Tag Archives: Jill Zarin

April 11, 2024 – Chase Changes the Honeymoon Plans, Blame Game, VanderMoments, Shading Shannon, Dead Talk, Pet (!) Diversity & Normally

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly wakes up in the chair and looks over at John sleeping on the sofa.

Brook says, what if they made a mistake? but Lois says, they didn’t. Brook says, what if the style’s all wrong? but Lois says, it won’t be. Brook says, what if the lace is like a gross shade of ivory? but Lois says, that’s never going to happen. Brook says, what if they ruined Lila’s dress for nothing? and Lois says, Lila’s dress was already ruined. Unsalvageable, said the seamstress, except for the best part, which they’re putting to perfect use. So what is she really afraid of? Brook says, what if she doesn’t like it? and Lois says, if she doesn’t like her wedding dress, they’ll scrap it and find her something she loves. Because there’s nothing more important than her happiness on her wedding day. Capisce? Brook says, capisce, and Sandrine walks in with an assistant carrying a garment bag. She says, ladies, are you ready? The wedding gown of your dreams.

Curtis walks slowing into Drew’s office, and Drew says, look at him. He can’t believe this progress. It’s incredible. Curtis says he firmly believes if you do the work, you can achieve anything, and Drew says he was in Greenland with Curtis, so he’s not going to underestimate him, but walking this soon after surgery is next level. Curtis thanks him, and Drew says, and he can take a compliment. Curtis says, Trina’s been on him about absorbing good energy. It sounds a little woo-woo to him, but he’s trying. Drew says he’s happy for Curtis, and Curtis says, don’t keep him in suspense. Why is he here? Michael walks in and says, what’s going on? Drew says, let the meeting of the minds commence.

Alexis says, Nina did not just say that, and Nina asks if she denies it. Alexis says, that she’s being mean to Nina’s precious gossip slinger? Are they in second grade? Nina says, DeWitt is not just The Invader’s society columnist, and Alexis says, ugh, that title. Nina says, he got a promotion. He is now associate publisher. Alexis says she knows that. Nina reminds her of that all the time. How could she possibly forget that Nina has hired someone so incompetent? Nina asks, says who? and Alexis tells her, says me. And it’s not DeWitt’s fault that he’s going to make an ass of himself. That honor belongs to Nina.

TJ meets Marshall at a park bench, hands him a coffee, and says, good morning. Marshall says, and what a beautiful morning it is, and TJ says he has egg sandwiches too, handing Mashall a bag. Marshall says, that’s very thoughtful of him. Not that he wasn’t thrilled to get TJ’s call, but since he has the morning off, why isn’t he spending it with Molly? TJ says he considered it, but he knew how the conversation would go. Marshall asks, how’s that? TJ says, she’d thank him for wanting them to do something together, then she’d say she has an arraignment in five minutes, but she’ll make it up to him tonight. Then that would turn into her trying too hard and both of them faking it through whatever she thought of, or even worse, she stays late at the office to avoid the situation altogether. Marshall asks who they’re talking about here, because that doesn’t sound anything like TJ and Molly.

At the MetroCourt, Anna thanks Valentin for meeting her and apologizes for it being so last minute. He says, lucky for her, he had no breakfast plans, and they sit down. He says he ordered her tea and pours her some. She thanks him for being thoughtful, and he says, she called, and he came. What’s this about? She wonders if he can help her with a case, and he says he’ll always help her. What’s the case? She says, Pikeman.

Brook says she doesn’t know what she was so afraid of. The dress is perfection. Lois says, the only thing more beautiful than that dress was her in it, and Brook asks if she’s crying again. Lois says, get used to it. Her baby girl is getting married in the most magical wedding gown. Brook says she doesn’t know how Sandrine did it, but she really captured the spirit of Lila’s dress to a T. Lois says, it feels like she channeled Lila, all of her kindness and her warmth and her acceptance and her generosity, because that’s who Lila was. Brook says, Lois is so lucky she got to wear Lila’s gown, and Lois says, Brook gets to be a part of that too. Brook says, in the tiniest way, but Lois says, no. In her own way. That’s what makes it so special. Brook gets to have a piece of Lila while still being who she is. Beautiful, amazing, incredible her. Brook thanks Lois for doing this with her, and Lois says, is she kidding? Is she insane? She would have busted that door down if she hadn’t gotten an invite. Brook says, then she’s glad Lois did, and Lois says she’s so happy for Brook. And she’s happy for Chase. She’s happy for all of them really. Brook says she’s happy for them too, and they hug.

Alexis says, why doesn’t Nina just admit it. Nina hired DeWitt to piss her off. Nina says she actually does think he’s an asset, and Alexis says, and the fact he’s a colossal thorn in her side? Nina says, that’s just a perk, no doubt about it. Alexis asks, why? and Nina says, why does she enjoy steam shooting out of Alexis’s ears? Alexis says, why is she doing this? She doesn’t even work here anymore. Nina says, that’s exactly why she needed a replacement, but Alexis says, Nina didn’t need a replacement. Alexis was doing just fine and would do even better if Nina would stop breathing down her neck. Nina asks if Alexis wants people to read her publication, and Alexis asks, what kind of question is that? Everything was fine before Nina got here. Nina says, but is it better since she brought DeWitt on? Be honest about that. It is, because there’s a measurable rise in website traffic. Alexis says, and she thinks that’s because there’s a gossip column? and Nina says, yes, partially. Alexis has to court their readers. She has to give them something delicious and irresistible, so they stick around for the hard news. What she can’t do is decide what’s good for them and ram it down their throats. You have to woo them. Alexis says, what if she just quits? and Nina says, there’s the door.

Michael says, it’s good to see Curtis back on his feet, and Curtis says, it’s good to be back. He hears Jason was exonerated. Michael says, yeah. They’re all relieved about that. Curtis says, when Jason was suspected of taking shots at Sonny, he thought maybe there was a chance he tried before last summer at the MetroCourt. It’s nice to know Jason didn’t put him in that wheelchair. Drew says, he didn’t stay in that wheelchair very long though, did he? and Curtis says, no. He was lucky. He had experimental surgery and it worked. Drew says, come on. The surgery just gave him a chance to walk again. Curtis is the one who made that a reality. All the rehabs, learning how to walk again… Is Curtis kidding him? He can’t imagine what that was like for Curtis. Curtis has all his respect for making it through that and getting to the other side. Curtis thanks him and says he doubts Drew brought them here to compliment him on walking again. Why are they here?

Carly asks how John is feeling, and he says, sore. She says she bets, and he says, and very tired. She says, really? He didn’t sleep well? He says, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep with her waking him up every couple of hours. She says she’s sorry. Should she have let him monitor his own signs of concussion? He says, is he, by the way, concussed? and she says, no. He’s bruised and bloody, but somehow, his head came out unscathed. He asks if that’s her professional opinion as his almost nurse, and she asks if he’s going to start arguing with her this early in the morning. He says he already knows it won’t do any good.

Sandrine says, Lois might surprise Brook, but Brook says, nothing her mother does surprises her. She’s well-aware of her mother’s flair, shall they say, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Lois comes in, and Sandrine tells Brook, like she said. Wearing a midi dress with a black lace overlay and a short white jacket along with pearls, Lois says, ta-da. Brook says, wow… ma… that’s… Lois says, she hates it?

Alexis tells Nina that she always says that – there’s the door – but they both know Nina needs her. Nina says, agreed. And she’s been agreeing with Alexis the whole time. Her point is, she thinks the paper would benefit if they just had DeWitt’s expertise and experience. Alexis says, no, and Nina says, that’s it. Just no. Alexis says she will not sit by and let The Invader be turned back into a tabloid, and Nina says, then don’t let it. Alexis says she’s trying, but Nina is making it very difficult. A messenger comes to the door and says he just needs a signature from Alexis. Alexis signs the form, and Nina says, you know what it’s going to say on Alexis’s tombstone? Alexis says, death by frustration? and thanks the messenger. He leaves, and Nina says, no. It’s going to say, Alexis Davis, didn’t play well with others. Alexis says, and now they’re back to the schoolyard, and Nina says, because Alexis refuses to grow up. DeWitt stays. End of discussion. She leaves, and Molly walks in. Alexis says she hates that woman, and Molly tells her, take a breath. Alexis says, how? She sucked all the air out of the room. Molly says, professional differences? and Alexis tells her, you could say that. She invites Molly in and says, tell her something wonderful that has nothing to do with this publication. Molly says she would, but she can’t. The Invader is actually why she’s here. Alexis puts her head on the desk.

TJ asks if Marshall has ever looked back at a decision and known he should have gone with his gut, and Marshall says, too many times. TJ says, when Molly pitched the idea of Kristina being both their surrogate and egg donor, his instincts were screaming, this is the wrong move. For a million reasons, but the most glaring being that Kristina’s too close. There’s no finish line. There’s no cutting ties at the end. Why? Because there couldn’t be. She’s Molly’s sister. Marshall says, and since Molly couldn’t go forward without his buy-in, that was TJ’s moment to shut it down. TJ says he should have explained why he was against it, calmly and unequivocally, before anything got too far. Instead, he went with the short-term gain of giving Molly what she wanted. Marshall says, some would call that being supportive, but TJ says he calls that being a coward. She was so wrecked. She was utterly devastated that she couldn’t get pregnant. So when she pitched the idea, he knew that for Molly, the closest thing she could have to carrying her own baby was for her sister to have it for her.

Anna tells Valentin that she and Dante were ambushed on the docks by Roman Hume. He worked for Pikeman. It’s just so strange. All roads seem to lead back to this one, ultra secretive organization that’s run by a ghost. He says, a ghost? and she says, Pikeman’s ties to the WSB are clear, but no one seems to know who’s at the top of the pyramid. So she needs information. She was hoping maybe he could provide it for her. He says, Pikeman? and she says, he was working for them as recently as last summer. He says, as an intermediary, a glorified messenger, and she asks how that job came about. He says he did some contract work for them back in the 90s, and they felt comfortable asking him to introduce them to Sonny, but whether Sonny and Pikeman did any work together after that was none of his concern. She says, okay. Maybe she can pick his brain about something else. Or someone. He asks, who? and she says, Jack Brennan.

Lois asks, what’s wrong with it? and Brook says, absolutely nothing. Lois says, well, something, but Brook says, the dress is lovely. It’s classy and elegant and tasteful… Lois says she feels a but coming, and Brook says, no buts. It’s just not really Lois’s style. Lois says, it’s just and but are exactly the same thing, and Brook asks if Lois thinks that’s her style. Lois says, to go out on a Saturday night? No, but she was under the impression that what you wear to your daughter’s wedding isn’t what you wear to go clubbing. They’re two completely different things. Brook says, it doesn’t have to be this different. What kind of nails would she even do with that? Lois says she was thinking maybe just clear, and Brook says, what? Lois says she’s the mother of the bride. She’s supposed to be understated. Brook says, there’s no supposed to be here. This isn’t a royal wedding. There areno standards she has to live up to. Brook just wants her to wear what she wants to wear. Something that makes her feel like her. Lois says, this definitely doesn’t feel like her, and Brook says she didn’t think so. Back to the drawing board. Lois tells Sandrine, let’s pull some colors, some swatches… Maybe show some skin this time. You know what? Maybe a plunging neckline. Brook says, let’s not get carried away, when Chase walks in. He asks if he missed it, and Brook says, missed what? What is he doing here? Sandrine says, there’s been a special order for the bride-to-be, and Brook asks what they’re up to. Sandrine says she was commissioned to design a dress for Brook’s honeymoon, and Brook asks if Chase really thinks that’s necessary. He says, very, and Sandrine takes out a beautiful black cocktail dress. Brook says, it’s gorgeous, and Chase asks if she likes it. Brook says she’s obsessed with it, but it’s long sleeves. Doesn’t he think she’ll be a little warm in Palm Beach? He says, they’re not going to Palm Beach.

Molly says, The Invader ran a piece on the DA’s office being opposed to the overturning of Heather Webber’s conviction, her multiple convictions of assault and homicide going back nearly twenty years. Alexis says, that would be with the metallosis diagnosis. Yes. She signed off on that. Molly says, then she knows the article cited an unnamed source, and Alexis says, yes. Molly says, mom, and Alexis says, what? Molly says, everybody at the DA’s office assumes that source is her. Alexis says, it isn’t, and Molly says, Alexis knows that, and she knows that, but her colleagues, specifically DA Scorpio, do not know that. Alexis asks what Molly wants her to do about it. The story checked out. Molly says she wants Alexis to help her prove that she’s not the one who broke confidentiality and discussed the case with a reporter, and Alexis asks how exactly Molly wants her to do that. Molly says, tell her who did.

Marshall asks if Molly knows TJ has misgivings about Kristina being the surrogate, and TJ tells him that he wouldn’t say it exactly like that, but yeah. Molly has her worries too. He thinks that’s the problem, because whenever he tells her his concerns… Marshall says, about what, besides the being too close part? and TJ says he just doesn’t think Kristina is taking the best care of herself. (Huh?) She’s out late, she’s not avoiding stress, plus the small fact that she’s out with her dad, who’s getting shot at on the regular. Marshall says, points taken. So when he brings all these things up to Molly… TJ says, she takes the position of defending Kristina, even though he knows they share the same concerns. That’s why they avoid the topic altogether. He just feels like, during this time, he and Molly should be closer together, but he just feels more and more distant from her. Marshall says, and what about Kristina? Has their relationship been affected? TJ says, how can it not be? Any time he shares a worry he has with her, she accuses him of overreacting. It’s as if Kristina is having the baby and she’s going to let them know when it’s here. He sounds ungrateful, doesn’t he? Marshall says, no. He sounds human. TJ tells him, that’s what mom said. Marshall says, smart woman, your mother.

Drew says he’s been doing some research and Floodgate Consultancy Group says, the wellness and fitness space is booming out there. They’re all across the country, but especially in the high-end areas, with both residential and urban people spending so much money not only to look good, but to feel good. Really laying the foundation for health, wellness, and longevity. Michael says he read that report too. 40 is the new 25, and with the right fitness regimen and the right products, you, too, can achieve it. Drew says, so thoughts? and Michael says he thinks it’s a good time for Aurora to diversify. Crimson and print media is still a front burner for them, but it is drying up. They need to find alternative revenue streams. He thinks dipping in to an expanding market makes sense. Curtis says, an expanding market like health and wellness, and Drew says, which is where Curtis comes in.

On the phone, Carly says she just ordered toast and eggs. She doesn’t understand what’s taking so long. John comes in, wearing only a towel, and Carly says she’ll hold. She tells John that she bets the shower felt amazing. He says, it did, and she says, it’s amazing what hot water can do, but he says, not so hot really. Carly tells the kitchen that she’s still holding, and looks at John. He says, the water never got too warm, and she says, he’s got to be kidding her. Back on the phone, she says, she’s here. She’s still here… No. She’s pretty sure there’s no food in her hotel room… What? They left the food outside the door, without knocking…?… Okay. She hangs up and says, they’ve got to be kidding her. No hot water, shoddy room service… This hotel is definitely going downhill. She opens the door just as Nina is walking by, and Nina says, oh. Good morning to you. She looks at John standing behind Carly in the towel.

Valentin tells Anna, what he remembers about Jack Brennan is, his rapid rise to director of the WSB was followed by a spectacular fall. He singlehandedly orchestrated Frisco Jones’ ouster and a year later, he was out himself. She says, he knows Jack is in Pentenville, right? and he says, yeah, thanks to her. She says, in part. She went to visit him the other day. Valentin asks, why? and she says, curiosity? Valentin hasn’t been to see him yet? Valentin says, has he been to see Jack Brennan in Pentenville? No, he has not. Why would he do that? She says, because they were close back in the day, when they were all coming up together at the WSB, but he says, no, not really. Jack Brennan did really well academically and even better with the ladies, but he was in the back of the room, not making eye contact. She says she distinctly remembers them at that pub they used to go to… The Archangel. The two of them were playing dice or something. Whatever it was, they were laughing because they’d aced an assignment that the rest of them just botched. He says, that sounds like Jack, but it doesn’t sound like him. If he was at The Archangel, he was lurking. He wasn’t hanging with the cool kids. Not like her. She was at the center of the circle. Jack was too. He thinks she probably has him mixed up with someone else. She says, he and Jack were just feeding off of each other. They were pushing each other to be better, to be smarter… He says, if anybody was pushing anybody, Anna was pushing Jack. They were the best of the best. Everybody knew that. Valentin was on the fast track to a desk job. He and Jack Brennan have never shared more than ten words together.

Alexis says she cannot and will not reveal the identity of her sources, and Molly tells her that now she’s going to say journalistic integrity. Alexis says, very good, counselor, and Molly says, that’s crazy. Leaked, privileged information is not protected speech. Whoever that source is, not only violated their professional conduct guidelines, they also jeopardized future cases. Alexis says, that sounds like a DA problem, not her problem, and Molly says, it’s a very big problem if the article affected the fairness of a trial. Alexis says, what trial? Heather’s already been convicted on multiple counts, and the DA has already refused to revisit any of those cases. And without a case on the docket, Molly can’t argue that a leak compromised anything. Molly says, she’s impossible, and Alexis says, that’s part of her charm. She holds out her wrists and asks if Molly would like to lock her up until she cracks.

Marshall says, TJ is in a tough and undesirable situation. Life hands those to us sometimes. When one was handed to him, he went for the big fix; he left his family to protect them. But had he stayed, had he gutted it out, it turns out he probably would have had a pretty decent life. TJ says, so Marshall is telling him that he made a huge mistake? but Marshall says, no. He’s saying it’s human nature, or more specifically male nature, to go for the big fix. Sometimes that’s not always the answer. Sometimes you can just let it breathe and settle, and that can be the way to go. TJ says, unfortunately, that ship has sailed, and Marhsall laughs. He says, not for the here and now. Kristina is who she is. And yes, she’s carrying TJ’s baby, and he can’t change that, he can’t erase that. But what he can do is step back and take a look at the whole picture and focus on what really matters. His relationship with Molly.

Carly closes the door and steps out in the hall, telling Nina, stalk much? Nina says, just doing her regular rounds. Carly remembers. Carly says, vividly. Although this hotel is definitely not what it used to be. Nina says, better? but Carly says, not quite. Nina says she didn’t think Carly could surprise her anymore, but she’s done it. An FBI agent? What’s Sonny going to think? Or Jason, for that matter? And poor Drew, forever the runner-up in the twin department. Carly asks if she’s finished, but Nina says she could keep at it all day. Carly looks at the food under the cloche and says she’s happy that Nina’s here. Nina says, no one could be happier than her, and Carly says she’d like to file a complaint about room service. Nina asks if Carly even has time to eat, because she seems quite busy, and Carly asks why Nina doesn’t spend less time worrying about her private life and more time managing her hotel. Nina tells Carly to enjoy the rest of her stay, and leaves. Carly pushes the cart into the room, mumbling about Nina, and John comes out fully dressed. He says, friend of hers? and Carly gives a short laugh.

Curtis says he’s listening, and Drew says, as he mentioned, the wellness/fitness space is booming. Aurora wants to move into that business, but they need someone to spearhead the initiative. Curtis says, meaning? and Michael says, someone with practical experience and knowledge of the fitness industry, a strong leader with customer service experience, and multi-level management skills. Drew says, which are skills Curtis has. The Savoy is a huge success. Curtis asks how they see Aurora moving into the business, and Michael asks what Curtis would do. Curtis says, the most practical thing might be for Aurora to buy up some of the small gyms around the country, rebrand them, and combine them into a national high-end fitness club. People are spending a lot of money in wellness. Meditation rooms, plunge baths, yoga, Pilates, physical training… A mind body connection and combined with a training-slash-fitness facility, this is a one-stop shop. It might require significant capital. Drew says, which they have… Nina walks in, saying, Drew won’t believe this. She just saw Carly… She stops when she sees the other two.

John says he gets the sense Carly and Nina don’t get along, and she says, he must be an FBI agent. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she doesn’t let Nina get to her… She tries not to let Nina get to her. He says he knows a little bit about their history, and she says, lucky him. He says he takes it there isn’t enough water under the bridge yet, and she says, there’s not enough water in the world. Sorry about the eggs. He says, it’s not her fault. Besides, coffee is the only necessary component. (Agreed.) She says, when she owned the MetroCourt, this would have never flown. If a customer complained about their food, they would redo it at no charge. She refills his coffee, and he says, she’s big on customer service. She says, it’s literally what the hospitality industry is all about, and he says, she must have had her fair share of jerks blow through here though. She says, yeah, sure, but for the most part, people were great. And she loved it. She loved making people feel happy and comfortable and special. He asks if she doesn’t get to scratch that itch running Bobbie’s, and she says, to an extent. She loves Bobbie’s – she really does – but it’s a restaurant. Full stop. In this place she got a taste of all of it, really curating a space. From the carpets to the linen to the lighting. Even the music. Putting all of those things together to create the ultimate experience. She loved it. He says, sounds like a symphony, and she says, it kind of was. He says, and she was good at it, and she says, she was great at it. He asks if she thinks she’ll ever do it again, but she says she doesn’t know. She tells people that she will, that she’s going to get her half of the MetroCourt back, but she thinks that’s just a pipe dream, The MetroCourt belongs to someone else, two someone elses. She’s just going to have to accept that.

Chase says he’s been working on a surprise for Brook, and she says, but he’s terrible at keeping secrets. Chase says, it’s true. Her mom has been helping him keep this under wraps. Lois says, guilty as charged, and Brook says, so no more Palm Beach? Chase shakes his head, and she says, please tell her that he’s not working. It’s their honeymoon. He says, they’re still going away, but there has been a change in destination. He leads her over to the loveseat, and she says, okay. As long as it’s not a downgrade, she’s in. Everyone else quietly leaves the room, and she says, so what are they talking? Miami? Charleston? Palm Springs? She’s never been to the desert. He says, think a little further away than that, and she says, like out of the US away? He nods, and she asks what he did. He says he’s marrying the woman of his dreams. No, scratch that. He never dreamed of her because he didn’t know someone this wonderful could exist, and he wants their honeymoon to be a reflection of that. He wants her to remember this trip for the rest of her life. Because she deserves it. She deserves everything. She says, he’s the sweetest man on the planet. So where on this planet is he taking her? He says, Florence, and she says, he’s kidding. He says he’s not kidding, and she says, Florence, Italy? He says, her mom told him that she wanted to go, and she says, only for her entire life. Oh my God, Florence? She jumps up and says, not only does she get to go, she gets to go with him? He asks if she’s happy, and she says, happy doesn’t even begin to cover it, and kisses him.

Molly says, so she guesses Alexis wins – again, and Alexis says, freedom of the press wins – always. Except she has no idea why she’s fighting so hard for it when it comes to this paper. Molly says, because she cares about her job and the integrity of her paper, and Alexis says, integrity the new associate publisher will undoubtedly destroy. Molly starts to leave and picks up the envelope the messenger delivered. She asks, what’s this? and Alexis says, a messenger dropped it off when she was fighting with Nina. Molly asks if she’s looked at it, but Alexis says she was too consumed with rage to care. What is it? Molly says, it’s from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and Alexis says, they’re handling her appeal. Molly says, it’s probably her decision, whether they’ll review her case, or she’ll stay disbarred. Open it. She holds it out to Alexis, who backs up, saying, no. She can’t. She tells Molly to do it, and Molly asks if she’s sure. Alexis nods, and Molly opens the envelope.

As Molly reads what’s inside, she looks sad, and Alexis says, it’s okay. It was a longshot anyway. So the appeal was denied… Molly says, they’re giving her a hearing. They set a date and everything. Alexis grabs it from her and looks at it. She says, they’re giving her a hearing, and Molly says, not just that. They’re giving her hope. This is hope. They hug and jump up and down.

Marshall says, TJ needs to find reasons for him and Molly to come together that aren’t about the baby. It’s those moments of now, those moments where it’s just the two of them. Those moments are precious too. Now, as much as he enjoyed that egg sandwich and this beautiful park… TJ says, and the incredible company of his grandson, and Marshall says, that too. Get his behind over to the store and buy all the ingredients for Molly’s favorite dinner. Just make sure it’s reheatable in case she does have to work late. Wouldn’t it be nice for Molly to come home and see her favorite meal on the table waiting on her? TJ says, Molly would love that, and Marshall says, don’t spend the next three months wringing his hands over what Kristina is or isn’t doing. Spend the next three months with his partner, being just that – partners – before they become parents. Molly is a very special woman. TJ agrees she is and thanks Marshall. They bro hug.

Chase says, mimosa for the bride-to-be, handing Brook a drink, and she thanks him. They say, cheers, and clink glasses. Brook says she can’t believe it’s true, and he says, believe it. She says, Florence… the Uffizi, the Duomo, David… He says, whoa. Who’s this David guy? She says, and they have to take a day trip to Pisa and an overnight to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. He says, she’s thought a lot about this, and she says, this is like a bucket list thing for her. And she can’t wait to look up all the best restaurants and they’re going to have gelato every, single day, no exceptions. Okay? He says, yes, ma’am, and she says, they’re going to drink wine at sunset in every piazza they can find. It’s going to be so incredible. He says, she’s so incredible, and they kiss. She says, they have so much planning to do. Wait. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, a honeymoon to Florence is a lot more expensive than one stateside. The airfare alone. He says, that’s okay. He has the money for it. She asks, how? and he says he sold his truck.

Anna says, Valentin and Jack weren’t friends, but they certainly knew each other, right? He says, of course (🍷) they did, and she says, when he was working with Pikeman, in his dealings with them, did he ever get the sense Jack was involved? He says, she believes Jack Brennan was working with Pikeman? and she says she does. She can’t get him to admit it, but when Valentin was an intermediary, did anything jump out at him? He says he wishes he had something useful to offer her, but sadly, he doesn’t. She says, okay. It was worth a try. Maybe when she goes back to see him again. He says, don’t. Pikeman and Brennan are dangerous. If they’re working together, then they’re not to be messed with. She thanks him for his concern, but says she can take care of herself. He says, please do, and she thanks him for breakfast and leaves.

John opens the door for Carly and says, thanks again. She says she doesn’t think he thanked her the first time, and he says, then thank you. Not just for saving his hide on the docks, but for getting him back here and keeping an eye on him all night. She says he’s welcome, and he says, and he guesses they get to be friends, even if it’s just for a minute. She says, just for a minute? Are FBI agents not allowed to have friends? Oh. Worried he’s going to divulge classified information? He says, something like that, and she says, makes sense. But how does he know he doesn’t talk in his sleep? She leaves and he watches her walk down the hall.

Drew tells Nina, they’re at a meeting, so try back later, but Michael asks what she was going to say about his mom. And what did Nina do now? Nina says she didn’t do anything. She just thought Drew would want to know Carly moved on quickly from him and is now sleeping with everyone’s favorite FBI agent, John Cates.

Tomorrow, Tracy tells Brook, disrespecting your husband is no way to start a marriage; Maxie asks why Lucy is insisting on taking this all on herself; Alexis tells Gregory that it’s a risk she can afford; and Carly says she did something that someone isn’t going to like.

🛟 Here It Comes…

Now it’s somebody else’s fault she was a pita. Maybe she confused Fraser by answering every time the primary was asked a question.

🍸 Between Rules and Reunion…

I can’t believe anybody actually monitors who follows who. Aren’t they busy not opening restaurants and stuff?

It’s not about the pasta mirror.

🍊 Shady John…

Andy leaps with glee as he twirls his moustache.

⚰️ About Those Dead…

Like the franchise is ever going away.

Ha-ha! I thought it said giant zombie heads. Now that would be a variant.

https://screenrant.com/walking-dead-new-villain-zombies-season-1-return

Carol’s turn coming up.

https://www.cbr.com/daryl-dixon-book-of-carol-release-date-cast-news

🐕 From Around the Globe and Back…

Bollywood babies.

Backup pups.

https://people.com/meghan-trainor-stars-in-music-video-with-dogs-8629755

☔️ April Showers Bring More April Showers…

Stop by tomorrow for pre-weekend soap, the Summer smack talk promised, and shenanigans. Until then, stay safe, stay thinking twice before engaging in online debates, and stay doing the work. If you do, you can achieve anything.

April 4, 2024 – Doc Sees a Striking Change In Heather, Bette’s FOMO, She’s the Worst, This Week’s Top, Two Awful Houses, For the Win & Pieces

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Tracy comes into an exam room, and Terry says, it’s her birthday. Tracy says, it is. A fact that only the two of them noticed. Terry says, well, happy birthday, and Tracy thanks her. Terry asks if she has any big plans, and Tracy says, just her, her couch, and the remote. Terry says, sounds blissful, to be honest. In other good news, she sees no cause for concern in Tracy’s bloodwork. Tracy asks if she’s surprised, and Terry says, no, but Tracy looks a little pale, enough so that she wondered if anemia was in play, but her hemoglobin looks good. Tracy says, if she’s pale, it’s because they’ve just slogged through winter, and like everybody else, she hasn’t been outside much. Terry says, fair enough, and Tracy says, if she has any complaints at all, it’s cold hands and feet, but she assumes it’s because of her age. (Is that why there are so many migrations to Florida after retirement?) And she has been a little lethargic lately. Is that an indication something is going on? Is she sick? Terry tells Tracy that she’s not qualified to say, but Tracy says, she’s Co-Chief of Staff. Who’s more qualified than her? Terry says, a psychiatrist? and Tracy laughs. Terry says she can refer Tracy to Dr. Collins if she likes, and Tracy asks, what possible diagnosis could be going on in here? Terry says, depression?

Cody’s phone rings at the stable, and Sasha tells Olivia that he stepped outside for a second. Should she go get him? Olivia says, no. She just wanted to give him the good news. Dante is being discharged. Sasha says, that’s fantastic, and Olivia says she’s pretty sure Cody would want to be filled in. Sasha says, absolutely. He’ll be thrilled to know Dante is coming home. Olivia says, while she has Sasha on the phone, is she at the house? Sasha says she’s at the stables. Why? Olivia says she was making mashed potatoes and chicken parm for Tracy’s birthday, but now with Dante and the kids coming home, Sam’s not going to have time to cook. She was thinking maybe she’d bring dinner for them instead and grab a cake to celebrate with Tracy. Sasha says, good idea, and Olivia says she could use Sasha’s help. She chopped up the veggies and peeled the potatoes, but the chicken still hasn’t been made. Does Sasha think she could get it started if Olivia talks her through it? Sasha says she could try.

Portia takes Heather’s vitals and asks, what happened to her restraints? Heather says she thinks maybe she lost some weight after the surgery or something. Her hands just slipped out.

Josslyn introduces Felicia to Bobbie’s new manager, Hunter Cruise, and Felicia says, this place is a favorite of hers, so expect to be seeing her a lot. Hunter says, looking forward to it, and Josslyn says, Felicia is one of their regulars. Felicia says she used to work here when she was Josslyn’s age, and Josslyn says, they get a lot of customers from the hospital because it’s a short walk. Curtis comes in with Trina, who tells him to remember he has back-up, and he says, slow and steady. Josslyn starts applauding and everyone else follows suit.

Kristina comes out of the hospital elevator and Blaze is there. Blaze asks, how’s her brother? and Kristina says, he’s good. Actually, he gets to come home today. Blaze says, that’s fantastic. She must be so relieved. Kristina says she is. Every day he’s awake and moving around, she feels a little bit better. Blaze says she bets. She was wondering if Kristina might have a minute. Kristina says, okay, and Blaze says she didn’t mean for Kristina to find out about the whole Deception/Crimson thing like that. She hopes Kristina didn’t think she was keeping it from her. Kristina says she really didn’t know what to think. She still doesn’t.

Cody puts Comet in his stall, when Sasha comes in. He says, Comet must have spring fever. He gave them both a workout. Where did she disappear to? She says she was up at the house. He left his phone on the table, and she answered a call from Olivia. He asks what she said, and Sasha tells him, Dante’s being released from the hospital today. He whoops and hugs her, lifting her in the air.

Tracy says she’s not depressed and doesn’t need a shrink, and Terry tells her, if you say so. Tracy says she leads a full life. She’s the head of a company. If she’s being honest, she’s the majority shareholder in a company that she wants to give to her granddaughter someday, but it keeps her very busy. Terry says she’s sure it does, and Tracy says, if she’s a little down or at loose ends sometimes, it’s because she lost her husband a little over two years ago and it’s grief, and it takes as long as it takes. Terry says, absolutely. There’s no buzzer that will ring and say, that’s it, you’re done. Tracy says, if there was, she’d ignore it. She’s doing this her way, and she doesn’t care what anybody else thinks. Terry says she knows Tracy’s family well enough to know her husband hasn’t been her only loss. Both her parents, her brother Alan – a legend here at GH – a nephew and a niece. Tracy says, that’s not unusual at her stage of life, but Terry says, that doesn’t make it easy. Her general health is good. All the numbers are in range. Maybe she needs to get out more, be a little more active. Tennis club, a women’s golf league… Tracy says, oh no. There will be no popping of my collar, thank you very much. Terry says, then something else, anything, to keep her body moving and get her interacting with people of similar interests. Tracy says she’ll keep it in mind. How’s that? Terry says she’ll take it, and leaves.

Portia tells the guard outside Heather’s room that she needs him inside, and he asks if there’s a problem. She says, the patient’s restraints are loose, and she needs to be supervised at all times. She calls Nurse Erin to come in and help tighten the patient’s restraints, and Erin does. Heather says, there you go – she shows Portia the restraints are on – and she’s not going to say thank you. Though these are more comfortable than handcuffs. (They also seem to be Velcro, so…)

Felicia says, it’s so good to see Curtis. Not only up and about, but on his feet. That must be a record. Trina says, he’s been working at it non-stop, and Felicia says, it shows. Curtis thanks her so much. He didn’t think going out for a bite to eat would call for a hero’s welcome. Trina says, a lot of people were worried about him. They’re allowed to be happy about his recovery. He says, on the road to recovery, and Felicia says, in the fast lane it looks like. Curtis says he’ll accept he applause and the encouragement, and Trina says, thank you. Felicia says she’s got to get back to the hospital, and tells Curtis, keep up the good, and what she’s sure is very hard, work. He thanks her, and Felicia leaves. He says, not exactly lowkey, and Trina says, there’s nothing lowkey about this. He didn’t just beat the odds; he defied them. She’s so proud of him.

Cody says, sorry about the sweat, and Sasha says, no problem. He says, Dante is coming home. That guy. They all thought he wasn’t going to make it, and he probably set a record for getting released from the hospital the fastest. She says, he’s pretty amazing, and Cody asks if Olivia said anything else. Sasha says, she did actually. She wanted to bring some food over to Dante’s because Sam won’t have time to cook. Olivia asked her to get her chicken parm started, but unfortunately, the chicken is spoiled. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, trust her. It won’t be much of a welcome home if Dante, Sam, and the kids all get food poisoning. (Been there, done that, did not like the T-shirt.) She’s going to go back to the house and look in the fridge. She’s sure she can figure something out. He says, she’s a good friend, and she says, it’s the least she can do since Dante helped him rescue her from Ferncliff. He says, she has every right to appreciate it, but he was actually talking about himself. Dante’s his best friend. She’s doing this for Dante, and he appreciates it. He appreciates her. She says she appreciates him too.

Terry goes into her office and says, sorry to keep them waiting. Alexis says, don’t apologize, and Laura says, they know how busy she is. Terry says, unlike Laura, who gets to relax all day, every day, and Laura says, relax? What’s that? Terry says, Portia is doing rounds, so she’s all Laura is going to get. Laura says, which is fine, since she only needs one Chief of Staff to sign off. She hands Terry a manila envelope and Terry takes out some paperwork. She asks what she’s looking at here, and Laura says, it’s a contract that would put city employees on GH’s health plan. Terry says, that’s great, and Laura says she thinks so. Alexis says, what their illustrious mayor is leaving out is that this was a culmination of her efforts. Terry asks how she pulled this off, and Laura says, there was a little bit of arm twisting involved, but she happens to believe city employees deserve access to the best possible health care. After all, they’re the ones who keep the city running, so they deserve it. Terry says, not every politician would make that a priority.

Doc goes in to see Heather, and she says, you again. He says he can come back if she’s not up to talking, but she says, it’s all right. She’s just not really sure where all these conversations are leading, except back to a prison cell. He says, all right. Does she know where she is? She says, he needs new material. She’s in the hospital. He says he means specifically, and she says, General Hospital, in good old Port Charles, New York. He asks if she knows what day it is, and she says she wishes. This place is like a casino. No clocks, the lights are on all the time… It’s like she’s a slot machine and he’s a five-card stud. See what she did there? He says, very clever, and she says she knows everybody thinks she’s dumb, but it’s not true. All the horrible things she did weren’t because of stupidity. It was more like… She doesn’t really know how to describe it. He says, try, and she says, it was like her blood was on fire, and the only way to put out that fire was to do something crazy. He says, or highly illegal, and she says, that too. She’s glad her hip’s better. He says, she must be in much less pain, and she says, it’s not just that. Now when they throw her back in the slammer, at least she’ll be able to pace the yard. It’s the small things, doc.

Josslyn says, PCU keeps bugging her about finding a new roommate, but she’s holding out hope, and Trina says she still doesn’t know what she’s going to do about the fall. The Sorbonne is holding a spot for her, but she can’t even think about going back to Paris. She’s not sure if she wants to go back to PCU either. Curtis says, luckily, she still has time to decide, and Josslyn says she can hold out on housing for as long as necessary. Trina thanks her, and Josslyn says, of course (🍷). Anything for her. Curtis says, that’s a real friend, when Dex walks in and sits at a table.

Curtis takes off his shirt (the new Nathan) and tells Comet, let’s get dry. He begins wiping Comet down, when Tracy comes in. She clears her throat, and he says, Matriarch Quartermaine. She says, hard note of that taken, and he says, okey-dokey. What should he call her now? She says she told him, Tracy. Can she have a word? He says, sure, and she says, clothed? He says, sorry about that, and puts on another shirt. He asks how he can help her, and she says she was speaking with someone earlier today and was reminded that she really enjoyed riding. So now that spring has sprung… He says, she really wants to get back up on that horse, and she says she hasn’t actually ridden any of the horses they have now, so she wants one with a sweet temper and an easy gait. He says, don’t we all? and she says, why doesn’t he make himself useful and help her make a selection. He says, follow him, and they go in the back to the stalls.

Trina asks if Josslyn is going to go talk to Dex, but Josslyn says, no, and she doesn’t intend to wait on him either. Curtis says he’s been out of the PI game for a minute and he’s guessing she and Dex aren’t together anymore. Trina says, very astute, and he asks what Josslyn thinks her grandmother would say. Josslyn says, about her relationship status? and Curtis says, Kelly’s, now Bobbie’s, has always been a place where everyone felt welcome. Does she think Bobbie would want a customer ignored? Josslyn says, that’s not fair, but Trina says, he’s not wrong. Curtis says, it is the hospitality business, right? and Josslyn says she’ll ask Hunter to wait on him. She’s the new manager.

Blaze and Kristina sit on a bench and Blaze says she’s sorry the first Kristina heard of her deal with Deception was in an office with Maxie and Nina. Kristina says, it caught her off-guard. She assumed if Blaze had something that big coming up, she would have told her. Blaze says she would have. She should have. But the first time she was approached by the Deception team, nothing came of it. So she didn’t say anything because she thought nothing was going to happen this time either. Then all of a sudden, it was done before she even had time to wrap her head around it. She swears she wasn’t keeping it a secret from Kristina. Kristina says she gets it. The whole thing just blindsided her, but this is very cool for Blaze. She thinks it’s great. It’s really going to broaden Blaze’s demographic. Blaze says she just hopes raising her profile will help her music career, and Kristina says, why wouldn’t it? Blaze says she doesn’t know. It’s a bumpy ride getting there, but the music world, she understands. The fashion and beauty world is a big unknown. Kristina says, fortunately, Blaze has Maxie. There is no one better than her. She’s savvy and she’s chic. She’s also so human. Blaze says, Maxie’s great. What she’s not so sure of is herself. She’s not sure she’ll fit in with what people consider hot or pretty or trendy. Kristina says, she’s beautiful, she’s hot, and she’s trendy. But who cares? That could change in the morning. Blaze says she guesses she’ll find out. But for now, her mom thinks it’s smart to keep her private life private. Is that going to be a problem for them?

Terry signs the document and says, it’s official. She tells Laura, congratulations, and thanks her. Laura says, it’s her pleasure, and Alexis says, since she’s covering this for The Invader, does Terry have any comments? Terry says, public relations isn’t really her strong suit. Can Alexis make something up? Alexis says, funny Terry should ask, because she’s already drafted something up. She takes a paper out of her bag, and says, concise and to the point, handing it to Terry. Terry looks it over, and says, on second thought, maybe she should have their public relations office come up with something.

Doc tells Heather, let’s pretend the restraints don’t exist, and she says, you mean these guys? holding up her hands. He says, and the doctors and the warden have told her that she’s free to go wherever she wants, do whatever she wants. What would that look like? She says she thinks about that all the time, but it’s not what he’d expect. He says, try him, and she says, okay. The first thing she’d do is put flowers on her daughter’s grave. Then she’d remember her daughter’s not in it. So she’d go and take those same flowers to the woman whose husband she killed, the one who’s really beautiful. He says, Sasha Corbin, and she says, yeah. And she’d give them to her instead. And then, if his brother had a will and left her something in it, which – spoiler alert – he didn’t… Doc says, let’s say he did, and she says, then she’d buy a tiny, little house with a yard where her grandson could play. She’d even get one of those playgrounds, the simple kind with the swing and slide and monkey bars. She cries and says, but what good is it to torture herself with things that are impossible? She sinks back down into the bed and says she’s sorry, but he says, no. That’s enough for today. He’ll be back.

Josslyn says, what do you want? and Dex asks if that’s how she talks to all the customers, or is he just lucky? She says, what would you like today, sir? and he says, a lot of things he knows he can’t have, so he’ll settle for a coffee and a grilled cheese, please. She says, coming right up.

Doc tells Portia that he was just in with Heather Webber, and she says, her apologies for that. He says he sees a change in her since her surgery. The difference is, to be honest, quite striking. She says, a difference in Heather? Maybe he should try telling someone who didn’t just almost lose their daughter to that madwoman.

Tracy says, so she plans on riding a few times a week, and Cody says, she won’t regret it. She says, her thighs might, but he says, she’ll be in riding shape in no time. She says, that’s it? He’s not going to try and discourage her? Tell her that she’s too old or fragile; she might break a hip? He says he’s been around long enough to know Tracy Quartermaine’s a lot of things, but fragile ain’t one of them. She says she’s glad he’s paying attention, when Sasha comes back. She says she’s not used to seeing Tracy at the stables, and Cody says, she’d better get used to it. Tracy says, Sasha has to listen to the man. She plans on getting back in the saddle. Pun intended. Sasha says, good for her, and Tracy asks if this is where she’s been spending her time. Sasha says she likes horses, so she asked Cody to put her to work, and Tracy says she’d rather be here too. She’s sorry things didn’t work out between Sasha and Deception. Sasha thanks her and says she really appreciates Tracy going to bat for her. She hopes she didn’t seem ungrateful. She just realized that she didn’t want to spend her days getting her picture taken. Tracy says, that’s definitely Sasha’s prerogative and she gives Sasha credit for making that decision and not going along with what everybody else wants. She tells Cody, see him soon, and he says, adios. Tracy leaves, and he says, that Tracy, all bark, no bite. Sasha gives him a look, and he says, plenty of bite, but she does have her moments. Sasha says, that, she does.

Curtis tells Trina, when he was sitting in that wheelchair, he felt so hopeless. He knew he wasn’t the man he was before, and society didn’t help either. Trina asks what he means, and he says he got to know what it’s like to be disabled in this world. Even if it was unintentional, you get the elbows to the face. You get drinks spilled in your lap, even at his own club. The disrespect was real. She says she’s so sorry he had to go through all that, but he says he’s not. It was a wake-up call. It made him realize that he’s always going to be him. Always, no matter whether he’s seated or he’s standing or somewhere in between. And no one should be made to feel small. No one.

Doc sees Laura with Alexis and says, wife. She says, husband, taking his hands, and he asks what this dynamic duo is up to. Alexis says, he’ll read about it tomorrow in The Invader. Or possibly the next day, depending on how fast the hospital’s PR department can draft an appropriate comment. Laura laughs, and he says, so the contracts are signed. Laura says, they’re signed, sealed, and delivered. From now on, the city employees will have access to GH’s health plan. He tells her, congratulations. He knows the work she put in to make this happen. She says she has to admit, it feels really good, and he asks if she’s headed home or back to city hall. She says, actually, she thought since she’s at the hospital, she should visit Heather. Sort of fulfill her Webber family duties. He says, she’s too good, and she says, she is, isn’t she? He suggests she meet him after, and she says she will. She heads for Heather’s room, and Alexis says, have a good one, but Doc asks if she has a moment. He was wondering if he could run something by her just to get a legal opinion. She says, he knows that she can’t advise him legally. However, she can speak to him as a friend who’s read a few books. He says, fair enough. So hypothetically, let’s say someone has been convicted of horrible, heinous crimes, but we’ve since learned there were mitigating circumstances. Something that wasn’t known during the trial. Not because someone hid it, but because no one knew it existed. She says, he’s talking about Heather Webber, and Portia watches from the reception desk.

Josslyn refills Dex’s coffee and he thanks her. She asks if he’s looking at an employment packet and he says he is. She says she didn’t realize they had employment agencies for bodyguards, and he says he’s trying out a new line of work. She picks up the top page and looks at it. She says, he’s working for the Port Charles Police Department?

Cody finds Sasha with Comet and says he was just reminded of their first photo shoot. Remember? She says, how could she forget? She had the most handsome co-model… the alpaca of course (🍷). Cody says, yeah, he was adorable, when Olivia comes in with a tray of food. Cody says, Mama Q, what’s good? and she asks, what is this? Sasha says, it’s shepherd’s pie; the chicken was bad. Olivia says she knows what it is, but who made it? Where did it come from?

Josslyn says, sorry, it’s just… Dex says, Josslyn Jax, at a loss for words, and she says, this is crazy. He’s going to go from working for Sonny to working for the police? He says, quite a leap, and she says, it’s reckless and stupid. He says, she’s assuming they’ll turn him down, but Anna actually invited him to apply. They’ll accept his military service in place of a college degree. All he has to do is take the test, but who knows? Maybe he’ll fail it. She says, he’s not going to fail the test. He can’t possibly think this is a good idea. He says, why not? and she says, because it makes him even more of a target for Sonny. He says, we can’t all be doctors… What’s that look? Something wrong at school?

Trina picks at her food, and Curtis says, not hungry? She says her appetite’s been pretty weak these days. Besides, it’s this place as well. He says he thought she liked the food here, and she says she does. The food’s amazing. She just doesn’t come here as much, since… He says, right. She and Spencer used to come here a lot. She says, it does sound ridiculous. She can’t even have lunch with her own dad like a normal person. He says, she doesn’t sound ridiculous. She sounds like someone whose heart’s been broken.

Kristina says, as long as she and Blaze can be their authentic selves, be who they are with their friends and family, that’s enough for her. Blaze asks if she’s sure. All she’s done so far with Deception is sign a contract. She can pull out of the deal. Kristina says, Blaze would blow up this deal for her? and Blaze says, that’s the least of what she’d do for Kristina, but Kristina says, no. This could be huge for her career. Blaze says, don’t get her wrong. She wants to be successful, but she also wants to be happy. And Kristina makes her happy.

Laura says she’s sorry she hasn’t come to visit more often, and Heather asks, why would she? Laura’s the mayor; she’s a convict. Laura’s got a city to run and she… doesn’t. Laura says, technically, they’re family. They’re connected through their grandson. Heather says, speaking of. Is he going to be calling Laura mom or grandma, now that she and Doc have adopted him? Laura says she hasn’t really thought about that one yet, but she thinks she has a little bit of time before she crosses that bridge. Heather wonders what his first words will be. She used to wonder that about Esme too. Laura says, Heather is looking really well. How is she feeling? Heather says she’s not in nearly as much pain, and Laura says, good. Heather says, from her hip anyway, and Laura asks if something else is bothering her. Heather says, not physically. But she can’t stop thinking about the disaster that is her life. What has she done? Laura takes her hand.

Alexis says, cobalt poisoning from and artificial hip, and Doc says he knows it sounds like fiction, but it’s real. The official name is metallosis. She says, there is legal recourse. It’s called post-conviction relief. Some say it can be abused, and she knows the governor has tightened up some loopholes over the year. So, in the event of, say, a forced confession, or a coerced guilty plea, suppressed evidence, or evidence that hasn’t been discovered until after the fact, yes, the case can be reopened. He says, so it’s a possibility, and she says, a real one. Eavesdropping from afar, Portia flies down from the desk, and says, please, please tell her they’re not considering letting Heather Webber skate.

Trina says she misses Spencer all the time, but it’s worse in places they used to be together, especially here. And it seems normal. Like in an instant – a literal split second – she’ll forget, and the door will open. She’ll look up, thinking he’s going to be there. Then he’s not. Curtis says he knows their situations are different, but she knows how he had to learn to walk again? She’s going to have to do something similar. She says, how? and he says, it’s going to take patience, grace… It’s definitely going to take time, but broken hearts, like broken bones, do mend themselves together again. Maybe not as strong as they once were in some ways, but miraculously stronger in others. She says she so wants to believe him, and he says, that’s all right. He has enough faith for both of them. She will love again, and she will be loved again, and he can say that with utmost certainty. She tells him that he has to say that, he’s her dad, but he says, no. Because there’s no one on this planet more deserving of love than her.

Josslyn tells Dex, it’s fine. She’s just not sure pre-med is for her anymore. He says, since when? and she says she’s been rethinking a lot of her decisions lately. He says, she told him she wanted to be a healer, that’s all, and she says, you can heal the world in plenty of other ways. Look at what pre-med did to Adam. He says, she’s not Adam, and she says she also sees how hard Trina’s mom works. And the patients aren’t always grateful or even good people. He says, patients like Cyrus Renault? and she picks up the coffee pot and leaves.

Sasha says she used the vegetables and potatoes Olivia had already prepped and found some ground beef in the fridge. She hopes that was okay. Olivia says, okay? and Cody says he can’t tell. Did that mean okay or not okay? Olivia says, it’s amazing, and Cody says, it meant okay. Sasha says, really? and Olivia says, absolutely. It’s delicious. Sam, Dante, and the kids are going to be so psyched. A, to have a homecooked meal, and B, it’s not one of her standard recipes, which she’s sure they’re sick of. Cody says, it does smell good, and Sasha says, Brando always liked it. (So do I. Stop talking about it.) Olivia says, how could he not? and thanks Sasha. Sasha says she’s glad to help, and Olivia says she’ll deliver this and make sure Sasha gets the credit. She’ll see them later. She leaves, and Cody says, wow. Sasha is just racking up the hidden talents. She has selling beauty products, ax throwing, shoveling horse manure. Now she has chef extraordinaire. What’s next? Sasha says she’s no slouch at curling or ice fishing either. He says, this he’s got to see, and she says, stick around and he just might.

Tracy walks into the nook and sees a paper bag on the counter. She slides out a birthday cake that says Birthday girl on it, and says, oh good Lord. She leaves the cake on the counter and walks out.

Trina asks if Curtis is ready, and he says, let’s do this. She helps him walk to the door, and says, he’s cool. He says he’s got this.

Josslyn plops Dex’s grilled cheese and fries on the table. The sandwich is burned and looks like there’s not much cheese in it. She probably spit in the fries. She says, anything else? and he says, nope. Looks great. He picks up the sandwich and takes a bite. (I laugh at how he’s just ignoring it.)

Portia says, this is insane. Doc has to know this. Laura approaches, and Doc says, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Just listen… Portia says she’s listening to everything they’re saying. It makes no sense. Laura wonders what she’s interrupting and asks if everything is okay. Doc says, everything is fine. Really. How was her visit with Heather? Laura says, actually it was surprisingly calm and uneventful. Has Portia noticed a change in Heather? She would love to get her thoughts about Heather’s progress. Portia says, Laura wants her thoughts on Heather Webber? Let her see. Don’t try to sell her on this. Poor, misunderstood Heather Webber? That woman is a murderer. She pulled one over on everyone and they’re going to let her do it again? Alexis says, of course (🍷) this is very personal to Portia… and Portia says, of course (🍷) it’s personal for her. Alexis says, Doc was just asking her if there was any legitimate legal reason… Portia says, no, no, no. She doesn’t want to hear it. She doesn’t want to hear any of that, especially from Alexis, considering she doesn’t practice law anymore. And after this, she thinks she’s seeing why. Alexis says, don’t hold back, and Portia says she won’t. She doesn’t care how nice or how changed or how victimized Heather seems to be to them. How much time has Laura actually spent with her? How much time has she actually spent with that woman? A moment here, a moment there? Why doesn’t Laura try being her or a member of her staff who actually had to deal with her unhinged madness 24/7? And just so they know, this doesn’t even touch on the pain she’s caused Portia’s family and countless other families. So if they want to bring her case in front of a judge and jury, she wants them to do it. Because she’ll fight it. She’ll fight them with every breath that is in her body.

Tomorrow, Carly tells Josslyn that only she knows the answer to that; Anna says she’ll consider it if Brennan gives her something in return; John says, Drew can be sent back to Pentenville; Dante asks if Sam thinks she might have made a mistake; and Sonny wonders if he can ask Natalia something she may not like.

💎 Not So Divine…

Maybe she better watch the show first.

What if she does it for scale?

🛟 Primary In Her Own Mind…

About that freeloader Jill.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13265725/rhony-jill-zarin-deck-worst-guest.html

Cry me a river.

🔪 No Croquettes For You…

The latest in Chefs.

https://people.com/top-chef-recap-episode-3-buddha-lo-calls-out-chefs-for-all-making-croquettes-8624513

🚣‍♂️ Don’t Go In the House…

I thought Kyle got rid of the mullet. It looks like it’s creeping back in. I actually didn’t watch much of this because A, I just can’t, and B, there was a great documentary on VICE about the early Real World shows. When it was an actual show and not just drunken hot tub sex.

https://people.com/summer-house-recap-lindsay-hubbard-didnt-want-kyle-cooke-as-a-groomsman-wedding-to-carl-radke-8624898

What I really don’t get are the spin-off people. Didn’t they see the show before signing up? Do they really want to be playing beer pong into middle age?

🦝 Will Work For Scraps…

It would have been nice to hear how these people came to have a raccoon as a pet. My chihuahua El Wray would be a shoo-in if he didn’t growl at everything bigger than him. Which is most of the world.

https://people.com/florida-rescue-raccoon-louie-wins-cadburys-annual-easter-photo-contest-8621406

🐈 Nervous As a Cat In a Room Full Of Big Dog Breeds…

Slide into my blog tomorrow for soap and mix of amusing diversions. Until then, stay safe; stay minding your CC’s and BCC’s, and don’t always reply to all; and stay remembering that no one should be made to feel small. No one.

April 1, 2024 – Blaze Becomes the New Face Of Deception, Jill Zarin Thinks She’s the Primary On Deck, Finale Of Who Lived & Ball

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny sees Dante slowly walking in the corridor at the hospital, along with a nurse, and says, it’s good to see him up and walking. He wasn’t there when Dante took his first steps, but he’s getting a taste of that right now. This time if Dante falls, he’ll be there to catch him.

Elizabeth calls upstairs for Jake to hurry up. She’d really like to take a shower after her shift. There’s a knock at the door, and Elizabeth asks Aiden to get that. She’s not dressed. She heads upstairs and Aiden answers the door to Jason. Aiden says, hi, and Jason says, Aiden, right? Aiden says, yeah. He’s Jason. Jason says, it’s been a while, and Aiden says, sorry. Does he want to come in? Jason comes inside, and Elizabeth comes back down. He says he hopes it’s okay that he stopped by, and she says, of course (🍷). He says he saw her at his arraignment and wanted to say thanks for being there, and she says she just wanted to see for herself what’s going on. Congratulations on having the charges dropped. He thanks her and says he’s sorry. He should have dropped by sooner. She says, that’s okay. To be honest, she doesn’t know what kind of reception he’d have received if he stopped by earlier. So maybe now the timing is just right.

In Alexis’s office, Adrian says, Nina made him associate publisher, and he has every right to weigh in on where his pieces are run, but Alexis says, he doesn’t have any right to decide the layout of the paper because that’s her job. He suggests they call Nina and see what she says, and he picks up the phone. Alexis asks if he’s five years old. This is not kindergarten. Is he going to call the principal? No, they’re not doing that. She puts the phone back, and Diane says, knock-knock. Bad time?

Blaze looks at the contract, and Maxie asks how it looks. Blaze says, looking at it makes it seem real, and Lucy says, of course (🍷) it’s real. They’re so excited that they’ve decided to have her as the new Face of Deception. Blaze thanks her. She’s glad they circled back and that it’s working out this time. Lucy says, of course (🍷) it’s working out. Blaze is the perfect pairing with Deception, like peanut butter and chocolate, or wine and cheese, or a facial and a massage. Brook says, Lucy is right. It’s going to be a perfect partnership. She says that not only on behalf of Deception, but also as Blaze’s music manager. This is a really smart step for her career. Maxie says, her popularity as an artist will bring eyes to Deception, and Deception’s leverage will boost her profile and expose her to a whole new audience. It’s a win-win. Lucy says, they just need her signature, when Natalia walks in. She says she’s so sorry she’s late. Traffic was crazy. Has Blaze signed that yet? Blaze says, not yet, and Natalia says, great, taking the contract from Blaze. Because it’s so much harder to tear these things up and start from scratch. (Um… Isn’t Brook her manager?)

Elizabeth tells Jason, excuse the mess. She just got off a double shift. She’s head nurse now. He says he heard Epiphany died. It’s just so much to process. First Bobbie, then Britt, now Epiphany. So much can happen in two years. But he’s happy she made head nurse. She deserves it. He knows Epiphany would be proud of her. She thanks him and says, big shoes to fill, but so far, she’s loving it. He says, she looks good, happy, and she thanks him. She says, he looks different, and he says, that’s because he is.

Alexis says she’s so glad she and Diane could meet. She was just showing Adrian out. She steers Adrian to the door, and he says, point of fact, they have not yet finished. She says, call Nina. She’s probably really busy, so email Nina and make sure he cc’s her. He says, make space for the review on the front page, as Alexis closes the door. She tells Diane, perfect timing, and Diane laughs and says, it looks like her day is going well. Alexis says, Nina has foisted this gossip columnist on her and made him associate publisher. Now he thinks he runs the place. Diane says she’s sure that’s fun for Alexis, but Alexis says, no. She’s determined to turn The Invader into some fluffy, gossipy, rag magazine, and making her life a living hell. Diane says, so obviously, she could use some good news, and Alexis asks if Diane has some to share. Diane says she’s done some digging, and with the information she’s found out, they’re half a step closer to getting Alexis back to practicing law.

Natalia says she understands this isn’t the first time they’ve approached Allison about being the Face of Deception. The woman who had the position until just recently, why did they separate? Lucy says, that’s Sasha Gilmore. Sasha was wonderful and amazing, and they love her. And they’re so grateful to her for all she contributed. It’s just that, you know pop culture is always evolving and changing, and her look was just a little too wholesome, and the magazines right now want hipper, edgier, the Gen Z that has that style. Brook says, Blaze, as a musician, obviously has that in spades, and Natalia says, that’s unacceptable. Maxie asks, which part? and Natalia says she’s not going to have the word edgy associated with Blaze because it has less than savory connotations. (Come into this century…) Now, creative, gifted, those are acceptable. Maxie asks what Blaze thinks, and Blaze says, her mom makes a good point. She defines herself as a creative. Whether people find her look, her presentation as edgy, so be it. That’s not something she’s striving for. Lucy says, they just want Blaze to be her own, lovely, wonderful self, and Blaze thanks her. Natalia says she’s having a little problem here with clause #3. It says something about Blaze being a spokesmodel for Deception products. What exactly does that mean?

Sonny tells Dante, anything he needs, he just has to say it, and Dante says he wants his strength back. He feels like he just ran a marathon or something. Sonny says, it’s going to take time because he’s been through a lot, but he’s getting his color back to his face. So when he was unconscious… Dante says, hey, he’s going to be okay. He was shocked when he heard Jason was arrested for shooting him. He’s glad he got that all squared up with Anna. Sonny asks if he’s positive that’s what happened, and Dante says, yeah. He went after the two suspects, caught up with them at the pier. He told them to stop. One of them did, the other one didn’t. The guy that did, he told him to turn around and put his hands in the air, and when he did, it was Jason. The other guy came back, and he opened fire.

Aiden says he saw on the news that Jason had been shot, but Jason says he’s okay and thanks Aiden. Jake comes downstairs and says the bathroom is all Elizabeth’s. If she still wants to get him that electric razor for his birthday… He sees Jason, who says, hi, and Jake asks, why is he here?

Diane says, something about the disciplinary hearing that resulted in Alexis’s disbarment has never sat right with her, so she did some digging. One of the original attorneys on the panel had to recuse himself. Alexis says, on what grounds? and Diane says, you tell me. The attorney in question, Fergus Byrne. Alexis says, Byrne… Byrne! and Diane says, as in the brother of Dr. Neil Byrne, with whom Alexis had a relationship, then lied to the board to protect. Alexis says, and also the reason she was disbarred. She had no idea there was a third brother, and yet he was the lawyer who recused himself in her case? Diane says, the Byrnes were quite the overachieving Irish American family – a doctor, a lawyer, and executive turned blackmailer. Alexis says, this is really intriguing, although, how does it help her? and Diane says, when Fergus Byrne recused himself, he was replaced with his very own law partner. That alone gives the whole proceeding an air of illegitimacy. Doesn’t she think?

In her office, Anna says she wanted to talk to Detective Bennet about a possible candidate for the police academy, and he says, they’re always looking for new recruits, especially one who comes recommended by the Police Commissioner. She says, his name is Dex Heller, and she wanted to talk to Bennet because he’s an instructor at the academy and she wanted him to access Dex’s potential. He says, sure. He’d be happy to meet with him. How did he do on the written exam? Anna says, he didn’t sit that yet. She wanted them to get the ball rolling first. He asks, why is that? and she says, he’s ex-military. He served in Afghanistan and so she’s sure he’ll pass the physical and the JST and the drug screening. She just wanted him to have extra time to study for the written exam. He says, that’s definitely not the usual process, but he trusts her judgement, and she thanks him. She says she has a good feeling about Dex. She thinks his experience with his former employer is going to be very useful for them. He asks what Dex was doing, and she says, working for Sonny Corinthos.

Dante tells Sonny that he’d never seen the other guy who shot him before. Not that it matters. They can’t find his body anymore and none of the forensic evidence was helpful. Sonny says he guesses Jason knows what happened to him, since they were working together, and Dante says, they were working together on the roof, yeah. Sonny says, lining up a shot at him, and Dante says he doesn’t know what Jason was doing, but he remembers Jason was trying to get him help and trying to stop the bleeding. Sonny says he guesses he knows where their tax dollars are going, and Dante asks what he’s talking about. Sonny says he saw Jason last night. He’s working as an informant for the FBI.

Jake says, Jason has been on the news a lot. Everyone’s talking about him, but Jake hasn’t heard anyone say where he’s been this whole time. Jason tells him that all he can say is, he got into some trouble and had to take a job he didn’t want in a place far away from here. Jake says, and they didn’t have phones in this faraway place or computers. Or did Jason just not feel like telling them he was alive? Elizabeth says, Jake… but Jason says, it’s okay. He’d be asking the same question. He knows this doesn’t make much sense to Jake, but if he could have gotten in touch, he would have. He knows it’s a lot to ask, but please believe him. Jake says, would you believe you?

Lucy says, Blaze would represent Deception at all their in-store product launches and of course (🍷) on the Home & Heart Shopping Channel. She would be showing off their merchandise and look at that face. This face would sell millions of units of beauty and wellness products. Brook says, and it will get a ton of eyes on Blaze. They can’t buy that kind of publicity. Natalia says, absolutely not. Blaze will do photoshoots, but she won’t be personally hawking products on some home shopping show or live events. No. Maxie says she’s sure they can come up with a compromise that works for everyone, but Natalia says, no compromise. Blaze won’t be signing the contract unless they agree that the Face of Deception is completely separate from this traveling salesperson of Deception.

Bennet tells Anna, in the old days, organized crime would quietly infiltrate the force or hand out bribes and put some cops in their back pocket. Now she’s telling him the department is actively recruiting mobsters. She says, Dex had a somewhat contentious parting with his former employer. She believes he’s left that life firmly behind and he will be 100% loyal to them here. He says, she knows hiring this guy is going to cause conflict with Corinthos, and she says she thinks it’s natural to have conflict between law enforcement and racketeers. He says he always thought she had a soft spot for Corinthos and tried to go easy on him, and she apologizes if she gave that impression. They go back… and Detective Falconari is his son, which she knows has raised a few eyebrows around here. But he’s never cut his father any slack, nor will anyone else in this department, including her. Sonny Corinthos will be held to the same standards they hold everyone else. He wonders if he can ask what prompted this change of heart, and Anna tells him, let’s say it was a series of events that occurred recently that shed light on the fact they have to check organized crime in this city, specifically limit Sonny’s influence. To that end, Dex will be invaluable to them. He will be able to give them insight into how Sonny’s operation is run. She thinks if they pass up this opportunity, they will never get one like this again.

Dante says, Jason’s been working for the Feds this whole time, and Sonny says, supposedly. Dante asks, why? Did he explain it? Sonny says, not really. He just said he’s working as an informant for the FBI and wanted him to swallow it, but how can he swallow something that’s the worst thing Jason could have done? Dante says, nice to know how Sonny feels about it, and Sonny says, the Feds? Jason is dead to him. Dante says, come on. Why doesn’t he get the full story first before he writes Jason off? Sonny says he doesn’t want to talk about it. Go ahead. Say it. Whatever it is Dante’s got to say, say it. Dante says, Jason was Sonny’s righthand man for years. Sonny relied on him. Sonny says, when he came back from Nixon Falls, he’d had amnesia. He comes back and his wife is marrying his best friend. He had feelings for another woman, and things were never the same after that. Jason’s not the Jason he knew. Dante says he’s sorry, and Sonny says he doesn’t want to waste their valuable time talking about this right now. Once Dante gets better, he wants Dante to even make fun of him if he wants. Dante laughs, and Sonny says, he won’t even care. He’ll even let Dante. How’s that? Dante says he’s going to hold Sonny to that, and Sonny says, he’d better.

Alexis says, this is all very intriguing, but she doesn’t want to get her hopes up, and Diane says she believes the implication of bias is further grounds to appeal her disbarment. Alexis says she should have paid more attention to Neil’s family tree. She knew there was a lawyer out there somewhere, vaguely, but if Neil’s brother Fergus was at his memorial, she never met him. Diane says, maybe there’s a very good reason Fergus didn’t introduce himself to Alexis. If he was even partially responsible for her disbarment, he’d want to stay as far away from her as humanly possible before she started putting the pieces all together. Alexis says, true, and Diane says, but Fergus is no longer on the disciplinary committee. She checked. So he won’t be a factor in her appeal this time. Alexis says, all joking aside, she’s truly impressed with the progress Diane has made on this so quickly. She’s just not sure she should proceed with this. Diane says, why the hell not? and Alexis says, because her job at The Invader is annoying and frustrating, but an argument in its favor is she gets to sleep at night. She won’t be up at 3 in the morning making revisions on a closing argument or having nightmares she makes a procedural error and gets her client wrongly convicted. Diane tells her, there’s a lot to be said for a restful night’s sleep, but the Alexis she knows never took the easy way out for anything. She loves a challenge and loves being a lawyer, so what is this really all about? Alexis says, Molly’s worried. She said the last time Alexis practiced law, she also happened to be a raging alcoholic and turned her life into a car wreck. And she’s worried if the appeal is dismissed, Alexis will dive right back into the bottle. Diane asks what she said to that, and Alexis says, Molly’s got enough on her plate right now, so she doesn’t want to worry her. She told Molly that she goes to meetings regularly and she’s working the program. And that is all true. But what if by trying to get her law license back, it derails her sobriety and everything else she’s worked so hard to salvage from the ruins of her old life?

Natalia crosses out some things in the contract and says, okay. She’s crossed out everything about the live participation and pitching products, and the rest of it looks good to her. Lucy says, what if they want the live participation to remain in force? and Natalia says, then they’ll have to find another Face of Deception. Lucy tells Blaze that she knows her mom wants the best for her and her career, of course (🍷), but she does realize being the Face of Deception is a very prestigious role. It’s big, big, big. Is she really willing to just pass that up? Blaze says, she doesn’t want to, but – she looks at Natalia – her mom makes a valid point. She’s a singer, a performer, not a spokesmodel. Lucy says she sees, and Blaze says, but she doesn’t think that means they have to forget about the whole thing. Would they be open to hiring a second Face?

Elizabeth tells Jake that she knows this isn’t easy. First, he had to mourn his dad and accept that he’s gone, and all of a sudden, his dad is back with no real explanation of where he went for so long… But this isn’t good for Jake to be so angry with him. Jake says he doesn’t think it’s good for Elizabeth to be so okay with this and act all nice to him like he didn’t do anything wrong and everything’s fine. She says, that’s not what she’s doing. She knows Jake is hurting, but that doesn’t make it okay for him to lash out at everyone around him. So can he turn down the snark just a little? Jake nods and asks if she knows. She says, know what? and he says, that his dad was alive. Jason didn’t call her or get in touch with her or send her something? Did she know and then keep it a secret from him? She says, no. God no. She didn’t know he was alive, she promises. Jake says, it’s just hard. He feels guilty because… Never mind. He starts to get up, and she says, no. Just tell her. All of his feelings matter, and he gets to feel however he wants about this, and he can talk to her. No judgement here. She promises him that. He says he feels guilty because he was so sad when dad died. He used to lay in bed at night, wishing he could talk to him, wishing he had more time. But now he thinks it was easier having a dead father that people would tell you stories about, rather than one who’s alive, but only shows up to commit crimes and get arrested and has nothing to say to his own family.

There’s a knock at Anna’s office door and she says, come in. Sonny walks in and asks how she is. She asks what she can do for him. She’s very busy. She doesn’t have a lot of time. He says, okay. He’ll get to it. He just got back from seeing Dante. She asks how Dante is doing, and Sonny says, he’s doing fine. He got up and he was walking. Full recovery is going to take a while, but he hates seeing Dante that way. She says, of course (🍷), but then the alternative is much worse, and he tells her that Dante also said he’s positive it wasn’t Jason who shot him. She says she’s aware. She has a lot of work to do so… He says, even if Jason isn’t guilty of shooting Dante, he’s still guilty of being on the roof with that sniper who shot at him. She says, fortunately, he wasn’t hit, and he says, that was lucky, but she knows Jason was there. Does she have any idea what she’s going to charge him with?

Jason goes into Dante’s room and says, sorry. He didn’t mean to startle him. Dante says he just didn’t know he would see Jason here. He wants to thank him. Jason says, for what? and Dante says, for the bandage, calling 911… He thinks he probably would have bled out by the time the ambulance got there. Jason says, if it hadn’t been for him, Dante probably wouldn’t have been on the pier in the first place, and Dante says, that’s a good point. He takes it back. He laughs and Jason almost smiles. Dante says, one thing he can’t figure out. Why did Jason turn around? If he didn’t want to be identified, why didn’t he keep running? Jason says, because he knew Dante wouldn’t stop chasing them. He thought it would be safer if he let Dante arrest him, but it turns out he was wrong. Dante says, let him ask Jason this, as a cop and a victim, can Jason tell him what happened to the guy who shot him? Jason says, no. The name he had for him was fake, but what’s real is, he’s dead. Dante asks, what happened to his body? but Jason says he has no idea. He has some theories, but it doesn’t really matter. Dante says, maybe Jason can tell him this then. Was he also an FBI informant?

Diane says, my friend, none of us knows the future. If Alexis’s appeal is denied, could the disappointment she feels cause her to start drinking again? She doesn’t know. She guesses anything’s possible. But she knows Alexis and knows how strong she is. She’s accomplished everything she’s set her mind to, so there’s no reason to think this would cause her to start drinking again. This place is a nightmare, but she’s not tossing them back, is she? Alexis says, no, and Diane says, so there you go. Alexis thanks her, and Diane says, let’s get to her other big news. Her petition to petition the court was granted. So now the justices just need to agree there are grounds for an appeal, even though technically speaking, that window was closed a long time ago. Alexis says, they both know motions to vacate disbarment are rarely granted, and Diane groans and says she doesn’t have the time right now to manage Alexis’s fear of success. So would she please stop being the voice of doom? She’s ready to run with this, but only if Alexis is committed to seeing it through. And of course (🍷) paying her back for all the hours she’s put in by joining her practice once they see this through.

Adrian barges in Alexis’s office and says, he and Nina have an idea he’d like to run by her, but Alexis says she’s busy. Can’t it wait? He says, it will just take a minute. Everyone has been loving his column so much, that he and Nina thought they could split it off into daily pieces. They’ll call it something like Spotlight of Society, highlighting what all the movers and shakers of Port Charles are up to. Who are the hot new couples, who’s getting divorced, who lost all their money? It could be a big hit. What does she think? Diane applauds, and Alexis says she thinks if Adrian doesn’t leave her office right now, he’ll be putting out the evening’s additional by himself. He walks up to her desk and says he knows that’s meant to be a threat, but… Alexis stands up and says, get out! Adrian backs up to the door, backs out, and closes it. Alexis tells Diane, do it. Please. Get her the hell out of here. Diane laughs.

The lawyer hands Lucy the contract and tells her to consider it official. Maxie says she’ll walk him out, and they leave. Lucy thanks Blaze and says she’s so glad they could work this out. They’re going to do amazing, great things together. Blaze says, her too. She’s the new Face of Deception. Natalia says, and what a gorgeous face it is, and they hug. Brook says, congratulations, and Maxie comes back. She says she has so many shoot ideas she can’t wait to talk to Blaze about. Lucy says, see? Everybody is so, so excited to get started working with Blaze, and Natalia says, just one more thing. This doesn’t have to be in writing or anything, but she really would like their word that moving forward, Allison will be a woman of mystery. Maxie asks what that means, and Natalia says, just that her private life will remain off-limits. So she won’t be doing interviews. They won’t publish puff pieces about her. Allison, or Blaze as they’ll be calling her, will just be known to the public by her beauty and her music. Maxie says, okay… Is that what Blaze wants? Blaze says, absolutely, but Maxie looks like she doesn’t quite buy it.

Elizabeth says, Jake’s father is a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. He wouldn’t have shown up here if he didn’t want to see Jake. Jake says, maybe he just felt like he had to, but she says, no. She doesn’t know where he’s been for the past few years or why, but she saw the way he looked at Jake just now. He wouldn’t have stayed away on his own. Jake asks why he’s like this, and she says, he’s complicated, but he never makes things up and he doesn’t lie. He may not say a whole lot, but every word that comes out of his mouth is the truth. Jake says, she always defends him, but she says she’s explaining him. It’s different. Jake says, it doesn’t matter anyway. Jason knows he’s mad at him. He doubts he’ll ever show up here again. She says she wouldn’t count on that. He’s not going to make some big declaration that he’s Jake’s dad and he loves him. Instead, he’s going to keep showing up until Jake realizes it’s the only explanation.

Jason says he guesses Dante’s been talking to Sonny, and Dante says, he left a while ago. Jason working for the Feds really messed him up. Jason says he’s an informant, not an agent, and Dante says, Sonny thinks he’s a traitor. There’s something else going on here. How many deals did Jason get offered over the years and he didn’t take them? How many times could he have flipped on Sonny, and he didn’t do it? Jason says he didn’t inform on Sonny, and Dante says, then who? Jason sighs and says, that, he can’t say. Dante says, the FBI must have some serious leverage, something big to get him to cooperate, and Jason says, it was big enough that he had no choice but to take their deal and do exactly what they wanted. Dante says, can Jason swear to him that it has nothing to do with his father? and Jason says, Sonny has nothing to do with this. He’s safe. And Jason is going to do his best to make sure he stays that way.

Anna says, son of a bitch. Sonny has the gall to come in here and try and get her to file charges against Jason. Sonny says he just wanted a heads up in case he has to testify, and she says, there are no charges to file. It’s clear Jason stopped that sniper from shooting him. Anyway, this is an FBI case now, so if he’ll… If he wants her to arrest someone, she can always circle back to the attack on Cyrus on Christmas Eve. He asks, where’s this hostility coming from? and she says, it’s an open case in her jurisdiction and she has a lot of DNA evidence collected from the victim indicating him as the attacker. Cyrus may have declined to press charges on Sonny, but honestly, she doesn’t need him to move forward. He says he thought they were getting closer and that doesn’t seem to be the case now. What’s happening? She says, it’s not the case. She thinks her attitude toward him was really colored by his friendship with Robin and what he did for her and Stone. But if he thought for one second that she was okay with him beating an old man bloody and unconscious, no matter if he’s a vile person, he was sorely mistaken. She’s Police Commissioner, and his days of thinking he’s going to skate no matter what the offense, they’re over. So if he doesn’t mind – even if he does mind – get out of her office.

Tomorrow, Stella asks why Curtis is keeping this from his family; Anna says, it’s her jurisdiction and she wants in; Dex says, that was a stupid and ugly reason to die; Willow says she thought Carly and Jason told each other everything; and Jason asks John why he should continue to honor that.

Below Deck

Port Louis Marina – We backtrack a little to Xandi asking why she has to change herself to make a 22-year-old feel good about herself. In his bunk with Sunny, Ben tells her that she needs to trust him, and she apologizes because she’s an idiot. He’s totally untrustworthy. The crew all go to bed, and Xandi mumbles that she’s a 30-year-old involved in child’s play. Apparently, she is obsessed with ages. In Kyle’s interview, he says that he and Barbie formed a relationship. He doesn’t know if he’ll be friendzoned, but time will tell. In the morning, Sunny says she needs to get a grip, and in her interview, she says she has an alter-ego when she drinks, and Sabrina is a jealous bitch. The guys she used to date were little a-holes and cheated on her. Sabrina was her protective shield, but she wants her gone now. Tequila Sabrina, buh-bye. Fraser whines that he’s so hungover, and Sunny apologizes to Xandi. Xandi tells her that there’s no reason to be jealous.

Fraser calls the interior to the sundeck and says, they were hoping for a new stew, but there’s been no news. Captain Kerry calls Curtis at yacht service and asks to see resumés. Fraser suggests they get everything done so they can clock off with a happy heart. In Kyle’s interview, he says, his mom is the best. She raised him on her own until he was five, when she got together with his stepdad. His dad came around later, but he decided his dad couldn’t just jump in when he felt like it. His stepdad adopted him, and he considers him his dad. The deckhands rinse down the boat and Fraser asks the captain about a new stew. Captain Kerry explains that it’s busy season, and asks, how’s the chef? Fraser says he thinks Anthony has too much on his plate and it’s a sh*tshow. We flash back to the galley in disarray, and Frasers says, the organization is terrible. He wonders if the captain can step in, and in Captain Kerry’s interview, he says, chefs are artists. He once hired a good friend who was a chef and ruined the friendship. He tells Fraser, there’s got to be balance. Anthony will believe his art is being critiqued. In Anthony’s interview, he says, revenge is his motivation. Since he was a kid, he’s been dyslexic. It’s hard be focused and it makes the job more difficult. You need to love what you do. The captain calls Fraser, Anthony, and Ben for the preference sheet meeting.

Captain Kerry says he’s impressed with how hard they worked on the last charter. This charter, the primary is Melinda, who was a cruise director. There are a bunch of people coming with her, but the only important one is Jill Zarin, a RHONY OG, who is guest Gary’s girlfriend. Fraser asks what pickleball is and the captain tells him, tennis for rich people. There are tons of food preferences and foods the guests are allergic too. So many, I can’t even keep up. The primary is egg free, gluten free, and dairy free. She’s a vegetarian who’s beginning to integrate fish into her diet, but doesn’t want raw seafood. Anthony says he’ll give her dust. She wants a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free Piña Colada-inspired birthday cake for herself, and a regular-ass cake for her husband Noah, as they’re both celebrating. In Anthony’s interview, he says he’s stressed. There are a lot of restrictions, and he keeps hoping it’s not real, but it’s real. Ben reads that one of the guests is a yogi, who will lead the guests in a sunset flow after pickleball at the beach. The crew gets to bed early, and in the morning, Dylan says he loves the feeling of getting a pump. If he doesn’t have a dumbbell, he feels sad. Well, he should have no problem with that since Ben is around. Captain Kerry walks around the boat with Ben and says, it’s better. Provisions come in and we find out the fridge is named Christopher because it’s a walk-in. BA-DUM-CHH! In Fraser’s interview, he says, he’s feeling a stew down, and Xandi says, yachting is f***ed.  

The guests are arriving in 15 minutes, and I’ve decided they must be a-holes just because they hang with Jill. The guests arrive, the usual happens, and Jill thinks the hot tub is too hot. Anthony slices the biggest avocado I’ve ever seen, and Fraser points out that there are quite a few dietary restrictions. Sunny calls departure for the first time, and in her interview, she says she grew up on the water and it reminds her of home in Montreal. When she went to university, she didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life, and it damaged her self-esteem. Why it should, I’m not sure. She says, yachting opened a door to new self-esteem and confidence. En route to Le Phare Bleu, Jill complains that they don’t have the best ice machine and she needs her Diet Coke to be in the freezer. Barbie suggests nugget ice, and Jill is good with that. In Barbie’s interview, she says, Jill is the primary in her head. Jill tells the other guests that she just showed them how to make a good Diet Coke. Anthony tells Fraser that he wants to do lobster, but Fraser reminds him that the primary doesn’t like lobster. In his interview, Fraser says he thinks Anthony is overwhelmed. He’s not focused and doesn’t know what to do, so he’s not there. Anthony says, welcome to paradise.

Anchor is dropped, and Jill babbles to Fraser about guest Noah’s father inventing the Moderna vaccine. The toys are put out and the guests go into the water, while Jill sits on the boat. In Barbie’s interview, she says, this boat is three times bigger than what she’s used to, but her dad didn’t raise a quitter. Jill blabs to Captain Kerry about how she drove a boat. The captain calls Ben to the wheelhouse, and Ben says he’s putting more responsibility on the others. The captain asks if he’s worked out who his lead deckhand needs to be. Dylan has experience, but may or may not be the one. Dylan tells the guests that he’s happy to be here. This is living. And he’s going to be lead deckhand. Xandi and Captain Kerry eat in the crew mess, and Xandi asks how long he’s been with his girlfriend. He tells her, three years, and in her interview, she says, after her divorce, she had a good relationship, but they broke up and it hurt her. She went to a healer to release her from the pain. She needed to love herself and she’s taken a stage of celibacy. If you don’t want marriage and kids, move along. Jill wants a makeup mirror, and bitches that there’s no electric in her bathroom for her to dry her hair. Barbie explains that the outlet is hidden in the drawer and goes to the bathroom to show her. While Jill has a captive audience, she tells Barbie that every yacht she’s been on has a load of toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc. in a vanity drawer, so she can pocket them. In her interview, Barbie says, she’s annoying. It’s too much. The primary’s freeloading guest is so demanding, she needs another stew just for Jill. Jill kvetches that she wants a chocolate on her pillow, and I’m pretty sure now that Bobby died just to get away from her.

Jill starts the list again, and Barbie tells Jill that she’ll hook this whole situation up for her. She tells Fraser about Jill saying, yachts are supposed to have this stuff, and Xandi frantically tries to find toiletries. Barbie brings Jill a little basket of stuff, and instead of thank you, Jill says, somebody’s been scrambling. Captain Kerry texts about the new stew and is told they’re working on it. The table is beautiful with a collection of candles in different colors and heights. In Anthony’s interview, he says he loves scallops. They melt in your mouth. Someone is vegan and he wants to make them feel like the other guests, so he’s going to use tofu, so they feel like they’re at the same party. Fraser calls the crew to the upper pantry for the birthday cake presentation. Anthony tells the primary that there’s a pina colada flan and a raspberry shortcake. In their interview, Fraser tells Anthony, it wasn’t easy, but he nailed it, and they high-five. The guests go to bed at 11:30, so, there’s that. Barbie says, Jill is super needy, and she has to get to f***ing bed.

Second day of charter. Jill screeches for Gary, and says, that’s her life. Sadly, it’s Gary’s life too. The guests sit for breakfast. Somebody wants hot sauce, and another guest wants a drink. Jill says, they need a doorbell, when Fraser appears, and Jill says she recommend a button for her the primary to use. On her yacht, they used to have a doorbell that went to the kitchen. Fraser says, they must have loved her, and Jill laughs, but I don’t think he was being playful. He tells her that there’s usually a crew member around, but she says, most of the time, there isn’t, which is just an outright lie. She says, they can get a bell on Amazon, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, Jill is crawling into his brain and eating away his soul. He tells Captain Kerry about the button conversation, and it’s a hard no on the doorbell.

Fraser packs for pickleball, and in Kyle’s interview, he says, Dylan is a good lad, but they’ve high-fived more times than he can count. We flash back to several of those, and Jill tells primary Melinda that she put on her preference sheet that she wants food out all the time and thinks something should be out all day. When Barbie comes by, Jill tells her that they should have snacks on the bar all the time, and Barbie says she’ll make that happen. Jill tells Melinda that she has to get involved. She’s pushy, but they’ll be satisfied. Is that her word for embarrassed? Fraser and Sunny scout for a beach location, and Anthony looks spaced out when Barbie gives him lunch burger orders and writes it on the whiteboard. In Anthony’s interview, he says he’s had dyslexia his entire life. Letters and numbers. He has no idea what to do. He’s lost. Has he bothered telling anyone this? Barbie writes it down on a legal pad, and in her interview, she says, lunch is turning out to be a complete nightmare. Jill says, her burger is cold, and yells if anybody else’s burger is cold, just tell them. They love it. Because she’s with a troop of five-year-olds and their crew of mommies. The offending burgers are bright back to the galley. On the beach, Fraser asks if Sunny has feelings for Ben, and she tells him about Tequila Sabrina. Jill gripes that they should done a buffet. Anthony says, it’s hard to understand, and Xandi says, the menu isn’t converted properly. Barbie tells the captain that Anthony is disorganized, and it caused a disaster. He tells her that he’ll do damage control, and at the table, Jill says she wants to know the meals in advance. The captain comes to the table and says he heard there was some confusion, but it looks like everything is all out now. Everybody tells him, it’s all great, so he goes back to his real job. Jill says, the captain shouldn’t be bothered with this, so apparently, there’s no pleasing her. Barbie tells the captain that she appreciates him. It won’t happen again. Dylan washes the fat residue from his ham, which I totally get. Jill wants to talk to the chef under the guise of Melinda talking to the chef. She says she has to be mommy now. Kyle and Ben laugh about pickleball, while Anthony goes to meet with faux primary Jill. He says he wants to make everyone happy, and chicken pad tai is decided on, along with a tofu option. Jill asks if they can have sushi at the bar before dinner, and crudites for her since she doesn’t do sushi. In Anthony’s interview, he wonders if the primary is okay with her friend taking over the boat like a f***ing captain. The guests leave in the tender, and Fraser welcomes them to pickleball beach. In Ben’s interview, he says, he’s been known to play Grand Slam champions, and we flash back to that last season. He thinks pickleball will be a breeze. Barbie calls friend Brit and complains about Xandi. In his interview, Fraser says, please, God, help me.

Fraser tells Jill that he’s sorry about lunch, and she says, don’t be, but then proceeds to complain about it. She says, something’s off, and in Barbie’s interview, she says, this situation is f***ed. She’s doing everything herself. The guests do meditation at the beach, while on the boat, Barbie complains to Anthony that she had to do everything while Xandi was doing yoga. When Fraser gets back with the guests, Barbie complains to him, and he says, they’re just going until they die. In Xandi’s interview, she says, Barbie has become Jill’s personal assistant. Fraser puts out the sushi and remembers the primary didn’t want any raw seafood. I’m guessing the primary didn’t remember either or doesn’t know what sushi is, since she was right there when Jill told Anthony to serve it before dinner. In Captain Kerry’s interview, he says, Jill is rattling their cages. They should be focused on the primary; they’re number one and in charge. Anthony should be focused, but he’s out of his depth and imploding. He tells Fraser that they can’t afford these mistakes. They can’t drift from what the primary wants. Otherwise, they’ll make more mistakes.

Next time, the crew gets a day off; Barbie thinks Fraser wants to fire her; the new stew arrives; and Ben finds the new stew attractive. I’m pretty sure Ben would find Godzilla attractive if Godzilla had boobies.

⚰️ This Week In Ones…

I’m just going to put this out there. This was the finale, and it was good, but I felt a bit ripped off at the end. Either they should have had an extra-long episode or one more episode. It was a little too quickly and neatly wrapped up for me.

Rick meets with General Beale; General Beale tells Rick, the sword that kills is the sword that gives life – and they’re the sword; a hiding place inside a sculpture; reflection on everything that ever happened on The Walking Dead; a day completely about tomorrow; the CRM’s plans; burning things to bring things back; and love doesn’t die.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-season-1-episode-6-recap-finale-rick-michonne

🚴‍♀️ Better Late Than Even Later…

Join me tomorrow for soap and VanderMess. Until then, stay safe, stay not using your phone as a security blanket to avoid social interaction, and stay getting the full story before writing someone off.

March 20, 2024 – Valentin Tells Nina His Greatest Hope, Villain Times 2, VanderWTF, Knives Out, Reality Launch, Awarding Excellence, See You Later, Celebrate & Pocket

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

From outside the stables, Tracy hears Cody saying, and that’s how you make a lasso. James says, that’s so cool, and Cody asks if he wants to see something else that’s cool. Tracy goes in to find James at the other end of the lasso, and James says, Cody lassoed him. Tracy says, what a useful skill, and Cody asks if there’s something he can help her with. She says, maybe his job. Her thoroughbred is recovering from laminitis. How’s he doing? Cody suggests they go see, but she says, no. She wants him to tell her. He’s the groom. The condition of all the horses in his care should be in his knowledge. James says, she’s being mean, and Tracy says, excuse me? James says, Cody’s friend is in the hospital. She should be nice to him.

Chase is looking at his badge when Brook walks in. She says, the nerve of some people. Not people, cops. Not all cops, but… She goes over to Chase and asks, what’s wrong? He asks what she said, and she says she just barged in here like a tsunami and he didn’t even notice. What’s going on? How bad is it? He says he saw Dante today, a few times actually, and she asks how he’s doing. He says, no change, and she hugs him.

Molly meets Alexis at the PC Grill and apologizes for being late. Alexis says she has her phone. Time means nothing. Molly says she’s drowning in cases, and Alexis says she knows the feeling. Molly says she bets that’s one thing about the law Alexis doesn’t miss, and Alexis says she misses a lot of it, but maybe not for much longer.

Natalia tells Sonny, sorry about her oversharing, but Sonny says, it’s no problem. She says, that’s kind of him. She was nervous coming in here and everything she wanted to say to Kristina. Of course (🍷) it didn’t even occur to her that Kristina’s father might be witness to it. He says he thinks she’s brave to even show up and be here just to say that to Kristina, and she says she loves her daughter. She wants to support her and it’s complicated. Parenting is so complicated. He says he can relate.

John invites Anna in, and she hands him the bottle of wine. He says he’ll bite. Why does she owe him a drink? She says, he was right, and he says he’s been wrong so much lately, he’d be glad to know where he was right. She says, about Sonny, that she was taking it easy on him. She wasn’t seeing him clearly. He says, and now? and she says, now she does.

Chase says he should have gone with Dante. There were two suspects, and Dante went after both of them. He never should have let Dante go. Brook says, but he followed procedure on Dante’s orders. It was all by the book, right? He says, yes, but that doesn’t change that Dante could die or be in a permanent coma. She says, he doesn’t know what would have happened if he’d gone after Dante. He could be in that hospital instead, or with Dante, or they could both be in the ground. He says, she’s right, but… She says, no more buts. He’s here with her right now and Dante is in the hospital, but he’s still breathing. His heart is still beating. He says, and he… She says, did his duty. He followed orders and procedures. He did his job, a job they both fought for him to get back. He says, maybe he shouldn’t… and she says, shouldn’t what? He says, be a cop anymore.

James tells Tracy, Dante is awesome. He used to live in the house where James lives now and he’s Cody’s best friend and now he’s in the hospital. And that’s why Cody’s so sad. And that’s why he’s here, to cheer him up. Tracy tells him that she has two things to say to that. One, she thinks it’s admirable that he’s showing up for Cody like that and it means he’s a really good friend. James thanks her. As for Cody’s friend Dante, she actually went to see him in the hospital today. Cody says, really? He didn’t realize they were that close. It’s generous of her. James asks if Dante is better.

Valentin finds Nina in Alexis’s office and says, she rang? Nina thanks him for coming, and he asks, where’s Alexis? He assumed she’d be here. She asks why Alexis would be here in her office at her job, and he says, it is kind of late. She says, the news doesn’t stop. She asked Alexis to meet them here, but Alexis blew her off. She said she was otherwise engaged. He says, if she needs a Cassadine so badly, he’s here. What’s the problem? She says, Alexis is trying to force her gossip columnist to quit.

Alexis says, Diane is setting things in motion for her to petition to get her law license back, and Molly asks, how? Alexis says, she’s a legal bloodhound and she found a loophole, and Molly says, one Alexis hadn’t noticed before? Alexis says, actually, she doesn’t think she was really looking before. She lied and she got caught and she took her lumps, and honestly, she wasn’t in a very good emotional place. Molly says, on a number of counts as she recalls, and Alexis says, it’s it nice they can be so accurate with each other. Diane found a number of factors she thinks will play out in her favor. Molly says, such as? and Alexis says, one, she never filed an appeal. Molly asks if she doesn’t only have 90 days to do that, and Alexis says she never had a hearing, which means she never had the opportunity to defend herself. Molly asks what her defense would have been, and Alexis says, well, Britt Westbourne and Julian were her accusers, so what defense would Molly recommend? Molly says, given their collective criminal records and personal integrity issues… Alexis says, Diane thinks those factors along with the fact her alleged perjury happened at a proceeding before the medical board, and Molly asks if that’s enough to get her an appeal. Alexis says, it’s a Hail Mary at best, but Diane filed a petition at the Court of Appeals that will hopefully allow her to file another petition with the Court of Appeals that will lead to an appeal. Molly says, wow, and picks up the menu, and Alexis asks if she has anything else to say besides wow, and Molly says, don’t do it.

Never mind the wine, that’s a bottle of whiskey Anna brought. John pours the drinks and hands Anna one, saying, to clear heads and open eyes. She says she’s going to go with the second thing, and clinks her glass against his. He says, fair enough, and they drink. He says, now that they’ve belted one back, care to share? and she says she owes him an apology. He says, an apology and a drink. This is a banner day. She says she called him out on his attitude toward Sonny, implying he was being unprofessional and making everything personal. He says, to be fair, the guy does really get under his skin. When it comes to Sonny, he hasn’t always stayed professional. She says she’s not exactly a model of that herself, and he says, how so? He hands her another drink, and she says she’s only seen Sonny the way she wants to see him. She’s made excuses for him, rationalized his unacceptable behavior… He says, she means the crimes, and she says, besides murder, racketeering, and a lifetime of felonies, he’s a model citizen. John says, such a good father, and drinks. She says, yeah. Anyway, she’s done convincing herself that he’s greater than the sum of his parts. She sees Sonny very clearly now. She knows exactly who he is.

Sonny says, Natalia’s daughter is very talented, and she says she knows and thanks him. He says he’s seen her perform a few times. It’s not his kind of music, but he can see she connects with the audience. Natalia says, she’s always been like that. The kid is just fearless, on stage and off. She thinks their girls have that in common, fearlessness. He says, Kristina can be a steamroller when she wants to be, and Natalia laughs. She says, and they’re both dreamers, and he says, absolutely. She says, a dangerous combination, being a dreamer and fearless, but in the best way. He says he knows what she means, and she says, Allison was like a little star in the making from the minute she stepped on stage. But she didn’t have a head for business, so Natalia decided to step in and be her business manager. That way, she could watch after her accounts and watch after her. Sonny says, smart move, but Nalalia says she didn’t do a very good job though. She had her nose so deep in Allison’s books and accounts, she didn’t see what that monster Linc Brown was doing to her baby girl. He says, thanks to Brook, she doesn’t have to worry about that, and she asks if he knows Brook Lynn Quartermaine. He says, her mother is his best friend, and Natalia says, Brook shouldn’t have been the one to protect her daughter. She should have paid attention and she would have known something was going on and she should have been the one to protect her. He says, she can’t act on information she doesn’t have, but she says she could have sensed it and done something to stop it. He asks if that’s why she’s controlling Blaze now.

Alexis says she thought Molly of all people would be leading the charge to support her, and Molly says, Alexis knows she thinks she’s a brilliant attorney. Alexis says she knows Molly used to think that. She’s not sure Molly thinks that right now. Molly says she grew up wanting to be Alexis. When she was in law school, even now, today in fact, she still studies Alexis’s briefs. (Insert your favorite underwear joke here.) When she doesn’t know what to do with a case, she looks to see how Alexis did it. And she follows Alexis’s lead. If this were just about the law or Alexis’s career, she’d say, go for it. She would say, there’s nobody more deserving than her. Alexis says, then why is Molly opposing her trying? and Molly says, because she likes Alexis more sober than when she’s drinking.

Nina says she landed Adrian DeWitt. Does Valentin know what a huge get that is? He says he can see, and she says, but Alexis never wanted a gossip column in the first place. It’s too low brow, which makes no sense. How can a society page, detailing the lives of the city’s economic and cultural elite be low brow? He says, that is a paradox, and she says, it is a proven fact that gossip columns increase circulation. And in a journal that prioritized negative things every, single day, the average reader finds joy and release knowing the rich and famous are suffering too. He says, never underestimate the schadenfreude of the American people, and she says, that is precisely what Alexis is doing. She sabotaged the column by postponing it until Friday. He says, and after two days, even salacious news is old, and she says, he gets it. And this – she picks up her tablet – she published an extremely biased article slamming Sonny after the shooting. He asks if there were two articles, and she says, just one. Why? He says, because he’s of the opinion Alexis and The Invader went too easy on Sonny.

Natalia says, now she sees where Kristina gets her directness, and Sonny says, and she hasn’t even met Kristina’s mother yet. She laughs, and he says he and Kristina get along great, but it wasn’t always like that. When she was a teenager, she was going through some real heavy stuff that he doesn’t want to get too specific on, but it was bad. He and her mother were way overprotective. Natalia says, so instead of being protective, they ended up trying to control her, and he says, she can guess what happened. Kristina rebelled. She lashed out, and the more they tried to rein her in, the more she spiraled out of control. Natalia says, that must have been terrifying, and he says, so it was clear to him that he had to stop trying to make decisions for her and just help her stand up so she could make the decisions for herself.  

John asks, what inspired this change of heart? and Anna says, it’s nothing she can prove of course (🍷). He says, so what else is new? and she tells him, let’s just say her eyes have been forced open about Sonny and who he really is. She guesses who he’s always been. And the level of violence he’s capable of. He says, that’s great. What took her so long? Seriously, why the blind spot for Sonny? She says, he knows. He said it the other night. Sonny was there for her daughter when Stone was dying, and she was nowhere to be found.

Cody tells James that his mission is to sweep up the entire stable, and James gets to work. Tracy says, he’s taken a real shine to Cody. And Leo too. Cody says, kids love him, and Tracy asks, why? Do they think of him as a peer? He says, God help them if they think of him as a role model, and she asks how this happened. He says, James was here for his riding lessons, and she says, he gives riding lessons? He says, yes, and she says, on their horses? He says he cleared it with Monica, and she says, Monica owns the stables. The horses… He says, don’t worry. No one is riding her thoroughbred. He is sleeping better, by the way, right? She says, yes, much. Thanks. He says, about James. So James was here for his lesson, and he was going to the hospital to check up on Dante. James overheard him and he must have sounded… She says, concerned? And he says, yeah. Since then, James has been here pretty much every day, helping him out, talking. No one told him to do it. He just kind of decided. James calls for help, and they run to him.

Brook tells Chase, here’s what they’re going to do. First, they’re going to keep praying for Dante. He says, that’s all he’s been doing, and she says, her too, and they’re going to keep doing it. As for whether or not he should be a cop again, that’s easy. He says, it is? and she says, yeah. He should quit the force and revive his singing career. He says, what? and she says, think about it. Instant love from the stage. Men wishing they were him; women longing to be with him… even though they can’t be. They’ll pick up right where they left off. They’ll build his triumphant return to the stage. She’ll even let him pick out what he’s going to wear, pending approval of course (🍷). What does he say? He says he knows what she’s doing, but she says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He says, yes, she does, and she says, okay, she does. Is it working? He says he doesn’t want to be a singer. He wants to be what he is. What he’s supposed to be, a cop. She says, he’s a damn good one.

Anna says she’s going to bring up something that might be painful for John, and John says he’s not feeling much pain at the moment. She says, it’s Stone, and he says his brother is always with him. Speak freely. She says, when he was dying and Robin had been diagnosed with HIV, she was nowhere to be found. Her teenage daughter is losing the first great love of her life and may be facing a death sentence of her own, which was what it could be back then, and she was out in the wind. But Sonny was there. Sonny was there for her every day by her side, and Robin loved him for it. She still does. John says he hates to admit it, and he’ll never understand it, not fully, but in Stone’s eyes, Sonny was more of a brother to him than he was. It’s one of the many reasons he hates Sonny. Sorry. He’s making this about him. She was saying? She says she allowed herself, her own perception of Sonny, to be colored by Robin’s and by gratitude and all that guilt. So for years she convinced herself that Sonny was a better man than he really is. She never looked the other way though; she never could. He says he knows that, and she says, but she’s relied on him. She’s relied on Sonny sometimes and given him the benefit of the doubt. But no more. John drains his glass and asks if she’s keeping track. She says, they’re tied, and he says, the difference is, he’s already home, but she says, so is she. She’s two floors up. (Hmm… You thinking what I’m thinking?)

Natalia says, every cell of her wants to guide and protect her daughter from getting hurt, but now she feels like Natalia is the one hurting her. And she’s not wrong. Sonny says he thinks there’s nothing more important than letting their kids know they love them and support the choices they make. It’s up to them to make that clear, especially while their kids can still hear them. Kristina comes back and says, sorry that took so long. Natalia says, no worries. She and Kristina’s dad were just getting to know each other. Kristina says she’s glad they could keep each other company. She has a minute now, so is there anything else Natalia wanted to talk about?

Molly says, the last time Alexis fell off the wagon was when she was disbarred. She wasn’t sure they were going to get her back. Alexis says, and Molly thinks if it doesn’t work out, she’s going to start drinking again, and Molly says, the chances of getting this disbarment overturned is the longest of long shots. Alexis says she knows that, and Molly says, then why put herself through it?

John says he thinks it’s great, and Anna says, which bit? as she pours another drink. He says, her seeing Sonny for the slimebag he is. In fact, he hopes she nails him. She says she’s sure he wants that honor for himself, doesn’t he? and he says he gives her his solemn promise that if he finds any evidence on Sonny, he’ll pass it along to her. Because his job, as little as he likes it, is to protect the son of a bitch. She says she thinks everyone is entitled to be protected under the law, and he says, some people are more worthy than others, but Sonny is clearly a target. And for whatever reason, his life seems to be important enough that somebody has tried to end it several times, and he needs to find out why. Even if he gets to benefit by breathing a little longer. She says, he’s a better cop than she is, but he says, not today, Commissioner Devane. Not today.

Nina tells Valentin that Sonny knows she’s the publisher of The Invader. He might think she has something to do with this article. He says, if Sonny doesn’t blink at federal indictments, what makes her think he’s going to care about a bad review? She says, that’s not the point. The point is, he may jump to the conclusion that she’s trying to use the newspaper to lash out at him. Valentin says, she wants to reconcile with him, right? He knows that. She says, yes, but… and he says, if this article is going to keep that from happening, maybe her marriage isn’t worth fighting for in the first place. She says, he’s never been fond of Sonny, and he says, if Sonny wants her back or not, that article’s not going to make a bit of difference. She says, that article makes all the difference, and he asks, how? She says she can’t control what’s going on with this divorce. She thought she could at least control the newspaper. It turns out she can’t control that either. He says, here’s what he wants to know. She’s a magnificent, brilliant, resilient woman. Why on earth does she continue to torture herself with Sonny?

Alexis says, Molly is right. There is next to no chance that this will come to anything other than a bitter disappointment, and she needs to prepare for that. Molly asks, why? Why brace for impact from an ongoing train when she can just step off the tracks? Alexis says, because when Diane came to her with this strategy, she felt a rush, like she’d been zapped with a defibrillator. Her heart was beating again after it had flatlined for a really long time. And she realized the core part of her, she’d left for dead. She hoped she could get this essential part of her back. Molly says, what if that hope flatlines again? and Alexis says, then she lets it go. Molly says, will it be that easy? and Alexis says, probably not. But if there’s a chance she can go back and do what she loved the most, the thing that makes her her, and that gives her the challenges she needs, and she could be a role model again. Molly says, she’s a great role model, and Alexis says she was. And maybe she can be that again. If there’s just the smallest, tiniest, most infinitesimal chance that she could be that again, she has to try.

Brook pins Chase’s badge onto his coat and says, he’s the best kind of cop, one that tries to find the truth, rather than just pinning whatever on whoever. He actually tries to see justice done. He thanks her, and she says she was thinking about following rules and procedures, and she knows he felt bad about that. He says he still does, but she says, he shouldn’t. He’s an officer of the law, and there’s a reason why procedures exist. It’s to protect us. It’s to protect people. Chase says, that’s the idea, yeah, and she says, some people who are meant to uphold the law fly in the face of procedure to mess with and manipulate people. To try and squeeze them for information. He asks if she’s talking about anyone specific, and she says, Special Agent Cates. He barged past Yuri to interrogate Danny, who was by himself, no adult present. Chase says, that is not okay, and Brook says, damn right it’s not. He says, that just doesn’t seem like Agent Cates.

James stands next to an overturned feed bucket and says, it was heavier than he thought. Now he wrecked the horses’ dinner. Cody says, no he didn’t. Horses don’t mind eating oats that have been spilled on the floor. They eat dirt and grass. Get it back in the bucket, okay? Tracy asks why James was trying to carry a heavy bucket by himself, and James says he was trying to help. Cody tells him to hold the dustpan. He’ll sweep it in. Tracy says she’ll leave them to it, and James asks why she isn’t helping. Tracy says she’s the boss. It’s her job to get other people to clean up. James says, a good boss should be prepared to do everything their employees do (correct), and she asks if his friend Cody taught him that, but James says, no. His Grandpa Mac did. Tracy says, well, they can’t disagree with man of the people Mac Scorpio, and James asks if she’s going to help or is she a bad boss? He hands her the dustpan, and Cody laughs.

Brook asks, since when is Chase so buddy-buddy with Agent Cates? but Chase says he’s not. It’s just Cates seems very by the book. She says, what book might that be? Interrogation for Dummies? Chase says, clearly, he was wrong about the guy. He’s the devil incarnate and generally a bad dude (ha-ha-ha!). Brook tells him not to patronize her, and he says he would never. She says, Cates is a snake and a jerk, and she should make good on all of her threats. He says, she threatened an FBI agent? and she says, damn right she did. He says, like with bodily harm? and she says, no. She just old him that he should be ashamed of interrogating a child without a parent present. He says, okay, and she says, and that she would sue him into oblivion and take his badge. He says, oh. Because threatening a federal agent is kind of a federal crime.

Natalia says she came to mend fences with Kristina and enlist her help about Allison, but she realizes that’s not something she can ask of Kristina. That’s something they have to work out on their own. But she’s really appreciative of Kristina taking the time to talk to her. She gets up and says, Mr. Corinthos, such a pleasure. She shakes Sonny’s hand and leaves. Kristina says, so that just happened, and Sonny asks how she’s doing. She says she doesn’t know. She’s not really sure. Her first impulse was to text Allie and tell her what just happened, but then is that really fair to them? Shouldn’t it be between them whether or not they work things out? But then, how can she pretend it’s not about her and she’s not involved? He says, she can’t.

Cody asks if they got all of it, and James says, let him check… Mission accomplished. He and Cody high-five, and James turns to Tracy with his hand raised. He says, it’s called a high-five. Does she want him to show her how to do it? She laughs and says, no. She knows how to do a high-five. She just hasn’t done one in a while. They high-five, and James says, turns out she is a good boss. She thanks him and asks if his Grandpa Mac has any other good pearls of wisdom. James says, to have a friend, you’ve got to be a friend, and she says, that’s a good one. So she’s the boss and he’s the guest. How about if she invites him up to the house for some hot chocolate? He says, Cody too? and she says, yes, of course (🍷). Come on. She takes the brush from him, and they all head out, Cody lingering for a moment.

Brook asks, is threatening a federal agent a federal crime? and Chase says, well… She says, so what? There was no way she was going to let that jerk intimidate Danny. He says, nor should she. He’s 100% on her side. She asks if he’s sure about that, and he says he is, but in the future, instead of threatening to sue, take his badge, or anything else she might have said – she says, there were no witnesses – perhaps she could kindly remind the overeager law enforcement officer that he can’t question a minor without a parent present. She says, and an attorney, and he says, if that’s necessary. She says, an army of attorneys, and he says, would protect the rights of the minor without ganging up on a federal agent. Right? She says, fine. She’ll show mercy. He says, that’s all he asks. He kind of wishes he saw her laying down the law a little bit. She says, her too. He could have been her witness. He says he loves it when she’s all hot and fired up, and kisses her.

Molly says, if that’s how Alexis feels about it, then okay, and Alexis says, okay as in, I’ve said everything I can possibly say and now I’m washing my hands of it okay? Molly says, hopefully, support her. She’ll have Alexis’s back every step of the way. She’ll be there for her. Alexis says, and what if it goes belly up? and Molly says, what if against all odds it actually happens? Stranger things have. Alexis agrees, and Molly says, but please, monitor herself. Take inventory. Go to meetings. Alexis says she’s been doing that all along and has no intention of stopping, and Molly says, now. She’s talking about during the waiting for the decision. She’s going to get frustrated and might want to skip a meeting now and again. She might even say, screw this altogether, but please promise her that she won’t. That she’ll stay the course. Alexis says she promises, and Molly says, and one more thing. If this doesn’t go her way, if the worst thing happens and she doesn’t get her license back, please promise her that she won’t drink. Alexis says, that’s a promise she can’t make. But she promises to do everything in her power, including calling upon a higher power, to prevent that from happening. Molly says she understands no recovery is guaranteed. She knows there are backslides, and no promise she gets Alexis to make is going to keep her from drinking. Alexis says, yeah, and Molly says she’s so selfish. Alexis says, she’s not selfish. In fact, be selfish, because they’re all really sick and tired of her altruism. Molly says, with Kristina pregnant with their baby, she just really needs her mom right now.

Valentin says, never mind the fact that in order for Nina to fall in love with him, Sonny had to literally forget who he was. Sonny makes her bend over backwards to prove her worth to him and she bends, and he hates it. It breaks his heart to see her do that, especially when Sonny is such a hypocrite. Anyone who wrongs him, he just writes them off. He’s not that complicated. He’s just erratic. Sonny isn’t worthy of her. Nina asks if he’s finished, and he says he wishes. When he heard she and Sonny had broken up and Sonny was looking for a divorce, he could finally breathe. He was that relieved. She asks, why? So she could come back to him? He says, that is lovely, but no. Because he’s not worthy of her either. He was relieved because she could finally forget about having to be Sonny’s wife, and maybe she could finally remember who she really is. She asks who he thinks that is, and he says, she’s Nina Reeves, and Nina Reeves is a marvel, a survivor, a rule breaker. Everything in her life, she’s spun into gold. And it’s his greatest hope for her that she remembers that.

Kristina tells Sonny that if she texts Allie and says her mom was here, that automatically implies that it’s her and Allie against her mom, and she doesn’t necessarily want that. Sonny says he thinks that’s wise, and Kristina says, if she doesn’t tell her, she doesn’t really want to be keeping a secret from her. He says, also wise, and she says she thinks what she should do is wait until she sees her. And if Allie brings it up, then great. If she doesn’t, then she’ll tell Allie what happened tonight. He says he’s curious. What’s her take on Natalia? She says she definitely didn’t win Natalia over initially, but she gives her credit for reaching out. Sonny says, so does he, and Kristina says she gives him a lot more credit. He asks what she means, and she says she told Allie how hard it was to come out to him and when she did, he was like – she imitates his voice – what? You think I don’t know gay people? I know gay people. She would have given anything to see the expression on her own face when he did that. It was like it was no big deal. He says, even looking back, the fact that she didn’t know he would accept that, kind of hurts even now. She asks, why? He’s always been the only one she could really turn to. He says he’ll always be, and she says she knows, and they hug.

John says, today he questioned Daniel Morgan without a parent or guardian present, and Anna says, that’s not good. He says, luckily somebody stopped him. This woman just swooped in like she was on fire, and lit into him, telling him how ashamed he should be, and all of a sudden, he was. She says, oh my God. He met Tracy Quartermaine. He asks if Tracy has a Brooklyn accent, and Anna says, no. He met Brook Lynn. He laughs and says, Brooklyn? Her name is actually Brooklyn? Anyway, he’s got to thank her because she forced him to realize he’d crossed the line. She says, at least he realized his mistake. Some people cross the line and they just double down and floor it. He says he was disappointed that he went there in the first place. Today was not his finest day as a cop. She says, it wasn’t hers either, and raises her glass. She says, here’s to being better tomorrow, and they clink glasses.

Tomorrow, Willow tells Michale that she can’t see a way out of this situation; Sasha stops the photo shoot; Heather asks Laura if she was always this wild; and Drew tells Nina that she’s going to get caught. Or as he says it cot.

💣 Double the Faison…

He’s come back from the dead a few times. I fully expect him to show up again even though Doc put his brain in a jar.

When he first showed up to obsess over Anna.

🍸 Outside the Rules…

But is he really A-list?

https://www.etonline.com/scheana-shay-seemingly-suggests-she-once-had-an-orgy-with-john-mayer-my-body-was-a-wonderland

This should be a surprise to no one.

🍝 They’re the Top…

It was good, but it’s not the same without Padma. <sniff…>

🗽 Jill’s Next Chapter…

Producing her own reality.

🏆 They Have the Image…

You go, Colman Domingo! And I get it, but I still kinda wish They Cloned Tyrone had received the big win.

https://www.etonline.com/2024-naacp-image-awards-the-complete-winners-list-221669

It’s not an awards show without fashion.

https://www.essence.com/gallery/best-red-carpet-looks-naacp-image-awards-2024

🐊 Only In New York…

As much as I love animals, I don’t think I’d be getting in line to pet this one.

https://people.com/large-alligator-seized-after-being-kept-illegally-in-ny-home-8610256

🐇 In Their Easter Bonnet…

It’s never too early to get out the bunny ears. Adjust accordingly for your specific spring holiday.

https://wagwalking.com/daily/how-to-celebrate-easter-with-your-pets

🩰 Watch Me Fly…

Make a return trip tomorrow for soap and more entertainment nonsense… Or is it? Until then, stay safe, stay offering your seat to those who are older or more in need, and stay not allowing your perception to be colored by someone else’s.

July 19, 2022 – In the Thick Of Trina’s Trial, Demanding Diamond, Many Spoiled Returns, Get In Line, Aussies On Deck & Hot

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

TJ lets Willow into an exam room, and she says she assumed it was about work, but this is medical? She didn’t even know he was on an OB rotation. He says, this isn’t an OB visit, and she says, okay, then what? He says, after she fainted, he ran a series of tests. She says, that’s how they figured out she was pregnant, and he says, yes, but they have to go over the rest of the results. She has an elevated white blood cell count. She says, that’s it? She knows from nurse’s training that it’s normal to have an elevated white blood cell count during pregnancy. He says, that’s true, but from what he sees, he doesn’t think it’s related to her pregnancy, and she says, he thinks she’s sick while she’s pregnant.

Michael and Dante spar at the gym, and Dante says, Rocco can do better than that. Just because Michael’s having a baby, he’s taking it easy on him? Michael says, Dante couldn’t be more wrong. Willow’s good news makes him feel like he can take on the world. Even losing the ELQ merger with Aurora, seems way more manageable now. Face it, your brother is one happy guy. Cody walks in and says, I’ll have what he’s having.

Britt walks past the elevator as Brad comes out, and he says he knows he’s early, but he figured they have time to get a drink at Charlie’s before they head over to the Haunted Star. She says she’s sorry. She should have called him, but the day got away from her. She has one more appointment. He says, that’s okay. He guesses they’ll have to start drinking when they get to the Haunted Star. Now go tell her patient to take two aspirin and call her in the morning. She says, yeah… That’s the thing. She can’t join him tonight. Something’s come up. He asks if she forgot she had plans, and she says, not exactly. He asks if she double-booked herself, and she says, sort of. He says, and it’s not work related? and she shakes her head. He says, oh my God. Does she have a date?

Esme tells Spencer, even if she could guarantee Trina goes free, why in the world would she? Trina, Joss, and Cam have been badmouthing her all across town. Why would she do them any favors? He says, because if she ever wants to know who her birth mother is, she’ll make sure that the judge knows the truth. She’s the only person who can do that.

On the stand, Josslyn says, she knows Trina was in her bedroom the entire time before she and Cameron went to their bedroom, and Arden asks if she can prove that. Were there security cameras all over the cabin? The cabin belongs to Josslyn’s stepfather Sonny Corinthos, so she can see that as a real possibility. Josslyn says, there are no security cameras inside the cabin, and Arden says, which means what exactly. Josslyn says, which means she doesn’t have proof that Trina didn’t leave her bedroom, and Arden says, to be clear, she can’t account for the defendant’s movements from the moment she went into her room to the moment she and Mr. Webber went into theirs. Because of that, won’t she concede that there was plenty of time for her so-called friend, who has already been established to have been filled with jealousy and resentment, to make sure the phone was set up to record Josslyn’s most intimate moments without her knowing? Diane objects, saying, this is pure conjecture on the ADA’s part, and the judge sustains. He tells Arden to watch her step, and Arden says, no more questions. Rory walks into the courtroom.

TJ says, he was there the first time Willow fainted at GH, and that was months before she got pregnant. That’s what prompted him to run this battery of tests; just to be on the safe side. She says, so he thinks there’s a chance something’s wrong with her? but he tells her, all he’s saying is, they need more information. He knows she just finished nursing school, and she’s been under a lot of pressure. So they might be able to chalk this up to anxiety or stress, but there’s also a chance there’s another medical explanation. They have to explore all possibilities. She says, obviously, he thinks there’s a good chance something is wrong. What isn’t he telling her?

Dante starts to introduce Cody to Michael, but Cody says, Michael’s the one who gave him the tour of the Quartermaine stables; made him feel right at home. Michael says, it’s funny Cody calls himself a mere stable hand, because to Leo, he’s already a legend, and Cody says, Leo is a great kid. He’s positively fearless with that horse of his, unlike some people that he knows. Dante asks if Cody is talking about him. He was a city kid; he did great. Michael says, that’s enough for him. They can stay and beat each other’s brains in if they want. He has to meet Willow at GH. In case Cody can’t tell by the big grin on his face, he and Willow are having a baby. Cody congratulates him, and asks Michael to give his best to Willow. Michael says he has to hit the showers. If he’s late he could catch a hard time. Cody says, really? Willow seemed like such a sweetheart to him. Michael says he wasn’t talking about Willow. He was talking about her OB, Britt Westbourne. Cody says, no kidding; small world. Michael asks if he knows Britt.  

Brad says, normally he would be upset about Britt blowing him off, but since she’s practically on the verge of spinsterhood, he’ll give her a pass – this time. She says, she’d love to argue his characterization of her love life, except he’s spot-on. He says, some friendly advice. All she needs to be is the charming, vivacious woman he knows she can be. She says, thanks for the pep talk. She feels so much better about her date tonight.  He says, if she’s not excited about her date, why is she doing it? Is she jumping back into the dating pool because she’s looking for love, or is she just tired of holding on to all her secrets? She asks what that means, and he says, whatever’s weighing on her; what she can’t tell him about? Maybe it’s past time she did.

Diane reminds the court of the difference between a sex tape and revenge porn. A sex tape is made with consent; revenge porn is made without consent. She asks if Josslyn or Cameron ever consented to being recorded, and Josslyn says, no. Neither one of them knew anything about the video; not until it popped up on the screens at PCU. Diane says, yet despite the prosecution’s best efforts to put words in Josslyn’s mouth, Josslyn claims to know her best friend could never have done this. Josslyn says she knows Trina couldn’t, and Arden objects. She says, to use Diane’s words, it’s pure conjecture on the witness’s part. Josslyn says, it’s not conjecture, because she knows exactly the type of person Trina is. She’s known Trina since middle school. Trina is her best friend in the entire world. Josslyn tears up, and says, Trina is there for her on her good days, and more important, Trina is there for her on her bad days. Trina knows right from wrong, and Josslyn knows exactly the type of friend Trina is. She is the type of friend to stick by you when everybody else turns and runs. Diane says, so knowing her best friend, could Josslyn ever imagine that Trina would go to such extreme lengths to humiliate her and Cameron? Josslyn says, never. She doesn’t think Trina would even know how to get a black market phone, let alone use it against them. Diane asks how Josslyn knows it was a black market phone, and she says she doesn’t. All she knows is, a second phone that was a black market phone was found in Trina’s purse, identical to Trina’s real phone; same model, same case. Diane says, but it’s Josslyn’s belief – her conviction – that someone, anyone, could have purchased that phone, and Josslyn says, not anyone. One person did this, and she knows exactly who that person is.

Esme tells Spencer, once Trina recorded Joss and Cam having sex for the first time – which is mind bogglingly horrific – she made it go global. Those are facts; all the evidence says so. He says he agrees with her that the evidence is stacked against Trina, but there’s one catch. Esme asks, what’s that? and he says, they both know Trina didn’t record that revenge porn or distribute it, because Esme did.

Diane says, if Trina Robinson did not make that revenge porn, who did? and Josslyn says, it’s Esme Prince. When Esme’s boyfriend, Spencer Cassadine, wanted to break up his father’s marriage to Ava, Spencer began to stalk Ava, and asked for Esme’s help. Esme lit Ava’s car on fire, and left the hospital ID badge of Ava’s dead daughter Kiki beside the car. That seems like the kind of demented mind that would make revenge porn, don’t you think? Arden objects, and says, she’s aware of Spencer Cassadine getting convicted for stalking his stepmother, but his girlfriend was never charged with anything. Can the witness provide any shred of proof of her claims? Judge Young sustains, and tells Diane, no more speculation; he just wants facts. Diane says, absolutely. She just has a few more questions. She asks what Josslyn’s GPA was her freshman year of college, and Josslyn says, 4.0. Diane congratulates her, and asks who her dorm roommate was. Josslyn says, Trina, and Diane asks who if Trina will be Josslyn’s roommate her sophomore year. Josslyn says, absolutely, and she and Trina smile at each other. Diane has no further questions.

TJ says he’s not keeping Willow in the dark about anything. There are questions though, and that’s why he’s booked her for another series of tests tomorrow. She says, to be clear, this doesn’t concern the baby. This is about her health, correct? He says, correct. Her issue, if there is one, predates the pregnancy. It’s likely the two situations aren’t related. She has an appointment with Dr. Westbourne later. Keep that, and whatever it is, they’ll deal with it.

Cody tells Michael, you might say, he and Britt ran into each other the other day, and Dante says, what Cody means is, he parachuted into the MetroCourt pool, landed on Britt, and they both fell into the water. Michael says, that was all over social media, and Cody says, to be fair, she was standing in his landing zone. Michael says, skydiver, stable hand; is there anything Cody can’t do? Cody says, plenty. Pay a mortgage, ride sidesaddle blindfolded, make babies. He’s never been able to achieve any of those things, so don’t let him keep Michael from that appointment. Dante tells Michael, good luck, and tell Willow he said hi. He’s sure mom and baby are going to be fine. Michael leaves, and Cody says, Dante’s brother seems like a nice guy. Dante says, the best, and Cody asks if he’s chopped liver, but Dante says, no. Cody is the guy who dogged Britt after he told Cody not to.

Britt tells Brad, all she wants is to give this matchmaking thing a chance. If for no other reason than to get her mother off her back. He says, fair enough. So is her date someone he knows? Someone he doesn’t know? Is he hot? She says, he’s rough around the edges, and he says, on the right person that could be hot. Is he hot? She says, he doesn’t seem trustworthy, and Brad says, not to be redundant, but that could be hot on the right person too. She says, fine. He’s hot, in a rough, rustic, scruffy way. He bruises well, and by that she means, he’s one of those guys who actually looks good beaten up. Weird. And then there’s the fact they have nothing in common, and they don’t even like each other. Brad asks how she knows, if they haven’t even met… O.M.G. It’s him, isn’t it? It’s parachute guy.

Jordan is now on the stand, and Arden asks her how this illicit video came to the attention of the PCPD. Jordan says, they received a report from PCU, where the video was first distributed. Then in the course of their investigation, their office got an anonymous tip on their hotline as to the alleged perpetrator’s identity. Arden says, by alleged perpetrator, she’s referring to the defendant, correct? and Jordan says, yes. Arden asks, what happened when they brought Trina in for questioning? and Jordan says, Trina agreed without hesitation, and never asked for legal representation. She said she would do anything to find the person who humiliated her closest friends, Josslyn Jax and Cameron Webber. Arden asks what Jordan found in Trina’s possession, and Jordan says, she had two cell phones in her purse; one that was hers, and one that was nearly identical that she couldn’t account for. Arden holds up the phone in a plastic bag, and says, this is the unaccounted for cell phone, and this is the forensics report on this phone. She gives the report to Jordan, and asks if Jordan can tell them what it says. Jordan says, the digital footprint confirms this cell phone was used to upload and send the video, also known as the revenge porn, to the PCU community. Arden says, anything else? and Jordan says, after its final usage, this phone was never turned on again. Arden asks if there’s anything else that ties the phone to the defendant, and Jordan reads, Miss Robinson’s credit card information was encrypted and used to purchase images of the artist Richard Molineaux. Arden says, in other words, according to Jordan’s own forensics department, the only person tied to that revenge porn video is the defendant Trina Robinson, and Jordan says, the evidence seems to suggest that, yes.

Spencer tells Esme, at first, he didn’t want to believe it. There was a time when he had deeper feelings for her than he ever knew possible. When he brought her home to Port Charles… She says, he means when he asked for her help with his plot to destroy his father’s marriage, and he says, and when she agreed, she raised the stakes by a thousand. He never asked her to torch Ava’s car, and would have never suggested she put Ava’s dead daughter’s hospital ID beside it. That is just so incredibly cruel. But that’s who she really is, isn’t it? Cruel. Joss warned him about her; Trina warned him about her. Hell, even Cam, who gave her the benefit of the doubt, went out of his way to warn him that she was dangerous, and even still, he wanted to believe in her. But then when that video of Josslyn and Cam came out, she couldn’t wait to show it to him. She pretended to be horrified, but he could see it written all over her face how happy she was. Then she insisted it had to be Trina who made it. That’s when he started to wonder and waver, and when he decided to voice his fears that maybe she was the one behind the revenge porn, she instantly came up with a pregnancy scare. She says, he thinks she made that up? and he says, not then. He still wanted to believe in her. But when Trina was arrested, he couldn’t look the other way anymore. Everything Josslyn was saying, and that Trina had done her best not to say, it was all true. Esme was the one who made that video, and she was the one who distributed it to the world. He yells in her face, it was you all along.

Michael finds Willow at the hospital, and says he wondered if he had the wrong time. Is she okay?  

Britt tells Brad, go on, say it. She’s going out with the bum who parachuted into her life, and couldn’t even apologize for almost drowning her. He says, honestly, he’s happy for her. She’s a smart woman. If she decided to give parachute guy a second chance, good for her. She thanks him for saying that, but they both know this will probably end in disaster, and he says, sure seems like it. So he has to ask again, why is she even doing it? and she tells him, he’s supposed to say, it’s going be great, but right now, she’s late to see a patient.

Cody and Dante go into the steam room, and Dante tells Cody to fess up now. He saw Cody all over Britt on the 4th. What’s going on with that? He warned Cody away from Britt, and first thing, his interest level goes through the roof. It’s classic. Cody says, about Dante’s warning about Britt. Given how Dante feels about Britt, his guess is, Dante isn’t going to feel too good about them going on a date.

Esme says, Spencer is right. When they first met, he was an angry, lost self-centered little boy, and thanks to her, he not only lost his virginity, he turned out to be an angry, lost, self-centered man. She can’t believe, after everything she’s done for him, standing by his side when even his own father turned his back on him, this is how he repays her. He says, all she ever did was work her own agenda, and she says, enough. He had his say, now it’s her turn. If he thinks he can just go riding back to Trina, he’s an even bigger fool than she thought. He’s even sadder and more pathetic than when she first met him. They were together at that cabin, remember? She couldn’t have planted that phone even if she wanted to, because when she’d had enough of Josslyn’s holier than thou attitude, they left – together. His precious sweet Trina could have planted that phone and did. There’s simply no way he can get around that. He says, of course (🍷) there is.

Diane says, so an anonymous tip claimed Trina Robinson filmed and distributed the revenge porn. Is there any way to identify the source of that anonymous tip? Jordan says, no. If people thought their identities could be made public, they wouldn’t get the number of tips they get. That’s why it’s anonymous. Diane says, of course (🍷). So anyone could leave a false tip and suffer no repercussions whatsoever. So how did Trina behave when Jordan hauled her into the PCPD for questioning? Jordan says, there was no hauling her in; she came in voluntarily. Diane says, voluntarily? That’s interesting. Jordan already testified that Trina asked for no counsel to be present, but when Jordan began to question her, was she defensive? Jordan says, no; she was very cooperative. She kept repeating that Josslyn and Cameron were her close friends, and she wanted to do whatever was possible to catch the person responsible for the revenge porn. Maybe it’s because her dad was a officer, but she was very eager to do the right thing. Diane says, so when Jordan opened Trina’s bag, and found the other phone… Jordan says she didn’t open Trina’s purse; Trina did. Diane says, Jordan is saying Trina herself opened her bag and produced the other phone? and Jordan says, that’s correct. Diane asks, in her many years of public service as Police Commissioner, in Jordan’s experience, is that the way a guilty person behaves? Arden objects, and says, they’re not doing a composite sketch of a common criminal. Jordan says, actually, she’d like to answer the question. She thinks it’s relevant. Judge Young says, she may answer the question, and Jordan says, Trina did not act anything at all like a guilty person. As she said, Trina’s main goal was to be helpful. Diane has no further questions, and Arden calls Rory to the stand.  

Willow tells Michael, there’s nothing wrong with her. She’s just nervous about their first consultation with the OB. Britt comes around the corner, and congratulates them. She takes it from the way they’re smiling, this is welcome news. Willow says, they weren’t trying to get pregnant, but yes, it’s exciting, and Michael says, they can’t wait to welcome the newest member of their family. Britt says, in that case, she asks the expectant father to wait here while she does a brief exam. Willow hangs back, and Britt promises it won’t take long. And she hopes to give them both a very pleasant surprise. Willow goes follows her into the exam room.

Dante says, he should have known better. Warning Cody to stay away from Britt is like catnip; it’s like forbidden fruit. Cody says, it’s just one date. What’s the big deal? She’s Co-Chief of Staff at the hospital. She can’t be that bad. Dante asks if Cody remembers when the counselors took them hiking on Olsen’s Peak, and Cody says, of course (🍷) he does. Dante was always a few steps behind him. Dante says, there was a sign that said, in big red letters, do not veer off the path. And what did Cody do? He veered them off the path, and they almost got mauled by a bear. Cody laughs, and says, he’d never seen Dante run so fast. Lighten up. There isn’t any danger, there isn’t any fun.

Esme says, at least Ava tried to buy her off. All Spencer can do is try and bluff her. He says, the truth is, he thought to himself, how can I try to twist Esme’s arm? Then it hit him. What would Esme do? For weeks she’d been pretending to sympathize with Joss because she and Cameron hadn’t slept together yet. She even made a major production  of insisting they get the master bedroom at the cabin. And when they got back from skiing, before she came in with the drinks, she was the only person not in the living room. He, Trina, Joss, and Cam were all there, but she was off by herself. He figures that would give her plenty of time to go into the master bedroom and set up that black market phone. Her back is to him, and she smiles. She says, that’s a clever theory, but he doesn’t have proof. She turns to him, and he says, but he’s not done. When they got back to town, he realized he’d forgotten something, and that gave her the very convenient excuse to go back to the cabin to pick up what he’d forgotten, as well as retrieve the phone that she’d recorded on. Once she retrieved it, she sent the video to the PCU server, and planted it in Trina’s purse. She says, okay, Agatha Christie. How could she have known Trina couldn’t handle her booze well and go to her room. Is he accusing her of being a psychic now too? He flashes back to finding the pills in Esme’s closet, and says, no, not psychic. He tries to touch her, but she backs up, and he says, she’s psycho for sure, but he doesn’t think she’s psychic. The reason she knew Trina would pass out is because Esme spiked her hot toddy with those pills of hers; the ones he found in her closet. He showed them to Britt Westbourne, and she told him what could happen if they’re mixed with alcohol. Esme drugged Trina to set her up, and Britt told him if the dosage had been off, even by a little, she could have injured Trina; maybe even killed her. He strokes Esme’s arm, and asks if she still thinks he’s bluffing.

Arden asks if, when Rory was on duty recently, he was called to a disturbance at a notorious biker bar, The Highsider. He says, that is correct. It was a fairly routine complaint; a fight had broken out. She asks what he found when he got there, and he says he’s not sure he understands the question. There was a bar fight. He arrived after another unit had broken it up. Arden tells the judge that she’s submitting an eyewitness statement from another member of the PCPD. They reported two underage girls who were caught up in this brawl. She asks Rory if they’re in the courtroom, and Diane objects, asking, what does any of this have to do with the charges against her client? Arden says, when Officer Cabrera answers the question the connection will be obvious, and Judge Young allows it. Arden repeats the question, and Rory says, yes, they’re in the courtroom. She asks him to state their names, and he says, Josslyn Jax and Trina Robinson. She thanks him, and says, there’s an even more important question she needs him to answer. Why were Josslyn and Trina in the bar that night?  Um… won’t this ultimately hurt Arden’s case?

Britt lets Michael into the exam room, and says, Willow is a bit early, but there’s a good chance they can detect a fetal heartbeat. Willow asks Michael to hold her hand, and Britt puts the gel on her. They hear it, and Willow says, that’s the baby’s heartbeat. Britt says, sure is, and Michael says, she had him worried there, but it’s strong and steady. Everything’s okay now.

Cody asks Dante why he wouldn’t date Britt. She’s beautiful, she’s successful, and she scraped him up in an alley, and gave him a ride to Dante’s place. Why can’t Dante just be happy for him? Dante says he is happy for Cody, but he’s just looking out for him, since he seems to be incapable of doing it himself. Cody says, so he’s a charity case, and Dante says he’s Cody’s friend. He gave Cody a couch, kept him out of jail, Dante’s mom hooked him up with a job at the Quartermaine stables; what does that say? Cody says, that Dante put in a good word for him, and Dante says, he didn’t do it out of charity. He did it because they’re friends. They hadn’t seen each other in a long time, but he minute he saw Cody falling out of the sky, he knew Cody hadn’t changed a bit. Cody says, Dante has. Maybe it’s because he’s a dad, or maybe it’s the badge, but Dante is different from the kid from Bensonhurst he used to know. Dante says, yeah, he is; he grew up. Maybe Cody should try it sometime.

Spencer says, Esme set up an innocent woman who could potentially go to prison, not to mention what she did to Joss and Cam with the sex tape. He backs her up as he’s talking, and says, he’ll give her this much; she was thorough in her revenge. She found a way to take them all down. She pushes him back, and says, he thinks he’s got it all worked out. What does he expect her to do, walk into that courtroom and trade places with Trina? He says, no, he doesn’t expect her to do that. Doing that would require a conscience, something she clearly doesn’t have. But if she was smart enough to frame Trina, then she’s smart enough to clear Trina without incriminating herself. She says, Trina really means that much to him, and he says he thinks the more pertinent question is, how much does Esme’s mother mean to her? She throws the paper on the table, and says, oh my God, you ass. After all the lies he told her, he expects her to believe he found a match for her DNA. He picks up the paper, and says, he has the evidence. She can look for herself. He can tell her the name. Or she can walk out and let Trina take the fall. It’s up to her. What’s more important to her; ruining Trina’s life or finding her mother?

Rory says, Josslyn and Trina were carrying fake IDs. He confiscated them, and let them off with a stern warning never to try that again. Arden says, very understanding of him, but were they only at that bar that night to drink alcohol as minors? He says he’s not sure what she means, and she puts a folder on the stand, saying, that document is a rap sheet for a bartender, Oz Haggerty, who was working at that same bar. Can he read off the crimes that bartender was arrested for? He reads, petty theft, and he had a prior for trafficking in stolen electronics. She asks if he can be more specific. What kind of electronics? He says, mostly black market cell phones, and she says, he sells black market cell phones. The kind that Trina’s best friend Josslyn, according to her testimony, said the defendant would never know how to buy. Again, Arden might be enthusiastic, but she’s not real bright. Although, outcomes aren’t always logical in Port Charles.

Michael asks if Willow is okay, and Willow says, they just heard their baby’s heartbeat. She’s never been better, or happier. They hug.

Britt thanks TJ for referring a new patient to her. Willow’s pregnancy is progressing nicely. They just heard the baby’s heartbeat. He says, that’s great to hear, but he needs her to keep him in the loop about Willow. She asks why, and he suggests they go to her office, and he’ll fill her in.

Cody tells Dante, he doesn’t have a kid or a steady career, but he’s growing up in his own way. Believe it or not, he’s already making plans for his future. Dante says, by being a stable boy? Come on, man, it’s even got boy in the title. Um… Michael said hand, not boy. Cody tells him, make as many jokes as he wants. He’s going to prove Dante is wrong about a lot of things. Dante says, including Britt Westbourne? and Cody says, the matchmaker herself matched them up. Dante says, here’s hoping the match doesn’t turn into a dumpster fire. If it does, remember his old pal warned him otherwise.

Esme says, Spencer is doing all of this because he thinks he can win Trina over? She clears Trina’s name, and Trina’s all his? Who is delusional now? Even if Trina did have feelings for him, she’s moved on. Or hasn’t he seen her with the hot rookie cop? He asks if that’s her final answer, but she says, he’s given her a lot to think about. He tells her, don’t think long, because this deal isn’t going to be on the table indefinitely, and she says, as a reminder, she’s not the one on trial. And as for him, if she hears he tried to play hero on his own, and go to Trina with this conversation, he will never get what he wants. He holds up the paper, and says, neither will she. She says, if it comes to choosing finding out who her mother is, and hurting him the way he hurt her, don’t be so sure he’ll know what she’ll choose. She leaves, and Spencer drops the paper on the table. Esme paces in the foyer, then leans against the wall, looking sick.  

Diane says she just has a few questions for Rory. When he confiscated Josslyn and Trina’s fake IDs, did he ask why they were there? He says, yes, and she asks what they told him. He says, they were looking for the bartender who sold Esme Prince a black market phone, and Diane asks if it was a referral deal. Esme Prince got a groovy phone (ha-ha) off this guy, and they wanted one too. Arden objects, saying, counsel is leading the witness, but Judge Young says he’ll allow it. He tells Diane to get where she’s going, and she asks Rory if Josslyn and Trina were in The Highsider to purchase a black market phone. He says, no. They were looking for the bartender to ID Esme Prince. Diane says, and did he? and Arden objects, saying, hearsay. Officer Cabrera wasn’t present when Miss Jax and Miss Robinson allegedly spoke to Mr. Haggerty. The officer has no idea what was said, if anything. The judge says, sustained, and Diane says she has no further questions. Judge Young calls for an adjournment, and the bailiff says, all rise, as he leaves the courtroom.

In the hallway, Curtis says he thinks there’s reasonable doubt for sure, and Josslyn says she hates the way the ADA twisted her words. Trina says she doesn’t blame Josslyn. She knows Josslyn is just trying to help her. Jordan comes out, and she and Curtis nod to each other. Rory follows, and he and Trina exchange a look. Portia tells Trina, just hang in there, and hugs her.  

Tomorrow, Cody wants to get to know Britt better, if she’ll let him; Finn tells Chase that something is too good to be true; Brook tells Linc that she’s found something she wants more than fame; Sasha insists she’s not addicted; and Sonny tells Brando that he’ll take care of something.

👠 I Loved Her Too, But…

Lois was better than LisaR on her best day, but she wasn’t a cast member, nor is this The LisaR Show. I totally understand her grief, but this is going overboard with being demanding.

https://people.com/tv/lisa-rinna-slams-rhobh-for-not-properly-honoring-late-mom/

🍊 OC Slam…

Apparently, Tamra is not too happy with Jill outing her return.

https://www.etonline.com/tamra-judge-slams-jill-zarin-after-she-seemingly-spoils-her-rhoc-return-announcement-go-fk-yourself

But Jill claims she’s not the source. They were on Watch What Happens Live together tonight, so they must have kissed and made up. I wasn’t really listening.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1338372/jill-zarin-clarifies-comments-about-tamra-judges-rumored-rhoc-return

💎 Another Day, Another Suit…

I think Erika is a little smarter than Teresa Giudice, who I believe signed things just because Juicy Joe told her too. I wouldn’t say she was in on it, but I think she turned a blind eye.

🦘 I’ve been watching Below Deck Down Under, and while it’s entertaining enough, I’m a little disappointed. Some of the crew could vie with Jax Taylor and the most recent Sailing Yacht cast for worst people ever. It looks like mostly the deckhands are d-bags, one being a very entitled bad sport. I haven’t absorbed enough of it to get a good handle on the interior, except that they flirt shamelessly with the captain. I can’t say I blame them, since he’s movie star handsome. I also love Aesha, originally from Below Deck Mediterranean. She’s the chief stew on this one, and I remember her as always being positive and fun. And of course there’s the Barrier Reef. I don’t think it gets much more beautiful.

https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck-down-under

Beating the Clock…

Join me tomorrow for soap and those awful women from Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay not beating yourself up over the past, and stay being the type of friend who sticks around when everybody else turns and runs.

June 21, 2022 – GH Deferred Again, 15000, Soap Dads, Reunited, Heated, Not Skimping, Diana’s Room, Worst Ever, New Med, Chris’s Pups & Nights

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Foiled again.

🎉 Still Standing…

A definite reason to celebrate. The episode we would have seen today, and will hopefully see tomorrow.

👔 More Celebration…

The fathers of GH.

❄️ Hell Officially Frozen Over…

Did Bravo meet Bethenny’s unaffordable figure? https://realityblurb.com/2022/06/21/photo-bethenny-frankel-and-jill-zarin-reunite-on-a-plane-as-andy-cohen-jokes-a-crew-is-en-route-with-their-paychecks/

🤼 Sparring Again…

I dunno. Joe #2 might be a hothead, but Luis is starting to not look so good.

💋 Gotta Have Glam…

It looks like she’s not skipping any meals either. Sorry. I know that was mean, and not something I’d normally say, but I can’t stand her.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10929081/Erika-Jayne-arrives-Elite-Aesthetics-medical-spa-claiming-afford-2-2M-tax-bill.html

🚪 Pricey Room…

She didn’t want to talk about it on the show, but I’ll bet she cashes the royalty checks.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a40310562/diana-jenkins-book-room-23-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills/

🎤 Fillers Can’t Buy You Class…

Wow. Worse than Tardy for the Party? That’s pretty hard.

🛥 Steering Closer…

The latest on Below Deck Med’s new season, beginning July 11th.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/below-deck-med-season-7-cast-premiere-date-trailer

🐕 Squee When Ready…

Chris Evans + puppies. What’s not to like?

https://www.buzzfeed.com/ehisosifo1/chris-evans-puppy-interview

🧜🏽 Boogie Oogie Oogieing Out…

Hopefully, all will be right with the world tomorrow, and you can join me for some soap and Beverly Hills drama. Until then, stay safe, stay discerning in all things, and stay taking comfort in the fact, no matter how bad it gets, there are always puppies.

April 8, 2022 – The Ice Princess Is Found, Soap History, Co-Star Chat, Jill Whines, Teresazilla, Joining In, Unsure, Caroline In Dubai, Shah Bummer, Pets (!), a Heptad Of Quotes & Anything

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jennifer says she guesses she’ll have to dry herself off, as Valentin fiddles with the safe one more time. She says she’s going to slip into something he can easily slip her out of. He finally gets it open and she asks if they should order champagne. He says, voila! Absolutement. Champagne is a necessity; he’s parched. She says she can quench his thirst, and comes out  She asks what he thinks he’s doing, and he says he dropped this, showing her his phone. She says, he seems flustered, but he says he doesn’t want her thinking he cannot handle delicate objects. She says, what if she has her doubts, and he says, then he would prove her wrong, and kisses her.

Anna is at the tiki bar, when Felicia comes along, and asks if she’s seen anything of note. Anna says, Felicia looks like she just stepped out of The Real Housewives of Port Charles, and Felicia says, can Anna believe they wanted her for that show? Anna says, it’s not too late to call the producer. She can step in for Felicia at the auction. Felicia says, they’ve been over this. There are bound to be a few ex-spies here, bidding for the Ice Princess and providing security. Anna is too recognizable. Anna says, and Felicia’s not, and Felicia says, Luke was her friend, and don’t forget, she’s descended from royalty. Anna says, a shame she couldn’t wear some of that Aztec jewelry, but Felicia says, don’t worry. She can still convince people that she has the funds to bid on the Ice Princess. Anna says, they’ll play it Felicia’s way; she’ll just sit on the sidelines. She hopes this whole black market thing pans out, and they find Luke’s killer. She really wants to prove Victor’s behind all this.

Harmony looks at the text on her phone: It’s Brendon. We meet or next I call your daughter. Willow asks if something is wrong, but Harmony says, no, nothing. Willow says, she’s looking at the text like she’s seen a ghost, and Harmony says, she thought she’d blocked it already. There; deleted. Harmony’s phone dings again, and Willow asks if it’s the same person. It’s another text from Brandon: I think Willow may be very interested in what I have to say. Then I call her real mother.

On the phone, Nina tells Scotty, about dinner. She wanted to run some things by him regarding the petition for visitation with Wiley. She wants to do it before Britt and Aunt Liesl get back. He says, no can do. He has to run a few errands for her case. She says, what errands? and he walks into Pozzulo’s. He says he has to get his ducks in a row. Goodbye.

Marshall says, he takes it Trina and her friend are still on good terms, and she says, absolutely. Joss has her back. Portia comes in yelling that she said, no comment. And get off her property or she’ll have them arrested for trespassing. We hear the click of cameras, but I wonder, do cameras still make that sound in 2022? She sees Marshall and Trina, and says, that looks good. Did Trina make Marshall one of those mango smoothies she loves? Trina asks if the reporters are still out there, but Portia says, they’re leaving; don’t even give it a second thought. Is Curtis upstairs with Aunt Stella? Marshall says, Stella is sleeping. Curtis took off for The Savoy. Portia says, really? After everything that just happened to Aunt Stella, it must be something big for him to leave now.

N’neka says, they’re all set; how about Curtis? Curtis is staring off into space, and she asks if he’s okay. He says, it’s just been a long day, when Selena walks in and says, the day’s almost over, and the night is rife with opportunity.

Valentin says, my love, the champagne, and Jennifer says, they don’t need champagne. He says, she’s speaking to a Frenchman. There will always be a need for champagne. It will make their moment together so much sweeter. She says she doesn’t like to wait, and he says, all good things come to those who wait, and makes a call.

Felicia says, while Anna was scoping out the hotel, she was observing the clientele. Anna asks if she found anything, and Felicia says, that bartender, Kai, said there were some potential buyers on site. He overheard this dark-haired woman talking about the auction. Apparently, she was so engrossed in her phone call, she didn’t even know he was listening. Anna asks if he got a name, but Felicia says, negative, but he did see her getting friendly with a mustachioed Frenchman. Anna laughs, and says, okay. She sees a man walking nearby, says, oh bloody hell, and ducks. Felicia says, what? and Anna says she knows that man.

Harmony puts her phone in her bag, and tells Willow, it’s Spring Ridge, and they want to change her schedule, so she needs to call them, but she and Willow will talk later. They hug, and Harmony says she loves Willow so much, and jets. Michael passes her coming in, and asks Willow, what’s that about? Willow tells him, Harmony said it was work, but she hopes everything is okay. She gets the feeling there’s something her mother isn’t telling her.

In the elevator, Harmony’s phone rings, and she answers, saying, stop calling. Stop texting. She’ll meet him. Just tell her where and when.

Marshall thanks Trina for the smoothie and the conversation. It’s been great getting to know her. She says, him too, and tells him to have a good night. She goes over to the fireplace, and Marshall tells Portia, on second thought, he’d like to hang out here a little longer. In case Curtis comes back. If it’s all right with her. She says, of course (🍷). He’s more than welcome. She’s going to check on Stella. She goes upstairs, and Marshall says he’s sure glad Stella’s okay. Trina says, her too. She’s glad it wasn’t another stroke or something. He says, thankfully it wasn’t anything more serious, and she asks if he’s ever had a panic attack. He says, yeah. It’s scary in the moment, but it’s no big deal. Trina says, Stella must be feeling so much stress, and having reporters around can’t be good for her. He says, she doesn’t think she had anything to do with Stella’s panic attack, does she?

Scotty says he comes in peace, and Sonny says, Frank, holding up his hand. Frank heads for the door, and Scotty suggests he go do some squats. Sonny says, well, this is an unwelcome surprise. What can he do for Scotty? Scotty says he thought he’d do Sonny a favor, since he pulled the rug out from under Sonny in Pennsylvania at Nina’s hearing. Sonny says he hasn’t forgot that, and Scotty says, she’s filed a petition with the court for visitation with Wiley. Sonny says, Nina already told him; is that it? Scotty says, no. He’s going to call Sonny as a character reference for Nina.

N’neka tells Selena, sorry, they’re not open just yet, but Curtis says, it’s okay. He’s got this covered. In fact, he’s expecting a delivery any minute. Can N’neka meet them out back? N’neka says, yeah, and leaves. Selena says she was glad to hear Curtis wanted to revisit her proposition. Just so they’re clear on the terms, he provides her with the use of his back room for a high stakes poker game twice a month; she provides her players with a credible venue; and he avails himself of their lucrative connections – all above board. Curtis says, so she claims, and she says, she’s not naïve, and since he expressed his disinterest, if he’s reconsidering now, his circumstances must have changed. That’s his business, and is of no concern to her. She’s only interested in finalizing their transaction. So what does he want from her?

Anna asks if Felicia sees the man in the reddish tropical shirt; a WSB agent. Felicia looks behind herself with a mirror, and says she didn’t know Anna called for WSB back-up. Anna says she didn’t, and Felicia wonders what he’s doing here. Anna says she’ll find out. Hang tight. She goes over to the guy and says, Leeman. What’s he doing in this neck of the woods? He says he could ask the same of her, and she says she’s running a sting. Trying to flush out the parties to the auction of the Ice Princess. Leeman says he’s there because they got a tip about the Ice Princess, and the auction isn’t happening because they know who stole it, and where it is. She asks to tag along, saying, he’d really be helping her out. He hesitates, and she says, okay, it will only take her two phone calls to get clearance. Does he want to be the cause of unnecessary delay and bureaucratic red tape? He says, all right. Is she armed? She says, yeah.

Harmony meets Brendon at Pier 54, since Pier 55 fell into the river because of the traffic being too heavy, and he says, Harmony Miller. He thought he recognized her name. After he met her at Alexis Davis’s office last night, he went back to his room, and sure enough, he was right. She was one of his late brother’s patients. One of the inmates Neil counseled. He’s seen her file. She says, he had no right reading it, but he says he couldn’t help himself. It was full of all kinds of interesting information about her and her daughter Willow Tate.

Willow says she’s glad her mother showed up, so Michael and Smoltz could talk alone. She would have been so nervous. How’d it go? Michael says, he took the deal. He’ll drop the charges in exchange for a five-part feature article series on Nina. Willow wishes it didn’t have to come to this, and he says, him too, but it did. They’ve been more than fair with Nina, and every single time, she’s taken advantage. Willow agrees, and says, she tried to convince herself that Nina was acting out of love, but she’s crossed the line so many times. In the end, it’s their job to protect their son. Who knows? Maybe Nina will back off when the feature is published. He says, that’s the goal. The series might prove useful in more ways than one. It will damage Nina’s image, but it might neutralize some of the tricks Nina and her lawyer might try to pull at the hearing.

Marshall says, Stella’s panic attack wasn’t Trina’s fault. He knows for a fact her mom and Curtis are happy to have her out of that jail and back home. Nobody wants her punished for something she didn’t do. She says she knows that, but she doesn’t want to punish them either. The more this goes on, the more it affects the people she cares about. She wonders if it’s not too late to plead guilty.

Curtis tells Selena, his motives are his own. This is a one-time transaction. She says he misunderstands. Let her be clear. She’s offering a business opportunity that’s mutually beneficial. Rest assured, he’ll profit from this arrangement. As a gesture of good faith, here’s the down payment – she puts two rolls of bills on the table – to make use of his premises. He tells her, as he said, it’s not money he’s after, and she says, what then? He says he needs to acquire information he has no access to, and perhaps she does. She asks, what is this information? and he says, a Witness Protection file, along with sealed arrest records attached to it. She says, the subject being? and he says, Marshall Ashford. She says she’ll do her best. Then we have a deal? She holds out her hand.

Valentin gives Jennifer a glass of champagne, and says, pour vous. He babbles something in French, and she says, damn. Why didn’t she work harder to learn French? He says he can teach her a few key phrases, and she says, that would be nice, moving closer to him. There’s a knock at the door, and he says, what is this? She says, probably just some drunk guests; ignore them. The knock continues, and Anna says, WSB. Open up.

Harmony tells Brendon, leave Willow out of this. Stay the hell away from her daughter. He says, she means, Nina Reeves’s daughter.

Jennifer says, she’ll get rid of them. She hasn’t done anything. She opens the door, and sees Anna, Leeman, and a couple of other guys. She asks, what is the meaning of this? and Anna says, Jennifer Smith? She asks Leeman if this is her, and he says, right where intel told them she’d be. They start to walk in, and Jennifer says, they’ve got the wrong person. They can double-check their intel. They walk past her, and she asks what they’re doing. She’s entertaining a friend. She looks around, but Valentin is gone, and she says, he was just here. Where did he go? Anna says, it would appear her friend had to leave. We see Valentin outside on the patio, and Anna says, perhaps he’s allergic to the Bureau. It’s been known to happen. Valentin walks off, and Jennifer says, now that they’ve ruined her afternoon, what do they want? Leeman says, they have evidence tying her to stolen property, and the murder of Luke Spencer. Jennifer says, that’s outrageous. Luke was her ex-husband; she loved him. Leeman tells the hotel manager to open the safe, and Jennifer says, they can’t do that. They can’t barge in here and search. He opens it, and Anna takes out Valentin’s velvet pouch. Jennifer says she’s never seen that before. She has no idea how it got in there. Anna takes out the Ice Princess, and says she supposes Jennifer’s never seen this before either. Does she recognize it? The legendary Ice Princess.

Sonny asks, what makes Scotty think he’d agree to be his character witness? and Scotty says, he’s not really asking Sonny; he’s going to subpoena him. He needs all the character witnesses he can get for Nina. Since Sonny already testified for Nina in Pennsylvania, and did such a good job, thanks to him, Scotty was able to get Nina off the hook. So he thought they might go two for two. Sonny says, Scotty asked him questions, he was under oath, and he answered truthfully. Scotty says, because Sonny is such a law abiding citizen. He can’t complain because it all did work out in Nina’s favor. He understands things are getting complicated with Sonny and Nina’s second go-around, and Sonny says, his life is his business. Scotty can go now. Scotty says, hold on a second, because no matter how this turns out, Sonny loses.

Michael says, they have to anticipate and be ready to defend anything Nina and her counsel throw against them, and Willow says, at least they don’t have Michael’s assault charge to worry about anymore. Michael says, yeah, but Nina could drag in their parents, and taint them by association. Diane assured him that’s not an argument Nina could make, but he has enough experience with the legal system to know, you have to expect the unexpected. They have to be ready. She says, and it can get ugly, and he says, absolutely. By Nina attacking their parents, she could assert that she has as much legal right to be in his life as they do. She could paint herself as a better influence. His dad would be an obvious target, but since he’s probably siding with Nina, they won’t be after him. She says she’s sorry, and he says, him too, but his dad made his choice. He can’t waste energy thinking about it. Unfortunately, her mom is probably going to be a likely target; Nina could bring up her criminal past. Willow says, they could counter with how she’s worked hard to rehabilitate her life, and he says, they could also cite that Harmony got to know Wiley gradually over time. She didn’t overwhelm him, or take control the way Nina did. Willow’s mother is the model of how to build a respectful relationship with Wiley, which Nina hasn’t shown the ability to do. She says, wow. Their relationship with her mother might actually work in their favor.

Harmony says, her medical files are confidential, and protected by HIPPA law. She could have Brendon brought up on criminal charges. He says, it’s interesting that she brought that up. His brother took notes about the crimes she confessed to during their sessions. He kept Harmony’s file in a lockbox, probably wondering whether he should turn her into the cops. When Neil died, he inherited that lockbox. He had no idea he’d find incriminating information. Such as, her daughter Willow isn’t actually her daughter. Harmony stole her.

Trina tells Marshall, they offered her a deal; plead guilty to the misdemeanor charge, and probably avoid jail time, but that’s not guaranteed. He says, but she didn’t take it, and she says, because she didn’t do anything wrong. It was a set-up, but how does she convince the jury that she didn’t do that, when Spencer didn’t believe her, and he knows her? At least she thought he did. Marshall says, forget him. That boy’s not worth her time. She has to focus on what’s best for her now. She asks if it isn’t selfish. She’s seen what it’s costing everyone. Her mom and Curtis should be enjoying their new home and their new life, not dealing with all of this. And then there’s Joss and Cam. She knows they’ll defend her, but that brings the spotlight back on them; it brings the spotlight back on the sex tape. How can she do that to them? If she pleads guilty, this is all over. Isn’t that worth it for the people she loves?

Curtis tells Selena that their deal isn’t done. He has a few more terms. She says, so the negotiation continues? and he says, two games a month is too much. She says, how about one monthly game to start? but he says he’s afraid any set schedule will bring too much attention. She says, she can have the games on an as needed basis. She’ll call him with a week’s notice, and he’ll make his club available to her. He says, providing there’s no booking conflicts, and he’ll need her to provide the costs for additional security, as well as some assurances that her players will be discreet. There will be no guns and no drugs in his club. She says, these are all reasonable requests. He has her word. He asks if her word is enough, and she says, have a little faith. He says, none of this will work if he ends up in a battle with Sonny Corinthos, but she says she’s done her due diligence with the necessary parties. She’ll begin arrangements for the first game. He says, no, and she says, more? She’s been more than fair. He says his last term is non-negotiable. There will be no games unless he gets the information he’s asking for. She says, then they have a deal. They shake hands as Nina walks in.

Selena says, it’s good to see Nina again, and Nina says, likewise. It seems like she’s always interrupting them. Selena says, they were just discussing a private party, and Nina says, that’s fun. What’s the occasion? Selena says, a family reunion, and tells Curtis that he has his down payment. She’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Nina says, Selena doesn’t strike her as a family reunion kinda gal. Curtis says, if the woman wants to host a party, it’s her business, especially if she’s paying top dollar. He picks up the wads of cash, and she says, my God. Didn’t he tell her that Miss Wu was trouble? He mumbles, did he say that? and she asks, why change his mind about people in that line of business at The Savoy? This is fishy. He says, don’t, but she says she knows him, and she knows when he’s in trouble. He’s always been there when she needed help. Let her be there for him.

Marshall tells Trina that he thinks he can relate. He found himself in a situation that would bring trouble on his wife and sons. It’s not comparable to what she’s facing; she’s innocent. But he found himself grappling with a similar situation. Ultimately, he chose to take himself out of the equation, for his family’s sake. She tells him, he’d said it had caused them pain anyway, and he says, it did. But it would have caused more pain if he’d stayed too. He had to make a choice, so he asked himself a question. He said, self, which would bring the least amount of harm their way? She asks if he thinks he caused his family less harm, and he laughs and says, who knows? We can never be certain. For a long time, he didn’t even know what harm it caused him. But now that he’s back, he sees what it cost them now back see what cost them, and it cost them too much.

Jennifer says she was here to bid on the diamond, and Anna asks if she’s aware it was stolen from Luke Spencer. Jenifer says, no, and you never know with Luke; he might have sold it. Anna says, it’s unlikely though. Did Jennifer steal it? So she could get his attention. So he’d track her down and she could orchestrate a reunion. And when that didn’t work, did she kill him? Jennifer says she could never kill Luke. She swears, this wasn’t her. She’s never seen that… That man, he was in the French navy. His name was Françoise Olivier. He was standing in front of armoire when she came out of the shower. He must have put the Ice Princess in the safe. Anna says, that’s very convenient though, isn’t it? Jennifer tells Anna that she’s not saying another word until she speaks with a lawyer. She makes a locking-my-lips gesture, and Leeman says, cuff her. Random WSB guy puts the cuffs on her, and she says, she’s innocent, she swears. They’ve got the wrong person. She swears she didn’t do anything. Anna says, this is he Bureau’s jurisdiction; nevertheless she advises Jennifer to remain silent. Leeman says, get her out of here, and Jennifer says she swears she didn’t do anything. Anna tells Leeman, one more thing…

Valentin asks Kai, when is the boat to the main island? but before Kai can answer, he takes off. Felicia comes by.

Leeman tells Anna, they received information that connects Jennifer Smith to Kurt Markovich, the cable car inspector who orchestrated the accident that killed Luke Spencer. Once they found the Ice Princess in Jennifer’s possession, the motive is self-explanatory. She took the diamond, and killed him to stop him from taking it back. Case closed. They have their killer and their thief.  

Felicia says, you know the man you just met? and Kai says, that’s the French naval officer he was telling her about. Felicia sees the agents taking Jennifer away, and she tells Kai, that’s Jennifer Smith. Is that the woman he saw with the French naval officer? He says, yes. She’s the woman who was talking about the auction. She says, the officer left? and Kai says, he was talking about the next boat to the main island. Then he just took off.

Willow says, they haven’t talked about Michael’s mom. Does he think Nina will try to smear Carly? He says, Nina still thinks his mom is somehow involved in Nelle’s death, but the investigation cleared his mom of any wrong-doing. Besides, should Nina bring up that issue, it will leave her wide open for them to bring up that Nina retaliated against his mother by keeping his father away from his family. So, even though a judge didn’t think it was a crime, they’ll see what a family court judge has to say about it. Willow says, and whether Nina’s behavior makes it appropriate for her to be around a child. He says, and this might not come up in court, but Smoltz’s article will have run by then. And after that, he doesn’t think anyone will think Nina should be allowed in Wiley’s life. All this experience he has, and he really doesn’t know how court works.

Harmony tells Brendon, she didn’t steal her daughter. If he read her file, he knows she was given to Harmony. He says, by Madeline Reeves. He read the whole sordid story. His brother Neil recorded every detail. How she struggled to make ends meet as a health aid for the city, where she was fortunate enough to meet Madeline, Willow’s grandmother. Harmony says, she was so young, but he says, not so young she couldn’t tell the difference between right and wrong. Nina Reeves was pregnant and in a coma. She couldn’t consent to an adoption. Madeline was a greedy woman, who needed to get rid of any potential heirs to Nina’s fortune. But there wasn’t just one baby, there were two; twins. One little girl went to a black market adoption, and the other little girl went to her. It’s time to pay up, or the truth will come out.

Curtis says he loves Nina and appreciates her, and if he needs her help, he’ll let her know. He pulls out a chair, and asks why she came to see him. They sit down, and Nina says she doesn’t like it, but she needs a character reference, because she’s filing a petition with the courts for visitation rights with Wiley. He says, that’s a big step, and she says she did everything in her power to try to avoid this, but she kept hitting walls with Willow and Michael at every turn. Wiley is getting older, and she can’t keep waiting for things to get better, when clearly that’s not happening. He says he gets it, but she’s going to be going up against Sonny’s son. She says, Sonny knows where she’s coming from, better than most people, and he says, it sounds like they’ve gotten close. She says, it’s not about that; she’s torn up to put Sonny in this position. He says, sometimes they have to make the tough decision about who to put first. She says, so he’ll be her character reference? and he says, she can count on it. He’s glad to help a friend. She thanks him, and says, likewise. She knows he and Portia are going through it right now. How’s Trina? He says, hanging in. It’s hard, but Portia is really a wreck. The whole situation brought home how much they’ve become a part of his life. So he totally understands why she’s fighting so hard for Wiley. Because people like them will go to any lengths for the people they care about.

Harmony asks why Brendon is just coming to her now, and he says, because he didn’t know what he had. He went through Neil’s lockbox looking for bank statements, stock and bonds, cash. It wasn’t until he met her that he put it together, and realized how valuable that file was. Harmony laughs, and says, if he’s looking for a shakedown, he’s got the wrong woman. She’s one step away from living in her car, and looking for a second job on top of her first. He says, lucky for her, her dear friend Alexis has money, and her stolen daughter Willow is the mother of a Quartermaine heir. He’s not asking her for money, but he wonders how much Nina would pay for this information. She says, he’s not taking this to anyone. He’ll open himself up to blackmail charges and accessing private medical records. He asks if she really wants to take that chance, and she says she’s survived worse men than him. She’s not afraid of him or his threats. He says, she should be, because unlike her, he has nothing to lose. Get his money or he blows up her world. He starts to leave, and says, oh, and he doesn’t bluff.

Sonny says if Scotty’s got something to say, say it or get out, and Scotty says, the way he sees it, Sonny has two choices. Save Nina or Michael. Either he betrays his son, or throws Nina under the bus, Now, a lot of people are saying he’s a changed man. Scotty’s money is still on the old Sonny, who’s only looking out for number one, and Nina will just be collateral damage. Sonny asks if that’s what Scotty thinks of him, and Scotty says he thinks Nina will too. She’ll wise up and realize she’s better off without him, and Nina’s aunt, his girlfriend Liesl, will see Scotty as a hero. And poor Nina will just be another girl in Sonny’s path of destruction. Sonny says he underestimated Scotty.

Anna meets Felicia at the bar, and Felicia asks, what just happened? The Bureau just took Jennifer Smith away in custody. Anna says, she knows. She had the Ice Princess in a safe in her room, and Leeman can connect her to Kurt Markovich, the cable car inspector who, in part, orchestrated Luke’s death. They think she’s to blame for all of this. Felicia says, but Anna’s not convinced, and Anna says, is Felicia? Felicia says, no, and she’ll tell Anna why. They go to a table, and Felicia says, after Luke’s memorial service, Jennifer told them she was harboring feelings for Luke. Anna says, she reiterated that over and over again in the room. It could be a cover, but it seemed kind of real to her. Felicia tells her, Kai said he overheard Jennifer talking about the auction. Why stick around if she had the diamond? Anna says, Jennifer claimed she was with a French navy captain, and claimed he’s the one who put the diamond in the safe. It seems to Anna that maybe they were romantically involved, or maybe they were working together, and he double-crossed her or stood her up. Felicia says, Kai saw guy the before they brought Jennifer through. He was asking about a boat. Maybe they’re not working together at all. She asks what Anna is thinking, and Anna says, the whole thing is just too tidy. There’s definitely more going on than meets the eye.

Felicia asks why the Bureau would accept it at face value, and Anna says, because they got what they wanted. They’ve got the Ice Princess; it’s not worth it to keep the case open. She and Felicia are the only ones concerned with Luke’s murder. This has Victor’s handwriting all over it. He must have realized they were closing in, and set someone up to take the fall. Valentin listens from behind a partition, and Anna says, so if Jennifer was framed, their next move is to find this man she brought to her room. Once they find Françoise Olivier, then they should get the truth. Valentin takes off the moustache, and tosses it aside.   

Trina says, gin, and Marshall says, she did not. Girl, you a card shark. Curtis comes in, and Marshall asks if everything is all right at the club. Curtis says he worked it out. He’s going to look in on Aunt Stella. Portia comes out, and says, that’s perfect timing. She’s resting comfortably. Is he good? He says, yeah, and asks if Marshall stayed here. Portia says, he did, and she’s glad. It seems as if he was a real help to Trina. Marshall says, your deal, card shark.

Sonny says, for a long time, he didn’t give Scotty a thought; Scotty was like nothing in his world. Then in Pennsylvania, Scotty surprised him, and he said to himself, wow, but he thought it was a fluke. But now Scotty’s coming in here, showing Sonny what a contender he is. Congratulations. He’s going to get exactly what he deserves.

Harmony looks at a picture of Willow on her phone, and cries. 

Willow yawns, and tells Michael, sorry; it’s been a long day. He agrees, but knows what would make it better – cuddling with Wiley and a bedtime story. She says, that makes everything better. Just be prepared to carry her to bed too. He tells her, then be prepared for him to wake her up. Nina comes in, and they glare at one another. Then Brendon walks in, and stands behind Nina.

On Monday, Ava says, she and Trina need to discuss ground rules; Alexis says, Nikolas is full of surprises; and Carly wonders who Nina is going to go after next.

🧼 On This Day In Soap…

What happened in soaps on this day.

🍵 Dishing the Soap…

The GH stars talk about their co-workers. I can’t believe Roger Howarth isn’t considered Most Likely to Ad-Lib.

🗽 A Given…

Doesn’t everyone wish they’d made more at every job?

👹 Beyond Flipping  Tables…

This looked like literal insanity.

👠 Gia In the House…

Does this make her a friend of the Housewives now?

https://screenrant.com/gia-giudice-reportedly-filming-rhonj-season-12-reunion/

👰🏻 Uncertainty In New Jersey…

I’m guessing she’ll make a decision as soon as the paycheck is big enough. (See article on Jill Zarin.)

💳 Exchanging London For Dubai…

I can’t wait to see this one. I loved Ladies of London, Caroline in particular. And I always enjoy seeing Dubai, since I will never, ever be able to afford to go there. Unless that guy with the balloons visits me, and I don’t mean Pennywise.

I hate to say it, but the house isn’t that interesting. It’s very sterile-looking. Even the closet was a disappointment.

https://www.bravotv.com/ladies-of-london/photos/take-a-look-inside-caroline-stanburys-finished-dubai-home#10858792

💰 Well, That Stinks…

I’ll miss them. I hope Reza gets some kind of spin-off show.

https://people.com/tv/bravo-cancels-shahs-of-sunset-after-9-seasons/

🐶 Ending On an Aww…

Please feel free to squee.

https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_celebrity_pets_that_will_make_you_say_aw/s1__34563662

🥂 Quotes of the Week

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.Mark Twain

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.B. B. King (Or integrity.)

All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them. – Viola Davis

Equality may perhaps be a right, but no power on earth can ever turn it into a fact. – Honore de Balzac

I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book. – Groucho Marx

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. – Peter Marshall

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. – Martha Washington

🛌🏽 Going To My Happy Place…

Meet me here when the Dead Walk again. Until then, stay safe, stay exercising your body and mind, and stay not being so engrossed in a phone call that you don’t know who’s listening.

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

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🕳 What Comes Next…

Glad to see she’s recovered from that fall.

🌲 Pine Valley Legend…

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

😧 Yikes…

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

🚬 Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em…

Josh Flagg? Really?

💎 If You Didn’t Get Enough…

More on the ongoing saga.

📸 Not Me…

She was framed framing Tom.

🥗 Everybody Is Somebody…

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

👠 To Be Expected…

What did they think was going to happen?

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

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

You, too, can get in on the fun.

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

🛥 Final Salute…

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

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

🐯 Tiger, Tiger…

Because we just can’t stop watching.

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

🎃 Quotes of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🧹 Flying Off On My Broom…

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

July 29, 2021 – Dead Or Alive, Nixon Falls Debunk, She Doesn’t Care, Bad Week In BH, Jill’s Battle, New Miami, a Joke, It’s Over, Another Story, Renewed, Nominated, Goodbye Ron & Somewhere

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Cameron opens the door to Josslyn, and invites her in, saying he’s just got to get his keys. They start to kiss, when Elizabeth walks in. She says, sorry. She didn’t mean to interrupt.

Ava and Trina go to the pool (🍷), and Trina says this is their second time working remotely. Is Ava sure she can keep the gallery closed this much? Ava says, if someone needs her, they can call her. Besides, before she knows it, Trina is going to be off at PCU. She should take every opportunity to enjoy this time with friends. Spencer appears, and says he couldn’t agree more.

Sam sits down with Nikolas at the MetroCourt, and says her mom told her that he came to visit at Spring Ridge. What did he think? He says, it’s not bad for a minimum security prison. The facilities are imminently better than Pentenville. They focus less on incarceration and more on rehabilitation. On the whole, he thinks it’s better for Alexis. She says, but…? and he says, Ryan Chamberlain is currently being housed there.

Olivia asks who’s going to help her decorate, and Brook says, Valentin can’t. He’s missing Bailey’s feeding for an important meeting. Valentin says he thought she’d enjoy spending time alone with their daughter. He finds his phone in the couch cushions, and asks if it wouldn’t be too much trouble for Wiley not to play with it. Brook says, ask Michael or Willow; not her kid, not her problem. He rushes to the door, and Olivia asks if they can expect him for Wiley’s birthday party. He says he wouldn’t miss it for the world. He tells Bailey not to miss daddy too much, and jets.

In the foyer, a wrapped gift tumbles off of Chase’s lap. Valentin picks it up, and says, please tell him this isn’t another toy for Wiley. Between Olivia, Michael, and Willow, they have that area covered. Chase says, Willow told him to only bring himself, but Wiley’s his stepson; he didn’t want to show up empty handed. Valentin says he owes Chase an apology.

Anna looks at a picture of her and Finn on her phone, when there’s a knock at the door. She lets Dante in, and he asks why she’s holding out on him. She says she’s not, but he says he thought they were sharing their information into Peter’s disappearance. What changed?

Chase asks what Valentin has to apologize for, and Valentin says he’s the reason Peter was raised by his father, Cesar Faison. He turned a blind eye to Peter’s worst traits, and was slow to react. He didn’t do anything until it was too late. Chase says, there’s a lot Valentin should be sorry for, but putting him in this chair isn’t one of them. Only Peter is responsible for Peter. Valentin says Chase is a kind man, and thanks Chase for his willingness to let him off the hook. Chase says, almost dying had its good points. It sped up his relationship with Willow. Valentin says, that’s amazing, and congratulates Chase on his marriage. Chase thanks him, and says he’s just waiting until he can get out of this chair and be Willow’s husband in every sense of the word. Valentin tells him, they say attitude is everything. He has no doubt Chase’s positive attitude will work wonders in his life. Just know that he deeply regrets his part in the collateral damage left in Peter’s wake. He leaves.

Anna says she just saw Dante yesterday. If she found out anything more, she would have told him. He says, just like she told him that she and Finn were going to be in the subbasement? She says, it was a spur of the moment thing. It was a long shot. She didn’t know when they went down there that it was a legitimate lead. Did he hear anything from forensics? He says, they’ve been working through the night, picking up partial prints. Mostly unusable. She asks if there are any fingerprints or DNA that will help them identify Peter’s companion, and he says, blood mostly, in the corridors and elevator. (So no one noticed that on their way down?) All belonging to Peter. She asks if it’s a droplet or smear pattern, and he says, droplets. She says, that means Peter wasn’t dragged, and he says, it means Peter was carried out of there, or walked out under his own power. Either way, it means Peter is still out there.

Elizabeth tells Josslyn, good morning, and Josslyn returns the greeting, saying she’ll meet Cameron at the pool (🍷). She leaves, and Cameron says, so he and Josslyn are kind of together. Elizabeth says, kind of? They looked pretty together to her. He asks if she’s mad, and she laughs, saying, no. Josslyn’s a sweet girl. She’s been a good friend to him, and they’ve known each other forever. She’s glad they have each other. He says, him too. He’s sorry about not telling her sooner. He wasn’t intentionally keeping it from her. He guesses he’s kind of used to going to Franco with these kinds of things. Elizabeth hugs him.

Brook says, once again, Olivia is criticizing her mothering skills, but Olivia says, once again, Brook is getting defensive over nothing. She’s giving Brook a compliment. Brook is always putting down her own mothering skills, and she’s trying to tell Brook the opposite. She’s a amazing; she’s a natural. It reminded her that she trusted Brook with Leo as a newborn. She’d forgotten how good Brook was with babies. Brook says she guesses she keeps forgetting too, and Olivia says she knows firsthand that Brook has this amazing love and selflessness. Now with her own baby, she thinks Brook is being generous with Valentin because she’s afraid to let herself feel that overpowering mother love. Brook guesses she never thought of it that way. Valentin is so good with the baby, she figured why wouldn’t she support that? Olivia says, it’s okay to be vulnerable. To let herself love this baby. That tough shell of hers, the baby already cracked it.

Spencer says he’s a firm believer in friends enjoying themselves, and Trina says, old friends or new? He says, it’s always more interesting hanging out with new friends, don’t you think? Ava says she wasn’t aware that Trina and Spencer knew each other. Until the other day when Spencer exposed Trina trying to get her and Nikolas back together. Parent Trapping, she thinks he called it. Trina says she shouldn’t have gotten involved, and Spencer says it was his fault too. He and Trina learned a valuable lesson – to stay out of other people’s business. Ava says she hopes he means that, and he says he does. He’s sorry she didn’t bring Avery with her; he would have loved to say hello. Oh, he’s sorry. Is she still living with Aunt Carly? Ava tells Trina to order whatever she wants from the bar, as long as it’s non-alcoholic; her treat. She’s going to order herself a very bloody Mary. Have fun. Trina thanks her, and Ava leaves. Spencer says, that was generous of Ava, and Trina says he seems surprised. Ava’s actually been a good friend to her, and she thinks she knows how to be one to Ava. He asks, how? and she says, by finding out who’s been stalking her and Nikolas.

Sam says her mother didn’t tell her that she was in the same facility as Ryan, and Nikolas says she probably didn’t want to worry Sam. She says, but he did? and he says, there’s nothing to worry about. Ryan can’t move, he can’t talk. He’s not a danger to Alexis or anyone else. She says she’s not buying anything about that raging psychopath, and Nikolas says he parked Ryan in a corner, literally, and he couldn’t so much as twitch in protest. All he could do was blink. She tells him, she’s sorry to say this, but she thinks Ryan is capable of fooling anyone, including Nikolas and his doctors. He says, whether it’s Ryan or not, he and Ava are getting divorced, since it’s what the stalker seems to want. She says, but getting a divorce wouldn’t be his first choice? and he says, it’s not his choice. The stalker proved he could get to Avery, and that was it for Ava. It’s a line she won’t cross. How can he blame her? Enough about him. What’s going on with her? She says she’s working a case, and it’s kind of a secret that Shawn didn’t shoot Hayden. He hired her to find out who did, and that’s why she tracked him to the MetroCourt. Because Nikolas is going to help her find him.

Brook says, listen, kid, you’re cute, but she thinks it’s better if they keep their arrangement strictly professional. She knows Bailey can’t do that with her daddy, since he doesn’t know she’s not really his. Does she feel guilty about it? Yes, because Valentin turned out to be a really good father. He’s a pretty decent guy too, but no. She’s sorry to be the one to tell Bailey this, but her biological father is a wall-crawling psycho. So it’s actually much healthier for her to bond with Valentin. He’ll protect her regardless, but it doesn’t hurt that he absolutely adores her. She places Bailey in the bassinette, and says between the two of them, she thinks it’s better if neither one of them gets too comfortable. So save her adoring eyes for her real mother. Chase wheels in, and says, real mother? What does she mean by that?

Elizabeth says she’s sorry Cameron doesn’t have Franco to talk to anymore, but he’d be thrilled that Cameron and Josslyn are together. He always just wanted to see Cameron happy. Cameron thinks so too, and She says, it’s tough, isn’t it? Getting used to not having him around. Sometimes when she has a difficult day at work, she comes home and thinks she can’t wait to tell Franco about it. Cameron says she can always talk to him, and she says he can always talk to her. He thanks her and says he’ll see her later. Before he leaves, he tells her that Franco would want them all to be happy. Elizabeth flashes back to walking in the park with Finn, and telling him, the last thing she wants is for him to turn himself in to protect her, and him saying, the last thing he wants is for her to be implicated. She tells Cameron that she has some things to work through first; nothing he needs to worry about. She promises she’ll be as happy as Franco would want her to be. He says, good, and leaves.

Dante asks if Anna is expecting someone. She seemed surprised to see him. She says, Valentin. He wants to bring Peter in as much as they do. He guesses who she decides to collaborate with, is up to her, and she says, yes, it is. He says, Valentin doesn’t have the most assuring track record, but she says she thinks he’s changed. He says, people don’t change. Valentin is out for himself, no matter who gets in the way. She says she’ll take it under advisement, and Dante opens the door. Valentin is there, and asks if Dante has found Peter. Dante says, not yet; has he? Valentin says, not yet, and Dante leaves. Valentin asks Anna if they were exchanging information, and she says, not over this.

Sam tells Nikolas, Hayden visited Shawn while he was in prison, and indicated she might know the identity of her shooter, but she left Port Charles before Shawn could press her for any information. He says, the first time she left? Months after the shooting? Sam says, correct, and he says, then he can’t help her. She says he was married to Hayden, and he says, operative word being was. Their relationship was complicated to put it mildly. Technically, they were still married when he was presumed dead. She says, is that what he’s calling it? He says, how about when Valentin tried to kill him, he chose to go into hiding? and she says, for three years. He says, then he decided to take back his life. He contacted Hayden, and she and Jax worked with him to reclaim what was rightfully his, and he intended on cutting her in on a share of the proceeds, but she took off because she was afraid of Valentin. She says, leaving Violet with Finn. Finn told her that Hayden hasn’t been in contact with Violet at all. Nikolas says he tried to track Hayden down, but it was like she disappeared in a black hole. Sam says they tried to contact Hayden’s mother, Naomi Dreyfuss, hoping she could steer them in the right direction, but they hit a wall there. Can he do her a favor, and if he can find out any information on Hayden, will he let her know? He says, of course (🍷). He sees Ava go to the bar, and says, just remember, Hayden made toxic friends and questionable choices. His advice to Sam and Shawn is, stop looking for her, unless Sam wants trouble on her doorstep. Now if she’ll excuse him…

Trina reads a magazine, and Spencer clears his throat to get her attention. She says, he’s still here? and he asks if he may join her. She says, it’s a free country, and he gets on the lounge chair next to hers. He wonders what they should charge to Ava’s tab first. Does a virgin pina colada sound good? How about a Mai Tai minus the rum? She says she doesn’t think he was included in her tab. Besides, can’t Cassadines buy their own drinks? He says, a Cassadine cannot only buy his own drinks, he can supply them, along with a castle and a state of the art sound system. She asks if that’s an invitation, and he asks if she’s accepting. Josslyn comes by, and says, accepting what? Trina says Spencer if offering to throw them a party. Spencer looks pretty surprised.

Nikolas tells the bartender to put Ava’s drink on his tab. He asks if she shouldn’t be swimming in the pool (🍷) instead of a bloody Mary, and she says, the pool (🍷) bar doesn’t serve booze before noon. He shouldn’t be seen with her; their stalker could be watching. He asks if that’s what has her so upset, and she says she was just reminded she can’t be with her daughter until they’re divorced. He says he’s sorry. Does it help that he saw Ryan? She says, when? and he says, he visited Alexis in Spring Ridge. Ryan is staying in the same facility. She asks why he didn’t tell her sooner, and he says, because there was nothing to tell. Ryan’s condition is unchanged; he’s completely locked in. Nikolas doesn’t see how Ryan could be stalking anyone, or even communicating to anyone to carry out his orders. She says, if that’s true, it really just makes things worse. They have no idea who’s terrorizing them, just that they’re as sick as Ryan, and their anonymity makes them even more dangerous.

Josslyn says it’s so nice of Spencer to throw them a party, and Trina asks if they’re going to have a photo booth. Josslyn adds, a DJ and a full-lighting package. He says, slow down, he hasn’t agreed to anything, and Trina says, so much for making it up to her. Cameron joins them, and asks what Spencer has to make up for now. Trina says, first he sabotages her plan to get Ava and Nikolas back together, then he offers to throw a party to make amends. Now he’s backing out of that party. Cameron says, dude, you’ve got to throw that party. He thought Spencer was the guy with no limits. Didn’t he rent that yacht that time in I-biza. Spencer says, first, it’s pronounced I-bi-za, and Cameron says, sorry, he doesn’t know what he was thinking, and Spencer says, second, he’s not backing out of anything. Whatever the lady wants, the lady gets.

Olivia opens the door to Dante, holding a bottle of glitter. He says, that’s a lot of glitter. She has glitter in her hair too. (Take care of kids long enough, you’ll grow to hate glitter. And Play-Doh.) She lets him in, saying, Charlotte thought it would be a good idea to make Wiley a birthday card out of glitter. Rocco may have thought it would be a better idea to throw glitter all over the backyard. He says, and all over her? and she says she’s glad the boys are good friends. They’re very happy. Charlotte, not so much. Rocco told her that Dante is taking him to see Lulu in the next couple days. Dante says, that’s the plan, and she says, that’s good. Rocco should be seeing his mom. He says, why does he get the feeling she’s going to tell him something he doesn’t want to hear?

Brook says Chase could give a girl a heart attack, sneaking up on her like that, and he asks why she’s telling her daughter that she’s not her real mother? She says because she doesn’t feel like Bailey’s real mother, and he says he’s no expert on babies, but he thinks she’s selling herself short. He thinks she is a real mother to Bailey. He was her roommate. He’s seen firsthand how fiercely devoted she is to the people she cares about.

Valentin asks if Anna’s seen Finn, and she says she did. He says, and? and she says, it was him. He was on the roof with Peter. He says he’s so sorry, and she says, it is what it is. She just has to figure out a way to protect him. He asks why Finn needs protecting. What’s going on? What happened on that roof? She says, Finn pushed Peter, and he fell down the stairs. Finn is convinced he’s dead.

Elizabeth opens the door, and says, well, this is a surprise. Sam walks in, and Elizabeth asks if she brought more of Jason’s stuff to burn. She thinks they both needed to blow off some steam after hearing Jason and Carly were engaged, and asks if Dante is giving Sam a hard time. Sam flashes back to Dante kissing her, and says, it turned out all right at the end. Elizabeth asks what brings Sam by, and Sam says she needs to find Elizabeth’s sister Hayden.

Anna tells Valentin, Finn confronted Peter on the roof when Peter was waiting for the helicopter. He begged Peter for the antidote, but Peter refused, and chose to toss the vial off the roof, which infuriated Finn. Finn lost it, and shoved Peter, who fell down the stairs, smashing his head open in the process. By the time Finn got to him on the landing, he checked for a pulse, but there wasn’t one. At that point, it was more important for him to save Chase, so he took Peter’s body and deposited it in an abandoned lab in the subbasement. Valentin says, Helena’s lab, and she says, yes. He put Peter’s body in a freezer. Valentin says, by himself? and she says, he was vague about that. Valentin says, meaning he had help, and she says, possibly… probably, but he refuses to admit it. But listen, this is the important part. He put Peter’s body in the freezer because he couldn’t figure out a safe way to move it. Finn took her there yesterday to show her the body, but the body’s gone. There was no sign of Peter. Valentin says, dead or alive, and she says, that’s the million dollar question. The PCPD found traces of Peter’s blood in the lab, the elevator, and the access corridors, but it’s not clear if the body was carried out there. He says, or Peter walked out. Does Dante know? She says, just that Peter’s missing and hurt. He found a lot of blood. Obviously, the PCPD doesn’t know about Finn’s connection to any of this. Jordan said she wants to put most of her attention on the other person on the roof with Peter, which is concerning. All they’ve proven is, dead or alive, Peter was removed from the freezer.

Brook tells Chase, this whole baby thing has her rattled. She was fine when Olivia gave her Leo to take care of. Here, she feels like she’s under a microscope. He says, lots of people under one roof, telling her how to raise her baby? and she says, and not enough space to get this mothering thing right. Although, shock of all shocks, Olivia told her that she’s doing a good job. He says, if anyone can sense someone going through the motions, it’s Olivia. He wishes he could say the same for himself. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says, going through the motions. He feels like he’s putting on a front for Willow. It’s like he’s this optimistic guy who thinks he’s going to jump out of the chair any day. She says, he will, and he says he’s trying. He’s grateful to the Quartermaines for asking him back to stay in the house. She says, they’re putting up Valentin; you’re easy-peasy. He says, it’s the perfect situation for him. The house has wheelchair access because of Lila, and Willow is just down the driveway. What more could he ask for? She says, to walk, and he says, yeah, that. It’s like he’s faking it or bluffing, until one day he miraculously wakes up and feels like Willow’s husband. Brook says, meanwhile, thanks to Nelle and her scissors of doom, she can’t even sing Bailey a lullaby. He says, maybe he can help with that. Can he hold Bailey? She says, of course (🍷), and gives the baby to Chase. He tells Bailey that when his mom wanted him to sleep, she’d sing him this son. He sings Lullaby and Goodnight, and I die laughing because Bailey makes a ton of faces, like she might cry, but then this is cool, then, no it’s not. I think we might have another Wiley on our hands.   

Olivia says every time Dante sees Lulu in that facility, it costs him. Don’t get her wrong. She’s thrilled that he’s back at the PCPD, being a detective, but a job does not equal a life. He says, Lulu was his life. Now he barely has a legal right to see. Thankfully, Laura allows him too. Olivia says, of course (🍷) she does, and he says, the point is, he’s the one who wanted the divorce. She says, and he’s been beating himself up about it for months, but it seemed like he’d been lightening up lately, cutting himself some slack. She wonders if it has something to do with Sam.

Elisabeth tells Sam, so Shawn was framed for Hayden’s shooting. The judge who sentenced him is being investigated for racial bias, and now Shawn’s been released, and the governor commuted his sentence to time served. Sam says, that’s pretty much it, and now that the truth is out, whoever framed Shawn could pose a danger to Hayden. She knows Elizabeth and Hayden weren’t friends at the time… Elizabeth says, they didn’t even know they were sisters, and Sam says, but they eventually became closer. If maybe there’s some information Hayden told her that she didn’t think was important at the time, but is now. Anything that could help them figure out who shot her sister. Elizabeth remembers asking someone if they were behind it.  

Spencer asks if Trina wants something to drink or eat. He’ll put it on the Cassadine tab. She can save Ava’s offer for another time. She says she’s good, thanks, and he gets up. She follows and calls to him, and he asks if she changed her mind. She says, yes, about the party at Windymere. If he thinks his dad won’t approve, don’t have it. She and Josslyn kind of forced him anyway. He thanks her, and she says she knows things are just getting back on track with him and his dad. She doesn’t want to spoil that. He tells her, just get ready, and she says, for what? He says, for the biggest rager Port Charles has ever seen.

Ava walks to a private area with Nikolas, and says, until they figure out who the stalker is threatening them and Avery, there’s no future for them. He tells her, don’t say that, please, and she says, don’t make this more difficult. He says he didn’t mean to. Doesn’t she know, there’s nothing he wants to do more than make her feel safe, and she says she does know that, but she hates to see him hurting too. He hugs her, and she hugs back.

Valentin says they’ve got to find Peter before the PCPD does, and before he hurts anyone else. She says, but they don’t know if he’s alive or dead. Finn is convinced he’s dead. Valentin tells her that he’s saying this as delicately as he can. He’s not emotionally attached to Finn like she is. He doesn’t have to give him the benefit of the doubt. She asks where they go from there. She’s lying by omission to Dante and Jordan. He says, there are two possible scenarios. Peter is dead, and somebody moved the body, or he’s alive. And he’s hiding. And we’ve got problems. And he thinks it’s more likely Peter’s alive.

Brook says, Bailey is sleeping like, well, a baby, and Chase says his singing put her to sleep. Would she mind telling Willow that? He can’t help but feel this version of him isn’t enough for Willow. She says, any woman would be lucky to have him, and he says, Bailey is lucky to have her as a mom. He sees the way Bailey looks at her, and the way she looks at Bailey. He knows he’s not a parent, but going all in on loving your child, that’s half the battle.

Dante says he and Olivia talked about this. He and Sam are just friends. And barely that after she threw them both in the harbor on the 4th. She says, you see? This is what she’s talking about; that spark. He says he doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and calls for Rocco. She says he’s smiling, and he’s laughing. He even made spontaneous brags about the Yankees. He’s got such an amazing capacity to embrace life. Maybe it has something to do with Sam, maybe not, but she knows if Lulu was there, she would want him to stop moping around. She’d want him to live his life. He says he’s trying to be in the present moment as much as he can, but it’s really tough. Maybe he does have to start thinking about letting go of Lulu. Olivia says, so she’s right? and he says, as much as it pains him to say it, she is.  

Sam asks if Elizabeth can think of anything Hayden told her that could be relevant, but Elizabeth says, no. She can’t think of anything. She’s just trying to process what Sam told her. Sam says, Shawn seemed convinced Hayden knew who was behind her attempted murder, and Elizabeth says, Hayden didn’t talk to her about that, but there were a lot of things they didn’t talk about. She changed a lot when she became a mother. Everything she did was for Violet. She was loving and committed. That’s why it still doesn’t make sense that she’d disappear leave Violet behind. Sam says, maybe she disappeared to protect Violet, and Elizabeth says, or something happened, and she can’t come back.

Josslyn asks if Trina and Spencer were finalizing the details of the party. She and Cameron sit down, and Trina says she let Spencer off the hook, but he’s not having it. He swears it’s going to be an epic party. Cameron says, don’t get your hopes too high. Sometimes Spencer doesn’t deliver what he promises. Trina asks if Cameron is saying Spencer is a liar, and Josslyn says, more of a compulsive exaggerator. Spencer is capable of incredible things, but he thinks he needs to be all incredible all the time. Sometimes to the point of being obnoxious. Trina asks if they’re warning her away from Spencer.

Ava says she misses Nikolas, and she misses Avery. We see Spencer slipping around to watch them, and Nikolas says, him too.

Alone again with the baby, Brook tells Bailey that she’s trying not to get attached. Bailey is Maxie’s daughter, not hers. But Bailey is growing on her. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a face like hers? Already a ham, Bailey faces the camera instead of Brook.

Dante runs out of the house, yelling to Rocco, no glitter on your person. Get it off before he gets in the car. He gives Olivia a kiss on the cheek, and she tells him, come back if he needs advice. He says he knows where to go if he wants to talk, but he’s good for now. He only has one thing to say about Sam – butt out. He leaves, and Olivia smiles.  

Sam tells Elizabeth that she’s sorry if this dredged up painful memories for her. If she learns where Hayden is, Elizabeth will be her first call. Elizabeth thanks her, and Sam says, of course (🍷). As soon as Elizabeth closes the door, she gets out her phone, and calls Nikolas. She tells him that he needs to come over right away. They need to talk about Hayden. He says, what about her? and Elizabeth says, about what he did to her.

Josslyn says she’s not warning Trina away from Spencer, and Cameron says, although it actually might be a good idea. Josslyn says, she has a non-interference clause when it comes to getting involved in other people’s relationships, or lack thereof. If Trina wants to be with Spencer, or Victor, or someone else, or nobody at all, she’s there to support not judge. Trina thanks her, and Cameron says, besides, he and Josslyn are still figuring things out for themselves. Trina asks what there is to figure out, and Josslyn says, for one thing, Cameron’s mom walked in on them, and Trina says, embarrassing. Cameron says, very, but his mom was actually pretty chill about it. Trina says, lucky him. She would sink through the floor if her mother caught her kissing a guy.

Spencer sees Ava drying her tears, and asks if everything is okay. She asks what he wants, and he says he guesses he deserves her suspicion. He wasn’t very subtle in his anger toward her. She says she knows he has his reasons. She knows he needed her to testify to help him with Valentin. And when his father came home, she practically blackmailed him into marrying her. He says, no one’s perfect, and she says, certainly neither of them. He says, since he’s been home, he’s seen how much his father loves her, and she loves him. Does she think they can put the past behind them, and start fresh? Isi t possible for them to declare a truce? He holds out his hand.

Anna asks why Valentin believes Peter survived, and he says, who made off with the body? What’s the point? Unless Finn has some unknown ally ready to cover for him. This is Peter they’re talking about. He’s not the first dead man to get up and walk away in Port Charles (ha-ha!). And now he’s had weeks to go underground and cover his tracks. She says, that makes sense. She can’t help hoping he’s dead. He says he knows, and she says it would just be a relief to know she’s not the one who had to kill him. Valentin says, that’s how they’re different. He’s ready to kill Peter himself. He wants Peter dead, and buried, and no longer a threat to anyone he loves.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Valentin to back off, Elizabeth says Nikolas had Hayden shot, and Austin asks Chase if he needs to watch his back.

🏡 No Break Needed…

The mobster with a heart of gold, and faulty memory, sets the record straight.

👠 Zero F***s…

Erika doesn’t care who believes her, but if you call her a liar, she’ll come for you. A woman of contradictions.

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/22/erika-jayne-i-dont-care-if-rhobh-co-stars-believe-me/

Erika’s recap of Tom’s accident.

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/21/erika-jayne-says-tom-girardi-was-unconscious-after-car-crash/

🐝 Instant Karma…

Is it just bad luck, or is what came around, going around?

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-kyle-richards-hospitalized-bee-stings-teddi-mellencamp-vertigo-injuries/

💰 Mall Of Shame…

One step further from her dream of being the friend of a friend of a friend of one of The Real Housewives of NYC.

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/21/jill-zarin-in-hideously-unglamorous-court-battle-over-a-midwestern-rite-aid/

🌴 Miami, Here We Come…

They’re back, and filming in the Hamptons.

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-real-housewives-of-miami-filming-montauk

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/15/real-housewives-of-miami-seen-filming-with-new-faces/

🗽 Sooo Funny…

Although now that she mentions it, I think they should do a season where some of the Wives switch places.

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/13/rhod-star-tiffany-moon-jokes-about-replacing-ramona-singer/

🍗 But I Liked Him…

Apparently, Metul wasn’t all he was cracked up to be. I’m so disappointed. He introduced me to butter chicken.

https://screenrant.com/southern-charm-naomie-olindo-ex-boyfriend-metul-shah/

🤡 Love To Hate Him…

John Carroll Lynch talks about his latest AHS spin-off role.

https://ew.com/tv/john-carroll-lynch-american-horror-stories-drive-in-interview/

🦌 Sweet Renewal…

I loved the first season of this show, and was hoping for another.

https://comicbook.com/news/netflix-sweet-tooth-renewed-season-2/

🏆 Nominations To Love…

This was a great show, and definitely deserving. What a shame HBO didn’t give them a season two.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/lovecraft-country-emmy-awards

⚙️ But Wait, There’s No More…

The grandaddy of infomercials has gone to that great Bass-O-Matic in the sky.

https://nypost.com/2021/07/28/ron-popeil-set-it-and-forget-it-infomercial-star-dead-at-86/

🌜 TGIAlmostF…

Due to Million Dollar Listing New York only being shown at 8 tonight (why? who knows? ), I’ll post it tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay peculiar in a good way, and stay enjoying time with friends, both old and new.

May 5, 2021 – Carly Attends the Meeting, Jackie’s Apple Picking Birthday, a Switch, They’re Done, Newbie Report, No Jill, Tips For Celebration & Heart Sound

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jordan says she appreciates Dante coming back to work on this case, and he says, sure. As far as Jason’s concerned, he couldn’t have gotten far, especially if he’s been shot. Jordan agrees, and they arrive at the interrogation room. Dante says, poor kid, but Jordan says, that remains to be seen.

In the room, Elizabeth asks if Scotty can’t make them take the cuffs off, and he says he’ll speak to them. Don’t worry. He’ll do everything in his power to protect Cameron. She says, don’t worry? Her son’s just been arrested for shooting Jason. Cameron says, he didn’t shoot Jason, okay? He didn’t shoot anybody. Why won’t anybody listen to him?

Sonny puts a fancy drink in front of Nina, and she says, what’s this? He says, the Tan-O-tini; it’s his own creation. She asks if she should try it, and he says, come on. She takes a sip, and says, that is delicious. Does she detect a little tangerine? Maybe a little spice? He says she has a nice palate. Squeezed with a little smoked chili bitters, right? Makes it spicy. She tells him, I bet you say that to all the girls, and he says, he’ll let her get back to her… He indicates her phone, and she says, that’s all right. She wasn’t calling anyone. She was checking out some apartment rentals there in Nixon Falls. He says, so she’s thinking of staying there, and she says she’s considering it. They smile at each other. My pipe dream of a couple.

Jax holds the door for Josslyn, and asks if she needs some help. She says, does he? and he says, she’s right; they’re wounded. Good thing Trina was injury free, so she could drive them all the way back from Nixon Falls. She says she’s sorry Nina didn’t come back, and he says, that’s okay; there will be other trips. It’s always too soon to quit. Josslyn laughs, and asks how many quotes he has. He says, enough to annoy her into telling him what’s really going on. Every time he asks her about the ankle boot or college, she gives him a vague answer. Her dad’s just not buying it. She says she was just worried about mom. She was so distracted, she didn’t even grill Josslyn on why she was in Pennsylvania with Jax, instead of at the volleyball tournament. She’s not complaining, but something seems really off with her mom. Did she give him any details?

Cyrus says he appreciates the representatives of the Five Families gelato extending an invitation to his first meeting of the Family heads. Shall they begin? Carly walks in, dazzling in white, and says, not so fast. She walks to the head of the table, and says, now they can begin. Cyrus says, Mrs. Corinthos was not on the guest list, and Carly says, an oversight, she’s sure. There’s plenty of room at the table. Just like there’s plenty of room outside for the rest of her people. Cyrus says, that’s all well and good, but what is she doing there?

Britt tells Jason, she’s doing this under protest; it’s completely against medical advice. If he passes out, or pops a stitch and starts bleeding out all over his nice, clean shirt, she refuses to take responsibility. He tells her, she said that, and she tells him, she’s saying it again. This is ludicrous. He was just bleeding out, and now he’s dressed. He says he’s got to get to Carly. She’s in over her head.

Carly says, as they know, her husband is dead, but his organization isn’t. It’s strong and stable. The only change is the person sitting in Sonny’s seat. From now on, that would be her.

Cameron says, Elizabeth believes him, right? He picked up the gun, and saw Britt being kidnapped. Scotty says, that could show intent. Never say that. He didn’t tell that to the cops, did he? Cameron says he only tried to tell them that he didn’t do it. Jordan comes in, and Scotty says, for cryin’ out loud. Can she take the cuffs off? She says that’s why she’s there. Cameron’s not going to give her a problem, right? He says, why would he? He didn’t do it. He didn’t shoot Jason. Jordan tells Officer Miller to take Cameron to booking, and the cop says, let’s go. They leave, and Jordan says, right now, the charge is reckless discharge of a firearm. They’ll see what the security footage tells them. She leaves, and Elizabeth asks Scotty, right now, what is Jordan talking about? He says, if the footage shows that Cameron intentionally fired, it will change to assault with a deadly weapon.  

Jax tells Josslyn the just spent hours car in the car. That’s why his shoulder hurts right now. She says, sit and ice it, or lay down. She wants to take his temperature, since fever is a sign of infection. He asks how she knows that, and she says she asked questions at the clinic, and read the aftercare printout. She tells him, sit. She’ll get him some water, and maybe he’d like a snack. They could watch a movie. He says, as long as he gets to pick the movie, and she says, fine. She leaves, and Jax says, come on, Carly. What are you up to?

Britt says, maybe Carly would like it if Jason collapsed at her feet. She could use it as a diversion. She can find something meaningful to whisper in his ear while he bleeds to death. He says he’s not going to bleed to death, but she says, contraire. He just went into hypovolemic shock because he didn’t have enough blood to function. He still doesn’t, since Carly couldn’t give him a full transfusion. They still need his minion to deliver. She shudders to think of where it’s coming from, but if he doesn’t get it, he’ll go back into shock, and there will be nothing she can do to save him.

Carly says, please, everyone, take your seats. They all sit except Cyrus, who says, of course (🍷) they all regret Carly’s loss, but being Sonny’s widow doesn’t automatically make her fit to lead his organization. She says, she and Sonny shared everything. She’s been involved in every aspect of the business for some time now. She needs to protect her family, and take care of the business. She asks Cyrus to take his seat so they can proceed. Or if he has misgivings, and is too afraid to answer to her, he can leave. Ms. Wu tells Cyrus, sit down, and he does. She says she has a few questions for Carly. What is her intention for the organization, and is she equipped to maintain control of her late husband’s territory? Cyrus says, good question. Well, actually that’s two questions, so maybe Cyrus isn’t equipped with basic math.

Scotty tells Elizabeth, sit and take it easy. This could take a while. They’re going by the book. She says, the judge said Cameron couldn’t get in any more trouble, but he says, that was a year ago. She says, Cameron is on probation, but Scotty says, it’s fine. It’s been sealed up, and they can’t use it for any of the charges. She says she’s just making sure, and asks what the new charges will be. He says he doesn’t know. They’ll have to wait and see what the evidence shows.

Josslyn asks Jax, what are they watching? but he says, before they watch a movie, tell him what’s really going on with her. She says, nothing, and he says she told him she felt like everything was going wrong. What did she mean? She says she was just being dramatic, and he says he knows she wanted to play in the tournament. She’d hoped it would get her off Southern Coastal’s waitlist. Then she hurt her ankle. He knows it’s devastating, and he doesn’t want her to suppress her feelings and put on a brave face. She says she’s not, and he says, then talk to him. She knows she can. Josslyn is literally saved by the doorbell, and opens the door to find Dante. He says he was wondering if he could have a word with her dad, and she invites him in. She tells Jax, look who it is, and Dante apologizes for coming there unannounced. He looks at them both, and asks, what happened? Josslyn says, a volleyball injury, and Jax says, long story. What can he do for Dante? Dante says, it’s police business, and Josslyn says, he’s a cop again? Great… if it’s something he wants. He says, it’s nothing official; he’s helping with a case. Jax wonders what it has to do with him, and Dante says he’s looking for Carly. He’s looked everywhere, and there’s been no sign of her. Has she been in touch? Josslyn says they spoke to Carly earlier, and Dante asks if she said where she was going. Jax asks, what’s going on, and why does Dante need to find Carly?   

Carly asks the Family heads if they remember a  year ago, before Cyrus arrived. There were no warehouse explosions, no businesses were targeted. It was an efficient, cooperative, and mutually profitable organization. Her people are Sonny’s people, and they know how to run the business and deal with interlopers. Cyrus says, see here… and she says she won’t let him use Port Charles to spread his business across the eastern seaboard. She’ll consider it an act of war, and act swiftly with no mercy, like Sonny would. Cyrus says she’s too reckless, and emotionally unstable, and she tells him to watch his tone, and watch his step. She’s calling the shots, and he doesn’t want to make himself a target. He says they can’t stand there while Carly is threatening them with a unilateral power grab. She’s not part of their organization, and has never run more than a hotel. She made a mistake. The members understand what’s best for them, and what’s best for them is him.

Britt gives Jason a protein drink, and he asks why he can’t move around. She says, so he can go after Carly? but he says, no. Just walk around to do things for himself. She tells him to finish the drink, and says, they’re kicking in. That’s a good sign. If it’s any comfort, when Carly left, she seemed to know what she was doing. He says, Carly is good at bluffing.

Sonny says, it’s a half mile up the road from the Tan-O? and Nina says, it’s a cute street. Sonny says, it’s a year’s lease. Does she know how long… Eli comes in, and says Nina is sticking around? Good news. He thought she was going home. She says, Nixon Falls isn’t getting rid of her yet, and Eli says, sounds like cause for a celebration. Let him take her to the fanciest place in town. She says she doesn’t need to do any more research for the article, and he says she still needs to eat. He was thinking candlelight, wine, and a nice meal; just the two of them.

Nina says she thinks Eli is getting ahead of himself. She hasn’t found a place yet, so they need to hold off on the celebration until she’s settled. He says he’ll hold her to it. Until then, if she needs help finding a place, call him. Sonny says, Lenny and Phyllis went out to dinner, and Eli says he wouldn’t dream of intruding on their date, but maybe he’ll stay for a drink. Nina says she has a call scheduled with Crimson, so if they’ll excuse her… Play nice. She leaves, and Eli looks at his phone. He says he has business to attend to of his own. Tell Phyllis and Lenny that he stopped by to see how they were doing. Sonny says, they’re doing great, and Eli leaves. Sonny goes behind the bar, and Nina comes back. He says, that was quick, and she says she’s discouraged at how well Crimson is running without her. Elijah left? Sonny says, yeah, and she says she knows he can’t stand Eli. He says, what gave her that idea? and she asks, what’s the problem this time? He says he doesn’t think she should go out with Eli. He doesn’t want to see her hurt again. She says, hmm… Is that what this is really about?

Cyrus would like to point out, that although they pay their respects to the memory of Sonny, they’re not there to be reminded of the good old days. They’re looking to the future. He can deliver extraordinary profits, for his business and theirs. It’s up to them. Are they going to let Carly deprive them of their rightful share of a new market? They need to evict her from the table, right here and right now. Carly stands up, and says, if they think for one minute their future will be stable with Cyrus, think again. Everyone knows Cyrus’s operation will swallow their territories one by one, and he’ll trample them in his wake. Before they decide, they need to know, any action will have consequences. Cyrus can attest to the fact that he’s lost before, and he’s about to lose again. She smiles at Cyrus.

Dante tells Jax and Josslyn, Jason escaped. Shots were fired, and there was one fatality. Josslyn asks if Jason is okay, but Dante says he’s not sure, but they think Jason took a shot. He doesn’t know how bad, but Britt is with Jason. Whether she’s a hostage or not, she’s a doctor. Josslyn says, Jason wouldn’t take a hostage, and Dante says, at any rate, Britt will look after Jason. Jax asks why Dante wants to speak to Carly, and Dante says, if Jason is involved, Carly is involved. Jax says he and Josslyn just got back from Pennsylvania. They talked to Carly on the phone on the way back, but that’s it. Dante’s phone dings, and he looks at it and frowns. He says he’s got to go. Let him know if they hear from her. Jax says, will do, and Dante leaves. Josslyn asks if Jax thinks there’s a chance Dante is wrong, and Jason wasn’t hit. She hopes he’s okay, because she really couldn’t stand to lose Jason too.   

Cameron says, they took his fingerprints and photo, but he’s not guilty, and Elizabeth says she believes him. They’re just going by the book, and following the rules. Jordan comes in, and says she got the tests back from forensics. The blood on the bullet they tested confirms their theory that the bullet hit Jason. They still need to check the gun Cameron was holding. Cameron says he didn’t shoot Jason; he swears. Jordan says she’d like to interview Cameron, and Cameron says she can ask him anything. Scotty says he wants to be present, and Elizabeth asks if Cameron is okay. He says he’s fine, but let him do this. He needs to clear some things up. She says she’ll be right outside. Jordan turns on the recorder, and asks Cameron to tell her why he was holding the gun. He says he doesn’t know; it all happened so fast. He can’t remember picking up the gun. Jordan says she understands; there was a lot going on. It was a chaotic situation. Scotty asks if there’s another question coming, and Jordan says, sometimes when you’re experiencing a traumatic event, you can blank things out, like firing a weapon and shooting someone. Someone you think killed your stepfather, who you loved. Cameron says she thinks he did it, and she asks if he’d remember if he did. He flashes back to calling Jason a killer in the hospital, and he says, he didn’t… Jordan reminds him that he said he couldn’t remember picking up the gun, and everything happened fast. Is it possible he pulled the trigger, and blocked it out? Cameron says, no, and Scotty says, all right. Cameron looks freaked out, and Scotty tells him, take it easy. He tells Jordan, we’re done here.

Brando answers his phone, and says, when?… Okay, he’ll let them know. Carly says, contrary to what Cyrus is implying, she has no desire to encroach on their businesses or take over their territory. Brando tells Cyrus something, and Cyrus says, son of a bitch. One of his shipments was destroyed as it was leaving town. It’s an act of war. Carly says she can’t confirm or deny her people were involved, but bringing a shipment through her territory is a hostile act, and she could quantify the response as a necessary retaliation. Are they going to sit back and let Cyrus take over their territories? Cyrus says he’s offering them a piece of the action, and a fair deal. Carly asks, who believes Cyrus knows play fair. Anyone? Mr. Bashima gets up, and goes over to Carly. He says, condolences. Welcome to the table. There will always be a seat for her. He holds out his hand, and they shake. Carly thanks him, and says he’s very gracious. Mr. Novak comes over to her, and says, his sincere condolences. He’s hoping for a harmonious relationship. Carly thanks him, and hopes there’s no repeat of the warehouse. He says, bygones? and holds out his hand. They shake, and Carly says, lessons learned. Ms. Wu tells her, congratulations. I’m guess she’s happy that there’s another chick on board. Carly thanks her, and says, we do what we must. Ms. Wu says, here’s to better days, and I wonder why she doesn’t shake hands. Custom? Cyrus looks at Carly.

Elizabeth asks if Jordan is all done with grilling her son, and Jordan says, she understands how upset… but Elizabeth says she has no idea. It’s tense enough at home, and she just accused Jake’s brother of shooting his father. How is she going to explain it? It’s like a bomb has been dropped on her already fragile family. Jordan says she can imagine how devastating it is. Cameron believes Jason shot and killed his stepfather. Did he ever mention making Jason pay? Elizabeth asks if Jordan is interrogating her now, but Jordan says, no… maybe. She’s known Cameron a long time, and thinks he’s a good kid, but she has to do her job. She can’t let her feelings about the family get in the way. That’s why she has to do it by the book. Elizabeth tells Jordan to apply her professional objectivity, while she goes in to see her son. Jordan says, one more thing. She knows it was traumatic. Is it possible Cameron shot Jason and blocked it out? Elizabeth says, that’s not what happened. Cameron says he didn’t shoot Jason, and she believes her son. He didn’t shoot Jason.

Carly tells Cyrus, he might as well leave. He has no more business there. He says, don’t be too comfortable in that chair. She’s playing in the big leagues now. She says she knows what she’s doing, and he says, destroying one shipment might have made a splash for the crowd, but she can’t sustain it on her own. Speaking of which, where’s Jason? She says, he didn’t hear? Jason escaped. He says, it’s only a matter of time before Jason is found, and she says, too bad the same can’t be said for his shipment. Cyrus tells Brando, let’s go. They need to find Jason before the cops do. They leave, and at the door, Brando turns to look at Carly. Carly tells the guard that she needs a moment. She’ll be right out. He leaves, and she sits down, taking a deep breath.

Britt wonders what happened to Carly’s guy who said he was getting more blood, and Jason says maybe he had to go somewhere else. She says, and do what? Guard Carly at the meeting? Carly would never put Jason at risk to have an extra bodyguard. He says, Carly’s not supposed to be there; it’s supposed to be him. She says she can see he’s worried, and knows he wants to help but… Jason says, she’s right. Him showing up this would be proof that they’re vulnerable. It’s better for him to stay away, and let them think he’s still a threat. It will give them leverage. Britt asks, how? and he says, never mind. She asks if he thinks he’s said too much. It’s not like they’re strangers, stuck in an elevator, telling each other their life stories. They’re fugitives. Or is she technically a hostage? She’s lost track. He asks if she feels like a hostage, and she says she feels like someone who almost died.

Carly closes her eyes, and her guard comes in, saying, someone is here for her. She asks who it is, and Dante walks in. He says, hey, Carly. He thought he might find her there.

Sonny tells Nina, what you do when you don’t have your own life to focus on, you’re aware of what’s around you. You watch and listen, and from what he sees, Eli would be a bad boyfriend for Nina. She says, whoa. Who said boyfriend? If he’s watching and listening so much, he would know she’s not in the market for a romantic involvement with anyone. Sonny asks why she left the door open, and she says she didn’t want to humiliate Eli, especially in front of him. He doesn’t deserve that. What’s with them anyway? She thought Phyllis made them call a truce. He tells Nina, look out for Elijah. He doesn’t fault the guy for trying. She’s beautiful – he laughs – she’s accomplished, kind, fun to be around, and honest. He doesn’t think Eli is good for her. She says, what he said earlier about… He says, yeah, he’s paying attention to her, and maybe he is a little jealous.

Josslyn tells Jax, something’s not right. Carly hasn’t even read her texts. Jax says, she’s probably busy, helping Jason escape, or taking care of him somewhere else. Josslyn says, it’s a relief to think Carly is with him, and Jax says he hopes not. He’s hoping her mother will distance herself, now that Sonny is gone. She says, her mother would never abandon Jason. He’s family. He says, Jason has been accused of murder. If Carly is helping him – and he prays not – she’ll be an accessory. It’s trouble Carly doesn’t need, or Josslyn. He wishes Carly wouldn’t be a part Jason’s life, but Josslyn says she doesn’t care. Jason said he didn’t do it, and as long as Carly is with Jason, she’s okay.   

Carly asks what Dante is doing there, and he tells her, an informant said she might be at a meeting there. She says, informant? and he says, police business. He was asked to help out with a case. She says, she sees; what case? He says he thinks she knows. He’s surprised Jason isn’t there. She wouldn’t know where he can find Jason, would she? She says she hasn’t seen him, and he says, it sounds like she knows Jason escaped police custody earlier. 

Elizabeth asks, what happened? and Scotty says Jordan tried a bunch of psychological mumbo jumbo on Cameron, and Cameron got confused. She says she and Jordan talked outside; it will be okay. She tells Cameron that she loves him, and he says he loves her too. He’s sorry he screwed everything up. She says he hasn’t. He’s the bravest, most loyal person she knows, and she’s proud of him. He says he doesn’t know why. He picked up the gun, and ruined everything, his life, his family… She says, they’ll get through this; she’ll make sure. He says they don’t even believe him. He can tell. He asks if she thinks he shot Jason, and she says she doesn’t care how angry he was. She believes him. They hug, and Officer Miller comes in. He says they need to take a gunpowder residue test.

Jordan looks at the computer, and says, I’ll be damned.

Britt tells Jason that she was immobilized. The cap was off the needle, and she was two seconds away from getting an injection that would have killed her, but then he showed up. It’s an overused cliché, but he saved her life. You saved my life with that cup of coffee; you saved my life with a ride. No. He came into her office, and stopped them. He literally saved her life. What she’s trying to say is, she owes him. Whatever illegal business he and Carly are conducting, their secret is safe with her.

Jordan tells Elizabeth and Scotty, in reviewing the security footage, it appears Jason was hit by a bullet fired from behind Cameron. She’s waiting for the ballistics report, but she’s not expecting that it was Cameron who hit Jason. Elizabeth asks if Cameron can go home, and Jordan says, if it goes the way she thinks it will, she’ll drop all the charges.   

Sonny hopes he didn’t make Nina uncomfortable with what he said, but she tells him, she’s fine. Absolutely good. She wants to start arranging to look at some places. Sonny says he thought he’d chased her out, but she says, no. She’ll see him later. He says he’ll see her later, and heads outside with some trash. She says, oh, Nina. What are you doing?

Behind the Tan-O, Eli asks a guy, why the hell did he text Eli to meet him there? It’s not the time or place. He paid dude’s bail. Leave him alone. Dude says he needs more cash, and Eli says he doesn’t like a shakedown. Dude asks, who’s got more to lose, him or Eli? Sonny overhears them, and Eli takes out his wallet, handing dude some money. Sonny watches, crouching down so he can’t be seen.   

Jax tells Josslyn that he knows it’s hard, but the best thing is to wait for her mother to contact them. She says she knows he’s right, and maybe it’s good they haven’t heard anything. That means Carly is taking care of Jason. He says, whatever Carly is doing, she’ll be in touch when she can. In the meantime, they can talk about what’s really going on with Josslyn.

Dante tells Carly, they know Brick was driving, and Britt was a hostage. Talk to him. The police know Jason was hurt, and she knows what that means. Everyone involved is going to be implicated. She says she doesn’t know where Jason is, and if he has anything else to ask her, talk to her lawyer.

Elizabeth thanks Scotty, and he says, they’re still family. She says she thinks she needs to get Cameron counseling. The whole thing is awful. Even if the charges are dropped, Cameron doesn’t know Peter August killed Franco, not Jason. Scotty asks how she knows about that, and she says Finn told her a couple of hours ago. Scotty says he knew weeks ago. When Cameron got worked up over Jason, Scotty was going to tell him, but he held back. Elizabeth thinks she should tell Cameron that his anger is misplaced. Jason is innocent. Peter is the killer. Cameron overhears.

Britt tells Jason, his blood delivery is officially late. She wants him to drink more, but he tells her, get down, pulling her down next to him behind the bed. She says he’s going to pop his stiches, and he says, someone is coming. He draws his gun.

Tomorrow, Curtis says something is better staying a memory, Cameron confronts Elizabeth, Spinelli comes in peace, and Jason tells Britt that he knows how this is going to play out.

🍂 On The Real Housewives of New Jersey Jackie arranged for a day of apple picking and wine tasting with the women for her birthday. She told Evan that she planned to taste many wines. Delores called to tell Jackie that she had a doctor’s appointment, and she’d meet them at the venue. In Delores’s interview, she said she didn’t really have an appointment, but wasn’t about to ride in a van with this group so soon after the fiasco at the cocktail party. Evan told Jackie, they’re human beings. They should be able to talk while having a disagreement, and not scream. Jackie said, there were human beings, and there were women from New Jersey; those were two different animals. Jennifer redecorated away from Bill’s ornate furniture style, and I was loving the grey sectional sofa. Mom Josephine was angry with Jennifer because of the conversation about her and Jennifer’s father at the mom’s party. Josephine said they’d made a fool out of her, but Jennifer insisted that wasn’t true. I found it highly amusing that Jennifer’s dad was drinking his morning coffee out of a Betty Boop mug during this conversation. Joe #2 helped Teresa organize her garage, and said she needed a man in the house, since he was tired of doing chores there. She asked why he’d told everyone that she was in love, and he told her, Louie was the guy she’d been looking for; why hide it? He pointed out that Joe #1 had never told her anything nice, and we flashed back once again to the scene where Juicy Joe called Teresa a bitch and the c-word. Joe #2 asked if it was serious, and Teresa said Louie was the most amazing guy she’d ever met. Joe said he thought Louie was the right person, and in Teresa’s interview, she said Louie made her laugh, and he was so smart. In my estimation, that’s an open-ended statement, since Teresa isn’t exactly a genius. She said she didn’t trust everything yet. She wasn’t telling everyone until she felt secure in their relationship.

Margaret had a photo shoot for the book at her house, and was including Marge Sr. on the back cover. There was a lot of glam, coupled with props of junk food, and The Marge’s signature pigtails. Delores and Frank’s kids had birthdays a week apart, celebrating together while growing up. Even though they were now grown, the family enjoyed keeping the tradition alive. David joined them, and told Frank that Delores yelled a lot. Frank said David should have seen her at the cocktail party. Delores said the group actually took a poll on whether the Porsche was a ring diversion, but David said he was too old to care about that stuff. Delores said she’d always respect and protect her relationship with David. In her interview, Delores said David showed up when it mattered, and was crazy for her kids. Two phenomenal cakes were presented. One with animals and a stethoscope on it, for Gabrielle, who’s a veterinarian; and one with the NYC skyline, money symbols, and gold bars, for Frank Jr., who works on Wall Street.

Before the trip, the women met for breakfast at Jackie’s house, and Jackie explained that Delores wasn’t coming. Marge said Delores was upset about how they took a poll, and felt no one was her cheerleader. Jackie said, last year, Delores wanted a ring, and now she didn’t. Melissa told everyone that she believed Teresa’s new boyfriend was meant to be her husband, and in Melissa’s interview, she said she could tell Louie was the one. Teresa and Louie went out of their way for one another, couldn’t take their eyes off each other, and Teresa let her guard down with him. The women presented Jackie with a beautiful pair of earrings, and everyone told apple picking stories. Jennifer said she’d taken her parents apple picking, and her mom made it a misery. She told the group that her mom resented the party, and it looked like they wouldn’t be talking for a while. She decided to stop calling her mom out, since it wasn’t getting her anywhere. Melissa got a text from son Gino, saying Joe #2 was in a lot of pain. Melissa called home, and Joe said he thought it was a kidney stone. Melissa said she was coming home, and told Joe to call an ambulance to get him to the hospital. After Melissa left, the rest of the women got in the van and called Delores, telling her why they might be late, and what was going on with Joe #2. Delores told them to call Melissa, and tell her to go to the hospital David worked at; he’d be waiting. Marge found this ironic after Joe #2 had talked smack about David at the cocktail party. They discussed Teresa’s boyfriend, Marge saying Melissa told them she’d met him, but Teresa still wasn’t saying much. In her interview, she said she wanted to make sure it was right before introducing Louie to her friends. She said Joe #2 had diarrhea of the mouth, and Jennifer said that’s why his stomach hurt.

The guide told the group that the winery was like the Disneyworld of alcohol. Delores showed up slightly late, and said she was looking for a bunch of loud, sparkly girls. She told the women, if Joe #2 was definitely passing a kidney stone, he’d have to stay at the hospital until it happened. She thought Joe #2 must be going through something, the way he’d talked about her, but she was more upset about the poll. Jackie said she’d thought Delores wanted a ring, but Delores said her friends took part in a conversation about her, and it wasn’t what friends did. Teresa wondered if they had mactosh apples. Delores told Marge, if someone took a poll on Jackie’s husband or Melissa’s marriage, she wouldn’t have taken part. In her interview, she said she’d taken a lot of heat about her relationship, but they were coming from a place they knew nothing about. She was feeling judged.

They did some apple picking, then a wine tasting at the orchard’s restaurant, where they also ordered food. Melissa texted that the kidney stone had passed, and Teresa said their dad used to get them. Marge told everyone that she was having a combo party for Joe #3’s 65th birthday and Halloween. Delores said she didn’t want David around them because the group had mocked him, but Jennifer said she only wanted for Delores whatever Delores wanted for herself. Delores said life was constantly changing, and in her interview, said she’d learned from her divorce, if something doesn’t go your way, it’s not the end of the world. If she doesn’t get engaged, her life will take a different turn. Marge suggested Teresa bring her man in costume.

Joe #2 told Melissa that he was drinking water non-stop, because David said he was dehydrated. Melissa pointed out that David had been very good to Joe, and Joe should judge him as a boyfriend. Delores was a grown woman, and if she was happy, she’d stay. If she wasn’t, she’d leave. She told Joe not to comment on Delores’s relationship, and he said he’d known Delores before he knew Melissa. Melissa said Delores didn’t like it, and Marge had called him chauvinistic, like Delores needed a man to survive; that was BS. Melissa said as much as Joe wanted it to be otherwise, women could survive without men. Joe said she always pointed a finger at him, and he wanted his old wife back. She said she wasn’t giving up her personal growth or her dreams. She was sick of him feeling like her doing something for herself was taking away from him. She didn’t want to resent him for holding her back. He said he put her on a pedestal, and supported anything she wanted to do. We flashed back as he said, there was her singing, and when she opened envy; he built her a boutique, and got her an au pair when she wanted one. If she wants the moon, he’ll get her the effing moon. Melissa said that he’d told her not to forget about him, and he said for a time she had. She insisted that wasn’t the case, and said it was like talking to a wall. He told her to go be what whatever she wanted to be. We’re done. I honestly think he meant done with the conversation though, not the marriage.

In Teresa’s interview, she said she’d met other guys, but there hadn’t been a connection. She and Louie had things in common, but they were taking it slow. The show ended with Louie coming to the door, sharply dressed, flowers in hand.

To be continued…

🏋️‍♂️ I loved Watch What Happens Live tonight, since the guests were The Real Househusbands of New Jersey. In the intro, the husbands did taglines, and it was pretty funny. I got a bunch of likes for my tweet suggesting they get their own show. Yay me. You can also see the opening here:

🎉 The Party’s Over…

Looks like Kary and Eduardo are calling it quits.

https://people.com/tv/rhod-kary-brittingham-divorcing-husband-eduardo/

👠 First Time Out…

How the new RHONY girl is doing.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/01/rhony-star-eboni-k-williams-debuts-as-first-black-cast-member/

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/04/rhonys-sonja-morgan-luann-de-lesseps-gush-over-eboni-k-williams/

👻 Ghosted Again…

No matter how hard she tries, she’s not going to make it happen.

https://people.com/tv/jill-zarin-wont-appear-on-upcoming-real-housewives-mashup-series-source/

💃🏽 Celebrating…

Hint: Don’t do what I did, and have to crawl home after a couple of way-too-strong margaritas.

https://www.bhg.com/holidays/traditions/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-respectfully/

🏞 Hitting the Trail…

Is it possible I could go to bed before dawn? No matter what time you dream, stay safe, stay innovative, and stay not counting your territories before they’re hatched.