth hugs her, picking her up, and Finn comes out.

Gio takes Josslyn and Trina to the apartment, which is super cute and about a hundred times nicer than my first apartment. He says, a living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms, only one bathroom. Trina says, it beats the showers in the dorms, and Josslyn says, it’s crazy. She’s been to the Quartermaines a million times and parked right outside the garage. She had no idea this place was here. Gio says, Ned offered it to him. Ned thought he’d like a place of his own, a little extra privacy. But Aunt Lois and Olivia weren’t having it. They want him at the house. Josslyn asks, why? Are they scared he’s going to get into trouble or something? He says, more like they think he might expire if he doesn’t have someone to do his laundry and make sure he eats regular meals. He can’t say for sure the Quartermaines will want to rent this place. They’ll have to talk to them directly, but since Josslyn’s brother Michael is a Quartermaine, he’s guessing they won’t drive too hard of a bargain. His phone rings, and he steps out to take the call. Josslyn says she knows they haven’t seen the bedrooms or the closets, but what does Trina think? They’re close to campus, it’s clean, it’s safe, there’s plenty of parking. She kind of loves it.

Chase knocks at Alexis’s door and asks if this is a bad time. She says, it’s been a day. From his expression, she’s thinking he’s having the same one. He asks if she knows Finn’s been drinking, and she says, he told her… How bad is it? Chase sits down and says, he’s drinking non-stop. He’s being irresponsible and reckless. He tried to confront Finn, but Finn completely shut him out. Elizabeth tried, but his behavior left her no choice but to end the relationship. She says, if Elizabeth jumped ship, it must be pretty bad, and he says, she still cares about him, but she doesn’t want to enable him or expose his behavior to her sons. (I think he meant expose her sons to his behavior.) She didn’t know if Finn ever got a new sponsor when his sponsor left a year ago, and suggested he talk to Alexis. Alexis says, if she was his sponsor, she wouldn’t be able to break a confidence, but she’s not. She hasn’t talked to Finn in a few days, but he did tell her that he slipped at the wedding. Chase says, Finn drank at his wedding before their dad died?

Elizabeth says, looks like someone is going swimming, and Violet says, they’re going to the MetroCourt pool. Elizabeth says, it’s a little late for that. By the time they get there, they’re not going to have whole lot of time to swim. Violet says, they would have gone early, but daddy fell asleep and forgot, and Finn laughs. He asks if Violet wants to run to the lobby and get their mail, and she says, okay. She leaves, and Finn asks if Elizabeth wants to come in. She puts her bag down and he closes the door. She says, Jake and Aiden have been asking about Violet. Even though they’re not together, Violet is still her niece and the boys’ cousin. She’d really love to take Violet to the pool right now, then bring Violet back to her house for dinner. He says he knows a wellness check when he sees one. Did Chase send her here?

Josslyn tells Trina that they can go hiking in the woods. They can even use the pool and the tennis courts on the grounds. She’ll talk to Michael. She’s sure they’ll get a great price on rent, because she knows everybody. Why isn’t Trina saying anything? She hasn’t said more than two words. Does she not like it? Trina says, no. She’s just not sure. Josslyn asks if she’s having second thoughts about moving off campus, but Trina says, no, not at all. Josslyn asks if it’s the idea of moving on, and Trina says, maybe. Josslyn says, if she’s not ready… but Trina says she wants to be, and this place is perfect. Maybe a little too perfect, like it’s too good to be true. Josslyn says, every now and then, that can happen. Isn’t she due for something like that? Gio comes back and asks what they think of the place.

Nina says she thinks it’s actually very inspiring, and Drew is going to be the perfect candidate to succeed the congressman. Despite his past legal problems, but they don’t need to get into that right now. McConkey says, old news, and they’ll deal with that, and Nina says, no doubt. Drew could not have a better mentor in politics. And the congressman couldn’t have chosen a better, more fitting successor. McConkey says, there’s nothing he likes to hear more than his instincts were correct, so they’ll time his retirement with Drew’s announcement that he’s going to run to take his place in the House. They need to work on getting their campaign together, so it will run as smoothly as possible. Drew says he just has to get his staff together first, and McConkey says, better hurry up. His opponent is the worst kind of opportunist. And it’s not a question of Drew saying he wants to win; he has to win. They need people in influential places in his stead, like this lady here. It’s good to have her. Good to see them both. He leaves, and Drew says, what the hell was that? Past legal troubles that they need not get into? She forgot mention that she was the one who pointed the SEC in his direction to begin with. She says, please. She couldn’t have been more supportive with the congressman right now. He says, agreed. So what’s the catch? She says, no catch. As loathsome as she feels he is, his brand of loathsome is perfect for Washington. He says he’s flattered, and she says, and also, she needs a favor. He says, of course (🍷) she does.

Alexis tells Chase, Finn wasn’t drinking per se at the wedding. He inadvertently grabbed a glass that had champagne in it, and she didn’t think that would… and she can tell from Chase’s face that Finn wasn’t very forthcoming about that. He says, it’s the first he’s hearing of it. Finn told him that he had his first drink when he found their dad. She says, he told her that as well. He came over and they talked. He told her that there was a bottle of alcohol in his apartment someone had left as a gift and he drank it after their father died, but he was adamant that he was stopping. Chase says, he’s been drinking the whole time. At their dad’s memorial, he saw Finn taking shots. He’s been going to bars… He came here because he had questions. She says she’ll do her best, and he says, Finn tells him that he’s a drug addict, not an alcoholic, so he can drink normally like everyone else. She says, it’s the story he’s telling in order to justify his behavior. He hasn’t had a drink in years, and he goes to regular AA meetings, so he wouldn’t do that if he weren’t an alcoholic. Chase says he trusted Finn when he said it was just a slip and he had it under control, but all addicts say that. He knows that because he has training for it and he was willfully blinded by it. Alexis says, listen to her because she knows what she’s talking about. This isn’t on Chase. He can’t control this. All he can do is take his cues from what Finn does, not what he says. Chase says, that leads him to his next question. Finn promised that he was going to AA meetings. Has she seen him?

Finn tells Elizabeth that he admits he’s had a couple of bad days, but if she and Chase think him getting drunk after his father’s funeral is a crisis, then he doesn’t know what more there is to say. She tells him to say he’ll stop lying to himself and everyone else. She didn’t want to come back here. Not after what happened last night, which she’s not even sure he fully remembers. Yet here she is. Because she loves him and he’s in trouble. And Violet needs a safe home. He says, Violet has a safe home. Please leave his daughter out of this. She says, Violet doesn’t deserve to be in the middle of his crisis. He’s got to get help before things get really out of control. He says, of all the people in his life, she was the last one he thought would turn their back on him. But clearly, that’s the choice she’s made. (Show of hands. How many people want to smack him right now?) She says, all she’s asking is for him to get real with himself and to give his daughter a break from the way he’s handling his grief. Violet can stay with her and the boys. She can stay with Chase and Brook… He says, she’s not going anywhere. Violet is his daughter. He is her father. And she stays with him. This is the last time he’s going to say that.

On Monday, Portia has something that might put a smile on Elizabeth’s face; Chase tells Cody that he wouldn’t trade it for the world; and Finn tells Alexis that it’s his loss and his to deal with in his own way.

🛟 Al-Anon…

Even non-profits have a business to run, and I worked in Al-Anon’s corporate office for several years. You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it. If a loved one’s drinking is affecting your life, let Al-Anon help you. And in the long run, them. (Sorry the link is so small. Occasionally, the come out like that, but there’s nothing I can do about it.)

👠 Will Quit For You…

I’m still creeped out about how Jenn changed her entire look artificially just to fit in. Bowling For Soup was right – high school never ends.

🌴 Island Of Questionable Love…

I could tell from the opening credits that I did not want to watch this. As usual, when it comes to this genre of reality, I feel embarrassed for the contestants.

🍸 He and Billie Lee…

I love the stunned look on his face.

🤹‍♂️ Andy On Everything…

I’m guessing he’ll skate from all these issues, but is it even worth it anymore?

🐉 Imagining Dragons…

Premiering June 16th.

https://www.etonline.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-everything-we-know-about-the-dance-of-dragons-storyline-193169

And already renewed for Season 3.

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-renewed-season-3-hbo-8662955

⚔️ It’s a New Game…

Hopefully, Iwan Rheon’s character won’t be quite as sadistic as Ramsay Bolton, although it is about ancient Rome. They weren’t exactly known for their compassion.

https://ew.com/anthony-hopkins-iwan-rheon-those-about-to-die-trailer-8662636

💃🏼 We Will Always Have Paris…

The forever friends are back with their not so simple lives.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1402961/youll-be-sliving-for-paris-hiltons-update-on-her-and-nicole-richies-new-show

🥀 Seven In Heaven…

It sounds like he had a wonderful life. See you at the Bridge, buddy.

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-dog-animal-actor-dies-8663330

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-dog-seven-dies-norman-reedus-daryl-dixon/

🏆 Light the Lights…

The Tonys air June 16th. The nominees.

https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/

Speculation.

https://www.theatermania.com/news/what-shows-will-win-the-best-musical-play-and-revival-tonys-in-2024_1742256/

Everything you ever wanted to know.

https://www.tonyawards.com/

🐾 Animal Kingdom Newness…

The new tallest dog.

https://people.com/great-dane-dog-kevin-worlds-tallest-living-dog-8663127

New wild jaguars.

https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/first-wild-jaguars-in-70-years-born-in-argentina-national-park.phtml

More on the new rare white buffalo.

https://people.com/birth-rare-white-buffalo-yellowstone-fulfills-lakota-prophecy-8662986

🧯 The Definition of Irony…

Is it a radio or a fire alarm? Maybe he needs to take his own advice and get his eyes checked.

https://www.etonline.com/henry-winkler-is-evacuated-from-hotel-in-dublin-says-he-thought-fire-alarms-were-a-clock-radio

📻 Quotes of the Week

Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will. – W. Clement Stone

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. – Warren Buffett

The worst walls are never the ones you find in your way. The worst walls are the ones you put there. – Ursula K. Le Guin

You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them. – Shonda Rhimes

I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me. – Dudley Field Malone

A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts. – Joshua Reynolds

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. – Vince Lombardi

Jesus Christ, it’s like a f***ing dog movie in here! – Doug (Will Forte), Strays

Be water, my friend. – Bruce Lee

⛓️‍💥 Going Out Like a Wrecking Ball…

Go forth and conquer the world. Then join me on Monday for soap and dirty deeds on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay embracing the local culture when traveling, and stay supporting, but not enabling, those with addictions.

December 5, 2023 – Brennan Reveals His Intentions, Thanks, Happy Anniversary, Who He Is, Leads Lunch, Still Closed, Stupidity, On the House, About Us, Winging It, Check That Tree & Good

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura and Esme carry some boxes into the living room, and Esme wonders how everything is going to fit in her new place. Laura says, she can always leave some stuff here. That way it will be here when she visits, which she hopes Esme is going to do often. Esme tells Laura that she knows she doesn’t say this enough, but she’s really grateful for everything Laura’s done for her and Ace. Laura says she’s going to miss both of them, and they hug.

Mopping the floor at the PC Grill, Cyrus hears someone come in. He says, we’re closed, and Ava says, then he ought to lock the door. He says, when the restaurant’s closed, that means the bar is no longer serving, so… She laughs (me too) and says she sees his newfound devotion to the Lord hasn’t dulled what’s meant to be his wit, but he says he wasn’t joking, and he is busy. So if she’s not here for the cuisine… She says she came here for a little bit of his wisdom, and he says he’s but a simple man of God, but if he can help her on her way… She says she only has the one question. Austin Gatlin-Holt is dead. Why did Cyrus kill him?

Blaze asks if she overstepped, and Kristina asks if Blaze didn’t notice her kissing back. Blaze says she noticed, and Kristina says she’s glad to know she’s still got it. Blaze says she didn’t mean to ambush Kristina like that. The last thing she wants to do is make Kristina feel uncomfortable. Kristina says she’s not uncomfortable. In fact, she’s just the opposite.

Felicia says she’s glad Anna could make it, and Anna thanks Felicia for having her over. Felicia asks how she’s doing, and Anna says, okay. Robert surprised her for Thanksgiving with Emma. She’s so smart. She’s studying dark matter and subatomic something or other. Anna doesn’t understand any of it. Felicia says, as long as she’s not majoring in the didgeridoo, they can count their blessings, and they laugh. Anna says, Emma’s back at school now. She could really use a friend. Felicia says, she’s come to the right place.

Sam sees Dante holding an evidence bag and asks, what’s that? He says, this is literally the key to help them find out who’s after Anna, and tosses it on the table.

Hume opens the money briefcase and tells Brennan, it’s all here. Brennan says, trust, but verify. Too bad Corinthos didn’t take the money. It would have been so much easier if they could have just paid him off. He shuts the case.

At Pozzulo’s, Curtis thanks Sonny for seeing him, and Sonny says, for him, anytime. He asks if Curtis wants a drink, but Curtis says he has to stay sharp, and Sonny says he understands. What does Curtis want from him? Curtis says, specifically, names. Who would have a reason to take a shot at Sonny at the MetroCourt?  

Felicia says, after everything that’s happened, maybe a visit to Berkeley to see Robin? and Anna says, Robin will want to know everything, and she doesn’t want to… Felicia says, talk to her, and Anna starts to cry. She says she shot a kid, and Felicia hugs her.

Sam asks what it’s literally a key to, and Dante says, a private locker at the train station. The M.E. found a key on this guy named Jameson Forsythe, who was killed in a hit and run that sounds deliberate actually; the vehicle didn’t even slow down. Sam asks what that has to do with Anna, and Dante says, he and Anna were in the WSB together in the 80s. She had evidence against this guy, and recently, it vanished.

Hume asks how long Brennan will be in Port Charles, and Brennan says, as long as it takes to set up operations so that Pikeman can send shipments to Canada and do international distribution. Hume asks if he’s going to handle it in person, and Brennan says, if you want a job done right and all that. He learned that the hard way with Forsythe. He also needs to clean up that mess, since Forsythe failed to handle Anna Devane. Hume says he understands, but won’t an extended absence be a problem for the head of the WSB?

Sonny tells Curtis that there are several people who might want him gone. He’s looked into all of them, and so has the PCPD. Curtis says, nothing? and Sonny says, let’s put it this way, the case is still open. Has Curtis talked to Anna about this? Curtis says, not yet, and Sonny says, because her list of enemies is as long as his, but they’re harder to track down. Curtis says he knew this was going to be difficult from the start. He’s got to know who put him in this wheelchair. Sonny asks if he thinks he can do better than the police, and Curtis says he was a P.I. He’s done undercover work, and he’s not juggling a dozen cases. Sonny says he understands. If he were Curtis, nothing would stop him. Curtis thanks him for understanding and asks, who’s at the top of his list?

Cyrus says, Dr. Gatlin-Holt is dead? When? How? Ava says, two shots, close range, shortly before Thanksgiving, and Cyrus says, well, that is a tragedy, and Ava is a callous woman. She says, at least she’s not the one who killed him. Cyrus did that, didn’t he? Cyrus says, even if he had been responsible for Austin’s death, why would he tell her? and she says, that’s okay. She expected him to deny it. He says, then why ask the question? and she says, just to see if she believed the answer. He says, and does she? but she says, he didn’t answer it. And before we get to what I believe, let’s talk about what I know, shall we? She knows, for example, that he ordered Austin’s cousin Mason to kidnap her, so that Austin would testify about his fragile health and a judge would grant him early release from Pentenville. Now look at him. He’s a free man. And how did he repay Austin for giving him his life back? By taking Austin’s?

Esme says, Laura doesn’t think she’s doing the wrong thing by moving out, does she? and Laura says, if she thought Esme was doing the wrong thing, she would have never co-signed the lease. Esme suggests it might have been a bad decision on Laura’s part, but Laura says she couldn’t be more proud of Esme, that she took a stand to create an independent life for herself and for her son. Esme says, now that it’s all happening, she’s terrified she’s going to blow it all, but Laura says she thinks that’s a good thing, because Esme will be careful. It’s the people who think they know everything who fall on their faces. Esme says she’s terrified of failure, and Laura says, let’s say for a moment it was a mistake. Esme can always move back in because Laura’s home will always be a nice, soft, landing place for her and her son. Esme thanks her and says, that’s incredibly reassuring, and Laura says she’s watched Esme grow into a competent and self-sufficient single mom. So now believe her when she says, Esme’s got this.

Kristina says she had no idea Blaze might be gay, and Blaze says, there’s a reason for that. The way her life is, she can’t be open like that, and she totally understands if that’s offensive to Kristina. She personally has so much respect for people who are out and proud, and she’s more than a little jealous of them, but for her it’s not an option. Kristina says, first of all, she’s not offended. Blaze’s sexuality is just that, it’s hers. How she chooses to express it and when is entirely up to her. So don’t ever feel like she has to defend herself to Kristina. Everyone’s on their own journey. Blaze thanks her for everything. She can’t tell Kristina how much it means to hear her say that.

Curtis says, maybe Austin didn’t tell Ava, but he paid for Austin to go to medical school. He supported Austin during his residency, so forgive him if the news of Austin’s passing is a loss for him. Ava says, he’s positively bereft, and he says, now that he’s answered her question, would she mind returning the favor? She says, has she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior? but he says, did she kill Austin? Because from what she’s told him, she has many reasons to do so. More than he does. She says, he did it and now he’s trying to shift blame, and he asks if she’d like to speak to his manager. She says, to report a murder? but he says, to check his alibi. He’s worked past closing every night since he got this job, so he has an alibi. Does she? She walks out.

Blaze tells Kristina that she’s never been in a long-term relationship. Part of it’s her career. She sees so many artists wreck everything they had, break the heart of someone who didn’t deserve it, or get theirs broken when the person they left behind moved on. For her, it was easier, safer, to put her focus on her career. Kristina asks if Blaze really thinks her fans would have a problem with her sexuality.

Anna tells Felicia that she’s not sleeping at all really. When she does, she has these nightmares of pulling the trigger. And when she wakes up, it’s always the same. She realizes it wasn’t a nightmare; it happened. Felicia says, what happened was a tragedy, but Charlotte survived, and Anna says she doesn’t know what she would have done if… Felicia says she knows Anna. She’s a professional. She doesn’t shoot first and ask questions later. Anna says, but she did, and Felicia asks, why? What made this time different? Anna says she convinced herself that this enemy of hers from back in the WSB was the person who was after her. That he’d been stalking her and harassing her. Burned her house down. And when she got back to Maxie’s apartment that night, she thought he was the one inside waiting for her. She had no way of knowing it was Charlotte… Valentin didn’t tell her.

Brennan tells Hume, that’s the thing about being Director. Only a few people know where you actually are at any given time. Hume says, he can run the WSB as he sees fit, and Brennan says, once he was able to oust Frisco Jones, the rest was easy. Anyone who might have been an obstacle was transferred to a very out of the way station, demoted, or thrown out of the Bureau altogether. He has to fly to London now and then to keep everyone on their toes, but everything else, he can pretty much do it his way. Hume says, speaking of obstacles, who is their priority? Sonny Corinthos or Anna Devane? Brennan says, both.

Laura walks into the PC Grill and says hello to Cyrus. He says, what a surprise, and she says she just saw Ava leaving. He says, her former daughter-in-law stopped by to pay him a visit. Apparently, he’s quite popular this evening. She says, anything she should be concerned about? and he says, with Ava? No. She is a troubled soul though. Always in search of absolution it seems. That’s what comes with a guilty conscience. Believe him; he knows. Anyway, enough about him. What brings her here so late?

Kristina asks Blaze if this was Linc’s idea. Was he afraid being queer would conflict with the whole pop star image he was trying to create for her, and it would then alienate her fanbase? Blaze says, Linc didn’t know, and Kristina says, there goes her theory. Blaze says, not that he cared. He would have gone right on harassing her regardless. She never wanted to expose anything personal about herself. Kristina says, it’s good Blaze never has to deal with Linc again, but if it’s not that she’s worried about what the public would think of her… Blaze says, if she came out now, she’s pretty sure she would turn off some fans, but it’s 2023. She thinks most of them would accept her. Unfortunately, her very Catholic family would absolutely not.

Sam asks what kind of evidence it would turn up, and Dante says, Anna told him that she had a hard copy of a report on a mission, an op that went sideways, that incriminated Forsythe. Sam says, that shouldn’t be a big deal. The WSB probably has hard copies and digital copies. He says, but they wanted to bury that report, and Anna wanted to keep a copy so she wouldn’t be scapegoated into being the reason the op went bad. She had it with her the night she shot Charlotte. She was obviously distracted with Charlotte, and when she went back to get her bag, the report was gone, so were any corroborating documents that went along with it. Then Forsythe’s body turns up, and the M.E. finds a key in his shoe. Sam says, so the report is in the locker, and Dante says, most likely, but he won’t know until he checks. She asks what Anna thinks, but he says, Anna doesn’t know yet.

Felicia says, Charlotte was stalking her? and Anna says, yeah. Victor got in her head, and convinced Charlotte that she was a threat to her father. So Charlotte was trying to drive her away to protect him. Felicia says, and Valentin knew? and Anna says, yes. Valentin knew the night Charlotte broke into her hotel suite and didn’t tell her. Felicia asks, why the hell not? Valentin should have known Anna would want to be supportive and want to get Charlotte help. Anna says, Valentin doesn’t trust her. She doesn’t think he trusts anyone, because he himself is untrustworthy. It’s over. That is it for them. This whole thing with Charlotte shattered any illusions she had about him. Felicia says she’s so sorry, and Anna says, it was a risk going into a relationship with him, but she didn’t have any idea it would end this badly. Felicia says, it wasn’t her fault, and Anna says, that’s very nice of Felicia… She’s the one who pulled the trigger. Felicia says, there were very extenuating circumstances. Who was this person at the WSB who she thought was targeting her?

Sonny says he’s sure Curtis heard about his arrest this summer, and Curtis says, just that it happened, and Sonny’s time in custody was so brief. Why was that? Sonny says, because Cyrus Renault was behind it. Even though he was in prison at the time, Cyrus tried to frame Sonny. Curtis says, if he had the resources to get Sonny arrested, he could have arranged the hit, and Sonny says he doesn’t know. Curtis says, it’s worth looking into. Anyone else? Sonny asks if Curtis has access to the police investigation, and Curtis says he does. Sonny says, then Curtis knows the sniper rifle that was recovered was liberated from a WSB station in Berlin, and Curtis says, so Sonny thinks Anna was the target? Sonny says, not necessarily.

Laura says she stopped by to check in, see how the job’s going. They seem to be working Cyrus long hours. He asks if she really cares, and she says, excuse me? He says he visited her in her home, and she threw him out. He came to see her in her office, and he clearly wasn’t welcome there. Shouldn’t this be a two-way street? He’ll stay clear of her place of business, and she’ll stay clear of his. She says, it’s not really the same thing though, and he says, why not? Because she’s the mayor and he’s an ex-con whose existence embarrasses her? She says, that’s not what she means. She means, she works in a private office, and he works in a public gathering place. He thanks her for that clarification and says, now if she doesn’t mind, he knows it’s not really an important job, but it’s his and he should get back to it. Please. She says she’ll go if he wants her to. She just wanted to say that she thinks he was right when he said they were family, and because they’re family, they should look for middle ground. He says, that’s all he’s been trying to do since the day he found out who she was. Only now for whatever reason, does she deign to recognize him, begrudgingly no less, as her brother. It’s a little late.

Blaze says, Kristina knows how she went down to see her abuela in Puerto Rico when Kristina’s dad was getting married, and Kristina says, vividly. Blaze says, she adores her abuela. Obviously. She’s wonderful, loving, and also deeply old-school religious. So are Blaze’s parents, her brothers and  sisters, her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kristina gets the picture. Kristina says, yeah, she gets it, and Blaze says, she has this one uncle who no one talks about. She can’t say with any certainty whether he’s gay or not. She hasn’t seen him since she was a little girl. Kristina asks if Blaze has tried looking him up on social media, and Blaze says she has, but it was all for nothing. There are a bunch of people with the same name as him, but she can’t be sure if any of them are him. It’s been way too long and none of their family are mutuals. Kristina says, it must be really hard, and Blaze says, impossible. And even if she did meet him, what would she even say? If he is gay and he came out to her family, he lost them because of it, and she’s not brave enough to risk a loss like that. Kristina says, revealing your true self, especially to your loved ones, can be… it is the scariest decision you can make, but it’s also a necessary one.

Sam says, right now, the only people who know about the key are… Dante says, him, the M.E., and now Sam, and she says, the M.E. didn’t put in a report for it? He says, not yet, and she says, and clearly Dante hasn’t gone to check the lock for himself. He says he doesn’t know what his approach is going to be. If somebody is watching Forsythe’s body, he doesn’t want to lead them to the locker. She says, why not just tell Anna? and he says, if she was Anna and she knew about this key and this report, what is she going to do? She says she’s going to the train station and opening the locker, and he says, which sounds like a trap. Forsythe was murdered. Whoever killed him… She says, could also be after Anna. And she’s sure the locker is under surveillance. He says, this whole thing could just be a set-up to draw Anna out, and she says, right. So why not just turn the key over to the PCPD?

Anna tells Felicia, years ago at the beginning of her career with the WSB, she was involved with this op that got blown. The original report exonerated her, which it should have, and placed the blame on the person who planned and executed the op. Felicia says, as it should have? and Anna says, her opinion was yes, and it was the Bureau’s position. At least it was at the time. Felicia says, they changed their minds, and Anna says, they did. This agent in question, Jameson Forsythe, managed to make himself indispensable to the Bureau, so… Felicia says, they buried the report, and Anna says, they did, but she kept a copy of it, just for insurance. Felicia says, just in case they tried to pin it on her, and Anna says, right. But nothing ever came of it, so she kept the report, but just put it away in this trunk that she had full of reports. She was very fastidious about stuff like that. She put in it in storage in England, where it remained for decades. Then a couple of years ago, she brought it out here, thinking she’d go through the trunk, and she never got around to it. (We’ve all been there, even if it’s just a box of stuff.) Felicia says, she has been kind of busy the last couple of years, and Anna says she supposes so. Anyway, when it was clear she was never going to go through the trunk, she put it in storage in Port Charles. Felicia says, when her house burned down, was the trunk still in storage? and Anna says, yeah. So after the fire, she wondered if there was something in there that could help her figure out who’s after her. So Robert helped her bring it to Maxie’s apartment, and as soon as she saw Forsythe’s name, she just knew it. He would kill to keep that report buried.

Hume says he has no preference personally, but why not eliminate Corinthos altogether? and Brennan says, that option’s still on the table, but only as a last resort. Corinthos has controlled Port Charles for decades. Removing him would create a power vacuum. The last thing they need is a bunch of crime families vying for control of Port Charles and its waterways. Next thing they know, state and federal law enforcement will be nosing around. Hume says, exactly the kind of attention Pikeman wants to avoid, to get their merchandise to international buyers, and Brennan says, they’re much better off securing Sonny’s cooperation. Hume says, except that hasn’t really worked so far, and Brennan says, money hasn’t worked. Sometimes it doesn’t. All that means is, they find a different kind of leverage.

Sonny asks if Curtis has ever heard of Pikeman Security Group, and Curtis says, yeah, basically corporate mercenaries and they supply weapons systems. They’ve been in the news once or twice. Sonny says, what hasn’t been in the news is, Pikeman is in bed with the WSB. They have some kind of revolving door arrangement where former WSB agents work for Pikeman. Then Pikeman personnel work for the Bureau. Curtis says, another connection to Anna, but Sonny says, guess what? Pikeman has made overtures to him. Curtis says he takes it Sonny didn’t accept those overtures, and Sonny tells him, let’s just say it didn’t live up to Pikeman’s satisfaction. Curtis says, so Pikeman may have a reason to come gunning for Sonny, and Sonny says, anything is possible.

Dante tells Sam that he thought about turning the key over to the PCPD, but then they’d have access to Anna’s files and records. This guy was WSB, and they’d want to monitor the case. Sam says, they probably are already, and he says, then they’d confiscate the key. She says, and if the report is in the locker, the WSB will grab it and destroy it forever, and he says, right. Which puts Anna in even more danger.

Hume says, Anna Devane. Again, professional curiosity. Why is she so important? Brennan says, that’s classified, and Hume says, understood. Brennan tells him, that said, he can see how this intel might help Hume help him. Back in the 80s, Anna worked a WSB op that went sideways. Forsythe was the field agent in charge and screwed it up big time. And the WSB buried the incident. Hume says, of course (🍷), and Brennan says, but Anna was thinking ahead. She kept a copy of the original mission report naming those responsible, including Forsythe. Hume says, and he imagines if this report got out, it would be embarrassing, and Brennan says, which is why Forsythe was supposed to retrieve the report and eliminate Anna. It’s too bad he failed at both.

Anna tells Felicia, on Halloween night, she took the report and a journal she had supporting it to show Robert. He agreed with the theory, so then when she returned to Maxie’s and saw the door was unlocked, she thought, oh no. There’s someone inside her home again. Felicia says, she thought it was Forsythe, and Anna says, yeah, and if it was him, he was there to kill her. So she just went through that door with her gun leveled and the safety off. She saw a figure in the shadow and yelled, freeze, but they didn’t; they turned. They had what she thought was a weapon in their hand, and she fired, thinking it was him.

Kristina tells Blaze that she didn’t mean to imply it was a requirement to come out to your family. It’s just, when she decided to come out to her parents, who again, are very different from Blaze’s… Blaze thanks her for acknowledging that, and Kristina says she tied herself up in knots over it. With her mother, it wasn’t so much her sexuality that was the problem. The problem was, she was involved with an older woman, which in hindsight, her concerns were valid. And if Blaze tells anyone that, she will deny it. Blaze says, Kristina’s secret is safe with her, and Kristina says, with her dad, he’s totally old school and traditional. She and her dad are incredibly close. Even at times when she didn’t think she and her mom were that close, her dad has always been there for her. And she was afraid, terrified, that if she revealed her true self to him that he would reject her. Blaze says, clearly, he didn’t. Did he come around eventually, or… Kristina says, he accepted her immediately. You might not think a devout Catholic and legitimate coffee importer would be that open-minded, but his love and support for her allowed her to truly explore who she is.

Cyrus tells Laura, all his life, he’s bent over backwards for his family, for his parents who were never satisfied with anything he did. His mother won’t even accept money from him unless it’s funneled through his brother first. Every single cent that’s gone for her care has come from him. As soon as he heard that Spencer was sentenced to Pentenville, he went out of his way to make sure Spencer would be protected. Not that Spencer ever asked for his help, but he’s Laura’s grandson, and that makes him family and that’s what family does. So she and Martin and his mother can continue to treat him like he’s less than dirt, but he knows, and more importantly, God knows what’s in his heart. And that’s more than enough for him.

Blaze says, she and hers aren’t there yet, and she doesn’t know if they ever will be. Kristina says she respects that, but Blaze says she thinks she’s a coward. Kristina asks if she’s met herself. She’s kind of amazing. Blaze says she kind of is, isn’t she? and Kristina says, as far as coming out to her family, if and when that’s what Blaze decides to do, the timing is totally her own. Whatever Blaze needs from her, she’s got it. Blaze thanks her, and Kristina says, of course (🍷). Blaze says, and for the record, Kristina’s pretty amazing herself. Kristina says she is, and they kiss.

Laura says she’s sorry. Cyrus is absolutely right. She had no idea what family means to him, but she does know that she hopes every single doubt she’s had about him is wrong. She thanks him for keeping Spencer safe, and he says, it’s what they do. She says, and as far as the rest of it goes, can they just wait and see? He says he’ll take that as a downpayment on a future apology, and she says she looks forward to giving it to him. He says, all right then. If she doesn’t see him around in the next week or so, don’t worry that he’s fallen back into his old ways. He’s going to be visiting his mother. She says, good for him. Give his mother her best. He says he will. He missed her while he was in prison, even if she didn’t miss him. He goes to the back with his mop and bucket, and Laura leaves.

Kristina walks Blaze to the door, and Blaze says, see you around? Kristina says, you bet, and Blaze leaves. These two have more chemistry than most of the other couples put together, especially now that Anna and Valentin are off the table.

Sam says she doesn’t understand why they would work so hard pinning this on Anna, and Dante says, maybe there’s someone implicated in the report besides Forsythe. She says, maybe that’s why Forsythe is dead. Maybe he knew who that someone was. Dante says, so the only person who knows about the report is the person who was in on the op, and Sam says, and that person was Anna. He says, she’s the only other witness. Whoever wants to bury that report, wants to bury her too.

Felicia asks if Anna thinks he’s still after her, and Anna says she thinks he was. Felicia says, was? and Anna says, when she returned to Maxie’s apartment, after the shooting, someone had been there, and they’d been through the trunk and taken anything pertaining to Forsythe and the op. It was all gone. And shortly after that, Forsythe turned up in Port Charles morgue. He was the victim of a hit and run. He was found on the side of the road, and there was no indication that the vehicle even slowed down. Felicia says, murdered? and Anna says, that’s what it looks like. She bets Forsythe died because of something that was in that report.

Hume says, their team went through Forsythe’s hotel room, his luggage, and his car. They gave Brennan everything they found. Brennan says, the last message from Forsythe, he said he had the report. So he either lied about having it or left it somewhere as insurance, which means that report is still out there somewhere. A ticking bomb.

Curtis asks, what if Sonny was the intended target and they wanted to lead the investigation away from that assumption? If Sonny had been hit by a WSB rifle, the investigators could claim that gun was bought on the black market, and no one would connect it to Pikeman. Sonny says he’s not ruling anything out. He wants to be clear. He doesn’t know for sure if Pikeman tried to kill him, but he doesn’t see a reason why they would try to kill Anna. Curtis says, that they know of. But to find out, he’s going to have to start back at square one and see where this trail leads.

Tomorrow, Maxie says, Cody and Sasha have this special chemistry that everyone can see; Esme says she can’t rely on Spencer anymore; and Jake says he never knows what Charlotte is thinking.

🏆 He’s Welcome…

The only soap fit to print.

Maurice Benard Thanks You for Helping GH Hit a Major Milestone!

💐 Deserving Of Two Bouquets…

One of the most underrated actors in daytime, but he does get double the fun. Ryan might be dead, but I fully expect him to show up again.

💣 New Villain In Town…

I thought I recognized him. He’s been in quite a few TV shows.

🍹 Soap Ladies Who Lunch…

This is such a cool idea. It must be fun.

🥪 Something About Opening Already…

To be fair, the socks are really cute. But the place looks gorgeous, so what the hell?

💉 Don’t Try This Anywhere…

Seriously, is she stupid or crazy? Is keeping up with the Housewives really worth it?

🐉 Imagining Dragons…

The latest on House of the Dragon, Season 2.

https://people.com/bloody-war-is-coming-in-the-house-of-the-dragon-season-2-teaser-8410126

🌁 Latest On The Last…

I could see Bella Ramsey playing The Joker.

More game versus series talk.

⚰️ Improvising the Dead…

Since there’s precious little news at this time.

🦥 Double Check That Thing…

This story is hysterical, but don’t let this happen to you.

https://people.com/woman-discovers-possum-hiding-in-christmas-tree-8410211

🦌 Playing Reindeer Games…

Join me tomorrow for soap and trying to stomach Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting others’ holiday differences, and stay trusting, but verifying.

July 28, 2023 – Sonny Turns the Tables, Reject Dress, The Loud Woman, VanderStatus, Roadblock, Not Barbie, About Those Dead, Kitty Cooper, Funny Pets (!), Quotes of Eight & Rain

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chechnya, Russia. Valentin and Laura walk into a mansion that’s obviously unoccupied. He says, there’s no car in the driveway and no lights on, and she says, it’s deserted. He says, none of the Cassadines have been here in years, when a man runs down the stairs, holding a gun and yelling in Russian.

Dante brings Charlotte to see Lulu in a hospital that looks suspiciously like GH. Charlotte says she wants to see her mom, but she’s worried about her grandmother too. Is it safe for her to be in Russia? Papa knows his way around, but she’s nervous about grandma. Dante says, she’s going to be okay. Charlotte’s dad is with her and Doc is with her; she’s in good hands. Is she ready? Charlotte nods, and they go inside Lulu’s room.

Spencer thinks about calling Trina, and Esme asks if he’s heard from his grandmother. He says, nothing, and Esme says she hasn’t heard anything either. Not that she’s family, but she’s worried. Does he think it’s a bad sign he hasn’t heard from her? He says he doesn’t know, and she asks if he thinks she’s in trouble. He says he doesn’t know, but even if she was, there isn’t a damn thing he can do about it. Just leave it alone.

Kristina lets herself in to Molly’s apartment and says, it’s her favorite sister. Molly says she’s not surprised to see Kristina since she texted, but she’s surprised because that wasn’t very Kristina-like. Kristina says she’s working on being much more sisterlike. How is she doing? Molly says, A for effort. How does Kristina think she’s doing? Kristina says, there’s a definite learning curve, but whenever she’s in doubt, she asks herself, what would her younger, wiser, more beautiful sister do?

In his office, Michael discusses the budget with someone on the phone, when there’s a knock at the door. Carly comes in, and Michael says he’s got to go. Send him the accurate numbers by the end of the day. She says she’s sorry she just barged in. His assistant said she could come. She’s so happy to see him back in the office. He says, it’s not exactly by choice, and she says, he hasn’t left Willow’s side for months, but this must mean she’s continuing to get better. He says he’s very grateful her strength is coming back. When she tells him to stop hovering, he guesses it’s a good thing, but it means he has to give her some space. So he decided to come back to the office. Now that Drew is… She says, in prison. He can say it. She didn’t come here to talk about Drew, but she does have something she needs to talk to him about. He says, what about? and she says, his father.

Sonny does some work in his office, when his phone rings. It’s Nina, and he asks where she is. She says she’s at the MetroCourt. She’s trying to get some work done, but can’t keep her mind off the situation with Willow. He says he thought she told him things were better, but she says, Willow’s not the problem. It’s Michael. Ava walks into Sonny’s office, and says, they need to talk. Sonny tells Nina that he has to go. He has to take care of something. He asks Ava, what’s the problem? and she says, the problem is him. He told her that he was going to take care of that woman. This is how he takes care of it? He sends Avery off with that psychopath? She shows him a picture of Betty and Avery on her phone.

Avery swims in the pool, and Betty tells her, it’s time to go, but she says, just one more. Please. She swims off and Josslyn walks in. Avery calls to her, and Josslyn asks what she’s doing. Avery says she had swim class today and learned this. She floats on her back, and Josslyn says, amazing. Avery is better than she is. She could go to the Olympics with that. Dex stands near the entrance, and Trina sees him. She tells him, if he’s looking for Joss, she’s right over there. He says he’s not. He’s actually working. Avery tells Josslyn that she has a new nanny. Her name is Betty. Betty and Josslyn smile at each other.

Ava says she stopped by Sonny’s apartment to see Avery, and the guard said she’s out with that Mary Poppins from hell. Sonny says, relax. Betty took Avery to the MetroCourt pool for her swimming lessons. Ava says, don’t tell her to relax. The woman is violent. Betty smacked her face. What if she hurts Avery? What if she kidnaps Avery? What was he thinking? He says, Betty is their best bet to lead them to whoever blackmailed Ava, but she says she already told him. It’s that creep Mason. He says, Mason is taking orders from somebody else. They have to find out who it is and Betty’s going to steer them right to his boss.

Josslyn says she didn’t realize Avery had a new nanny. What happened to Pilar? Betty says she has no idea. She interviewed with Ava Jerome, Avery’s mother. Josslyn says she knows Ava, and Betty says, Mr. Corinthos joined them and asked her to start today. Josslyn says, she must have really impressed him, and Betty says, who is Josslyn again? Josslyn tells her that she’s Josslyn Jax, Avery’s older sister, but Betty says she’s confused. Miss Jerome told her that Avery has a half-sister, but she’s younger than Avery. Either Josslyn is big for her age, or she’s not really Avery’s sister.

Michael asks if something is up with Sonny, and Carly says she was hoping he could tell her. Has he heard anything from Dex? Michael says, so far, he’s sticking to the agreement. He’s keeping tabs on Sonny and letting Michael know if there are any big deals in the works. Carly says, so what’s the latest? and Michael says, last night, Dex found a dead body. Carly asks if he knows who it was, and Michael says, apparently, it’s a guy with a connection to Dr. Gatlin-Holt. Carly asks if Austin isn’t seeing Ava. She saw them together at the Nurses Ball. He says he doesn’t know, but Dex called Sonny and told him that he found a dead body near a dumpster, and surprisingly, Sonny told him to call the police. She says, that doesn’t make any sense. Why would Sonny have Dex call the police? I’m not sure why everyone is so shocked. Sonny didn’t know Gordon and has nothing to do with him, so why wouldn’t he be a good citizen?

Kristina says she’s not here for Molly’s sage advice; she’s here to serve her sister. What can she get Kristina? She sees Kristina has water and snacks. She knows – a smoothie. Molly says, Sam beat her to it, and Kristina says, Sam the good sister. She knows one thing she doesn’t think Sam got for Kristina, and takes a stuffed horse out of her bag. Kristina says, Valiant, and takes the horse. This is exactly what she needed.

Esme asks if her concern for Spencer’s grandmother is bothering him. For all they know, she could be locked up in some Russian prison, but clearly he’s not worried, so she’ll keep it to herself from now on. He says he’s sorry he snapped at her. He’s very worried and concerned about his grandmother, but right now, he’s far more worried about Trina. Her father was shot and he could also be paralyzed, and he has no idea how to help her. Esme says, getting upset with her isn’t going to fix anything, but why doesn’t he call Trina and tell her that he’s thinking about her?

The man asks in Russian what Valentin and Laura are doing here, and Valentin answers in Russian, they mean no harm. They’re looking for someone. He tells them, get out, and in Russian, Laura says, we come in peace. The man says he speaks English. They’re trespassing. Now get out. Laura says, they don’t want to hurt anyone. All they want is information. They’re looking for someone. He asks who they’re looking for, and Valentin says, Nikolas Cassadine. The man says, Cassadines are evil, and spits. They’re all gone. What is that American expression? Good riddance. They’re very dangerous people. Stay away from that family. Laura says, he doesn’t understand. Nikolas Cassadine is her son, and they’ve got to find him. The man asks why they’re looking in Chechnya. Has he been kidnapped? Or is he running from authorities? Valentin says, they don’t know. That’s what they’re trying to find out. Laura says, he disappeared from his home in the United States five months ago and they have no idea what happened to him. The man says, if he’s a Cassadine, nothing good.

Charlotte tells Lulu (who we never really see) about winning a ribbon in her equestrian show. Dante says, she was amazing. Rocco’s doing amazing as well. He doesn’t know how, but Rocco’s got straight As. He’s always talking about every girl in his class; he’s got a crush every week. Charlotte says, Lulu is missing so much. She’s starting high school in the fall. She spent so many years at boarding school, but she’s happier staying in Port Charles and being close to her family. But Lulu isn’t there. She has to wake up and come back to them. Dante says he’ll give Charlotte time with her mom, and gets up. He says, they’ll see Lulu soon. They miss her. He leaves, and Charlotte says, Dante’s right. They really, really miss her, but she misses Lulu more.

Ava says, Sonny can follow any lead he wants, just please don’t involve their daughter. He says, does she really think he’d put his daughter at risk? Ava says, that’s what he’s doing right now, but he says, she’s not at risk. He’s going to take care of this like he said he was. She’s going to have to trust him.

Avery gets out of the pool, and Josslyn puts a towel around her. She asks Avery to do her a favor and tell her new nanny who she is, and Avery says, Josslyn’s her big sister. Josslyn says, the branches of their family are very complicated. She’d be happy to draw Betty a diagram. Betty says, that won’t be necessary, but thanks for the offer. They’re both smiling, but I don’t think they’re smiling in their heads. Josslyn says, Betty’s probably right. She’ll be gone before she can memorize any names. Betty tells Avery, time to go, and Josslyn says, nice meeting you. Betty says nothing, and leaves with Avery. Dex watches, then follows. Trina asks Josslyn what that was all about, and Josslyn says she has no idea, but she needs to find out. She has to call Sonny. What the hell is he thinking letting that girl look after Avery? Trina says, don’t call Sonny, and Josslyn asks, why? Trina says she has the feeling something else is going on. When she got here, Josslyn’s boyfriend was over there, but it didn’t look like he was soaking up rays. He was keeping a low profile watching Avery and the nanny. He never took his eyes off them. That’s got to mean something, right? Josslyn says, but what?

Michael tells Carly that he’s not sure how all this fits together, but Dex will get more information soon. He really needs to thank her. Carly says, for what? and he says, she’s the one who encouraged this arrangement with Dex. It’s nice to know they have somebody they can trust in Sonny’s organization. It works out for both of them, since Sonny thinks he has a trustworthy lieutenant, and they don’t get blindsided by his illegal dealings. She says she thinks this is about more than getting information from Dex. She thinks a part of him wants Dex to protect his father. He says he’s not saying he can forgive or even wants to forgive Sonny, but a part of him still cares about Sonny. Carly says she’ll take that as a plan and hugs him.

Kristina kisses the stuffed horse, and says she’s missed him. Where has he been hiding all these years? She thought she lost him. Kristina says, he was in some mislabeled box. She was in mom’s attic looking for pieces to sell at the community fundraiser, and she saw this box labeled law books. She opened it up, and there was Valiant, right there on top of the New York Penal Code. Molly says she’s so grateful Kristina found him. She knows it must sound silly, but this little guy meant so much to her. Kristina says, Molly was the only four-year-old on this planet who would name their stuffed animal Valiant and actually knew what it was. Kristina had stuffed animals named like the rest of them; Fluffy, Stuffy, Coco. Molly says, one time when she was six or seven, she had friends over and showed them Valiant, and they all made fun of his name. Kristina came storming in the room, saying they were all stupid, and if they didn’t stop making fun of Molly, she was going to pour maple syrup in their hair. Kristina says she remembers that. Then they ran out the door so fast. She thinks it’s the last time they came over to their house. She thinks she made life a lot harder for Kristina than it needed to be. Sorry. Kristina says she’s not. She was proud of her big sister then, and she still is.

Laura says, this is about her son, and asks the man if he has any children. He says, da. Two daughters. She says, then he must understand what she’s going through now. Is there anything he can tell her? He says he’s sorry he was harsh with her. He would help her if he could, but he has no idea where this Nikolas Cassadine is. Valentin asks if this is his house, and the man says he bought it for his family. But it was all done through lawyers. He never saw the previous owner. Valentin says, lucky him.

Spencer says he wants to be there for Trina, but it’s complicated, and Esme asks, why? He says, Trina’s mother isn’t a fan of any Cassadine, particularly him, and he does understand why she doesn’t like him. His father has done a lot of damage, but even he pales in comparison to his Uncle Victor. To make matters worse, she’s holding the other side of his family accountable for her husband’s shooting. Esme says, what? and he says he told her it was complicated. Curtis Ashford was shot, and Dr. Robinson thinks the bullet was meant for his Uncle Sonny. She says, so Trina’s mom pretty much hates everyone related to him? and he says, yeah, with the exception of his grandmother and Ace, and one of them is a baby and the other isn’t even in this country.

Josslyn tells Trina that she’s happy Dex is looking out for Avery, but she gets bad vibes from that girl. Trina is absorbed with her phone, and Josslyn asks if she’s there. Trina says she’s sorry. She was hoping there would be a message from Spencer. Josslyn asks why she doesn’t text him, and Trina says she would, but it wouldn’t be right. Josslyn asks what that means, and Trina says her mom is dealing with so much since Curtis was shot, and she never liked Spencer, so she’s trying to keep her distance from him. She doesn’t want to add more stress. Josslyn says, but she misses him, and Trina says, yeah. Josslyn says she understands Trina’s mom needs support, but Trina needs support too. She bets the only reason Spencer isn’t reaching out is because he doesn’t want to put pressure on Trina. But if Trina needs him, let him know. She won’t regret it.

Molly says she appreciates Kristina looking out for her, and Kristina says, it’s usually the other way around. She was always jumping from one thing to the next, getting herself in these difficult situations, and leaving an absolute mess in her wake. But there she was, her Molly, cleaning up her messes. Molly says she just never wanted Kristina to get in trouble, and Kristina asks if Molly remembers doing her homework for her. Molly was like three grades below her and would do her homework. She covered for Kristina when she was in trouble with mom, and comforted her when she cried or was upset. Molly always took care of her. Molly says, not always. She didn’t take care of Kristina when her abusive boyfriend Kiefer Bauer was beating her up.

Betty comes into Pozzulo’s with Avery, who runs to Ava, hugging her. Avery tells Ava that she can float on her back, and Ava says she’s so proud of Avery. Betty says, Avery had a terrific lesson. She could barely get Avery out of the water when it was time to go. Sonny says he wants to hear all about it, but right now he wants Avery to stay with Frank. He and Betty need to have a conversation. Maybe Frank can give Avery some biscotti. Frank says, sounds good, and Sonny, Ava, and Betty go into Sonny’s office. Sonny says he knows it’s Betty’s first day and Avery seems to like her a lot. That’s important to him. Betty says, he has a wonderful daughter, and he says, anybody who can make his daughter that happy, is okay by him. Betty asks if he’d like her to take Avery to his place, but he says, no. She can pick Avery up there tomorrow morning. They’re not going to need her for the rest of the day. He gives her some cash, she thanks him, and she leaves. Avery and Frank are playing cards while they have biscotti, and Betty tells Avery, see you tomorrow. Ava comes out, and Sonny says he has a phone call to make, closing his office door.

The man says, Laura seems like a nice woman, but it’s obvious her son has left her. It must be painful. She says she doesn’t believe her son would just leave her. He has kids and she doesn’t believe he’d abandon them. Maybe he was forced to leave. The man says he’s sorry. He wishes he could help her, but there’s nothing he can do. Please show themselves out. He leaves, and Valentin says, where do they go from here?

Charlotte tells Lulu that the other girls talk about doing things with their mothers; shopping, getting manicures, going away for the weekend. She just smiles and pretends it’s okay. Sam and Grandmother take her out, but it’s just not the same. She never actually told her friends what really happened to Lulu. If she doesn’t tell them where Lulu is, she can believe it isn’t real; that she’s just away for a little while, and she’ll be back soon. So she has to wake up. Charlotte puts her head down on the bed and cries.

Esme says, it’s such a beautiful day. As soon as Ace wakes up, why don’t she and Spencer take him to the park? He says he has a better idea. Why don’t they take him to the MetroCourt pool, and they can dip his feet in the water. He’ll love it. She says, yes, absolutely. She just got him a bathing suit and he has a matching hat. He’ll look adorable. She goes into the other room, and Spencer opens the front door. Trina is there, and he says he’s surprised to see her… in the best way. She says she’s sorry for just showing up without calling, but he says, don’t apologize. Come in. She’s always welcome here. She says she’s glad to hear him say that. These last few days have just been really hard, and she’s missed him. He hugs her, and Esme watches.

Carly goes into Sonny’s office, and Ava asks, what brings her here? Carly says she came to pick up Avery. Avery is coming with her for a sleepover with Donna and Josslyn. Sonny says he appreciates her doing this on short notice, and Ava says, how short? When did Sonny set this up? Carly says, he called her just a few minutes ago. What’s going on here?

Kristina asks why Molly would bring up Kiefer. She hasn’t thought about him in years. Molly says, really? and Kristina says, no. That’s not true. She just doesn’t like to admit how often she does think about that time in her life, but she does. Especially now, working with troubled teens. So many of them are in abusive relationships, and it just brings her back to Kiefer. She tries to help them, but she can’t even help herself. Molly says she should have helped Kristina. She knew something was wrong and she should have said something. She could hear Kristina crying in her room every night, and she knew something was wrong. Every time she asked Kristina, Kristina got upset and said to leave her alone. So she did. She’s so sorry. She should have pushed harder to get Kristina to open up. Kristina takes Molly’s hand, and says, she has nothing to be sorry for. It’s on her. She couldn’t find a way to get herself out of that hole. Sometimes she wonders if that’s when everything started. Molly says, when what started? and Kristina says, her life just derailed when she was with Kiefer. Ever since then, she tries, but she’s never been able to get it back on track.

Michael opens his office door to Nina, who thanks him for seeing her. She knows she’s not his favorite person right now. He asks what he can do for her, and she asks if they can make peace for Willow’s sake.

Sonny says he just thought Avery would like to spend some time with her sisters, and Carly says, whatever. The girls will be thrilled to have Avery. They walk out, and Carly tells Avery, let’s get this sleepover started. Avery heads for the door, and Carly looks at Sonny and Ava. She says, whatever, and follows.

Nina says she and Willow had a wonderful visit the other day, but Michael says he doesn’t quite remember it that way. She says, if he remembers correctly, she was at the hospital checking on Sasha, he stepped outside, and she and Willow made significant progress. He asks, what exactly does that mean? and she says, it means she and Willow communicate better when he’s not in the room. He says he’s pretty busy, so can she get to the point? and she says her point is, at best, he just tolerates her and wishes she wasn’t in Willow’s life, but she’s Willow’s mother. Michael says she’s mentioned that once or twice, and she says she now knows Willow is open to the idea of them having a relationship. And she’s wondering, is he open to that too?

Molly says, Kristina has gotten her life back on track. Look what she’s doing with the youth center. She’s going to make a difference in these kids’ lives. She thought that made Kristina happy. Kristina says, it does, but she doesn’t know if she’s enough for them. These kids are so desperate for help, and she doesn’t know if she has the skills or the tools to adequately help them. Soon her center is going to be up and running, and her name is going to be on that building, but it’s not going to be hers. She thinks she’s been fooling herself this whole time, thinking she can make a difference and help these kids, but she doesn’t know if she can. Molly tells her, don’t say that. She knows Kristina can. Kristina says, stop. Molly is here with an injured leg and she’s doing it again; she’s comforting Kristina. Molly says, because that’s what she does when she loves someone. And before Kristina talks herself out of being useful to these kids, take the time to educate herself. No one knows how to take on a project like that without experience. So take some classes. Study management. Talk to people who’ve done this before. She can do this. Kristina asks why she’s so sure, and Molly says, because she believes in Kristina. She’s just got to believe in herself.

Esme says, Spencer told her about Trina’s dad. She’s so sorry. It must be so scary thinking he could be paralyzed. Trina says, it’s been awful, and Esme says she’s going to check on Ace. He’s about to get up from his nap and she’s going to take him to the park. She leaves, and Spencer says he’s so sorry for what Trina’s going through. How is she holding up? She says she’s so worried for Curtis. She’s trying to stay strong for her mom, but she doesn’t know what to do to make her feel better. He says he does. Stay away from him.

Laura asks if Valentin think the owner would mind if they had a look around the house, and he says, she could ask him, but he doesn’t think they’re going to find any clues around here. She says she guesses he’s probably right, but she did get the feeling he was telling them the truth. He says, they need to regroup; think of somewhere else Nikolas could be hiding. She says, what if he’s not hiding? What if he’s being held against his will? Victor could have turned on him just like he turned on Valentin and Spencer. Valentin says, Victor’s dead. Nikolas could be anywhere. Doc is probably back at the hotel by now. Let’s get the hell out of here.

Dante says it’s tough for Charlotte to see her mom like that, but the doctors say maybe she can hear them, so it’s important they’re here as much as they can be. Charlotte says she knows. She just wants her mom to come home – their home. She went by there the other day and looked in the window. It made her sad. Everything was covered in sheets and so quiet. Not like it used to be. He says, they had some really good memories there, didn’t they? and she says she just doesn’t like seeing it so empty. She bets mom would want someone to live there.

Trina says, the last thing she wants is to stay away from Spencer. She needs him more than ever. He’s the thing that gives her strength to hang on right now. He says he thinks she’s the first person who’s ever said that to him, and she says she doesn’t care what people say. They don’t know him like she does. She needs him. He says he’s always here for her, but he thinks it’s going to add a lot of stress to her mom’s life right now if she knows he’s spending time with her. She says she hates to admit it, but she thinks he might be right. She doesn’t want to stay away from him, but it would probably be best to keep their relationship low key for now. He says, yeah, he gets it. He’s the last person her mom wants to see, so he’ll steer clear of her, and if Trina needs him, he’ll be here whenever. She says, now would be a good time, and they kiss.

In the bedroom, Esme tells Ace, sorry, buddy. She wanted to take him to the pool today, but his big brother has other plans. She guesses that means Trina is more important than they are. It’s just her and him; they’ve only got each other. Unless she takes steps to change that situation.

Michael says he’ll support any decision his wife makes. If she wants to have a relationship with Nina, he has no problem with that. She tells him that his attitude says otherwise, and he asks what she’s trying to say. She says, while he’s polite to her somewhat in front of Willow, it’s clear he wants nothing to do with her and just wants her to go away. Willow knows that, and it’s just a matter of time before Wiley and Amelia feel it as well. She knows she’s made mistakes. She just wants to rectify them and make peace. Kristina barges in and asks if she’s interrupting something, but Michael says, no. Nina was just leaving. Nina says she guesses she was just leaving, and asks Michael to please give her a second chance. That’s all she’s asking. Whether he likes it or not, they’re family and she’s not giving up. She gives Kristina a quick kiss as she goes by, and when she’s gone, Kristina asks why Michael is being such a bastard to Nina.

Dex goes over to Josslyn, who’s lying on a chaise lounge, and she says she wanted to ask him something. Trina said she saw him earlier, and it looked like he was doing surveillance on Avery and her nanny. Does he want to tell her what that’s about? He says, Sonny asked him to keep an eye on Avery and the new nanny, so he was tailing her. Josslyn says, Avery’s her sister, so she kind of has a right to know, and he says he’d tell her if he knew, but Sonny hasn’t shared the details. But he thinks it has something to do with Ava Jerome.

Ava says, please tell her that he’s not bringing Carly into this. Sonny has to promise her that he’s not going to tell Carly what she did to Nikolas. He says, that she killed him? and she says, it was an accident. She didn’t mean to do it. He says he won’t tell Carly about Nikolas unless he has to, and she asks what that means. He says, the good thing is, Betty bought his act. She thinks she’s spying on him, but it’s the other way around. She’s going to lead them to whoever’s behind this. And when he finds them, they’re not going to know what hit them.

On Monday, Sonny asks if Anna is still planning to use herself as bait; Kristina says she thought someone would never ask; Tracy says, Gregory is surprisingly charming; Martin says, it must be his lucky night; and Drew tells someone, get the hell away from him.

👧🏼 New Kid On the Block…

The latest in Georgies.

👗 The Right Choice…

Jen dishes on the wedding of the century and her rejected Reunion dress.

🍊 Don’t Say It…

It really doesn’t sound like all that big a deal, but oh yeah, it’s Shannon.

Was she kicked out or just looking for her Uber? I want to know what the argument was about.

🍸 Good Luck With This…

Who will and won’t film with the undesirable Tom.

🥪 Something About Them…

I thought it was open already, they’ve had so many soft launches.

👶 Comes With Accessory Baby…

This is actually a pretty funny idea.

⚰️ Let’s Talk About Dead…

FWD, coming to your TV in October.

Obviously not a real New Yorker.

I’m hoping it goes on forever.

The name isn’t what you thought it was.

https://ew.com/events/comic-con/rick-and-michonne-walking-dead-title-teaser-explained-ones-who-live/

We are from France.

🐱 He Is Not a Cat…

Although he does kind of look like one.

https://ew.com/tv/anderson-cooper-compared-dog-cat-live-with-kelly-mark/

🐕 Comedic Companions…

These are great! How come I never catch my pets doing this stuff? By the time I get the camera, they get bored and walk away or they’ve moved on to something else. I have a lot of pictures of tails.

https://people.com/finalists-announced-of-the-2023-comedy-pet-photography-awards-see-photos-7561437

🪶 Quotes of the Week

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it. – François de La Rochefoucauld

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little; do something.Sydney Smith

You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past. – Richard Bach (I’m not too sure about that past thing… maybe a different viewpoint of the past.)

Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable. – Theodore Vail

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. – Carl Jung

Everyone must choose one of two pains: The pain of discipline or the pain of regret. – Jim Rohn

I don’t do anything in order to cause trouble. It just so happens that what I do naturally causes trouble. I’m proud to be a troublemaker. – Sinead O’Connor

So let me get this hetero-straight. So you’s a vampire, that can come out in the daytime? … Oh there goes the damn neighborhood. – Lafayette Reynolds (Nelsan Ellis), True Blood

🔮 I Ain’t Got No Crystal Ball…

Come back for more soap and tea on Monday really Tuesday. FYI, Below Deck Down Under is airing a new season on Mondays, but I’m Decked out. Until then, stay safe, stay always being polite to waitstaff, and stay talking to people who’ve done it before when you take on a big project without experience.