Tag Archives: Lala Kent

March 30, 2023 – The Llama Is Running Late, In Addition, Extra Info, Another, His Status, Emo Reunion, Salty Talk, VanderGossip, Reaction, Pets (!) & Like Us

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dex tells Sonny, the security sweep is complete, and Sonny walks out on the pier. He thanks Dex, and says he needs competent people around him during these times. Dex says, hopefully they’ll find out who’s targeting Sonny, and Sonny says, they will. Nobody’s interfering with the Pikeman deal. Dex asks if Sonny thinks she’ll deliver, but Sonny shrugs. Selina walks out with Li, and asks if Sonny hasn’t told his people, she always brings the goods.

Josslyn and Trina practice a dance for the Nurses Ball, and Josslyn suggests they go again. Trina says, they’ve done it five times, but Josslyn says, practice can’t hurt. Trina says she’s going to pass out from dehydration, and Josslyn says, five minutes. They get some water, when Maxie walks in, arguing with someone on the phone, and asks what they’re doing here. Josslyn says, they’re practicing their performance, and Maxie says, the show is tonight, and they still need to practice? This Nurses Ball is going to hell in a handbasket.

Violet and Finn are with Elizabeth in her kitchen when the doorbell rings. Elizabeth answers, and Laura says she’s, sorry she’s late, but Elizabeth says she’s right on time, and they hug. Aiden and Jake run in, and Jake says, Cam’s coming. They all line up, and Cameron comes downstairs, asking if he heard the doorbell. They shout, surprise! and he asks, what’s going on? He thought just the four of them were having breakfast. Laura says, he didn’t think they’d let him leave for California without a proper send-off, did he? and he says he feels like the luckiest guy right now.

Esme comes into the hospital carrying Ace, with Spencer following. She tells the reception nurse that she called ahead, and the nurse asks who her pediatrician is. Esme says, they don’t have a regular one; she gave birth outside the hospital. She asks if Portia is here, but the nurse says, she’s not available, and gives Esme some forms to fill out. Esme says, please. Her son is sick and needs to be seen right away. Spencer takes the clip board and thanks the nurse. Spencer tells Esme, yelling at the nurse isn’t going to do Ace any favors, but Esme says she doesn’t care. Ace needs medical attention, and she’ll fight for him, no matter what. Spencer tells her not to fight with the wrong person. She needs to fill out these forms. She asks what he’s even doing here. She didn’t want him here, so if he’s not on her side, he can leave now. He says, this isn’t about her or sides. This is about Ace, and he’s not leaving her alone with his baby brother.

Anna loads her gun, and Valentin asks if there’s something he should know. She says she’s just making sure she’s prepped; the situation is deteriorating. He says, something happened to make Eileen bolt. Now Victor’s after her, and will more than likely find her. Anna says, she can’t outrun Victor. She knows too much; enough to bring this whole thing crashing down. There’s a knock at the door, and they both ready their guns, Valentin ducking down behind the sofa. Anna flings open the door, and aims her gun.

Maxie asks if Josslyn and Trina knew there was a 10% chance of rain tonight. Water stains silk. Rain deflates hair. And what if the ground gets slippery? One slip or fall, it will be all over social media. Five or six are a catastrophe. Trina says, 10%’s not much, and Maxie says, and the llama has the nerve to be running late. Now they’re telling her that they’re also not ready? Josslyn says, they’re doing just fine. They were just doing a few run throughs and adding some finishing touches. Trina says, they’re beyond ready, and Maxie says, that’s great, but they’ll need to leave when the Wands get here; it’s a closed set. Josslyn says, got it, and Maxie leaves, already arguing with someone else on the phone. Trina says, six-minute break? and Josslyn says, fine. The Nurses Ball is about having fun after all. Trina says, that’s her plan. She’s all about fun tonight. Josslyn says, with Spencer?

Spencer says, Esme wouldn’t happen to remember Ace’s weight when he was born, and she says she does, snatching the clipboard from him. She says, and his length, and his Apgar score from when they first got to the hospital. Ace is sick, and if filling out this stupid form will get him seen, that’s all she cares about. If he wants to make himself useful, why doesn’t he fill out this part where they ask for payment. She tells Ace, it’s okay, and Spencer says, grandmother doesn’t seem to think that it’s anything serious, but Esme says, mommy knows it’s not right. He asks how long she’s going to keep up this angelic mother act, and she tells him to get over himself. She’s sick of trying to prove she’s not the person she used to be. She needs to be a good mother to Ace. He’s what matters, not Spencer. Spencer says, it seems she lost her memory, but not her personality. She’s not going to be able to hide behind Ace forever.

Cameron thanks everyone, and asks Aiden if those are banana chocolate chip muffins. Aiden – suddenly having made an age jump – bye, little dude! – says, his best batch yet. He hopes Cameron likes them. Violet says she made the toast, and Cameron says, fantastic. He loves toast. She says, it’s the only thing her daddy would let her make, and Finn says, she can move on to things that involve a flame when she’s a little older. Aiden says he could teach her some simple dishes, and Elizabeth tells Violet to take him up on that, since she hates Finn’s spaghetti. Cameron says, it’s so very cool of everyone. He doesn’t know what to say. Jake suggests, let’s eat, and Laura agrees they eat while it’s still warm. Elizabeth says she’ll get the orange juice, and heads for the kitchen. Laura motions that Finn should follow her. He asks if there’s anything Elizabeth needs, and she says she doesn’t want to bring down the mood. It’s been an intense two days. Finn says he’s here; whatever she needs. She says, just the strength to say goodbye to her firstborn, and she smiles at Cameron.

Felicia meets Ava at Charlie’s, and asks how she’s holding up. Ava says she’s hanging in there. A lot has come to light, hasn’t it? She wasn’t entirely surprised Esme turned out to be Ryan and Heather’s daughter. That girl is just as twisted as they are. But finding out Ryan was colluding with Esme to destroy her life shook her up a little bit. Felicia says, fortunately, they never have to deal with Ryan again, and Ava says, thanks to Felicia’s husband. That Esme though, she has yet to pay.

Anna lets Drew in, and he says, Felicia told him how to get here. He wasn’t followed, and took every precaution. Valentin asks, what’s happened? and Drew says, Victor disappeared. I get confused since I was expecting him to say Eileen disappeared.

Sonny asks if Selina found out anything about the contractor who tried to kill him, and she says, as she suspected, no one in her organization frequents The Highsider, nor did anyone recognize the gunman. However, she sent Li to make inquiries with the staff at The Highsider. He had a very interesting conversation with the bartender. Sonny asks if she got an ID on the shooter or not.

Everyone is talking and laughing at Elizabeth’s house, and Laura helps with the dishes. Elizabeth says she knew this was going to be hard, but it just got real all of a sudden, and Laura says she wishes she had some magical words to make Elizabeth feel better. It’s hard sending your kids out into the world. And Cam’s her first, so it’s a particular kind of pain. Elizabeth says, she’s happy for him, and proud, but she feels like a part of her is missing, and he’s not even gone yet. Laura says, that’s the sad part, but remember, there’s wonderment and joy in watching your children forge their own paths, become adults, and live full lives. Trust her, it’s a blessing, and Elizabeth will always be his mother. Elizabeth watches everyone in the other room.

Esme tells Ace, good job. He gained two pounds and grew almost an inch. That’s good, right? The nurse says, right on target, and tells Esme that the doctor will be with her shortly. She leaves, and Spencer says, the nurse seems to think he’s okay, and Esme says, they both have their reasons for not trusting each other, but it’s all in the past. He says, is it? and she says, can it be? Ace is her present and future, and whether she likes it or not, Spencer’s his brother. He says, what she did to him and his friends isn’t something he can easily forgive, and she asks if he can try. She’d hate to see him missing out on Ace because of it. He asks if that’s a threat, but she says, no. It’s just not good for Ace if they’re fighting all of the time, and the longer Spencer keeps seeing her as her old self, the more damage it’s going to do to him. He says he guesses he doesn’t see it like that, when Austin walks in. He says, I know you, and Esme says she knows him too. He’s the man her mother tried to kill the night her son was born.

Trina says, she and Spencer will see each other at the Ball, but they’re not going together, and Josslyn asks, what’s going on with them? The last time, she heard they’d kissed. Did something happen? Trina says, no, they’re fine. They’re definitely more than friends. It’s just… complicated. Josslyn says, that’s Spencer, he’s complicated, but Trina says, it’s not just him. She feels like they’re some kind of cosmic joke. Just when she thought, finally, they’re lives blew up. The night they kissed, she just found out her mother lied to her about her father. Then Ryan Chamberlain and Heather Webber showed up on Spoon Island, nearly killing Ava. Esme had her baby, and now Esme and her baby are living with Spencer in his grandmother’s apartment. Josslyn says, because of the baby, and Trina says she totally understands Spencer wants to be close to his baby brother, but it just feels weird that he, Esme, and the baby are living together like some sort of pseudo family. She really wants to be with Spencer, but now it feels like she should take it slow. Josslyn says, slow sounds like the right idea, but Trina says, it doesn’t feel that way. But what about Josslyn. It’s been months since she broke up with Cam, and now he’s leaving for California. Is she ready to get back out there?

Selina says, the bartender recognized the gunman, and Sonny asks if she got a name. She says, unfortunately, no. The bartender said the gunman came in only once and paid in cash, but he recalled the man was staying at a nearby hotel. So she sent her men to search the establishment. The shooter’s belongings were relegated to storage – Li tosses a duffle bag down – when he didn’t return. They were able to acquire them. Sonny says he appreciates that, and she says she hopes it restores his faith in her. Please let her know if she can be a further assistance. She leaves with Li, and Sonny says, looks like they found the guy. Now they have to find out who hired him.

Anna asks when Victor disappeared, and Drew says, within the last few hours. Ever since Robert broke into Victor’s hotel room, they’ve had the MetroCourt under surveillance, and he hasn’t returned. Drew even decided to search Victor’s room himself, in case somehow he slipped by them. Valentin asks how he did that, and Drew says, he asked Olivia for assistance. Both Valentin and Anna protest, but he says, time was his main concern. He knew Olivia wasn’t going to ask any questions, and it doesn’t matter anyway, because she said Victor checked out. He can tell them, Victor didn’t do it personally. Valentin says, this can only mean one thing, and Anna says, Victor’s on to us.

Josslyn says, it’s been months? Feels more like minutes. But Trina says, no fair. Josslyn doesn’t get to grill her on her love life, and she gets nothing back. Josslyn says she’s been swamped with classes, and has no time for dating, and Trina asks if she’s sure it’s a time thing. Break-ups are hard, but Josslyn can’t let it paralyze her. She’s got to get herself back out there. Hey, she knows Nolan. Josslyn says, water polo Nolan? What about him? Trina says, he’s in her Renaissance Art class, and they’re pretty cool. Maybe she could set them up. Josslyn says, thanks, but no, and Trina says, he’s one of the hottest guys on campus. Can’t she even have coffee with him? Josslyn asks what they’d talk about, and Trina says, they’re jocks. They could swap stories of the thrill of victory or something. Josslyn says they need to get back to rehearsing, but Trina says, they do not need to practice. Is Josslyn not interested in Nolan because she’s seeing someone?

Cameron says, Scotty is still stuck in court, and Laura says, that’s too bad. She knows he wanted to be here. Cameron says, Scotty told him that he’s due a visit on the west coast so… Laura says, he means it. Cameron is very important to him. Cameron says he feels very grateful having her and Scotty as his grandparents, and she tells him that she knows she speaks for both of them when she says, it’s been a privilege to watch him grow into the fine young man he’s become. He says he owes a lot of it to her. She’s always supported him, whether things were great or terrible. He thanks her, and she says she loves him so much. Her heart is bursting with pride right now. She hugs him, and says she can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next. It’s gonna be great.

Felicia asks if Ava is planning on making Esme pay, but Ava says, don’t worry about that. She’ll leave it to the authorities. Although she wasn’t happy to hear that Felicia’s brother-in-law isn’t going to prosecute her. Felicia says, timing is everything, and Ava says, what about all those months Esme terrorized her? She made Ava fear for her daughter’s life; she destroyed Ava’s marriage. She’s not excusing Nikolas’s actions, but they were building a life together before Esme showed up. And to find out she manipulated the whole situation… She’s just as rotten as her father, may he rot in hell. Now all she has left is that big old drafty castle. Felicia says, she’s not completely alone, and Ava says she has Avery, but not all the time. Felecia says, what about Austin? and Ava says, what about him? Felicia says, he was there the night Ryan and Heather made their appearance. Wasn’t he also there when Dante and the police were searching for Nikolas? Ava flashes back to telling Austin that she’s sure Nikolas was dead, and Austin asking, then where is he? Felicia says, he seems to be with Ava a lot.

Esme says, Austin has to believe her. She didn’t know that woman was her mother. Please don’t take Heather’s actions out on her son. Ace is innocent. Austin says, that’s his name, Ace? He loves that. (Me too!) She says, he’s not mad? and he asks why he’d be mad. Hhe certainly wouldn’t be mad at her or Ace. He’s Dr. Gatlin-Holt. She says she’s Esme Prince, and he says, nice to meet her under better circumstances. He addresses Spencer, and asks, what’s going on with Baby Ace? Esme says, he’s been fussier than usual. Crying when he’s not hungry and doesn’t need changing. She kept track of the episodes, and also noticed he’s been flushing. She has some pictures… He says he wishes all his first-time moms were this organized, and she smiles.

Dex asks if Sonny wants him to examine the contents, but Sonny says, no. They’ll look through it at the office. He’s going to have Frank bring the car around. As they walk past the water, Dex says, there’s a body in the water, takes off his jacket and shoes, and jumps in.

Valentin says, Victor suspects Laura and Robert are working together, because Laura told him the other day that Victor accused her of making a move against him. Anna says, if Victor already realized the necklace is fake, he’ll assume Robert knew, gave it to Eileen to hand off to him. Drew asks if Eileen would give them up, and Valentin says, if Victor pressured her, in a heartbeat. Anna says, she was just supposed to go in, give him the necklace, then get out. But she decided to take it on herself to make a play for the decryption key. Then something happened. Something spooked her enough to make her get out of town. Drew says, Eileen Ashby is definitely gone, but she did not leave on her own.

Dex places Eileen’s body on the dock, and Sonny says, of all the bodies he could fish out of the harbor. Dex says, he knows her? and Sonny says, yeah. She’s the Deputy Mayor.

Trina says, Josslyn is seeing someone, isn’t she? Don’t lie. Josslyn says she doesn’t want to lie to Trina. Yes, she is. Trina says, that’s great. How long has this been going on? Josslyn says, a few months, and Trina says, so not long after she broke up with Cam. Is that why Josslyn didn’t tell her? Did Josslyn think she’d judge her for it? Josslyn says, no, and Trina says, because she’d never. Josslyn told her last fall that she was starting to feel distance between her and Cam. Josslyn says she didn’t want Trina in the middle. Cam is her friend too, and Spencer definitely felt a way about her breaking up with him. Trina says, that’s on Spencer though. Of course (🍷) she felt bad for Cam. He was hurting, and he’s a great guy, but things worked out. Cam is going to play soccer at Stanford. He’s starting this major new phase in his life, and even if he wasn’t, Joss is her girl. She wants the best for both of them. They hug, and Trina asks if it’s someone she knows. Josslyn says, not really, and Trina asks if she has a picture. Josslyn says she’s really sorry, but she can’t tell Trina who it is right now. There could be really serious consequences if it became public knowledge.

Elizabeth thanks Finn for coming, and bringing Violet. He says, she loves her cousins. He’s glad they could stay a part of each other’s lives. She says, it’s the connections you make that matter the most. That’s what Epiphany used to say. Finn tells her that what she said at the memorial was really beautiful, and she says, as devastated as she is, one burden has been lifted. She found out Epiphany did write a letter to the Ethics Committee, and intended to deliver it herself. Finn says, Epiphany stuck by her, and Elizabeth says, thinking she had disappointed Epiphany was a weight on her; thinking she’d let down her mentor and friend. She’s incredibly grateful that wasn’t the case.

Aiden, Jake, and Violet come downstairs, and Violet tells Cameron that they got him something. Jake, now. Jake holds up a drawing of the four of them, with symbols of Cameron’s life, like a guitar and a soccer ball, pasted on it. Jake says he did the drawing; Aiden and Violet pasted on the cutouts. Violet says, so Cameron can take them with him to California. Does he like it? Cameron says he’s not sure like is the word to use here… He loves it. Violet runs to him and hugs him, and he says, thank you so much.

Esme asks Austin to just tell her what’s wrong, and he says, nothing’s wrong at all. Ace is a totally healthy baby. What we have here is a classic case of cholic. She says she’s read about that. Is Ace in pain? Austin says, he’s got gas, so probably more uncomfortable than in pain, and he’s just crying because he can’t tell her since he can’t talk yet. So he’s sending Esme home with some soothing techniques and samples of formula that might be easier on Ace’s stomach. He’s going to start Ace on a probiotic if a change in diet doesn’t help. Esme asks if that’s safe for babies, and he says, absolutely. Ace is fine. Whatever she’s doing, just keep doing it. She’s doing a great job. He says he’ll be back, and leaves. Esme asks if Ace heard that, and Spencer says, they’re going to get him fixed up, as he rubs Ace’s back.

Ava tells Felicia that she and Austin do have something significant in common. Nothing forges a bond like being victims of the same lunatic. Felicia says she hopes they have some peace of mind now that Heather’s locked up, and Ava says she’ll have peace once Esme’s dealt with. She has to run, and tells Felicia, it’s been a pleasure. Felicia asks if she’ll see Ava at the Nurses Ball later, and Ava says she wouldn’t miss it. Something big always happens at the Nurses Ball.

Drew says he went to Eileen’s apartment after Victor went missing. He wanted to question her, since she may have been the last person to see him. There were no signs that she made any preparations to run, with or without Victor. Valentin says, quick escapes don’t leave a lot of time to collect belongings, but Drew says, pet owners never leave their dog without making some provisions. Anna says she didn’t know Eileen had a dog, and Drew says, a very hungry, very thirsty dog that was barking before he even walked up to the door. This dog had not been cared for in some time. He took him to the Qs; the dog’s doing fine. I’m glad he says this, since I was already fretting about a fictitious dog. Drew says, the point is, she loved him. He was well-groomed, he had beds and treats, the whole thing, and toys. There’s no way she would abandon him willingly. Anna says, she’s not cold-blooded. He’s right. Eileen left under duress. Something really bad happened after she hung up that phone.

An officer puts a blanket over Eileen’s dead face, and Jordan says, imagine her surprise when she heard Sonny was the one who reported this. (Ha-ha! Yeah, right?) Sonny says, imagine how surprised he was when he came across her, and Jordan says, talk to her. How is he involved in this? He says he was just taking a walk, he saw something in the water, and it was the deputy mayor. Jordan says, he was casually taking a stroll, alone, on the docks, and a body just happened to wash up right by him? That is some timing. He says he told her everything that happened. If she wants to take it further, he has to call Diane, and then it’s going to be a waste of everybody’s time. He doesn’t think she wants to do that. Laura walks up, and says she came as soon as she heard. Is it true? Is that Eileen? Jordan says she’s sorry, when her phone rings. She steps away, and Laura says, oh, Eileen, as she looks at Eileen’s bare feet sticking out. Geez, dude could have covered those too while he was at it. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my feet hanging out there for the world to see if I end up dead on the docks. She asks if Sonny knows what happened, and he says, no, but his guess is Victor Cassadine. Jordan comes back, and says, the coroner’s en route to get the body, and Laura says she’ll have to prepare a statement for the press. Jordan leaves, and Laura turns to Sonny, obviously shook, and says, she has to deal with this. If it’s Victor, then Anna and Valentin and Lucy are all in danger, and they have to be warned. She’s barely keeping it together, and he says, he’ll check it out. Be careful. He leaves, and she quietly cries.

Josslyn promises to tell Trina when she can, but right now the stakes are just too high. Trina flashes back to Spencer having a problem with Dex at Curtis and Portia’s wedding, and Josslyn defending Dex. Trina says, it sounds serious, and Josslyn says, hopefully one day soon, she won’t have to keep this from Trina. But until then, please forget about it. Trina says, okay, but only if Josslyn promises, if she’s ever in trouble, Josslyn will come to her, and Josslyn promises. Dex walks in, and says hello to both of them.

Spencer says he’s going to take off, and Esme says, he’s leaving them here? He says he has something to do. She still has to stay and wait for the doctor to get back. She says, he’s their ride, but he says he won’t be long. She says, whatever, and tells Ace that he can’t count on anyone except her. Spencer turns back, and asks what that’s supposed to mean, even though it’s pretty self-explanatory. Esme says she can’t keep relying on him and Laura. She has to do things for herself. Like get a job. He says, doing what? She’s never worked a day in her life. She says she’ll figure it out. She got an internship, right? He says, that she orchestrated so she could spend some time scheming with her deranged father, and she says, when she was a person she doesn’t even remember. She’s a mom now. She needs to be able to provide for her son on her own. He says, the idea of her being a working single mother is ludicrous to him. He just offered to pay for Ace’s medical bills. Face it. She has no idea what to do now that she’s out of prison. My Spencer meter slides all the way past negative. She says, which was all his doing. Cameron told her how they all orchestrated (WOTD) her release; all part of the plan to take Ace away from her. But it’s backfired. She will never give up her son. He starts to say something, and she tells him, just go. He leaves, smirking, and I want to smack him.

Finn tells Cameron, good luck in California. He’s a good man. Cameron thanks Finn for being here, and for everything he’s done for this family. Can he ask Finn one last favor? Finn says, name it, and Cameron says his mom will need her friends when he’s gone. Finn says, Cameron can count on him, when Elizabeth comes out with Violet, who’s holding a box. Elizabeth says, some extra muffins for the road, and Violet gives the box to Cameron and hugs him. She and Finn leave, and Aiden and Jake come downstairs. Jake asks when Cameron will be visiting. He’s thinking of turning Cameron’s room into an art studio. Cameron says, Jake can’t wait for him to leave. He’ll visit as much as he can. Aiden says he’ll miss Cameron. Even though he was sometimes a pain, Cameron always stood up for him. Jake says, Cameron is a great big brother, and he’ll do his best to pick up where Cameron left off. He’s going to take care of Aiden and mom. Cameron says he’s going to be gone, but not for good. He’s still their brother. If they need anything, just call him. Aiden says he knows, but it won’t be the same, and they have a three-way hug. Cameron says he loves them, and they say they love Cameron too.

Valentin says, Victor and Eileen both disappear on the same night they meet; that’s not a coincidence. Anna says, best case scenario, she figured out a way to escape, she got out of there, and ran as fast as she could. Drew says, or Victor found out Eileen was compromised, which is more likely, and Anna says, then Eileen told Victor everything she knows. In which case, Victor will know they’re alive, and Lucy… Valentin says, and that the real necklace still exists, and Anna says, it puts everyone at risk. Robert, Laura, Felicia. He’ll figure out they were all working together to stop him. Drew says, Eileen never knew about him and Carly. Did she know how to find this place? Anna says, no. That is at least something in their favor. There’s a knock at the door, and Sonny says, Anna, it’s me. She opens the door, and he says, it’s good to see her, like this is nothing new. Anna asks what he’s doing here, and he says, Laura got caught up in an emergency. Eileen Ashby’s dead. And I’m thinking, half of Port Charles is going to be in on this by the weekend.

Dex says he was told to come here for rehearsal, and Trina asks if he’s the new Magic Wand. He says he is; Maxie talked him into it. Trina says, go, Maxie, and he says, they’re performing, right? Josslyn says, they’ve been rehearsing all morning, and Trina looks back and forth at them like it’s a ping pong match. Maxie walks in, and says, there he is. Wardrobe needs him for a final fitting come on. She drags him out, and Trina says, no one she knows, huh?

Elizabeth tells Cameron, it’s a great picture. It really captures the four of them. Cameron says he can’t leave, but she says, yes, he can. He says, Aiden and Jake still need him. She still needs him. She says, what she needs is to know he’s pursuing his dreams, and he asks if she’s sure. She says, it’s been her and him since the very beginning. He’s been her rock, and Jake and Aiden’s too. I get momentarily distracted by her haircut, thinking I should take it to my hairstylist. She says, he’s always stepped up for them. Now it’s time he stepped up for himself. He says, it feels so selfish, just leaving, and she says, he has a big heart and he’s so loving. It’s been the greatest gift of her life having him as her son. He’s given so much of himself to her and his brothers; now it’s his turn. So go out there and live his best life, and they’ll be here cheering him on. They hug and say I love you.

Esme wonders how much longer Austin is going to be, and suggests she and Ace take a quick trip to the vending machines. She walks out of the exam room, and sees Ava come out of the elevator. They look at each other.

Laura asks Jordan, what really happened to Eileen? but Jordan says, they won’t know until they get the M.E.’s official report. Laura says, Jordan knows something. Did she drown? Jordan says, the M.E. will check for water in her lungs, and Laura says, but? Jordan says, the coroner said she had multiple broken bones, including her spine. He suspects Eileen died from a fall. Does Laura have any reason to believe Eileen would take her own life? Laura says, no. Eileen was all about survival.

Sonny says, Jordan gave Laura the information. Laura wanted him to come here and warn them. Drew says, they have to assume they’re blown, and Valentin says, Victor got Eileen to give up the info, then disposed of her. Anna says, he’ll come after them now.

Spencer waits in the woods, and someone walks out. He thanks them for meeting him, and Victor says, anything for him. Is he to understand from this that Spencer is finally willing to do what needs to be done?

Tomorrow, Victor says he needs to hear Spencer say the actual words; Maxie asks what someone is doing here; Sonny says, if they leave now, they’ll be signing their death warrants; and Carly asks Nina, what the hell happened?

🩺 A postscript about the Epiphany memorial episode. No doubt what made this episode extra moving was the fact that you knew those tears from the characters were real. Probably one of the saddest episodes ever for me was when Mike died, but I knew Max Gail was fine and living his life in reality. I can’t even fathom how difficult it must have been for the actors to keep control, knowing that even though the storyline wasn’t real, the death was. While the episode was perfection – having real life friend Yvette Nicole Brown play the accident victim, Milo and Emma coming back to town, the photos, the flashbacks, the whole thing – it would have been nice to see Sonja Eddy in the credits one last time. But I know you can’t think of everything, so kudos again.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Whys and Whos…

Why this storyline was chosen.

All about Emma.

And Max and Milo.

🥀 More Loss For GH…

It’s so sweet that they named The Savoy bartender after her.

🏫 Not Going Too Far…

We won’t even notice he’s gone. And I hope he’s not bringing that hairdo.

🏥 Proud Papa…

I’m going to watch this later, since it’s on in the wee hours here.

https://ew.com/tv/general-hospital-maurice-benard-cries-emotional-reunion-with-daughter-tamron-hall/

🧂 Passing the Salt…

Jen gets the good news.

https://people.com/tv/jen-shah-sentence-reduced-1-year-after-reporting-prison-telemarketing-fraud-case/

And the bad news.

🍸 You Know You Want It…

If anyone has the right to shade, it’s Ariana. Tom and Raquel look like they’re dressed for a funeral.

Lala has a different kind of blackout.

Security was called? I can’t wait. I wasn’t a huge Raquel fan to begin with, although I felt sorry for her being James’s doormat. But now I can’t stand hearing her stupid baby voice saying she’s being young and living her life. I wasn’t aware that meant smiling in your friend’s face while you bang her longtime boyfriend behind her back. Normally, I’m with Trevor Noah and say, counsel, not cancel, but there’s no coming back from this.

💎 Oh Oliver…

I doubt even Garcelle’s Black Girl Magic could bring LVP back.

🐕 Recovery…

They make the world okay again.

🍳  Flipping Sides…

Stop by tomorrow for an end of the week cornucopia of soap, tea, words to regard, and music to enjoy. Until then, stay safe, stay balancing book knowledge with common sense, and stay knowing it’s the connections you make that matter the most. That’s what Epiphany used to say.

February 9, 2023 – Willow Gets Bad News, Doing Time, Baby Amelia, Joining GH, Loss Trend, Text Leak, Missing Nothing, Party Time, Celebrate Pets (!) & Happy

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow tries to get Austin to tell her what’s going on, but he says, Dr. Randolph will be her shortly to update her. Michael asks if Austin knows what Terry is going to tell them about the harvested stem cells, and Austin says he does. Willow says, whatever it is, she can take it; they all can.

In the waiting area, Sonny brings Nina an empty cup of coffee, and she says she’s going to have to learn about Willow’s transplant from someone else in the family. He says he’s sorry Willow is keeping her at arm’s length. He knows she’s worried. She says, hopefully, that worry will soon be in the past. The transplant will work, Willow will go into remission, and Nina can focus on what the future holds; with her, her daughter, and their new granddaughter.

Gregory asks if Alexis can just create a job for him, and she says she can do anything she wants; she’s the boss. Someone from the editorial board is retiring, and she thought of him. He’s been very helpful to her, whether she likes it or not. He says, mostly not, but she asks if she’d be offering him a job if that were true. He’d be an asset and could start immediately. She tells him this is the part where he says he’d love the job.

Finn asks how he would know why Elizabeth is meeting with Scotty, and Obrecht says, he must have a guess. He flashes back to Elizabeth telling him that she’d never been pregnant, and how she helped Nikolas hold Esme captive. Obrecht says, he does know something. Tell her. He asks why he would do that, and she says, so she can help.

Scotty asks what Elizabeth did; run over her neighbor’s mailbox and not tell them? She says, it’s worse. She wants to come forward, but before she does, she wants to know the potential consequences. If she needs a lawyer… He says he’ll represent her, and she asks if everything she says will be protected by… He says, yes, of course (🍷). He’s been a lawyer his entire life, and he’ll get her out of whatever mess she’s in. Now what did she do? She says, a few months ago, she entered into a crime in progress, and she’s been a part of it ever since. He asks if it’s still ongoing, but she says, no. He asks how bad it is, and she says, bad. He asks if there’s a chance this could come to light, and does anybody know about it? She says, a few people, and he says, who knows about it, and who’s involved? The doorbell rings, but he tells her to ignore it. She goes to the door anyway, and finds Ava on the porch. Ava says, they need to talk, and asks if Scotty is here to spend time with the boys, but Elizabeth says he’s here for her. Scotty says, they have some family legal matters to discuss, and Ava says, normally, she woudn’t dream of interrupting, but this is important. She asks if Scotty will give them some privacy. She wants to talk about Nikolas. Scotty asks what he’s done now, and Ava says, this is a conversation for those who know him best, and Elizabeth has experience with Nikolas and his secrets. Elizabeth suggests she and Scotty finish their conversation later, and Scotty says, see ya, Ava. She says, not if she sees him first, and Scotty tells Elizabeth not to discuss this with anyone else. He leaves, and Elizabeth asks what Nikolas told Ava. Ava says, everything.

Finn wonders what Elizabeth is to Obrecht, and Obrecht says she cares for Elizabeth. He asks, since when? and she says, since she fell in love with Scotty. Elizabeth is his son’s widow, and her sons are the closest thing he has to grandchildren. His daughter is obsessed with the preservation of the sea, an admirable pursuit, but he rarely sees her, so Elizabeth and her sons are his family. When she took him into her life, she also took in those he cares about. She and Finn both know she can be a valuable ally. If Elizabeth is over her head, Obrecht has the skills to get her out of it, with no harm coming to her and her boys. But she can only do that if Finn tells her what’s going on.

Gregory says, it means a lot that Alexis thought of him. He knows how important The Invader is to her. She says, he’s stalling, and he says, sadly, he’s going to have to turn down her offer. She says, why?

Nina says, it feels like she and Sonny have been on a roller coaster these past few weeks. Finding out Willow is sick, and then that Willow is her daughter, fighting for her life, the birth of her child… He says, Nina’s had a lot to process, and she says, the stem cell transplant is going to work. Willow will go into remission, and she and Michael will return to raising their two beautiful children. Maybe Willow will return to nursing. He says, then the two of them can repair what’s broken, and she says she hopes that’s possible. He says, Willow has a big heart. As soon as this is over, she’ll come around and accept Nina as her mother. Nina says she’ll pray for that, but in the meantime, she’ll keep trying to show that Willow can depend on her, and how much Willow means to her. She’ll do it or die trying. He says he knows the feeling, and she says, maybe the same thing can happen with him and Michael. When all of this is over, they’ll find their way back to each other. He says he’s not holding his breath, and she says, in the meantime, they have a lot to be grateful for. He has a bunch of kids who adore him, and now they have a beautiful new granddaughter. She suggests they go; they have to get ready for Curtis and Portia’s wedding. He wonders how much time they have, and she asks what he’s thinking. He says, she’ll see.

Austin thinks they should wait for Terry, and Michael says he knows there are protocols, but it’s more important they find out what they’re facing. Willow agrees, and Austin says, every procedure is going to have its complications. Terry walks in, and asks how Willow’s feeling. Willow says, weak and sore. Dr. Navarro says that’s normal after a C-section. (Well, duh.) But they’re anxious to know what the next steps are. Dr. Gatlin-Holt said there might be complications. Terry  looks at Austin, and he says, the good news is, Willow is healing nicely. They want to keep her in the OR for observation, but so far, everything is encouraging. Michael says, but Austin told them there were complications, and Terry says, they were unable to harvest enough functional stem cells for Willow to undergo the procedure. She’s sorry. This stem cell transplant is no longer an option for Willow.

Ava tells Elizabeth that Nikolas came to see her last night. He told her all about the tower bedroom, and what really went on there; that it wasn’t some tawdry affair. They made that up to conceal what was really going on, and she has to say she’s impressed. She almost admires Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, Esme should have been turned over to the police. It would have saved them all a lot of heartache. She’s sorry she got in the way of Ava and Nikolas reconciling, but Ava says, Nikolas broke us long before you entered his scheme. Elizabeth says she still regrets her involvement, and has to fix things. That’s why she called Scotty. She’s decided to turn herself in. Ava asks why she’d sacrifice herself. What good would that do? Elizabeth says she knows the police will investigate Spoon Island, and she apologizes for the headache it’s going to cause Ava. Ava flashes back to talking to Austin about covering up Nikolas’s death, and how she doesn’t want the cops investigating Spoon Island. Ava says, it will be so much worse for Elizabeth. Has she thought about the consequences? Elizabeth says, it’s all she’s thought about, but she can’t live with herself like this. Ava asks if Elizabeth’s children can live without her.

Sonny brings Donna to the waiting area where Nina is, and says he’s going to make her pancakes for breakfast tomorrow, but first, he has someone for her to meet. He lifts her up to the window, and tells her, that is Baby Amelia, her brother’s new baby. Donna says hi to Amelia, and Sonny says, Willow’s her mother, he’s her granddad, and Nina is her grandma. Donna says, we’re a family.

Carly asks, what went wrong? and Terry says, in order to give the patient the best chance for survival, there needs to be a certain amount of stem cells in the placenta and the umbilical cord; ideally, 21 million per kilograms of body weight. Willow says, TNC, total nuclear cell count; she studied it in nursing school. Terry says, if there are too few stem cells, the patient doesn’t have time to grow healthy blood cells, and they’re at risk for infections without the immune system to fight them. When they analyzed the stem cells from Willow, they found that the TNC was too low. It contained too few stem cells for a successful procedure. Willow asks if her hemorrhaging had anything to do with it, and Austin says, they don’t know for sure, but there’s no reason for her to think like that. Sometimes there are too few stem cells, even if there are no complications with the delivery. Terry says some other medical stuff about there not being a match, and how it’s influenced by a number of factors, including Willow’s disease status. Willow says, leukemia Stage IV. She studied this in oncology class, and knew it would be a possibility. She just didn’t want to believe it. Michael says, moving forward, what’s next?

Ava says, when Nikolas told her about Esme, he was already concerned that Elizabeth was having a crisis of conscience. He told her that he tried to reason with Elizabeth, and then he did what Nikolas always does; he tried to save his own skin. She hasn’t told Laura because Laura’s upset already, but she thinks Nikolas left town. If Elizabeth insists on turning herself in to the police, she alone will pay for his crimes.

Finn tells Obrecht that he doesn’t know why Elizabeth called Scotty, when Scotty walks into the hospital. Finn suggests she ask him, and she asks if Scotty is already finished with Elizabeth. Scotty says, Ava interrupted them, and she says, another one of his favorite clients. What did Elizabeth want? He suggests they talk somewhere else, and Finn says, Obrecht was just telling him how concerned she was about Elizabeth. Scotty says, Finn dumped her, but Finn says, it’s more complicated than that, and he still cares about her. Is it something with the boys? Scotty says, the boys are fine, and Finn asks if it’s something with Elizabeth. He’d like to help if he can. Scotty says, Elizabeth has enough problems right now, and Finn asks if she’s in trouble. Scotty says, that’s between a lawyer and his client, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He tells them, it’s been a pleasure, and jets.

Alexis says, Gregory has told her that he wanted to be where the action is. He said he wanted to make a change. He tells her, actually, she suggested he explore having a second act, and he said he’d think about it. She says, obviously, he’s decided against it, and he says he considered trying something new, but he made a commitment to the university. He can’t just leave in the middle of a semester. She says, he’s been volunteering here, teaching, and giving advice for weeks. The only difference is, he’d be being paid. He says, working on the editorial board will demand a greater commitment, and she says, they’ll be flexible until his semester is over, and then he can work full time. He says, it’s not that simple, but she says, from where she’s standing it is… unless he’s scared.

Nina looks through the window at Amelia, and says, it’s Grandma Nina again. She just wanted to remind Amelia that she loves her, and will do everything in her power to make sure Amelia is safe. Amelia’s mommy and daddy don’t want her anywhere near Amelia right now, but she’ll always be here for her, and Amelia will always be in her heart. Always.

Terry says, now that the stem cell transplant isn’t an option, Willow’s best chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant. She’s still on the registry. Michael says, she’s been on the registry for months, and hasn’t found a viable match. Willow says, what about more chemo? She’s willing to do whatever’s necessary. Terry says, she’s afraid at this advanced stage, chemo could do more harm than good. The best thing they can do right now is manage her illness until a donor is found. Carly says, a match will turn up; there’s still time. Isn’t there? Willow asks Terry, exactly how much time does she have? Terry says, sometimes, patients live far longer than what’s expected, and Willow asks, what’s expected of her? Terry says, it’s likely a matter of weeks, and Austin says, they don’t know any of this for sure. This is just their best guess based on the advanced state of Willow’s leukemia, but every patient is different. Willow says she gets it. She could live longer than that… or not. She thinks she needs some time alone. Austin says, there are some things they should discuss, but Terry says, there’s time for that later, and they leave.

In the hallway, Austin says, they need to talk to them about palliative care, or at least start thinking about it, but Terrys says, it’s too much for them right now. They’re processing the most horrible news anyone can be given. They need to give them space for that before they talk about what’s next.

Carly tells Willow, this is not the end. She will find a donor. She tells them that she loves them both, and leaves.

Sonny puts a chair up to the window for Donna to kneel on so she can see Amelia. He asks what she thinks of her niece, and Donna asks, what’s a niece? He says, it means Baby Amelia is her brother’s daughter. Donna says, she’s really little, and he says, she was little once. Now she’s a big girl, and Amelia is going to be a big girl. She’s going to look up to Donna, the way Donna looks up to Josslyn and Avery. She’s going to want Donna to look out for her and be there for her. Does Donna think she can do that? Because that’s what families do. Donna says, okay, daddy.

Elizabeth says, Nikolas left Port Charles? and Ava says, the way he stormed out of Windymere last night, she doubts they’ll ever see him again. Between his and his Uncle Victor’s resources, Nikolas has the means to disappear forever. In the meantime, Elizabeth will be held responsible for his crimes while he gets off scot-free. Is that fair? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) not, but it doesn’t absolve her or erase what she did. Ava says, don’t ruin her life because of Nikolas’s bad decisions, and Elizabeth asks why Ava cares what she does. What’s it to Ava if she turns herself in?

Carly leaves a message for Drew, saying, he’s probably getting ready for Curtis’s wedding, and he’s going to make the perfect best man. She’s still at the hospital. They got some information, and she’d really like to hear his voice right now. When he gets some time, can he call her? Sonny brings Donna over, and she hugs Carly. Sonny says he took her to see Baby Amelia, and Carly says she was on her way there. Donna says, they’re all a family, and Carly says, they are. Donna asks, what’s wrong? and Carly says, she just got some news. She tells Sonny, it didn’t work. She doesn’t have much time. Nina joins them.

Ava says, Elizabeth is right. It’s her life. Blow it up if she wants to. But she knows what it’s like to be betrayed by Nikolas. She really loved him, and doesn’t want to see anyone else suffer because of Nikolas Cassadine. Elizabeth says she’s not doing this for Nikolas; she’s doing it for herself. She needs to own what she did wrong. Ava says, why? Nikolas is gone, Demetrius is gone, Esme has no memory. There isn’t anybody left who knows anything about Elizabeth’s involvement. Elizabeth says, except Ava, and Ava says she’s not going to say anything. If Elizabeth gets sent to jail, it won’t just be her life that’s destroyed. It will affect her children, and all the people who care about her and need her. Just let Nikolas go, and let his crimes go with him. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Finn. He says he wanted to see if Elizabeth was all right, and Ava says she was just talking to Elizabeth about all the people who care about her.

Gregory admits he finds the prospect of trying something new daunting, but he’s not holding back because he’s scared, and Alexis asks, then what is it? He says he likes teaching. He doesn’t want to give it up, and doesn’t want to walk away from his retirement. She says, so do both, and he asks if she won’t need more from him. She says she might, but he’ll be on the frontline of breaking news. Think how interesting that would be for his students. She’s sure PCU would lighten his load a little, and she’d work it out so he could do both. He’s not sure the university would be so accommodating, and she says, then they’d be stupid. He says, with hundreds of adjuncts breathing down his neck for his position, willing to work for less than he makes, he’s lucky he has a job. She says, now he’s being modest? It doesn’t become him, and if he really didn’t want this job, that would be one thing, but she knows this interests him, and she’ll work it out so he can teach and do this. She’s offering him this job. Why doesn’t he take it?

Nina says, it looks like they all had the same idea, and Sonny says, they were going to take Donna for some hot chocolate. Donna asks if mommy can come, and Carly suggests they get hot chocolate on their own and have some mommy/daughter time. Sonny asks for a big hug first, and Donna hugs him, then Nina. Carly leaves with Donna, and Nina asks if Carly told Sonny anything new about Willow’s procedure. Come on, tell her. He says, there’s not going to be a stem cell transplant. The doctors can’t harvest the stem cells. She asks what that means for Willow, and he says he’s sorry. Willow doesn’t have much time. Nina says, she just found Willow… that’s not right, and Sonny holds her.

Michael asks what Willow is thinking, and she says, that she loves him so much, but she really needs to be alone right now. He kisses her forehead, says he loves her too, and leaves. She flashes back to being with Michael and Wiley in the park, and Wiley saying he loves her, and remembers holding Baby Amelia for the first time. She flashes back to her and Michael exchanging I love yous for the first time, and saying she’ll marry him. She fingers the ring he gave her, and cries.

Alexis says, all Gregory has to do is have a quick chat with his department head, and figure out what he can take on and still be able to teach. Just give it a try. That’s all she asks. He tells her, how can he say no?

Sonny tells Nina that Carly couldn’t say a lot because Donna was there. They don’t have the complete picture, but he’s sure the doctors are figuring out what they can do for Willow. She says, it’s hard for her to have hope. Anything between her and her daughters is always the worst case scenario. She was in a coma for most of their lives, and Nelle was dead when she found out Nelle was hers. Now Willow, everything she’s been through. She just had a baby, she has a child at home. Willow doesn’t deserve this; she’s a good person. You know who deserves it? She does. She’s done horrible things in her life. Maybe she brought this on her girls. Maybe it’s some cosmic payback. He says he doesn’t believe that. Everybody messes up. Everybody makes mistakes. He’s done plenty he’s not proud of, but look where his life is at. He has a good life, a good family, and a woman who loves him. Willow and everybody who loves her is being dealt a bad hand, but they’re not going to give up. She takes his hand, and says, they’re not, but she just wants to be with Willow. She just wants to be able to comfort her. He says he’s sure Willow and Michael have a lot to talk about, when Scotty and Obrecht come out of the elevator. Obrecht asks Nina, what’s happened? Is it Willow?

Elizabeth thanks Ava for stopping by, and Ava thanks Elizabeth for hearing her out. Ava leaves, and Finn asks, what was that all about?

Outside, Ava calls Austin, and says she needs to meet with him right away. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, they have a huge problem.

Elizabeth tells Finn, Ava stopped by to tell her that Nikolas left town.

Donna asks if Carly is still sad, and Carly says she is, but being with Donna makes her feel better. Donna asks if this will help too, and hugs her. Carly says, it helps a lot.

Obrecht says she can’t bear to see her Nina suffer like this, and Scotty asks what she’s going to do. Obrecht sees Terry at the reception desk, and says she was powerless to help her Britta, but there is something she can do for Willow. She says she needs to speak with Terry, but Terry says, this isn’t a good time. Can Obrecht call her assistant and make an appointment? Obrecht says, this is a matter of life or death. She understands her niece’s daughter needs a bone marrow donor. Take her to get tested.

Michael goes back to Willow’s room, and takes her hand. She says, all she wants is for them to have a long overdue conversation, and he says, about? She says, his life without her.

Tomorrow, Willow needs Michael to face the truth; Finn tells Elizabeth, that changes everything; TJ tells Jordan, they both know there’s more going on; and Curtis says he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.

Workin’ On the Chain Gang…

Musings on Spencer’s taste of thug life.

👶 Extra Large…

At least they admit she looks way past eight months in the oven. And I admit she’s a cutie; round and rosy, with squishable cheeks. Very animated, too, like the original Wiley.

🩺 New Doctor In the House…

I see a moving van headed to Port Charles…

💉 One More Magic Solution Down the Drain…

Her anti-aging doctor? Does she mean plastic surgeon or anesthetist? Why does everyone think there’s some quick fix to weight loss? Stop eating crap and exercise. Calories in/calories out. There you go.

https://people.com/health/vanderpump-rules-lala-kent-ozempic-weight-loss-trend-hollywood/

👠 She’s All About the Love…

Nona and Noni must be shaking their heads.

💎 Don’t Go Away Mad…

They got along without you before they met you; they’ll get along without you now.

🗽 Fashion Fêtes…

A peek into New York Fashion Week.

🐈 February Is For Pets…

For the feline lovers.

https://people.com/pets/fancy-feast-creates-cuddle-collection-for-spending-valentines-day-with-cats/

And of course the 🐕 Bowl.

https://people.com/pets/how-to-watch-the-2023-puppy-bowl-on-super-bowl-sunday/

🏈 Running Interference…

Join me tomorrow for free-for-all Friday, with the usual soap, a mix of tea, wise words (or not), and music to soothe the savage breast. And yes, that’s correct; it’s not beast. Until then, stay safe, stay remembering to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and stay never holding back because you’re scared.

December 2, 2022 – Victor Meets Cyrus, Absent, Jackie’s 45th, Remembrance, Cover Boy, Rudest, Sailed, Amends, That Cake, Only a Donor, Daryl’s Spin, Holiday Horror, First List, New TV, a Handful of Quotes & 1963

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dante walks into Pozzulo’s and knocks on Sonny’s office door. On the phone, Sonny tells Brick to let him know what he comes up with. He asks Dante, what’s up? and Dante thanks him again for Thanksgiving. They had a great time seeing everybody, and he thinks it must have meant a lot to Gladys and Sasha to be included. Sonny says, his commitment is always to his family, no matter what Michael thinks, and Dante says, that’s the real reason he’s here. They both know Michael was right about Sonny.

Drew goes into Sonny’s ex-kitchen to visit the moss bowl🎍, and sees Michael. He thanks Michael for meeting him, and Michael says, it sounded urgent. He asks why Drew asked to meet at his mom’s house, and Drew says, this conversation has to be completely confidential, and there’s too many potential eavesdroppers at the Quartermaines, and probably at Aurora too. Michael asks, what’s going on? and Drew says, they have to be prepared, because he and Carly could be facing criminal charges.

Josslyn checks out a shirtless Dex (another possible drinking game!), and says, his wound is almost healed. Dex says he told her he was fine; nothing to worry about. She says, that sounds so familiar. That’s what he said when he was bleeding and fighting a 104 fever in her dorm room, so excuse her for checking it out herself. He says, so she just came to provide medical attention? and she asks what else she’d come here for. He says he thought maybe she wanted to see him.

Sam struggles to put up a wreath, and Sasha helps her. Sam says, Sasha’s timing is impeccable; good reach. Sasha says she appreciates Sam helping, and Sam says, Dante texted her, and said she was helping with the community decorations. Sasha says, it was Nina’s idea. Nina thought she might be at loose ends as the holiday approached. Sam says, good for Nina, and good for Sasha too, and Sasha says, Nina really deserves all the credit. Not only is she a good person, she’s thoughtful and generous too.

Willow tells Nina, Sasha was just the latest excuse for Nina to get closer to her, and scheme her way back into Wiley’s orbit. Which after the lies Nina spread, is just ludicrous. Nina says she didn’t spread any lies, and Willow says, so Nina didn’t tell Michael that she and TJ were having an affair, when nothing could be further from the truth? Nina says, she made that one mistake. Can Willow calm down? And when she apologized, Willow told her to drop dead. Willow says, that’s because nothing else gets through to her. She doesn’t listen. She doesn’t stop; she just keeps pushing and pushing. Go away, and leave her family the hell alone. Carly walks in, and Willow drops to the floor. Carly and Nina run to her, and Nina says, she’ll call 9-1-1, but Carly says, no. Help her with Willow first.

On the phone in the hallway at Pentenville, Victor says he needs to know what happened to that necklace. If it burned up in the cabin, sift through the ashes. He must have those diamonds. They’re pivotal to his next step. He goes into the visitor’s room, and Nikolas is there. Nikolas says he thinks this is a bad idea; his son doesn’t want to see him. Victor says, Nikolas is Spencer’s father. Spencer misses him, even if he’s angry. The guard lets Spencer in, but Spencer says he wishes to return to his cell. Victor asks if that’s any way to treat family. No matter how many times they might disagree, Cassadines always come together in the end. Nikolas says he’s glad to see Spencer, even if Spencer doesn’t feel the same.

Sonny tells Dante that he can’t believe he’s hearing this. They both know Michael’s anger is out of control. He keeps trying to reconcile, but Michael doesn’t bend. Dante says he’s not condoning the way Michael is treating Sonny – he doesn’t like it – but Michael was telling the truth when he said Sonny abducted Dex Heller and had him beaten. He saw some of Dex’s injuries, and the only reason he didn’t arrest Sonny is because Dex lied and covered for him. Sonny says, that was after Brando’s funeral, months ago. Why is Dante bringing it up now? Dante says, because he looked the other way. Sonny committed a felony, and now he’s doing it again. He does know what Sonny does for a living, right?

Josslyn tells Dex that he can put his shirt on now, and he says he didn’t mean to make her feel uncomfortable, but she says she’s not uncomfortable. He says, true, she’s seen him in less, and she says, he slept in her bed. He says, too bad all he did was sleep, and she says, wow. He really went there. He says he can’t help it. Of all the rotten luck to be lying in her bed, too feverish to do anything but sleep. She says, there’s always next time.

Sasha says, Sam must be on decoration overload. She’s helping get Rice Plaza ready for Christmas, and also has her own house to decorate. Sam says she does have three elves to help with that; she hopes anyway. Scout’s down to help, but she doesn’t know if Danny and Rocco will think they’re too old for decoration. Sasha says, too bad if they are. At least Scout is on board. Christmas is magic at any age, but especially for the little ones. She used to… How about adding some ribbon to this? Sam says, Sasha doesn’t have to edit herself with her. Whatever she was going to say, whatever she’s feeling, she can say it.

Drew tells Michael, he spoke to his legal team, and they think there might be a case against him and Carly for insider trading; even though Carly didn’t make any money, and the merger between ELQ and Aurora didn’t happen. Michael asks if Drew really thinks Ned would go to the SEC, and Drew says he doesn’t think Ned would go that far, but he can’t afford for it to happen. They shared pizza together at Thanksgiving, but he can’t assume that peace offering is going to make Ned forgive and forget. Michael says, the Quartermaines are famous for holding a grudge, and Drew says, exactly. That’s why he has to back way off. He can’t afford to provoke Ned more than he already has. Michael says, given Ned’s anger at feeling they abandoned him, he doesn’t blame Drew, and Drew says, in addition to Leo’s sweet desire for family peace, it’s in their best interest for him and Carly to mend fences with Ned. Michael says he will too, and Drew thanks him. Michael asks what else Drew and Carly can do to protect themselves, and Drew says, they could stop seeing each other.

Nina brings in a cold towel, while Carly props up Willow’s feet, and tells Willow to open her eyes. Willow opens her eyes, and Carly tells her to take it easy. Nina says she’s going to call 9-1-1, but Willow sits up and says, no.

Victor says, Nikolas is Spencer’s father, and Spencer is going to need his father’s support when he’s released, but Spencer says, not if Victor fulfills his end of the bargain. Nikolas says, what bargain? and Spencer says, Victor didn’t tell him? Victor says, he didn’t see the need, and Spencer says, if he agreed to keep his mouth shut about Nikolas sleeping with Esme, Victor promised Spencer would get his birthright ahead of schedule. So he doesn’t need Nikolas anymore; he’s obsolete. Uncle Victor made sure of it. Nikolas says he can’t say he blames Spencer. He hasn’t been a good father, and doesn’t deserve Spencer’s forgiveness, despite his mistakes. Spencer is a better man than he is, and he envies how Spencer gives his whole heart. He hates that he broke it. Spencer says he’s used to it, and Nikolas says he hates that too. Spencer has no reason to trust him, but if Spencer lets him in his life, he gives Spencer his word that he’ll never hurt him again. Spencer says he’d settle for not having to listen to another of these disingenuous speeches, and Nikolas says he told Victor this was a bad idea. He leaves, and Victor tells Spencer, sit down. Spencer sits, and Victor says he’s so disappointed in Spencer. Spencer says, Victor and his father both disrespected his wishes, but Victor says he’d do it again, even though Spencer squandered the time he bought, so Spencer could realign with his father. Spencer says, Victor may be all powerful on the outside, but he has competition in here. Cyrus walks in.

Michael says he didn’t know Drew and his mother were seeing each other. Although the looked cozy at the Quartermaine picnic, and Drew did go to Florida to help his mom with her adoptive mother’s grave, which was above and beyond. Drew says, to be honest, he’s had a thing for Carly for a while now, and Michael says, since they came back from Jacksonville, he just got a friendship vibe. Drew says, the point is, if he and Carly are going to openly be a couple (or perhaps a throuple with the moss bowl🎍), it could strengthen the SEC’s case that he gave her privileged business information. So they’ve got to be casual in public, and probably in private too. How uncomfortable is this conversation making Michael right now? Michael says he knows Drew and his mom are adults, and he’s got to admit, since his mom came back from Florida, this is the happiest he’s seen her in a long time. Drew says, Carly makes him happy too. Unfortunately, this relationship may be short-lived. Michael asks if it has to go that far, and Drew says he thought they could meet in private, but it isn’t fair. They can’t meet at the Quartermaines because he lives there, and there’s always someone popping in and unexpected moments in that house. Like when Olivia walked in on Chase in Brook’s bedroom, for example. Michael says, he heard about that? It was a moment. Drew says, if they meet here in Carly’s house, they have to time their visits to when Donna and Joss aren’t here. It seems dishonest. Maybe he has to accept the timing isn’t right. Michael asks, what if this is the only time they’re going to get?

Tucked in on the couch, Willow says she’s fine. Please don’t call an ambulance. Carly feels Willow’s forehead, and asks if she still feels dizzy. She going to check Willow’s temperature. Willow says she’s not dizzy, and she’s not running a fever, but Nina says, at least let them take her to the hospital, so she can notify her OB. Willow asks, what part of I’m fine doesn’t Nina understand? She’s not in pain; she just needs to rest. Carly gives her some water, and says she needs to stay hydrated. She asks Nina if they can chat outside.

Sonny says he thought things were good with him and Dante, and Dante says, maybe they’re too good. They spend holidays together; they’re neighbors. It seems like the further apart Sonny and Michael get, the closer they get. Sonny asks, what’s wrong with it? and Dante says, there’s been this boundary that he’s always had to keep, between his love for Sonny as a son, and his duty as a cop. And that line is starting to blur. Sonny asks, how so? and Dante says, if this was anyone else, he would pursue the case into Dex’s abduction. He’d get more evidence, and talk to witnesses. He’d build a case, bring it back to Dex, and try and get him to cooperate. And instead, he called Michael a liar. He did that for Sonny’s benefit. He wanted Sonny to know he knew what Sonny had done, and had to tell him to his face that he knows Sonny is behind what happened to Dex. Sonny says he’s never asked Dante to cover for him, and never would, and Dante says, that’s good. Maybe Sonny can tell him about Anna’s escape then.

Josslyn tells Dex to take it easy, and limit all activity for one more week. He says, no offense, but how does she know? Did she consult a medical professional about him? She says she’s been doing some research online, and he asks, where? BulletWounds.com? She says, GH’s website. She went through all this trouble to take care of him, so it woudn’t make sense to bail before he’s healed. He says, that’s exactly what she needs to do – bail.

Cyrus wonders when Spencer is coming back to their chess game, and Spencer tells Victor that he’s improving his game in here. Victor says he’s glad Spencer’s not without friends, but Cyrus says, they’re not just friends; they’re family. Victor says he’s Spencer’s actual family, and Cyrus says he knows who Victor is. Victor says, and he is? and Cyrus says, Cyrus Renault. He’s sure Victor’s heard of him. Victor says, so he’s the famous Cyrus Renault, and Cyrus says, same name, different man, but the Bible says, the memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Dante says, less than an hour before he found out about Anna’s escape, he heard Sonny on the phone, asking someone how it went with Anna. Sonny says, he told Dante, he provided her help when she reached Pentenville. He walks out into the restaurant, and Dante follows, saying, the guy who was supposed to be driving the van was found in the parking lot, tied up with a bag over his head; he was unharmed. Sonny says he’s happy to hear that, and Dante says he’s sure Sonny is. Because whoever conducted Anna’s escape, clearly didn’t want to hurt anyone else. All they wanted was for Anna to get out of there. Sonny sips his espresso, and Dante asks, what happened to Anna? Where is she? Who else has a whole bunch of safe houses in the area? Sonny doesn’t say anything, and Dante says, see what he’s talking about here? It all adds up. Sonny broke Anna out of police custody, and he’s not doing a damn thing about it.

Michael tells Drew that he doesn’t want to be too involved in his mom’s personal life, but he knows from experience, you have less time than you think. He’s sure Drew would like to believe he has years and decades to spend with the person he loves, to do what he dreamed  of. He hopes Drew gets that time, but it’s not guaranteed. Drew asks if this is about the tension between Michael and his father. Is he worried Sonny is going to retaliate?

Josslyn says she’s sorry if her medical skills don’t meet Dex’s high standards, but he says she knows better. If she’d taken him to a hospital, the ER doctor would have had to report the bullet wound, and he’d be behind bars. He owes her. She says, he’s welcome, and he says, she asked him before how he got shot, and she says, and he didn’t tell her. He says, she doesn’t need to know the details to know it was something illegal, and she says, he works for Sonny. Of course (🍷) it’s something illegal (ha-ha!). Dex flashes back to Michael telling him, none of this is fine, and that Dex needs to find a way to keep Josslyn at arm’s length. He tells Josslyn, that’s why he needs her to leave now, and never come back.

Sasha tells Sam, it’s not easy for her to acknowledge her feelings. It’s something she’s working on in therapy; taking time to process her emotions, instead of bottling them up until the overwhelm her in a public and messy explosion. Sam says, it can be really scary, admitting to yourself how you really feel; revisiting dreams for someone whose gone that you know aren’t going to come true. She’s learned, the more time passes, the more she’s able to accept those dreams, and even smile a little. Sasha asks what Sam dreams about, and Sam says, her first child, a daughter, was stillborn. Sasha says she had no idea. She’s so sorry. Sam says she thinks about her all the time, and Sasha says, Liam would have been about a year; he was born near Christmas. He’d have been too young to understand who Santa was, but she thinks she and Brando would have still taken him to see Santa. It never happened, but the thought of it still makes her smile.

They walk outside, and Nina tells Carly that she doesn’t need another lecture. She didn’t come here to pick a fight with Willow. She didn’t come here to orchestrate a run-in with Wiley. She just came her to reach out to Willow on Sasha’s behalf. Carly says she believes Nina.

Willow says she’s sorry to the baby. She should have been more careful. She didn’t mean to get so upset. She’s afraid they’re in for a bumpy ride, but they’re going to make it. She’s their mommy, and she’s going to bring them safely into this world. She promises.

Spencer says he may not have a father he can count on, but he’s lucky to have uncles that look out for him; Cyrus and Victor, and of course (🍷) Uncles Sonny and Martin. Cyrus says, Victor knows his brother Martin, and Victor says, Martin is his son’s attorney, but Cyrus says, they both know Martin is much more than that. Victor gets up, saying, he doesn’t want to interrupt Spencer’s game, but he hopes Spencer reconsiders mending fences with his father. Cyrus says, Victor Cassadine mediator? and Spencer says, Uncle Victor wants peace for their family. Cyrus asks if that’s why Victor tried to kill his. Victor caused his brother great harm. Victor says, the implication that he had anything to do with Lucy Coe’s disappearance is unfounded, and frankly insulting, but Cyrus says he’s not talking about Ms. Coe. He’s referring to the attempt on his brother’s life, and that of their sister Laura.

Carly says, she and Nina aren’t friends, but she doesn’t think Nina came here with the intention of upsetting Willow so much, she fainted. But she has to stay away and accept the fact that seeing her upsets Willow so much, and they both know that’s not good for the baby. Nina says she’d never hurt that baby, and Carly says she believes Nina. Nina says, all right, she’ll go. If Carly will just tell… don’t tell her anything. Nina leaves, and Carly goes back inside. She tells Willow, Nina’s gone, and Willow thanks her. Carly says, but she’s not wrong. Willow needs to see her doctor. Let Carly take her to GH.

Sonny says he doesn’t need Dante’s protection. He can investigate and act on whatever he wants. Dante says, he’ll do that. He just hopes Sonny covered his tracks this time. Because next time – and there will be a next time, and a time after that – he might not have an employee who lies to take a beating. Sonny might slip up, and then Dante will have to do something he doesn’t want to do. Sonny says, so Dante feels the same way Michael does; that he should lose his family, that he should have everything he loves taken from him? Dante says he’s not Michael. He’s not out to get Sonny. He loves Sonny, but he took an oath to uphold the law, and he’s going to keep that oath. Sonny says he doesn’t expect anything less, and if it gets worse, and Dante is forced to arrest him one day, he won’t love Dante any less. Dante says he woudn’t blame Sonny if he did, but Sonny says, it’s not going to happen… ever, and they hug.  

Sam says she can cover if Sasha wants to take a break, but Sasha says she’s having fun. It feels good to be doing something useful and positive. Not that putting up Christmas decorations is going to change the world. Sam says, maybe not, but people seem to take extra care of each other this time of year. She sees a lot of smiles at the decorations and the trees lit up. Sasha says she’s grateful to be part of it, even if in a small way. It turns out what people have been telling her is true. Helping others is a great way to help yourself.

Michael tells Drew that he doesn’t believe he’s in any physical danger from his father, and the emotional damage has already been done. But this whole rift with his father has made him value his family even more. He spent the first year and a half of Wiley’s life believing Wiley was dead. Now he has Wiley… he has Willow and a baby on the way. Every day is precious to him. He wants to freeze time, and live in this place of joy with Willow and the kids. Drew says, if only they could, and Michael says, life has a way of messing up your plans. When it happens, all he can do is deal with it the best he can. Drew says he can’t argue with that, and Michael says, what he won’t do is waste any more time, or overlook the little things. Like the look of wonder on Willow’s face when she feels the baby kick. Or Wiley insisting he read Willow’s baby bump a bedtime story. Drew says, which of course (🍷) he does, and Michael says, those things only come around once. You don’t get do-overs. So if Drew and his mom feel the need to hide, then hide, but don’t pass up the chance of something really good. Now he’s going to go home to Willow.

Spencer asks if Cyrus is talking about the attack on his grandmother and Uncle Martin at the safe house last year. His Uncle Victor had nothing to do with it. Cyrus says, his sources don’t lie, nor do his instincts. Victor tells him, says the man who held Trina Robinson and her mother at gunpoint, and tried to kill Spencer’s friend Britt Westbourne. Or does the attack on Dr. Westbourne not count because Cyrus sent his minions to do his dirty work? Cyrus says he doesn’t hear Victor denying what he did to Laura and Martin, but Victor says he doesn’t answer to Cyrus. Cyrus says, Victor will if he goes near Cyrus’s family again, and that includes Spencer. Victor says, Cyrus doesn’t want him as an enemy, and Cyrus says, or he’ll go on Victor’s hit list too? Victor tells Spencer, don’t let this man manipulate him, but Spencer says he doesn’t get manipulated, and he won’t again. If there’s nothing else Victor has to say… He points toward the door, and Victor tells Spencer, like he said, he doesn’t want to interrupt his game. But remember, your pawns need to be guarded, and you won’t always have a knight to ride to your rescue. He leaves, and Spencer tells Cyrus, could he be more obvious? Cyrus says, instantly, there dropped from his eyes what seemed to be scales, and he could see once more. He’s sorry Spencer had to learn about Victor this way. Spencer says he’s not in the mood to play chess. He’s going back to his cell.

Willow thanks Carly for hooking her to the portable fetal monitor and checking for herself. Carly says, the baby’s heartbeat looks fine, and Willow’s blood pressure is good, but she’s no OB. She’s not going to insist Willow go to GH, but she wants Willow to promise to see her doctor in the next couple of days. Michael walks in, and asks, what happened? but Willow says, it’s nothing. Michael asks why she needs to see her doctor then, and Carly says, because she fainted. Willow says, she’s fine. Once again, she forgot to eat. Carly says, Willow didn’t want to call an ambulance, but she thinks Willow should see her OB. Willow needs to rest, and needs some TLC. Michael says he’ll make sure of it, and Carly leaves. Michael takes out his phone, and says he’s going to call Terry. She needs to know Willow fainted.

Nina goes to Rice Plaza, and Sasha asks what she thinks of the progress so far. Nina says, it’s great; everyone is doing a fantastic job. Sasha says, Nina doesn’t have to pretend with her. Did something happen? Nina says, sometimes she’s afraid that she’s really as awful as Willow thinks she is.

Dante tells Sam that she’d better pace herself; she has a penthouse to decorate. She says she was just telling Sasha that Scout will definitely want to help decorate, but does he think the boys will think they’re above it all? He says, Rocco seems like he’s going through something right now, but Danny will step up for Scout’s sake. The minute the ornaments and candy canes come out, they’ll get into it. Their boys aren’t as old as they think they are, thank God. Sam wonders where that came from, and he says he loves his father, but their relationship has always been a bit of a minefield. He’s hoping he and Rocco don’t turn into that when he’s an adult.

Josslyn says, Dex is out of bandages and antibiotic ointment, so she’s going out to get some. He tells her not to bother. He can order that stuff online. He doesn’t need her to come back. She says, skip it. It’s not going to work. He says, what? and she says, the big speech. He tries to warn her about how dangerous he is, and tries to push her away for her own good. She knows he’s dangerous. He was beating up some guy under Sonny’s orders the night they met. He can do so much better than Sonny. He’s resourceful; he keeps his head in a crisis. He’s loyal, and doesn’t complain even when he’s hurt. He says, Dex Heller, hero, and she tells him, stop it. She found him bleeding. She nursed him through a fever. She sat up with him all night to make sure he was still breathing. So she’s not going to walk out and pretend what they went through doesn’t mean something.

Sam says, most of the tension between Dante and Sonny is because Dante’s a cop, and Sonny is… Sonny. As long as Rocco doesn’t want to grow up like his grandfather, she doesn’t think Dante has anything to worry about. He says, fathers and sons butt heads about stuff, and she asks if she looks worried. She sees him and Rocco interact every day, and she sees love. Not only Dante’s love for Rocco, but Rocco’s love for him. You know what that tells her? He says, that they’re love is so strong it can survive anything, and she hugs him, saying, don’t make fun of her. He’s so smart. He says he just gets it through osmosis living with her. He thanks her for making him look forward to Christmas, and for their blended family. For the traditions they’re going to make. He’s already got his Christmas presents. She says, her too, and they kiss.

Nina says, too bad she doesn’t have a flask of brandy to go with this hot chocolate, and Sasha says, that bad? Nina says, it’s her fault Willow fainted. She never should have gone over to Willow’s place. For a smart women, she does a lot of stupid things. If something happens to Willow and that baby, she’ll never forgive herself. Sasha says, Nina made a mistake. Welcome to the club. The important thing here is to take a breath, figure out how it happened, and how to avoid it happening again. Nina says, she knows the answer, and oddly enough, got it from Carly. Sasha says, Carly’s a smart lady, and Nina says, even though it galls her to admit this, Carly helped her to see that the only thing she can do for Willow is stay away from her.

Willow thanks Michael for the soup, and says she’s feeling much better. Staring at his phone isn’t going to make Terry call back any faster. Michael says, maybe they should go to GH. If the chemo is causing her to faint… She says, it’s not the chemo. It was Nina, or rather her response to Nina. He says, Nina was here? and Willow says, Nina volunteered Sasha to oversee the decorations in Rice Plaza, and showed up to ask her to help. When she tried to decline, Nina said she was selfish. Things went downhill from there. She snapped and started screaming at Nina, and next thing she knew, it was lights out. He says he’ll make sure Nina never comes here again, but she says she doesn’t think that will be a problem. She thinks her fainting scared Nina more than it scared her. Michael says he doubts Nina would have gotten in an argument with Willow if she’d known Willow just had chemo. They need to find Willow a bone marrow donor, and need for people like Nina to treat her with consideration. They need to tell people Willow has leukemia.

Drew surprises Carly with a kiss as she walks into the kitchen. She says not that she’s complaining, but what’s going on? He says he has it on good advice that they should take full advantage of their time together while they’re lucky enough to have it. She says she’s not arguing with that, but she thought they were staying away from each other. He says he can’t stay away from her. And they’re lucky enough to have this big house on acres of grounds, with secluded nooks and crannies, and the moss bowl🎍. They kiss, and his phone chimes. She insists he get it, and he says, good news. They have a lead on Willow’s birth parents.

Josslyn tells Dex, she won’t hang around where she’s not wanted, but she’s not going to deny what’s standing in front of her, and neither can he. It’s like this wall went up between them, and Dex remembered he had to protect little old her from big bad him. She calls BS on that. She makes her own decisions, and knows the risks she’s taking. If he doesn’t want her, just say that. He says he’s trying to do the right thing here, and she suggests he try being honest instead. He says, she wants honest? and kisses her. There’s a knock at the door, and Sonny says, open up.

On Monday, Cody tells Britt, it’s more than that and she knows it; Willow tells Michael that she needs to do this on her terms; and Valentin says, if Mac has evidence, he’d like to hear it.

🤷🏻 Where In the World…

God forbid she gets some free time.

🏥 Happy Anniversary…

More pictures would have been nice.

🌱 A Mother’s Memories…

This is still just the saddest thing.

🧼 Wait, What…

I never knew he was on the cover of Playgirl, but then again, it was never on my list of publications to buy.

👠 Love Bubble My Foot…

No surprise whatsoever. I love how Andy says she must have been provoked. Yeah, they said her name.

🍹 Ahoy…

Leva dishes on Southern reality.

💞 Aww…

I’m sure it won’t last for long.

👰🏾 Speaking Of Which…

The cake is ridiculous, but I love the traditional theme.

https://people.com/food/porsha-williams-husband-simon-guobadia-wedding-cake-sword/

🍼 No Chances…

Can’t say I blame her. Randall wasn’t much of a step up from James. As a matter-of-fact, aside from the money, he was a step down.

⚰️ Resetting Daryl…

More on viva le Daryl.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-norman-reedus-reset/

🎄 Sub-Genre…

I never thought of The Thing as a Christmas movie, but why not? I have my own cinematic quirks.

https://ew.com/movies/best-christmas-horror-movies/

🥀 Early Roll Call…

Those we’ve lost.

https://ew.com/celebrity/stars-we-lost-in-2022/

📺 Rushing the TV Season…

What’s coming up next year.

https://ew.com/tv/2023-tv-premiere-dates/

📬 Quotes of the Week

Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided. – Paracelsus

Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor. – Sholem Aleichem

Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.Lou Holtz

You get to decide where your time goes. You can either spend it moving forward, or you can spend it putting out fires. You decide. And if you don’t decide, others will decide for you. – Tony Morgan

Compassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment. – Arthur Jersild

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.Aristotle

I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste. – Marcel Duchamp

If a zombie bear isn’t the problem, what is? – Doc (Russell Hodgkinson), Z Nation

🕰 Time Keeps On Tickin’…

Boomerang back on Monday really Tuesday for soap and my favorite Boat Daddy. Until then, stay safe, stay never settling for less than, and stay helping others. It’s a great way to help yourself.

November 9, 2022 – Nikolas Is Attacked By The Hook, Christmas Weirdness, VanderNews, Salty Talk, All Dead, Real Good & Power

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Elizabeth tells Finn, the doctor she argued with, the one who fell down the stairs, it was Reiko. He asks if she thinks Reiko fell because of her, and she says she doesn’t just think it; she knows it’s true.

On the phone, Nikolas tells Demetrius that Esme’s not in her room. She tied her bedsheets together to make a rope, probably so she could use them to get off the ledge into an adjoining room… He looked through the entire main house, and she’s nowhere to be found.

Cody tears open the envelope, and Felicia says, well? Mac says, give him a moment, and she says, he’s right… Moment’s over. Is Mac his father? Cody says, Mac’s not his dad. Mac asks if he’s sure, and Cody says, he’s not a match. Felicia asks to see the results, but Mac tells her not to drag it out. Looking at the paper isn’t going to change what it says. Cody’s not his son. Felicia hugs Mac, and says she’s sorry. Britt asks if Cody is okay, and Cody tells Mac, congrats. The Scorpio gene pool remains pristine.

Willow tells TJ, she’s so scared. She doesn’t want to die. He hugs her, and she cries. Michael walks in, and she asks if Melanie got Wiley okay. He says, Wiley’s fine. What did he just walk in on?

Sitting in his car, Valentin says, Anna should have been here by now. He listens on a police radio, and hears about a hardware store alarm being tripped. He says, nothing about a police transport. Anna, where are you?

At the hospital on the phone, Sonny says, he hasn’t heard from them. How’d it go with Anna? Dante comes by, and asks what Sonny knows about Anna.

The transport van sits off-road with a crunched-in front, steam coming out of the hood, Dex and the guard unconscious. We see Anna, also unconscious, in the back. On the radio, a dispatcher asks, what’s their status? Dex comes to, and checks the guard’s pulse. He suggests the guard to himself a favor and stay unconscious. He gets out, struggling to walk to the passenger door on the other side. The dispatcher says, prisoner transport 2015, do you copy? She needs a status check. Dex tries to rouse Anna, saying, he needs her to wake up now. Help him out here.

Sonny tells Dante that he heard Anna was being transported to Pentenville tonight. He just wants to make sure when she gets there she’s taken care of – unofficial of course (🍷). Dante unofficially thanks him, and Sonny says, Dante knows she was set up, right? and Dante says, yes, but there’s literally nothing they can do until they get some evidence of what really happened to Lucy Coe. Sonny asks if he’s working on that, and Dante asks, what gave it away? The badge and the gun? Sonny laughs, and Dante says he was doing a witness statement, but he’s glad he ran into Sonny. He suggests they have a guys night, and Sonny says he’d love to, but isn’t Dante supposed to be spending his free time with Sam and Rocco, working on blending their families? Dante says, they’re blended up. If he can make the time, Sonny can. Sonny asks, what’s going on?

Mac thanks Cody for agreeing to the DNA test. At least now they know the truth. He tells Felicia, let’s go, but Cody tells him, hold on a sec, and Britt suggests she and Felicia give them some privacy. They leave, and Mac asks, what’s left to talk about? and Cody says, they may not be related, but Britt kept telling him how great a guy Mac is, and other than Dante, he really doesn’t have any friends here. Mac asks if he wants to go out for a beer sometime, and Cody asks if that would be so bad. Shoot some pool, go on a hike… Mac says, Cody doesn’t have to fake a friendship to spare his bruised feelings, but Cody asks why it has to be fake. According to Britt, Mac’s a good guy, and he could use a buddy. Mac says, in case he gets arrested again? and Cody says, there’s that sense of humor Britt was telling him about. What does Mac say? Should they give this friend thing a shot? Mac says, why not? They’ll go out for a beer some time. As long as Cody doesn’t feel forced. Cody says, deal.

Finn says, this memory Elizabeth has been having is about Reiko, and she’s been too afraid to tell him? She says, it’s a jumble, and all the flashes… Then she suspected her dad was involved. She was really confused, and didn’t want to burden Finn until she knew more. Now she wishes she never found out she caused Reiko’s death. He asks how she even knows anything her parents told her is true.

Michael says, none of this makes any sense. Willow is supposed to be at her OB appointment. Why is she in Dr. Randolph’s office? TJ says, there’s information Michael doesn’t know, and Michael says, whatever he needs to hear, he’ll hear from Willow. Why did he walk in on her in an empty office in the arms of another man? What exactly is going on here? She says, oh my God. Does he think she’s cheating on him with TJ?

Britt says she knows Cody was on the fence about gaining a new family. So look on the bright side. Now his life doesn’t have to change. He sees Mac and Felicia hugging, and says, yeah, bright side. Mac tells Felicia, let’s go, but she says, not so fast, tough guy.

Valentin hears a request for all available units to go to Route 31. Prisoner transport 2015 is overdue and not responding. He says, that’s Anna’s transport, and starts the car.

Dex says he needs Anna to wake up now. If she doesn’t, he has to take her to the hospital, and they’re both screwed. She says, okay, and opens her eyes. She sits up, and he asks if she knows her name. Does she remember where she is? She says she’s Anna Devane and they’re on their way to Pentenville. He looks in her eyes with his phone flashlight, and says, she hit her head, but her pupils are even. There’s a wound on her head, but it looks shallow. Other than a headache, she should be fine. She asks, what happened? and he says, the guard figured out he was a plant, and tried to grab the steering wheel. She asks if the guard is okay, and Dex says, he’s unconscious, but should be fine. She asks, where’s Heather? but he says he’s not sure. When he came to, there was no sign of the second prisoner.

Dante guesses he’s worried about Sonny, but Sonny says, there’s nothing to worry about; he’s fine. Dante says he knows Sonny’s rift with Michael has been weighing on him for a long time. This thing with Anna. Brando getting murdered. Ava and Diane attacked; that’s a lot of stuff. Sonny says he’s used to having a lot on his plate, and Dante says, Sonny doesn’t have to go it alone. He’s here to look after Sonny while Sonny is busy looking after other people. Dante’s phone rings and he steps away. Sonny looks at his phone, and says, Dex, come on. Dante walks back, telling someone to text him the details. He’s on his way. He tells Sonny that he has to go to work, and Sonny says, be careful. Dante says he will, and tells Sonny, you too.

Willow says she can’t believe Michael would ever think she’d cheat on him. Wait… Nina was in the park. She said something to him, didn’t she? Oh, that woman. He says, forget Nina. What’s going on? Willow says she’ll tell him what’s not going on; she and TJ are not having an affair. TJ says, Nina is wrong. She totally misinterpreted their friendship. Michael says, Nina told him that she’s seen them having emotional, intimate talks. What’s really going on? Willow asks TJ to give them some privacy, and he tells her, good luck. He leaves, and Michael says he knows every word coming out of Nina’s mouth is a lie, but when Sonny said Willow had been on edge, he couldn’t deny it. At first, he chalked it up to her pregnancy and a new job, but something has been off for a long time now. Whatever it is, tell him the truth. She says, he’s right. She’s been on edge for a while… because… she has leukemia.

Britt asks how Cody really is. She knows he had mixed feelings about becoming a Scorpio. He says he thinks he got what he deserves, and she asks what that means, when her phone beeps. She says she has to check on a patient, and leaves.

Felicia tells Mac, talk to her. After all these years of helping raise Robert’s daughter and her daughter, he thought he had a son of his own. It’s got to be a big disappointment. He says, it’s not like he knew Cody very well, and now he doesn’t have to worry about anything disrupting their family. It all worked out for the best. She says, so that’s it? It’s back to life as usual? Mac admits he was a little excited at the prospect of having a son, and she says she’s sorry. He says, if Cody had turned out to be his, he would have enjoyed that, but that’s not what the test results proved, and that’s okay, because he loves his life as it is. He’ll be okay. She says, maybe when they go home, they can video call Robin, and Mac’s phone rings. He answers, and says he’s on his way. He tells Felicia, there’s an issue with Anna’s transport to Pentenville, and she tells him to go; she’ll call a Ride Share. Keep her posted. He leaves, and Cody says, Mac sure took off in a hurry. She says, what’s it to him?

Finn says he remembers this. Reiko was hospitalized for some injuries; she fell down a flight of stairs. She told him that she tripped. Elizabeth says she wishes it was true. She remembers it now. She caused the fall that put Reiko in the hospital where she contracted Blackwood’s. She’s been pushing Finn away so she’d never have to know what happened, and neither would he.

Nikolas walks into the living room, and the lights won’t work. He finds broken glass on the floor, and says, that’s strange. He sees there’s no lightbulb in a nearby lamp, and says, why would this… A hooded figure enters the room, and raises a hook.  

Finn tells Elizabeth, that can’t be what happened. It doesn’t make any sense. If Reiko fell because of a fight with her, why did she claim she was alone? Why would Reiko lie to him? Elizabeth says she loves him… and he says, just say the words. She says, Reiko and her dad were having an affair.

Anna wonders if Heather escaped, and calls out for her. Dex says, when he came around the van, the door was open, and Anna was alone. She says, they need to find her, and asks if he has the keys. He uncuffs her, and asks if she’s injured anywhere else, but she says she’s fine; she just feels dizzy. Is he okay? He says he’ll be fine, but they need to get out of here before the cops find them. She says, and anyone else who wants her dead. They get out, and see headlights, but it’s Valentin, and Anna tells Dex, he’s with us. Valentin asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s fine; she hit her head. He says he has a police scanner in the car, and they’re on their way. They’ve got to move. Anna says, they can’t leave until they find Heather; she escaped. Valentin says, there’s no time, but Anna says, she’s dangerous. He says, the police are on their way, and they’ll take her to Pentenville where Victor wants her. Victor is going to eliminate her. She says, all right, gives Dex her thanks, and they leave.

TJ sees Sonny, and asks if there’s any chance he’s here with Nina. Sonny says he’s here by himself. Can he help TJ with anything? TJ says, no. His problem’s with Nina, and Sonny says, really? Is this about him and Willow?

Michael says, leukemia? and Willow says, that’s why she’s in Dr. Randolph’s office; Terry is her oncologist. The test results she was getting weren’t about her pregnancy; they were about her cancer. He asks how long she’s known, and she says, since maybe a week after she found out she was pregnant. TJ was the first one  to suspect it. She’s sorry she kept it from him. It’s been the hardest decision she’s ever had to live with in her life. He hugs her, and says, he’s so sorry.

Cody tells Felicia, what’s it to him? He honestly doesn’t know. Mac rushed out, and he looked upset. Mac may not be his dad, but he still cares. She says, Mac got some unsettling news about one of their good friends, and he says he’s sorry. Are they going to be okay? She says, it’s kind of him to ask, but it’s clear he was ambivalent at best at being a part of their family. She can imagine he might feel guilty, since Mac got his hopes up. He says, from what sounds like, he’s not worthy to be a part of their family, and they’re better off without him. She says, if he feels that way, then the results are for the best. Take care of himself. She means that.

Dex checks the guard again, and says, he has a pulse. Good. Now how is he going to get him to the hospital? He’s about to phone Sonny, when he hears sirens. He tells he guard, help is on the way, and limps off.

Nikolas walks through the room in the dark, the hooded figure following him. The hook comes down.

Finn says he doesn’t even remember a Jeff Webber, and Elizabeth says, all she knows is, her father and Reiko were having an affair. Her dad had a history of cheating on her mom. Finn says, he and his wife were happy, and she says she knows, and she’s really sorry. He says, so is he, touches her face, and leaves.

Willow thanks Michael, and says she’s sure he has a lot of questions. They sit down, and he says, let’s start with the obvious. How is she feeling? She says she’s scared, and he says, and the baby? She says, the baby is fine, and he says, so all the times she’s been dizzy and tired… She’s been doing chemo all by herself? She says, for the baby’s sake, she hasn’t started chemo yet. She decided to wait until the second trimester. He asks, why? even though she just told him.

Sonny tells TJ that he was hoping he didn’t have to get into this personal matter, but Willow is the mother of his grandchildren. And his son is involved, even though they’re not on good terms, and also Molly. He was hoping the TJ he knew wouldn’t jeopardize all this. TJ tells him, can we stop, please? This is all a huge misunderstanding. Nina confronted both him and Willow separately, and they made it clear they’re not having an affair, but Nina doesn’t want to believe it. Now she’s dragged Sonny into it, and he doesn’t… Sonny says, he doesn’t what? Say it. TJ says, Sonny has always been there for him, and he respects Sonny, but Nina is hell-bent on causing trouble for Michael and Willow, and doesn’t care how much trouble it’s going to cause for Sonny too.

At the crashed transport van. Mac tells Dante, the security guard is on his way to GH. He’s in good condition; no injuries except for the bump on his head. Dante asks what he said, and Mac tells him, the guard was blacked out until the paramedics arrived. Once he regained consciousness, Mac asked a few questions, but his memory is still foggy. Dante asks if he knows how the crash happened, and Mac says, the transport was supposed to stop at Pentenville first, D’Archam second. The driver drove right past the exit for Pentenville. Dante says, so the driver was a plant, and Mac says, that’s what the guard thought. He tried to stop the driver, that’s when the van spun out of control. Dante says, so this whole thing was organized to spring one of the prisoners. He can only imagine that Anna was the one to sort something like that out. Mac says, she certainly has enough contacts to call for support and stay on the run. Dante says, Anna is going to give them a real run for their money. Frankly, I think the guard should be fired. Obviously I’m on Anna’s side, but playing devil’s advocate, the guard should have waited until they got to D’Archam, and called for help while Heather was still in the van. Not try to take the wheel or shoot the driver while the van is moving.

Valentin tells Anna, they have to wait here for a minute. They can’t risk getting pulled over. She says, that’s a good strategy, and he says, thank you. She says, not even an ounce of modesty anywhere, and he says he’s good at this stuff. She says, lucky her, and asks if he thinks Dex is going to be all right. He says he thinks Dex is going to be fine. Even if the guard realizes he was a plant, the guard can’t ID him. And Sonny will take care of Dex. She thanks him for taking care of her, and he says, always, kissing her hand. He likes taking care of her. She says she hopes he’s ready for this. She thinks it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Nikolas fights back, and The Hook drops her hook. She runs out, and Nikolas collapses.  

Elizabeth leaves a message for Terry. She says she just spoke with Finn, and she really needs someone to talk to. Can Terry call her back? She flashes back to confiding in Nikolas, and looks up his contact info.

Nikolas’s phone rings, and he struggles to get up. Holding his head, he finds his phone. He uses the phone flashlight to look around, and sees the hook on the floor. He takes out a hanky – because all guys who live in castles carry them – and picks it up. He says, this is from our boathouse. You should have killed me when you had the chance, Esme. You made a big mistake.

Willow tells Michael, she did her own research, in addition to what the doctors here told her. If she were to start chemotherapy in the first trimester, it would put their baby at great risk. If she could wait to start chemo until the second trimester, that would give their baby the best chance of survival. Michael says, she’s been living with this by herself all these months? It must have been so hard on her. She says she wasn’t totally alone. The doctors here have been supportive, and TJ has been a great friend. But the decision to delay chemotherapy has come with a cost. Dr. Randolph just told her that the test results confirm her leukemia is in Stage IV. He says, okay, what’s next? and she says she’s starting chemo right away, but because of the advanced stage, Terry also wants to look into a bone marrow transplant.

Britt rubs her neck, and Cody says, you know what’s really good for a stiff neck? She says, if he’s going to offer her a massage, no thanks, but he tells her, he was going to say muscle relaxers. And he happens to know a great doctor. He gives her a cup of coffee, and tells her, it’s to say thanks. She says, for what? and he says, standing by him during all of his Maury drama. She takes a sip, and he says, it’s just a latte, not poison. She says, don’t do that. Stop trying to avoid what’s really going on here.

Willow says she’s sorry she waited so long to tell Michael, but she swears, even if he hadn’t walked in on them, she was going to tell him today. He says he believes her. It’s just… She says, he wants to know why she didn’t tell him before, and he says, they’re a team. They built a life together, with Wiley. If he said or did anything that would make her think he wouldn’t be supportive, or wouldn’t be able to handle it… She says, it’s not that. When she heard her diagnosis, and what chemo would mean for their unborn child, and the doctors here – Britt, Terry, and TJ – all wanted her to start chemo immediately. She struggled with it. Deep in her heart she knew she couldn’t face losing another baby, not after losing Jonah. She knew that wasn’t fair to Wiley; that the worst case would be that the leukemia progressed, and she woudn’t recover. But she convinced herself that it wouldn’t do much harm to delay treatment for a few weeks. She felt it was the best choice for her entire family. Michael tells her to let him make it clear; it was always her choice. He supports that today, and would have supported it then. She says she just wanted them to enjoy their time with Wiley, before things got too hard. To spare them all heartache, especially if she doesn’t have much time left… which she might not.

Sonny says he appreciates TJ warning him about Nina, but he knows her really well, and believes her heart is in the right place. TJ says, okay, but what possible good could come of telling Michael that he and Willow were having an affair? That’s absolutely the last thing Willow needs. Sonny says he saw them together, and it seemed like something was going on. He even said something to Michael. TJ says, Sonny has known him practically his entire life. Is that what Sonny thinks? He’s a cheater? Sonny says he’s not hearing TJ deny it, and TJ says he promises he and Willow aren’t romantically involved. He gives Sonny his word; that is not happening. Sonny says, something is happening, and he knows it, but TJ tells him, that’s not for him to say. He’s asking Sonny to trust him. Sonny says, if TJ tells him nothing is going on between him and Willow, he chooses to believe it, but that’s not going to be enough for Michael, and TJ knows it.

Valentin says, a lot of people are looking for Anna, and she says, Victor’s people, law enforcement, and in no time, they’ll be searching for Valentin too. He says he knows. They have to get someplace secure. They look around, and she asks what he thinks. Can they risk getting on the road now? He says he doesn’t think they have a choice. If they stay here, the police will find them in the morning, and all this will have been for nothing. He starts the car, and she touches his face.

On the phone, Dante says, he needs a BOLO posted for the two women who were being transported to Pentenville Penitentiary and D’Archam Asylum. He doesn’t believe they’re armed, but Heather Webber should be considered dangerous. The other woman, Anna Devane, is a fugitive, but not a threat. He thanks them, and tells Mac, he’s notified the highway patrol, although they don’t have much to go on since the guard didn’t give them much of a description of the driver. They don’t know if Anna and Heather are on foot or in a vehicle. Any chances of them getting a lead tonight are slim.

Cody asks what Britt thinks is going on here, and she says she thinks he’s hiding behind sugary coffee, so he doesn’t have to deal with his feelings about Mac not being his father. He says, she can’t blame him for wondering what it’s like to be part of a close knit family. For a few seconds, he thought maybe he wouldn’t be alone in this world. She says she gets that. Even though her mom drives her crazy, she doesn’t know what she’d do without her. He says, Taub might be a son of a bitch, but he’s my dad, and that is that. He’s pretty much been alone his whole life. Looking out for just him has served him well so far. She says, maybe he dodged a bullet. Family is a curse. She leaves, and he looks at the results. No huge surprise, Mac is 99.9999999999998% his father. The red herring was his willingness to let Felicia take a look.

Michael says, from now on, he and Willow are a team, no matter what comes. She says she’s sorry she didn’t tell him sooner, and he says, the important thing is, he knows now. She doesn’t have to face this alone. They’re going to get through this how they always do – together. He tells her that she’s his family, and they hug.

Dante calls Sonny, who says, he thought Dante was working. Dante says he was, but since Sonny was talking about her before, he thought he’d let Sonny know, Anna escaped, along with Heather Webber. Sonny says, Heather’s with Anna? and Dante says he guesses there was a problem with the vehicle that was supposed to take Heather to D’Archam, so she was thrown in there with Anna. The plan was to take Anna to Pentenville, then take Heather to D’Archam, but they didn’t make it that far. There was an accident and the van crashed, and he’s here on the scene right now. Sonny asks, what caused the accident? but Dante says he doesn’t know. There was some sort of struggle, but there was only a guard here when they got here; he was the only one with the vehicle. He was injured and taken to GH. Sonny says, any idea what happened? and Dante says, no, not yet, but he’s going to figure it out.

Dex goes through the woods. He leans against a tree, and checks the bullet wound in his side.

Finn sits in on the floor in his office in the dark. He looks at a picture of him and Reiko on his phone.  

Heading for the door on the phone, Nikolas says, do not let anybody off the island. That hook wielding psychopath was in the house, and he’ll be damned if he lets her get away. He walks out, slamming the door behind him.

Esme is at the docks, but hears something and hides. Elizabeth comes out, and Esme peeks at her from behind a crate.  

Tomorrow, Willow asks Michael for a favor; Victor asks if there’s any word on his son; Elizabeth says she spotted a fugitive; Dante says, Heather Webber is capable of anything; and Heather says, they’re going to get what they deserve.

🎄 Unless She’s the Grinch…

I don’t even know what to make of this, but God help me, I’ll probably watch it.

🍸 VanderDating…

Who’s zooming who.

🧂 Passing the Salt…

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know, not wanted to know, or were indifferent to about this season.

https://allaboutthetea.com/category/reality-tv-shows/real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city/

⚰️ What He Said…

The Walking Dead family weighs in on the finale.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-finale-norman-reedus-everybody-dies/

👭🏻 Sisterly Reality…

This is the best show! Like Sweet Home Oklahoma was, it’s fun without being mean. They’re sort of like the Kardashians would be if they were a million times more relatable, and actually worked.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1353089/the-culpo-sisters-tease-relationships-highs-and-lows-on-new-reality-series

👀 On Amazon Watch…

Check in with me tomorrow, for some soap and smack talk about possibly the worst reality show ever, Winter House (interchangeable with Summer House). Until then, stay safe, stay being clear-sighted, and stay not hiding behind sugary coffee, so you don’t have to deal with your feelings.

October 7, 2022 – No GH, New In Town, Thanks To Tony, Reporting In, Why, Soapy Rose, Meltdown Chat, Salty Talk, About the Rules, Surreal Again, Trail This, Pets (!), Four Quotes Twice & High Noon

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There wasn’t any because, baseball.

🌴 No Wonder…

I’m guessing she’ll be one of Peyton or Virginia’s friends.

🏥 Thank You From Me Too…

Who knew Luke led to Obrecht’s tenure?

👩🏻‍💻 Not a Stretch…

An extra paycheck never hurt anyone.

🔧 Beating a Dead Mechanic…

Face it, he was a sacrificial lamb for the storyline.

🌹 No Rose For You…

This actually looks pretty good, and it’s on TubiTV, so it’s free. Todd Franco Austin Roger Howarth is in it.

💎 Still Shooking LisaR…

Even Andy didn’t know what a drama queen she was.

She Who Can Do No Wrong weighs in.

How it went down at the Reunion.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-12-reunion-trailer/

🧂 Worth Their Salt…

The latest on the ladies in the city of Salt Lake.

🍸 VanderSad…

Lala gives us the Season 10 scorecard.

👻 Ghosts From the Past…

It’s an odd mix, I don’t know half of them, and why are the bringing this back?

https://www.realitytitbit.com/usa-reality-tv/meet-the-surreal-life-2022-cast-on-instagram-including-stormy-daniels

🗽 Horror In the City…

A peek at the new AHS season.

🐶 Ending With a Squee…

Omg, Oscar.

https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_celebrity_pets_that_will_make_you_say_aw/s1__34563662#slide_1

🐣 Quotes of the Week

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

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

Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor. – Hesiod

The really magical things are the ones that happen right in front of you. A lot of the time you keep looking for beauty, but it is already there. And if you look with a bit more intention, you see it. – Vik Muniz

The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis. – Dante Alighieri

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. – Marilyn Monroe (I was going to say, that’s genius, but…)

We never know when our last day on earth will be. So, love with full sincerity, believe with true faith, and hope with all of your might. Better to have lived in truth and discovered life, than to have lived half-heartedly and died long before you ever ceased breathing. – Cristina Marrero

We rise by lifting others. – Robert G. Ingersoll

🥁 Turning the Beat Around…

It’s time again for the weekend, or the next two days if you’ve loud quit. I’ll be back when the Dead Walk, if you’d care to join me. Until then, stay safe, stay going the extra mile, and stay not having public meltdowns, especially if your last name is Hilton.

Halloween is on the horizon…

August 5, 2022 – Deception Does Damage Control, Yesterday’s Charm, 2 Anniversaries, He’s Restless, Days Move, Kindness Please, Regrets, Sit Down, Med Captain, 50 Cent’s 2 Cents, Transformation, Who’s On, 5+5 = 10 Quotes & Here It Comes

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase lounges in a floatie donut in the pool. Dante comes by and says, this reminds him of a movie he saw once. Disillusioned guy spends the summer floating around in a pool so he can avoid his future. Chase says, The Graduate. It’s a good movie. The key difference is though, the main character had Simon and Garfunkel singing his confusion. Dante says, right, and Chase says, and didn’t have to pay for his pool chaise. Dante says, that’s true too. Don’t kid himself though. That guy was a lot younger than him. Chase says, thank you. Did Dante talk to his guy at the CCRB? Dante says, yeah, and Chase says, and? Is there a chance he’s getting back on the force? Dante says he’s sorry. He wishes he had better news to report.

Lucy comes into the Deception office, and tells Brook and Maxie that she’s sorry to keep them waiting. She was on the phone with Paris again and again, and she appreciates them coming to this meeting at such short notice. Maxie says she’s supposed to meet Britt for brunch, but if this is about what she thinks it’s about, Britt will forgive her. Lucy says, yeah, Sasha, and Brook says, it’s all over the news. It’s blowing up their social media. They need to release a statement. Lucy says, exactly, and Maxie says, one that protects Sasha’s privacy. Lucy says, that is a given, but they also have to consider Deception’s image and protect their company. Maxie says, more important, they help their friend, but Lucy says she’s not sure they can do both.

Martin gives Sasha some coffee, and says, it’s not Perks, but why doesn’t she try to drink it anyway; be as sharp as she can. She just stares ahead, and he says, Sasha? If she doesn’t have anything more to say, he guesses he’ll see what time transport is set for her arraignment. Outside in the squad room, Gladys arrives, and Brando hugs her. She says she brought Sasha fresh clothes. He looks like he hasn’t slept a wink. Where’s Sasha? He points to the interrogation room, and says, she’s int there conferring with her lawyer Martin Grey. She says, excellent. He’s Valentin Cassadine’s attorney; he’s high-powered. He’ll help their girl for sure. Martin comes out, and Brando asks, how’s Sasha? Martin says, she’s just great. Why shouldn’t she be? She’s only facing charges of reckless endangerment, disturbing the peace, willful destruction of property – both public and private – and oh yeah, attempted murder.

Gregory meets Alexis at some outside tables, and she says, he’s early. He says, only by a few minutes. He’s eager to hear the feedback on the op ed he wrote. She says, and so he shall. She promised to be honest. He tells her not to keep him in suspense. Who came out on top of their little wager? She says, you tell me, and hands him her tablet.

At the MetroCourt Gardens, Sam thanks Spinelli for meeting her. He says, of course (🍷). He’s always at her service. Cody walks in, and Spinelli says, unlike others, she’s entirely worthy of his time and efforts.

Cody sees Britt, and says, hello again. He sits next to her, and she says, and goodbye again, getting up. He says, come on. Don’t be like that. She doesn’t have to take off. She says, sorry. She has to go. He says, what? She needs something plugged in again? She needs to wash her hair? He knows she doesn’t need to see a guy about a horse because he’s that guy. She says, he’s right. She doesn’t need to make excuses. The simple truth is, she just doesn’t like him.

Chase says, so the Review Board is going to rule against him? and Dante says he doesn’t know about that. All he knows is, his guy on the inside, when he asked if Chase would get his badge back, he said the chances were slim. Chase asks if there’s anything he can do to derail this, and Dante says, the new member appointed by the public advocate is making a point of throwing the book at cops who step out of line, regardless of their exemplary record. Chase says, so that’s it, he’s no longer a cop, but Dante says, take it from him, you’re still a cop until you actually hand your badge in for good. There’s always hope until that happens. Chase says, hope doesn’t pay his late rent, and Dante says he’ll spot Chase rent money. Chase says he appreciates that, but he got himself into this, and he’ll get himself out. Dante says, even if it means taking a job outside the force? when Linc appears, and says, then it’s a good thing Chase has other options.

Brook scrolls on her tablet, and says, the comments are so rude. Poor Sasha. Maxie says, she kept insisting she was okay, but in retrospect, it’s clear she wasn’t. Lucy says, these media hounds are baying for blood. They’ve got to simply reset the narrative. They need to engender empathy for Sasha that maintains her position here, and hopefully placates the Board of Directors. Maxie says, they need to come up with a strategy that shields Deception from liability, while not abandoning one of their partners. Brook says, right. Where do they start? Maxie says, let’s get the ball rolling, and asks if Brook would mind taking notes. Brook says, of course (🍷) not, and Maxie says, Deception’s press release subject: Deception’s commitment on supporting health and mental well-being.

Gladys brings a garment bag in to Sasha, and asks how she’s holding up.

Alexis tells Gregory, this one says, Professor Chase’s opinion piece seems like a complaint in search of a cause, and he says, but if you scroll up, you’ll see Cronkite’s Ghost – he laughs – says his op-ed piece eloquently illuminates the necessity of objectivity. She laughs, and says, Cronkite’s Ghost. They say a handle says a lot about a person. She’s getting pompous blowhard. He asks if she’s ascribing that characterization to him, but she says, no, of course (🍷) not. Here’s one. Newshound86 thinks his op-ed piece is a dumpster fire. He says, how constructive… and poetic, and she says, this one just wants her to put the horoscopes back in. He says, he’d argue that astrology is subjective, so he marks that one in his favor. She says, by a slim margin, it appears the readers approve of his point-of-view. Cue the gloating. He says, him gloat? No. It’s enough he’s feeling validated that his so-called antiquated notions have merit. Thanks for following up. She says, a deal’s a deal, and he says, speaking of which, their deal was, if he won, she’d take more of his input on board. She wonders why the hairs on the back of her neck on end. Cue the smirk. He smiles.

Cody says, Britt hasn’t been shy about her disapproval, and she says, and yet, here he is. Haven’t they played this scene before? He says, yes, we have, but we keep screwing up the finale, and she asks what he means by we. He says, he can admit that he doesn’t always say the right things, and she asks if he expects her to say something to the contrary, but he says, no. He was just giving her the chance to admit that she’s unforgiving when it comes to human frailty. He takes a sip of his drink, and says he’ll wait. She says, by all means, help yourself.

Sam tells Spinelli that she thinks she hit a brick wall, but he’s busy staring at Britt and Cody. She says, then Felicia made a great suggestion to her. She said, think analog. He says, interesting, and she says, the documentation she needs is abroad. Is he available for a quick trip? He asks, where? and she says she was thinking Mars. She hears the planet is notorious for sloppy record keeping. He says, that’s just common knowledge, and she says, he’s not even listening to a word she’s saying, but he says, he is. Analog records… messy… Mars? She tells him, she said Mars, and the word she used is sloppy. What’s messy is him eavesdropping on Britt and Cody’s conversation. She wants him to tell her why, and no lame excuse or denial, because she’s not buying it.

Sasha comes out, and Brando her. He says he’s not going anywhere, and Gladys leads her away. Martin says he’s glad Brando’s mother brought fresh clothes; she needs to be as presentable as possible. Brando says, clothes aren’t going to do anything. Her eyes are vacant and she doesn’t look good. They need to get her out of here. Tell him, how are they going to beat these charges? Martin says, they can’t.

Cody tells Britt to look at it from his point-of-view. She tore into him about falling into the pool at the mixer. He was hired to jump, and she was standing smackdab in the middle of it. She helped him in the alley when he got beat up, but then she assumed he deserved it. He did not. Then she drenched him on their date because he went a little overboard trying to impress her. And she woudn’t even accept his apology. Then when she finally did accept his apology, she found some trivial reason to get angry at him again. It’s like she wants him to fail. He guesses if people don’t live up to her ridiculously high expectations she’s set for them, she gets to feel justified punishing them. She says, he’s right. He’s got her number. He says, he does?

Sam says, Spinelli is on good terms with Britt, so his beef must be with Cody. Why? He says, Mr. Bell is a scoundrel of ill-repute, and she asks if he realizes Cody and Dante are best friends from childhood. Leo loves the guy, as do the horses. He seems like a nice guy. What’s Spinelli’s issue with him? Spinelli says, he’s a man of many faces, and she says, meaning? He says he can read people well. Remember, he never liked Peter August. She says, nobody liked Peter August. Why doesn’t he save his incredible reading skills for the documentation they’ll be hunting down on their trip? She’d like to leave by the end of the week. He says he’s completely at her disposal stateside, but he’s too occupied with work to cross the International Dateline. She says, work. She’s so glad he brought that up. What is it he does these days?

Dante says he wasn’t talking to Linc. What does he want? Linc says, nothing to do with Dante. He has business with Dante’s friend here. Dante says, Chase is still a cop, so Chase is his partner, and Chase asks Dante to give them a second. Dante asks if Chase is kidding. This guy might be the reason he gets kicked off the force. What business could Chase possibly have with him? Linc says, standing right here, and Dante says, go stand over there. Chase tells Dante, he knows what he’s doing, and Dante says, all right. Just don’t let this punk bait him. He leaves, and Linc says, Chase gave him 30 days to show him what he can do. It hasn’t even been a week, and he’s booked Chase a gig at The Savoy. What has Brook done for him lately?

Maxie asks Brook to read that last part back, and Brook reads, together we pledge to stand up for the Deception family by breaking the stigma of mental health challenges, ensuring their partners and their families receive all the help they need. Therefore, Deception will make a one million dollar donation to help families with mental illness. Maxie says, sounds good. Just change the Deception family to our Deception family, and she thinks that’s their press release. Brook agrees, and says, Sasha’s arrest was definitely a cry for help. Hopefully, framing it this way will inspire compassion. Haters be damned. She’s going to make this change, email it to herself, and take it to PR. Maxie asks her to have legal put their eyes on it first. Then tell them to work with PR. She wants it posted on all their social media platforms as soon as possible. Brook says, she’ll make it happen, and leaves. Maxie asks if Lucy didn’t have anything she wanted to add, but Lucy says, no. Actually, everything Maxie and Brook said is fine. Lucy scarfs gummi bears as they talk, and Maxie says, she’s glad Martin is representing Sasha; he’s one of the best. And she’s not just saying that because… you know. Lucy says, my guy knows his stuff, and it’s good for Sasha’s sake, and for ours. Maxie says, ours? and Lucy says, it’s just that Martin sees the big picture, and understands how important it is to protect all of Sasha’s interests, which includes Deception. Which means they have some tough decisions to make. Maxie says, how tough? and Lucy says, Maxie’s not going to like what she has to say.

Martin tells Brando, he had a call into the DA’s office, and his contact just got back to him. Martin wanted to run something by him. Brando says, something about Sasha? and Martin says, Brando’s got to understand some things. Brando says, sounds serious, and Martin says, in the first place, he’s sorry he rattled off those charges at Brando like that. He wasn’t trying to be flippant. He’s a little punchy in the morning when he hasn’t slept, but he swears he’s taking this case seriously. He wants Brando to know, he’s looking at every possibility to help his wife; all of them. Brando thanks him, and asks if Martin was being punchy when he said they couldn’t beat some of these charges. Martin says, some of the charges he believe can be thrown out, or restitution can be made, but on some of the others, no way. They have to contend with a very damning video; a video where Sasha isn’t just out of control, she looks outright violent. All those assault charges are going to be tough to beat. Brando says, but he’ll try, right? They’ll do whatever he wants them to do. Martin says he believes Brando will, but can the same thing be said of his wife?  

Gladys wipes Sasha’s face, and Sasha pulls away. Gladys says, Sasha is still a little smudged. She’s just trying help. Sasha says, thanks, but nobody can help, and Gladys says, that’s not true. Sasha has a whole army behind her. Maxie’s been blowing up Gladys’s phone; she just hasn’t had a chance to get back to her. She’s sure Maxie and Lucy want to visit Sasha, but Sasha says she’s not. Not after what she did. Gladys asks why she did it, and Sasha says, she was standing up for herself, and she would do it again.

Gregory says, he heard Sasha Gilmore recently attacked the vehicle of one of Alexis’s reporters, and she says, Smoltz (who apparently has no first name) is a freelancer. He says, whatever Smoltz’s role at The Invader, he’s surprised there’s been no mention of it in her paper. Why is that? She says, because the story is still evolving, and they’ll cover it when they know more. Unless of course (🍷) he’d like her to report the salacious account of a spokesmodel having a nervous breakdown. He says, that’s a narrow way of looking at it, and she says, and his way? He says, the facts. A reporter – one affiliated with her paper – was attacked while doing his job.

Lucy says, maybe they should consider finding a new Face of Deception, and Maxie asks if she’s talking about pushing Sasha out, but Lucy says, no, absolutely not. Sasha is their partner, and always will be. She’s just thinking maybe Sasha should step aside as spokesperson, just for a while. Take a sabbatical or something. Maxie says, after everything Sasha has lost, Lucy wants to strip her of more, and Lucy says, it’s hard to say and hard to hear, but look at everything they’ve built; look at all this company means. All the money, everything, is tied up in its stock value. And if it goes belly-up, it’s Brokesville again; they’ll have nothing. She knows Sasha wouldn’t want that. Does Maxie? Sasha is their friend, always; this is just business. Maxie says, okay. Then as the head of this business, Lucy can tell her, and she walks out.

Gladys says, can’t the court just ask Sasha to pay for the damage to that reporter’s car? She’s good for it. Sasha says, Smoltz deserved it; so did Sienna. Pretending to be Sasha’s friend, when all along, Sienna wanted to ply her with more drugs so she could stab her in the back. She’s so sick of them. She’s tired of being exploited. Gladys says, of course (🍷) she is, but isn’t she also tired of feeling out of control?

Martin tells Brando, he doesn’t know what the hell’s going on or why, but they simply don’t have time to figure it out. For some reason, Brando’s wife has completely shut down. Every answer she gave him was model celeb, if she answered him at all. Brando says, Sasha’s in shock. Spending the night in jail didn’t help at all. Martin says, he’ll definitely ask the court to take that into consideration, but that’s not the only issue at play here, is it? He was up most of the night going over the evidence in this case, trying to wrap his head recent events, and he doesn’t have to tell Brando, it doesn’t look good. Sasha has blown up her sobriety, she’s spun out on national television… She caused a fatal car accident... Brando says, she didn’t cause that; Harmony ran out in front of her. Martin says, so what? His point is, with Sasha these days, it’s one thing after another. This is just something else in a long line of bad looks. Now, worst of all, she’s either in denial or she’s intentionally avoiding the help she so desperately needs.

Britt tells Cody, she is too hard on people; she always has been. He asks if she thinks she misses out on getting to know folks, and she says, probably. He says, it’s kind of worse that they end up missing out on knowing her, and she says, okay, this is sliding into the sappy zone. What he doesn’t understand is, she doesn’t really like people all that much, so it’s no great loss. He says he’s see how she and her buddy Brad get on, when she’s not scolding him, and she says, that weirdo? He says, besides, what’s a little sap between friends? Nothing wrong with that. Not to be presumptuous, but he has a sappy present for her. He knows they’re not friends or anything like that, but consider him a weirdo. He takes an envelope out of his pocket, and puts it on the table. He says, it’s just a little token to prove he’s not some conniving grifter, and she says, he just happened to be carrying it in case he bumped into her? Not conniving, eh? How did he know where to find her?

Spinelli assures Sam, his work is of the greatest importance. Not as important as hers of course (🍷). He has contacts all over the world who can be at her disposal. In fact, he’ll connect her with someone who can help aid in her investigation. She says, nice try. She’s not done interrogating him yet. He says, she’s an astute sleuth. Can’t she detect a dead end when she sees one? Speaking of sleuths, how are things with Detective Falconari? She says, well, he asked her to move in with him. Spinelli says, congratulations. Glad tidings… are they not?

Chase tells Linc, that’s great about The Savoy, but he’s sure Brook has some irons in the fire. Linc says, while she’s flailing around, he’s crushing it. How does a gig at The Mercury Lounge sound? Chase says, in New York City? Out of his league. That place is for the big acts. Linc says, it is, and it will be for Chase before he knows it, with Linc managing his career. It’s hard to have a serious conversation with a floatie between them. Chase gets out of the pool, and Linc hands him a towel. He says, it’s good to see Chase’s unemployment paid off with more gym time. When he’s through marketing Chase, their key demo is either going to want to be him, or want to be with him. Brook walks in, and says, Chase isn’t just a piece of meat; he’s an artist – a talented, beautiful artist. Chase gets dressed, and Brook says, he’s got talent, and smarts, and heart. Linc says, sure. He’s the total package, but he assures her, Chase’s fans will be more interested in his eyes than his IQ. His development department has put together a promotional plan for Chase. He’s also booked studio time for them to start laying down tracks with top writers and producers. After the gig at The Savoy, then they’ll focus on The Mercury Lounge. At both gigs, the concert goers will be able to stream and share his EP. They’ll be able to sell a ton of merch at The Mercury Lounge. Either way, it’s instant revenue for Chase. Chase says he could actually use the money, and Brook asks, how much is this studio time? What are they talking here? Chase says, it does sound expensive, and Linc says, you bet it is, but not for Chase; it’s part of the package. Like his styling, his wardrobe, and his voice lessons. Can Brook offer him the same? Dante watches them, and Brook says, no, but she can offer him something even better.

Britt asks if Cody is having her followed; paying people to let him know if she shows up here? He says, Maxie told him… Well, she mentioned something about brunch plans, and he took a chance. She says, it’s still invasive, and he says he hears her, but it’s still better than showing up at her hotel room or her office. He didn’t have any other options. Is she going to open it or what? She holds the envelope to her ear, and says, it’s not ticking. He says, no need. He’s blown up enough chances with her. She opens the passport and starts to read, and he says, she’s a hard woman to make arts and crafts for. He’ll totally understand if she hates it. She says she doesn’t hate it, and he says, does she think maybe they could add another stamp? Any night she’s available. She asks if there’s any way he’ll take no for an answer, and he says, statistically? Probably the same chances as her refraining from sarcasm. She says she calls the meal this time, and he says, deal.

Sam tells Spinelli, there’s so much to consider. She’s not sure about moving. She doesn’t want to uproot Scout and Danny; the penthouse is their home. He says, home is wherever she is. Doesn’t she want to live with Dante? She says she thinks things are really good the way they are. Why change it? He asks if there’s any other reason she’s hesitant to do this, when Maxie walks in, and says, hey guys. She’s having a morning. Is she interrupting if she sits? Sam says, not at all, and Spinelli says, have a seat. Britt says she never would have figured Cody for being the arts and crafts type, and Maxie says, it looks like Britt and Cody are getting along. She guesses she doesn’t have to apologize to Britt for missing their brunch. Looks like she gave true love an assist. Spinelli asks why she’s so certain Cody is right for Britt, and she says, because she trusts Society Set-Ups. And she’s spent some time with him; he’s a sweet guy. Sam says she happens to agree, but Spinelli says, they both couldn’t be more wrong, and storms out.

Alexis says, not everyone sees things through the lens of a journalism professor, and Gregory says, he’s also a citizen. It concerns him whenever freedom of the press is constrained by threats or violence. She says, she agrees, but he doesn’t know Smoltz. His tactics are less than savory, and she wouldn’t put it past him if he goaded Sasha into a reaction, hoping to provoke just what he got. So if she were him, she wouldn’t hang out the shingle of the First Amendment rights on this one. He says he’d like to invite her to one of his PCU lectures, and she says, he’s lecturing? He says, PCU wooed him out of retirement; convinced him to teach a course. He thinks she’d get a lot out of it. She says, really? She’s argued First Amendment rights in a court of law a lot more than he’s ever lectured about it in a classroom. He says, then she undoubtedly knows, the character of the victim doesn’t preclude the reporting of the crime. Mr. Smoltz may not be the kind of reporter she respects, but he was the target of violence, which makes it at least worthy of her attention, and in his learned opinion, most definitely newsworthy.

Sasha says, Gladys thinks she’s out of control? and Gladys says, doesn’t she? Lately, she’s not the Sasha that Gladys has come to know and love. Sasha says, love. Gladys didn’t even want her to marry her son. Gladys says, she didn’t. Not then. Not at the time, for a few reasons. It seemed like they were rushing, for one thing, and she didn’t like being excluded. But once she saw how much Sasha really loved Brando, and how happy she makes him, and how kind and smart she is, she’s been proud to call Sasha her daughter-in-law. And she’s done what she could to protect Sasha. She thought Sasha knew that.

Brando asks if Martin thinks he gives a damn about optics. He cares about Sasha. He cares about what Martin can do for her. Martin says, Brando needs to care about all of it. Just like he does. Sasha’s drawn the attention of the internet; she’s gone viral. Given the recent nature of political events involving their mayor, the DA’s office is doing everything to avoid the appearance of favoritism. Sasha’s a celebrity. Optics. Translation: don’t expect any kind of preferential treatment, because they’re in no position to give her a break. Brando asks what they do, and Martin says, he motivates his wife to take a more active part in her own defense. He agrees she needs help. She needs a psyche consult, but he doesn’t know if she’d be receptive to the idea. Most of all, she needs to demonstrate her commitment to intensive therapy and restitution. Brando says he doesn’t know if Sasha is ready to confront this, and Martin says, and that severely limits their options. He can only think of one other way to keep Brando’s wife out of prison.

Britt tells Cody, it’s official; she’s been stood up. She’s going to the pool. He says, he’d ask to join her, but she’d just say he’s pushing it, and she says, maybe he is getting to know her. Maxie and Sam join them, and Maxie says, they are getting along. Britt asks for a word with her, and they step aside. Britt asks, what happened to brunch; did Maxie forget? Maxie says, she got hung up at Deception, damage control, and Britt says, right. Sorry. How’s Sasha doing? Any word? Maxie says, nothing from her side; not happy things from theirs. Britt says, when she sees Sasha, tell her she has friends, and Maxie says, she will. It seems like Britt is all about friends these days. Looking pretty cozy over there. She asks, what’s that? indicating the envelope in Britt’s hand, and Britt says, just a silly gift Cody made her. Maxie says, oh… really, and Britt says she’ll overlook whatever part Maxie played in securing him a second date. Maxie gets excited, and says, they’re going on a second date? Britt says, calm down. It’s just a date. Don’t go pricing wedding venues.

Alexis tells Gregory, what Sasha did to Smoltz is news, regardless of extenuating circumstances, but is it newsworthy? He says, that sounds like leftover lawyer speak, and she says, it’s human speak, because she’s a human being. You know who else is a human being? Sasha Gilmore. Gregory says, one that she knows personally. Could that be precluding her view? She says, she barely knows Sasha. She’s looking at the big picture, and given the impact of social media, and various platforms, in contemporary journalism, that’s something that has to be taken very seriously. He says, by all means, put the truth out there, and she says, Cronkite said, in seeking the truth, you need to be able to look at both sides of the story. If they just tell the facts of what happened to Sasha, it’s a disservice to her and their readers. He says, don’t tell him she has alternative facts, and she says, she has context. In the span of a year, Sasha has overdosed, she’s gotten clean, she’s fallen in love, she’s lost a child, she’s been in a fatal car crash, she’s relapsed, and she’s still struggling with her mental health. So if they omit all that, and just print she attacked a car with a valet sign, that’s not showing respect to the Fourth Estate. It’s character assassination disguised as journalism.

Martin says he knows he can cut a deal with the DA’s office, predicated on the promise that Sasha stays out of trouble moving forward, but Brando says he doesn’t know if they can guarantee that. Martin says, in her current state? Brando had better guarantee it, because if he makes a deal, and she breaks her promise, she will be remanded to prison. Like he said, there might be one other way, if Brando’s prepared for it. Brando asks if it’s something that would get the DA to accept this deal, and Martin asks if he knows what guardianship is. Brando says, it’s like a conservatorship, right? and Martin says, exactly. In New York state, the guardianship is utilized when an adult is considered legally incapacitated. Brando says, Martin wants them to claim Sasha is incapable of taking care of herself? and Martin asks, what happened during her last therapy appointment? Brando says, she didn’t make it, and Martin asks if Brando would say her condition makes her less able to manage things, like her health and financial affairs. Brando says he doesn’t know about this, and Martin says, take it easy. They’re not talking about tossing Sasha into some 19th century house of hysteria; this is simply a strategy. It’s a way to keep her at home, and out of prison. Appoint someone, a guardian to watch out for her well-being, make sure she gets to appointments on time, safeguard her finances. It doesn’t have to be forever. Brando says, it seems extreme, and Martin says, it’s Brando’s call, but given Sasha’s state of mind, is she ready for a trial? He doesn’t think it would go well for her. Does Brando?

Sasha says she’s tired, and Gladys says she knows, but they’re all doing their best to help her. She can’t read Sasha’s mind, but she’ll tell Sasha what’s on hers. Sasha is her family now, and that means Gladys will do whatever it takes to look out for her.

Brook says, what she can offer Chase is unique, and Linc says, what is  this, a double-standard? Brook tells him, get his head out of the gutter, if it’s at all possible. Linc is only looking at Chase as a performer. She’s a songwriter and they’ve collaborated before. If they share songwriting credit, he’ll get a larger share of all songs produced and streamed. The money won’t be instant, but the residuals mean a lot more in the long run. Chase says, it’s very tempting, and she tells him, think about it, and leaves. She walks over to Dante, and he says he’d clap for her, but he doesn’t want to blow her cover. That was a great show. Is there anything she can’t do? She says she can’t understand what he’s saying right now. Why is he smiling? He says, it’s him. They go way back. The whole wanting to be Chase’s manager is a good angle, but he knows a con when he sees one.

Gregory tells Alexis, beautifully expressed. Miss Gilmore is lucky that Alexis is Editor-in-Chief. She says, he’s agreeing with her? and he asks if that’s so hard to believe. She says, given their interaction thus far? and he says, fair enough. He agrees this story can’t be told without including Miss Gilmore’s state of mind as a mitigating factor. It’s wise to take a more nuanced approach. Alexis says, she’s concerned about violating medical confidentiality. How does she inject nuance without compromising privacy? He says, it’s tricky, but there are ways, and she says, okay, professor. He’s offered a lesson. Okeydoke. She takes out her notebook, and says, school’s in session. He says he’s honored, but she says, don’t be. She’s doing it for Sasha.

Brando says, Martin is sure no plea deal can be made? and Martin says, not if Sasha doesn’t demonstrate some kind of cooperation. Brando asks if she wouldn’t have to agree to a guardianship, but Martin says, not necessarily, especially if she was incapable of making that decision. Brando says, she’s already accused him of trying to control her life. He doesn’t know if he’s comfortable with this. Gladys and Sasha join them, and Gladys says, comfortable with what? Are they talking a game plan, a strategy? Martin says, they have a couple options to consider, but for now they’re taking it one step at a time. He tells Sasha, this officer is going to escort her to the courthouse where she’s going to be arraigned. They’ll meet her there. Does she have any questions? Sasha shakes her head, and Brando takes her hands, and says, everything’s going to be okay. She says, promise? and he says, better than that, a vow. For better or worse, in sickness and in health. He’s got her.   

Maxie goes back to Cody and Sam, and says, Cody’s gift was a hit. Congrats. They high-five, and Cody thanks her for encouraging him to give it to Britt personally. Sam says, smooth move, Maxie, and he says, too bad all of Britt’s friends aren’t as supportive as they are. Sam says, if he’s referring to Spinelli, don’t worry about him; he’s been all over the place lately. Maxie says, she’s noticed that. What’s with him? Sam says she doesn’t know, aside from the fact he gave Cody a dirty look the entire time she was talking to him, and Maxie wonders why he’d be doing that. Does Cody have any idea? He says, not a clue.

Britt lies on a chaise, her eyes closed, when Spinelli clears his throat, startling her. He says, she’s about to make a mistake, and she says, his mistake was looming over her like a vampire. He almost got a swift kick. She gets up, and he says he’s serious. She can’t go out with Cody again.

Britt says she knows Dante wants his partner back, but whether he wants to believe it or not, Chase real future in music. Dante says he knows Chase is a talented guy, but he also happens to know, Chase is thinking things are pretty bleak right now, and he doesn’t want Chase to make a mistake. So please level with him. What the hell do the two of them have cooking up?

Chase tells Linc, that’s great. Tell the development team to send over the promotional package, and he’ll have his lawyers look at it. Linc says, he’s convincing, but not good enough for Linc, or himself. Chase says he’s not sure what Linc is getting at, and Linc says, don’t play a player. He knows Brook, and he knows what she’s really up to.

On Monday, Cody says, might as well put their cards on the table; Willow has the feeling Ava want something from her; Obrecht says, Nina needs to walk away now; and Dex says he just gave Michael the perfect opportunity to nail his old man.

Southern Charm

Austen joins Kathryn for a pedicure at a nail place, unoriginally called The Nail Place. He says he’s excited for girls day, and in his interview, he says he’s always had a soft spot for Kathryn. He did win Drama King in high school, and Kathryn can be dramatic as well. She asks if he’s getting a color, and he says he’s not Craig. Working at home, Craig tells himself, work smarter, not harder. Naomie calls, and he tells her that he’s working on his spring collection. She says she had a strange reaction at Olivia’s, and needs to pick his brain. She asks if he wants to get coffee, and we flash back to Paige saying, it’s inappropriate to hang out with one’s ex. Craig asks why she’s calling him about it, and Naomie says, it’s about Kathryn. She thought he’d be the best person to advise her. We flash back to Craig asking Paige, what about having lunch with an ex? and Paige saying, no. He says, it must be serious enough if she wants to talk in person. He’s going to be over by her later, and there’s a coffee shop nearby. In Craig’s interview, he says, it’s just coffee. He’ll get in and get out. They’re not getting their nails done together. Meanwhile at the nail salon, Austen says he loves Kathryn’s blond look, and she asks how things are going with him and Olivia. He says, they haven’t spoken since the party. It bothered him that after he’d talked to her about Madison, Olivia invited her to the party. He doesn’t want to pursue someone who wants to be friends with his ex. In Kathryn’s interview, she says, sometimes Austen can be a petty bitch.

Olivia and mom Robin discuss the party, and agree it was fun. Robin asks about Austen, and Olivia says, they didn’t end on the best note at the party. We flash back to Olivia telling Austen that she’s waiting for the day he doesn’t care about Madison, and she tells Robin about it. Robin says, he does seem more tense around Madison. She thinks it’s sensitive and sweet, and says, you usually don’t hear about a woman being… whatever [Madison] is. Olivia says, everyone has ex stuff, but she wants Austen to be right in that department. In Olivia’s interview, she says, a relationship with Austen is too much work. She’s not enough drama for him. He seems to like it; it’s what he’s used to. While they get a paraffin foot treatment, Austen says he’s happy Kathryn and Chleb are back together. Kathryn says, they’re trying, but in her gut, she feels like something is off. At the party, he was talking to Naomie a lot. It was weird super and disrespectful, and she felt hurt. We see a clip of Chleb telling Kathryn that Naomie was calling her names, and Kathryn saying, he should have shut it down immediately, not listen because he’s being a good guy. In Kathryn’s interview, she says she wishes he would be more aware of what he’s doing. Loyalty, hello? Austen tells her, if she thinks something off, then something is off.

Leva sees her trainer, and he does some kind of massage/stretching exercises for her muscles. In Leva’s interview, she says she wants to be present. She’s reading books about essentialism, so she doesn’t cook as much, lets the house be messy, and picks her battles at work. She’s consciously practicing to be a calmer person. But it’s not working. She loves Little Lamar, but he’s two and chaotic. We see some clips of Little in action, and she says, he’s so high energy from 6 am until his bedtime at 9 pm, which is her fault. Venita’s mom Vi visits her, and says she loves Venita’s big hair. When she was young, she had big hair. In Venita’s interview, she says, her mother didn’t tell her be perfect. She told Venita that perfect was however she chose to be. Venita tells Vi that she had a bad week. She didn’t get invited to Olivia’s party because Olivia didn’t want the garden party again. She guesses it’s embarrassing, and her feelings are hurt. Vi says, Venita’s got to talk about things, but when she’s rational; not in the heat of anger. Venita says she doesn’t know how to go about it, since she’s never seen it. Vi didn’t show her how to handle things, and hid any disagreements with her dad. Vi says she’s not talking about Venita’s dad, and in her interview, Venita says she was an only child. She was in high school when she came home one day, and her dad was gone. Her parents could have worked for the Secret Service. She had no idea it wasn’t working out. She tells Vi, all she knew was that she had two parents, and then one of them was gone, and Vi says, Venita still has two parents. In Venita’s interview, she says, her dad was probably living a double life since she was about 14. It took until her aunt called and said he was marrying someone else for her to understand her parents were done. Vi says, Venita’s dad was thinking with the wrong part of his anatomy, and it wasn’t something to discuss with her daughter. She didn’t want Venita to see her pain. Venita says she doesn’t have the insight her friends do, because they saw their parents argue, then figure it out. Vi says, it’s probably because she grew up in a house where they did argue, and Venita asks what it taught Vi. Vi says, not to do it, and in her interview, Venita says, teaching you how to avoid fighting doesn’t teach you how to deal with fighting. She’ll get overly upset at a simple confrontation, because she’s never seen anyone do that on a personal level. Vi says she tried to protect Venita from the pitfalls of life, which was not necessarily a good thing. Venita didn’t learn how to handle adversity, and Vi apologizes for what she didn’t do. Going forward, she’ll do her best. Books on parenting don’t work. You have to go through it to learn. She asks if that satisfied Venita, and Venita says, it’s more than she had yesterday.

Little Craig! Shep visits Whitney and Patricia, who’s gotten Little Craig a champagne bottle toy, which she says is unshreddable. Whitney says, Little Craig is like a piranha meets the Tasmanian Devil, and Shep says, his dad calls the dog a French terrorist. New guy Randy is doing the butlering, and Patricia says, nobody can take Michael’s place, but he’s good. Whitney says, Randy alleviates his duties, like official dog walker. In Patricia’s interview, she says, Randy is a lovely man. He’s a good server and fixes drinks so much better than Whitney. We flash back to Whitney bumbling through things, and see that Little Craig is already well on his way to totally destroying his new toy. Patricia says, speaking of incurring damage, Little Craig was involved in Peaches’ violation. Shep asks if they had a roll in the hay, and Whitney says, Little Craig is a feral mess. Done with his toy destruction, Little Craig runs to find Peaches, and Patricia says, let him; the damage has been done. In her interview, Patricia says, mounted is too strong a word. He sullied Peaches’ reputation. She tells Shep that Little Craig has to do the honorable thing. She’d like to have a wedding. (I can’t wait!) Shep asks if she wants Little Craig to make an honest doggy of Peaches, and Patricia says, he thinks she’s kidding. She doesn’t see anybody here doing anything in the near future. Shep says, so they’ll give her the wedding she richly deserves. She asks if Little Craig has a tux. She’s getting Peaches a wedding gown. In Shep’s interview, he says, if Whitney had his way, he’d be a bachelor for life. Still living in hope, Patricia says she doesn’t want to preempt any wedding bells, and asks Shep about Taylor. Shep says, Taylor’s not a pressure type of gal.

Taylor visits Marcie, and checks out the nursery, saying, it’s so pink; she loves it. Marcie says she’s glad she’s done. She’s due in 5 weeks. In Taylor’s interview, she says, in her perfect world she’d get married around 30, and have kids by 33. How old is she now? (I looked it up. She’s 27.) Marcie shows Taylor the outfit she’s taking the baby home in, and they move on to an entire closet full of clothes. In her interview, Taylor says she gets giddy looking at clothes and strollers. Shep’s clock isn’t ticking, but hers is. Shep tells Patricia that he thinks he’s in the clear, but Patricia says, don’t kid yourself. Whitney asks how long they’ve been going out, and Shep says, two years. Patricia says, if there was no proposal after four months, that’s it. In Patricia’s interview, she says, Taylor is making a mistake be acquiescing. She needs to give him an ultimatum. Patricia says, she’s amazed that any woman could put up with the two of them, and Shep says, they’re on the George Clooney/Warren Beatty track.

Naomie calls Craig, saying she’s at the coffee place, and they’re out of chai. She places both their orders, and when he gets there, she asks why he’s grumpy. He insists he’s not, and she asks if he had fun at Olivia’s party. He asks it was about Kathryn she wanted to discuss, and she says, during the party, Chleb came up and started going in about Kathryn. We flash back to that, and Naomie says, Chleb was saying not nice things. Craig says, like what? and we flash back to Chleb saying he could only listen so much to Kathryn, then he’d put on ESPN and tune out. Like practically every man doesn’t do this. She tells Craig, Chleb doesn’t seem happy. The one lesson she learned after her and Craig was, never air your dirty laundry to other people. She has regrets about talking bad about Craig, and she’s pretty sure Metul did the same thing to her. Karma is very real. She wonders what’s making Craig uncomfortable. He’s jittery, making no eye contact, and keeps looking over his shoulder. Who’s coming? She says, he’s acting like she’s part of a sting operation or something. She doesn’t know what’s going on, and wishes he’d just be straight and not act like a weirdo. In Craig’s interview, he wonders why they needed to have coffee for Naomie to tell him that Chleb was talking sh*t about Kathryn. Naomie says she feels bad for Kathryn. They’ll never be good friends, but she feels it’s the right thing to hand Craig the information. Maybe he could just talk to her. He says, maybe, but he’s got to be going. He’s picking up Paige from the airport. Naomie suggests they do a fun night out, and Craig says, one day, maybe. Naomie says she just wants to have fun, but Craig says, unfortunately, there are boundaries. He’s glad they can catch up and be friends, but at the end of the day, Naomie is his ex-girlfriend, and Paige doesn’t appreciate it. They can’t hang out just yet. Naomie says, they can’t forget the past, and in his interview, Craig says he thinks Paige is being understanding, even though she doesn’t understand the situation, since she lives in NYC, where you don’t run into your ex all the time or hang out with them. He doesn’t want to push or disrespect her any further. In Naomie’s interview, she says, if  she hadn’t thought she and Craig were on the same page, she wouldn’t have asked him for coffee. She’s not trying to get with him. She’s not the type who tries to get with a guy who has a girlfriend. If it feels awkward, that’s on them, not her. I can see it both ways, but I’ve never really wanted to hang out with an ex. Oh wait. I do hang out with my boyfriend from high school once in a while, but those feelings are long gone. If they were even real at that age. Now he’s someone I grew up with.

Olivia calls Naomie from the car, and says she’s meeting Venita. Naomie says, awesome; heal it up. They meet at a juice bar, and in Venita’s interview, she says, with her parents, all she’s seen is avoidance of fighting, confrontation, and issues. She wants to step up and resolve this, rather than letting it sit. Venita asks how the party was, and Olivia says, fun. They toast to this thing (i.e. their meeting), and Olivia says she appreciates Venita reaching out. Venita says, they had a rocky start, and she wants to be able to lay everything on the table. Olivia says she thinks Venita has a false perception of who she is, and she was thrown by Venita’s misconceptions. Insinuating something is not cool. Venita says, when Olivia walked away, it felt dismissive, and Olivia gets how it could be perceived, but it’s her way to cool off when she knows nothing is going to get resolved in that moment. Venita apologizes for coming at Olivia so hot. It wasn’t necessary, and it’s not who she is as an individual. She suggests they make it a clean slate. Now they just have to worry about everyone else. She says, with all that smoke and heat between Austen and Madison, why invite Madison to the party? Olivia says, she and Madison are fine, but she got an earful about it. We flash back to Austen acting stupid, and Venita asks if Olivia and Austen are dating. Olivia says, they only went out one-on-one once, and they’re in in that weird limbo. Venita wonders if Madison knows, and Olivia asks why it would matter. Venita says, Madison and Austen were so deeply involved, part of Madison feels entitled to know what’s going on. It’s not worth it.

Chleb goes to mom Debbie’s house, and she asks if he’s working hard. He says, seven days; he’s pretty damn tired. Debbie wonders if he didn’t take the tag off his shoes, but he says, it’s the style. She says, it seems awkward, but he says, it’s the drip these days. She asks how Kathryn is, and he says, they went through some stuff. There was a girl named Naomie at the party who Kathryn dislikes, and she and Chleb got to talking. We see a clip of Kathryn telling Chleb, it’s embarrassing. In Chleb’s interview, he says he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with someone he’s thinking negatively about. Debbie says, it takes work, and suggests he make a list of what he likes and dislikes about the relationship. She says, if you have more dislikes than likes, you ain’t gonna make it, baby.

Paige is at Craig’s, and he offers her every coffee flavor known to man. She says, yuck to maple, which is one of my favorites, but she also hates mint, and we’re in agreement there. My only exception is Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. She asks if he can imagine when they actually have a kitchen, and in Craig’s interview, he says, it’s hard to play house with no kitchen, and living out of boxes. The fact that Paige feels comfortable with things as is, is an incredible sign. Paige suggests sitting outside, and Craig wonders if they make an iced coffee maker. Paige is like, nooo, and says, he loves tea anyway. In his interview, he says, Paige loves how he is, and he loves that feeling. She’s his biggest fan. Aww. They’re not engaged yet, but he thinks he’s found his person. They sit in rockers on the porch, and he tells her that he’d like a big family, and wants to renovate the house with that vision.  

Event planner Erica goes to Patricia’s, and Patricia says she thinks it would be fun to have a dog wedding, so she needed a wedding planner. Erica asks how big it will be, and Patricia says, around 25 people. It might be the only wedding she throws. In Patricia’s interview, she says she has Whitney’s wedding planned. A medieval cathedral, a florist from Paris, Valentino for the mother-of-the-bride dress, but she doesn’t get to make those decisions. Erica asks, who is going to officiate? and Patricia says, Little Craig and Peaches go to the same vet. She thinks Dr. Berger will agree to officiate. They decide on having it in the garden, and Erica asks if Patricia wants the guests welcomed with champagne. Patricia says she does, but she wants it in coups, not flutes. Erica asks about cakes, and Patricia wants the ones featured in Steel Magnolias. The groom’s cake is an armadillo cake in red velvet. She tells Erica, the invitations have already gone out.  

To be continued…

Next time, Whitney and Shep talk human marriage; the dog wedding happens; Olivia brings a date that’s not Austen; Whitney plays guitar; and Craig tells Naomie that she left a loving relationship to be with a controlling a-hole. She won’t affect his life anymore.

🎉 Happy Anniversary…

Scotty celebrates his 45th.

💐 Another Congrats…

Not as long, but still. She took a small villainous part and turned it into being a major player.

🧼 Jumping Soap…

I vaguely remember him being Todd on OLTL for five minutes. Even they realized it was a bad idea. No one can replace Roger Howarth.

🦚 Goodbye and Hello…

Yep. They’re going to nickel and dime us to death. Or in this case, $4.99 us.

https://ew.com/tv/days-of-our-lives-moving-to-peacock/

💝 Sharing Is Caring…

NuTrina has a message for all of us.

🎡 Yeah, Yeah…

LisaR needs to get off the merry-go-round that’s her feelings. Next week, she’ll be back to the shading game.

💎 She’s Rocking the Boat…

Sheree can be on my fantasy spin-off too.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1340467/why-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-sheree-zampino-says-kyle-richards-should-sit-down

Cruising the Med…

Captain Sandy’s voyage to reality star.

🍸 Backing His Home Girl…

50 Cent is back to dogging Randall.

https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72274/title.50-cent-randall-emmet-power-ex

⚰️ New Rick…

Daryl’s journey to leadership.

https://screenrant.com/walking-dead-daryl-rick-grimes-revolver/

🌜 On the Moon…

The VMA line-up.

📣 Quotes of the Week

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

Happiness depends to some extent upon external conditions, but chiefly upon mental attitudes. – Paramahansa Yogananda

Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live. – Nora Roberts

The greatest source of unhappiness in the world comes from having unreasonable expectations about the behavior of other people. – Don Fehr

Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else. – Les Brown

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil

Security is mostly a superstition… Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller

Life is like a novel. It’s filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page. – Sidney Sheldon (Well, let’s hope it’s not like a Sidney Sheldon novel.)

If there’s a world here in a hundred years, it’s going to be saved by tens of millions of little things. The powers-that-be can break up any big thing they want… but what are they going to do about 10 million little things? They break up two of them, and three more like them spring up!Pete Seeger

The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off. – Gloria Steinem

🛣 On the Road Again…

It’s certainly been a week. If it’s been one for you too, or even if it hasn’t, you have my permission to take the next two days off. But be back on Monday for soap and a Mediterranean cruise. Until then, stay safe, stay away from overly processed foods, and stay never trying to play a player.

July 8, 2022 – Victor’s Plan Fails, NYC Sale, Awful Humans, Charm News, Disgusting Weasel, Where They Are, About Plath, Spicey, What a Doll, Good Deed, 8 Of Quotes & Under

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase calls Brook just as she’s walking into the pool area. He says, don’t hang up. He thinks they need to talk. She says, no time like the present, and he realizes she’s right there. She comes over to where he’s sitting, and he wonders why it feels like déjà vu. She says, maybe because they apologize to each other two or three times a day. You’d think they’d be used to it by now. He says, maybe that’s it, and she says, since they’ve played this scene before, could they just fast forward to the part where they’re friends again? He says, they could, but he doesn’t know if they should.

Alexis says, Gregory’s op ed is less of an opinion and more of a hit piece. The Invader’s interjection of opinion into the reporting of facts is not only lamentable, but an ethical slippery slope? He says, she issued a challenge; he accepted. Now the question is, can she set her ego aside and accept his? She says, his ego? and he says, his challenge.

Finn says, what does Doc mean, Elizabeth is gone? and Doc says, Finn just missed her; she checked herself out. Finn asks if that’s a good idea, but Doc says, she came of her own volition. She had the power to leave any time. Finn asks if Doc is saying Elizabeth left against his recommendation. Then Doc knows as well as he does that’s a mistake.

Terry asks if Britt can look at this, holding out her tablet, and Britt asks if it’s boring. Terry says, yes, and Britt says, then she lives for it. She takes the tablet, and Terry says, Epiphany made some last minute changes to the nurse’s rotation. Also, she wanted ask Britt about that Society Set-Ups mixer. Britt says, oh God, what now? A new GIF from another angle? Terry says, nothing like that. She was so impressed with the clientele, she signed up. Britt hopes Terry has better luck than she did, and asks if they have enough coverage for tonight. Elizabeth joins them, and says, problem solved. She’s back and reporting for duty. Where do they need her?

Olivia comes into the stables, and Cody says, Mama Falconari. She says, it’s Quartermaine now, and he says he knows, but he’s thought of her as Mama Falconari for all these years, so he hates to break tradition. She says, then don’t; she answers to both. He asks, what can he do for her? and she says, he already has. He’s made a forever friend in her son Leo. He says, Leo’s a great kid, and she says, he can’t stop raving about Cowboy Cody, and how he can answer any question about horses. He says, it’s nice to have an appreciative audience, and she says, it’s funny. He grew up making trouble with her one son, now he’s showing the ropes to her other one. He says, handling horses is a lot like getting to know people… Sometimes it’s a lot easier. She says, in regard to her son Leo, horses are a lot smarter than the men in her life, and Ned walks in.

Valentin comes into the MetroCourt Garden, and sees Laura texting. He says he’s glad he found her. Does she mind if he joins her? She says, not at all, and he sits. She asks if Charlotte is all right, and he says he believes so; why wouldn’t she be? She asks why else he’d be seeking her out, and he says, Charlotte is healthy and safe, and he promises there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make sure she remains so.

On the phone, Anna says, C-A-S-S-A-D-I-N-E, first name Valentin, as Victor lurks around behind her. She says, he was recuperating at their clinic several weeks ago. She knows they wouldn’t normally release that kind of patient information, but this is an ongoing official investigation with the WSB… Yeah, she can send over her credentials immediately. Could they please have the director call her back at this number… She thanks them, saying, she appreciates it. Victor says, good morning, Agent Devane, and she asks if he’s stalking or lurking. He says, out for a morning constitutional is all, and she says, an agenda-free stroll. Why doesn’t she believe him? He says he would have announced himself, but he saw she was preoccupied investigating his son.

Brook says, Chase doesn’t want to be friends? but he says, of course (🍷) he does, and they are. She says, okay, then what? and he says he just thinks they don’t bring out the best in each other; that maybe their friendship, as much as it means to both of them, isn’t healthy. She says, he may have a point. The pattern they’ve fallen into with all the fighting and apologizing. Not to mention it made him punch someone. You could say it’s… He says, childish? Co-dependent? She tells him, she was going to say tricky. Forget about being a cop; he could work for Webster’s. He asks how she’d benefit from that, and she says, ouch. He says he’s sorry, but she says, don’t be; she deserves it.

Gregory says he realizes Alexis hasn’t had time to do more than skim the op ed, and she says she can’t wait to sit down and take it all in. He says, the gist of it is, The Invader coverage blurs the lines between objecting reporting and editorializing. He challenged her staff to commit to objectivity at all costs. She says, first of all, The Invader is a newspaper, not a wire service, and he asks if she’s saying only wire services can be objective. She says, secondly, the newspaper has to have a point of view, and he says, still, The Invader is miles ahead of where it was when Peter August was at the helm. She asks if he’s damning her with faint praise, but he says, not at all. The Invader can become a journal not unworthy of respect, and she says, as an editor, she needs to point out the double negative, but he says he used it for effect. She says, sure he did, and he says, still, as far as The Invader has come, there’s still room for improvement – for both of them. She says, he’s just chock full of suggestions – she points to her phone – thousands of words of them, most of them scathing. He says, listening to her now, he’s reminded of a criticism he omitted, and she says, there’s more? He says, her penchant for hyperbole, and she says, you know what she thinks? He says he’s eager to hear, and she says she thinks the good professor is so accustomed to dusty dry tomes, and just isn’t used to contemporary journalism. He says, and if he may? and she says, by all means. He says he concludes, the humble – that’s irony, by the way… She says she recognizes it, and he says, the humble editrix is unused to being challenged.

Doc says, Finn knows he can’t discuss specifics of Elizabeth’s treatment, and Finn says, he doesn’t need to explain doctor/patient confidentiality to him. He doesn’t want the details; he just wants Doc’s honest determination. Did Elizabeth discharge herself prematurely? Doc tells him, look, all he can say is, if a patient no longer wants intensive therapy, it’s their call. As for Elizabeth, he takes heart in knowing she has a good support system at home. Finn says, as long as she doesn’t push everyone away, and Doc says, then he’s afraid it’s going to take time and patience. Finn says, he’ll hang back. He’ll give her time. It seems like that’s all he’s doing these days, but how does he know if he’s giving her the space to heal or the room to relapse? Doc says, he doesn’t.

Terry says, Elizabeth didn’t tell her that she was coming in today, and Elizabeth says, it’s time; she’s ready. Britt says, it’s good to see her, and Elizabeth thanks her, saying, it’s good to be seen. So how about it? Put me in, coach. Britt says she’d be happy too, as soon as she hears from HR that Elizabeth is cleared, and Elizabeth suggests they skip the red tape. It sounds like they’re shorthanded. Britt says, while she loves the enthusiasm, the hospital has policies, protocol where… Elizabeth says she knows what protocol is. She’s worked here longer than Britt. Terry says, hang on, Biz, and Elizabeth says, Britt was probably hoping she got rid of her for good. Britt says, actually she was hoping Elizabeth had a speedy recovery and returned to work soon. She’s an excellent nurse, and yes, they are short-staffed. Elizabeth says, then what’s the problem? and Britt asks if she needs flash cards. If Elizabeth wants to come back, then she needs to be cleared by HR. So go to HR and get cleared. Elizabeth says, this is so like Britt. She’s sure Britt has convinced everyone else that she’s turned over a new leaf, but she can see pretty clearly, the Britch is back, and bitchier than ever.

Victor asks what possible reason Anna could have for looking into Valentin’s private medical records, and Anna asks if he’s ever heard the quote, we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are. He asks her point? and she says, given his villainy, it makes sense he would ascribe nefarious intent to others. He says, cynicism is an ugly look on such an attractive woman, and she says, so is misogyny on such a dapper man. Yet here we are. He laughs, and says, she’s such a joy, and she says she tries. He says, always a quick rebut, and the appropriate literary reference. The question, however, remains, does Valentin know she’s a spy, in and out of the bedroom? She says, yes; why? He says he’s asking as a concerned parent. What exactly is the nature of her relationship with his son? She asks, what exactly is his?

Laura tells Valentin, she doesn’t say this often enough, but she’s actually grateful that Charlotte has him to watch out for her. He says, that’s nothing he’d expect to hear her say, and she says, they’ve had their difficulties in the past, but she can’t deny he’s an excellent parent. He thanks her, and says, coming from her, that means more to him than he can express. She says, if this little visit isn’t about Charlotte, to what does she owe the pleasure? and he says, just a drink between friends. He tells the waiter that he’ll have a bloody Mary, and Laura says she’ll have an iced tea. The waiter says, coming right up, and Valentin says, just an iced tea? She says, day drinking is not a good look for the mayor, especially after an attempted recall, and he says he’s glad that ridiculous attempt to oust her failed. She was a wonderful mayor, and Port Charles thrived under her leadership. She asks, why does he talk about her tenure in the past tense?

Brook says, when she offered to manage Chase’s singing career, she really did it to help him, and he asks, what percentage was to help him? She says, 90, and he looks at her. She says, 85, hand to heart, and he says he believes her. She says she hates that he’s out a paycheck, for defending her honor – again. He says, his actions were his own, and she says, but she put him in the middle of her mistakes… and two guys anyone would want to punch. He says, that is true, and she says, so even though it wasn’t her main goal when she was pitching the idea to him, the revenge part kind of slipped in. He says, so it wasn’t always there in the back of her mind? and she says, of course (🍷) it was. He says, then why not come out and say it; tell him the plan from the get-go. She says, because she didn’t want him to think she was using him, and he says, was she? She says she’s a Quartermaine. Self-interest is kind of in her DNA. She puts her hand on his knee, and says, on her word, nothing is more important than helping him.

Ned says, Olivia? and Olivia tells Cody, and here’s one of those men right now. Ned says he’s been looking for her. Can he speak to her about something? Cody says he’ll leave them alone, but Olivia says, they wouldn’t dream of interrupting his work, and tells Ned, she was just thanking Cody for being such a good friend to Leo. Ned says, Leo seems to think Cowboy Cody stepped straight out of a John Ford Western, and Cody says he’s lived a lot of places. Home is wherever you hang your hat. Ned says, about that. Since Cody will be interacting with his son, he took the liberty of going over Cody’s employment history. Seems like he doesn’t stay in one place for long. Should they already be looking for a replacement? Olivia says, Ned… and Cody says, no worries, Mama Q. He has been bouncing around for a while, that’s true, but their kind employment has gotten him doing exactly what he wants to do, exactly where he wants to do it. Don’t worry. He’s not going anywhere.

Britt tells Elizabeth, that’s enough, Nurse Baldwin. Clearly she’s still under duress. So leave now, while she still has a job. Elizabeth says, Britt can’t fire her; she’s union. Britt says she doubts Elizabeth’s union rep will come running to her defense, and as Chief of Staff… Elizabeth says, Co-Chief, and asks Terry if she’s going to let Britt threaten her like this. Terry says she’s sorry, but she has to agree with Britt. Elizabeth’s out of line.

Victor says, if Anna is curious about the deepening bond he has with his son, why ask him? Ask Valentin. Anna says she knows what Valentin’s intentions are when it comes to Victor; now she wants to know Victor’s. What does he want with Valentin? He says, what any parent wants. To see their child excel; to uplift and exalt the family. Most of all, to make him proud. Anna says, okay, and he says, she seems confused. She says, the relationship Victor is describing doesn’t sound reciprocal. It sounds like he’s using Valentin. And knowing what Victor is capable of, compels her to ask, to what end?

Valentin tells Laura that he’s sorry; he misspoke. He meant say, she is a great mayor, and Port Charles continues to thrive…  With all the machinations of ELQ, he’s not sleeping. She says, she’s not going anywhere, and he says he hears the all-stars gathered at Charlie’s to celebrate her. She’s much loved and very respected. Her phone rings, and she says she has to take this. She steps away, the waiter brings the drinks, and Valentin puts something powdered in her iced tea that’s probably not Splenda. After he’s done, with convenient timing, she comes back, telling him, it was Doc. A patient canceled, so he’s on his way over. Valentin says, he certainly won’t be a third wheel, so until Doc arrives, they should make the most of their time. They clink glasses, and as Laura is about to take a sip, her phone dings. She says, what a coincidence; it’s Charlotte. He asks if everything is all right, and she says, everything’s fine. Charlotte was just thanking her for the care package she sent. He says, he wasn’t aware Charlotte needed anything, and she says, it was hardly disaster relief. It was just the new book by her favorite author, and a couple little other fun things she thought Charlotte might enjoy. He says she’s sure she appreciates it, and Laura says, Charlotte’s mother is still not able to be present, so she tries to fill the void when she can. He says, Charlotte’s lucky to have her, and she says, and him. And Charlotte’s not the only lady in his life that feels that way. Anna seems to have grown very fond of him.

Victor says he’ll tell Anna what his plans are for Valentin, provided she tells him why the furtive call to check up on him. She says she’ll never explain herself to him. They can remain mysteries wrapped in riddles inside enigmas forever. He says, it’s obvious to him that she and Valentin don’t know each other nearly as well as they claim to. Nor do they trust each other, which is a pity. Because without trust, she’s nothing more to Valentin than a comely diversion.

Gregory says, for someone who takes issue with his subjective opinion, Alexis certainly prints a lot of them, and calls it hard news. She says, her paper takes stances on vital issues alongside fact-based articles, like the fact-based articles they did on city hall. He says, so will The Invader next be printing an interview with the exculpated mayor? and she says, she doesn’t see why not; they printed the petition against her. He says, she’s still relatively new to journalism. It’s a subject he teaches at university level. She says she’s sure it’s easy for him to sit on his high horse behind ivy walls, but while he’s talking about journalism theory, some of them are out in the field doing actual reporting.

Brook says she’d hoped Chase would see that his intentions were sincere, and when he didn’t… He says, she thought he was overreacting, and she says she did, until she talked with her dad. He helped her see that she probably should have run the whole plan by him, including the revenge plot. He says he also talked to his father. His father and brother urged him to give her the benefit of the doubt. She says, they did? and he says, they saw she was just trying to help him, and… She says, and what? and he says, they don’t seem to think her proposition is as crazy as he does. She gets up, and says, great. Then it’s settled. They move forward with her plan. He says, whoa. Pump the brakes, Quartermaine.

Elizabeth says she can’t believe Terry is taking Britt’s side, and Terry says, Elizabeth knows if she’s on anyone’s side, it’s hers. Elizabeth says, then let her come back to work, but Terry says, no; she’s not ready. Elizabeth says she’s fine. She just can’t stand the way Britt acts like she’s queen of this place. She’s Co-Chief of Staff, not God. Terry says, she is, and Britt asked Elizabeth to go to HR, the same as she would have. Elizabeth says, she was at that clinic voluntary. Why does she need to go to HR? Terry says, for liability purposes, she still needs medical clearance. Did her doctor at Shadybrook sign off? Elizabeth says, she signed herself out, which is her right, and Terry says, it is her right, but was it right for her? Elizabeth says she appreciates Terry’s concern caring for her doesn’t give Terry the right to question her decisions. She shouldn’t have to justify herself to anyone. She turns around and sees Finn.

Chase says he hasn’t agreed to Brook’s pop star scheme, and she says, but he will. It’s inevitable, so why waste time? He says, it’s doubtful it’s going to do either of the things she wants; get him paid or give Linc what he deserves. She says, maybe not, but they don’t know until they’ve tried, and he says, he’s not the pop star she’s envisioning. She says she’s not suggesting they put him in a Spandex onesie and throw glitter all over him, and he says, he doesn’t think the PCPD will value a singing detective as much as she does. She says, if after his suspension, he wants to go back to being a detective, she’ll totally support that. But while he’s in limbo, why not take the road not traveled? Maybe this setback will lead to a new passion. He says, a new passion can be a risky proposition, and she says, but the rewards could be greater than they ever dreamed.

Gregory says he didn’t write the op ed to insult Alexis. In fact, he admires what she’s done in such a short time. She thanks him for that, and says, she’s sure he understands that in the era where news is a click away, she has to distinguish the paper. He says, when she reads what he wrote, she’ll see he doesn’t fault her for that. He merely offers constructive ideas to help maintain integrity in reporting. She says she’ll read the whole op ed piece, put her wrath aside, and let him know if there’s a place for it. She starts to leave, and he says, if she stands by her vision for The Invader, she won’t have a problem printing every word.

Olivia says she’s glad Cody is sticking around. She’d hate for Leo to lose him. Cody says he’d hate to leave behind a brand new friend. Leo is stuck with him. Ned says, that’s good to hear. They’ll let him get back to work. Cody goes in the back, and Olivia asks if Ned is planning on alienating every single person in this house this week. He says he guesses he could have been a little more tactful, and she says, he couldn’t have been less. He says he was just looking out for Leo, and she says she knows that. He says, it looks like he’s been inconsiderate and self-centered all around, and she says, if that’s the road he wants to go down, she’s not going to stop him. He says, and because she deserves to hear this as often as possible, he should have looped her in on his decision making process about his ELQ vote. She says, yes he should have. It’s not like she’s asking for veto power over all his business decisions, but she does expect communication in the marriage. And she’s just going to pray for peace in this family. He says he let her down and he know that; he’s sorry. Now he needs to know they’re okay. She puts her arms around his neck, and says, they’re a team. If they stick with that, they’ll be fine. She kisses him, and he asks if there’s something else bothering her. She says, he picked up on that, and he asks if it’s anything he should know about. She says, things may be fine at home, but at work… it’s all falling apart.

Britt thanks Terry for the back-up, and says she knows Elizabeth is Terry’s friend. Terry says, Elizabeth is her best friend, and Britt says, great. Maybe Terry can tell her what the hell is going on with her BFF.  

Elizabeth walks with Finn, and he says, she looks good. She thanks him, and says she feels good. The pills are out of her system, so no more sleepwalking. He says, that’s a great start, and she says, start? She was at that clinic for weeks. She did the work, and she’s better. Believe her, if she felt like she was a danger to herself, her boys or her patients, she’d still be at Shadybrook. He says, he knows how committed she is to the people in her life. He thinks they’d just like to return the favor. She says she knows, and he asks, then why didn’t she tell anyone when she discharged herself? Or was he the only one who didn’t know?

Anna says, Victor doesn’t know the first thing about her and Valentin. They go back decades, and unlike Victor, his concerned father, she’s been there for him. He says, this isn’t a competition, and she says, if it were, he’d lose. He says, the difference is, unlike her, he trusts Valentin. He relies on Valentin to do what’s expected of him. She says she trusts Valentin too. She just doesn’t trust the people around him. He says, that makes two of us.

Valentin says, Anna spoke to Laura about him? and Laura says, she did. He says, anything she can repeat? and she says, it seems Anna has found a kindred spirit in him. He asks if that’s what she said, and Laura says, it’s not so much what she said, but how she said it, or how she didn’t say it, as the case may be. She does seem to have found the good in him. He says he told Laura it was there, and she says, he did. He seems to get Anna in a way most people don’t; kindred spirits. She just hopes Anna’s faith in him isn’t misplaced. She’s about to take a sip of her tea, and Valentin reaches for the pepper mill, practically shoving it in her face, so she spills her drink. She gets up, brushing herself off, as Doc comes in.

Alexis says, as she told Gregory, The Invader welcomes all viewpoints, even his. She’s sure after it’s proof read, it will be submitted into the next issue. He says, good to hear. Print and digital? She asks, exactly how many platforms does he need? and he says, it’s easier to read the commentary online; he likes the readers chiming in. She says, so he’s pretty sure the feedback will all be in his favor? and he says he suspects many will agree, with tweaks, The Invader is on its way to being a great source of information. She says she suspects the readers will already attest to what they’re doing right, and he says he looks forward to reading their reactions… providing the feedback is uncensored. She asks, what the hell is that supposed to mean?  

Anna’s phone rings, and she says she has to take this. She steps away, and Director Gibson says they received her credentials, and he can confirm Valentin Cassadine was a patient there. Anna thanks him, and says, that’s what she needed to know, but he says, however, his convalescence didn’t occur on the dates she provided. According to their records, he discharged himself after a week. The end date she provided… She says, exceeds that by a lot, and he says, exactly. He’s sure she can’t divulge the nature of the investigation, and that’s fine, but his priority is that the clinic not be held liable for any health implications caused by his early departure. She says, that won’t be a n issue, and he says, great, and asks if there’s anything else he can help her with. She says, no. He’s helped her more than he knows. Victor approaches her, and says, problem? but she just walks away.

Valentin says he’s so sorry, and tells Laura to send him her dry cleaning bill. She says she will, and Doc asks, what happened here? Valentin says he’s afraid Doc arrived to witness a rather inelegant lunch with the pepper. He tells the passing waiter, another iced tea, and says, as he was telling Doc’s wife, he hasn’t been sleeping well, and it’s made him clumsy. Doc says he’s never known Valentin to be clumsy before, but Valentin says, it happens. He apologizes. He looks at Laura, and says he’s so very sorry, and she says, just when things were going so well. Valentin jets, and Doc asks, what’s all this about? She says she wishes she knew. She’s just as confused as he is. Valentin asked to join her, and they had a surprisingly civil conversation. Doc says, he’s about as social as he is clumsy, and she says, today he was both. Doc asks why he doesn’t believe any of it, and she says, because he’s keenly perceptive and smart. He thanks her and kisses her hello, and she asks how things are with him. He says, today could have gone better, and she says, it’s not even lunchtime yet. (I know the feeling.) Is it Elizabeth? He says, she left Shadybrook, and Laura asks if she was his patient cancelation. He says, yeah, and she asks if she should be worried. He says he wishes he could say no.

Terry tells Britt that she’s sorry; Elizabeth’s not like that. Britt says, Elizabeth has been downright hostile to her since they met, and Terry says she knows they never liked each other. Britt says she was terrible to Elizabeth; to everybody. She earned all of her lovely nicknames, but now…? Today, this? Terry says, she’s been going through a lot, and Britt says, she understands, but her time away didn’t seem to have helped at all. Elizabeth seems to be the same… Terry says, again, best friend, and Britt says, challenging personality she always was. Whatever Elizabeth has going on, she can’t bring it to work like that. Terry says, agreed. She just hopes Elizabeth is okay. Britt says, oh, she’s in fine form.

Elizabeth says she’s sorry she didn’t tell Finn, but he says, it’s okay. He was just trying to figure out why she left him out of the loop. He knows he had a little trouble giving her the space she needed to heal, and for that he’s sorry, but he thinks he’s gotten better with that. She says, he has, and he asks if this is the way she wants things going forward; she doesn’t need him around? She says, no. She asked for distance when she was at Shadybrook because she had a lot to work through. She knows he wanted to be there for her and help her, and he did, by allowing her to have the space she needed to take this journey and figure things out on her own. He asks, how’d that go? and she says she learned a lot. The most important thing she realized is, her life is just better with him in it.

Brook and Chase almost kiss, and Brook says, so for what it’s worth (🍷), she thinks he’s the It Factor, and she knows Linc agrees. He says, two people; that’s quite the niche fan base. She asks him to give her his phone, and he does. She says, check this out, and she shows him the video of him singing. She says, whether or not he wants to be a recognized performer, he’s well on his way.

Ned says, if he’d known Carly had invested so heavily in Aurora… and Olivia says she didn’t even know until the morning of the vote. He says, anyway, it’s not going to be a problem, but she says she might end up owning he hotel with some oligarch who’s laundering his money; it’s a problem. He says, not if they buy Carly’s half of the hotel and give it to her, but she says she already floated that idea; it’s not going to happen. Carly said, no dice. He says, not even if they sell it to her at the same price she purchased it? and Olivia says, the history between Carly and the Quartermaines is too much; forget about it. He says, it’s going to be okay. The best partnerships cannot be torn apart. They’re proof of that. He kisses her, and they leave.

Elizabeth says she knows she kept Finn at arm’s length, but it was never meant to hurt him. He says he knows. He can be thick sometimes, and wanted to help. It took time for him to realize she needed some distance, and that’s on him. She asks, what if she told him what she really needs is him? and he says he’d probably tell her that he’s the luckiest guy on the face of the earth. Is she sure? Because everything that was wrong with him before is still there. He’s working on himself, but he has a long way to go. Is she sure she wants all that? She says, all of it, and they kiss. She says she’s sorry about everything she put him through. She promises it’s all behind them, and he holds her.

Cody puts away a saddle, and his phone chirps. A message from Society Set-Ups says they’ve found a match for him.

Britt looks at Elizabeth and Finn, and tells Terry, apparently, there is a lid for every pot, even the cracked ones. Terry says, if that’s true, maybe there’s hope for Britt yet (BA-DUM-CHH!) and walks away. Britt’s phone dings, she looks at it, and says, okay Society Set-Ups. Let’s see what unpromising loser you insist is my perfect match. She sees Cody’s name and photo, and sighs.

Alexis says, first Gregory maligns her leadership of the paper, and now he’s questioning her integrity? He says, he’s merely pointing out how tempting it is to confirm our own biases, and she says, she’s convinced the readers will reject his narrow suppositions. He says, care to make it interesting? and she says, like a bet? He says, unless she’s not as confident as she’s pretending to be, and she says, now his strategy is to call her chicken? She didn’t know they had playgrounds at universities, because that’s clearly where he picked up his tactics. He asks if his tactics are working, and she says, no, but she’ll take his idiotic wager. She’s in. He says, great. What are the stakes? She says, besides the massive hit to his ego? If the readers support him, then she’ll entertain his archaic notions. He says, is that all? and she says, he’s got her time and attention; take it or leave it. He says, done. And on the off-chance the readers side with her? She says, he’ll promise to pipe down, and stick to enlightening young minds. He says, it’s a bet, holding out his hand, and they shake.

Chase looks at the video and says, he can’t believe this. She says, they have to credit Leo. He’s the first one who liked the performance, and it sort of blew up from there. Chase asks how it has so many views, and she says she has an intern at Deception watching it on repeat, and he says, she does? She says, no. The numbers are all him. Face it. There’s an audience who wants him. All they have to do is cultivate it, and monetize it of course (🍷). He asks where they start, and she says, is that a yes? He says, it’s not a no, it’s a how. She says, don’t stress the details. By the time she’s finished these numbers will look quant in comparison. Leave it to her. She’s going to make him a household name.

Anna walks into the MetroCourt Garden, and Laura asks if she forgot something. Anna says she was looking for Valentin. He’s not in his room, so she thought she’d try here. Doc says, her instincts are good, but she just missed him. Laura says she doesn’t know where he went, and Anna says she was going to ask him something, but now that she’s here, she’s changed her mind. Laura asks if everything is okay, and Anna says she’s not sure, but she intends to find out.

Back in the park, Victor asks Valentin, is it done? but Valentin says, no. Laura remains in perfect health. Victor asks, why, pray tell, is that? and Valentin says, because he failed. Victor says, that’s a pity. He’s sure by now Valentin is aware, failure is not an option.

On Monday, Cody asks Britt why he’d leave, now that he’s met his match; Maxie asks why Spinelli would say something like that; and Carly says, it’s her only option.

🗽 Moving It Nice…

I’m not sure what her selling the apartment has to do with RHUGT. Doing it for an extra tag?

💎 Those Horrible, Horrible Women…

This episode turned my stomach. I’m not sure which incident pissed me off more. Kyle accusing Sutton of lying about her miscarriages…

https://screenrant.com/rhobh-kyle-richards-apologizes-sutton-stracke-miscarriage-accusation/

Or Erika cursing out Garcelle’s son – after she hit on Garcelle’s other son. At least Oliver was of age, but still.

🍹 Bring On the Charm…

This doesn’t sound much different from what we saw.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1337327/why-southern-charms-kathryn-dennis-and-chleb-ravenell-really-split

I was stressed too. I even said, no one makes/receives calls while they’re not driving?

🍸 As the Stomach Turns…

Whenever I see his name, all I can think is, that little troll. How dare he have done this to her and that cute little baby?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10996103/Scheana-Shay-blasts-Lala-Kents-ex-Randall-Emmett-reacts-allegations-against-him.html

While Surfing…

Actually, I was watching reruns of the first seasons, and thinking about what an a-hole Adrienne was. Then I stumbled on this.

🏞 Meanwhile, In the Middle Of Nowhere…

All about Plathville, and a little speculation.

https://www.thelist.com/176645/the-untold-truth-of-tlcs-welcome-to-plathville/

https://screenrant.com/why-welcome-plathville-fans-suspect-kim-plath-unfaithful/

👠 Still Posh…

I love her. Can you imagine a woman being intimidated into getting on a scale in public today? Me neither. But she did end up winning at life.

https://people.com/health/victoria-beckham-recalls-being-forced-to-weigh-herself-on-live-tv-after-giving-birth/

https://people.com/health/victoria-beckham-says-being-thin-is-old-fashioned-talks-new-health-and-fitness-journey/

https://people.com/sports/david-and-victoria-beckham-mark-their-23rd-wedding-anniversary/

🩰 Outside the Dreamhouse…

All about the Barbie movie. I can’t wait.

https://people.com/movies/margot-robbie-celebrates-32nd-birthday-pink-barbie-cake-on-set-greta-gerwig-movie/

https://people.com/movies/barbie-movie-set-pictures/

https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a23638293/margot-robbie-barbie-doll-film/

👍 Ending On a Good Note…

I’m not a Hallmark kind of person, but I still appreciate kindness.

👄 Quotes of the Week

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar

Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change. – Thomas Hardy

The four hardest tasks on earth are neither physical nor intellectual feats, but spiritual ones: To return love for hate; to include the excluded; to forgive without apology, and to be able to say, ‘I was wrong.’Unknown

Faith is daring to put your dream to the test. It is better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed. – Robert H. Schuller

Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies, and the character of his friends.K@$H

Above all else, go with a sense of humor. It is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lip is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.Hugh Sidey

You can roll manure in powder sugar, but that still doesn’t make it a jelly donut. – Berta (Conchata Ferrell), Two and a Half Men

👡 Shuffling Off This Internet Coil…

Enjoy formerly known as the weekend, but come back for soap and some Deck when it’s over. Until then, stay safe, stay giving without expecting a return, and stay keeping in mind, we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.

May 27, 2022 – The Hearing Concludes, Claudia, Temp Brando, Bye Chet, Is It On, Kyle Fills Us In, Staging Harry, NJ Changes, Moving, Evil Randall, Deserved, 80s Best, 7 Whole Quotes & Rock

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Scotty asks Michael, cat got your tongue? and Judge Foster tells him to just repeat the question. Scotty asks, what happened between Michael and Claudia Zacchara? (see below if you don’t know/remember) and Michael says, Claudia abducted his mother. Scotty says, Michael didn’t like Claudia much, did he? So what was it like to kill her?

Trina says, Rory’s career is just getting started. She’s not going to let him risk that for her. He says, okay, if she insists on making it all about him, and she says, that being said, she appreciates that he offered. He says, there’s no risk in him checking out a few paintings while he’s here, is there? They look at a painting as Spencer walks in, and Rory says he never paid much attention to art before. He thought of The Chuck as a good spot to eat his lunch, but then he stated looking – really looking… They realize Spencer is behind them, and Spencer says, is this not a good time?

Nikolas asks when Victor got back, and Victor says, his favorite nephew. He’s missed Nikolas. Nikolas says he wishes he could say the same. Whatever the two of them are discussing, it’s going to have to wait. He needs to speak to his wife alone. Victor asks if that’s a good idea. He’s sensing tension between husband and wife here. He’s thinking they might need a referee; that, or a field medic. He thinks he should stick around.

Terry tells Chet not to keep her in suspense. What’s the big news? He says he just got a big job offer. She says, amazing. She didn’t even know he was looking. He says, he didn’t either, and she says she doesn’t understand. He says he didn’t apply for the job. Someone recommended him to a headhunter. She says, sounds like he has an angel somewhere looking out for him, and he says, no kidding. Amy approaches the door, and he asks if Terry ever got a dream job she didn’t apply for.

Diane objects, saying, her client is not on trial, and Judge Foster asks what Scotty’s purpose is with this line of questioning. Scotty says, Michael and Willow contend that his client isn’t fit to have a relationship with her sole grandchild. Let’s see what their fitness is. The judge says she’ll allow, but tread lightly. He says he’d like to submit the autopsy report of Claudia Zacchara. It says that she’s five foot, five inches tall, several inches shorter than Michael, and she was clutching a newborn baby. He hands the judge the report, and Michael says, she was in a basket. Claudia put his newborn sister in a basket. Scotty says, so instead of asking for help or trying to talk her out of it, or any number of things, Michael decided to pick up an ax handle and cave in her head. How did that make him feel? Michael says, when he saw his sister was back in his mother’s arms, he felt relief. Scotty says, some people just get a massage.

Spencer says he’ll get out of their way, and start restituting, but Trina says, he can’t. Spencer says he’s sorry, but a judge disagrees with her; it’s part of his punishment. She says she meant he can’t work at the gallery today. Ava told her to close up early. He asks if Ava will tell that to the court, or will she? Spencer’s phone rings, and Rory says he’s going to bounce. Trina tells him that he doesn’t have to go, and Spencer wonders which crazy is calling him. Rory says he’s going to catch some rays, and thanks Trina for giving him some art to appreciate. He leaves, and Trina looks at Spencer. He says, what? He said he’d get out of her way.

Esme gets Spencer’s voicemail, and says she was just wondering how his talk with Cameron went. If Spencer is still with him, tell him that she’s thinking good thoughts. He didn’t say how long he’d be working at the gallery; hopefully, not too much longer. She’s just finishing packing up, and tooling around Windymere by herself. Come home soon. She hangs up, and says, before she gets into trouble.

Victor says, there’s no shame in admitting Ava and Nikolas are going through a bit of a rough patch right now. All couples go through them. The important thing is, the two of them are better than their low moments. Nikolas tells Victor, he’s been saying something similar for a while now, and Ava says, is that so? Because all she’s heard from him are weak excuses and non-apologies. He asks why he would apologize for doing everything in his damn power to fix things with his son? and she asks if doing everything in his damn power to fix things with Spencer includes being indifferent to her feelings. He says he’s crystal clear about her feelings, and she says, he heard her, didn’t he? Victor asks what all this is about, and Nikolas says, it’s simple. Just as he was getting close to Spencer, Ava managed to drive him away.

Amy listens outside, as Terry says, clearly, the recruiter saw Chet’s resume and thought he was a great fit. So tell her about the job. He asks if she has the time; he knows she’s working. She says she doesn’t think the boss will mind, and he says, it’s in mental health; director of mental outreach at the VA hospital. She says, director? That’s a big deal. He says, it’s one hell of an upgrade from managing a gym, and she says, it’s cause for celebration. Why don’t they hit the MetroCourt after she gets off work. Is he free tonight? He says he can make that happen, but before they make any plans, they should probably have a talk first about the job. She says she’ll be happy to tell him everything she knows about hospital politics, because trust her, there always is some. She actually knows an administrator at the VA. She can call and get the lowdown. He says, that’s the thing. The VA job isn’t in Port Charles; it’s in Chicago. Amy walks in, and says, no. Yes, there is a job, but Chet’s not going to take it.

Ava says she did not drive Spencer away; far from it. She just offered Spencer financial incentive to move out of Windymere and take his sociopathic girlfriend with him. Victor says, Esme, and Nikolas says, who Victor helped him rescue from Sonny Corinthos. Ava says, if only the two of them had left Esme where she was, and Nikolas says, at Sonny’s non-existent mercy? She says, Nikolas and Spencer are the only people in the entire world who believe Esme is some kind of victim. Spencer is young, and infatuated, and stupid. What’s his excuse? Nikolas says, compassion, but she says, no, it’s arrogance. Nikolas wanted to be the one to thwart Sonny, so he invited Esme into their home without even consulting her. He says, while Spencer and Esme were at Windymere, he was starting to build good will with Spencer, and she says, he certainly wasn’t building any with her. He says, so as punishment, she manipulates Spencer, and gives him access to his trust fund, provided he and Esme move out of Windymere. Ava says she didn’t give Spencer access to his trust fund. She tells Victor, she’s giving Spencer an allowance, and he will learn very quickly that his life of ease is directly tied to his ability to satisfy her wishes. Victor says, it sounds like she’s doing obedience training, and she says, then Spencer will earn his first treat when he breaks camp, and takes the minx with him. Victor says, congratulations. He just wishes she’d been a bit more patient. She says, patient? She didn’t chuck Esme off a parapet, so she thinks she’s shown plenty of patience. She tells Nikolas, she also secured the breathing room it will take to save their marriage. He’s welcome. Nikolas says, she thinks she did them a favor by orchestrating his son’s departure? She says, all she did was give Spencer a chance to show Nikolas who he really is. And if he chose to leave the house, he has.

Bringing in some boxes, Spencer says, Trina doesn’t need to stick around to supervise him sending out these mailers, or doesn’t she trust him? Does she really think he’d take off with a Monet? She says, they don’t have any Monets, and he says, whatever. Did she show him the new DeCarlo? She says, who? Rory? Why does he care? He says, because it’s the best thing Ava has. He’d love drawing something like that one day. She says, so chiaroscuro is his thing, and he says he doesn’t know if it’s his thing, but he likes the light and the dark together. If you don’t have the shadows, how do you appreciate the light? He wonders how much it’s worth, and she says, more than he makes at Kelly’s. He says, for her information, his income just got a major boost, and she says, Cam already gave him a raise? He shakes his head, and says, Ava opened the spigots, so to speak. She’s going to let him draw from his trust fund again. Trina says, that doesn’t sound like something Ava would do. Wait. What did he have to do in exchange? And don’t tell her it’s nothing. He says, in order to access his trust fund, he and Esme have to move out of Windymere, and she says she thought he was trying to fix things with his dad. He says he is, and she says, and he still let Ava buy him off, but he tells her, by leaving, he’s helping his father too.

Diane objects, saying, counsel is badgering the witness, and Judge Foster says, sustained. She tells Scotty to perform his stand-up somewhere else, and Scotty asks Michael if anyone was present at the time of Claudia’s death. Michael says, his mother, and Scotty says, surely his mother told the police that he was protecting his sister and her, and Michael says, it’s a matter of public record, and his mother’s name is Carly. He made a full confession and went to prison. Scotty asks how long Michael’s sentence was, and Michael says, five years. Scotty asks how much time Michael served, and Michael says, several months. Scotty says, wow, that’s faster than he gets his dry cleaning back. Diane says, while they’re all enjoying the comedy stylings of opposing counsel, her client paid his debt to society. Scotty asks, what about the debt he owes to his baby sister Avery? Why doesn’t Michael tell the court how snatching a kid from their loving family is his M.O.?

Rory goes the pool, which we haven’t seen in a while, and tells the desk clerk that he has a day pass. He asks if there’s a discount for members of the PCPD, and the guy says, he just needs to see ID. Rory shows him, and he asks if Rory wants a lounge for one; they’re going fast. Rory says, make it two. Someone is joining him.

Spencer stuffs envelopes, and Trina asks how it helps his dad if he leaves Windymere. He says, he has issues with Ava, and Ava has issues with him. She and his dad will have a better shot at fixing their marriage if he and Esme aren’t constantly in the way. Is it so hard to believe he’d do something for someone else? She asks if his dad is aware he’s not leaving just because of the money, and he says, they haven’t discussed it. She says, in other words, no, and he says, it’s a normal thing at their age to be on their own. She and Joss live in the dorms; it’s time for him to move on. He’ll work out things with his dad on the back end. She says, what if his dad holds it against Ava? and he says, then that’s on them. Right now, this is the best he can do. She says she doesn’t believe that, and he asks why she even cares. She has bigger things to worry about, and she says, right. What is she doing here… She starts to leave, but he says, wait. What is going on? Talk to him. Please. She says she has a life. That’s all he needs to know. So stuff those mailers and lock up when he’s done. She leaves, and he swipes the boxes onto the floor.

Esme writes to Maggie that her worry is misplaced. Everything in Port Charles is going swimmingly. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. I don’t have everything I want just yet, but I’m well on my way.

Victor tells Ava, he concedes that Spencer has quite a bit of maturing to do, but he thinks the closer Spencer is to his family, the faster he’ll do that maturing. He thinks they can all agree Spencer’s stubborn streak and obvious attachment to Esme present difficulties, but this family’s weathered worse than that. He refuses to let a little infighting derail a perfectly good marriage. It’s time they came to a compromise. Ava says she doesn’t compromise on trust, and Nikolas says, they appreciate Victor’s interest in bringing them all together, but Esme and Spencer are just on the surface of their issues, and their issues aren’t Victor’s. Victor says, he’ll take that no-so-subtle hint as his cue to leave. He suggests they meet again soon for a proper reunion, with the whole family. He leaves, telling Nikolas, don’t muck this up, nephew. Nikolas says, Ava didn’t need to come between him and Spencer to hurt him; the distance between them did that. She says, it’s not exactly doing her any favors either, and he says, the question is, what are they going to do about it?

Terry says, Amy’s not making any sense, and Chet says, ten minutes ago, she was all fired up about him taking this job. Now she’s not? Terry says she’s guessing Amy loves her big brother and wants him to stay close, but Amy says, Terry is wrong. Of course (🍷) she loves Chet and wants him to stay, just not stay around everyone. Chet says, she’s losing him again, and Amy says, the headhunter who got his resume didn’t get it from one of his buddies. She got it from Amy. Chet says he’s flattered she has so much faith in him, and Amy says, of course (🍷) she does. She knows he can do anything he makes his mind up to, but sending in the resume wasn’t just about helping him. She did it for herself too. When she found out he was dating her boss, she put him up for the job, hoping to keep the two of them apart.

Scotty asks if Michael took his baby sister Avery away from her father, and Michael says he was granted custody. At the time, Avery’s mother was believed to be dead, and her father couldn’t provide a stable home. Scotty says, so Michael swooped in with his money and his lawyers, and stole Avery, but Michael says he didn’t steal her. He thought she was at risk, so he took the steps to protect her like he’s doing with his son right now. Scotty says, maybe Michael’s son needs to be protected from him, and Diane objects, but Michael says, the only person Wiley needs to be protected from is Nina. She’s caused nothing but misery to his family, including Wiley. She’s incapable of acting in Wiley’s best interests because she’s so invested in pitying herself. Nina claims the world has made victims of her and her daughter, but the truth is, Nina and Nelle are nobody’s victims except their own. Scotty says, that’s not the truth. They’re victims of Michael.

Diane says, opposing counsel is again badgering the witness, and the judge tells Scotty, if he has a question, ask it, otherwise, wrap it up. Scotty says, when Nelle found out she was pregnant, is it possible she tried to protect Wiley from him? Is it possible she was afraid he might do to her what he did to Claudia? That he might use Wiley to hurt her, the same way he’s using Wiley to hurt Nina? Diane says, objection, pure conjecture, and Judge Foster says, sustained. She tells Scotty to drop this now, but Scotty asks the judge to look at the anger on Michael’s face. Does she thinks it’s the look Claudia saw right before he bashed her head in?

Chet says, Amy manipulated this whole job offer because she doesn’t like who he’s dating? but Amy says, it’s not that she didn’t like who he’s dating. She didn’t like that the person he was dating was also her boss. Sometimes, she and Terry clash; the truth is, they clash a lot. When she found out they were dating, the only thing she could think was, great. Now she’ll never be able to escape her boss. At work, holidays, and vacations, and family reunions, and double dates, and karaoke night. It’ll never end. And what if she doesn’t suck up to Terry? Will Chet tell her to buzz off? All she could think about was herself, until ten minutes ago. He asks, what happened then? and she says, he started telling her how much he was missing in his life, and how much genuine potential Terry had to offer him.

Ava tells Nikolas, his move. She’s done her part. He says, by luring his son away from him? She says she’s providing them the time and space they need to patch up their marriage, without the interference of two people who didn’t want them together in the first place. He says he believes Spencer was beginning to accept them, and she says, then why was he so eager to go? Spencer obviously has bigger priorities than reconciling with Nikolas. And let’s be honest. They have bigger problems than Esme and Spencer, and where they’ll be living. He says, as she proved by sticking it to him, and going after Spencer on her own. If she only would have come to him to him first… She says, like he came to her before he invited Esme into their home? He says she keeps wanting to make this a choice; her or his son, his marriage or his family. Ava gets teary, saying, and here she thought she was his family too. If anyone has a choice to make, maybe it’s her choice. She can stick around and watch him dither over Esme, or walk away.

Esme hears a door open, and puts her letter writing stuff away. Spencer comes in, and she asks if he got her voicemail. How’s Cameron? He asks how she thinks he is? His mother is having a nervous breakdown. She says, that’s something that should make him sad, but he’s angry. Did he get into it with Ava when he was doing his indentured servitude? He says, not Ava, and she says, oh, of course (🍷). Trina.

Trina arrives at the pool, looking very cute in a sundress, and tells the clerk that her family has a membership under Dr. Portia Robinson. Does he think she can get a lounge? He says, sorry. They’re all taken, but feel free to have a seat at the bar. She says she should have come earlier. Thanks anyway. He leaves, and she says, she wonders if… Rory gets out of the pool, and Trina lowers her sunglasses to watch him towel off. He smiles at her, and she smiles back.

Diane says, just a couple of questions for Michael. Does he know the significance of March 19th, 2021, and September 23rd, 2021? He says, not off the top of his head, and she says, March 19th is when Nina left Port Charles for Nixon Falls, and found his father who had lost his memory. The second date is when Nina returned to Port Charles after her deceit had been uncovered. That’s six months. During those six months, how many times did Nina Reeves ask to see Wiley? He says, twice, and she says, wow, great grandmother. Scotty objects, saying, that’s not a question; that’s commentary. (He might have added that they made it difficult for her to see Wiley in the first place.) Diane says, next question. How did the visits go? Were there any issues? Michael says, the timing of the second visit. It happened the day after his father returned. Nina showed up and asked to visit with Wiley. She asks if Nina told him that she where his father had been for the past six months, but he says, no. In retrospect, they realized she was just trying to get in one last visit before the truth of what she’d done came out. She asks if there were any other visits that prompted concern on his part, and he says, earlier, when she first met Wiley. She told Wiley that Willow wasn’t his real mother, that Nelle was, and he was far too young to understand that kind of information. It immediately had a negative impact. She asks if he’s opposing Nina’s petition for visitation to punish her, but he says, no. She asks if it’s some kind of payback or spite for the harm she’s caused Michael and his family, and he says, no. She asks, then why is he opposing Nina having contact with Wiley? and he says, Nina has been consistently untruthful with him and Willow. She has a history of emotional instability, and seems far more invested in redeeming Nelle than in Wiley’s well-being.

Rory says, she made it, and Trina says she did. He says he was worried. Things seemed kind of tense between her and Spencer when he left. Since she’s busy looking at his bangin’ bod, she doesn’t hear him, and says, what? He asks if things are okay with Spencer, and she says, things are the same with Spencer. They don’t communicate very well. He asks if that’s all. He hopes she doesn’t mind him saying this, but she seems a little off. She says, it’s her first time back at a pool; she’s not used to so much sun. He suggests they have a seat, but she says, they’re all taken; she got here too late. He says, but he didn’t. He snagged her one, and don’t get out her wallet; he already got her a day pass. She says, that’s sweet, but in the future, her family already has a membership, and he says, good to know. She asks how he knew she was coming here; she didn’t even know she was coming here. Why did he get her a lounge? He says, he dropped a hint that he was going to be catching some rays, and this is the closest pool to the gallery. What can he say? He’s an optimist.

Spencer says, he doesn’t want to talk about Trina, and Esme says, that’s a first. He says, what was that? and she says, Trina isn’t her favorite subject either, but whatever Trina did is obviously bothering him. She hates to see him like this. He asks, how is this not talking about Trina? Besides, Trina has nothing to do with her. She says, got it; noted. But she has to wonder what Trina has to do with him. They’re no longer close, right? He no longer cares about her, right? Trina threw vile accusations out there about his girlfriend, so she has to wonder why every encounter triggers something. He says he doesn’t know, but it does. So just drop it, and he will too. She tells him, easier said than done, and he says, let’s go for one last ride. It will surely help; it’s a gorgeous day. She says she’s not looking for a distraction; she’s looking for answers. He says, fine. Come, don’t come; he doesn’t care. She says, they’re not finished with this conversation, and he says, they’re not having a conversation. She’s ripping into him. Esme says, she’s trying to figure out why he keeps going back to this girl who keeps looking down on him, when the person right in front of him is winning to do anything for him. He says he’s going for a ride. They can talk after. She says, walk out that door, and she may not be here when he gets back.

Nikolas says, Ava is already sleeping in another bedroom. What is she threatening? Separation? Divorce? She says she’s not doing this anymore. She’s not going to be second in his life; she deserves better. He asks if she honestly thinks another man is going to give that to her. They both know they’re difficult people and a very acquired taste. She asks if he’s saying she should just put up with his disregard and thoughtless treatment, and he says, it was never perfect between them, but it was good, and it worked. She says, it doesn’t now; not for her, not anymore. He says, she loves him and he loves her, and she says, it’s true, but what are words without deeds? She’ll give him time to think about that, but not too much. He asks if she thinks it’s all on him; that she doesn’t have any part to play or amends to make? That he’s just going to come crawling back to her. She says she does. Because she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. He’ll see it. She just hopes it’s not too late.

Diane says she’d like to enter two exhibits into evidence. The first is the criminal record of Michael Corinthos. The second is the criminal record of Nelle Benson-Jerome. Nelle’s record is considerably bigger, and Diane tells the judge to interpret it as she will. No further questions. Judge Foster gives them a thirty minute recess, and asks to meet the attorneys in her chambers. Michael and Willow hug, and Nina says she hopes Scotty isn’t in too much trouble. He says, trouble? By the time this is over, he’ll be lucky if he can practice in a food court. Everyone disperses, and Nina looks at Sonny.

Rory says, this is nice, and Trina says, very. She asks if he knows her friend Joss, and he says, Joss is unforgettable. She says, Joss’s mom co-owns the MetroCourt, so she and Joss came here pretty regularly last summer. He says, it’s his first time here. He’d heard about it, but up to today, he was more of a lake guy. A waiter brings them drinks, and Rory tells Trina, non-alcoholic of course (🍷). He took the liberty of ordering for them both. She says, he thought of everything, and he says he thinks he could get used to this lifestyle. They clink glasses, and he tells her, don’t worry about the cost; PCPD officers get a discount. She thanks him, not just for the drink, but everything. He asks, what’s everything? He got her a drink and a lounge chair. She says, taking her mind of the Title IX report and Spencer, and he says, he must be doing a poor job if she’s still it bringing up. She says, good point. Let her try again. Thank you for the lounge chair, and the drink, and mostly the company. He says, that, he will drink to, and they clink glasses. They steal looks at each other when the other isn’t looking.

Spencer asks if Esme is threatening him, and she says, of course (🍷) he would see it that way. No, she’s not threatening him. She’s standing up for herself. He doesn’t get to just walk out and ignore her because she’s asking hard questions. He says, the way he sees it, she didn’t get her way, and resorted to an ultimatum. That’s never going work for him. She says, being taken for granted doesn’t work for her. He acts like she’s disposable, and she’ll always stand by him, no matter how poorly he treats her. He should know better than to think everyone’s still going to stick around. He says he just can’t talk to her when she’s like this. He’ll be back after he takes a ride. They can try to talk again after she calms down. She says, wait, but he closes the door behind him.

A martini is slid in front of Ava, and she says, she didn’t order… He’s back. Victor says, he never left. He was concerned things might not go so well with her and Nikolas. She says, his instincts were spot-on. Nikolas left. He says he saw, but he does think Nikolas will be back. She shrugs, and says she thought so too, but she’s been wrong before. Maybe this time she’s overplayed her hand. We see Nikolas go into Windymere and pour a drink, and Ava says, maybe Nikolas just doesn’t see her for who she is. By the way, their marriage may truly be at an end. Esme watches from the doorway as Nikolas downs his drink.

Amy says she’s so sorry. She wishes she had minded her own business and left well enough alone. She tells Chet, please forgive her, or don’t. Just please don’t take that job. She leaves and Terry shakes her head, and says, his sister takes go big or go home to new heights. He says, she was always dramatic. He just doesn’t see how he can take that job now. Terry says she doesn’t see how he can’t.

Nina tells Sonny, Michael turned The Invader against her. He dredged up all her past mistakes, and her mental illness. She wanted to take the high road, but there was no road to take. She did what she had to, and hopes he understands, even if he can’t forgive her. Carly watches from the hallway, and Sonny touches Nina’s face. Carly moves on, and after a moment, Sonny leaves.

In the hallway, Michael says, Nina got what she wanted. Scotty made Nelle look like a victim, hiding Wiley from him. Sonny comes out, looks at Michael, then keeps going. Carly tells Michael, it doesn’t matter. Scotty was just trying to take the attention away from Nina. Michael says, it’s still out there, and one day he’ll have to answer for it to Wiley.  

Nina calls Obrecht, and says, they have a short recess. Willow walks in, and Nina says, she probably has time for a quick cup of coffee. She tries to pass Willow, who grabs her arm and says, she’s not going anywhere.

On Monday, Esme tells Nikolas that her relationship with Spencer is over; Michael says, one day he’ll have to face the bad parts of his life with Wiley; and Willow tells Nina, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

⚖️ Scotty’s Question…

All about Claudia Zacchara. I don’t remember this, but I might not have been watching at the time. There were a few times I was pissed off and took a break.

⚙️ Interim Mechanic…

Brando is the latest in temporary recasts.

🔌 But We Hardly Knew Ye…

Sadly, just when I was getting used to Chet and liking him with Terry, poof! he’s gone.

📺 Memorial Day Viewing…

What soaps are on. GH is a no.

💎 Much Ado About Not Much…

Backlash and found unseen footage.

💋 All About Harry…

Did anyone seriously think anything LisaR does isn’t staged?

📉 Changes Maybe…

How come it’s always Frank that has the skinny?

🐎 And Stuff…

Somehow I don’t see Jax lasting long in Kentucky.

🍸 He’s a Creep, He’s a Weirdo…

Lala dodged a serious bullet.

🏆 It’s About Damn Time…

I’ve always admired Angela Lansbury. Her genius career is to be envied. She started off as a big screen ingenue, was a Broadway baby, and even became an old lady detective on the small screen. And at 96, she’s still going strong. I saw her in Sweeney Todd and she was magical. I doff my cap.

https://people.com/theater/tony-awards-2022-angela-lansbury-to-receive-lifetime-achievement-award/

🎧 In the Background…

I love 80s music, but no Fast Times at Ridgemont High?

https://ew.com/movies/the-best-80s-movie-soundtracks/

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. – George Eliot

To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility — these are marks of maturity and graciousness. – William Arthur Ward

It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. – Maya Angelou

Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.Friedrich Nietzsche

If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes. – Corrie ten Boom

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom. – Bob Dylan

By hero, we tend to mean a heightened man who, more than other men, possesses qualities of courage, loyalty, resourcefulness, charisma, above all, selflessness. He is an example of right behavior; the sort of man who risks his life to protect his society’s values, sacrificing his personal needs for those of the community. – Paul Zweig

🦅 Honoring Those Who Served…

As you sail off for Memorial Day weekend, enjoy yourself, but keep in mind the point of the whole thing. That said, see you at the usual Deadtime, because they don’t care about the long weekend. Until then, stay safe, stay appreciating those who serve, be it our country or behind the fast food counter, and stay not compromising when it comes to trust.

March 25, 2022 – Jordan Follows Up On a Tip, Their Song, Hold Up, New Start, a Fight, a Spin-Off, a Crossover, Two Firsts, Teresa Tales, Nasty, Apology, On the Range, Legacy, New Award, The 12 Of Quotes & Spice

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny asks what kind of favor Curtis is talking about, and Curtis says he knows Sonny has access to certain kinds of information. Sonny asks if he can be more specific, and Curtis says he has to get his hands on a certain police file.

Nikolas says, perhaps it’s time Victor told them exactly what he’s been planning since before he got back in town, and Victor says, maybe Nikolas is right. Nikolas says, he’s got their attention; what’s the big plan? Victor says he’s afraid the information is for family only, and Nikolas says, they are family. Victor says, some more so than others, and looks at Ava.

At the MetroCourt, Taggert tells Portia, stop worrying; Trina is only ten minutes late. And frankly, it’s giving him some time to wrap his head around this Joss and Cam sex tape. Whaat? Portia says she doesn’t think you can actually call it a sex tape when the people involved don’t know they’re being taped, and he says, that would be considered revenge porn, and that is against the law in the state of New York. She says she just thinks it’s disgusting that anyone would target Trina’s friends in that way. To her, too much of their kids’ lives are already on the internet for everyone to see, but to exploit someone’s private moments like that, that’s disgusting. He asks, what about Spencer Cassadine’s girlfriend? Really? Accusing Trina of posting this video? Portia just hopes this makes Trina realize that Esme and Spencer are bad news all around for her. He says, look who it is, and nuTrina walks over. They hug her, and Taggert says he’s so glad she could make it. He’ll tell the hostess they’re ready. Trina says she can’t stay; she has class in thirty minutes. Unless they want her to blow off class. Portia says, perish the thought, and Taggert says he’s amazed at Trina’s schedule; full time student at PCU, along with her new job at the gallery. Trina says she knows what they’re doing, and Portia says, trying to spend time with their precious girl? but Trina says, they’re trying to see if she’s surviving all this craziness. Taggert says, since she brought it up, how is she handling this Joss and Cam thing? Trina says, it’s horrible, but it’s made her realize she needs to be more careful about who she spends her time with.

Stating the obvious, Spencer says, this is a pregnancy test, and Esme snatches it out of his hand. She says, what it is, is none of his business. He wants her out of here? Fine. She’ll go. He says, wait, and she asks what else he can say, because he’s already broken her heart.

At the station, Dante asks if he can talk to Jordan, and she asks, what’s up? He says he was talking to ADA Rodriguez about possible charges against whoever put that video of Joss and Cameron out on the internet… and she says she’s stopping him there.

Cameron and Josslyn walk into an empty classroom, and Cameron asks if they’re really that late. Josslyn says, that’s weird. She thought Professor Kahn would still be there, so at least they could explain the situation. He asks if she thinks they’re the first to use still talking to the police as an excuse for missing class, but she says she thinks Professor Kahn has heard every excuse in the book. He says, Josslyn was quiet on the ride over, and she says she was thinking about her interview with Detective Lopez, going over her statement in her head, making sure she covered everything. Why don’t they check and see if the professor is in her office? He says, they don’t have to leave just yet; they can spend a few more minutes here. She asks, why? What’s wrong? He says he just thinks things are a little chaotic out there. They can spend a sec in here, while everyone is getting situated in their classes. She says, so there’s fewer people watching them walk down the hall? and he says she’s got him. She asks if he really cares what random people think, and he says he doesn’t want to care, but it’s their first day back since the video came out. It’s obvious people are talking about us. She says, about us? It’s mostly about her.

Sonny says he knows Curtis had a big part in taking down Cyrus Renault when he was living in Nixon Falls, and he kind behaved badly at The Savoy a couple months ago… Curtis says, don’t even worry about it. He knows Sonny was going through a lot. He was trying to save his marriage. Curtis’s marriage with Jordan blew up over a year ago, and he knows exactly how difficult that is. Sonny says he appreciates that. So Curtis wants him to get a sealed arrest record? Before he goes any further, who’s it for? Curtis says, it’s for his presumed dead, but very much alive, father.

Portia says, tell her more about who Trina is going to allow in her life, and most important, who she’s not. Trina says she visited Spencer at Spring Ridge, and made it very clear she can’t be friends with him as long as he’s involved with Esme. And Spencer stayed with Esme, which definitely clarifies things, and frees her from any impulse to worry about him. Portia says she’s proud of Trina, and Taggert says, good for her for standing up for herself. Trina says, but it’s hard, because she still thinks he’s a good person deep down. Taggert says he doesn’t know about that. He remembers way back when, when Nikolas was a few years older than Spencer. He was dating Taggert’s sister Gia, and he doesn’t think the Cassadines strike him as particularly deep. Portia asks what class Trina is off to, and Trina says, Social History Through Art. Portia asks if Joss and Cam are in that class too, and Trina says, no, but even if Joss was, she wouldn’t be there. She hasn’t been in any of her classes since… Taggert says he knows about the video. Her mother told him all about it. So how is Joss handling all this? Trina says she’s not sure. She’s been staying at her mom’s rather than the dorm. It’s like Joss needs to hide out for a while, which she totally understands, so she’s trying to give Joss her space. Portia says, if she were in Josslyn’s position she wouldn’t want space; she’d want her best friend. Trina says, Joss hasn’t texted her in a while. She figures if Joss wants to hear from her, Joss will let her know.

Cameron says, us, you, it’s doesn’t matter; we’re in this together. Josslyn says, they’re both in the video together, and both had a private moment stolen from them, but the fallout is different. It shouldn’t be, but it is, because she’s being slut-shamed all over the place. People are making fun of her, they’re critiquing her body, they’re judging her for even having sex at all, and Cameron tapped that. She’s just some tramp who gave it away. He says he’s sorry, and she says, it’s nothing that he did. It’s just the way things are. She knows the only way out is through, and she just has to face it down, and keep moving forward. Trust her, that’s what she’s going to do, but she hates that she has to deal with something that’s so ugly, sexist, and blatantly unfair. He says he’s sorry, and he knows it’s unfair. He saw the way she reacted when they thought people were whispering, and she says she thought she handled it pretty well. He says, no one else would have noticed, but he knows her. He knows when she’s confident, and when she’s only pretending to be. She says she loves how he knows her, and kisses him, but then pulls away, saying, she hates how this bothers her so much because it shouldn’t. They didn’t do anything wrong. He says, this is why he didn’t want to do the Invader article, but she says, they needed to go on record. They needed to state they didn’t record that or post it themselves. And it’s also important for people to know how invasive this entire experience was, and they can help other victims of revenge porn. He says he agrees with everything she’s saying. He just can’t bear to see her get hurt. She says, he doesn’t have to protect her; it’s not his job. She didn’t ask for any of this, but here they are, and she’s not going to hide. He tells her, he didn’t say they have to hide, but they don’t have to be in the spotlight either. She asks why he didn’t say this before, and he says he did. She asks him, then what is he saying? This is her fault now?

Nikolas says, as far as he’s concerned, Ava is more his family than Victor. Anything Victor has to say, he can say to both of them. Victor says he’s sorry, but no, and Ava says, that’s okay, and gets up. It’s sort of a compliment really. Nikolas can tell her later; she’ll be at the bar.

Spencer says, Esme knows he’d never intentionally hurt her, and she says, like he knows she’s not the one responsible for that disgusting video. He says, they’re not talking about the video. Why does she have a pregnancy test? She asks why he thinks? They made love that night before he went to Spring Ridge. He says, she’s pregnant?

Dante says, revenge porn is a crime in the state of New York; what’s the problem? Jordan says she’s aware of that. An investigation into the video of Josslyn and Cameron has been opened. He can provide back-up support as needed, but that’s it. Josslyn is his stepsister. She can’t risk the defense casting doubt on any information he receives. He says, who his father married shouldn’t disqualify him as an investigator, and she says, he needs to take a step back from this one. And any evidence he does uncover, he needs to take to Detective Lopez immediately. He says, by the book; got it. She says she understands his frustration, but take it from her, nothing good comes from breaking the rules. Been there, done that, and it didn’t end well.

Curtis tells Sonny, his dad who he thought was dead, suddenly shows up in Port Charles a few months ago. You would think he’d be ready to answer some questions, but instead, he’s been extra cagey about where and when he’s been. He says he wants to start over. Curtis had Drew do a deep dive into his background, which prompted Marshall to admit to Curtis that he has a criminal record, and it’s been sealed. Sonny says, with all due respect, why is it Curtis’s business? and Curtis says, normally, it isn’t. They all have a past they’re not proud of, including him. Sonny says, but Curtis wants him to get sealed information on his father, and Curtis says he has reason. Marshall’s been lying to him.

Victor says, he’s spent too many years preparing for this to have it all fall apart now, and Nikolas says he still has no idea what Victor is talking about. Victor says, Time was, the Cassadines were among the most powerful families on this planet, and Nikolas asks if that’s not a little exaggerated, but Victor disagrees. Heads of state would routinely line up to do business with them. They were true power players on the international stage, and it’s high time they reclaimed that influence.

Ava goes over to Portia and Taggert’s table, and says, good evening. She asks if Trina will be joining them, but Portia says, she’s already come and gone; she had to get to class. Taggert says, they were lucky to get ten minutes with her. It amazes him how that girl races through life. Ava says, ah, the energy of youth, when Taggert’s phone rings. He steps away to take the call, and Portia invites Ava to join her. Ava says, just for a minute. She’s actually here for a family celebration. She sits down, and Portia asks, what’s the celebration? Ava says, Spencer’s release from Spring Ridge, and Portia says, forgive her if she doesn’t find that a reason to celebrate. Ava says she agrees with Portia, but for Nikolas’s sake, she’s playing nice. Portia says, better Ava than her, and Ava says, make no mistake though, it’s going to be difficult, especially when Spencer starts work at the gallery for restitution. It helps that he won’t be answering to her directly; Trina will be supervising him. Portia says, that’s not going to happen.

Spencer says, Esme is pregnant? Why didn’t she say anything? She asks when she was supposed to tell him, before or after he called her a monster? For the record, she hasn’t taken the test yet, but she is late. She kept waiting to get her period, but after ten days, she finally chalked up the nerve to get the test. He says, she thought she might be pregnant for over a week, and didn’t say anything? and she says, it was his last week in prison. She thought he had enough to worry about without the possibility of being a father. He says, well, let’s find out. She needs to take that test – right now.

Cameron says he doesn’t want to fight, and Josslyn says, neither does she. He says they have to remember they’re in this together, and she says, yes, they are, and there’s no reason to hide in here, so let’s go. Trina walks in, and says, hi. It’s been a few days since they’ve seen each other. Cameron says, which is pretty weird, right? and Trina says, right. How are they doing? Josslyn says, hanging in there, and Cameron says, class is over. Why is Trina here? Trina says she was looking for Professor Kahn, but Cameron says, she already left. Trina says she’s got to get to her next class, but Josslyn says, wait. This is crazy. Trina says, it is. She missed them so much. Josslyn says, they missed her too, and they have a three-way hug.

Sonny asks how Curtis knows his father was lying, and Curtis says he had Drew go along with the background check. He found some information that made Curtis question Marshall’s account of where he’s been all these years. He’s all for a person’s right to privacy, but when they start lying to him, he needs to know why. Sonny flashes back to picking Marshall’s prescription bottle off the floor and giving it back to him, and says he can’t help Curtis.

Portia says she thinks Spencer’s a bad influence on Trina, and she knows Ava cares about Trina, which is why she’s asking Ava to reconsider making Trina Spencer’s supervisor. Can’t someone else do it? Ava says, when she spoke to Trina about it, she seemed fine working with Spencer, but Portia says, things change. She suggests Ava check in with Trina, and see how she’s currently feeling about Spencer.

Jordan tells Dante, don’t get her wrong. She’s done questionable things in the past when her family was involved. She learned her lesson the hard way, and it’s because of that experience that she refuses to bend the rules again. It’s a very slippery slope. He says he knows, and he doesn’t want to compromise the case, but he’s concerned about Joss and Cameron and what they’re going through, and wants to help. She says she feels the same, but Josslyn and Cameron are doing okey. Detective Lopez said their statements were clear and very helpful. He says he doesn’t want it slipping through the cracks, and she says, it won’t. Josslyn and Cameron are victims of a crime, and the perpetrator’s not getting away with it.

Trina says, it was good of Cameron to leave them alone, and Josslyn says, Trina knows Cam. He’s super considerate, and she’s in desperate need of some girl time. Trina says, her too. Did Josslyn get her text? Josslyn says, no. When did she send it? Trina says, when the video came out. She wanted Josslyn to know she was thinking about her. Josslyn says, she got so many pervy messages that day, she started deleting them without looking. She must have accidently deleted Trina’s too. Did Trina get her text? Trina says, she did, but all it said was that Josslyn was staying at her mom’s house, and then she didn’t hear anything else. Josslyn says she didn’t hear anything else from Trina either. Why didn’t she text again? Trina says, when Josslyn didn’t respond to her first text, she figured Josslyn needed space. Josslyn says, space from the world, absolutely, but space from Trina, never. Trina should know that. Trina says, how? Josslyn didn’t come to the dorms; she didn’t respond back to Trina’s text. Josslyn says, she explained that, and Trina says she gets that now, but then, she thought Josslyn didn’t want to hear from her. Josslyn asks why she wouldn’t want to hear from Trina, and Trina says, Josslyn knows how her brain works. When she doesn’t get information, her brain makes up crazy scenarios, and the longer the silence was, the crazier they got. Josslyn says, like what? and Trina says she thought Esme got to Josslyn, and she believed Trina was behind the video.

Esme says she’s not taking this test now, and Spencer asks, why not? She says, because she needs to get out of here. She can’t stand to look at him one more minute. If Laura hadn’t kept her here, she would have been long gone. He says, without telling him that she might be pregnant, and she tells him, stop making this about him. It’s her body. He agrees it is, but if she’s pregnant, it’s his baby too. She asks if he’s going to grow out of his clothes. Is he going to have morning sickness? Is he going to grow a person inside of him for nine months? He says, they’re getting way ahead of themselves. They don’t even know if she’s pregnant. They used protection. She says, which isn’t 100% effective; no one likes to talk about that, but it’s the truth. What is she going to do with a baby? She can’t even take care of a dog. He says, they don’t know there is a baby, which is why she needs to take the test. There’s a knock at the door, and he tells her to ignore it, but she opens it. Cameron says, he’s sorry. Is this a bad time? Esme says, no. She was just leaving. Spencer says, no, they need to talk, but she says, her body, her choice, and leaves. Cameron asks, did just say… and Spencer says, there’s a chance Esme could be pregnant. Outside, Esme leans on the door a moment. It’s hard to tell what she’s feeling, since she makes a bunch of faces, then she leaves.

Curtis asks if Sonny can’t help him or won’t, and Sonny says, Curtis should know the truth, and he could help, but he chooses not to. To him, it’s a family matter between Curtis and his father. He doesn’t want to get involved. Curtis says he needs to know the truth, and Sonny agrees. Curtis should know the truth, but he should get it through Marshall himself. Hear him out. Marshall’s not a fan of his, and if he gets involved, it’s going to make it worse.

Nikolas says, that’s it? All of these mentions of a momentous plan, and Victor has just been referring to a business merger? Victor says, this is no simple business merger. He can assure Nikolas, the resources they’ll gain from Bronze Hills Holdings (I think – sounds like) will be a significant step in this family regaining its former power. Nikolas tells Victor, he’s not saying it won’t be a financial benefit, because he knows it will be. He just expected more. Victor says, like what? and Nikolas says, Victor made it sound like something… Victor says, sinister? Like world domination? He’s not quite as out there as Nikolas’s grandfather Mikkos was. Nikolas tells him, he was going to say criminal. They’ve both crossed that line in the past. Victor says, true. He’s not one to arcane laws and petty bureaucracy get in his way. However, right now he’s focused on building a power base. The question is, does he have Nikolas’s support?

Cameron tells Spencer, hold on. Can they back up? Esme had her bags packed and they were obviously fighting. Does he want to know what it was about? Spencer says he accused Esme of recording Cam and Josslyn and posting it. Cameron asks what she said, and Spencer says, she denied it of course (🍷). Then she tried to blame Trina, which is absurd. Cameron says, completely, and Spencer says, he defended Trina, which made Esme furious, and they broke up. They just had the same argument at Spring Ridge, and she stormed out, but he didn’t know it was over. Esme decided they were, and she was almost out the door before he saw she had a home pregnancy test. Can Cameron believe she wasn’t even going to tell him? Cameron says, that’s a lot, and Spencer says, if Esme is pregnant, he’s going to be a father. Cameron asks what Spencer is going to do, but Spencer says he honestly has no idea, and goes upstairs with his bag.

Josslyn says, she and Trina both know it was Esme who posted that video, after she found a way to record her and Cam without their knowledge. It was her. It was all her from the jump. How could Trina think Josslyn could blame her for this? Trina says, it’s just that things got so weird that night at the cabin. The hot toddy hit her so hard, she still can’t remember everything that happened, and since that was the night the video was made… Josslyn says, please. It was Esme. Esme has hated Josslyn from the second Esme laid eyes on her. Why? Because Josslyn could tell she was psycho. It was Nelle 2.0 waiting to happen. And that’s why Josslyn got so frustrated when Esme presented Trina that phony apology at Kelly’s, and Trina went along with it. Trina takes Josslyn’s hands, and says she owes Josslyn a major apology. Esme was all upset because Spencer gave her that art book, and Trina didn’t want Esme to feel like she was taking her boyfriend. Not because of Esme, but Trina didn’t want to feel like that kind of person. She also didn’t know how she felt about Spencer. But Josslyn’s right about all of it. Esme is a whack job, and Spencer’s just… blind. She should be thanking Josslyn for calling Esme out, instead of being offended. Josslyn says, it’s okay, but Trina says, don’t tell her it’s okay. Josslyn is going through hell, and Esme is trying to blame Trina for it. She’s hateful and horrible, and Trina should have never tried to compromise with her. Josslyn says, they came to it from two very different experiences. Trina believes in compromise, and most of the time, compromise is a good thing, but not when it comes to Esme. She sees that, and takes it as a sign of weakness, and that gives her an opportunity, an opening. That’s why Josslyn shouldn’t have even gone on the ski trip in the first place, because Esme pushed so hard for it. She should have realized Esme had an agenda. Trina asks if Josslyn thinks Esme always meant to tape her and Cam, and Josslyn says she thinks Esme always meant to hurt them. Not her and Cam, but her and Trina.

Officer Perez hands Jordan an envelope, saying, this file was just delivered. Detective Lopez sent it over. It’s information on that PCU sex video from the anonymous tip line. She thanks him, and since Dante has nothing better to do than lurk around, he appears at Jordan’s shoulder and asks, what kind of information? She looks at it, and says, the damning kind. An eyewitness account, naming the perp.

Sonny says Curtis’s father has some kind of problem with him because he saw Sonny at the hospital with TJ, and he didn’t like it one bit. Curtis says, so his long lost dad doesn’t like Sonny; that’s why Sonny is protecting him? Sonny tell Curtis, he’s not saying no for Marshall’s sake. He’s saying no for Curtis. He knows what it’s like to be in a difficult relationship with a father. He didn’t speak to his dad for years. Everybody tried to intervene; everybody tried to fix it. But there was only going to be two people who could salvage the relationship – him and his dad. So if Curtis wants to know what’s in that sealed criminal record, he has to go to Marshall. Marshall walks in, sees them, and does not look happy.

Taggert says he’s so glad he and Portia decided to stay for dinner. It’s nice. What is this Trina is telling him about her and Curtis shacking up? She says, shacking up? Really? They’re buying a home together. It’s out by Queen’s Point, it’s right on the water; it’s so beautiful. He asks if they’ve moved yet, and she says, they’re in the process. He says he’s happy things are so going so well with her and Curtis, and she thanks him, adding, it means a lot, considering their history. He says, the past is long gone. The only thing is to move forward. She says, and now that Spencer’s in the rearview, things are looking up everywhere. He says, Trina and Josslyn still need to get beyond that speedbump in their relationship, and she says she thinks they will. They’ve been friends forever. It’s almost like they’re sisters. He says, he and his sister had some vicious fights back in the day, and she says, but at the end of the day, he and Gia always loved each other. The same goes for Trina and Joss.

Josslyn says, Cam’s a guy. He tried to accept Esme for Spencer’s sake, but Esme always saw both of them as a threat for different reasons. She was always going to try and take them down. Trina says, it’s so good to hear her say this. To see through that hateful… Josslyn says, bitch? Trina says she loves the way Josslyn hates, and Josslyn says, it’s a true talent. Trina says she just wishes she’d known what Josslyn was thinking, but Josslyn says she should have reached out. Trina asks why she didn’t, and Josslyn says, this whole situation was completely overwhelming. It’s total public humiliation. Everyone on social media has an opinion on it. She can’t tell Trina how many people she doesn’t even know called her some variation of a slut or a whore. But it gets even grosser. She’ll also see messages and posts calling her hot, and asking if she and Cam are exclusive. Trina says, that’s so inappropriate, and Josslyn says, yeah, but they’re of legal age now. Does Trina remember how excited and happy they were when they were turning 18 and got to vote? Trina says, yeah, it felt so grown up, and Josslyn wonders, is this the other side of adulthood? What happened to common decency? It feels like it’s been open season on her. Trina says, it’s beyond awful, and Josslyn says, it’s horrible, and when she didn’t hear from Trina, she thought Trina was embarrassed to be her friend. Trina hugs her, and says, never in a million years.

Spencer says, the more he thinks of it, Cameron had the right idea. Cameron asks what he means, and Spencer says, staying a virgin for life. Cameron says, Spencer and the whole world know he’s not a virgin, but Spencer says he seriously doubts that Cameron’s little video has been seen by the whole world. Cameron says Spencer is a poor excuse for a friend, and Spencer says, possible father here. That’s way bigger than a temporary embarrassment. Cameron says, maybe for him, but for Joss, it’s so much worse. They’re being absolutely savage to her online. He’s getting virtual high-fives, while they’re calling her a slut. It’s not fair. Spencer says, it’s awful. He’s really sorry Josslyn is going through that. Cameron says, now Spencer believes Esme is behind the video? but Spencer says he doesn’t want to believe it. Esme’s been so good to him. Cameron says, that works out nice for Spencer, but what about the rest of the planet? Spencer says he knows, just because Esme is good to him doesn’t mean she’s necessarily good to everyone else. Cameron says, Spencer has to face it. She’s sneaky and vindictive. Spencer says, and possibly the mother of his child.

On the phone, Ava asks Avery how her arm is. It hurts? She’s on her way; she’s coming right home. She tells Nikolas and Victor, sorry fellas. She hopes they had a nice chat. Avery needs her, so she’s going home. Victor says, seeing as Spencer is a no show, he’ll leave with her. Nikolas says he’s going to wait for his mother, and Ava says she’ll see him at home. Victor says, no hard feelings, and Ava says, of course (🍷) not. Nikolas sits back down, and Esme sees him from the doorway. She watches Ava and Victor get in the elevator, and goes over to the table. She asks if Nikolas will help her.

Dante says, she wouldn’t do something like that, let alone to Cam and Joss, and Jordan says, that’s what she thought too, but every possible tip needs to be checked out. He says he’ll take care of it, but she says she’ll handle this one personally, and leaves the station.

Sonny tells Curtis that he’s got to go. Think about what he said. Good luck. He leaves, and Marshall asks why Curtis was talking to Sonny Corinthos. Curtis says, Sonny was telling him about a run-in he and Marshall had. Care to explain? I’m honestly surprised Curtis didn’t ask Marshall where he got off telling him who to talk to. Especially since he’s been so cranky lately.

Cameron says, he and Josslyn gave separate statements to a detective, and Spencer says he’s glad the cops are taking this seriously. Cameron says, so is he. Detective Lopez says, whoever did this is looking at up to a year in prison. Spencer asks if Cameron knows what that means. That means his baby could be born in prison. Cameron says, way to keep it real, and Spencer says, it could happen. Cameron says, maybe Spencer should find out if Esme is actually pregnant before he starts shopping for jail baby clothes. Spencer says, Cameron is right, but he doesn’t even know where Esme went. He really hopes Esme’s not pregnant, because if she is, and she wants to have the baby, he’ll be tied to her for life.

Esme sits down, and tells Nikolas, she was going to stay at the MetroCourt for the night, so she had a place to get her thoughts together. She thought she had enough money to cover it, but her credit card was declined. He asks if she’s sure she and Spencer can’t work things out, but she says, Spencer said horrible things to her. If that’s really what he thinks of her, she can never be with him again. But what is she going to do? He’s the only guy she’s ever loved, and what if it turns out she’s… Nikolas says he remembers being her age. Every argument felt like the end of the world, but he’s sure with a good night’s sleep, things will be clear in the morning. She says she has nowhere else to go. Is there any way she can stay with him? I have an idea. Pay for her hotel room, but for Pete’s sake, don’t take her home.

Taggert asks Portia if that’s the notorious Esme Prince who Trina keeps talking about, and she glances behind her. She says, oh, he’s never seen Esme before, and he says, no, first time. She seems pretty upset. He wonders what the drama is this time, and Portia says, just be glad they’re not involved. They both look over at Esme, and Portia says she’ll bet him anything Esme is the one behind the video of Joss and Cam. She’s so relieved Trina is finally out of Esme’s orbit.

Josslyn says, it feels so good for things to be back to normal, and Trina agrees. She says she knows Josslyn wants distance from the video, but don’t tune her out. Josslyn can talk to her about anything. Josslyn says she knows and she will. It’s so nice to hear that. They’re a team, and always will be. Trina says, count on it, when Jordan walks in. Josslyn asks if there’s a lead in her case, but Jordan says she’s actually here to see Trina. Trina says she’s sorry, but she’s already late for her next class, but Jordan says, this can’t wait. She needs Trina to come down to the station, and answer some questions.

On Monday, Harmony says, it’s under consideration; Jordan asks if Trina minds answering some questions; Josslyn says, the person Dante should be talking to is Spencer’s psycho girlfriend; and Scotty asks why Nina doesn’t want to go down the legal road.

📻 Not An Oldie…

All about the song that Sonny and Nina danced to yesterday. Normally, I try to look that stuff up, but was pressed for time. Apparently, inquiring minds wanted to know.

👗 Reunion Runway Fail…

Apparently, Shannon had to get something off-the-rack. Oh, horrors. I do wonder what the blip was up with Bones though.

https://people.com/style/project-runway-bones-jones-talks-shannon-beadors-reunion-dress-outfit-botched/

https://www.distractify.com/p/shannon-beador-rhoc-reunion-dress-drama

You decide what held things up.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/style-living/andy-cohen-reveals-what-held-up-filming-during

🍊 Freshly Squeezed Start…

The only question for me would be, is there enough room for Mr. Puppers to live his best life?

🥊 In This Corner…

Another showdown between the east and west coast. Maybe they can have a rap battle.

https://screenrant.com/rhugt-dorinda-medley-vicki-gunvalson-covid-vaccine-fight/

🗽 NYC Spin…

Twice the Housewives fun.

🍹 Conover Crossover Continues…

So will Paige be showing up on Southern Charm? Speaking of which, will Southern Charm be showing up?

https://people.com/tv/craig-conover-talked-about-kids-spending-life-with-girlfriend-paige-desorbo/

🎂 Never Too Early…

Oh why not?

🍍 In Teresa News…

The latest on Luis.

I wonder what procedure she had. Then I think it’s pretty sad that I’m wondering about that.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1324490/teresa-giudice-thanks-fans-for-prayers-and-well-wishes-after-hospitalization

👇 Bar Set Even Lower…

I think Kelly might have outdone herself this time. Not only does she sh*t all over people who can’t afford as much as she can, she thinks material goods reflect good parenting. What they reflect is a future on a shrink’s couch.

🙏 New Apologizer…

Pretty soon, Ramona is going to have some competition. And she was thisclose to saying the old, I’m a work in progress. Ugh.

🐎 Josh On the Outs…

This looks good, and I love me some Josh Brolin. I think he’s one of our most underrated actors.

https://ew.com/tv/outer-range-trailer-josh-brolin-amazon-prime-video/

📽 Hurts So Good…

No Kiss of the Spiderwoman? No Eyewitness?? No Altered States??? I thought those were pretty memorable.

https://ew.com/movies/william-hurt-most-memorable-roles/

He will be missed.

https://ew.com/movies/william-hurt-death-reactions/

🏆 The People’s Oscar…

Looks like the Academy Awards are sliding into the MTV Movie Awards territory. Fine with me. That’s the only interesting awards show.

🌬 Quotes of the Week

We don’t have a choice in the matter. We must go where history takes us. – Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon), The Gilded Age

A person’s life purpose is nothing more than to rediscover, through the detours of art or love or passionate work, those one or two images in the presence of which [their] heart first opened. – Albert Camus

I’d bet on rabbits if you could get them organized. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons. – Confucius

The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality. – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

You can’t cry on a first date. – Veronica Rodriguez, Pillow Talk: The Single Life

For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know. – The Wiseman (Scott Glenn), Sucker Punch

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. – Wayne Dyer

Everything in moderation, including moderation. – Oscar Wilde

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. – Desmond Tutu

The great Western disease is, ‘I’ll be happy when… When I get the money. When I get a BMW. When I get this job.’ Well, the reality is, you never get to when. The only way to find happiness is to understand that happiness is not out there. It’s in here. And happiness is not next week. It’s now.Marshall Goldsmith, American author (And adding my personal favorite, when I lose weight…)

What a day. What a goddam day. – Warlord Ian (Michael Biehn), The Walking Dead

🙂 Don’t Worry, Be Happy…

It’s time again for us to part company until the Dead Walk. In the meantime, stay safe, stay fighting against double standards, and stay knowing the only way out is through. You have to face it down and keep moving forward.

March 11, 2022 – Video Aftermath, Why, Recast, Bel Air Return, Sonny’s Son, Wu’s Back, Kandi’s World, Claims, Deaf Shah, Sly Guest, Lala’s Ex, Ringless, Excuse, Changes, Winning Country, Ennead Of Quotes & Run It

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow asks Michael, on a scale of one to ten, how much does he think Wiley loves Annabelle II? He says, it’s an eleven for sure, and she says she wishes their schedules weren’t so hectic; they could get a dog of their own. (Let me just note here, they’re having this conversation in the nook of the main house, so I guess someone from there can’t look after a dog?) He says, someday, and she asks, when will that be exactly? It’s not as if things will slow down when she becomes a nurse. He says, you know what he can’t wait to do? Sleep in when they’re in Paris. She asks if he’s out of his mind. She’s never been, and there’s so much to see; the Louvre alone. He says he guesses he’ll have to find other ways to get her to stay in bed, and she says, he can be very convincing. They kiss, when Brook walks in. She says, it’s good to see some things haven’t changed. At least the two of them are still together.

Chase goes to Finn’s office, and Finn asks what Chase is up to. Chase says, very little. Does Finn want to know how many hours are left for his suspension? Finn says, Chase has two more months to go, and Chase says he does, but he can still tell Finn the answer to that question. Finn says he knows Chase may be bummed, but Violet is loving having her Uncle Chase at her tea parties. Chase says, that is one up side to unemployment. When is Finn’s next date night, so he can babysit? Finn says Chase is welcome to visit Violet any time he likes, but his date nights with Elizabeth are over.

Elizabeth asks how Cameron wants his eggs, but he says he’s not too hungry right now. She says, who is he and what has he done with her son? Is he not feeling well? He says he went to bed late, so he’s half asleep; he’s fine. Jake comes in, and asks, what’s for breakfast? Cameron says he thought Jake didn’t have school today, and Jake says he doesn’t. Cameron asks why he’s up so early then, but Elizabeth says, this is so nice, all of them eating together. Jake says, Finn too? and she says, no, but she’s glad he brought Finn up. They need to talk about him.

At the MetroCourt, Ava and Nikolas look at her phone, and she asks Nikolas if it isn’t a little ornate. He says, it is, but isn’t that the point, to make a show of their vow renewal? Draw Uncle Victor in under the guise of family togetherness? Assuming Spencer shows for the ceremony and the family is actually together. She says, that is the plan, but the ceremony isn’t only about Victor, or Spencer for that matter. It’s still very much about them, isn’t it? She loves him, and can’t wait to exchange vows with him and actually mean the words. He says he can’t wait for that either, and they kiss.

In the elevator, Esme looks at her wrist, and pulls her sleeve down. She walks out into the MetroCourt, sees Nikolas and Ava kissing, and tells herself, it’s show time.

Josslyn walks into the kitchen, and Carly tells her, good morning. Josslyn says she hopes it’s okay that she slept here, and Carly says, is she kidding? Best surprise ever. Josslyn says she would have given Carly a heads up, but it was late, and Josslyn didn’t want to wake her. Carly says, no heads up needed; this is her home. Is everything okay? Josslyn says, yeah. She just didn’t feel like sleeping at the dorms last night. Carly says, any particular reason why? and Josslyn starts to cry and says, she can’t go back to school. Never. She throws herself into Carly’s arms.

Ava says, the flowers must be spectacular of course (🍷), and a fabulous bouquet for when she walks down the aisle. Esme says, wedding planning? and Ava says, for their vow renewal, yes. Esme sits down, and says, Laura told her that they were having a private ceremony, just the two of them, which is super romantic, but Avery would make an adorable flower girl. Nikolas says, actually, they’ve changed their mind about that, and decided they want their family there. Esme says, really? Spence didn’t mention anything; does he know? Nikolas says, not yet, and Ava says, they just decided last night. Nikolas says he’s going to visit Spencer, and invite him in person. Esme says, she hates to say it – Ava says, but she will –she wouldn’t bother inviting Spence at all.

Michael asks how the visit with Brook’s mom went, and Brook says, good. Her mom said and did all the right things, she got to see her cousins, and they went to all their favorite spots. Michael says, Giuseppe’s? and Brook says, of course (🍷). Willow asks, what’s that? and Brook says, only the best pizza in Brooklyn. Michael says, it’s off the charts, and Willow says, sounds like Brook kept busy. Brook says, it was great to back in the old neighborhood; she needed to get away. Michael says, now she’s back, and Brook says she guesses the first order of business is getting her stuff out of the beach house. Michael says, that’s done. Everything had to be out last week, so he and Chase moved her stuff. Brook says, what? Sorry. Thank you. He says, no problem, and she says she guesses it’s time to get back to real life. Willow asks what that looks like for her, and Brook says, she has absolutely no idea.

Elizabeth says they won’t be seeing Finn for a while, and Cameron asks if they broke up. She says, more like taking time apart. She just wants to be able to spend time with their family right now. Jake asks if it’s because of the weird stuff that’s been happening, but Elizabeth says, it’s more than that. She does have to figure out what’s going on, but she wants to make sure her boys are safe and happy. They are her number one priority. Cameron says they know that, and Elizabeth asks if Jake does. He says, yes, and she says, good, but things haven’t really felt safe and happy lately, right? Which is why she made Jake an appointment to see Dr. Massey today. Jake says, a shrink? and she says, a psychiatrist. She thinks it might be good for him to talk about his feelings. Jake says, that’s just great. She thinks he’s a psycho. He walks out of the kitchen.

Chase asks, what’s going on with Finn and Elizabeth? and Finn says, she’s concerned about the whole portrait thing. Chase says he gets that, and Finn says, he does too. Chase says he spoke with Dante, and he has a patrol going by every hour, and Finn says, that’s a big relief. Chase says, but? and Finn says, Elizabeth thinks it might be something closer to home; in the home, to be exact. She thinks Jake might be acting out. Chase sits down, and says he thought Jake and Aiden denied doing it. Finn says, they did, but now that Betsy Frank has been crossed off the list, Jake is the mostly likely suspect unfortunately. Chase says, so Elizabeth breaks up with Finn because she’s having issues with Jake? Isn’t that an overreaction? Finn says, not when you consider everything the kid’s been through.

Carly tells Josslyn, talk to her. Let her help. Josslyn says she can’t. It’s too horrible. She can’t even think about it, let alone say it out loud. Carly says, Josslyn can tell her anything. Tell her what’s going on, and they’ll fix it. Josslyn cries and says, it can’t be fixed, but Carly says, try her. Josslyn says, the weekend they spent at Sonny’s cabin, she and Cameron had sex, and it was their first time. She never thought something like this could even happen. She feels so stupid. Carly asks if Cameron got her pregnant.

Nikolas says, Esme really believes Spencer won’t come to the ceremony? Last time he saw Spencer, it felt like they were making progress. Esme says she thinks things are getting better with Nikolas and Spence too. It’s just… Ava says, Spencer will never accept her as part of the family, and Esme says she’s sorry, but he won’t. Nikolas says he hopes she’s wrong, because Ava’s not going anywhere. Ava’s phone rings, and she steps away to take the call. Esme peers at Nikolas, and he says, what is it? She says he’s not the man she thought he was. She had a picture in her head from everything Spence told her about his father. He says he can guess what Spencer said about him, but she says she doesn’t think he can.

Michael says he guesses it’s hard to get back to normal life without Bailey, and Brook says she still has Deception. She gets up, and says she’s going to be fine. This was always the plan. Actually more than the plan; this was the goal. For Bailey to go back home to Maxie where she belongs. Willow says, of course (🍷) that was always the plan, but that doesn’t mean Brook didn’t fall in love with that little girl, and it’s not hard on her. Michael gets up, and says, it’s okay to admit that. She wasn’t in Port Charles at the time, but he’s sure his family filled her in, when he found out Sonny was responsible for AJ’s death. Brook says, the father that raised him killed his biological father; that must have been brutal. He says he retaliated. He took from Sonny what he loved the most – Avery. He was able to find legal grounds to prove Sonny was unfit, an was appointed Avery’s custodial guardian. For months he was her only parent. He knows it’s not a perfect parallel, and she says, close enough. He says, Avery was his child, she was his sister. He knew the whole time deep down that the situation was only temporary, but all those months, he saw her and was with her every single day. He was the one to read her stories, to feed her, to change her. He brought her to work, and played blocks with her… Willow joins them, and he says, then when his mother convinced him to give Avery back, Avery left a huge gaping hole in his life and in his heart. And even though he knew it was the right thing to do, that didn’t make it any easier. Brook says, okay. Giving up Bailey is excruciating, but she’s going to get over it. And when she does, she’s going to go back to her single, carefree life; the life she always wanted before all this. Michael asks if she thinks she’s the same person, and Willow says she doesn’t. Michael says, Brook did an amazing thing protecting Bailey from her father, and Brook says, it didn’t start out that way. Michael says, it doesn’t matter how it started, and Willow says, Maxie was in trouble and Brook came through for her friend. Brook says, they didn’t expect that from her, did they? and Michael says, no, but he should have. He’s always known she had a big heart. Brook says she didn’t do it alone. When she needed help, Chase was right there.

Chase says, wow, he didn’t know Jake went through all that, and Finn says, pretty grim stuff for anyone, but a kid that age? Chase says, no wonder he’s having a hard time, but that was years ago, right? Wasn’t he doing better? Finn says, he was, after some serious counselling. He was doing really good, but think about it. First, he loses Franco, then Jason, Finn enters the picture, and all of a sudden, these strange things start happening. Elizabeth’s wedding ring, her dress, the portrait… Chase says, all unsettling, but not overtly dangerous, and Finn says, exactly. What if it’s Jake crying out for help?

Elizabeth says, first of all, she doesn’t like the term psycho, and Jake says, fine. Nuts? Crazy? Loco? Take your pick. She says she doesn’t think he’s any of those things, and Cameron says, look. Seeing a therapist doesn’t mean you’re crazy. Elizabeth says, they all need to talk to someone once in a while, and Jake says, they think he put the painting there, even though he swore he didn’t. They don’t believe him. Cameron tells him, that’s not what mom’s saying; Jake’s just been through a lot lately. Jake’s phone dings, and he says, Conner sent him a video, asking if it’s really Cameron. What did he post? Cameron says, nothing, and as Jake is about to open it, Cameron says, don’t!

Josslyn says she’s not pregnant, and Carly says, thank God. Josslyn says, they used protection; that’s not the problem. Carly asks, what’s going on? and Josslyn says, that night was perfect. At least that part was. It was everything a first time should be. But then, in sociology class, everyone’s phones started blowing up, and all eyes were on her and Cam, and they had no idea why. She begins crying again, and says, someone sent this video to Professor Kahn’s computer. And the whole thing played in front of the whole class on this giant screen. Carly says she doesn’t understand. What was on the video? Josslyn says, Cameron and her, having sex. Someone filmed them and sent it to the entire school.

Esme tells Nikolas, that’s not what she meant at all; Spence loves him. It borders on worship actually. He said Nikolas was the best father in the universe. It made her jealous of how close they were when Spence was growing up. Spence made it seem like it was the two of them against the world. He says, she told him that he wasn’t the man she expected him to be, yet Spencer painted him in a positive light. She says, glowing light, and he asks if that means he’s worse than she expected.

Carly asks how someone could do that to Josslyn, and Josslyn says, she guesses it’s not the worst thing in the world. Everyone has sex tapes or naked photos… Carly says, it’s not funny; this is not a joke, and Josslyn says she doesn’t know what else to do. Carly says, this is a complete violation. Someone took a private moment between Josslyn and her boyfriend, and made it public without her consent. She’ll get Spinelli to take it off the web. How did this happen, does she know? Josslyn says she doesn’t know. She didn’t even know there was a camera (ha-ha! I typed Cameron) in the bedroom; neither did Cam. Sonny wouldn’t have… Carly says, God no, and Josslyn says she didn’t think so. The only people in the cabin that night were her, Trina, and Cameron. Carly asks, what about Esme and Spencer? and Josslyn says she told Carly, they left. Esme had the nerve to accuse Trina yesterday. Carly asks if she’s serious. Did Esme really think they’d fall for that? Josslyn doesn’t say anything, and Carly says, Joss? Josslyn says she doesn’t know. Trina got pretty drunk at the cabin, to the point she didn’t remember what happened. Carly says, that doesn’t sound like Trina, and Josslyn says, and she didn’t drink that much. It just seemed to affect her like that. She also told them she felt left out when Josslyn and Cam got together. Carly asks if Josslyn really thinks Trina could have sent that video.

Cameron grabs Jake’s phone, and Elizabeth says, what is going on? Cameron says, it’s just a stupid video of him, and he doesn’t want Jake to see him making a fool of himself. He deletes it, and Jake takes his phone back, saying, he can still find it or just have Conner send him the link. Cameron says, leave it alone, please, and Elizabeth tells Jake to get dressed; his appointment’s in 45 minutes. Jake says, what about breakfast? and she says he can eat after he’s dressed. He says, fine, but he knows she’s just trying to get rid of him. He goes upstairs, and Elizabeth tells Cameron, he’s going to watch that video. Cameron says he knows, and she says he may as well just tell her. He asks if he can just die instead, but she says, not an option. Did he do something stupid or dangerous? He says, nothing like that, and she says, then what? He says he can’t tell her while she’s looking at him, and she keeps her back to him, pouring herself some coffee. He says, there’s a video of him going around, and she says, that much she gathered. A video of what? He says, him and Joss having sex.

Chase says, knowing that about Jake, he can see where Elizabeth is coming from, but it’s still a bummer. Finn says, the hardest part for him, is thinking about Elizabeth dealing with this on her own. He’d like to be there for her, but if he does, he’s not respecting her wishes. Chase says, Finn’s between a rock and a hard place, and Finn says, pretty much. If she feels the only way he can help is to keep his distance, so be it. Chase says, how long? and Finn says, how long what? Chase says, how long is this… pause going to be? Finn says, it’s hard to tell. It’s all very depressing. Tell him something good. How’s Brook? Chase says, as far as he knows, she’s still out of town, and Finn says, as far as he knows? Chase says he hasn’t heard from Brook since she left.

Brook says, it blows her mind that Chase just stepped up. He said he was Bailey’s father without her even asking him. Willow says, that’s a good friend, and Michael says, they regret giving Chase a hard time. Willow looks at the clock, and says she has to go; she’s observing rounds at GH. Michael tells her, show those doctors up, Nurse Tate, but she says she’s not a nurse yet. He says, soon enough, and she leaves. Brook tells Michael that he and Willow are nauseatingly cute, and he says, things are going well. What about her? It’s nice to have Willow by his side, someone to do life with. She says, so? Coupledom isn’t for everyone. Some people value their space. He asks if she’s saying she’s one of those people, and she says, isn’t it obvious? He says, not the way she was talking about Chase.

Finn tells Chase, that surprises him. Brook is dodging his calls? Chase says he hasn’t called her, and Finn says, yet people say Chase is the people person. Chase asks what that means, and Finn says, Chase is the one who said he wanted to at least be friends with Brook, and he hasn’t reached out to her? Chase says, he texted her, and Finn asks what he said… wrote… whatever. Chase tells him, he said, how are u? He just put the u; he didn’t spell it out, Finn says, pure poetry, and Chase says, Brook replied, but all she put was a thumbs up, nothing else. So obviously she doesn’t want to talk to him. Finn says, Chase should definitely give up then.

Brook asks if Michael is forgetting the part where she and Chase were pretending to be partners in crime, not romance, he says, she told him Chase was there for her. She says, he was, because he’s a good guy and they’re friends. He says, that’s it? and she says, that’s a lot. It might be a shock to him, but she doesn’t have a long list of close friends; she can’t afford to lose one. Besides, even if she felt something for Chase, it was probably a result of the situation; heightened emotions from taking care of Bailey together. He says, it looked like more, and she says he needs to get his eyes checked. They sit on the window seat, and he says he went over to Chase’s to apologize. She asks how it went, and he says, pretty good, actually. He thinks in time, if he plays his cards right, he and Chase might be friends again someday. But the point of him telling her that is, he could tell Chase was lost without her and Bailey. Just like she is. She says, he could tell how? Did Chase say he was interested in her?

Josslyn tells Carly, there’s no way. Trina would never humiliate her like that, or Cam. Carly says, it sounds more like something Esme would do, and Josslyn says, my God. Everyone saw her having sex. Carly puts her arms around Josslyn and says she’s sorry, and Josslyn says, a lot of people think she did this on purpose; not only film it, but make it public. How sick is that? Carly says, no one who knows her and Cameron would ever think that, and Josslyn says, people who don’t would think that. She’s just a freshman; she’s new on campus. She had so many messages, she had to turn her phone off. Carly says, from random people? and Josslyn says, mostly, but some of the girls on the volleyball team texted her, wanting to know what’s going on. How will she face them? How will she face anyone again? She sits on the floor, and Carly holds her.

Elizabeth says she can’t believe someone sent that video to Cameron’s whole class, and he says he thinks to the whole school. She asks if he can find out who it was, but he shakes his head, and says, it’s pretty easy to stay anonymous when you send stuff out like that. Plus, once it’s out there, it’s out there. Even Jake’s friends are seeing it. She says she’s sorry he’s going through this, and he says, it’s way worse for Josslyn. There’s still a double standard about sex. While he’s getting virtual high-fives, she’s being called a slut. It’s not right. She says, it’s not, and asks how Josslyn is holding up. He says, she turned off her phone last night, and Elizabeth says, smart move. He says he hasn’t heard from her, and he’s a little worried. Elizabeth says she’s worried about him. Double standard or not, this is happening to him too. Does he wasn’t to tell her how he’s feeling about it? He says, he never wants to talk about it ever again, and she says, he can tell her anything. He says, just not this, okay? but she says he should talk to someone. He says, a friend? and she says, if he wants to. He says he doesn’t. He wishes Franco was here. She says, her too, and he says, Franco would know what to say. Or at least find a way to get him to laugh about all  this. She says, he’ll get through this, but he asks, how?

Nikolas says, letting Spencer believe he was dead, he’ll always regret that decision, but Esme says, he misunderstood what she meant. Spence described him as a man with singular focus. For example, when Spence was young, that focus was on him. Now. according to Spence, he’s all about Ava, but she can see that’s not true. There’s room in his heart for more than one person. He says, of course (🍷) there is, and wonders why Spencer can’t see that. Ava is no threat to him or Nikolas’s love for him. Esme says she’s so sorry she helped Spence hurt him and Ava. They were wrong, and she’d like to make almonds amends. She’s been talking to Spence on his behalf, urging him to   reconcile with Nikolas. Nikolas says he appreciates that, and she says, maybe she should talk to him about the vow renewal; soften him up before Nikolas speaks to him. Ava comes back, and says she’s sorry she  took so long. Nikolas says, important call? and she says, it was about Ryan.

Elizabeth says if Jake wants breakfast, he should come downstairs. He comes down in the same clothes, and she says she told him to get dressed, but he says he’s not going. He doesn’t need to see a shrink. She can’t make him go. She says, actually, she can. It’s not punishment. She thinks talking to Dr. Massey can help him. He says, he knows he messed up after Cassadine Island, but he was a kid then. He’s fine now. Why doesn’t she believe him? She says she doesn’t think any of them are fine, not after losing Franco the way they did. Now Jake’s lost his dad. She knows he misses him; she misses him too. He says, it’s not the same, and she says he’s right. She hasn’t been with his dad in a while, but she’ll always love him because they made Jake. She can see him in Jake. Jake says, she can? and she says, he’s so strong, just like his dad was, and when Jake gets upset, he gets quiet like his dad. He says, dad didn’t talk a lot, and she says, he didn’t, but he always listened to Jake, didn’t he? Jake has so many people who love him, but sometimes it’s easier talking to a stranger. It helped when he talked to Dr. Maddox, didn’t it? He says, yeah, and she says she’s sorry he isn’t around anymore, but Dr. Massey is great. Will he at least give it a try? Cameron listens from the kitchen.  

Carly says, Josslyn has nothing to be ashamed of. The video was made without her knowledge or permission, and she didn’t decide to make it public. Josslyn says, people don’t know that, and Carly says, the people who matter do. As far as the rest of them, screw ‘em. You can’t control what people think. Josslyn says she can’t believe this is happening. She’s never been so embarrassed in her life. The whole world saw her naked. Carly says, that’s not true. She doesn’t want to minimize what Josslyn is going through or how she’s feeling, but she wants Josslyn to keep it in perspective. She knows Josslyn feels like everyone is judging her, but they’re not. Josslyn says, but the people she sees every day, what about them? Carly says she knows this seems insurmountable, like she’ll never be over it and never live it down, but life goes on. People forget, and the next scandal is going to replace this one. Trust her, she’s weathered her own and she’s still standing. Josslyn says Carly is stronger than she is, but Carly says, no. Josslyn is stronger.

Michael says, Chase didn’t come out and say he was interested in Brook, but they’re not exactly buddy-buddy right now, so why would Chase confide in him about something like that? Brook says, here’s the deal. If she told Chase that she wanted to be with him, and he wasn’t into it, there aren’t enough words in the English language to describe how awkward that would be. They wouldn’t be able to look at one another, let alone be friends. Why would she risk losing Chase altogether, when she doesn’t even know how she feels about it? He says, she’s looking at it all wrong. Instead of focusing on what she might lose, how about focusing on what she might gain?

Chase sees Willow at the hospital, and she says she’s sorry. She has to run. She doesn’t want to miss rounds. He says, the life of a nurse? and she says, nurse in training. She got so caught up talking to Brook, she didn’t realize the time. He says, she spoke to Brook on the phone? but Willow says, in person. She’s at the house right now. Willow keeps walking, but Chase stops, stunned.

Nikolas asks who’s calling Ava about Ryan, and she says, Doc. He’s been monitoring Ryan from a distance to keep tabs on him at Spring Ridge, but he went to see him face-to-face, and there’s no change. Ryan is still locked inside his body. He wouldn’t even communicate with Doc; no blinkity-blink like he does. Under the table, Esme digs her nails into her palm, and Nikolas says, Ryan shouldn’t be communicating with anyone after what he did to Ava. They should toss him in a cell and lose the key. Ava asks Esme if there’s something wrong, but Esme says, no. It’s just terrible what Ryan did to her. Ava says, yes, but it’s over, and so is he. She’s just relieved they can plan their ceremony without worrying about that monster. There’s absolutely nothing Ryan can do to them from Spring Ridge. Ava’s phone chirps, and she says she has to get back to the gallery. Nikolas says he’ll go too, but Esme says she was hoping they could talk a little more about Spence. Ava tells him to stay, and he says he’ll walk her out. He wants all the time with her that he can get. Esme says, aww, that’s so sweet, and Ava says, they don’t call him a prince for nothin’. Esme tells Nikolas to take his time, and looks at her palm.

Elizabeth walks into the hospital, and sees Finn. Jake walks in behind her, and she tells Jake that she’s proud of him for agreeing to see Dr. Massey. He tells her, let’s just get it over with, and keeps walking. She exchanges looks with Finn and follows.  

Brook flashes back down Chase Memory Lane, from her seeing him again for the first time after pretending to be pregnant, and ending with their kiss in the hospital. There’s a song part, and she looks at his number in her phone. She wonders what she’d even say, when Chase walks in, and says, hi. You’re back.

In the MetroCourt elevator, Carly tells Josslyn that Spinelli was able to wipe the video from all the public websites. That’s good, right? Josslyn says, yeah, but who knows how many people have it saved in their private files? Carly is sure not as many as Josslyn thinks. It’s a start. Josslyn agrees, and Carly asks how she’s feeling. Josslyn says, exposed? She guesses a little better after making through the lobby without any whispers or stares. All she can say is, these better be the best blueberry pancakes she’s ever had. Carly says, they will be. She’ll make sure of it. Everything is going to be okay. Spinelli’s on his way to the cabin; he’s searching for a camera. They’re going to find out who did this, and they’re going to make them pay. They get out, and see Esme on her phone. Carly takes Josslyn’s hand and marches her over to the table. Using her best concerned voice, Esme asks how Josslyn is doing. Josslyn asks how should she be doing after someone purposely humiliated her and Cam with that video? Esme says, it’s so awful. Josslyn is so brave to be out in public with this. She doesn’t know if she could do it. If they’ll excuse her… She gets up, but Carly blocks her path, saying, I don’t think so. Sit down.

On Monday, Curtis asks Selina, what’s in it for him besides the money; Josslyn tells Carly that she needs to fight her own battles; Cameron says Spencer can’t drag him down; Carly asks whose life Esme is going to ruin now; and Britt asks, how much trouble could they get into? I’m guessing a lot.

🌡 Absentee Inga…

Luckily, she wasn’t out of commission for long.

👩🏾‍🎓 A Different Path…

While I’m sad to hear there will be a new Trina, good for her in furthering her education. I wish I’d done that.

🌴 Fresh Move…

She’s going back to a town called Bel-Air.

👨‍👦 Proud Papa…

Like father, like son.

👠 Wu Wu…

Glad to hear she’s back. I like the female mob boss thing.

🍭 Inklusive Kandi…

Kandi gives brings the diversity to her new show.

💰 Bandwagon Of Claims…

The number just keeps growing.

💵 Marketing Op…

But is she paying taxes on it?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10596451/RHOSLCs-Jen-Shah-releases-not-guilty-merch-ahead-fraud-trial.html

🛥 Shady Rose On Deck…

I don’t like this woman.

💫 In Lala’s Orbit…

What a toad.

By God if they’re not right.

💔 Possible VanderSplit…

Why all the mystery? It just seems like with all the blabbermouths on that show, there would be something more definitive.

😍 Exclusively Charmed…

Sounds pretty flimsy.

🦋 Ever-Changing…

I dunno. The Kardashians are magicians with makeup and filters, so who can tell?

🪕 For Those a Little Bit Country…

The winners and the fashions at the ACM Awards.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/07/entertainment/acm-awards-2022/index.html

https://www.eonline.com/photos/34087/acm-awards-2022-red-carpet-fashion

🎺 Quotes of the Week

You keep coming back like a bad smell. – Tom Brooks referring to Jesse Meester, Darcy and Stacy: Tell All

Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies, and the character of his friends. – K@SH

Survive and tell me what’s harder, zombies or senior year? – member of the archery team, All Of Us Are Dead

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you don’t know about. Be kind. Always. – Robin Williams

I was pretty well grounded. I was being teased and whatever and I didn’t have anger skills, so I would go to the parents and say your children are brats and tell them they were bad parents. – Michael Berryman

Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. – Carl Gustav Jung

People get addicted to feeling offended all the time because it gives them a high; being self-righteous and morally superior feels good. – Mark Manson

I don’t know if I have the strength to keep going back and forth with this lady. – Cynthia Bailey referring to Ramona Singer, Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip

Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford

🎆 Rocking Off To the Casbah…

See you next time the Dead Walk. Until then, stay safe, stay remembering to turn your clock back, and stay knowing you can’t control what people think. So if they don’t matter, screw ‘em.